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Roaring Camp BBQ Cook-Off

May 27-28
,
12:00pm-3:30pm

Nationally recognized Pit-Masters and local Grill Gurus alike battle it out for cash prizes, trophies and the honor of having their secret recipes voted Best BBQ at the first Roaring Camp Cook-Off. Come hungry and vote for your favorite to win the People's Choice award. Want more than a taste? BBQ vendors will be ready to serve full plates of a variety of BBQ favorites and sides.

Steam Train
Forest Train 75mins

Activities

Local Breweries
Live Music - Wild and Blue
Bounce Houses
Faro Card Game with Doc Holiday
Karen the Cow Girl Rope Tricks & Comedy
Kids Club Activities
Pedal Tractors
BBQ TEAM SIGN UP >

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Memorial Day

May 29

This Memorial Day, take the Redwood Forest Steam Train up to Bear Mountain and return. Join us in the Town of Roaring Camp for family-friendly activities and three special performances by the Watsonville Community Band. The band began in 1947 and has appeared in almost every major parade on the West Coast. In the past 70 years the band has given more than 1,500 public performances and amassed 325 First Place Awards out of the 337 times in parade competitions.

Steam Train
Forest Train 75 mins

Activities

Live Music
Watsonville Community Band
Blacksmith
Gold Panning
Bounce Houses
Faro Card Game with Doc Holiday

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Redwood Mountain Faire

June 3-4

The annual Redwood Mountain Faire brings together a wide range of music styles on two stages. The Faire benefits a wide range of nonprofit and service organizations and is organized by the Valley Women's Club of the San Lorenzo Valley.

Steam Train
Forest Train 75 mins

Activities

Live Music
Fine Arts & Crafts
Kids Activities
Local Brews & Wines

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Moonlight Dinner Party

June 10, July 1, August 26, September 30

Treat yourself to an evening of fun and relaxation at Roaring Camp's Moonlight Steam Train Dinner Party. Start with a hearty BBQ dinner followed by a leisurely train ride aboard vintage railway cars.

Steam Train
Forest Train 4 hrs
6:00 pm

Activities

Hearty BBQ Dinner
*Vegetarian Options Available
Campfire
Live Music
Line Dancing

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Father’s Day BBQ

Sunday, June 18

Salute Dad on Father’s Day by treating him to a ride on the Redwood Forest Steam Train or the Santa Cruz Beach Train and lunch. In addition, enjoy live music from Eric Morrison and the Mysteries at the BBQ where Humble Sea will be pouring the best local brew for sale.

Beach Train
Steam Train
Forest Train 75 mins
Beach Train 3hrs

Activities

Humble Sea Brewing
Santa Cruz Scrumpy Cider
Chuckwagon BBQ
Live Music
Eric Morrison and the Mysteries
Gold Panning
Bounce House
Farmer John Tractors
Doc Holiday's Faro Card Game

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Father’s Day Brew Train

Father’s Day Brew Train

Sunday, June 18

Take a trip from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to Roaring Camp Railroads on the Father's Day Brew Train! Local brewers from Humble Sea will be pouring tastes of some of their favorite beers as you ride the rails from the seas to the trees. Listen to live music on board as we make our way to Roaring Camp. Once you arrive at Roaring Camp join in on the festivities with more live music, gold panning, great bbq lunch and beer available for purchase.

Beach Train
Beach Train 4 hrs
11:00 am

Activities

Live Music
Tastings from
Humble Sea Brewing
Chuck Wagon BBQ
Gold Panning
Bounce House
Farmer John Tractors
Doc Holiday's Faro Card Game

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kids panning for gold

Free Heritage Events

June 12 - August 18

Heritage sounds like something old. Unless you’re talking Heritage Events at Roaring Camp. Free All Summer Long. Must have valid train ticket to participate in heritage activity.

Beach Train
Steam Train
Forest Train 75 mins
Beach Train 3 hrs

Activities

Free Days
Monday: Blacksmith
Tuesday: Printing Press
Wednesday: Candle Making
Thursday: Crafts
Friday: Gold Panning

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4th of July

July 4

This 4th of July, take either the Redwood Forest Steam Train or the Santa Cruz Beach Train. Join us in the Town of Roaring Camp for family-friendly activities and live music.

Beach Train
Steam Train
Forest Train 75 mins
Beach Train 3 hrs

Activities

Live Music
Kids Club Activities
Chuckwagon BBQ

Bubble Bonanza

Date TBD

Get ready to step on board the Circus Bubble Train. Zillions of Bubbles will float through the air as you travel down the tracks through the Redwood Forest. Meet the Bubble Ubbles, Mr. Bigz Bubbles and BB Bubbles on the train. Your train ticket also includes a show in the Circus Ring at Bret Harte Hall. Performances by stilters, jugglers, dancers and world renowned bubble magician, Tom Noddy.

Beach Train
Beach Train 25 min

Activities

Circus Show
Circus Themed Activities
Bubble Photos
Kids Club Activites

Blacksmith Hammer-In

August 18-20

The California Blacksmith Association Presents - The 5th Annual Hammer-In at Roaring Camp Railroads. Watch demonstrators push the boundaries of hot metal, bring ancient techniques to life and share with the community their talent and dedication to the blacksmith craft.

Beach Train
Steam Train
Forest Train 75 mins
Beach Train 3 hrs

Activities

Gold Panning
Kids Crafts
Live Music

Santa Cruz Starlight Evening Dinner Party

August 19, September 3

Evening train and dinner excursion from the beach to the redwoods. Upon arrival, a delicious barbecue dinner and live music awaits you.

Beach Train
Beach Train 4 hrs
5:30 pm

Activities

Hearty BBQ Dinner
*Vegetarian Options Available
Live Music
Dancing
Campfire

Labor Day Weekend

September 2-4

This Labor Day Weekend, take either the Redwood Forest Steam Train or the Santa Cruz Beach Train. Join us in the Town of Roaring Camp for family-friendly activities and live music.

Beach Train
Steam Train
Forest Train 75 mins
Beach Train 3 hrs

Activities

Live Music
Tug of war
Three-Legged Race
Balloon Toss
Kids Club Activities
Chuckwagon BBQ
People gathering

Gathering in the Grove

Date TBD

Don’t miss this unique Culinary Journey! Be transported by the magic of steam to a dining experience amongst the trees. Prepare to savor a delightful three course dinner engineered by a local chef. More Info Coming Soon.

Steam Train
Forest Train 4 hrs
4:30 pm

Activities

Dinner Prepared by
Chef, TBD
No Host Beer & Wine
*Vegetarian Options Available
Menu TBD
Santa Cruz Mountain Sol Festival

Santa Cruz Mountain Sol Festival

September 16-17

Join us for the 7th annual Santa Cruz Mountain Sol Festival. The weekend welcomes a variety of artists, multiple stages, camping, train rides including the 'Sol Train' shuttle from the Boardwalk and back again in the evening, craft beer, wine, vendors and gourmet food.

Beach Train
Beach Train Sat & Sun only
11:15 am

Activities

Optional Sol Train
Live Music
Local Breweries
Food Vendors
Train Dinner Movie

Spaghetti Western Dinner, Train & Movie

Date TBD

Wrangle the whole family and come on up for our inaugural Spaghetti Western Dinner, Steam Train and Movie night! Piles of spaghetti, salad, and garlic bread to warm the belly for a Steam train through the redwood forest to the top of Bear Mountain and back. Then settle in for a good ole' family western comedy. Kids Welcome. More Info Coming Soon.

Steam Train
Forest Train 4 hrs
6:30 pm

Activities

Spaghetti Dinner 5:30 pm
Forest Train 6:30 pm
Movie 8:00 pm
Movie TBD
Popcorn & Snack Vendor
Gold Panning
General Store
Marshal, Deputy Meet & Greet

Harvest Faire

October 7-8

Welcome Fall with the Harvest Faire at Roaring Camp! Take the Redwood Forest Steam Train to Bear Mountain. Pick a pumpkin from the town pumpkin patch.

Beach Train
Steam Train
Forest Train 75 mins
Beach Train 3 hrs

Activities

Pick a Pumpkin
Harvest Themed Kids Crafts
Blacksmith
Gold Panning
Live Entertainment

3rd Annual Brewgrass Festival

October 7
,
11:30am-7:30pm

Roaring Camp presents the 3rd Annual Brewgrass Festival. Featuring all day live music, brews from local breweries and food from popular local food trucks.⁠ ⁠Back this year- VIP Brewgrass Tasting Train roundtrip from Santa Cruz to Roaring Camp.

Beach Train
Beach Train
10:30 am

Activities

Optional Tasting Train
Live Music
Craft Beer & Cider
Local Food Vendors
Free Kids Activities

More Info 

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Thomas Percy

Thomas and Percy’s Halloween Party

October 14-15, 21-22, 28-29

Dress up for Halloween with favorites Thomas and Percy, for a 20 minute train ride, entertainment, and fun filled activities for the entire family.

Thomas the Train
Thomas Train 25 mins

Activities

Face Painting
Storytelling
Train Play Tables
Cookie Decorating
Coloring
Pick a Pumpkin
tree-walk-indoors

Holiday Tree Walk

November 24-26, December 2-3, 9-10

Get in the holiday spirit by bringing the family to ride the Redwood Forest Steam Train through the wintry redwoods to Bear Mountain. Sip hot cocoa while greeting Santa Claus. In town, enjoy winter themed activities.

Steam Train
Forest Train 75 mins

Activities

Visit from Santa
Hot Cocoa
Winter Themed Activities

Holiday Lights Train

November 24-25, December 2-3, 9-10, 16-23

A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz.

Beach Train
Beach Train 1 hr

Activities

Holiday Sing-Along
Live Music
Hot-Spiced Cider
Santa Visit
Chanukah

Chanukah Train

December 7th

We’ll share in Chanukah traditions and ride the train through the streets of Santa Cruz listening to Chanukah stories, playing dreidel and enjoying kosher refreshments provided by Chabad by the Sea.

Beach Train
1 hr
5:15 pm, 6:45 pm

Activities

Lighting of the Menorah
(15 mins before departure)
Chanukah Traditions
Kosher Refreshments

New Years Holiday Lights Train

December 26-31

Bring in the new year aboard the New Years Holiday Lights Train. Ride vintage train cars beautifully decorated with holiday lights through the streets of Santa Cruz. Light-up hula hoopers and a live DJ will keep spirits bright and help bring in 2024 right.

Beach Train
Beach Train 1 hr

Activities

Light-Up Hula Hoopers
Live DJ
Private Cars Available
Call to book

Rainforest Weekends

Weekends through March

Learn about California's own Coastal Redwood Forest, aboard a 100 year old steam train. Along the journey, hear fascinating information about the coastal redwoods and their ecosystems from docent specialists.

Steam Train
Forest Train 75 mins

Activities

Learn About the Coastal Redwoods
Craft Table
Georgie's Cookhouse

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Model Trains

2024 Date TBD

Adults and kids alike will enjoy viewing California Central Coast On30’s large scale model railroad display. Watch model trains chugging through the Redwoods, around railroad bends and over the Santa Cruz Mountains to the Boardwalk with the miniature scale of the Central Coast spread out before them. During your visit be sure to see Roaring Camp’s authentic 1800s steam train.

Steam Train
Forest Train 75 mins

Activities

Gold Panning
Children's Activities
Blacksmith

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Eggstraordinary Easter Egg Hunt

March 30-31, 2024

The Easter Bunny makes a stop at Roaring Camp. Hop aboard the Redwood Forest Steam Train to Bear Mountain for an Easter Egg Hunt and participate in Easter activities in Town.

Steam Train
Forest Train 75 mins

Activities

Easter Egg Hunt
* Prizes include toys, candy & free train rides!
NEW! Easter Bonnet Parade & Competition 12:15, 1:45
Live Music: Peter Apel
Easter Crafts
Ride Along Tractors
Blacksmith
Gold Panning
Candle Making

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Drive-In Movies

Spring Schedule Coming Soon!

Roaring Camp Railroads is proud to present Drive-In Movie Nights in the Redwoods. We will be showing your favorite movies surrounded by the beautiful redwood forest in the heart of Roaring Camp. Be sure to dress warm. Movie dates will be weather dependent. Must tune into a radio station to listen. Movie refreshments will be available for purchase.

No train scheduled.

Activities

No activities for this event.

Mother’s Day Brunch

Sunday, May 12, 2024

Treat Mom to something memorable on her special day with a beautiful Mother’s Day train ride through the towering redwoods. Hallcrest Vineyards will be pouring their local wines for purchase.

Steam Train
Forest Train 75 mins

Activities

Hallcrest Vineyards
Brunch at Bret Harte Hall
Live Music - Sugar By the Pound
NEW! Free Candle Making for Moms
Craft Table

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Chuckwagon BBQ

Chuck Wagon BBQ

Outdoor American BBQ and live music open 12-3PM Friday-Sunday through the summer.

No train scheduled.

Activities

Live Music Schedule
Coming Soon!

Annual Pass

Check out our Annual Pass options as you can save a bundle! All Annual Passes get you unlimited rides on Redwood Forest Steam and Santa Cruz Beach Trains. And if you love our events, Gold Passes are valid for certain special events and discounts.

No train scheduled.

Activities

No activities for this event.

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steam train

Redwood Forest Steam Train

Departing Daily!

Travel over trestles, through towering redwood groves and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain as conductors narrate the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad and the forest.

Steam Train
Forest Train 75 mins

Activities

Through the Redwoods to Bear Mountain & Back!

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Santa Cruz Beach Train

Returning Spring 2022!

Departing from the Santa Cruz Mountains, travel through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, down the scenic San Lorenzo River Gorge, across a 1909 steel truss bridge and through an 1875 tunnel before arriving at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

Beach Train
Beach Train 4 hrs

Activities

Departing either from the Boardwalk or Roaring Camp and return.
Travel through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, down the scenic San Lorenzo River Gorge, across a 1909 steel truss bridge and through an 1875 tunnel.

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Roaring Camp Railroads

Roaring Camp Railroads, 5401 Graham Hill Road
Felton, CA 95018

(831) 335-4484 | Contact Us | 简体中文  |  日本語

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Sheriff pin

MARSHAL
The Marshal can be found trotting around Roaring Camp grounds on his horse or singing a tune with the deputy at the jailhouse. Locate the Marshal to have your passbook stamped.

Gold pin

GOLD PANNING
Dredge for gold at the Gold Panning station. Once you Strike it rich, ask the forty-niner to stamp your Kids Club passbook. Every stamp gets you closer to the loot!

Trolly pin
SANTA CRUZ BEACH TRAIN
Departing from the Santa Cruz Mountains, travel through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, down the scenic San Lorenzo River Gorge, across a 1909 steel truss bridge and through an 1875 tunnel before arriving at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.