All special events, dates and event descriptions are subject to change without notice.

Great Train Robberies
June 27-28 & September 5-6 (Labor Day Weekend)
Witness shootouts of famed lawmen and notorious outlaws from the 1880s at Bear Mountain. Blazing reenactments demonstrate why the West was wild.

Starlight Evenings
June 27, July 4 & 18, August 22 & 29
Wonder at the beauty of a redwood forest lit up at night during a two-hour round-trip railway excursion from the boardwalk in Santa Cruz. Reservations recommended. For tickets contact Roaring Camp at 1-831-335-4484.

Click here for Online Starlight Evening Train reservations.

Twilight Evening Cookout & Hike
July 3, 10, 17, August 7 & 14
Gather family and friends this summer for an outdoor, twilight evening experience at Roaring Camp. Dine by the campfire on a hardy Prospector meal prepared in an old-fashion Dutch oven. After supper, embark on a 45-minute walking tour by flashlight led by a knowledgeable Eco-Ranger into the Redwood forest of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Your senses will feel the forest come alive at night! Meet back at the campfire for stargazing and a cowboy sing-along with warm peach cobbler, hot coffee and cider for dessert. It's old-fashioned family fun! Reservations required. Tickets are $25 per person

Click here for flyer and reservation form (2-page PDF).

4th of July Celebration
July 4
Bop on over to Roaring Camp for a Sock Hop and 50’s family 4th of July: Hula Hoop contests, games, live music and all-American barbecue.

Moonlight Dinner Train
July 11, August 8 & 15, September 26 & October 3
A hearty barbecue dinner, live country music, a train ride through a redwood forest lit by flashlight, and a mountaintop bonfire and sing-along. Reservations recommended. For tickets contact Roaring Camp at 1-831-335-4484.

Click here for Online Moonlight Dinner Train reservations.

Day Out with Thomas
July 24, 25, 26 & 31; August 1 & 2
Join Thomas The Tank Engine™ on a train ride through the Big Trees. Meet Sir Topham Hatt™ and enjoy a day of Thomas activities. Reservations required. For tickets call TicketWeb at 1-866-468-3399.

Click here for complete information, FAQs, lodging, etc.

Click here or the button below to order tickets online.

Summer Gathering of Mountain Men
August 8 & 9
Wander through wilderness encampments of trappers and traders as a 1830s summer rendezvous of wild and wooly mountain men is re-created.

Musical Saw Festival
Sunday, August 9
Listen to Blue Grass, Classical and Country music at workshops and jam sessions as musicians perform on Musical Saws and Folk instruments from around the world.

Harvest Fair
October 10 & 11
Celebrate Halloween and witness Living History. View Spinning demonstrations, visit blacksmith and print shops. Free pumpkin for each child holding a train ticket. Crafts and fun activities for kids.

Ghost Train
October 23 & 24
This is a family and children's Halloween event! Ride the train through a redwood forest as the Legend of Sleepy Hollow is narrated. Designed for children and young-at-heart, this event is a light and lively adaptation of the famous tale. Reservations required. For tickets and information, call 831-335-4484.

Click here for Online Ghost Train reservations.

Holiday Tree Walk
November 27, 28 & 29
Ride the steam train to Bear Mountain and view holiday trees decorated by youth and community groups along the Holiday Tree Walk.

Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train
November 28; December 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20 & 21
Ride a beautifully lit holiday train through the streets of Santa Cruz as you sip hot-spiced cider, sing holiday carols and meet Santa Claus. Reservations suggested.

Click here for Online Holiday Lights Train reservations.