TrainTastic is working to bring Thomas & Friends™: Explore the Rails to the Mississippi Gulf Coast from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2027.
If it happens, it’ll be the first time this experience has ever come here.
And honestly, it’s a pretty big deal.
Families usually have to drive out of state for something like this. Atlanta. Dallas. Orlando. Somewhere far enough away that it turns into a whole trip. This would put it right here in Gulfport.
Right now, we’re halfway there.
A matching donor stepped in, which means every dollar donated now counts double. That moved things forward fast, but there’s still work to do if we want to actually bring Thomas to the Coast.
What Is Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails?
It’s not just a character appearance or a small weekend setup.
This is a traveling experience built around Thomas & Friends with:
- Interactive play areas
- Themed activities
- Photo opportunities
- Exclusive merchandise
- Hands-on exhibits
- Family-focused train experiences
Basically, it’s the kind of event kids remember for years and parents end up taking way too many pictures at.
Why This Matters Beyond TrainTastic
This isn’t only about one museum event.
If Thomas comes to Gulfport, it means:
- More families visiting the Coast
- More hotel stays
- More restaurant traffic
- More local business activity
- More kids getting hands-on experiences instead of screen time
The Coast talks a lot about wanting more family tourism. This is exactly the kind of thing that does that.
Why TrainTastic Makes Sense for This
TrainTastic already brings in families from all over the Gulf Coast because it’s different from most museums.
Kids aren’t just walking around looking at displays.
They’re:
- Pushing buttons
- Running trains
- Building with LEGO
- Climbing
- Exploring layouts
- Getting hands-on with STEM exhibits
That’s why the Thomas team saw potential here in the first place.
TrainTastic already has the audience. Already has the train culture. Already has the space and energy that fits this kind of experience.
This Started Bigger Than We Expected
At first, the idea sounded almost too big.
But once conversations started happening, support started showing up too. Families got excited. Donors stepped in. Businesses started paying attention.
Now it feels real.
Not guaranteed yet. But real.
The Matching Donation Changes Everything
The matching donor is a huge part of why this campaign has momentum.
Right now:
- Every donation goes twice as far
- Community support has immediate impact
- Small contributions actually matter
That’s the kind of thing that can push a project over the line.
TrainTastic Is a Nonprofit
That part matters.
TrainTastic is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit museum. Projects like this only happen when the community decides they want them to happen.
This isn’t backed by some giant corporation writing one giant check.
It’s families, local supporters, businesses, train lovers, and people who want to see the Gulf Coast keep growing.
What Happens If This Comes to Gulfport?
Honestly?
It puts Gulfport on the map in a completely different way for family tourism.
It also gives local kids something they usually have to travel hours to experience.
That matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Thomas planned to come to Gulfport?
The proposed run would be Memorial Day through Labor Day 2027.
Is the event officially confirmed yet?
Not yet. Funding still needs to be completed.
Why are donations needed?
TrainTastic is a nonprofit museum, and bringing a national traveling experience like this to the Coast requires major community support.
Can businesses help too?
Yes. Sponsorships and larger partnership opportunities are available.
Help Bring Thomas to the Gulf Coast
If you’ve ever said the Mississippi Gulf Coast needs more family attractions, this is one of those moments where people have a chance to help make it happen.
And if enough people show up, Thomas rolls into Gulfport.
Pretty simple.
💙 Help fuel the project here:
👉 https://traintastic.com/thomas2027/
© 2026 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. © 2026 HIT Entertainment Limited
