The Ardenwood Rail Fair is the Bay Area's annual celebration of railroad history, transforming Ardenwood Historic Farm into a train lover's paradise over Memorial Day weekend. This three-day extravaganza features historic railroad equipment displays, intricate model trains, live bluegrass music, and actual train rides through the scenic farm grounds. The Society for the Preservation of Carter Railroad Resources pulls delicate artifacts from storage—cars that normally await restoration—to share their stories with docent-led tours and detailed signage explaining their significance. It's the one time each year this 1890s-era working farm becomes a true train museum, offering families and rail enthusiasts a rare glimpse into Bay Area transportation history while surrounded by heritage crops, farm animals, and Victorian farm architecture.