ALL ABOARD: THE MAGENTA TRAIN ARRIVES IN CHARLOTTE

Historic passenger railcars, a locomotive bar and new event experiences are coming to Charlotte's NoDa neighborhood

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Historic passenger railcars are arriving in Charlotte's NoDa neighborhood, bringing a new destination for celebrations, gatherings and community experiences.

The Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway (ACWR) will introduce The Magenta Train Charlotte with a ribbon cutting and media meet & greet at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 22, followed by a public Open House from 4 – 7 p.m.

Guests are invited to step aboard historic railcars, explore the venue and discover what's ahead for The Magenta Train in Charlotte.

FROM RAILROAD HISTORY TO A NEW CHARLOTTE EXPERIENCE

The historic fleet features meticulously restored railcars dating back more than a century and has welcomed guests aboard a variety of acclaimed experiences from its Pinehurst base. From private charters during the U.S. Open and the beloved Carolina Christmas Train to immersive events such as LocoMOTIVE: A Train Murder Mystery and elegant brunch and dinner excursions, The Magenta Train has created memorable journeys for a variety of passengers.

Now, The Magenta Train brings that rich railroad heritage to Charlotte, offering a one-of-a-kind destination where guests can gather, celebrate and connect through an array of private events, public experiences and curated excursions.

While select railcars are expected to return and then remain in Charlotte more permanently in March 2027, portions of the fleet will continue to support event operations and excursions in Pinehurst.

A RIDE FOR EVERY EXPERIENCE

The Magenta Train – Charlotte will offer rental spaces for weddings, receptions, corporate gatherings, private celebrations, rehearsals, community events and entertainment, alongside public programming throughout the year.

The Charlotte property will also be home to Engine Room 87 Locomotive Bar, a distinctive bar experience housed within a locomotive. The self-pour tap bar is designed to offer guests a unique hospitality experience alongside indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, including a rooftop deck, canopy car and bay window lounge.

Although the Engine Room 87 will not be available during the October 22 Open House, it will return with the railcar fleet settling permanently in the Queen City spring 2027.

From milestone celebrations, weddings, and corporate gatherings to community events and nights out, The Magenta Train is creating new ways to experience Charlotte through the character and nostalgia of rail travel.

STEP ABOARD OCTOBER 22

The community is invited to join The Magenta Train Charlotte during its October Open House event.

The Magenta Train – Charlotte Open House

Thursday, October 22, 2026

Ribbon Cutting 11 a.m. // Media and Press Preview 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. // Public Open House 4 – 7 p.m.

409 East 35th Street, Charlotte, NC

Guests can explore select historic passenger railcars, meet the team and learn about upcoming public programming and private event opportunities!

No tickets are required to attend the Open House. To help preserve these historic railcars and ensure a safe experience for all guests, pets are not permitted aboard the train. Please note that the railcars are not wheelchair accessible. All guests will be required to fill out a waiver before touring the train cars onsite.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES

Media are invited to experience The Magenta Train ahead of and during the October 22 Open House, with opportunities for behind-the-scenes access, interviews, photography and on-camera coverage.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 11 a.m., followed by a media meet & greet and guided walkthroughs until 1 p.m. The media preview will provide an opportunity to explore the space, connect with the team and learn more about The Magenta Train's upcoming Charlotte offerings ahead of the public Open House at 4 p.m.

Media interested in advance access or interview opportunities are encouraged to contact Haley Forgo to coordinate.

ABOUT ABERDEEN CAROLINA & WESTERN RAILWAY

Founded in 1987, the Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway is a privately held shortline railroad serving central North Carolina. ACWR operates approximately 150 miles of railroad and provides freight, transloading, locomotive and railcar services, as well as passenger and entertainment experiences through its historic railcar collection.

For more information, visit ACWR Entertainment or follow @themagentatraincharlotte on Instagram. Assets are available through the Dropbox links below:

The Magenta Train: Photos, Videos, Articles – approved assets linked here

www.acwr.com/entertainment for event information, tickets, and more

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SOURCE Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway