“In a world so divided, thank you for truly bringing so many people together just to share a moment with this piece of history.” –lynzsayanthing, Instagram (commenting on Union Pacific Railroad’s IG)
Union Pacific’s famed Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, will journey to the East Coast this summer for the first time as part of a historic coast-to-coast tour to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. The tour includes a Fourth of July celebration in Philadelphia, major display events in eight cities and more than 50 whistle-stops in 10 states, including stops for the first time in Indiana, Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania.
Big Boy No. 4014 is the world’s largest operating steam locomotive. Of the eight remaining Big Boys in existence today, No. 4014 is the only one still in operation.
Lucky for all of us here in the Philly area and Delaware Valley, we get to enjoy the legend of Big Boy 4014 this week with multiple appearances and “drive bys.”
Called the “Elvis Presley” of steam locomotives, Big Boy No. 4014 will make its way through Montgomery County twice in one week and then head to South Philly in honor of America’s 250th Birthday.
There is so much excitement about its first ever trip to our area, there is a Facebook Public Group Page with 8,400 members here called “Union Pacific 4014 Big Boy Visit to Philly”
Big Boy Watch Party
First things first, if you thought World Cup Watch Parties were a thing, well the Big Boy 4014 has his own Watch game. Before he hits Montco on Thursday, July 2nd he is passing through Berks County right behind a coffee shop! And these folks ain’t playing with a collab and ice cold beers courtesy of Conshohocken Brewing Company. Check it out.
Steam & Beans Big Boy Watch Party
Reading Coffee Company
Thursday, July 2nd
12:30-3:30pm
316 West Main Street
Birdsboro, PA
https://www.facebook.com/events/1372387081414389
Big Boy Appearances in Montgomery County
Montgomery County Big Boy Appearance #1
Thursday, July 2nd
2:15pm-3:30pm
Pottsgrove Manor–across from High Street
Pottstown, PA
https://www.facebook.com/pottsgrovemanor
On Thursday, July 2nd Big Boy 4014 is coming to Pottstown! It will be passing in front of Pottsgrove Manor across High Street between 2:15-3:30pm in transit to Pottstown Train Station!* It will not be stopping here, merely passing by! Stop by if you want to watch the train come into Pottstown for the first time! *Timing may vary based on any delays encountered by the train!
– Pottsgrove Manor Facebook Post on June 25th, 2026.
Be Social with Pottsgrove Manor
(we found more Big Boy content on their Facebook page vs. Instagram)
Follow Pottsgrove Manor on Facebook →
Follow Pottsgrove Manor on Instagram →
Two Key Facebook Resources for the Pottstown Visit
Both the Schuylkill River Trail and Schuylkill River Greenways are posting regularly on their respective Facebook pages in regards to the July 2nd appearance. With the incredible heat wave timing out with Big Boy, they will be offering water refills, snacks, trail maps and more in Riverfront Park.
The Schuylkill River Greenways folks are seeking volunteers for July 2nd to help greet visitors. Here is the link to sign up.
Follow the Schuylkill River Trail here on Facebook →
Follow Schuylkill River Greenways here on Facebook →
Montgomery County Big Boy Appearance #2
Bridgeport’s America 250 Party complete with Big Boy
Friday, July 3rd
9am Big Boy Appearance “Drive By Only Not Stopping”
2nd and Depot Street
Bridgeport, PA
https://www.facebook.com/events/1508543814096997
Event Details: Enjoy a historic community celebration in Bridgeport complete with a colorful and patriotic Costume Contest and Big Boy passing through town. **Note, we advise you arrive no later than 8:30am at the latest because Big Boy is passing through at 9am sharp and there will be a huge crowd trying to position themselves for videos and photos.**
Come for the train but stay for these great activities and giveaways!
- A reading of the Declaration of Independence
- 250 FREE America250 pins
- FREE flags – while supplies last
- The Patriotic Costume Contest with prizes by age group: Ages: 0-5, 6-10, Tweens/Teens, and Adults
- History and stories of the Bridgeport Train Station
- Donuts and light refreshments
Bridgeport Borough Big Boy Facebook Event Page →
Be Social with Bridgeport Borough
Follow Bridgeport Borough on Facebook →
Big Boy in Philadelphia
After Big Boy leaves the burbs he is headed to the city for two days of public viewing from Saturday, July 4th and Sunday, July 5th (in South Philly) for the 250th celebrations. Here is what we found on the Union Pacific Railroad’s Instagram where excitement is most certainly palpable and building.
A once-in-a-generation Fourth of July, as the nation celebrates #America250. Philadelphia, home of the Liberty Bell, will receive an unforgettable visit from Big Boy #UP4014 on Union Pacific’s coast-to-coast tour as #BigBoyHeadsEast.
–Union Pacific Railroad Instagram Post on June, 21st, 2026
Where: Intrepid Ave. & League Island Blvd, Philadelphia, PA
When: Saturday, July 4 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Sunday, July 5 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Cost: Free Admission
BONUS: Join our July 4 America250 Block Party with @norfolksouthern in-person or virtually. Visit UP.com/steam-schedule for details.
Safety First: Please remember to stand 25 feet back at all times.
Check the steam schedule to see where Big Boy is headed next here.
For the full Big Boy Summer 2026 schedule, visit the Union Pacific website. You and your family can have a lot of fun tracking Big Boy along its tour online HERE.
Follow Big Boy, his talented crew and adventures on Facebook here.
Social Media Hashtags
We love #BigBoyinMontco and #BigBoyinPhilly as the hashtags for all this hoopla. What about you? Leave us a comment below if you will be using another hashtag or just want to join in the excitement!
Editors’ Note on Big Boy Excitement
We did our due diligence on our research here for accuracy to where and when he is rolling by. If you have any questions or more information on Big Boy to help us out, please do not hesitate to leave us a comment here. We value your input and assistance! –Sarah Lockard, AroundMainLine.com Publisher (emails also welcome at: slockard@aroundmainline.com)
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