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National Hispanic Heritage Month

August 23, 2024

Each year from September 15 to October 15, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and the cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central, and South America. First established in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson, it later expanded to a 30-day national celebration as observed today by President Ronald Reagan. 

Many Hispanic/Latino families immigrated to the US for a better life and more opportunities. In fact, U.S. railroads employed a large population of them (mostly of Mexican descent), between the mid-19thand–early-20th centuries. Known as traqueros, these railroad workers relocated to the Midwest and western parts of the country, and many lived in boxcars only a few feet away from railroad tracks.  

Mexican box car rail workers standing on unbuilt tracks
Unidentified group of Mexican railroad workers, courtesy of New Mexico History Museum

As the most convenient and affordable way to work along tracks, boxcars became a permanent home to many workers and families, although living and working conditions were suboptimal. By 1925, about 1.8 million workers were employed by U.S. railroads 

To learn more, check out the Boxcar People documentary, which highlights the personal stories and struggles of Mexican railroad workers and families.  

How you can celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

There are many ways to celebrate Hispanic heritage all year-long. From museums, dining, and shopping in San Francisco’s Mission District, Oakland’s Fruitvale District, and in many San Jose neighborhoods, there’s no shortage of places to visit along Capitol Corridor’s route!

Events
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by taking the train to an event or activity along the route! Many of the destinations the Capitol Corridor serves have lots of restaurants, events, concerts, and other happenings for you to partake in. With our seamless connections to BART, buses, and light rail, getting to your destination is easy.

Check out Oakland events here, San Jose here and Sacramento happenings here.

Juneteenth 2024

June 6, 2024

Juneteenth is a holiday celebrated on June 19th each year in the United States. It commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and is a significant milestone in the country’s history. The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, declared the freedom of slaves in Confederate states, including Texas. However, enforcement in Texas was delayed until June 19, 1865, marking the day now celebrated as Juneteenth. It symbolizes the end of chattel slavery in the United States, marking a turning point in the nation’s struggle for freedom and equality. Despite the delayed news of their freedom in Texas, African Americans embraced Juneteenth as a day of celebration and empowerment, using it as a platform to advocate for civil rights, equality, and social change. It represents the recognition of the inherent rights and dignity of African Americans, who had endured centuries of bondage and oppression.

Additionally, Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the resilience, strength, and perseverance of African Americans throughout history. Despite the delayed news of their freedom, they embraced Juneteenth as a day of celebration and empowerment, using it as a platform to advocate for civil rights, equality, and social justice.

Take the Capitol Corridor to Juneteenth events near you:

Happy Pride Month

May 31, 2024

Happy Pride Month! Pride Month is an annual celebration where we come together to honor and uplift the LGBTQ+ community. It serves as a powerful reminder that every individual deserves to live authentically, without fear, or prejudice. By celebrating Pride Month, we affirm our commitment to creating a world where love, respect, and inclusivity triumph over discrimination and bigotry.

culture events weekend picks

Take Capitol Corridor to the largest Pride celebrations in Northern California! Sit back, relax, and head to the Café Car for yummy food and drinks! Go with a group and take advantage of our deals and promotions.

June

  • Sacramento Pride (Sacramento Station):
    Sacramento Pride will be celebrated on June 8 – 9, 2024, at Sacramento Capitol Mall. Take the train and get off at Sacramento Station, walking just a few blocks to the event’s location.
  • San Francisco (Emeryville/ Richmond Station):
    While the city will be celebrating all month long, the annual San Francisco Pride Celebration will be on Sunday, June 30, 2024, complete with a parade and celebration at San Francisco City Hall. Take the train to Richmond Station and transfer to the BART red line and get off at Embarcadero Station for the start of the parade. Consider staying overnight before or after the event to maximize on the fun!

August

  • Silicon Valley Pride Celebration (San Jose Station):
    This year’s Silicon Valley Pride Celebration returns August 24 – 25, 2024, at Plaza de César Chávez Park in Downtown San Jose. Take the train to San Jose Diridon Station and walk a few blocks toward the park!

September

  • Oakland Pride (Oakland Jack London Station):
    Check out the annual Oakland Pride on Sunday, September 8, 2024, in downtown Oakland. Take the train to Oakland Jack London Station and walk toward downtown or take a rideshare. Make it an overnight trip and book your stay!

Take Capitol Corridor to See Luke Combs and Rolling Stones at Levi’s® Stadium

May 24, 2024

It’s another year of amazing concerts at Levi’s® Stadium! Capitol Corridor, which directly serves Levi’s® Stadium at the Santa Clara-Great America Station (GAC), will offer an adjusted train schedule to better accommodate fans to watch Luke Combs perform on Friday, May 17, and Saturday May 18, and Rolling Stones on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.

Planning your first trip on Capitol Corridor? Here are some tips on how to get the most out of your trip.

What to expect after the concert: Ticketed passengers should give themselves at least 30 minutes to get to the station after the concert given the expected crowd. The train will NOT wait for late passengers, even if the show runs long. Please always stay behind the yellow line.

For the return trip, please make your way close to the exit doors prior to the arrival at the next station. Trains do not remain in the station for long, so you will need to be ready to offboard upon arrival at your destination.

Santa Clara – Great America (GAC) station arrivals and departures

Rolling Stones Special Train Service 7/17/24

Date Show Start Show End (estimated) Westbound Train # and Arrival (to Levi’s Stadium) Eastbound Train # and Departures (to Sacramento)
Wednesday, 7/17/24 7:30pm 11:00pm Train 1543 arrives GAC at 6:15PM

Train 547 arrives GAC at 7:49PM

Train 550 departs GAC at 11:30PM

 

PAST CONCERT(S)

Luke Combs Special Train Service 5/17-18/2024

Date Show Start Show End (estimated) Westbound Train # and Arrival (to Levi’s Stadium) Eastbound Train # and Departures (to Sacramento)
Friday, 5/17/24 5:45pm 11:00pm Train 541 arrives GAC at 2:38PM

Train 543 arrives GAC at 5:05PM

Train 550 departs GAC at 11:30PM
Saturday, 5/18/24 5:45pm 11:00pm Train 741 arrives GAC at 3:37PM

Train 743 arrives GAC at 5:37PM

Train 750 departs GAC at 11:52PM

Fare and Discounts
Capitol Corridor has several discounts available to passengers, including BOGO, Family & Friends, Student Discounts and more! Visit the Deals & Promotions page for booking details.

Book travel to Levi’s® Stadium (GAC) at www.capitolcorridor.org.

Sacramento Station Parking:
Please note the Sacramento Station Parking Lot/Old Sacramento Garage has limited space and requires a short walk (at least 15 minutes) between the parking lot and platform. Follow the signs and walk to the train platform to board.  Please proceed from the Sacramento Station building to the boarding platform and be ready to board 10 minutes prior to train departure. More information here

Service Alerts:
Sign up for Capitol Corridor service alerts! Subscribers can sign up individually for Weekday Service Alerts and Weekend Service Alerts through Email/ SMS here

Amenities
– Café Car: We offer food, snacks, and alcoholic/ non-alcoholic drinks onboard
– Comfortable Seats and Outlets: Plenty of leg room and outlets on every row. Please store your belongings in the overhead compartment or at your feet and keep the seat next to you clear for others.
– Restrooms: Clean restrooms on both upper and lower level
– Free Wi-Fi: Connect to “YourTrainWiFi” on your device for free Wi-Fi

See all amenities here