Big day for train fans, families, and downtown Pottstown: Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 is scheduled to make a 15-minute whistle stop in Pottstown on Thursday, July 2 at 3:30 PM.

Thousands of visitors are expected, so plan ahead, arrive early, and make a downtown day of it.

Main viewing info

Union Pacific Big Boy Train Whistle Stop
Thursday, July 2
Train scheduled at 3:30 PM
Best public viewing area: Borough Parking Lot 1, 51 S. Hanover Street

Road closure: Hanover Street from Industrial Highway to High Street, 12–5 PM
Food vendors: Along the Hanover Street closure area across from Parking Lot 1

Important: Parking Lot 1 closes at 7 AM. Visitors should choose their viewing side by 2 PM because crossings will close and people will not be able to cross the tracks once closures are in place. Stay at least 25 feet away from railroad property.

Big Boy specials and watch parties downtown

Big Boy Steam Train Event — Pottstown Children’s Discovery Center
12–5 PM
95 S. Hanover Street
Ticketed indoor option with A/C, bathrooms, train-themed activities, play time, and children’s viewing opportunities.

The Alley Watch Party
Opens at 1 PM
224 High Street
Cold drinks, Brick & Blaze Pizza, and a downtown watch-party atmosphere.

Iron Gate Watch Party
1–10 PM
230 High Street
Gates open at 1 PM for the Big Boy whistle stop celebration.

Rivet Watch Party
Starts at 1:30 PM
238 E. High Street
Free, family-friendly courtyard party with food, drinks, snacks, axe throwing, and temporary tattoos for kids.

Library Watch Party
3 PM
Pottstown Regional Public Library, 500 E. High Street
Meet in the Youth Department, then walk to the Washington Street Bridge to watch the train go by.

Big Boy Special — Axe Throwing
3–8 PM
Splitting Edge Axe Throwing, 221 High Street
Walk-ins welcome. Special: 10 throws for $5. BYOB.

☀️ Extreme heat safety reminder ☀️

With very hot temperatures forecasted for Thursday and little to no shade available at the viewing area, please plan ahead to stay safe:

💧 Bring plenty of water and stay hydrated.
🧢 Wear a hat, sunscreen, and light-colored clothing.
🌂 Consider bringing an umbrella for portable shade.
🥤 Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol before the event.
👶 Keep a close eye on children, older adults, and anyone sensitive to heat.
🚶‍♀️ Take breaks in air-conditioned businesses downtown if you begin to feel overheated.
⚠️ If you experience dizziness, nausea, headache, or feel faint, move to a cooler area immediately and seek assistance.

We want everyone to enjoy this historic event safely, so please come prepared for the heat, support local businesses, and arrive early.

Hey Pottstown! Here’s what’s happening inside the Downtown Pottstown BID District this weekend:

Friday, June 5

Karaoke with Brian
6:30–9:30 PM
Caribbean Paradise Jamaican Restaurant, 107 High Street

Whispering Winds: Alchemy of the Air Element
6:30 PM
Enchanted Elements Apothecary, 105 E. High Street

Foggy Haze Band at The Alley on High Street
6:30 PM
The Alley on High Street, 228 E. High Street

Saturday, June 6

Pokémon Learn-To-Play Event
12:00 PM
On the Draw, 214 E. High Street

Red Horse Presents: Pottstown Nights
1:00–9:00 PM
Downtown Pottstown

One Piece OP-16 Release Event
1:00 PM
On the Draw, 214 E. High Street

High Street 8 Ball Tournament
Practice at 12:00 PM; tournament starts at 1:30 PM
High Street Billiards, 232 E. High Street

Riftbound Summoner Skirmish — June
2:00 PM
On the Draw, 214 E. High Street

Pottstown Nights Arts Showcase
3:00–9:00 PM
Smith Family Plaza, 100 E. High Street

Sunday, June 7

MTG Vintage 1K — Proxy Friendly
11:00 AM
On the Draw, 214 E. High Street

MTG Secrets of Strixhaven Commander Party
12:00 PM
On the Draw, 214 E. High Street

Stars, Stripes & Ready for ’26! — Pottstown GoFourth Fundraiser Kickoff Party
1:00–4:00 PM
Rivet: Canteen & Assembly, 238 E. High Street

Solstice Besom Blessing: Witchy Broom-Making Workshop
1:00 PM
Enchanted Elements Apothecary, 105 E. High Street

Coming next Saturday

Pottstown Juneteenth Community Celebration
Next Saturday on High Street

Come downtown this weekend, support local businesses, and come back next Saturday for the Pottstown Juneteenth Community Celebration — a meaningful community celebration honoring freedom, culture, history, local entrepreneurship, and community pride. With a headline performance from DJ DIAMOND KUTS.

Hey Pottstown! Here’s what’s happening Downtown Pottstown this weekend:

Friday, May 29
DJ Koolie Kirk at Rivet
7–11 PM | Rivet, 238 E. High Street
Free 21+ event with music, drinks, and food available.

The Mystic Rituals at The Alley Bar & Garden
The Alley, 228 E. High Street
Time still needs confirmation, but The Alley has this listed for Friday night.

Saturday, May 30
Pottstown Farm & Artisan Market
9 AM–12 PM | Smith Family Plaza, 100 E. High Street
Local food, makers, artists, and community vibes downtown.

Climb On It
10 AM–1 PM | Children’s Discovery Center, 95 S. Hanover Street
Family-friendly fundraiser with trucks, buses, vehicles for kids to explore, food trucks, play, and a youth makers market.

Magic Moon Market — Summer Solstice
4–8 PM | Smith Family Plaza, 100 E. High Street
Mystical artisans, healers, readers, vendors, food, drum circle, and sound bowls.

Pottstown Cruise Nights
4–11 PM | Downtown / High Street area
No street closure — cars cruise through downtown, so it’s a good night to grab dinner, drinks, or shop local.

Downtown Divas: Birthday Bash Drag Show
7–11 PM | Rivet, 238 E. High Street
21+ drag show celebrating Divinity Cruzz and Aida Stratton, with special guests.

Hot Commodity at The Alley Bar & Garden
7 PM | The Alley, 228 E. High Street
Verify directly with The Alley before heading over.

Iron Gate Biergarten — State Street Wine
Around 6:30 PM | Iron Gate Biergarten
Verify exact details on Iron Gate’s current social post.

Sunday, May 31
The Alley Arts & Craft May Event
12–4 PM | The Alley Bar & Garden, 228 E. High Street
Local makers, crafts, art, and Sunday downtown energy.

Come downtown, support local businesses, and make a Pottstown weekend out of it!