Railfest at Steamtown National Historic Site

Duration:

7 minutes, 16 seconds

In 2024, Nickel Plate Road No. 759 celebrates 80 years since its construction in August. While 759 is usually tucked away in Steamtown's roundhouse, Ranger Alan invites you to join him on a virtual tour of the cab!

 

For the first time since 2019, Steamtown National Historic Site’s Railfest returns to Labor Day Weekend: Saturday, 8/31, and Sunday, 9/1. Railfest is a celebration for all ages, you don't want to miss out!

NPS Photo

Celebrate Railroading:
Railfest Returns to Steamtown NHS
Labor Day Weekend, 8/31-9/1/2024
9 AM - 5 PM, both days

Railfest celebrates railroading’s past, present, and future with train rides, special demonstrations, exhibits, visiting rail equipment, musical entertainment, ranger programs, and a host of activities and displays offered by community partners.

Live Music: Not only will visitors be able to experience the sounds of an active railroad, they can enjoy some musical entertainment throughout the weekend as well. So, pull up and be sure to catch one, two, or all performances! Musicians to include: Van Wagner, Linda Russell, Doug Smith's Dixieland All-Stars, and Ole 97 Johnny Cash June Carter Tribute Band.

Programs and Demonstrations: Visitors will be able to ride on maintenance of way equipment, including a velocipede, a handcar, and NJ Trackcar railroad speeders. The locomotive shops will be open for visiting, with demonstrations of the drop table, the “ring of fire”, and other railcar preservation and maintenance machinery. Cab tours of the Big Boy, displays of model train layouts, and demonstrations of the Amtrak K-9 unit will also take place throughout the event.

Visiting Equipment: The park will host several pieces of visiting equipment from the Delaware and Lackawanna Railroad, including the famed Nickel Plate PA-190 locomotive, the historic City of Lima sleeper car, and the Lehigh Valley No. 414 diesel locomotive coupled with the park’s Lehigh Valley No. 353 Black Diamond private business car. Norfolk Southern will also be visiting with their No. 1074 Lackawanna Heritage Unit.

 

2024 Schedule of Activities and Programs

The daily schedules of programs and activities throughout the Labor Day Weekend are a result of collaborative efforts to ensure our visitors can make the most of Railfest 2024.  We continue to work out final details in the days leading up to the event. An event schedule and map will be available to all visitors upon arrival at Steamtown National Historic Site.

NOTE: as with any public event, all programs and activities may be subject to cancellation due to mechanical issues, inclement weather, or crew/partner availability.

Costs

General admission to the park and event is FREE!

For those looking to experience one of our short train rides, there is a cost of $6/person ages 6+, $1 for ages 0-5; payment by credit card only at the Tickets and Information Booth located near the main parking lot.

Train Rides

Saturday, 8/31

Yard Shuttles

• Anticipated power: Baldwin Locomotive Works No. 26 (steam)
• Run time: 30 minutes
• 10 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 3:45 p.m.

Caboose Hops

• Anticipated power: Lackawanna No. 664 (diesel)
• Run time: 10-15 minutes
• “Load and go” throughout the day

Radisson Tour (Saturday Only)

Offers riders a short train ride and guided tour of the historic Lackawanna Railroad Station. Limited tickets; must be reserved in advance.

• Anticipated power: Baldwin Locomotive Works No. 26 (steam)
• Run time: 60 minutes
• 1:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Photo Run By (Saturday Only)

Offers riders a short train ride with the option to disembark for a photo opportunity of the steam engine as it does a couple of run-bys.

• Anticipated power: Baldwin Locomotive Works No. 26 (steam)
• Run time: 60 minutes
• 1:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Sunday, 9/1

Yard Shuttles

• Anticipated power: Baldwin Locomotive Works No. 26 (steam)
• Run time: 30 minutes
• 10 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 2 p.m., 2:45 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.

Caboose Hops

• Anticipated power: Lackawanna No. 664 (diesel)
• Run time: 10-15 minutes
• “Load and go” throughout the day

Friday - August 30

Railfest 2024 Scheduled Program for Friday, August 30

After Hours Special Event
Time	Program or Activity	Location
7 PM - 10:30 PM	Nickel Plate Power & Prestige Night Photo Shoot	Mattes Street Tower Turntable Leads
Join the Iron Horse Society for an evening (or two) of photography featuring the strength and elegance of the Nickel Plate Road’s iconic steam, diesel, and passenger equipment. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance through the Iron Horse Society: https://theironhorsesociety.com/tickets.

Saturday - August 31

Railfest 2024 Schedule of Programs and Activities for Saturday, August 31

Out Front - Main Entrance
Time	Program or Activity	Location
9 AM	Community Partner Tents Open Eastern National Store Open	Community Tents Park Store
10 AM	Mattes Street Tower Walking Tour (60 minutes., approx. 1 mile on uneven ground)	Tickets & Information Booth
10 AM - 12 PM	Big Boy Cab Tours	Big Boy
10 AM - 3 PM	Face Painting by Just Plain Crazy Face Art	Main Entrance Gates
10:30 AM	Rosie the Railroader Program	Park Store Porch
11 AM	Phoebe Snow Presentation	Community Tents
11 AM - 2 PM	Book Signing with Margo Azzarelli	Eastern National Tent
11:30 AM	Amtrak K-9 Demonstration	Community Tents
1:30 PM	Amtrak K-9 Demonstration	Community Tents
2 PM	Rosie the Railroader Program	Park Store Porch
2:30 PM	Phoebe Snow Presentation	Community Tents
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM	Big Boy Cab Tours	Big Boy
3 PM	Amtrak K-9 Demonstration	Community Tents
Turntable Complex
Time	Program or Activity	Location
9 AM	Presentation of Colors by NEPA Scouts, National Anthem by Tierney Dunbar, Welcoming Remarks to Railfest 2024, Baldwin Locomotive Works #26 on turntable.	Stage
10 AM - 12 PM	Caboose Hops (run time: 10-15 minutes, load and go)	Track 12
10 AM	"Scranton Limited" Yard Shuttle (run time: 30 minutes)	Track 12
10 AM - 4 PM	City of Lima Sleeper Car Open	North Turntable Lead
10 AM - 11 AM	Live Music: Van Wagner	Stage
10:45 AM	"Scranton Limited" (run time: 30 minutes)	Track 12
11:30 AM	"Scranton Limited" (run time: 30 minutes)	Track 12
12:15 PM - 12:45 PM	NJ Trackcars Speeder Parade and Turntable Turn	Turntable
1 PM - 2 PM	Live Music: Linda Russell	Stage
1:15 PM	Radisson Tour - reservations required (run time: 60 minutes)	Track 12
1:15 PM	"Scranton Limited" with Photo Run By (run time: 60 minutes)	Track 12
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM	Caboose Hops (run time: 10-15 minutes, load and go)	Track 12
2:30 PM	Radisson Tour - reservations required (run time: 60 minutes)	Track 12
2:30 PM	"Scranton Limited" with Photo Run By (run time: 60 minutes)	Track 12
3:45 PM	"Scranton Limited" (run time: 30 minutes)	Track 12
Ongoing within Turntable Complex
9 AM - 4 PM	Railroad China Exhibit and Activity	Technology Museum
9 AM - 4:30 PM	Bob Lippi Model Railroad Layout	Technology Museum
Locomotive Shop
Time	Program or Activity	Location
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM	NJ Trackcars Speeder Rides	Behind Loco Shop
10 AM	Demonstration - King Boring Mill	Locomotive Shop
10:45 AM	Demonstration - Drop Table	Locomotive Shop
11 AM	NJ Trackcars Track Maintenance Demonstration	Behind Loco Shop
11:30 AM	Demonstration - Surface Planer	Locomotive Shop
12 PM	NJ Trackcars Parade Departs for Turntable	Behind Loco Shop
1 PM	Demonstration - Drop Table	Locomotive Shop
1 PM	NJ Trackcars Parade Returns from Turntable	Behind Loco Shop
1:15 PM	NJ Trackcars Track Maintenance Demonstration	Behind Loco Shop
1:30 PM - 4 PM	NJ Trackcars Speeder Rides	Behind Loco Shop
1:45 PM	Demonstration - King Boring Mill	Locomotive Shop
3:15 PM	Demonstration - Surface Planer	Locomotive Shop
Ongoing within Locomotive Shop
9:30 AM - 4 PM	Tobyhanna Station and Pocono Chapter National Railway Historical Society Train Layout	Locomotive Shop
9:30 AM - 4 PM	National Museum of Industrial History Printing Press and Steam Engine Building	Locomotive Shop
9:30 AM - 4 PM	Handcar Rides	Locomotive Shop
9:30 AM - 4 PM	National Museum of Industrial History Velocipede Rides	Behind Loco Shop
9:30 AM - 4 PM	Lehigh Valley #353 Tours	Behind Loco Shop
9:30 AM - 4 PM	Ring of Fire Demonstrations	Locomotive Shop
Elsewhere within Steamtown
Time	Program or Activity	Location
10:30 AM	Trolley Ride - purchase tickets at Trolley Museum	Loading Platform
11 AM - 4 PM	Informational Tent with Park Historian	Renaissance Park
11:30 AM	Trolley Ride - purchase tickets at Trolley Museum	Loading Platform
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM	Railroad Caricature Artists	Trolley Museum
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM	Live Music: Doug Smith's Dixieland All-Stars	Trolley Museum
12:45 PM	Trolley Ride - Purchase tickets at Trolley Museum	Loading Platform
2 PM	Trolley Ride - Purchase tickets at Trolley Museum	Loading Platform
3 PM	Trolley Ride - Purchase tickets at Trolley Museum	Loading Platform
After Hours Special Event
Time	Program or Activity	Location
7 PM - 9:30 PM	Nickel Plate Power & Prestige Night Photo Shoot	Turntable Behind Loco Shop
Join the Iron Horse Society for an evening (or two) of photography featuring the strength and elegance of the Nickel Plate Road’s iconic steam, diesel, and passenger equipment. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance through the Iron Horse Society: https://theironhorsesociety.com/tickets.

Sunday - September 1

Railfest 2024 Schedule of Programs and Activities for Sunday, September 1

Out Front - Main Entrance
Time	Program or Activity	Location
9 AM	Community Partner Tents Open Eastern National Store Open	Community Tents Park Store
10 AM	Mattes Street Tower Walking Tour (60 minutes., approx. 1 mile on uneven ground)	Tickets & Information Booth
10 AM - 12 PM	Big Boy Cab Tours	Big Boy
10 AM - 3 PM	Face Painting by Just Plain Crazy Face Art	Main Entrance Gates
10:30 AM	Rosie the Railroader Program	Park Store Porch
11 AM	Phoebe Snow Presentation	Community Tents
2 PM	Rosie the Railroader Program	Park Store Porch
2:30 PM	Phoebe Snow Presentation	Community Tents
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM	Big Boy Cab Tours	Big Boy
Turntable Complex
Time	Program or Activity	Location
9 AM	Baldwin Locomotive Works #26 rolls out onto turntable.	Turntable
10 AM - 12 PM	Caboose Hops (run time: 10-15 minutes, load and go)	Track 12
10 AM	"Scranton Limited" Yard Shuttle (run time: 30 minutes)	Track 12
10 AM - 4 PM	City of Lima Sleeper Car Open	North Turntable Lead
10 AM - 12 PM	Live Music: Doug Smith's Dixieland All-Stars	Stage
10:45 AM	"Scranton Limited" (run time: 30 minutes)	Track 12
11:30 AM	"Scranton Limited" (run time: 30 minutes)	Track 12
12:15 PM - 12:45 PM	NJ Trackcars Speeder Parade and Turntable Turn	Turntable
1 PM - 4 PM	Live Music: Ole '97 Johnny Cash June Carter Tribute Band	Stage
1:15 PM	"Scranton Limited" (run time: 30 minutes)	Track 12
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM	Caboose Hops (run time: 10-15 minutes, load and go)	Track 12
2 PM	"Scranton Limited" (run time: 30 minutes)	Track 12
2:45 PM	"Scranton Limited" (run time: 30 minutes)	Track 12
3:30 PM	"Scranton Limited" (run time: 30 minutes)	Track 12
Ongoing within Turntable Complex
9 AM - 4 PM	Railroad China Exhibit and Activity	Technology Museum
9 AM - 4:30 PM	Bob Lippi Model Railroad Layout	Technology Museum
Locomotive Shop
Time	Program or Activity	Location
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM	NJ Trackcars Speeder Rides	Behind Loco Shop
10 AM	Demonstration - King Boring Mill	Locomotive Shop
10:45 AM	Demonstration - Drop Table	Locomotive Shop
11 AM	NJ Trackcars Track Maintenance Demonstration	Behind Loco Shop
11:30 AM	Demonstration - Surface Planer	Locomotive Shop
12 PM	NJ Trackcars Parade Departs for Turntable	Behind Loco Shop
1 PM	Demonstration - Drop Table	Locomotive Shop
1 PM	NJ Trackcars Parade Returns from Turntable	Behind Loco Shop
1:15 PM	NJ Trackcars Track Maintenance Demonstration	Behind Loco Shop
1:30 PM - 4 PM	NJ Trackcars Speeder Rides	Behind Loco Shop
1:45 PM	Demonstration - King Boring Mill	Locomotive Shop
3:15 PM	Demonstration - Surface Planner	Locomotive Shop
Ongoing within Locomotive Shop
9:30 AM - 4 PM	Tobyhanna Station and Pocono Chapter National Railway Historical Society Train Layout	Locomotive Shop
9:30 AM - 4 PM	National Museum of Industrial History Printing Press and Steam Engine Building	Locomotive Shop
9:30 AM - 4 PM	Handcar Rides	Behind Loco Shop
9:30 AM - 4 PM	National Museum of Industrial History Velocipede Rides	Behind Loco Shop
9:30 AM - 4 PM	Lehigh Valley #353 Tours	Behind Loco Shop
9:30 AM - 4 PM	Ring of Fire Demonstrations	Locomotive Shop
Elsewhere within Steamtown
Time	Program or Activity	Location
10 AM	Trolley Ride - purchase tickets at Trolley Museum	Loading Platform
11 AM	Trolley Ride - purchase tickets at Trolley Museum	Loading Platform
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM	Railroad Caricature Artists	Trolley Museum
11:30 AM - 2:30PM	Live Music: Steve Kurilla's Oompah Band	Trolley Museum
1:30 PM	Trolley Ride - Purchase tickets at Trolley Museum	Loading Platform

Snacks and Shuttles to La Festa Italiana

Packaged snacks and drinks will be available for purchase on site, and a huge array of great food is just a few blocks away at the annual La Festa Italiana, a celebration of Italian-American culture and cuisine at Scranton’s Courthouse Square. A free COLTS shuttle bus will run between Railfest at Steamtown and La Festa approximately every half hour from 10 AM to 6 PM both days.

2024 Participating Partners

Lackawanna County Electric City Trolley Museum
La Festa Italiana
The Iron Horse Society
County of Lackawanna Transit System (COLTS)
Eastern National
Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority
Delaware-Lackawanna Railroad
Norfolk Southern Railroad
Amtrak
Federal Railroad Administration
Operation Lifesaver
McHugh Locomotive
Ontario & Western Railway Historical Society
Anthracite Railroads Historical Society
National Museum of Industrial History
New Jersey Trackcars
Railway & Locomotive Historical Society
Trout Unlimited, Lackawanna Valley Chapter
Tobyhanna Station / Pocono Mountains Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society
East Stroudsburg Tower
Moscow Station / Lackawanna & Wyoming Valley Railway Historical Society
Nicholson Heritage Association
Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority
Lackawanna River Corridor Association
Anthracite Heritage Museum
Lackawanna Historical Society
Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
Penn State Master Gardeners
Waverly Community House
Just Plain Crazy Face Art
Bob Lippi
Van Wagner
Linda Russell
Doug Smith's Dixieland All-Stars
Ole 97 Johnny Cash & June Carter Tribute Band

 

Railfest 2024 Guide and Site Map

 

The Railfest 2024 Guide is available to print from home, or for visitors to pick up on-site throughout the weekend. Event takes place Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1, 9am - 5pm each day. Important for visitors to know: Free shuttle to and from La Festa, First Aid Station is available for emergencies, Sensory Cool Down Room available to all, and Steamtown is an active railroad yard.

NPS Photo

 

The Railfest 2024 Guide is available to print from home, or for visitors to pick up on-site throughout the weekend. Page two of the guide is broken into three sections: Saturday, Sunday, and Ongoing Activities. Scheduled events may be subject to change depending upon inclement weather, equipment malfunction, or crew availability.

NPS Photo

 

Railfest programs and activities will take place throughout several locations within the boundaries of Steamtown National Historic Site.

NPS Photo

 

Loading weather forecast...

Know Before You Go - Weather

Plan like a Park Ranger and check the weather forecast! Many Railfest activities will take place outdoors, so pack your gear accordingly.

Hazardous Weather Conditions

Lat: 41.40765150085032 Long: -75.6716129996068

Last updated:

Current Conditions

Humidity
Wind Speed
Barometer
Dewpoint
Visibility
Wind Chill

More Weather Information on Weather.gov

Extended Graphical Forecast for This Location

Extended Text Forecast for This Location

 

 

• 

  Railfest 2024 News Release

  In collaboration with the annual La Festa Italiana in downtown Scranton, Railfest returns to Steamtown Labor Day Weekend 8/31-9/1/2024

• 

  Nickel Plate Power & Prestige

  Join the Iron Horse Society for an evening (or two) of photography; advance tickets required. Photo courtesy of Kenny G.

• 

  Railfest Radisson Tours

  Offers riders a short train ride and guided tour of the historic Lackawanna Railroad Station; advance tickets required.