A new Fresno event draws inspiration from the Central Valley city’s most famous cryptid.
The first-ever Fresno Nightcrawler Fest will feature an art show, vendors and a costume contest in early October.
Resembling a pale, ghostly pair of pants, the Fresno Nightcrawler has been the subject of speculation since it was allegedly caught on video nearly 20 years ago.
“They are just so cute and simple in design,” lead organizer Shirley Jackson told The Fresno Bee via phone. “I just think they’re neat.”
Jackson hopes the fest “can be the beginning of more local pride and love in this cryptid that calls Fresno home.”
A screengrab from surveillance video shot years ago of a Fresno Nightcrawler in Fresno. HDO What is the Fresno Nightcrawler?
The Fresno Nightcrawler first came to the public’s attention via a video shot by a local resident in 2007, The Fresno Bee previously reported.
Shot in south Fresno, the video shows “two very small bipedal creatures walking across this person’s lawn,” Weird Fresno content creator Michael Banti told The Bee in 2018.
One version has attracted more than 1.9 million views on YouTube, with commenters calling it “absolutely terrifying” and “strange and bizarre.”
The Fresno Nightcrawler, also known as the Fresno Alien, is described as an “extremely thin, white humanoid with no arms” and two long legs standing a little under 5 feet tall, according to the Cryptid Wiki website.
It’s a source of fascination for many, fueling episodes of the TV shows “Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files and “The Proof Is Out There” as well as YouTube series, podcasts and even songs.
An image of the Fresno Nightcrawler provided by Build-A-Bear Workshop. Special to The Bee Build-A-Bear Workshop
The mysterious creature has also inspired plenty of merchandise, including Fresno Nightcrawler-themed T-shirts, stickers, hats, tote bags and perfume.
Most recently, mall retailer Build-A-Bear Workshop debuted a plush Fresno Nightcrawler toy with poseable legs.
Jackson counts herself among the Fresno Nightcrawler’s fans, noting that she has a small plush version created Sarah Andersen for her Cryptid Club series and a print by Monsterologist artist George Coghill.
“I’m a skeptic, so there’s a part of me that thinks it’s all a hoax,” Jackson said of Nightcrawler lore. “But it’s interesting that there’s a tiny possibility that this is a genuine, weird creature living in our backyard.”
A Fresno Nightcrawler toy is placed in front of Sour Milk in Fresno. Courtesy of Shirley Jackson gagandeep.singh@fresnobee.com When is Fresno Nightcrawler Fest in 2026? Where?
The inaugural Fresno Nightcrawler Fest will take place on Thursday, Oct. 1, at Sour Milk, 1474 North Van Ness Ave. in Fresno,
The curated gift shop in Fresno’s historic Tower District sells products by independent artists and brands.
The event, which coincides with the October ArtHop, runs 5 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 1.
What inspired new Fresno fest?
Jackson said she’s been dreaming about creating a dedicated to the Fresno Nightcrawler “ever since I learned about the little guy.”
Encouraged by a friend, Jackson decided to turn her concept into reality.
“After helping organize Fresno Zine Fest for the past couple of years with Priscilla of Sour Milk, I’ve gotten more experience so now I feel a lot more confident in being able to organize a small event,” Jackson said.
Jackson drew inspiration from the Mothman Festival held every September in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, whch celebrates a legendary local cryptid.
She described Fresno Nightcrawler Fest as an independently run event without corporate sponsorship or commercial management.
What can visitors expect at cryptid-themed event?
Highlights of the Fresno Nightcrawler Fest include a themed art show and local artists selling their Fresno Nightcrawler-inspired works.
“We are possibly going to have either a Fresno Nightcrawler costume contest or just a general Halloween costume contest,” Jackson said.
She is hoping to expand the event next year with more activities.
Shirely Jackson, the main organizer of Fresno Nightcrawlers Fest, poses for a picture. Courtesy of Shirley Jackson gagandeep.singh@fresnobee.com Which vendors will be selling merchandise?
According to Jackson, all vendors will have at least one Fresno Nightcrawler-related item for sale.
Jackson, an artist, said the festival has a strict policy prohibiting work created with the aid of artificial intelligence.
“I want to create a space where we can celebrate our local artists who are making work with their own hands and hearts, not with a machine that was built off of the stolen labor, work, and ideas of artists all around the world,” Jackson said.
Vendors at the inaugural Fresno Nightcrawler Fest include:
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Gagandeep Singh is a service journalism reporter for The Fresno Bee. He holds a master’s degree in politics and global affairs from Columbia University. Prior to working at The Bee, he worked as a freelancer for CalMatters, BBC News and the Los Angeles Times. He focuses on migration, education, criminal justice and the South Asian diaspora in California.