Events Archive - Roaring Camp Railroads

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.

Forest Train 75 mins

SEE SCHEDULE

Activities

Live Music

Fine Arts & Crafts

Kids Activities

Local Brews & Wines

Buy Tickets

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.

Forest Train 4 hrs

6:00 pm

Activities

Hearty BBQ Dinner

*Vegetarian Options Available

Campfire

Live Music

Line Dancing

Buy Tickets

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.

Forest Train 75 mins

SEE SCHEDULE

Beach Train 3hrs

SEE SCHEDULE

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

Buy Tickets

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 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

Buy Tickets

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.

Forest Train 75 mins

SEE SCHEDULE

Beach Train 3 hrs

SEE SCHEDULE

Activities

Free Days

Monday: Blacksmith

Tuesday: Printing Press

Wednesday: Candle Making

Thursday: Crafts

Friday: Gold Panning

Buy Tickets

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.

Forest Train 75 mins

SEE SCHEDULE

Beach Train 3 hrs

SEE SCHEDULE

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 25 min

Activities

Circus Show

Circus Themed Activities

Bubble Photos

Kids Club Activites

Tables For Trees

Sunday, July 23

1pm-7:30pm

Come to the inaugural Tables for Trees event in support of the Sempervirens Fund and Mountain Parks Foundation’s conservation projects and nature programs. Break bread and share a summer picnic on the beautiful Meadow Lawn at Roaring Camp.

Forest Train 2 hrs

3:30pm

Activities

Walks Through Redwoods

Magical Forest Scavenger Hunt

Nature Talks

Open Mic Poetry

Games

Juggling & Magic

Make Your Own Tree Beads

Luv-a-tree Photobooth

Costume & Table Decor Contests

Live Music - Jive Machine

Local Food Trucks

Humble Sea & Raise Your Glass Bartending

VW Coffee Buzz

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.

Forest Train 75 mins

SEE SCHEDULE

Beach Train 3 hrs

SEE SCHEDULE

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 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.

Forest Train 75 mins

SEE SCHEDULE

Beach Train 3 hrs

SEE SCHEDULE

Activities

Live Music

Tug of war

Three-Legged Race

Balloon Toss

Kids Club Activities

Chuckwagon BBQ

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.

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

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 Sat & Sun only

11:15 am

Activities

Optional Sol Train

Live Music

Local Breweries

Food Vendors

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.

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.

Forest Train 75 mins

SEE SCHEDULE

Beach Train 3 hrs

SEE SCHEDULE

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

10:30 am

Activities

Optional Tasting Train

Live Music

Craft Beer & Cider

Local Food Vendors

Free Kids Activities

More Info

Buy Tickets

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 Train 25 mins

Activities

Face Painting

Storytelling

Train Play Tables

Cookie Decorating

Coloring

Pick a Pumpkin

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.

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 1 hr

Activities

Holiday Sing-Along

Live Music

Hot-Spiced Cider

Santa Visit

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.

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 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.

Forest Train 75 mins

SEE SCHEDULE

Activities

Learn About the Coastal Redwoods

Craft Table

Georgie's Cookhouse

Buy Tickets

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.

Forest Train 75 mins

SEE SCHEDULE

Activities

Gold Panning

Children's Activities

Blacksmith

Buy Tickets

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.

Forest Train 75 mins

SEE SCHEDULE

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

Buy Tickets

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.

Forest Train 75 mins

SEE SCHEDULE

Activities

Hallcrest Vineyards

Brunch at Bret Harte Hall

Live Music - Sugar By the Pound

NEW! Free Candle Making for Moms

Craft Table

Buy Tickets

Roaring Camp BBQ Cook-Off

2023 Date TBD

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.

Forest Train 75mins

SEE SCHEDULE

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 >

Memorial Day

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.

Forest Train 75 mins

SEE SCHEDULE

Activities

Live Music

Watsonville Community Band

Blacksmith

Gold Panning

Bounce Houses

Faro Card Game with Doc Holiday

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.

Buy Tickets

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.

Forest Train 75 mins

SEE SCHEDULE

Activities

Through the Redwoods to Bear Mountain & Back!

Buy Tickets

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 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.

Calendar of Events

Categories

Redwood Mountain Faire

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.

Activities

Moonlight Dinner Party

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.

Activities

Father’s Day BBQ

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.

Activities

Father’s Day Brew Train

Activities

Free Heritage Events

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.

Activities

4th of July

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.

Activities

Bubble Bonanza

Activities

Tables For Trees

Come to the inaugural Tables for Trees event in support of the Sempervirens Fund and Mountain Parks Foundation’s conservation projects and nature programs. Break bread and share a summer picnic on the beautiful Meadow Lawn at Roaring Camp.

Activities

Blacksmith Hammer-In

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.

Activities

Santa Cruz Starlight Evening Dinner Party

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

Activities

Labor Day Weekend

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.

Activities

Gathering in the Grove

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.

Activities

Santa Cruz Mountain Sol Festival

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.

Activities

Spaghetti Western Dinner, Train & Movie

Activities

Harvest Faire

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.

Activities

3rd Annual Brewgrass Festival

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.

Activities

Thomas and Percy’s Halloween Party

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

Activities

Holiday Tree Walk

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.

Activities

Holiday Lights Train

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.

Activities

Chanukah Train

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.

Activities

New Years Holiday Lights Train

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.

Activities

Rainforest Weekends

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.

Activities

Model Trains

Activities

Eggstraordinary Easter Egg Hunt

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.

Activities

Drive-In Movies

No train scheduled.

Activities

No activities for this event.

Mother’s Day Brunch

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.

Activities

Roaring Camp BBQ Cook-Off

Activities

Memorial Day