250th All-American Bash

There’s no better place to be for America’s 250th than the B&O!

In 1975/76, the American Freedom Train No. 1 locomotive crossed 48 states celebrating the nation’s Bicentennial. This July, as America turns 250, the cab of this legendary locomotive will be open to the public for one day only. Climb aboard and snap your picture inside a true piece of American history.

Next, put on your dancing shoes — the Baltimore Honky Tonk and the Talbot Mayo Band are taking over the B&O from noon to 3 pm for an afternoon of live music and two-stepping. Never danced before? No problem. Free lessons are included, and everyone is welcome, from first-timers to seasoned two-steppers, kids to grandparents.

While the music plays, younger guests can enjoy a full lineup of lawn games and hands-on arts and crafts activities.

Hungry? Fuel up with a BBQ lunch available for purchase on-site. There will be FREE ice cream on the train ride. And for the adults, Mystique Barrel Brewing and Lager House will be on hand pouring an enticing selection of craft beers and specialty drinks — the perfect complement to a summer afternoon of live music and history.

All Aboard!

Food & Drink Menu

The B&O Cafe will offer a mout h-watering BBQ menu available for purchase, with options ranging from pork sliders to vegan Italian sausage and more!

Mystique Barrel Brewing and Lager House will have the following pours available:

Liquid Hop Luck IPA 6.3%
Birdland American Wheat 4.5%
Prostique! Marzen 5%
Easyspeak Pre-Prohibition Lager 4.5%
Quartet Saision 4.2%
Hop Mirage IPL 5%
Citrus Splash Hard Seltzer 5%
Mystique Potion 5%
Tee Time Tea Arnold Palmer (NA)
Citrus Splash Orange Crush

Admission:

Included with Museum Admission. B&O Members FREE.

Children: $12
Seniors: $17
Adults: $20

PURCHASE TICKETS

Current America 250 Events at the B&O

“The Underground Railroad: Freedom Seekers on the B&O” Public Tour

June 19 @ 10:30 AM & 1 PM

On this tour we will explore the history of the Underground Railroad using experiences of 27 documented freedom seekers who have interacted with the B&O Railroad on their journey to freedom.

Learn More

250th All-American Bash

July 4, 2026 @ 10 am-4 pm

There’s no better place to be for America’s 250th than the B&O!

Get tickets

B&O Unlocked: AFT No. 1

July 4, 5, 18, & 19, 2026

We are re-unlocking the AFT No.1 in honor of Independence Day! The cosmetically restored “T-Hog” was just placed on display in January of this year. If you missed your chance to see it then, now is the time to check it out!

Learn More

Summer S.T.E.A.M. Week

August 17-21, 2026

Celebrate the inventors and engineers who helped build America! Explore the science, stories, and cool inventions that powered America’s railroads.

Learn More

American Freedom Tour

September 5, 6, & 7, 2026 @ 10 AM

Discover the powerful intersection of American history and the rise of railroading. Uncover how the railroad opened the door to freedom: freedom to prosper, freedom to explore, and freedom to pursue a new life.

Learn More

“Working on the Railroad: The B&O and the Labor Movement” Public Tour

September 7 @ 10:30 AM & 1 PM

This tour will explore the unique history of working for the railroad in America and the evolution of worker rights from the 19th to the 20th centuries, with particular focus on the employees of the B&O Railroad.

Learn More

“Maryland on the Rails: The B&O’s Contribution to Maryland History” Public Tour

October 12 @ 10:30 AM & 1 PM

This tour will examine how Maryland before 1827 became an ideal location for the B&O Railroad and as a result how the B&O Railroad has continued to contribute to the robust history of the state of Maryland.

Learn More

“Iron War Horses: B&O’s Support of American Troops Abroad” Public Tour

November 11 @ 10:30 AM & 1 PM

Explore the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad’s involvement in global conflicts like the Civil War, World War I, and World War II on this engaging and exciting tour of our historic collection.

Learn More