Upcoming Events
Trolleyween at the National Capital Trolley Museum
All aboard for a spooktacular Halloween adventure before the neighborhood trick-or-treating begins!
Looking for a fun way to kick off Halloween with the kids before the evening's trick-or-treating festivities? The National Capital Trolley Museum has you covered with Trolleyween, a family-friendly daytime Halloween celebration filled with sweet treats, festive activities, and historic streetcar adventures!
Gather the family, put on your favorite costumes, and join us on Saturday, October 31, from noon to 5 PM for an afternoon of not-so-scary Halloween fun. It's the perfect way to get an early start on the holiday festivities before heading out for neighborhood trick-or-treating later in the evening.
Here's what's waiting for you at Trolleyween:
Trolley and Treat! Explore Streetcar Hall, visit our historic trolleys, and collect Halloween candy from museum volunteers along the way.
Spooky Wooden Ornaments! Get creative by painting your own Halloween ornament for just $2 per child. Choose from cats, ghosts, witches, skulls, jack-o'-lanterns, bats, and more!
Halloween Scavenger Hunt! Search for spooky surprises throughout the museum and complete a themed scavenger hunt for prizes.
Unlimited Trolley Rides! Climb aboard our historic streetcars and enjoy unlimited rides through the beautiful fall scenery.
Costume Fun! Come dressed in your Halloween best!
Make Trolleyween Part of Your Halloween Day!
Why wait until the sun goes down to start celebrating? Trolleyween is a great daytime activity for families looking to make the most of Halloween. Whether you're planning a full day of festivities or searching for something special to do with younger children before the neighborhood trick-or-treating begins, Trolleyween offers a memorable way to celebrate.
With hands-on activities, plenty of treats, and unlimited streetcar rides, it's one of Montgomery County's unique family-friendly ways to enjoy Halloween without the scares!
Admission
Adults (Ages 14–64): $15.00
Seniors (Ages 65+): $13.00
Military: $13.00
Children (Ages 2–13): $10.00
Children under 2: Free
Get your Halloween celebration rolling! Bring your costumes, your Halloween spirit, and the whole family for a spooktacular afternoon before the evening's trick-or-treating adventures begin.
Saturday, October 31 | 12 PM – 5 PM
National Capital Trolley Museum
1313 Bonifant Road, Colesville, MD 20905
Purchase tickets at www.dctrolley.org
Holly TrolleyFest 2026
Santa and Mrs. Claus are coming to the National Capital Trolley Museum for Holly TrolleyFest 2026!
Celebrate the season with a festive ride aboard one of our historic streetcars along the Museum’s mile-long woodland railway, where Santa and Mrs. Claus will be waiting to greet visitors. Enjoy a holiday model railroad display presented in collaboration with the Washington, Virginia & Maryland Garden Railway Society, children’s crafts, festive photo opportunities, hot chocolate, treats, and more.
Gather the family, climb aboard, and make some holiday memories at this special seasonal tradition.
2026 Holly TrolleyFest Schedule
Saturdays and Sundays, November 28 through December 23
10:30 AM to 5 PM
Admission: $15 per person
Reservations are required. Family & Friends passes and Museum membership cards are not accepted for this special event.
Ticket Sales to Open Soon
Trolleyween Weekend
Trolley-ween is rolling back into the National Capital Trolley Museum!
Join us for a spooktacular afternoon of happy haunts, festive fun, and not-so-scary surprises for the whole family. Explore Halloween-decorated streetcars in Street Car Hall, take part in a themed scavenger hunt with prizes, and enjoy unlimited rides aboard our historic streetcars.
Come in costume! Children in costume will receive a special treat. Families can also enjoy arts and crafts.
It is a frightfully fun way to celebrate the season and experience history in motion.
Trolleyween Weekend
Trolley-ween is rolling back into the National Capital Trolley Museum!
Join us for a spooktacular afternoon of happy haunts, festive fun, and not-so-scary surprises for the whole family. Explore Halloween-decorated streetcars in Street Car Hall, take part in a themed scavenger hunt with prizes, and enjoy unlimited rides aboard our historic streetcars.
Come in costume! Children in costume will receive a special treat. Families can also enjoy arts and crafts.
It is a frightfully fun way to celebrate the season and experience history in motion.
Fall Fridays: Special October Hours
Make the most of a Fall Friday with a visit to the National Capital Trolley Museum. Our special weekday hours give families, retirees, homeschool groups, and anyone looking for a quieter outing the opportunity to explore the Museum at a relaxed pace.
Join us for Fall Fridays from 10 AM to 3 PM on October 2, 9, 16, and 23.
Fall Fridays: Special October Hours
Make the most of a Fall Friday with a visit to the National Capital Trolley Museum. Our special weekday hours give families, retirees, homeschool groups, and anyone looking for a quieter outing the opportunity to explore the Museum at a relaxed pace.
Join us for Fall Fridays from 10 AM to 3 PM on October 2, 9, 16, and 23.
Fall Fridays: Special October Hours
Make the most of a Fall Friday with a visit to the National Capital Trolley Museum. Our special weekday hours give families, retirees, homeschool groups, and anyone looking for a quieter outing the opportunity to explore the Museum at a relaxed pace.
Join us for Fall Fridays from 10 AM to 3 PM on October 2, 9, 16, and 23.
Fall Fridays: Special October Hours
Make the most of a Fall Friday with a visit to the National Capital Trolley Museum. The museum will be open from 10am - 3pm to offer families, retirees, homeschool groups, or anyone seeking a quieter outing, the chance to explore at a relaxed pace.
Friday at the Museum: Special September Hours
Make the most of a September Friday with a visit to the National Capital Trolley Museum. It is a great opportunity for families, retirees, homeschool groups, and anyone looking for a fun weekday outing to explore the museum at a quieter pace.
Discover the stories of the region’s streetcars and public transportation, enjoy a ride on a historic trolley, and experience our newest exhibit, Building the Region: 50 Years of Washington Metrorail. The exhibit explores Metrorail's history and impact, from its early planning and construction to its role in connecting the Washington region today.
Friday at the Museum will be offered from 10 AM to 3 PM on September 4, 11, 18, and 25. September 25 is the final Summer Friday of the season.
Friday at the Museum: Special September Hours
Make the most of a September Friday with a visit to the National Capital Trolley Museum. It is a great opportunity for families, retirees, homeschool groups, and anyone looking for a fun weekday outing to explore the museum at a quieter pace.
Discover the stories of the region’s streetcars and public transportation, enjoy a ride on a historic trolley, and experience our newest exhibit, Building the Region: 50 Years of Washington Metrorail. The exhibit explores Metrorail's history and impact, from its early planning and construction to its role in connecting the Washington region today.
Friday at the Museum will be offered from 10 AM to 3 PM on September 4, 11, 18, and 25. September 25 is the final Summer Friday of the season.
Come See Us at the Kensington Train Show!
The National Capital Trolley Museum will have a table at the upcoming Kensington Train Show on Saturday, September 12th!
Stop by to say hello, learn more about the museum, check out upcoming programs and exhibits, and pick up information about becoming a member or volunteer.
Weekend Schedule
Performances by:
Orleans Express Band: Sat. 9/12 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
David Scott Weaver & Friends 9/12 2-4 PM
Railroad Songs and Stories by Matthew Dodd: Sun. 9/13 1 PM - 4 PM
Throughout the weekend, kids can play the I Spy Train Game! Kids can play as they check out the model trains and receive a prize from the Noyes Children’s Library upon completion!
Friday at the Museum: Special September Hours
Make the most of a September Friday with a visit to the National Capital Trolley Museum. It is a great opportunity for families, retirees, homeschool groups, and anyone looking for a fun weekday outing to explore the museum at a quieter pace.
Discover the stories of the region’s streetcars and public transportation, enjoy a ride on a historic trolley, and experience our newest exhibit, Building the Region: 50 Years of Washington Metrorail. The exhibit explores Metrorail's history and impact, from its early planning and construction to its role in connecting the Washington region today.
Friday at the Museum will be offered from 10 AM to 3 PM on September 4, 11, 18, and 25. September 25 is the final Summer Friday of the season.
Friday at the Museum: Special September Hours
Make the most of a September Friday with a visit to the National Capital Trolley Museum. It is a great opportunity for families, retirees, homeschool groups, and anyone looking for a fun weekday outing to explore the museum at a quieter pace.
Discover the stories of the region’s streetcars and public transportation, enjoy a ride on a historic trolley, and experience our newest exhibit, Building the Region: 50 Years of Washington Metrorail. The exhibit explores Metrorail's history and impact, from its early planning and construction to its role in connecting the Washington region today.
Friday at the Museum will be offered from 10 AM to 3 PM on September 4, 11, 18, and 25. September 25 is the final Summer Friday of the season.
PCC Weekend Exhibit Opening
WMATA Metrorail Opening Day
Building the Region: 50 Years of Washington Metrorail
We're opening a new exhibit during PCC Weekend, August 29–30, titled "Building the Region: 50 Years of Washington Metrorail." The exhibit will tell the story of Metrorail’s creation and impact through three phases: the planning and design of the system, the massive construction effort that transformed the region, and the excitement surrounding opening day in March 1976.
As part of the exhibit, we are also reaching out to current and former Metro employees to invite them to the museum to share their stories through oral history interviews. These personal accounts will help preserve the memories and experiences of the people who designed, built, operated, and supported one of the most important transportation systems in the Washington region.
PCC Weekend 2026
Celebrate a milestone in Washington transportation history at the National Capital Trolley Museum!
This August marks the anniversary of the 1937 arrival of DC Transit #1101, Washington, D.C.’s first PCC streetcar. Join us for a special weekend celebrating the PCC streetcars that helped transform public transportation in the nation’s capital.
The weekend will feature:
Rides aboard our operable PCC streetcars
Presentations exploring PCC streetcar history
Family-friendly activities for children
The opening of our new WMATA exhibit, “Building the Region: 50 Years of Washington Metrorail”
Come experience history in motion and discover how generations of public transportation, from the PCC streetcar to Metrorail, have connected and shaped the Washington region.
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.
Come See Us at the Montgomery County Ag Fair!
Event Parking Address:
501 Perry Parkway
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
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 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 - 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 - 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.
Monumental Moments
Monumental Moments
History Is All Around Us
Discover the stories, people, and places that shaped Washington, DC.
Join us at the National Capital Trolley Museum on Saturday, July 18, 2026, for Monumental Moments, a celebration of Washington, DC history.
July 16th marks the 236th anniversary of the founding of the District of Columbia, established by an Act of Congress to serve as the capital of the United States. To celebrate, we're bringing together historians, transportation experts, and popular content creators for an afternoon of fun and exploration.
Admission includes all presentations, unlimited rides on our historic streetcars, and access to the museum's exhibits. Each presentation will last approximately 20–25 minutes and includes time for audience questions afterwards.
Presentation Schedule
12:30 PM: Washington's Historic Streetcar Car Barns
Joe Himali
Long before Metro, Washington moved by streetcar, and the buildings built to house those cars were treated as civic showpieces rather than simple garages. This presentation explores the remarkable architecture behind the city's historic car barns, from Waddy Wood's Romanesque Revival East Capitol Street Car Barn to the Italian Renaissance-inspired structure on 14th Street. Discover why transit companies hired some of the city's finest architects to design homes for their streetcars and how many of these buildings still stand today as apartments, offices, and even an active bus garage.
2:00 PM: How We Got to the Mall: Transit on America’s Front Yard
Jake Sawyer
Step into the National Mall’s past and discover how getting around Washington has changed over the centuries. Join the National Park Service's Jake Sawyer for a fascinating look at the Mall’s transportation history, from the canal that once ran where Constitution Avenue is today to the little-known story of the nation’s first attempted Air Mail service, launched from West Potomac Park. Along the way, you’ll uncover surprising stories of innovation, ambition, and transformation that helped shape the capital we know today. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about the hidden stories beneath familiar landscapes, this presentation offers a fresh perspective on one of America’s most iconic places.
3:30 PM: The History of Railways in DC
Thom de Boo & Andy Sandweiss
Washington became one of America's earliest railroad cities in the 1830s and today is home to one of the nation's busiest rail hubs. Thom and Andy trace nearly two centuries of railway history, exploring how railroads transformed the city and influenced transportation across the country. From political intrigue to engineering milestones, discover the fascinating story behind the tracks that continue to shape the capital today.
Our Speakers
We hope you can join us
Whether you're a lifelong Washington history enthusiast or simply curious to learn something new, Monumental Moments offers a unique opportunity to explore the stories that shaped our nation's capital.
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.
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 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.
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
