A look at this whacky event that involves drinking at a bar and then literally mooning the passing Amtrak train as it rolls by the area.
This article was updated after the 2026 Mooning of the Amtrak
By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Nightlife Blogger
One of the silliest events ever created by guys in a bar’s date takes placd the first Saturday after the 4th of July outside of a dive bar in Southern California’s Orange County.
It’s the annual Mooning Of the Amtrak and it’s just the title implies; people go out and moon the passing Amtrak trains. It started when a couple of guys – no doubt inspired by some liquid encouragement – decided to go out and moon the passing train. Well, one thing let to another and it eventually turned into an annual event the second Saturday of July It was July 11 in 2026 and the 2027 date is July 10. The location is outside a dive bar, the Mug’s Away Saloon, in Laguna Niguel, CA.
And its more than just what meeets the Amtrak riders. It’s an all-day party. The parking lot of the Mug’s Away is filled with food and merchandise vendors, there’s a band playing and hundreds of people going in and out of the bar. When a train approaches, volunteers start blaring air horns and the “mooners” put down their drinks, rush across the street, “assume the position” as Doug Neidermeyer of Animal House might say and lower thier shorts to expose their behind as the train passes,, well, behind them.
And if you think the people of Amtrak loath this annual show, you’re wrong. The locomotive engineer blows the train’s horn as it whisks by, giving a salue to the mooners. The trains – Amtrak and Metrolink – come by about once ever hour and sometimes are within a few minutes of each other.
A few of years ago the OC Sheriff’s Department started a crackdown, as seems to be happening all over America (and especially in California, hey this USED to be a fun state!) because – OMG!!! – some people were drinking alcohol. Today, there are two police cruisers who patrol along the road just to make sure nobody is doing anything stupid – well, granted mooning passing trains might be considered stupid to some people – as in causing trouble. And that doesn’t happen becuase the people themselves police the event.
The crowd is a big edgy looking – several bikers are there – and there are several people the 50s and up age range. But there are also some younger people there and everyone blends in together on this day.
Really, it’s just a silly salute to a passing train. And some on the train moon those lined up against the fence! This is enhances by the cut-loose atmosphere inside the Mug’s Away Saloon, where is all started several yeara go.
The event runs all day and into night so get down there, join the party and drop your drawers!
What Is the Mooning Of The Amtrak?
A unique-to-Southern California event in which people line up along a fence by the train tracks to moon the passing trains. There are two trains, Amtrak and the Los Angeles Metrolink.
When Is Mooning Of The Amtrak?
The second Saturday of July each year.
Can Anyone Go To It?
Yes, anyone can attend the Mooning of the Amtrak?
Do You Need Tickets?
No, this is not a ticketed event.
Is Mug’s Away Saloon A Dive Bar?
Yes, Mug’s Away Saloon is very much a dive bar. Shorts, t-shirt, flip flops and even bathing suits are suitable attire.
Related Posts:
• Mooning Of The Amtrak Dates & History
Kevin Wilkerson is the founder of PubClub.com, an award-winning journalist and nightlife expert who has covered destinations, events and entertainment for more than two decades. While working as a newspaper reporter, he received an Associated Press award for investigative journalism.
Kevin What’s your Instagram so I can follow you?
Yeah the are legends!
I’m planning on going to the mooning Amtrak hahaha and wish I could Meet those guys hahahah 😂😂😂