Train Day at museum
Train lovers, history buffs and families are invited to climb aboard for Train Day at Los Altos History Museum on Sunday, Sept. 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Train Day is a hands-on, all-ages event, with opportunities to interact with train enthusiasts, explore steam and electric model trains and try robotics. This year’s event also features train-themed music, books and film.
Singer/songwriter Michael McNevin will perform a special set of train songs—both originals and covers—from 1-2 p.m. Local author Robin Chapman will be at the museum store from noon-2 p.m. with signed copies of “The Valley of Heart’s Delight: True Tales from Around the Bay,” exploring the region’s early days when the area was home to orchards and electric railroads.
Historic train footage highlighting the role of California’s early film industry will be screened in the upper gallery, while demonstrations by local high school team The Spartan Robotics will add a contemporary touch. Hands-on activities include building Lego trains.
Participating clubs displaying their model trains include BAGRS Live Steam Group, Joan Hodnett of the Golden State Toy Train Operating Society, and CCC On30. Visitors will also be able to peek inside a historic maintenance railway motor car brought on-site by Art Carmichael.
Admission is $10; free for museum members and children 12 and younger. Food will be available for purchase on-site. To learn more, visit losaltoshistory.org/TrainDay2025.
A real good time
Palo Alto Players opens its 95th season Sept. 5 with the Broadway classic “Gypsy.” Suggested by the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, the musical follows her coming-of-age story alongside her demanding stage mother Rose in the 1920s and ’30s.
The show runs through Sept. 21 at the Lucie Stern Theater, 1305 Middlefield Road in Palo Alto. Tickets are $20-$63 at 650-329-0891 or www.paplayers.org. This production is recommended for ages 10 and up.