The historic borough of Rocky Hill is set to become a hub of miniature locomotive magic as the Pacific Southern Railway kicks off its first-ever Summer Train Fest on Saturday, June 20, 2026. Running from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the rain-or-shine event aims to blend the intricate art of model railroading with a vibrant, family-friendly backyard carnival.
For over sixty years, the Pacific Southern Railway has operated as a nonprofit club dedicated to preserving American transit history through museum-quality modeling. This upcoming festival marks a major milestone for the organization, opening its doors wider than ever following a highly successful, sold-out winter exhibition.
Attendees will gain access to the club’s legendary 5,000-square-foot HO-scale layout. Hidden inside a local residence, the massive display features more than 3,500 feet of hand-laid track, realistic signaling systems, and highly detailed miniature landscapes that have taken decades for passionate hobbyists to craft.
The festival extends far beyond the indoor tracks, utilizing the property’s entire outdoor yard. Organizers have scheduled a diverse lineup of entertainment, including live musical performances, a wandering R2-D2 replica, family activities including face painting and a balloon artist, and local food trucks serving up diverse lunch options and sweet treats.
The venue itself carries a unique slice of modern pop-culture history. In 2025, the residence housing the railroad was purchased by television personality James “Murr” Murray—star of the hit show Impractical Jokers—and his wife, Melyssa. The couple bought the home specifically to protect the historic layout and ensure the nonprofit club could maintain its permanent headquarters. Both are scheduled to appear at the June 20th event to greet guests and support the club’s mission.
In keeping with the organization’s focus on community outreach, a portion of the festival’s proceeds will directly benefit local emergency services. Personnel from the Rocky Hill Fire Department and EMT units will be stationed on-site, offering local families a chance to meet first responders and tour emergency vehicles.
Admission for the Summer Train Fest is $10, while children under the age of 10 can enter for free. Street parking will be available along the north side of Washington Street (Route 518). Because the event utilizes scheduled entry windows to maintain a comfortable flow inside the museum space, organizers strongly encourage visitors to reserve tickets online in advance, though walk-up tickets will be sold subject to building capacity.
