Pullman Railroad Days 2026 is scheduled for July 25–26 at Pullman National Historical Park in Chicago, United States, with Alstom serving as the presenting sponsor.

Administration-Clock Tower Building at Pullman National Historical Park
The Administration-Clock Tower Building at Pullman National Historical Park in Chicago. Photo: NPS / Daniel Ples

The annual event⁠ will give visitors an opportunity to explore the historic Pullman site and is expected to bring together rail enthusiasts, families and people from across the region for programming focused on rail heritage, innovation and the future of sustainable transport.

Pullman Railroad Days 2026 and rail heritage

The 2026 edition will also mark 100 years since the electrification⁠ of the Illinois Central Railroad Suburban Service in Chicago, today known as Metra Electric. The anniversary connects the event with the 1926 Pullman-built electrified commuter cars that inaugurated what was then described as a modern commuter service and became the standard for lightweight commuter cars for the nation.

Alstom said its role as sponsor reflects the company’s connection to Pullman’s rail manufacturing history and its current work in the U.S. rail sector. The company is building the next generation of Metra commuter cars for the Chicago region with union labour and said the sponsorship also reflects its commitment to American manufacturing, rail innovation and talent.

Dani Simons, Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs at Alstom Americas, said:

“Pullman helped shape the history of rail transportation in America, and Alstom is proud to carry that legacy forward.”

“We are proud to support Pullman’s Railroad Days, celebrating the American ingenuity and grit that built the rail industry in the United States, all while showcasing to this generation the exciting future that this industry is building today.”

Peggy Parfenoff, Executive Director of the Friends of Pullman National Historical Park, said, “Alstom is a natural partner in the stewardship of Pullman National Historical Park,” adding:

“This partnership connects Pullman’s historic legacy with the future of rail innovation and helps us continue building a world-class destination that celebrates transportation history and community.”

Alstom sponsorship and event programme

The event programme will include the original 1926 Pullman-built electrified commuter cars, guided experiences through Pullman National Historical Park and the surrounding neighbourhood. Family-oriented activities will focus on rail innovation past and present.

Through its partnership with the Friends of Pullman National Historical Park, Alstom is supporting efforts to develop Pullman as a destination focused on the social, industrial and technological history of rail in the United States. Employees from Alstom’s site in Naperville, Illinois, will also volunteer during Pullman Railroad Days.

Pullman National Historical Park gives the event a specific historical setting: the National Park Service says the park tells the story of one of the first planned industrial communities in the United States and became the first National Park Service unit in Chicago. (nps.gov⁠) The anniversary also has a direct commuter-rail link, as Friends of Pullman describes the 1926 Illinois Central electrification as the shift from steam to Pullman-built electric railcars on Chicago’s suburban service. (friendsofpullman.com⁠) This keeps the event tied to both Pullman’s manufacturing heritage and the 1926 electrification of Chicago’s suburban service.

Modern rail mobility and U.S. operations

Alstom said the sponsorship is intended to help raise awareness of how the rail industry creates economic opportunities through direct and indirect jobs. The company also linked the event to the role of rail projects in unlocking long-term opportunities by creating accessible and affordable connections between communities.

The event will give visitors a chance to view Pullman’s historical role alongside current rail-sector developments, including efforts to improve reliability, reduce emissions and enhance passenger experience.

Alstom describes itself as a leading U.S. provider of rolling stock and rail services. The company has delivered more than 12,000 new or renovated vehicles to domestic rail agencies, including agencies in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Boston, Washington, D.C., San Francisco and New Jersey. It also says it is the number one private rail operator in the country, serving more than 10 rail and airport customers and carrying millions of passengers each day.