A Celebration of Rail History at Union Station
Los Angeles’ Union Station is set to host a special event that will offer visitors a unique glimpse into the rich railroad history of Southern California. The Train Festival 2025, titled “LA’s Spirit in Motion,” will take place on September 20 and 21, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. PDT. This free two-day event promises an engaging experience for all ages, featuring a variety of activities centered around rail transportation.
The festival will include railroad equipment tours, interactive displays, model train exhibits, and information booths that highlight the significance of rail travel. Attendees can also enjoy live entertainment and participate in various giveaways, making it a perfect family-friendly event. The event is supported by several key organizations, including Metro, Amtrak, and Metrolink, and aims to celebrate Los Angeles’ vibrant rail history while emphasizing its ongoing role in shaping the city’s future.
“Transportation is about the people, places, and stories that compel us to move,” said Stephanie Wiggins, Metro Chief Executive Officer. “We’re proud to make those connections possible, and there’s no better place to see that in action than Los Angeles Union Station.”
Wiggins described the event as a celebration of the journeys we embark on, the history that grounds us, and the communities we build through shared travel. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore nearly a century of rail history, with displays of railroad equipment ranging from 1927 to the present day.
One of the highlights of the festival will be the Santa Fe 3751 steam locomotive, featured by the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society. This historic locomotive pulled the rail station’s first named passenger train more than 85 years ago. For many children, this will be their first chance to see a steam train up close.
“Many kids grow up reading about steam trains in their history books but will never actually see one in person,” said SBRHS President Alex Gillman. “Santa Fe 3751 offers families the chance to experience what a working, 874,000-pound steam locomotive looks like as they climb into the cab, meet the engineer, and learn what it takes to keep this rare icon of American history operating today.”
In addition to the Santa Fe 3751, Amtrak, Metrolink, LARail.com, and the Pacific Railroad Society will also showcase their respective train equipment during the event. Several model train clubs from Southern California will also be present, offering a wide range of exhibits for attendees to explore.
For younger visitors, the kids’ zone will provide a fun and educational experience. Children will receive a train conductor hat to keep and wear while taking selfies next to the Travel Town Museum’s restored Railway Express Agency delivery truck. This interactive space is designed to engage young minds and spark an interest in rail history.
The Train Festival 2025 is an excellent opportunity for both locals and visitors to learn more about the legacy of rail transportation in Los Angeles and beyond. With a variety of activities and exhibits, the event promises to be a memorable experience for all who attend. More details about the festival can be found on Union Station’s Train Festival 2025 webpage.
