Looking for an original family event in Rowan County this summer? Head to the North Carolina Transportation Museum for the annual Fire Truck Festival on Saturday, June 13 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This exciting day brings together antique and modern fire trucks, live demonstrations, train rides, family activities, and opportunities to meet real firefighters - all in one place.
Fire Truck Festival 2026
N.C. Transportation Museum
June 13, 2026
9 A.M. - 2:30 P.M.
Whether you’re traveling with kids, love emergency vehicles, or simply want a fun summer outing in Rowan County, here’s everything you need to know before you go.
What to Expect at the Fire Truck Festival
Photo by the N.C. Transportation Museum.
The Fire Truck Festival is one of the museum’s most popular family events of the year, featuring interactive exhibits, emergency response demonstrations, and hands-on fun throughout the museum grounds.
Visitors can:
- Explore antique and modern fire trucks
- Meet firefighters and first responders
- Watch the Fire Truck Parade at 2:30 p.m.
- See a live Jaws of Life demonstration
- Visit the Charlotte Fire Department Safety Education Team
- Check out the Salisbury Fire Department’s 1941 fire truck and World Trade Center steel display
- Enjoy inflatable games and kid-friendly activities
- Ride kid's fire truck rides
- Visit the N.C. Transportation Museum Fire Exhibit
- Explore model train layouts
- Experience the Concord Fire Department Safety House
- Watch the Spencer Fire Department water spraying activities
- Visit the Norfolk Southern safety train
- Participate in the discovery map activity for kids
Special guest appearances throughout the day include Sparky, Lugnut, Boomer, Blaze, the Chick-fil-A Cows, and RCCC Beacon.
Don’t Miss the Train Ride
One of the highlights of the day is the museum’s train ride experience through the historic rail yard. Visitors can purchase admission packages that include a train ride with departure times scheduled throughout the day.
Train Ride Times
- 10 a.m.
- 11 a.m.
- 12 p.m.
- 1 p.m.
- 2 p.m.
Train rides often sell quickly during special events, so reserving tickets in advance is highly recommended.
Event Schedule Highlights
Photo by the N.C. Transportation Museum.
1:30 p.m. - Lil’ Firefighter Costume Contest
Kids can dress as firefighters and participate in this fun family-friendly contest.
2 p.m. - Awards Ceremony
Festival awards will be presented before the parade begins.
2:30 p.m. - Fire Truck Parade
The day concludes with a parade of fire trucks on S. Salisbury Avenue in front of the museum.
Ticket Information
Photo by the N.C. Transportation Museum.
Festival Admission
- Adults: $10
- Seniors (65+) & Military: $9
- Children (3-12): $8
Festival Admission + Train Ride
- Adults: $20
- Seniors (65+) & Military: $18
- Children (3-12): $16
Kids under 3 are free.
Please note:
- Taxes and fees are not included in ticket prices
- Military guests must present a valid military ID
- ASTC reciprocal memberships are not accepted for this special event
Members of the museum receive free admission and train rides for this daytime event, though advance ticket reservations are encouraged.
Make It a Full Weekend in Rowan County
The Fire Truck Festival makes a great addition to a summer getaway in Spencer and Salisbury. After exploring the festival, visitors can enjoy local restaurants, breweries, shopping, museums, and outdoor recreation throughout Rowan County. Planning an overnight stay? Turn your festival trip into a weekend getaway with our Summer Fun in Rowan County Stay & Play Package, where visitors can earn back 50% of their hotel stay as a VISA e-Gift Card!