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
Merit Badge Program
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
Coaster 2105 Run One Day
Fall Swap Meet
Autumn Harveyst Tea
November
The Polar Express
December
The Polar Express
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
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.
Coaster 2105 Run One Day
October 17, 2026
Take the Throttle of a Southern California Legend
For one day only, the Southern California Railway Museum is opening the cab doors of Coaster 2105 for an exclusive series of Run One Experiences.
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.
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.
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!
Merit Badge Program – Railroading
Next date: January 9th, 2027
Scouts will explore the history, technology, and operations of railroads while getting a rare chance to get behind the throttle of a real train or trolley.
Fred Harvey Experience
2027 Dates TBD
Enjoy a unique Fred Harvey Dining Experience hosted by the Harvey Girl Historical Society.
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.”
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.
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!
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.
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.
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).
