Railfest 2025 Event Guide

Enjoy exciting train rides all weekend. Hop on the Yard Shuttle, a 30-minute ride departing up to six times per day. And you can always try the Caboose Hop, which lasts roughly 10-15 minutes and departs at least four times per day.

Guests can ride authentic NJ Track Cars, try a hand-powered pump car, a Stuart Tank and explore rail equipment from the Delaware-Lackawanna Railroad, Norfolk Southern, and more. There will also be family-friendly demonstrations from the National Museum of Industrial History featuring TUG, a 25,000-pound locomotive character, plus a 15-inch gauge track in action.

Enjoy special exhibits and art activities throughout the weekend. Check out the  silkscreen print of the Grand Trunk Western No. 6039 by local artist Mark Ciocca on display at the visitors center. The Technology Museum will feature a “30 Year Rewind” exhibit highlighting Steamtown’s 1995 grand opening with historic artifacts and photos and a hands-on “Make Your Own Pocket Watch” activity.

Young visitors can join in the fun with the new Junior Ranger Program, where they can complete a Junior Ranger booklet or Railfest activity sheet from the NPS tent near the main gates to earn a special badge. Swearing-in ceremonies with the park superintendent will take place daily at 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. (4:45 p.m. on Friday) by the Grand Trunk Western No. 6039 locomotive.

Take in all the unique history of railroading in Northeastern Pennsylvania with a visit to the Steamtown National Historic Site Museum. Enjoy interactive exhibits featuring vintage train cars, tools, videos and more. And, of course, you can’t forget a stop at the gift shop to pick up your very own wooden train whistle.

Take part in guided walking tours throughout the weekend, including tours of the historic Mattes Street signal tower. For photography enthusiasts, a special walking tour and workshop will offer tips on capturing striking locomotive images and a chance to photograph the Scranton Limited in Renaissance Park.

Several food options will be available during the event. Look out for ice cream trucks in the county parking lot next to Steamtown National Historic Site. The Iron Horse Society’s snack booth featuring light refreshments like chips, cookies, soda, and water will also be available on-site. Of course, guests can hop on the free shuttle to La Festa Italiana, a lively Italian food festival just a short ride away.

Live music will fill the air all weekend with performances that highlight the spirit of railroading and history and blend together storytelling and tradition. Enjoy the sounds of Don Shappelle and the Pickups, Ron Leas Big Band and popular folk musician, Spook Handy.

A free COLTS shuttle, running about every 20 minutes will, connect Steamtown National Historic Site, Railfest, the Marketplace at Steamtown, and La Festa Italiana. Visitors can also choose to walk between the park and the Marketplace using the convenient Mall Bridge walkway.