Greer Railfest: free train festival in Greer City Park

Last checked Oct. 16, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Facts come from the City of Greer’s Railfest page and its Railfest 2026 Know Before You Go guide.

Railfest is the City of Greer’s free, family festival of trains and rail safety, held in Greer City Park. The most recent one was Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The 2027 date has not been announced. The city says to follow its Parks, Recreation and Tourism Facebook page for updates, and we will add the date here when it is posted.

Railfest at a glance

• Last held: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Next date not yet announced.
• Where: Greer City Park, 301 E. Poinsett St., with crafts inside Greer City Hall
• Cost: free
• Parking: free at the Jason Street Garage
• City events line: 864-968-7008, events@cityofgreersc.gov

What’s there

The city’s Railfest page lists model trains, train museums and trackless train rides, with free face painting, balloons, inflatables and live music. Children make train-themed crafts inside Greer City Hall, food trucks are on site, and visitors can win prizes that include scenic train rides and model trains.

The 2026 festival, according to the city’s guide, had:

• Train organizations: the Hub City Railroad Museum, Model Trains Station, the National Model Railroad Association’s Palmetto Division, South Carolina Operation Lifesaver (the rail safety group), the Piedmont N Southern Model Railroad Club, the Central Railway Museum, the Apple Valley Model Railroad Club, the Greer Heritage Museum and the Greer Farmers Market.
• Railfest Boarding Pass: pick one up at the Information Booth, collect a stamp from each train organization and return it for a prize.
• Live music: Swamp Rabbit Bluegrass from 10 a.m. to noon and West End Strings from noon to 2 p.m.
• Hobo stories: Bookworm Bonnie, Queen of the Hobos in 2013, and Cannonball Paul told stories, taught hobo signs and gave out hobo names in a dubbing ceremony.
• Family fun: free trackless train rides through the park, inflatables, face painting, balloon art, caricatures and miniature golf.
• Prize drawings at 10:45 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 12:45 p.m. and 1:45 p.m.
• Food trucks: Daddy’s Cookout, The Salted Fry, Duckie’s Delight (Duck Donuts), Sunset Slush of Travelers Rest, Travelin’ Toms Coffee of East Greer and G-Rod’s Latin Fusion.

Parking and getting there

Greer City Park is at 301 E. Poinsett St., next to City Hall. Parking is free at the Jason Street Garage, a short walk from the park, and in the city’s other free lots on its public parking map. The free Greer Station shuttles run Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with stops at the Jason Street Parking Garage and Greer City Hall. The city has not published street closures for Railfest; the festival stays inside the park and City Hall.

What to know before you go

• No pets, and city-sponsored events are smoke-free.
• Children under 16 must be with an adult at all times.
• Accessibility: call the events team at 864-968-7008 at least 48 hours before the event for special accommodations.
• Vendors apply through the city’s application page.

Related guides: kids’ activities in Greer, free things to do in Greer and Greer history and landmarks.

Frequently asked questions

When is Railfest in Greer?

The 2026 Railfest was Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Greer City Park. The city has not announced the 2027 date; it posts updates on its Parks, Recreation and Tourism Facebook page.

Is Greer Railfest free?

Yes. The city runs Railfest at no cost to the public, including the trackless train rides, face painting, balloons and inflatables. Food trucks sell food.

Where do I park for Railfest?

Parking is free at the Jason Street Garage, a short walk from Greer City Park, and in the city’s other public lots. Free downtown shuttles also run.

Can I bring my dog to Railfest?

No. Pets are not allowed at city-sponsored events, which are also smoke-free.