Want to host your next birthday party or special event on the tracks at the Goathill Junction Railroad? Then read the information below and contact us. And if you don’t see what you need, send us a note to see how we can accommodate your special day.
- Birthday Parties
- Special Events
- School or Community Events
- Filming Location
Our special events and Birthday Parties are offered primarily on Saturdays in two blocks: mornings from 10-12 and afternoons from 1-3 p.m.
Reservations are required, and parties should be booked well in advance due to the popularity of this event (most parties and events book many, many months in advance).
In 2024, a minimum donation of $250 is required for birthday parties. In 2025, our minimum donation is $300.
This is just a reminder that these are our minimum donations. Donations are always appreciated, as the railroad’s entire operating budget depends on them.
Reservations can be made by calling 949-548-7246 or by emailing events@ocmetrains.org. If you get an answering machine when you call, please leave a message. Our Birthday Coordinator will get back to you in a short period of time.
Thank you ahead of time for booking early.
BIRTHDAY PARTY DETAILS
A donation of $250 (2024) or $300 (2025) is payable at the time of booking the party to hold the reservation. These are our minimum donations. More is always appreciated.
Private parties are held on Saturdays from 10-12 PM or from 1-3 PM
No Parties will be held on the Public Run Weekend (3rd weekend of Every Month)
OCME furnishes a private train and crew for unlimited rides during your 2-hour party.
Maximum of 40 Guests
Everyone that rides the train must be 31 inches tall and walking (no babies in arms)
Guests bring the party food and the decorations.
There are approximately 15 picnic tables available for your use.
Barbeques, pizza delivery, pinatas, party games, portable pop-up shades, and appropriate Bluetooth-recorded music are allowed.
There are no electrical outlets available.
FOOD VENDOR INFORMATION
The City of Costa Mesa will allow all food vendors (food trucks, caterers, etc.) on-site who provide the following two requirements:
- Current Costa Mesa Business Permit
- Certificate of Insurance (COI) showing the City of Costa Mesa as co-insured for the event date (City of Costa Mesa, 77 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, California 92626). Additionally, the COI must describe what and how they are catering. Food truck? Will they cook on-site?
Both documents need to be provided to OCME no later than three weeks before the event. This policy applies only to food prepared on-site — not to food delivered or food brought by the party host.
Morning parties may arrive at 9:30 AM to set up.
Morning parties must vacate the premises by 12:30 PM
Afternoon parties may arrive at 12:30 PM to set up
Afternoon parties must vacate the premises by 3:30 PM
The restrooms are open during the party
The gift shop is ONLY OPEN during Public Run Weekends.
CANCELLATIONS AND WEATHER POLICY
No refunds will be given for cancellations within six (6) weeks of the party.
However, refunds will be given if inclement weather results in the cancellation of your party. If the forecast on the Friday before your party predicts rain for Saturday, you may contact your party coordinator at OCME to cancel.
OCME will not cancel the party based on forecasts predicted before then.
We will, of course, refund your donation or try to reschedule.
PLEASE NOTE: ORANGE COUNTY MODEL ENGINEERS RESERVE THE RIGHT TO PROMPTLY END A PARTY IF ANY OF THE RULES ARE ABUSED OR BROKEN.
Other Details Will Be Provided when you’re in the process of booking your party.
FOR RESERVATIONS, CALL 949-548-7246
OR EMAIL EVENTS@OCMETRAINS.ORG