ASHLAND FOURTH FRIDAYS
🎉 Ashland Fourth Fridays are back—and better than ever! 🎶 Get ready to kick off the season with more vendors, more food trucks, and more fun on the Ashland Town Hall lawn!
✨ Cool off with Good Vice’s Ices—featuring velvety smooth, hand-crafted water ices in bold new flavors like Coca-Cola, Shirley Temple, peach 🍑, and strawberry 🍓. It's the chill thrill you’ve been craving!
🎵 Groove to live tunes from The Generations Trio, 💃 Catch a performance by the talented Ashland Dance Academy, 🛍️ Stroll through unique vendors, and 🕺 Dance your way into the weekend!
📅 Join the party starting at 5 PM on Friday, May 23—we’re bringing the heat, the beats, and the sweet treats to the Center of the Universe! 🚂🌟
MAY HAPPENINGS
🧖♀️ May Specials - Revival Spa
Treat mom to some me-time! Get a $220 gift card for just $175—perfect for a massage, facial, or a combo of pampering. Check out Mother’s Day Specials like the Brightening Facial + Green Goddess Wrap or a Couples Massage with free upgrades at revivalspas.com!
🎸 May Saturdays, 4 PM - Ashland Saturday Soundtracks
Join us in Downtown Ashland for the final season of Ashland Soundtracks. Come hang with us on Saturday evenings for free live outdoor music from 4pm - 7pm. Grab a table at one of Ashland's outdoor dining establishments or post up on the expanded sidewalk area. However you choose to enjoy the music, Saturday Soundtracks are sure to get your toes tapping every Saturday evening! Learn more here.
🎤 May 1–3 – Ride the Tide Spring Spectacular
Catch the wave with Luxe, Randolph-Macon’s Show Choir, at their FREE spring show! 🌊 Performances are May 1 & 2 at 7 PM, and May 3 at 2 & 7 PM at Blackwell Auditorium.
🎨 May 1, 4 PM – Paint Launch Party
Celebrate 35 years of Annie Sloan® at Thrill of the Hunt with 5 new vibrant Chalk Paint colours, Prosecco 🥂, paint demos, cookies, grab bags, and 10% off Annie Sloan products—palette-able fun!
🌌 May 1–4, 7 PM – May the 4th Weekend
Feel the force all weekend long at the Ashland Theatre with Star Wars: A New Hope, Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi! 🛸 Learn more here.
🎉 May 2–5 – Cinco De Mayo Fiesta
It’s a four-day flavor fest at Casa Herradura! 🌮 Savor drink specials, live music, giveaways, and fiesta vibes you won’t forget.
🏁 May 3, 11 AM – Mario Kart Tournament
Ready, set, race! 🎮 Join Ashland Theatre for a big-screen Mario Kart tourney—$5 to play, free to watch, with prizes for top racers. Learn more here.
🎭 May 3, 11 AM – History of Cosplay
From the '80s to now, cosplay has a long, colorful history! 🧙♀️ Learn all about its evolution and meet seasoned cosplayers at the Ashland Branch Library. Call 804-798-4072 for more info.
🛠️ May 3, 1 PM – Crafternoon: Captain America
Ages 12–18 can channel their inner hero by crafting with polymer clay! 🦸♂️ Registration required. Call 804-798-4072 for more info.
🥕 May 3, 9 AM – Ashland Farmers Market Opening
Farm fresh and locally loved! 🍓 Celebrate the 27th season of Ashland Farmers Market every Saturday at Town Hall.
🌻 May 3, 1 PM – Community Garden Kick-Off
Dig in for healing with Hanover Safe Place at Pufferbelly Park 🌱 —plant seeds, paint rocks, and connect with your community. All are welcome!
🐎 May 3, 2 PM – Taco Derby Festival
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby with tacos & trots 🌮🐎 at Down on the Farm, featuring Shaken Not Spurred’s new food truck: Clide!
🥁 May 5, 11 AM – Drum Class (Ages 2–5)
Little ones can get in rhythm for International Drum Month! 🪘 Try hand drums and sticks at the Ashland Library. Call 804-798-4072 for details.
🥗 May 5, 12 PM – Healthy Eating As We Age
🍎Learn how to eat well on a budget as you age with the Chickahominy Health District. Call 804-798-4072 for more info.
⚽ May 5, 6 PM – Youth Soccer Tryouts
Score big with Ashland Youth Soccer! ⚽ Offering affordable travel teams focused on skill, teamwork, and community. Sign up here.
🏛️ May 5, 6 PM – Historic Preservation Talk
Join Andi Smith, Ph.D. at Ashland Town Hall to explore the economic perks of preservation. 🏡 Free and open to the public!
👢 May 6, 6:15 PM – Line Dancing with the Boot Scooters
Boot-scoot your way to fun! 🤠 No experience needed—just bring your two left feet to Ashland Library. Call 804-798-4072 to register.
🫖 May 8, 4:30 PM – Fancy Tea Party
Dress your best and bring a grown-up for a delightful tea party at the library! ☕ Treats and fancy vibes guaranteed. Call 804-798-4072 for more info.
🐧 May 9, 7 PM – The Penguin Lessons
Only one week to catch this heartwarming film at Ashland Theatre 🎬—a tale of transformation, unlikely friendships, and a rescued penguin. Learn more here.
🌸 May 10, 10 AM – Mother’s Day ParTEA
Sip, stroll, and savor the blooms at The Freckled Flower Farm! 🌼 Reserve your tea party tickets here.
🎶 May 10, 1 PM – Mother’s Day Brunch
Enjoy a soulful pre-Mother’s Day brunch with Bubba Johnson & The Gospel Gents. Visit Around the Table for tickets.
🌷 May 10, 11 AM – England Street “Spring” Market
Meet your maker(s) at the England Street Market! 🛍️ Featuring crafters and artisans, this curated market supports local creativity without competition.
💪 May 12, 12 PM – Exercises to Stay Healthy
Stay strong, no matter your age! 🧘 Learn safe, simple exercises that keep your body moving. Call 804-798-4072 for details.
🔭 May 12, 6:30 PM – Under the Stars with Dr. Spagna
Stargaze smarter! ✨ Dr. George Spagna shares what’s twinkling in the summer sky. Call 804-798-4072 for info.
🎬 May 12, 7 PM – I Shot Jesse James
Ashland Theatre screens the classic 1949 Western for just $5! 🤠 Guilt, betrayal, and drama unfold—don’t miss it.
🌲 May 15, 6 PM – Woodland Cemetery Tour
Step into the past on a guided walking tour with the Ashland Museum 🌳—uncover the history of Woodland Cemetery & Randolph-Macon since 1862. 📝 Register at ashlandmuseum.org
🎶 May 16, 7 PM – The Ballad of Wallis Island
For one week only, this award-winning film hits the Ashland Theatre. Old tensions resurface when former bandmates—and former lovers—reunite for a private show at the island estate of an eccentric millionaire. 🎟️ Get tickets here.
🚗 May 17, 10 AM – KarWanis Car Show
Cruise into the Ashland Junction Shopping Center for grilled food, live music, and the chance to take home a trophy! Dash plaques go to the first 50 registered vehicles. 📝 Register here.
🌱 May 17, 11 AM – Enjoying Summer Bulbs Ages 13–Adult.
Learn how to brighten your summer garden with help from Master Gardener Dian McConnel. Tips, tricks, and blooming inspiration await! 📍Ashland Branch Library, 201 S. Railroad Ave. | 📞 804-798-4072
🍰 May 17, 3 PM – Afternoon Tea
Savor a splendid three-course sweet & savory tea hosted by Homemades by Suzanne in historic downtown Ashland. Reservations required. 📞 Call 804-798-8331 to book your table.
🍓 May 17 & 18, 11 AM – Strawberry Wine Festival
Head to Hanover Vegetable Farm for two full days of wine, cider, distilleries, food, music (including Shaken Not Spurred), and strawberry-filled fun!
🎸 May 17, 7:30 PM – Permanent Vacation: A Jimmy Buffett Tribute
The Ashland Theatre transforms into Margaritaville for a night of island vibes and Buffett tunes. Don’t miss this tropical tribute! 🎟️ Get tickets here.
🏛️ May 19, 6 PM – Architectural History Requirements
Join Joanna McKnight and Summer Louthan at Ashland Town Hall for a series of short how-to videos on small-scale historic repairs—perfect for preserving porches, windows, and more.
🚴♂️ May 22, 10 AM – Fall Line Trail Ribbon Cutting
Celebrate the opening of a 5-mile stretch of the Fall Line Trail connecting Ashland, Hanover, and Henrico! A major milestone for regional connectivity. 🌐 Learn more here.
📬 May 22, 4:30 PM – What Do You Know About Stamps?
Ages 8–12. Discover the surprising world of stamps—from art to science to mystery! With retired teacher John Moore leading the way. 📍Ashland Branch Library, 201 S. Railroad Ave. | 📞 804-798-4072
🪦 May 22, 6 PM – Woodland Cemetery Walking Tour
Take a guided walk through Ashland’s historic Woodland Cemetery with Susan Tucker, exploring stories from 1862 to today. 📝 Register at ashlandmuseum.org
🎬 May 23 – Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning
The final installment of the Mission: Impossible saga is landing at the Ashland Theatre. Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt—stay tuned for showtimes. 🎟️ Learn more here.
🥗 May 24, 10:30 AM – Lunch for Hanover Safe Place
Dine at Homemades by Suzanne and support Hanover Safe Place. 50% of proceeds go toward preventing domestic violence and providing vital services for families in need.
👟 May 31, 9 AM – Lace Up for a Cause: Run the Rock
Support Hanover Fire-EMS and explore a working quarry on foot with Luck Stone’s Run the Rock 5K. Stick around for the post-race party with food, music, and fun!
🤖 What’s the prompt for smarter tech use? Join us for a free live demonstration of best-use practices for ChatGPT and other large language models—because knowing how to train your prompts makes all the difference.
🧠 After the demo, stick around for a Q&A that’s sure to generate deep learning! Hear from VCU Professors Jason Merrick and Christine Holzem as they decode what’s possible, what’s practical, and what’s just plain artificial nonsense.
Let’s chat about how to compute with care—no neural networks required. Attend for free on May 20 from 6-8 PM in the historicAshland Theatre. Learn more!
ENTERPRISE EXPRESS
🗳️ May 5 – Heart of Hanover Voting
💖 Show some love local and vote in the Heart of Hanover Awards, the inaugural Hanover County Business Awards! Celebrate the businesses that keep our community thriving and make Hanover a place to grow and glow. 👉 Click here to vote.
🚨 May 6, 9 AM – Disaster Recovery Workshop for Businesses
🛠️ Don’t wait for the storm to pass—learn how to weather the unexpected! Join us at Hanover Tavern for this FREE Disaster Recovery Workshop designed to help businesses bounce back from disruptions with confidence.📝 Register today!
⛳ May 19 – ARC of Hanover Golf Tournament Swing into action!
⛳ Volunteer for the ARC of Hanover Golf Tournament and help drive support for programs serving individuals with disabilities in Hanover County. 💛 Sign up here.
📱 May 27, 5 PM – Social Media for Business
✨ Get social the smart way! The Downtown Ashland Association is sharing digital marketing tips and tricks at the Ashland Branch Library to help your business shine online. This is your sign to level up your likes, shares, and sales!
🌐 May 31 – Virginia Affordability and Adoption Planning Grant Deadline
Bridge the digital divide! 🧩 The Virginia Affordability and Adoption Planning Grant supports local and Tribal governments in expanding digital access and creating tech-forward communities. 📌Apply by May 31.
MAY RAFFLES
🎉 Cool Off & Win Big with Good Vices Ices! 🍧❄️
Good Vices Ices is scooping up something sweet — enter to win a $35 gift card (good for 5 frosty servings)! These velvety-smooth, hand-crafted water ices are like ice cream’s cooler, dairy-free cousin. Catch them chillin’ at Ashland Fourth Fridays on May 23!
✅ Gluten-free
✅ Dairy-free
✅ Nut-free
✅ Fat-free
✅ Vegan
✅ Totally delicious!
📸 Picture This: A Portrait Worth $1,000! 🎨✨
Lubin Portraits is raffling off a studio session valued at $1,000! Their one-of-a-kind portraits blend fine art and photography, creating heirlooms your family will treasure for generations. Say cheese — and say wow!
🛍️ $50 Shopping Spree at Caravati’s! 🏛️🪵
Step into history at Caravati’s, housed inside the iconic Loving Ford Motor Company building. Discover architectural gems, lovingly restored pieces, and artisan goods from local makers. Whether you're a homeowner, contractor, designer, or just browsing — this $50 spree is your golden ticket to shop like it’s 1929 (but with modern flair).
GOOD NEIGHBORS
Free events like Ashand Fourth Fridays are only possible thanks to YOUR support. Help us continue to plan free family-friendly fun and build a vibrant future in Downtown Ashland when you make your tax-deductible donation.
BUSINESS SUPPORTERS
GOLD
Your Path Counseling Center | XtraSuite Salon Studios | Smallwood Renovations | Shaken Not Spurred Mobile Bar | Ashland Feed Store | Center Street Sound Co | Barry Farmer Morning Show | Origin Beer Lab | Homemades by Suzanne | Neighbors of Ashland Magazine | Ashland Museum | Ashland Posh Potties | Ash & Olive
SILVER
Root Modern Dentistry | Classic Coffee, Tea and Books | Hanover Academy | Revival Spa | Caboose Market & Cafe | Manning Memorial Services | Renewal by Anderson | 110 Thompson
BRONZE
SPAN Center | Good Vices | Wish You Were Here | Bravo Bakeshop