Discover the Brewgrass Festival in Felton, CA, where craft beer meets bluegrass tunes on a scenic train. Join the VIP tasting experience and enjoy local brews, food trucks, and live music!
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
4–6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required beyond walking short distances and boarding the train.
Wildlife
History
Roaring Camp Railroads dates back to the 1880s, celebrating the region’s logging heritage with historic steam locomotives.
Conservation
The festival promotes sustainable practices including waste reduction, recycling, and supporting local breweries with environmentally responsible production.
Roaring Camp Railroads
Discover the Brewgrass Festival in Felton, CA, where craft beer meets bluegrass tunes on a scenic train. Join the VIP tasting experience and enjoy local brews, food trucks, and live music!
Roaring Camp Railroads, located in Felton, California, operates scenic train excursions and a year-round calendar of themed events set in the towering Santa Cruz redwood forest. The operation offers a variety of experiences for families, school groups, and adult visitors, combining vintage train travel with live entertainment, food, and hands-on programming.
Key offerings include heritage steam train rides, family-focused events like Day Out With Thomas featuring Thomas the Tank Engine™, seasonal festivals such as the Brewgrass Festival, and specialty evenings like the Moonlight Evening Dinner Train that include dinner, live music, and stopovers at Bear Mountain. Roaring Camp also hosts community-oriented events at the historic Bret Harte Opera Hall, including the Spring Barn Line Dance and Winter Warmer Fest.
Educational programs are available for school groups aged 7–11 through the Living History experience, designed to bring the mountain man era and westward expansion to life. Seasonal attractions include Drive-In Movie Nights among the redwoods, a Chanukah Train with community menorah lighting and kosher refreshments, and competitive culinary events such as the Cook-Off with tastings and craft beer.
Visitors traveling from Santa Cruz can join specialty trains like the Father’s Day Brew Train and VIP tasting trains for Brewgrass. The combination of scenic rail routes, themed programming, and family-friendly activities makes Roaring Camp Railroads a notable destination for both residents and tourists seeking historic rail experiences and community events in Felton, CA.
Location
Felton, CA
Situated in the Santa Cruz redwood forest
Tours Offered
10 Experiences
Heritage rides and themed events
Family Events
Multiple
Includes Day Out With Thomas
Signature Rides
Vintage Steam
Moonlight Dinner Train to Bear Mountain
Reserve tickets for scenic steam train rides, family festivals, or themed dinner trains and secure a memorable day in Felton’s redwood forest.
Arrive Early for Best Seating
VIP train seating and event spots fill quickly, so plan to arrive early to secure your preferred spot.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You’ll be walking around the festival area and boarding trains, so comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must.
Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
Hydration is important during beer tastings; bring a refillable water bottle to stay refreshed throughout the day.
Check Weather Forecast
Felton’s weather can be variable; layers are recommended to stay comfortable from warm sunshine to cooler evening air.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
For navigating festival grounds and train boarding safely and comfortably.
Layered Clothing
Stay warm in cool mornings and evenings, and be prepared for changing temperatures.
spring
Sun Protection
Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses help protect against intense midday sun during outdoor activities.
summer
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated throughout the day, especially during alcohol tastings.