Experience the lively Third Fridays at Southern California Railway Museum, where vintage trains, food trucks, and live music create a perfect spring evening. Discover why this monthly event is a community favorite in Riverside County.
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Wildlife
History
The Southern California Railway Museum, established in 1965, preserves the region's railroad history with a collection of historic trains and locomotives.
Conservation
The museum emphasizes sustainable practices by maintaining historic equipment and educating visitors on railroad conservation.
Southern California Railway Museum
Experience the lively Third Fridays at Southern California Railway Museum, where vintage trains, food trucks, and live music create a perfect spring evening. Discover why this monthly event is a community favorite in Riverside County.
Southern California Railway Museum in Perris, California, preserves a large collection of historic locomotives, railcars, and streetcars across nearly 100 acres of restored railyards and depots.
The museum offers narrated hosted tours led by knowledgeable docents, train and trolley rides every weekend, and curated exhibits that highlight regional rail history.
The museum serves as a premier location for photo and film shoots, providing diverse backdrops from vintage depots to industrial yards and an extensive roster of historic equipment. Production teams book the site for creative shoots and location filming because of its variety of authentic rail settings.
Community events and specialty programs are a core part of the museum’s calendar. Annual highlights include the Antique Truck Show, KCBS BBQ competitions such as BBQ Boots and Brew, Perris Appreciation Day with free rides for residents, and the Fall Victorian Tea hosted by the Harvey Girl Historical Society. The museum’s Business Class departures and Carhouse 4 rental offer unique options for private events and special occasions.
Educational offerings include the expanded Merit Badge Program with certified counselors and hands-on activities, plus the Run One Program that lets participants operate electric streetcars and locomotives under engineer supervision. The museum emphasizes safety, preservation, and historical accuracy while providing memorable, hands-on experiences for families, scouts, photographers, and event organizers.
Located in Perris, the museum is accessible to Southern California communities and supports local tourism and education. Staff and volunteers maintain exhibits and coordinate bookings for tours, events, and film projects to ensure smooth operations daily.
Site Size
Nearly 100 acres
Extensive historic railyards
Years of History
64 years
Decades of preservation
Weekend Rides
Train & trolley rides
Available every weekend
Event Venue
Carhouse 4 (up to 150)
Unique historic event space
Reserve tours, Carhouse 4, merit badge sessions, or film and photo shoot bookings to secure unique historic backdrops in Perris.
Arrive Early
Getting there early ensures you find a good spot and enjoy all the attractions without rush.
Bring Layers
Spring evenings can get cool; pack a light jacket to stay comfortable during outdoor activities.
Stay Hydrated
Enjoy the food and music but keep hydrated, especially on warmer evenings.
Respect the Trains
Keep a safe distance from vintage trains and use designated walkways for safety.
Comfortable walking shoes
Safe and comfortable footwear for strolling among outdoor festival areas.
spring
Light jacket
An extra layer to stay warm during cooler evening hours.
spring
Sun protection
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses help prevent sunburns during outdoor hours.
summer
Portable chair or blanket
Comfortably settle in to enjoy live music and outdoor activities.
fall