Ready to step into a summer of rhythm, flavor, and family-friendly adventure? Then mark your calendars for Ashland Fourth Fridays on May 23 from 5–8 PM! Whether you're a local or hopping off the Amtrak Virginia for a weekend getaway, this event is your one-way ticket to joy in the Center of the Universe.
🌸 Something for Everyone (Even Your Sweet Tooth)
From the moment you arrive at Ashland Town Hall Lawn, you’ll be greeted with smiling faces, vibrant local vendors, and entertainment that’ll have you dancing in your picnic blanket. This event is super walkable, so wear comfy shoes and wander through food trucks, family games, craft tents, and irresistible aromas that fill the evening air.
🍽️ Farm-to-Fork Fare & Flavors from Around the World:
World class-culinary m
Monique’s Crepes – Made-to-order sweet & savory French-style crepes
Good Vices Ices – Fruity, refreshing water ice made with real fruit
Los Changos – El Salvadoran street eats like pupusas, tacos & more
Charles Kitchen Caribbean – Curry shrimp, vegan crab cakes, stewed chicken, and plantains that’ll transport your taste buds
Farmview Creamery – Farmer-owned ice cream and flavored milk straight from the source 🐄🍨
Mama Vicky’s Lumpia – Filipino BBQ skewers and savory-sweet lumpia that’ll leave you craving seconds
🎭 Live Entertainment That'll Make You Tap Your Feet (and Your Heartstrings!)
Kick off the evening with back-to-back performances from Ashland Dance Academy starting at 5 PM at the Ashland Town Hall Pavilion. These pint-sized performers bring big energy in ballet, hip-hop, and musical theatre styles. Stop by for a photo-op with Glenda the Good Witch beside the “Welcome to the Center of the Universe” mural at 110 Thompson Street 🌟✨
The Generations Trio playing the New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball
🎷 Then, get jazzy with The Generations Trio, Richmond-based musicians who blend classic jazz with modern vibes. Their renditions of legends like Miles Davis and The Beatles will have you swaying under the setting sun. Whether you're on a blanket or a lawn chair, you’ll feel the groove all the way down to your toes.
🧙♀️ Ghosts, Ghouls & Glimpses of the Past 👻
May 23 marks the season debut of Ashland Haunted History Tours! Choose your adventure:
Spirits of Railroad Avenue: Lantern-lit lore along the tracks
Stranger Than Fiction: Delightfully weird and eerie stories you won’t believe
Tours depart from RED VEIN Escape, where you can book an immersive game before or after your historical haunt!
🛍️ Shop Small, Shine Bright
Local vendors are popping up around the lawn and shops are staying open late. From handmade jewelry and crocheted toys to herbal teas, flower bouquets, and boozy bundt cakes, there’s a treasure for every taste. Here’s just a sampling:
🎨 Love St Studio – One-of-a-kind shrink plastic jewelry
🧶 Twysted Threads – Crocheted animals, hats, and t-shirts
💐 Breemar Flower Farms – Fresh, dried, and seasonal blooms
🛁 Heart and Soap – Artisanal soaps and lotions
🍋 The Faithful Lemon – Fresh-squeezed lemonade & limeade
🍰 Boozy Bundt – Scratch-made, spirit-infused cakes
👓 HeavenlyEyes – Chic eyewear, handbags & wallets
…and dozens more ready to delight, surprise, and support your community spirit 💛
🏛️ Explore Ashland’s Roots
The Ashland Museum is open late during Fourth Fridays to tell the story of our town’s past—one railroad tie and tall tale at a time. From trains to traditions, discover the magic that made Ashland the Center of the Universe.
🎤 Got a Song in Your Heart? 🎶
While you're downtown, stop by AshlandFourthFridays.com and submit your original tune to the Ashland Song Contest! Your song could be the next anthem echoing down Center Street. The winner gets radio play, performance gigs, and a chance at label representation! 🎙️🎧 Deadline is July 27, 2025—let your lyrics locomote their way into Ashland history.
🚄 Take the Train, Stay for the Charm
Riding in from Richmond or DC? Hop aboard Amtrak Virginia and arrive right in the heart of downtown Ashland. With Town Hall just a block away from the station, it's an easy breezy night of local love, dancing, dining, and discovering. Why not enjoy a Center of the Universe Brewing Company Brewski while you’re on board?
🗺️ Full event maps and updates at AshlandFourthFridays.com
🌟✨ Don’t miss this monthly celebration of everything that makes Ashland special—from talented tots to toe-tapping trios, handmade treasures to ghostly tales. Gather your crew, bring your appetite, and get ready to stroll, shop, and support the Center of the Universe.
See you on the lawn, May 23! 🌈🎨💃🛍️🍋🎷👻