Golden Jubilee

Saturday, October 4 | 3 – 8:30 p.m.

Celebrating 50 Years of McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

🚂 Why We’re Celebrating

For 50 years, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park has been more than just a park—it’s been a place where childhood memories are made, where generations gather, and where the sound of a train whistle instantly sparks joy. From birthday parties and holiday lights to carousel rides and school field trips, this park has been at the heart of Scottsdale’s community spirit for half a century.

The Golden Jubilee is our way of celebrating this incredible milestone and honoring the people who made it possible: the McCormick-Stillman family, our dedicated staff and volunteers, and most importantly, you—our community.

And because you’ve supported us for 50 years, we want to give back. This entire event is completely FREE to attend—a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who has helped make the park such a special place.

This is more than just an anniversary—it’s a chance to reconnect, reflect, and rejoice in the memories we’ve shared and the future still to come.


🎈 What to Expect

This is not your average day at the park! We’re planning a full afternoon and evening packed with fun for all ages:

  • Bounce houses
  • Face painting & balloon artists
  • Tasty eats from local food trucks
  • Live music from four of the Valley’s favorite bands
  • The park’s first-ever drone light show!

And of course, no visit is complete without a ride on the Paradise & Pacific Railroadhop on and take a ride through history at the very heart of our park.


🎤 Live Music & Special Tribute

We’ll also be taking time during the event to give special recognition to the McCormick-Stillman family, whose generosity and vision helped create the park we know and love today.

Then, get ready for an unforgettable headline performance from The JJ’s Band!
A longtime fan favorite at the park, The JJ’s Band delivers non-stop excitement with top-tier entertainment and musicianship. Covering a wide range of genres and top hits, their high-energy performances are guaranteed to get you dancing. They’ve been bringing the party to life for years, and this celebration will be no exception.


🍻 Food, Drinks & Park Policies

  • Beer and wine will be available for purchase throughout the event
  • Cooler checks will be conducted at the entrance
  • No outside alcohol is allowed inside the park

Come hungry and ready to relax—we’ll have a variety of food and drink options to keep you going all evening!


Drone Light Show Finale

We’re ending this golden celebration with something truly spectacular:
The park’s first-ever drone light show!
Look to the sky for a dazzling, high-tech display that will light up the night and leave you in awe.


❤️ Join Us!

This is a FREE event for the entire community—because 50 years of memories wouldn’t be possible without you.

Bring your family, your friends, and your love for McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park and help us celebrate the legacy, the magic, and the future of this Scottsdale treasure.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Train and Carousel rides are $3 and will be running until 7:45 p.m. Children two and under ride free with a paying adult

 

TimePerformerGenreFood Trucks
3 - 3:45p.m.Rhythm Edition Top 40Culinary Gangster
4:00 - 4:10 p.m.McCormick-Stillman Family recognition Simons Hotdogs
4:15 - 5:00 p.m.Rock Lobster80s RockPizza Arno
5:30 - 6:15 p.m.Tribute to Funk and Soul70's FunkCool Therapy
6:45 - 8:15 p.m.The JJ's BandTop 40

Noon Year’s Eve

December 31

 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

Join us for a jubilant celebration as we ring in the new year – at noon! Bring your friends, family, and neighbors to this unforgettable event as we welcome not only the new year, but also 50 fabulous years in our beloved community. Let’s create a joyful atmosphere filled with hope and excitement for what’s to come!

What to Expect:

🎉 Noisemakers & Happy New Year Hats

Get ready to make some noise! We’ll have a variety of colorful noisemakers available for everyone. Let’s fill the park with laughter and cheer as we countdown to our special noon moment.

🥂 Sparkling Cider Toast

At the stroke of noon, raise your glass of sparkling cider to welcome the new year! Celebrate with a refreshing, fizzy toast that’s perfect for all ages.

🚂Golden Railroad Spike Drop

Experience the magic of welcoming 2026 with a joyful countdown and watch our spectacular Railroad Spike drop right at noon!

🌟 50th Anniversary Kickoff

Be a part of something special! This event marks the beginning of our community’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Learn about upcoming events and activities planned throughout the year that you won’t want to miss!

We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Presented by Plexus

Tracks N Tunes 2026

April 25 – May 30

Saturday Nights 7 – 8:30 p.m.

Free Admission!

Rock and roll at the Railroad Park is back on track! Enjoy free concerts every Saturday evening with a variety of local bands. Recently recognized as one of the best live music venues in Arizona by Best of American Towns, Saturday’s at The Railroad Park are the place to be in Scottsdale this May. With Motown, Disco, Rhythm and Blues and Retro 90’s, we’ve got a little something for everyone.

Bring a blanket or chair and relax in the park. Pack an picnic or enjoy something tasteful from Hartley’s General Store or one of the food trucks that will be onsite.

Train and Carousel rides are $3 and will be running until 8:30 p.m. Children two and under ride free with a paying adult.

DatePerformerGenreFood Trucks
April 25TBD
May 2TBD
May 9TBD
May 16TBD
May 23TBD
May 30TBD

Tents by the Tracks 2026

April 11-12
3 p.m. – 10 a.m.

Pitch your tents by the tracks and experience a night of fun and adventure while camping at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. All you’ll need are your tents and sleeping bags to enjoy an evening of family fun underneath the stars. We will have a variety of activities suitable for all ages, including a full catered dinner, a movie, breakfast and of course, train and carousel rides. Hartley’s General Store will be open for ice cream and other treats.

Reserve a space online via ActiveNet beginning March 3. You must establish an ActiveNet account to reserve a space.

Create your ActiveNet Account here.

Sign Up Here!

Space:

$100.00 – 10×10 Space. Maximum of 2 people.

$200.00 – 12×12 Space. Includes 4 people $45.00 – For each additional person

$300.00 – 18×18 Space. Includes 6 people $45.00 – For each additional person

Kids two years old and younger enter for free.

Annual Members will receive a 10% discount on registration fees.

You are responsible for bringing a tent that fits within your assigned space, along with appropriate gear for all weather conditions.

Cost will include:

  • Reserving a space
  • Unlimited train & carousel rides
  • Lawn games
  • Blue gill fishing pond
  • Catered Dinner & Breakfast Snacks
  • Movie & Popcorn

Schedule of Activities:

  • 3 p.m. gates open for check-in and setup
  • Unlimited rides from 3 – 7 p.m.
  • Lawn games & activities 3 – 7 p.m.
  • Dinner served from 4 – 7 p.m. – TBD
  • Movie – 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. – TBD
  • Lights out 10 p.m.
  • Breakfast snacks & drinks 6 – 10 a.m.
  • Campsite teardown 6 – 10 a.m.

*Activities & times subject to change.

VIP Glamping Experience

Are you looking to camp in style?  These exclusive VIP campsites will make camping a glamourous affair while you make precious memories with family and friends. In addition to all other event activities, accommodations for up to four people will include:

  • Tent setup prior to your arrival
  • Comfy sleeping arrangements
  • Games and activities
  • Private firepit
  • Catered dinner and breakfast

$700 – VIP Glamping Tent. Maximum of 4 people.

**To ensure fair distribution of these exclusive accommodations, we will be holding a lottery for individuals to secure a spot on the VIP glamping tent waitlist.

If you are interested in reserving a VIP glamping tent, please sign up for the waitlist by Monday, March 3 11:59 p.m. Winners will be randomly selected and notified via email by the end of Tuesday, March 4. To secure your spot for the VIP glamping tent at the event, the full payment of $700 will be required to lock in reservation.

Don’t miss out on this chance to elevate your event experience with our VIP glamping tents. Sign up for the lottery here!

Rules for all campers

What is allowed:

  • Sealed water bottles, soda, and juice
  • Tents no larger than 15×15 (no staking allowed)
  • Sleeping bags, inflatable mattresses, and metal cots
  • Sealed snacks
  • Coolers 60qt or under
  • Camping chairs

What is not allowed:

  • Pets
  • Amplified sound
  • Generators
  • Alcohol
  • Propane heaters
  • No staking is allowed
  • Canopies
  • Tables
  • Glass bottles

 

Exclusively Little Expo 2026

Saturday, March 15

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Learn. Play. Connect.

Welcome to an event designed exclusively for families, where the Railroad Park becomes a hub for everything you need to know about summer camps, educational opportunities, sports and recreation programs, and a myriad of services offered by the city of Scottsdale. The Exclusively Little Expo is your one-stop destination to discover a world of possibilities for your little ones.

At the Exclusively Little Expo, families can explore a diverse range of information and offerings, including:

Summer Camps: Discover exciting and educational camps to keep your kids engaged during the summer break.
Education Options: Explore various school programs and educational institutions in the area.
Youth Sports & Recreation: Find information about sports programs and recreational activities for your children.
Indoor & Outdoor Activities: Learn about numerous indoor and outdoor activities suitable for kids.
City of Scottsdale Programs: Explore a wide array of programs and services offered by the city.

Guest Performances Schedule:
10:00 A.M. – TBD
11:30 A.M. – TBD

Exhibit Opportunities:
Local businesses and organizations catering to families are invited to showcase their products and services at the Expo. Exhibitor spaces are ideal for museums, summer camps, educational institutions, attractions, retail organizations, and more. Don’t miss this chance to connect with the youngest visitors to our park!

Exhibitor Application:

If your business or organization caters to families and you wish to participate as an exhibitor, please download the 2025 Exclusively Little Expo Application. Complete the application and email it to therailroadpark@scottsdaleaz.gov. Our Special Events team will be delighted to assist you.

Train Ride Information:
Hop aboard the Paradise & Pacific Railroad and the Charros Carousel for just $3 per ride. Children aged two and under ride for free with a paying adult.

 

 

 

 

 

Halloween Spook-Track-Ula 2025

October 10 – 31

6 – 9:30 p.m.

Stop in for a spell as the Paradise & Pacific Railroad is transformed into a haunted park of fun for our annual Halloween Spook-Track-ula! This family-friendly event is perfect for kids of all ages. We’ll creep it real with the event’s highlight—a spooky train ride created with children in mind… a little spooky, but never too frightening.


👻 Event Details

This year, we’re making a few changes to keep the fun running smoothly:

  • Wristband Required: Only guests with wristbands will be permitted on rides.
  • Timed Entry: Choose from three arrival time slots — 6:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., or 8:00 p.m.
    • Check-in for the 6:00 p.m. slot begins at 5:30 p.m., and the first train departs right at 6:00 p.m.

🍬 Free Special Trick-or-Treating Night

✨ Don’t miss our Trick-or-Treating celebration in the Desert Arboretum!

  • Date: Friday, October 31
  • Time: 4:00 – 9:30 p.m.
    Kids can collect sweet treats in a festive, safe, and family-friendly setting.

💀 Meet Engineer Bones!

The Railroad Park’s very own skeletal station master, Engineer Bones, will be haunting the rails and greeting passengers on select nights:

  • October 10–11
  • October 17–18
  • October 24–25
  • October 31 (Halloween Night!)

Don’t miss your chance to meet him — he’s dying to see you! 👻🚂


🎟️ Ticket Information

  • $15 per person
  • Free admission for children 2 years old and younger
  • Includes unlimited train and carousel rides
  • Food and drinks available for purchase at Hartley’s General Store
  • Model Railroad Building will be open to view our tiniest trains

👉 Tickets must be purchased online via ActiveNet beginning September 2 at 8:00 a.m. An ActiveNet account is required to complete your purchase.

💳 Members receive a $5 discount on tickets.


📧 Questions?

Contact us at therailroadpark@scottsdaleaz.gov if you need help with your tickets.

Create your ActiveNet account here.

 

Purchase Tickets Here!

Railfair 2025

October 4-5

Celebrate Trains. Celebrate History. Celebrate 50 Years.

 

Join us at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park for Railfair, a two-day celebration of all thing’s trains! Taking place on October 4 & 5, this annual event brings train enthusiasts of all ages together to explore the fascinating world of model railroading.

You’ll discover an incredible showcase of model trains in a variety of scales, including G scale, O scale, HO scale, N scale, Z scale, and many more. Our model railroad clubs, and guest exhibitors will be on-site with intricate layouts, hands-on displays, and plenty of rail-themed fun for the whole family.

This year’s Railfair is extra special—it’s being held in conjunction with our Golden Jubilee, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the park’s grand opening. One of the highlights will be the recreation of the iconic steam engine photo, driving through a commemorative banner just like it did in 1975.

Don’t miss this unforgettable weekend filled with history, nostalgia, and a whole lot of train love!

Slide the Rails

August 1, 2026

Saturday, August 1, 2026 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Cool down. Slide up. Summer fun at the Railroad Park!

Get ready to make a splash at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park’s coolest summer event—Slide the Rails!
Join us on Saturday, August 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a morning packed with water-filled fun for the whole family.

We’re turning the park into a mini water park, complete with:

  • Giant inflatable water slides
  • Splash zones & foam pit
  • Water balloon activities
  • And more ways to stay cool!

Your $10 wristband includes unlimited access to all water attractions as well as train and carousel rides throughout the event. Children 2 and under are free.

Don’t forget your swimsuit, sunscreen, and towels—Slide the Rails is the perfect way to beat the heat and celebrate summer!

Wristbands go on sale July 27 available for pick up only at Stillman-Station.

 

Sweet TreatsType
PoffCakes AZArizona's Original Fresh Dutch Poffertjes
Kona Ice AZShaved Ice

Holiday Lights 2025

 November 28 – December 30

 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. 

Experience the magic as the park transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland filled with dazzling lights, festive displays, and holiday cheer. Step aboard the Paradise & Pacific Railroad and take a breathtaking ride through this seasonal spectacle.

This year’s event will look a little different — and even more fun — with new features and timed entry to make your visit smooth and memorable!


🕒 Event Details

📅 Dates: November 28 – December 30, 2025
Event Hours: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
🎟 Timed Entry: Choose from 4 time slots

  • 5:30 PM
  • 6:30 PM
  • 7:30 PM
  • 8:30 PM

Wristbands are required for entry and for all rides.


🎟️ Ticket Information

  • $15 per person (ages 3 and older)
  • Free admission for children 2 years old and younger
  • Includes train and carousel rides
  • Wristbands required for all riders
  • Tickets go on sale: October 27 at 8:00 AM via ActiveNet
    (Create your ActiveNet account ahead of time to speed up checkout!)

🎅 Santa & Friends

Santa is back this year — and he’s bringing Mrs. Claus!
📅 Meet & Greet Schedule:

  • Every Friday & Saturday (Excluding December 5)
  • December 19–23
    ⏰ 5:30 – 9:00 PM
    💲 $10 per family (paid on-site)

🎭 Special Appearances:

  • The Grinch: December 19, 21 & 26
  • Perfect for photos and holiday mischief!

🔥 New This Year: S’more Land

Warm up by the fire while the train passes by and festive music plays!

  • S’more Kits: $8 each
  • Roast your marshmallows and enjoy a cozy treat with friends and family.

🍔 Food & Extras

  • Food and drinks available for purchase at Hartley’s General Store
  • Model Railroad Building open to enjoy miniature train displays

This event sells out every year — don’t miss your chance to create unforgettable holiday memories. 🎄✨

Members will receive a $5 discount on tickets.

Create your ActiveNet account here.

Please contact us at therailroadpark@scottsdaleaz.gov if you have any questions regarding your tickets!!

Purchase Tickets Here!

There will be no Holiday Lights on 12/24 & 12/25. 

 March Movie Mania

Canceled 

All upcoming events through the end of April have been canceled due to the COVID-19 public health situation. Future events will be evaluated based on the best interests of the community.