“Off the Rails” Craft Beer & Wine Festival Returns with Brews, Boos & BBQ

Off the Rails Craft Beer and Wine Festival in at historic Hanover Arts and Activities Center

Ashland’s most spirited fall tradition is back—and bigger than ever. The Hanover Arts & Activities Center (The Center), in partnership with the Downtown Ashland Association (DAA), will host the annual “Off the Rails” Craft Beer & Wine Festival: Brews, Boos, and BBQ on Saturday, October 25 from 3–7 p.m. This beloved community fundraiser combines craft beer, wine, barbecue, live music, and small-town charm, all in support of arts and community programming in the Center of the Universe. 

The partnership with DAA expands the festival’s footprint beyond The Center’s front lawn at 500 South Center Street. Visitors will enjoy food trucks, craft and business vendors, lawn games, and live music from Buckville Hootenanny. Families can join in a costume contest for all ages, and Ashland residents with heavy trick-or-treat traffic can come and get a free bag of candy from Downtown Ashland Association’s booth.

Festival Highlights include:

  • 🎃 $15 entry (advance tickets online); free admission for under 21

  • 🍺 Craft beer pours: $7 full / $4 half

  • 🍷 Wine Tent with James River Cellars: $8 pours / $25 bottles

  • 🍖 Local barbecue from Bourne Rogue + food trucks

  • 🎶 Live music by Buckville Hootenanny

  • 🏆 Costume contests + lawn games for all ages

  • 🛍️ Vendor market hosted by Downtown Ashland Association

To make the day even more accessible, Amtrak Virginia serves as the ultimate designated driver. Passengers can order a Center of the Universe Brewski on board, then step off the train in downtown Ashland—just steps from The Center. Amtrak will host a booth with giveaways and a chance to win free tickets. After the festival ends, the celebration continues with a downtown “after crawl,” featuring Caboose Market and Café, Origin Beer Company, Ash & Olive with Cask and Stave specials, the Iron Horse Restaurant, and the Henry Clay Inn.

“We are thrilled to once again bring neighbors and visitors together for ‘Off the Rails,’” said Brenda Clarke, president of The Center. “This partnership with the Downtown Ashland Association makes it even more impactful. Not only is it a celebration of community, creativity, and connection—it’s a vital fundraiser that helps sustain the arts and cultural programming the Center provides year-round.”

Event Details:
 What: Off the Rails Craft Beer & Wine Festival: Brews, Boos, and BBQ
When: Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 3–7 p.m.
Where: Hanover Arts & Activities Center, 500 South Center Street, Ashland, VA 23005
Price: $15 advance entry (online tickets) | Free for under 21
More Info: https://www.hanoverarts.net/events/off-the-rails-2025