Mothman Festival 2022 Experience

I attended the Mothman Festival on September 17th and 18th 2022 in Point Pleasant, WV. Once again, this was another event that has been missed since 2019! Three loooong years later and it was FINALLY back, and let me tell you what, it definitely showed. This was the biggest/best event yet. I can't really say much more than what I have said before, other than make a ton of inventory and expect the unexpected. I am going to copy and paste my same tips and advice from years prior!

Mothman Festival is held on Main Street in Point Pleasant, WV. As a vendor, you will arrive around 3 or 4 to set up. Expect Friday night sales! The street will be blocked off, but when you get there simply tell the event staff that you are a vendor and they will let you in and direct you to the spot you were emailed about. 
When signing up for the Mothman Festival as a merchandise or artist, you have two options - use their big canopy with less space that is already set up, or bring your own. I always bring my own canopy so my space is slightly less crowded and I have more room to display my work. Mothman Festival staff did not proved tables this year, so bring your own just to be safe. You also need to bring your own chairs!
​Set up is easy if you are able to park close to your spot (which you should). I typically set up my canopy, chairs, tables, tablecloths and any shelving Friday night and set up maybe half of my art and leave the rest in bins in the canopy to finish setting up early Saturday morning.
Here are some tips if you are new:

• The staff offers paid vendor parking which is SUPER nice as it gets crazy busy and attendee parking can be miles away. Just pay for the parking. 
• During set up Friday evening I was making quite a few sales, so definitely come prepared for selling things Friday night.
• The festival does not officially start until 10 AM, however the Mothman 5K starts around 8 AM, so I try to get there around 8:30 AM to be open and ready for the runners. Trust me, it is worth it.
• Bring a helper!! Even two. It gets hot, busy, and sometimes overwhelming. It definitely is nice to have help and take a 10 minute breather.
• Pack lots of water and some snacks. It gets very hot and very busy, so you might not be able to leave your booth for hours at a time. They have plenty of delicious food trucks and fair food available, but the waits for them can be long as times.
• Pack sunscreen. I don't because I am under my canopy 90% of the time, but if you plan on walking around for an extended period of time you may get burnt.
• Do not plan any major events the weekend after. I did that once, and I sold out of most of my stock at the festival that I did not have much inventory for the event the weekend after.
• BOOK YOUR HOTEL 6 MONTHS IN ADVANCE (AT LEAST). If you want the convenience of having a hotel less than 10 minutes away, book it way early.
• Most importantly, HAVE FUN!! You will be meeting and talking to hundreds, if not thousands of people that are into the same weird stuff as you are. I am somewhat introverted, so I have to take the week before the festival or keep to myself to get the energy to socialize with everybody. It is well worth it, because you will meet some great folks! Already counting down the days and have my hotel booked for Mothman Festival 2023!