Carillon Park Rail Festival Returns June 27–28, 2026

7 days ago
2 min read

Beloved annual event returns with train rides, model displays, live steam engines, the Carillon Park Concert Band, and more.

On Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28, 2026, Carillon Park Rail Festival returns to Carillon Historical Park, where guests can ride not one, but two trains. On “the little train,” the small-scale trains operated by the Carillon Park Rail & Steam Society since 1988, riders sit atop the train cars, while “the big train,” the nearly mile-long Carillon Park Railroad, carries up to 120 passengers in open-air coaches.

“This year marks the 175th anniversary of the 1851 Cincinnati, one of the earliest passenger trains to arrive in Dayton and the locomotive that inspired the Carillon Park Railroad,” said Alex Heckman, Vice President of Museum Operations. “The railroad builds on founder Edward Deeds’ original vision for Carillon Historical Park while giving guests a new way to explore the campus. It also complements the miniature trains that Rail & Steam Society volunteers have operated and maintained since 1988.”

Rail Festival also features numerous model train displays, each a painstakingly crafted miniature world. Guests can watch tiny trains wind through circuses, farms and even scenes of miniature firefighters battling a burning building.

“So much time and craftsmanship go into every display,” Heckman said. “The festival showcases model trains of all sizes, from Z-scale trains small enough to fit in the palm of your hand to G-scale trains as large as a loaf of bread.”

Beyond train rides and displays, visitors can enjoy live steam engines, historical exhibits, food vendors, train vendors, Culp’s Café, Carillon Brewing Co., the Carousel of Dayton Innovation, performances by the Carillon Concert Band and more.

While the festival takes place during the height of summer, many attractions are located in air-conditioned spaces, offering comfortable fun for families and rail enthusiasts of all ages.

Where: Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd.

When: Saturday, June 27, 2026, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, June 28, 2026, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rain or shine.

Admission: Regular admission fees apply. FREE for members.

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Other Upcoming Carillon Park Events

Deeds Carillon Concerts: June 14, 27 & 28, 30; July 4, 12, 19, 26; Aug. 9, 23; Sept. 5, 11, 13, 20; Oct. 4, 18, 25; Nov. 21, 24; Dec. 7

Carillon Park Rail Festival: June 27, 28

Small-Scale Train Rides: June 27 & 28; July 4, 26; Aug. 8, 23; Sept. 5, 20; Oct. 3, 18, Nov. 24–Dec. 30

~~Settler Survival Camp~~: July 6–10, 13–17, 20–24 (All Dates Sold Out)

Etiquette Tea at Patterson Homestead: Aug. 8

Miami Valley Antique Fire Apparatus Show: Sept. 5

Preview Party for Dayton Concours d'Elegance: Sept. 19