Fourth Fridays

June's Ashland Fourth Fridays Bring Funk, Flavor, and Family Fun to Town Hall

Local shopping open late at Ashland Fourth Fridays

The sun’s out, the town is buzzing, and the vibes are turned way up. Ashland Fourth Fridays is rolling into summer like a freight train full of fun—and the next stop is you, June 27 from 5–8 PM on the lawn of Ashland Town Hall.

Ashland Dance Academy at Ashland Fourth Fridays

This free, family-friendly evening brings the best of Ashland’s creative soul to one central, walkable spot. Expect toe-tapping tunes, tiny dancers, tantalizing treats, and treasures you won’t find in any big-box store. (We’re looking at you, tariff-free, local makers!)

Kicking off the evening? The always-adorable Ashland Dance Academy takes the pavilion stage with a range of styles from hip hop to tap—plus a post-performance photo op at their studio with a surprise celebrity guest. (Bring your camera and your dancing shoes!)

As the sun dips, Ashland’s own Life Support—an acoustic trio from Derailed Studio—keeps the good vibes flowing with funky harmonies and instruments like the electric ukulele, cajón, and acoustic bass. Their sound is anything but standard issue.

Just before 8 PM, catch the grand finale as Hanover’s Got Talent winner Hannah Armpriester brings her award-winning act to the Town Hall Pavilion. She’ll hit the high note on a night you won’t forget.

Need a bite between beats? Your favorite food trucks are parked and prepped:

  • Bikini Panini is grilling up gourmet sandwiches with global flair.

  • Charles Kitchen Caribbean Food Truck serves island spice with everything nice.

  • Farmview Creamery is dishing out cool, creamy scoops.

  • Monique’s Crepes, Mama Vicky’s Lumpia, and Flavaz Shave Ice round out a menu that’s as adventurous as it is delicious.

Tiny Tim’s Trains and Toys at Ashland Fourth Fridays

And don’t forget to trot on over to Tiny Tim’s Trains and Toys, where the magic keeps chugging along! Kids (and kids at heart) can paint their very own FREE Breyer horse to take home—no reins required. Plus, the Richmond Area N-Trak (RANTRAK) T-Trak Division will be operating live model trains outside the shop. Whether you're a seasoned railfan or just curious about cabooses, it's the perfect pit stop for imagination and awe. Giddy up!

Feeling crafty? Over 40 local vendors will be offering handmade, heartfelt, and wholly original goods—from locally crafted art by Immagine LLC to soy soothing soy candles by Gibby Candle Company. Build a bouquet with Breemar Flower Farm or snag a one-of-a-kind leather tote at Preau Leather. Why pay extra for shipping and tariffs when you can shop small and support your neighbors?

And while you’re out enjoying the sunshine and good company, why not get inspired for the Ashland Song Contest (running now through July 27)? After all, there’s no better muse than a town with rhythm, roots, and a whole lot of heart. The winner will perform live at  Ashland Fourth Fridays on August 22!

For those with a taste for the strange and spooky, RED VEIN Escape invites you to kick off the Ashland Haunted History Tours. Choose from two spine-tingling routes: Stranger Than Fiction dives into eerie legends too weird to be made up, while Spirits of Railroad Avenue shares ghost stories straight from locals who've seen the shadows shift.

So mark your calendars, pack a picnic blanket, and bring your crew. Join us on June 27 from 5–8 PM at Ashland Town Hall for Ashland Fourth Fridays, where community, creativity, and commerce collide in the most delightful way.

Ashland Fourth Fridays: Tariff-free. Kid-approved. Spirit-lifting.
 Because nothing says “love local” like a lemonade in one hand and a handcrafted sourdough loaf in the other.

Ashland Song Contest Returns for an Encore

2024 Ashland Song Contest winner Ginny Ray

The spotlight is back on Ashland’s musical talent as the Ashland Song Contest returns for an encore! Following the chart-topping success of its inaugural year, this one-of-a-kind contest invites musicians, lyricists, and dreamers of all ages to sing the praises of Ashland, Virginia—affectionately known as the Center of the Universe.

Last year’s debut was music to our ears: 14 original songs were recorded live at Ashland Fourth Fridays in Slipped Disc recording studios, just a heartbeat away from the historic Ashland Theatre. Each submission became part of the community’s soundtrack, culminating in the album Songs from the Center of the Universe, now streaming on all major platforms—thanks to local music legends, Free Jambalaya.

The first-place winner, then 13-year-old Ashland native Ginny Ray, proved that hometown pride and talent start young. Her heartfelt hit, “You Already Know,” landed her a professional recording session, a performance on Ashland’s biggest stages, and radio play on K101.2 POP through The Barry Farmer Morning Show with Sharron Lizzy—a nationally syndicated program that gave her voice a national stage.

Matt Treacy of Free Jambalaya

“The Song Contest was an incredible experience, and one that makes me proud to be working in Ashland,” said Matt Treacy of Free Jambalaya. “We expected a handful of entries—and got 25 high-quality, heartfelt songs. It’s clear this town has talent, and I can’t wait to hear what Volume 2 brings.”

🎤 Now, it’s your turn to take the mic. Whether you’re a toe-tapping troubadour or a lyric-loving local, this is your moment to let Ashland inspire your next big hit. Enter the Ashland Song Contest at AshlandFourthFridays.com by Sunday, July 27, 2025, and your voice could join the chorus of hometown stars.

🎵 PRIZES INCLUDE:

📜 ENTRY DETAILS:

  • Submit your original song at AshlandFourthFridays.com by Sunday, July 27, 2025

  • Songs must be family-friendly, original, and reference the Town of Ashland

  • Winner announced at Ashland Fourth Fridays on August 22 at 5 PM at the Ashland Town Hall Pavilion

Need some lyrical inspiration? Dive into Ashland’s past and present with:

May Ashland Fourth Fridays Marvels

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! 🌈🎨💃🛍️🍋🎷👻

Fourth Fridays Kicks off the Summer!

Ashland Dance Academy performing at Ashland Fourth Fridays in the Ashland Town Hall Pavillion

The beloved Ashland Fourth Fridays series returns in 2025, bringing live music, local art, and vibrant community spirit to the Center of the Universe. Held on the fourth Friday of each month from May through August, this event invites visitors to shop, dine, and dance under the stars while enjoying free concerts, artisan vendors, and farm-to-table cuisine in historic downtown Ashland.

Each month, Ashland Fourth Fridays will feature a diverse lineup of live performances at the Ashland Town Hall Pavilion, highlighting some of Virginia’s most exciting musical acts in the Center of the Universe:

  • May 23, 2025 – The Generations Trio
    Kickstarting the summer with smooth jazz and timeless classics, The Generations Trio blends rich melodies and swinging grooves, performing favorites from icons like Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock alongside fresh takes on classic rock hits.

  • June 27, 2025 – Life Support
    With funky harmonies and an eclectic mix of instruments, Life Support reinvents acoustic rock with the cajón, electric ukulele, and acoustic bass, delivering an energetic and engaging sound.

  • July 25, 2025 – The Blue Guitar
    This dynamic group covers rock, jazz, R&B, and pop, combining instrumental arrangements with powerful vocals for an unforgettable performance.

  • August 22, 2025 – Vexine
    Closing out the summer with their signature "southern rock noir," Vexine’s powerhouse vocals and bold instrumentation will electrify the crowd. This final Fourth Friday will also announce the winner of the Ashland Song Contest, unveiling an original song inspired by the town itself.

Vend at Ashland Fourth Fridays

APPLICATION

Beyond the music, Ashland Fourth Fridays offer an immersive experience, including extended shopping hours at downtown boutiques, an artist marketplace, and delicious eats from local restaurants. The Ashland Dance Academy will once again energize the crowd with special performances, while thrill-seekers can enjoy interactive entertainment like escape games from RED VEIN Escape and eerie storytelling with Ashland Haunted History Tours.

Artists, artisans, and food vendors are encouraged to apply to be part of this celebration of creativity and community. Vendor spaces are carefully curated to highlight the region’s vast talent, ensuring a diverse and engaging experience for attendees. Interested vendors should apply exclusively through the Downtown Ashland Association.

Ashland Song Contest

ENTER

For those eager to leave their mark on Ashland’s musical legacy, the Ashland Song Contest is now accepting entries. Songwriters of all levels are invited to compose an original tune celebrating Ashland, with the winning piece earning a professional recording session, a live debut at the Light Up the Tracks Celebration, streaming on all major platforms, and a played on the K101.2 POP.

From handcrafted art to delicious cuisine, from jazz melodies to rock anthems, Ashland Fourth Fridays are the perfect way to experience the town’s creative and cultural energy. Whether discovering a new favorite band, savoring a gourmet dish, or finding the perfect locally made treasure, visitors are sure to be enchanted by this unique summer event.

For more information, including vendor applications and song contest submissions, visit AshlandFourthFridays.com and follow the Downtown Ashland Association on social media. Don’t miss the chance to discover, dine, and delight at Ashland Fourth Fridays—where music, art, and community shine under the summer sky.

"Songs From the Center of the Universe" Now Streaming on Major Platforms

Ashland Song Contest winner Ginny Ray headlines the debut album Songs From the Center of the Universe

The 2024 Ashland Song Competition album, Songs From the Center of the Universe, is now available for streaming on all major platforms, including Apple Music and Spotify. This compilation features heartfelt and inspiring tracks celebrating the rich history and vibrant community spirit of Ashland, Virginia—affectionately known as the Center of the Universe.

The album includes winning and standout entries from Ashland Song Competition winners, showcasing the incredible talent of musicians and songwriters inspired by the town’s heritage and charm. Local artists found inspiration in Ashland’s storied past, from its beginnings as a railroad town to its evolution into a vibrant hub of creativity. These songs pay homage to the sense of belonging, history, and resilience that define Ashland.

Downtown Ashland Association Director of Operations Louise Keeton expressed her pride, saying, “Local talent blew us away during the 2024 Ashland Song Contest. It is so heartwarming to see how inspired artists are by our historic hallmark town. It is even more special now that their songs can reach the whole world through these streaming platforms—perhaps the whole universe!”

Tracks such as Ginny Ray’s "Ashland Song," with its touching lyrics about a place “where the people are nice, friendly, and dear,” and Bruce Capofferri’s ode to the welcoming streets of Ashland remind listeners of the warmth and uniqueness of this small town. Gray Gurkin’s "In the Center of the Universe" captures the simplicity and charm of Ashland’s identity, while Aiden Hamilton’s "The Phoenix’s Rebirth" reflects its enduring spirit. Listeners are invited to start streaming from their favorite platforms today.

Celebrate at the Album Release Party

In addition to streaming Songs From the Center of the Universe, join us for the official album release party on Friday, January 24, 2025, from 5–6 PM in the private event room at Center of the Universe Brewing Company. Hear K101.2 POP Home of The Barry Farmer Morning Show with Sharon Lizzy play the album over COTU’s rocking speaker system while you sip out of this world brews and enjoy dinner from Ashland food truck favorite Bikini Panini. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow music lovers and support local talent!

2025 Ashland Song Contest: Submissions Open in May

The next chapter of this musical journey begins Friday, May 23, 2025, when submissions for the 2025 Ashland Song Contest open at the first Ashland Fourth Fridays event. The contest invites musicians of all backgrounds to compose original songs inspired by Ashland’s history and culture.

Contestants will vie for the opportunity to record their track at Free Jambalaya Studios, a top-tier recording studio in downtown Ashland and have their song featured on major streaming platforms. The winner will be announced at the final Ashland Fourth Fridays on Friday, August 22, 2025, and will also perform at the town’s annual Light Up the Tracks celebration in November.

Stream the Sound of Ashland Today

Celebrate the creativity of Ashland by streaming Songs From the Center of the Universe today. Let these melodies transport you to the heart of Ashland, where community, history, and artistry harmonize beautifully.

Start streaming at https://lnkfi.re/ashland