Upcoming Events
Summer RailQuest STEM Workshop - July 10
Join us this summer for RailQuest, a hands-on STEM adventure designed for curious young minds ages 7–13! Held every Friday from June 19 through August 21, participants will explore the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics behind rail transportation through engaging experiments, interactive activities, and museum experiences.
Featured Lesson: Waves in Solids - Students will observe the difference between a transverse wave and a compression wave.
Participants will also take part in a trolley restoration activity, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how historic streetcars are preserved for future generations. The program concludes with a ride aboard one of the museum's historic trolleys.
Whether your child loves science, engineering, history, or trains, RailQuest offers a unique opportunity to learn, explore, and have fun at the National Capital Trolley Museum.
Kids' Train Show
Bring the whole family to the National Capital Trolley Museum for a day filled with trains, trolleys, and hands-on fun at the annual Kids' Train Show!
Step into a world where model trains of every size are in motion. Watch beautifully detailed N Scale, HO Scale, O Scale, and G Scale layouts come to life as locomotives wind through miniature towns, mountains, and rail yards. Train enthusiasts will also showcase rare vintage model trains, operating accessories, and fascinating displays that are sure to delight visitors of all ages.
Young engineers can enjoy a dedicated wooden train play area, and children will even have the chance to take home donated model railroad equipment through special giveaways while supplies last.
No visit would be complete without riding aboard one of the museum's historic streetcars on our two-mile demonstration railway—the perfect way to experience transportation history in action.
To provide a welcoming experience for all families, a Quiet Hour from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. is reserved exclusively for children with special needs and their families. General admission begins at 12:00 p.m., with the last admission at 4:00 p.m.
Advance reservations are highly recommended, as this popular event often reaches capacity.
Hours
Quiet Hour (Special Needs Families): 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
General Public: 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. (Last admission at 4:00 p.m.)
Admission
Museum, Kids' Train Show & Unlimited Trolley Rides
Adults (14–64): $15
Seniors (65+) & Military: $13
Children (2–13): $10
Museum & Kids' Train Show Only (No Trolley Ride)
$7 per person (ages 2 and older)
Children under 2 are admitted free.
Reserve your tickets in advance to guarantee your admission to one of the museum's favorite family events of the year.
Summer RailQuest STEM Workshop - July 17
Join us this summer for RailQuest, a hands-on STEM adventure designed for curious young minds ages 7–13! Held every Friday from June 19 through August 21, participants will explore the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics behind rail transportation through engaging experiments, interactive activities, and museum experiences.
Featured Lesson: Waves in Liquids - Students will learn how energy can be transmitted through waves to affect the movement of other objects; to learn the relationship between amplitude and frequency.
Participants will also take part in a trolley restoration activity, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how historic streetcars are preserved for future generations. The program concludes with a ride aboard one of the museum's historic trolleys.
Whether your child loves science, engineering, history, or trains, RailQuest offers a unique opportunity to learn, explore, and have fun at the National Capital Trolley Museum.
Monumental Moments
Celebrating the history of Washington, D.C., and the role transportation has played with a series of speakers. Speakers include local historian and storyteller Joe Himali, Thom de Boo (from "Trains are Awesome"), Andy Sandwiess (from "Secrets of the DC Metro"), and Mike Litters, head of Public Relations for the National Parks Service in Washington, DC.
More Information Coming Soon
Summer RailQuest STEM Workshop - July 24
Join us this summer for RailQuest, a hands-on STEM adventure designed for curious young minds ages 7–13! Held every Friday from June 19 through August 21, participants will explore the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics behind rail transportation through engaging experiments, interactive activities, and museum experiences.
Featured Lesson: Light Absorption - Students will learn how energy from the sun is absorbed as heat.
Participants will also take part in a trolley restoration activity, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how historic streetcars are preserved for future generations. The program concludes with a ride aboard one of the museum's historic trolleys.
Whether your child loves science, engineering, history, or trains, RailQuest offers a unique opportunity to learn, explore, and have fun at the National Capital Trolley Museum.
Summer RailQuest STEM Workshop - July 31
Join us this summer for RailQuest, a hands-on STEM adventure designed for curious young minds ages 7–13! Held every Friday from June 19 through August 21, participants will explore the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics behind rail transportation through engaging experiments, interactive activities, and museum experiences.
Featured Lesson: Light, Reflection, and Refraction - Students will explore the behavior of light.
Participants will also take part in a trolley restoration activity, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how historic streetcars are preserved for future generations. The program concludes with a ride aboard one of the museum's historic trolleys.
Whether your child loves science, engineering, history, or trains, RailQuest offers a unique opportunity to learn, explore, and have fun at the National Capital Trolley Museum.
Summer RailQuest STEM Workshop - August 7
Join us this summer for RailQuest, a hands-on STEM adventure designed for curious young minds ages 7–13! Held every Friday from June 19 through August 21, participants will explore the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics behind rail transportation through engaging experiments, interactive activities, and museum experiences.
Featured Lesson: Sound Energy - Students will learn how waves can be used to transmit information by exploring how sound travels.
Participants will also take part in a trolley restoration activity, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how historic streetcars are preserved for future generations. The program concludes with a ride aboard one of the museum's historic trolleys.
Whether your child loves science, engineering, history, or trains, RailQuest offers a unique opportunity to learn, explore, and have fun at the National Capital Trolley Museum.
Summer RailQuest STEM Workshop - August 14
Join us this summer for RailQuest, a hands-on STEM adventure designed for curious young minds ages 7–13! Held every Friday from June 19 through August 21, participants will explore the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics behind rail transportation through engaging experiments, interactive activities, and museum experiences.
Featured Lesson: Electrical, Energy, & Energy Conversions - Students will explore energy conversion from electricity to light, sound, and motion.
Participants will also take part in a trolley restoration activity, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how historic streetcars are preserved for future generations. The program concludes with a ride aboard one of the museum's historic trolleys.
Whether your child loves science, engineering, history, or trains, RailQuest offers a unique opportunity to learn, explore, and have fun at the National Capital Trolley Museum.
Summer RailQuest STEM Workshop - August 21
Join us this summer for RailQuest, a hands-on STEM adventure designed for curious young minds ages 7–13! Held every Friday from June 19 through August 21, participants will explore the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics behind rail transportation through engaging experiments, interactive activities, and museum experiences.
Featured Lesson: Chemical Energy - Students will demonstrate the chemical reaction which requires a large amount of heat energy.
Participants will also take part in a trolley restoration activity, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how historic streetcars are preserved for future generations. The program concludes with a ride aboard one of the museum's historic trolleys.
Whether your child loves science, engineering, history, or trains, RailQuest offers a unique opportunity to learn, explore, and have fun at the National Capital Trolley Museum.
Live at the Loop Concert Series: September Session
Join us at the National Capital Trolley Museum for Live at the Loop, a new outdoor concert series featuring local musicians, food trucks, craft beverages, community exhibitors, and family-friendly fun.
Performances will take place outdoors on the museum’s trolley platform. Bring chairs and blankets and enjoy the music from the lawn.
Sunday, September 20, 2026 from 12 pm - 7:30 pm
Live at the Loop Concert Series: October Session
Join us at the National Capital Trolley Museum for Live at the Loop, a new outdoor concert series featuring local musicians, food trucks, craft beverages, community exhibitors, and family-friendly fun.
Performances will take place outdoors on the museum’s trolley platform. Bring chairs and blankets and enjoy the music from the lawn.
Sunday, October 18, 2026 from 12 pm - 7:30 pm
Summer RailQuest STEM Workshop - July 3
Join us this summer for RailQuest, a hands-on STEM adventure designed for curious young minds ages 7–13! Held every Friday from June 19 through August 21, participants will explore the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics behind rail transportation through engaging experiments, interactive activities, and museum experiences.
Featured Lesson: Heat Energy - Students demonstrate that temperature can affect the movement of water.
Participants will also take part in a trolley restoration activity, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how historic streetcars are preserved for future generations. The program concludes with a ride aboard one of the museum's historic trolleys.
Whether your child loves science, engineering, history, or trains, RailQuest offers a unique opportunity to learn, explore, and have fun at the National Capital Trolley Museum.
Heritage Days 2026
A county-wide celebration of arts, history and culture in Montgomery County, Maryland! Join us as we participate in the annual Heritage Weekend organized by the Heritage Tourism Alliance of Montgomery County. Enjoy FREE admission to the museum with unlimited trolley rides available for just $7 per person.
Open 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm on June 27 and 28. For additional events county-wide, click here.
Summer RailQuest STEM Workshop - June 26
Join us this summer for RailQuest, a hands-on STEM adventure designed for curious young minds ages 7–13! Held every Friday from June 19 through August 21, participants will explore the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics behind rail transportation through engaging experiments, interactive activities, and museum experiences.
Day 2: Energy Transfer - Students will learn how different amounts of kinetic and potential energy affect collision.
Participants will also take part in a trolley restoration activity, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how historic streetcars are preserved for future generations. The program concludes with a ride aboard one of the museum's historic trolleys.
Whether your child loves science, engineering, history, or trains, RailQuest offers a unique opportunity to learn, explore, and have fun at the National Capital Trolley Museum.
Live at the Loop Concert Series: June Session
Join us at the National Capital Trolley Museum for Live at the Loop, a new outdoor concert series featuring local musicians, food trucks, craft beverages, community exhibitors, and family-friendly fun.
Performances will take place outdoors on the museum’s trolley platform. Bring chairs and blankets and enjoy the music from the lawn.
Sunday, June 21, 2026 from 12 pm - 7:30 pm
Summer RailQuest STEM Workshop - June 19
Join us this summer for RailQuest, a hands-on STEM adventure designed for curious young minds ages 7–13! Held every Friday from June 19 through August 21, participants will explore the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics behind rail transportation through engaging experiments, interactive activities, and museum experiences.
The first session will focus on the relationship between kinetic and potential energy, allowing students to discover how energy powers movement through a fun, hands-on experiment.
Participants will also take part in a trolley restoration activity, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how historic streetcars are preserved for future generations. The program concludes with a ride aboard one of the museum's historic trolleys.
Whether your child loves science, engineering, history, or trains, RailQuest offers a unique opportunity to learn, explore, and have fun at the National Capital Trolley Museum.
Meet the Noted Artist: J. Craig Thorpe
Join the National Capital Trolley Museum for a special presentation by renowned railroad and transit artist J. Craig Thorpe on Saturday, June 13, at 1:00 p.m.
Known for his detailed and historically accurate paintings of railroads, streetcars, and American transportation, Thorpe has completed commissioned works for organizations including Amtrak, the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, and the Baltimore Streetcar Museum. During this engaging presentation, he will share insights into his artistic process, the stories behind his work, and his passion for preserving transportation history through art.
Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase a limited number of autographed copies of Thorpe's acclaimed book, Railroads, Art, and American Life. This is a unique opportunity to meet one of America's most respected transportation artists and gain a deeper appreciation for the role railroads and streetcars have played in shaping our communities.
The presentation is included with regular museum admission.
Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage guests to arrive early.
Cavalcade of Streetcars
After a seven-year hiatus, the National Capital Trolley Museum is excited to bring back its Cavalcade of Streetcars. On Saturday, June 13th, between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., all operable streetcars will be running on parts of our railway. We will offer different line-ups of our streetcars at various locations along the railway, and frequent passenger operations with multiple cars will occur throughout the day.
In addition, famed railroad artist J. Craig Thorpe will give a presentation at 1 p.m., and we will have a scavenger hunt. All correct entries will be eligible for one of three $25 gift certificates for use in our Museum store.
Schedule of Events:
11 am - 12 pm: Line up and parade of streetcars
12 pm - 1 pm: Frequent streetcar operations with photo opportunities
1 pm - 2 pm: Presentation of noted railroad artist J.Craig Thorpe on his railroad art
2 pm - 5 pm: Frequent streetcar operations with photo opportunities; tours of maintenance barn
Rolling to Victory: African American Contributions
DC Transit #1470
Step into a pivotal moment in history at the National Capital Trolley Museum’s Rolling to Victory exhibit, commemorating Victory in Europe (V-E) Day and the vital role public transit played during World War II.
As Washington, D.C. surged with wartime activity, streetcars and buses became essential to daily life, carrying workers across the city and keeping the capital moving. This immersive exhibit highlights the people behind the system, focusing on the challenges and contributions of African American transit workers.
Interactive experiences aboard historic streetcars bring these stories to life. Inside DC Transit #1470, explore the push to expand the workforce, including the hiring of women and the efforts of the African American community to secure equitable employment opportunities. On Third Avenue Railway #678, discover how transit systems supported wartime workers in the Bronx and beyond.
The exhibit is open Saturday, May 23, from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. and is included with general admission.
Third Avenue Railway #678
SpringFest
SpringFest at the National Capital Trolley Museum
March 28 – 29 | 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
General admission pricing applies. Advance tickets encouraged.
Celebrate the arrival of spring at SpringFest, a family-friendly weekend at the National Capital Trolley Museum filled with seasonal activities, interactive exhibits, and opportunities to explore the museum in new ways.
Meet the Easter Bunny on Saturday, March 28, and Sunday, March 29, and take a photo during your visit. Kids can participate in an interactive scavenger hunt throughout the museum, searching for hidden treasures and earning a prize when the hunt is complete. Young visitors can also stop by the arts and crafts station to create spring-themed projects, including festive bunny masks.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can try their luck by guessing the number of jelly beans in the jar for a chance to win a prize. Museum docents will host discussions during the event, sharing insights about the museum’s historic trolley collection and the history of streetcars in the region.
Additional special features include model railroad displays presented by members of the Washington, Virginia & Maryland Garden Railroad Society and demonstrations from the Mid Atlantic RC Truck Association, which will bring remote-control vehicles for guests to enjoy.
Snow Day Special at the Trolley Museum
The National Capital Trolley Museum is open Saturday, January 31, from 12:00 to 5:00 PM.
Thanks to the winter weather, we’re offering a Special Snow Day Rate for admission. Trolley rides will operate on a cozy, limited loop within the Visitor Center area, giving you a fun and safe way to enjoy the museum while taking advantage of reduced pricing.
Bundle up, bring the family, and enjoy a snowy day of history in motion and hands-on fun. We look forward to seeing you!
DC Transit Day
Join our annual celebration of all things transit in Washington, DC! This year marks 64 years since the last streetcar ran in Washington, and we're pulling out all the stops to make this weekend unforgettable for transit enthusiasts and history lovers of all ages. Expect special exhibits on transit in the region, tours of our maintenance and restoration facility, presentations from guest speakers, our famous streetcar parade, featuring real, working streetcars from the 1890s, and so much more!
DC Transit Weekend / Saturday Jan 24 / Sunday Jan 25:
Open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Trolley rides every 30 minutes.
Tours of Maintenance Barn throughout the day
Washington DC Streetcar collection on display inside and outside Street Car Hall
Saturday events:
12:30 pm: Presentation by local historian Zachary Schrag on the history of Metro’s development, including the most recent extension of the Silver Line to Dulles Airport
1:30 pm: Dedication ceremony and opening of a new exhibit, for newly restored DC Streetcar #27, originally built in 1918; restoration of its car body has been completed.
2:30 pm: Presentation by museum volunteer Matthew Koch on the correlation of the historic street car lines and the current metro routes.
Sunday events:
1:30 pm: Parade of Washington Street cars around the Visitor Center loop
Winter Break Special - January 2026
Kick Off the New Year at the Museum
Start the new year with a fun and educational outing during winter break. Join us for a fresh start to 2026 with a quieter day to explore the National Capital Trolley Museum. Holiday decorations will still be on display, offering one last chance to enjoy the seasonal setting while learning about the history of electric railways and streetcars.
The museum will be open from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm on January 3, 2026.
Regular museum admission applies. Whether you’re continuing a holiday tradition or discovering the museum for the first time, this is an easy and engaging way to spend part of winter break.
Winter Break Special - December 2025
Santa and Mrs. Claus Head Back to the North Pole
Looking for something fun to do during winter break? We’d love to welcome you back to the National Capital Trolley Museum for a Winter Break Special that’s perfect for families, visitors, and local history fans alike.
While Santa and Mrs. Claus will have returned to the North Pole, the museum will still be decked out in festive holiday décor, creating a warm and seasonal setting to explore at your own pace. Step aboard historic streetcars, browse exhibits, and enjoy a quieter, more relaxed visit after the holiday rush.
The museum will be open on Saturday, December 27, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Regular museum admission applies. Whether you’re continuing a holiday tradition or discovering the museum for the first time, this is an easy and engaging way to spend part of winter break.
Holly Trolleyfest - Weekday Visit
Last Chance to See Santa and Mrs. Claus Before the Return to the North Pole
Make plans for a special weekday visit to the National Capital Trolley Museum on Monday, December 22, from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm. This limited-day opening offers a quieter, more relaxed way to experience Holly TrolleyFest while still enjoying the magic of the season.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be stopping by for one final visit before heading back to the North Pole, making this the last opportunity to see them during the 2025 Holly TrolleyFest. Families can enjoy a festive trolley ride through the winter woods, explore the museum’s decorated exhibits, and take in the holiday atmosphere one last time.
Whether you are continuing a favorite tradition or looking for a meaningful way to wrap up your holiday celebrations, this special Monday opening is a memorable way to close out the season at the museum.
Holly TrolleyFest
Santa is Coming to Holly TrolleyFest!
TICKETS ON SALE NOW - CLICK HERE
Visit with Santa on our mile-long woodland railroad, featuring a holiday ride on our historic streetcars. Enjoy a holiday model railroad display in collaboration with the Washington, Virginia & Maryland Garden Railway Society, crafts for children, photo opportunities, hot chocolate and treats, and more! Come aboard for this special holiday event!
Holly Trolley Fest rides without Santa are available each day. Click here to purchase tickets for a ride without Santa.
Please note: trolley rides will be scheduled 10 minutes past the ticketed time. One ride each day will be without Santa.
No refunds. Tickets can be exchanged on a space-available basis. Unused tickets are considered donations to the museum.
2025 HOLLY TROLLEYFEST SCHEDULE
Saturdays & Sundays , November 29 - Dec 21, 10:30 am to 5 pm. Reservations are required. Admission $12 per person (Sorry- family & friends passes and membership cards are not accepted for this event.)
ADDITIONAL DATE ADDED: Monday, December 22 - 10:30 am - 3:00 pm - tickets can be reserved via the link above.
Support Olney Help During Holly TrolleyFest
Holly TrolleyFest is officially underway, and we’re proud to share a new way to give back this season.
The National Capital Trolley Museum is hosting a holiday food drive in support of Olney Help. Bring a non-perishable food item or a grocery gift card during your Holly TrolleyFest visit and receive a voucher for free museum admission through March 2026
Look for the collection box inside the museum and help us support local families while celebrating one of our favorite trolley traditions.
Most-needed items include:
pancake syrup
hearty soups
canned fruit in juice
jelly
canned green beans, corn, and peas (low or no salt preferred)
12-ounce cans of chicken
instant oatmeal and kids’ cereals
Giant, Safeway, or Harris Teeter gift cards
Trolley-ween
The National Capital Trolley Museum is bubbling with anticipation for its annual Trolley-ween event, a spooktacular afternoon of happy haunts and not-so-scary surprises that the whole family can enjoy ahead of Halloween!
October 25 from 11 am to 5 pm
October 26 from 10 am to 3 pm
Halloween-themed decorated street cars in Street Car Hall
Halloween-themed scavenger hunt with prizes
Paint/decorate your own pumpkin (nominal additional fee - while supplies last)
Costumes are encouraged; kids in costume will receive a treat
Unlimited street car rides
Advanced general admission tickets are strongly encouraged for this event and may be purchased now. Please note that family & friends and membership passes are not valid for this event.
Trolley-ween
The National Capital Trolley Museum is bubbling with anticipation for its annual Trolley-ween event, a spooktacular afternoon of happy haunts and not-so-scary surprises that the whole family can enjoy ahead of Halloween!
October 25 from 11 am to 5 pm
October 26 from 10 am to 3 pm
Halloween-themed decorated street cars in Street Car Hall
Halloween-themed scavenger hunt with prizes
Paint/decorate your own pumpkin (nominal additional fee - while supplies last)
Costumes are encouraged; kids in costume will receive a treat
Unlimited street car rides
Advanced general admission tickets are strongly encouraged for this event and may be purchased now. Please note that family & friends and membership passes are not valid for this event.
Sip, Rock and Ride
Sip Rock & Ride - Sunday September 28 4-7 pm
Admission: $12 per person (Sorry; no reduced fares and passes are not valid). Reservations recommended.
Featuring
Free parking
Live music with Melanie and Will
Dancing
Trolley rides on historic trolleys
Virtual trolley rides with VR headset
Access to several display trolleys
Food and drinks for sale
Vendors: Urban Winery (Silver Spring) and Third Hill Brewery (Silver Spring)
Rolling to Victory: Memorial Day Tribute to Streetcars on the World War II Homefront
Learn about Capital Transit’s response to the demands of increased ridership in World War II.
Kids' Train Day
Enjoy an afternoon of trolleys and model trains! See Thomas, Claribell, and Annie. Watch model trains of all sizes, and play with wooden trains on a large table-top layout.
Presented by the WB&A Train Club, this exhibit is included with your regular admission ticket.
Hippity Hop Trolley
All aboard the Hippity-Hop Trolley!
Celebrate the return of spring with a special family weekend at the National Capital Trolley Museum.
Reservations are REQUIRED for this event!
WOMEN ON TRACK: Celebrating Women's Story in Rail and Trolley History.
SAVE THE DATE!
Join us to learn about the many roles of women in the transportation industry.
DC Transit Day 2025
Save the Date!
Join us as the Trolley Museum commemorates the 63rd Anniversary of the last day of streetcar service in the Nation's Capital on January 28, 1962 with local transit displays, author talks, videos, archive displays, and rides on DC Transit 1101.
Click here for the press release.
Holly Trolleyfest Winter Break Special!
December 28 - Noon - 5 pm.
(last tour starts at 4 pm)
Spend the holiday afternoon at the Trolley Museum with lights, model trains, and trolley rides. There is no Santa at this event.
Trolley-ween!
Happy Trolley-ween!
Join us for some good October fun — make Halloween crafts, ride an antique street car, and take advantage of photo ops!
Visitors are encouraged to get in the spirit of the season and wear a costume to the National Capital Trolley Museum!
*Last tour starts at 3:00 pm.
Trolley-ween!
Happy Trolley-ween!
Join us for some good October fun — make Halloween crafts, ride an antique street car, and take advantage of photo ops!
Visitors are encouraged to get in the spirit of the season and wear a costume to the National Capital Trolley Museum!
*Last tour starts at 5:30 pm.