Mooning Of The Amtrak Returns To Laguna Niguel: Photos, Crowd & Party Scene

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.

By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Nightlife Blogger

One of the silliest events ever created by guys in a bar’s date is Saturday, July 12 in 2025.

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, which in 2026 is July 11.

There’s food with burgers & dogs plus live music from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

The location is outside a dive bar, the Mug’s Away Saloon, in Laguna Niguel, CA. That’s south Orange County in Southern California.

Tho in 2021 it’s really just when people gather to keep up a tradition that was once so popular cars lined the street and people started arriving in RVs and making a day and night of it.

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.

But hey, 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 42 years ago.

The event runs all day and night on the 11th, so get down there and drop your drawers! And despite the temptation, do so in the direction of the train and not the OC sheriff’s office.

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

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.