Charlotte – September 23, 2026 -- The Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway (ACWR) is bringing a fleet of historic passenger railcars to Charlotte's NoDa neighborhood, launching The Magenta Train Charlotte with a public Open House on Thursday, October 22.

The event kicks off with a ribbon cutting and media preview at 11 a.m.

A media meet & greet and guided walkthroughs follow until 1 p.m., ahead of a free public Open House from 4 to 7 p.m. at 409 East 35th Street. No tickets are required, but guests must sign a waiver before boarding, and pets are not permitted; the railcars are not wheelchair accessible.

The railcars carry more than a century of railroad history from Pinehurst to Charlotte.

The fleet has previously hosted private charters during the U.S. Open, the Carolina Christmas Train, the LocoMOTIVE murder mystery experience, and brunch and dinner excursions. Select railcars are expected to return to Charlotte and remain there permanently starting in March 2027, while other cars continue supporting operations in Pinehurst.

Charlotte's version will host weddings, corporate events and rentable gathering spaces.

The Magenta Train Charlotte will offer rental space for weddings, receptions, corporate gatherings, rehearsals and community events, along with public programming throughout the year.

A locomotive bar with a rooftop deck is set to open in spring 2027.

The property will house Engine Room 87 Locomotive Bar, a self-pour tap bar inside a locomotive with indoor and outdoor spaces including a rooftop deck, canopy car and bay window lounge. It will not be open during the October 22 Open House but is expected to debut alongside the permanent railcar fleet in spring 2027.