This Train Show in Mauldin is Huge – and Free [EVENT IS POSTPONED FOR 2021]

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Do you have a child at home who loves trains? If you haven’t been to the huge train show at the Mauldin Cultural Center, put it on your calendar for mid-September. This FREE event is a must-see and must-do train spectacular you’re going to love! 

NOTE: Because of COVID-19, this train show at the Mauldin Cultural Center has been postponed. They may do it in the Spring of 2022 to check back here!

What you’ll see at Trains, Trains & More Trains

These trains are adorable. Can I say that about trains? Well, they are. And they run through even cuter miniature worlds, some of which are modeled after South Carolina landmarks, like the giant peach butt on the interstate. There are little campgrounds and towns and trees and stations. It looks like miniature lumberjacks will pop out of their outhouse at any moment.

But no mini-lumberjacks here (only in our vivid imaginations). As the Culture Center explains, these layouts feature “American Flyer trains from the 1940’s and 1950’s, along with operating accessories, as well as the new Piedmont ‘N Southern Modular N Scale layout.”

Trains are cool and who doesn’t love watching probably one of the more iconic signs of American childhood?

The show is put on by the  Atlantic Coast S Gaugers, which claims that the event is “the largest (42‟x 26‟) push-button operated, interactive layout on the East Coast.” It is really big for sure.

The exhibit is set up in different rooms so guests can enjoy the various trains and everyone isn’t crowded into one room.

free train event in Mauldin

Kids Activities at the train show

Besides being generally entertaining in and of themselves as trains usually are, there are push buttons for everything. If there is anything kids like to do, it is to push buttons, and they can push all they want here.

There are buttons for the lights on the railroad tracks, the little crane on the construction site, the bells and whistles, the sawmill and loader, and the gates that go up and down near the tracks to stop cars.

There is also a Thomas the Tank Engine train that kids can operate. During the first weekend of the event, there is will be an operating steam engine model as well.

TIP: Bring a small stool for your kid. While there are some available, if it’s crowded you may not get one. The train tables are a little high and a kid-size stool is perfect for them to be able to see the trains without us parents having to carry them around.

Plan a visit to Trains, Trains & More Trains

The train show is only at the Mauldin Cultural Center for two weekends in September. There is no admission but donations are accepted. Dates and times are below:

Mauldin Cultural Center
101 East Butler Road, Mauldin

Friday, September 6th from 12 – 8 pm
Saturday, September 7th from 10 am – 6 pm
Sunday, September 8th from 11 am – 3pm
Friday, September 13th from 10 am – 8 pm
Saturday, September 14th from 10 am – 8 pm

Do you have a train lover in your house who would love this free event?

RELATED: See our list of where to find trains in Greenville!

About the Author
Kristina Hernandez is a mom of two girls, freelance writer and photographer. Originally from New Jersey, she is in love with the Upstate and could not imagine raising her kids anywhere else. She enjoys hiking to waterfalls, kayaking, camping, cooking, and exploring all that Greenville has to offer. And she really loves baby goats. Follow her on Instagram at @scadventurer.

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4 years ago

This is a must see! The Mauldin Chamber of Commerce has organized this event for ten years! Each year it grows in popularity. A big thank you to the City of Mauldin for their sponsorship! This is a must see!