Rail Events Calendar — Mainline Steam, Photo-Charters & Special Excursions
Welcome to the TrainChasers Rail Events Calendar — your go-to guide for upcoming mainline steam excursions, railroad photo charters, and special railfan events across the United States.
While this calendar highlights unique or special events, many scenic railroads, railway museums, and theme parks operate steam on regular excursions throughout the year. For more information on ongoing operations, check out Steam by State and Theme Park Steam.
Note: All dates and event details are provided for informational purposes only — schedules can change, so be sure to confirm with each railroad or event organizer before making plans.
While this calendar highlights unique or special events, many scenic railroads, railway museums, and theme parks operate steam on regular excursions throughout the year. For more information on ongoing operations, check out Steam by State and Theme Park Steam.
Note: All dates and event details are provided for informational purposes only — schedules can change, so be sure to confirm with each railroad or event organizer before making plans.
What's New
Calendar Last Updated: December 1, 2025
TBA 2026: Union Pacific "Big Boy" #4014 celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the USA with special excursions across the country.
Dates and Route to be announced.
For more information: www.up.com/about-us/history/steam/schedule
TBA 2026: Union Pacific "Big Boy" #4014 celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the USA with special excursions across the country.
Dates and Route to be announced.
For more information: www.up.com/about-us/history/steam/schedule
December 2025
November 28 – December 28: Polson #2 leads the Holiday Express at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center.
Holiday Express trains depart from the Oregon Rail Heritage Center and travel along the Willamette River on weekends and select weekdays — Portland, Oregon.
For more information: orhf.org/train-rides/holiday-express/
January 2026
January 9: Rio Grande Southern #20 Presidential Excursion on the Durango & Silverton
Visiting Steam Locomotive Rio Grande Southern #20 operates to Cascade Canyon with a fleet of First Class cars at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad - Durango, Colorado.
For more information: www.durangotrain.com/excursions/rgs-20-to-cascade-canyon/
January 17-18: Photographers Special on the Sugar Express
Sugar Express Steam Locomotive #148 will be back-dated and pull both freight and passenger consists on this 2-day photographer's special on the Sugar Express - Clewiston, Florida
For more information: sugarexpress.ticketspice.com/photographers-special/
January 24: Lake Placid Limited on the Sugar Express
Full-Day excursion from Clewiston to Lake Placid - Diesel powered northbound - Steam Locomotive #148 leads the southbound return.
Sugar Express - Clewiston, Florida
For more information: sugarexpress.com/lake-placid-limited/
January 31: Rio Grande Southern #20 Excursion on the Durango & Silverton
Visiting Steam Locomotive Rio Grande Southern #20 operates to Cascade Canyon on a General Public excursion at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad - Durango, Colorado.
For more information: www.durangotrain.com/excursions/rgs-20-to-cascade-canyon/
February 2026
February 1: Rio Grande Southern #20 Excursion on the Durango & Silverton
Visiting Steam Locomotive Rio Grande Southern #20 operates to Cascade Canyon on a General Public excursion at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad - Durango, Colorado.
For more information: www.durangotrain.com/excursions/rgs-20-to-cascade-canyon/
February 13-15: Winter Steam Photo Spectacular at Nevada Northern Railway
Historic Steam and/or Diesel locomotives operate with a variety of historic passenger, freight and maintenance of way equipment for the annual Winter Steam Photo Spectacular at the Nevada Northern Railway in Ely, Nevada.
For more information: nnry.com/winter-steam-photo-weekend-spectacular-hands-on-history/
February 13-15: Winter Spectacular at East Broad Top Railroad
A Variety of equipment will operate during this special event - East Broad Top #16 will lead a photo freight organized by Pete Lerro on February 13.
For more information: eastbroadtop.com/events/winter-spectacular/
February 17: Rio Grande Southern #20 Photo Charter with Pete Lerro
Rio Grande Southern #20 pulls a mixed train of freight and Rio Grande-lettered passenger cars for this special photo charter on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad - Durango, Colorado.
For more information: www.lerrophotography.com/rio-grande-southern-20-photo-charter-feb-17/
February 18-19: Rio Grande Southern #20 Photo Charter with Pete Lerro
Rio Grande Southern #20 operates with various historic equipment for this special photo charter, including a flanger, caboose, and mixed train on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad - Durango, Colorado.
For more information: www.lerrophotography.com/rgs20/
February 20-21: Rio Grande Southern #20 Photo Special on the Durango & Silverton
Rio Grande Southern #20 operates with various historic equipment for this special photo charter, including a freight train on Day 1 and a Passenger Train with Rio Grande-lettered coaches on Day 2. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad - Durango, Colorado.
For more information: www.durangotrain.com/events/winter-photo-special-2026/
February 20-22: Winter Steam Photo Spectacular at Nevada Northern Railway
Historic Steam and/or Diesel locomotives operate with a variety of historic passenger, freight and maintenance of way equipment for the annual Winter Steam Photo Spectacular at the Nevada Northern Railway in Ely, Nevada.
For more information: nnry.com/winter-steam-photo-weekend-spectacular-hands-on-history/
February 21: Lake Placid Limited on the Sugar Express
Full-Day excursion from Clewiston to Lake Placid - Diesel powered northbound - Steam Locomotive #148 leads the southbound return.
Sugar Express - Clewiston, Florida
For more information: sugarexpress.com/lake-placid-limited/
March 2026
March 21-22: Steamtown Portrait Photo Shoot with Pete Lerro
A portrait photo shoot that portrays the hard-working men and women of railroading in the 1940s. Presented in the back shops and roundhouse at Steamtown National Historic Site - Scranton, PA.
For more information: www.lerrophotography.com/steamtownportraitshoot2026/
March 29: Return of the Movie Train with Dynamo Productions
Sierra Railway Steam Locomotive #3 will pull historic passenger and freight consists and appear as she did in classic Hollywood movies with balloon stack, wood-loaded tender, and a box headlight.
Period scenes will be staged for this special photo charter at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park - Jamestown, California.
For more information: www.ticketleap.events/tickets/dynamo-productions/return-of-the-movie-train
April 2026
April 9-11: Grand Christening Celebration of Steam Locomotive #19
Three day event featuring official ceremony, train rides behind #19, roundhouse tours, movie screening, and exclusive photo session.
Age of Steam Roundhouse, Sugarcreek, Ohio
For more information: ageofsteamroundhouse.org/blog/no-19-grand-christening/
April 25: Lake Placid Limited on the Sugar Express
Full-Day excursion from Clewiston to Lake Placid - Diesel powered northbound - Steam Locomotive #148 leads the southbound return.
Sugar Express - Clewiston, Florida
For more information: sugarexpress.com/lake-placid-limited/
May 2026
May 16: Lake Placid Limited on the Sugar Express
Full-Day excursion from Clewiston to Lake Placid - Diesel powered northbound - Steam Locomotive #148 leads the southbound return.
Sugar Express - Clewiston, Florida
For more information: sugarexpress.com/lake-placid-limited/
May 16-17, 2026: Cripple Creek Reunion at Colorado Crossings Event
The annual two-day rail enthusiast event, "Colorado Crossings," will feature the reunion of two operational steam locomotives originally built for the Florence & Cripple Creek Railroad: Rio Grande Southern #20 and visiting Denver & Rio Grande #315.
Colorado Railroad Museum - Golden, Colorado
More information TBA: coloradorailroadmuseum.org/colorado-crossings/
June 2026
June 20: Parade of Steam at Cass Scenic Railroad
Annual Parade of Steam features the staging and runbys of a large collection of operating steam locomotives. Admission to the parade is free. Special Excursions including a double-header will also take place.
Cass Scenic Railroad - Cass, West Virgina
More information - mountainrailwv.com/train-rides/parade-of-steam/
September 2026
September 18-20: Maryland Railfest and Fireball Photo Experience
Annual festival featuring 3 days of train excursions with both steam and diesel and a featured "Fireball Photo Experience" evening photo special featuring C&O Steam locomotive #1309.
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad - Cumberland, Maryland
More information - wmsr.com/marylandrailfest
October 2026
October 23-25: Santa Fe #2926 Mainline Photo Charter with Pete Lerro
Santa Fe #2926 operates on the mainline owned by the New Mexico Department of Transportation (this is where the "Rail Runner" operates) with a fleet of stainless steel coaches and baggage cars for this special photo charter - Albuquerque, New Mexico.
For more information: www.lerrophotography.com/santa-fe-2926-photo-charter/
October 30 - November 1: Santa Fe #2926 Mainline Photo Charter with Pete Lerro
Santa Fe #2926 operates on the mainline owned by the New Mexico Department of Transportation (this is where the "Rail Runner" operates) with a fleet of stainless steel coaches and baggage cars for this special photo charter - Albuquerque, New Mexico.
For more information: www.lerrophotography.com/santa-fe-2926-photo-charter/
November 2026
November 10-11: "Boston & Maine #1397" with Dynamo Productions
Former Canadian National #89 will be undergoing a cosmetic overhaul to represent B&M #1397 for this photography special, which will feature both freight and passenger consists operating on the Strasburg Railroad - Strasburg, Pennsylvania.
For more information: www.dynamo-productions.com/coming-soon-03-2
November 28 – December 28: Polson #2 leads the Holiday Express at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center.
Holiday Express trains depart from the Oregon Rail Heritage Center and travel along the Willamette River on weekends and select weekdays — Portland, Oregon.
For more information: orhf.org/train-rides/holiday-express/
January 2026
January 9: Rio Grande Southern #20 Presidential Excursion on the Durango & Silverton
Visiting Steam Locomotive Rio Grande Southern #20 operates to Cascade Canyon with a fleet of First Class cars at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad - Durango, Colorado.
For more information: www.durangotrain.com/excursions/rgs-20-to-cascade-canyon/
January 17-18: Photographers Special on the Sugar Express
Sugar Express Steam Locomotive #148 will be back-dated and pull both freight and passenger consists on this 2-day photographer's special on the Sugar Express - Clewiston, Florida
For more information: sugarexpress.ticketspice.com/photographers-special/
January 24: Lake Placid Limited on the Sugar Express
Full-Day excursion from Clewiston to Lake Placid - Diesel powered northbound - Steam Locomotive #148 leads the southbound return.
Sugar Express - Clewiston, Florida
For more information: sugarexpress.com/lake-placid-limited/
January 31: Rio Grande Southern #20 Excursion on the Durango & Silverton
Visiting Steam Locomotive Rio Grande Southern #20 operates to Cascade Canyon on a General Public excursion at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad - Durango, Colorado.
For more information: www.durangotrain.com/excursions/rgs-20-to-cascade-canyon/
February 2026
February 1: Rio Grande Southern #20 Excursion on the Durango & Silverton
Visiting Steam Locomotive Rio Grande Southern #20 operates to Cascade Canyon on a General Public excursion at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad - Durango, Colorado.
For more information: www.durangotrain.com/excursions/rgs-20-to-cascade-canyon/
February 13-15: Winter Steam Photo Spectacular at Nevada Northern Railway
Historic Steam and/or Diesel locomotives operate with a variety of historic passenger, freight and maintenance of way equipment for the annual Winter Steam Photo Spectacular at the Nevada Northern Railway in Ely, Nevada.
For more information: nnry.com/winter-steam-photo-weekend-spectacular-hands-on-history/
February 13-15: Winter Spectacular at East Broad Top Railroad
A Variety of equipment will operate during this special event - East Broad Top #16 will lead a photo freight organized by Pete Lerro on February 13.
For more information: eastbroadtop.com/events/winter-spectacular/
February 17: Rio Grande Southern #20 Photo Charter with Pete Lerro
Rio Grande Southern #20 pulls a mixed train of freight and Rio Grande-lettered passenger cars for this special photo charter on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad - Durango, Colorado.
For more information: www.lerrophotography.com/rio-grande-southern-20-photo-charter-feb-17/
February 18-19: Rio Grande Southern #20 Photo Charter with Pete Lerro
Rio Grande Southern #20 operates with various historic equipment for this special photo charter, including a flanger, caboose, and mixed train on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad - Durango, Colorado.
For more information: www.lerrophotography.com/rgs20/
February 20-21: Rio Grande Southern #20 Photo Special on the Durango & Silverton
Rio Grande Southern #20 operates with various historic equipment for this special photo charter, including a freight train on Day 1 and a Passenger Train with Rio Grande-lettered coaches on Day 2. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad - Durango, Colorado.
For more information: www.durangotrain.com/events/winter-photo-special-2026/
February 20-22: Winter Steam Photo Spectacular at Nevada Northern Railway
Historic Steam and/or Diesel locomotives operate with a variety of historic passenger, freight and maintenance of way equipment for the annual Winter Steam Photo Spectacular at the Nevada Northern Railway in Ely, Nevada.
For more information: nnry.com/winter-steam-photo-weekend-spectacular-hands-on-history/
February 21: Lake Placid Limited on the Sugar Express
Full-Day excursion from Clewiston to Lake Placid - Diesel powered northbound - Steam Locomotive #148 leads the southbound return.
Sugar Express - Clewiston, Florida
For more information: sugarexpress.com/lake-placid-limited/
March 2026
March 21-22: Steamtown Portrait Photo Shoot with Pete Lerro
A portrait photo shoot that portrays the hard-working men and women of railroading in the 1940s. Presented in the back shops and roundhouse at Steamtown National Historic Site - Scranton, PA.
For more information: www.lerrophotography.com/steamtownportraitshoot2026/
March 29: Return of the Movie Train with Dynamo Productions
Sierra Railway Steam Locomotive #3 will pull historic passenger and freight consists and appear as she did in classic Hollywood movies with balloon stack, wood-loaded tender, and a box headlight.
Period scenes will be staged for this special photo charter at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park - Jamestown, California.
For more information: www.ticketleap.events/tickets/dynamo-productions/return-of-the-movie-train
April 2026
April 9-11: Grand Christening Celebration of Steam Locomotive #19
Three day event featuring official ceremony, train rides behind #19, roundhouse tours, movie screening, and exclusive photo session.
Age of Steam Roundhouse, Sugarcreek, Ohio
For more information: ageofsteamroundhouse.org/blog/no-19-grand-christening/
April 25: Lake Placid Limited on the Sugar Express
Full-Day excursion from Clewiston to Lake Placid - Diesel powered northbound - Steam Locomotive #148 leads the southbound return.
Sugar Express - Clewiston, Florida
For more information: sugarexpress.com/lake-placid-limited/
May 2026
May 16: Lake Placid Limited on the Sugar Express
Full-Day excursion from Clewiston to Lake Placid - Diesel powered northbound - Steam Locomotive #148 leads the southbound return.
Sugar Express - Clewiston, Florida
For more information: sugarexpress.com/lake-placid-limited/
May 16-17, 2026: Cripple Creek Reunion at Colorado Crossings Event
The annual two-day rail enthusiast event, "Colorado Crossings," will feature the reunion of two operational steam locomotives originally built for the Florence & Cripple Creek Railroad: Rio Grande Southern #20 and visiting Denver & Rio Grande #315.
Colorado Railroad Museum - Golden, Colorado
More information TBA: coloradorailroadmuseum.org/colorado-crossings/
June 2026
June 20: Parade of Steam at Cass Scenic Railroad
Annual Parade of Steam features the staging and runbys of a large collection of operating steam locomotives. Admission to the parade is free. Special Excursions including a double-header will also take place.
Cass Scenic Railroad - Cass, West Virgina
More information - mountainrailwv.com/train-rides/parade-of-steam/
September 2026
September 18-20: Maryland Railfest and Fireball Photo Experience
Annual festival featuring 3 days of train excursions with both steam and diesel and a featured "Fireball Photo Experience" evening photo special featuring C&O Steam locomotive #1309.
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad - Cumberland, Maryland
More information - wmsr.com/marylandrailfest
October 2026
October 23-25: Santa Fe #2926 Mainline Photo Charter with Pete Lerro
Santa Fe #2926 operates on the mainline owned by the New Mexico Department of Transportation (this is where the "Rail Runner" operates) with a fleet of stainless steel coaches and baggage cars for this special photo charter - Albuquerque, New Mexico.
For more information: www.lerrophotography.com/santa-fe-2926-photo-charter/
October 30 - November 1: Santa Fe #2926 Mainline Photo Charter with Pete Lerro
Santa Fe #2926 operates on the mainline owned by the New Mexico Department of Transportation (this is where the "Rail Runner" operates) with a fleet of stainless steel coaches and baggage cars for this special photo charter - Albuquerque, New Mexico.
For more information: www.lerrophotography.com/santa-fe-2926-photo-charter/
November 2026
November 10-11: "Boston & Maine #1397" with Dynamo Productions
Former Canadian National #89 will be undergoing a cosmetic overhaul to represent B&M #1397 for this photography special, which will feature both freight and passenger consists operating on the Strasburg Railroad - Strasburg, Pennsylvania.
For more information: www.dynamo-productions.com/coming-soon-03-2
