Events and Experiences at the Southern California Railway Museum

Special Events

Throughout the year Southern California Railway Museum hosts many special events. Click the picture or link to find details, ticket pricing and times.

If you are a member and are interested in volunteering for anything of these events please use this link to sign up!

Ongoing
Train & Trolley Rides
First & Third Saturdays

February
Fred Harvey Experience

March
Spring Swap Meet
Dinosaur Express

April
Day Out With Thomas

May
Mother’s Day Tea
Antique Truck Show
Behind the Scenes

June
Rods & Rails

July
Taste of Perris Music Festival
Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express Adventure

August
Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express Adventure

September
Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express Adventure

October
La Raza Run
Perris Appreciation Day
Fall Swap Meet
Autumn Harveyst Tea

November
The Polar Express

December
The Polar Express

Harry Potter™: A Hogwarts Express Adventure

JULY 24 – SEPTEMBER 27

Harry Potter™: A Hogwarts Express Adventure is an unforgettable train journey celebrating the Hogwarts Express™! Experience the magic of the Hogwarts Express™ with high energy activities, house celebrations, and surprising encounters that celebrate iconic Hogwarts Express™ moments.

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Train & Trolley Rides

Saturdays & Sundays*

You can take a ride on the Museum Railway on a real operating Trolley or behind a Locomotive every weekend and during special weekday programming – ride as many times as you like during our operating hours.

*except during special ticketed events

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La Raza Run

October 10, 2026

Tripp productions and Vatos y Viclas presents ~ La Raza Run 2026

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First & Third Saturdays

Upcoming Event: October 3, 2026

Join us on the first and third Saturdays of each month (excluding gated event dates) for family-friendly programming that brings the Southern California Railway Museum to life.

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Perris Appreciation Day

October 17, 2026

If you live, work, or attend school in the City of Perris, we invite you to enjoy FREE all-day train and trolley rides at the Museum—our way of saying thank you to our amazing local community.

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Fall Railroadiana Swap Meet

October 24, 2026

Shop for and learn about railroadiana and railroad antiques at Southern California’s largest outdoor railroadiana swap meet.

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Autumn Harveyst Victorian Tea

October 31, 2026

The Harvey Girl Historical Society is hosting an exclusive Autumn Victorian Tea Service in the Fred Harvey Museum.

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The Polar Express

Select Dates November & December 2026

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is returning to Southern California Railway Museum for the 2026 holiday season!

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Fred Harvey Experience

2027 Dates TBD

Enjoy a unique Fred Harvey Dining Experience hosted by the Harvey Girl Historical Society.

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Dinosaur Express

March 6, 2027

Hop on Board for the Dinosaur Express at Southern California Railway Museum, featuring “Buddy” from the PBS Show “Dinosaur Train.”

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Swap Meet & Pacific Electric Day

March 13, 2027

Southern California Railway Museum’s annual Spring Swap Meet. Buy and sell railroad antiques, collectibles, scale models, and toy trains. Pacific Electric Cars departing every 30 minutes.

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Day Out With Thomas

April 3, 4, 10, & 11, 2027

All aboard for a day of family fun with Thomas and Percy! Thomas is returning to the Southern California Railway Museum Spring 2027!

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Mother’s Day Victorian Tea

May 9, 2027

The Harvey Girl Historical Society is hosting an exclusive Mother’s Day Victorian Tea Service in the Fred Harvey Museum.

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Antique Truck Show

May 15, 2027

The past will roar to life at the Antique Truck Show. Presented in conjunction with the American Truck Historical Society Southern California Chapter.

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Behind the Scenes

May 29, 2027

Go “Behind the Scenes” at the Museum and see what goes into maintaining the West’s largest collection of rail cars, with tours, and access to areas not normally open to the public (like Carhouse 7).

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