Fourth Fridays

Your Whistle-Stop Guide to Ashland Fourth Fridays: July 25 Edition

Ashland Fourth Fridays in historic downtown Ashland, Virginia

All aboard for an unforgettable evening in the Center of the Universe! 🌍 From toe-tapping tunes and local eats to creative treats and mystery guest sightings, Ashland Fourth Fridays on July 25 from 5–8 PM at Ashland Town Hall Lawn is the perfect summer celebration for all ages. Here’s your guide to the night’s highlights—you’ll want to save this one for your pre-party planning! 🗓🎈

Hanover’s Got Talent winner Hannah Armpriester.

🎸 Let the Music Play
Kick things off at 5 PM sharp with a high-energy showcase from the talented students of Ashland Dance Academy. Tap, jazz, ballet—they’ll be bringing the moves and the sparkle to the Ashland Town Hall Pavilion stage. 💃
Then settle in for an instrumental jam session like no other, as The Blue Guitar performs from 5:15–8 PM with dynamic covers of your favorite pop, R&B, rock, and jazz hits. It’s the kind of summer soundtrack you’ll want to hum all the way home.
Stick around for a grand finale performance by Hanover’s Got Talent soaring singing winner Hannah Armpriester. 🎶🌅

🚚 Savor the Flavor
Ashland’s farm-to-fork restaurants stay packed on Fourth Fridays—and for good reason! If you’re looking for a delicious detour, stop by our visiting food trucks offering everything from crepes to Filipino cuisine and dreamy ice cream delights. 🍨🍴 Come hungry and leave with a happy heart (and a full belly).

And don’t forget to raise a glass to style—Shaken Not Spurred will be serving up marvelous mocktails and retro flair from their converted horse trailer beverage truck. ✨ It’s a sip-and-stroll experience like no other! 🍹🐎

🎨 Local Treasures & Artistic Pleasures
This is your moment to shop small and shine bright! ✨ Browse handcrafted jewelry, original artwork, woodwork, fresh flower bouquets 💐, and all the handmade magic Ashland has to offer. You'll find treasures you won't be able to resist—and won’t be able to find anywhere else.

While you shop, cool off with a complimentary water bottle from Cornerstone Church, who will be spreading kindness and hydration across the lawn. Stop by Downtown Ashland Association’s Cool Zone and mist off July heat.💧💛

🎭 Get a Little Spooky…
For those craving a little mystery, RED VEIN Escape is offering immersive escape room games just steps away from the main lawn. 🔍 Their haunted halls are also the jumping-off point for the Ashland Haunted History Tours, where you can take a spine-tingling stroll through the town’s past. 👻 It’s thrills, chills, and clues—if you dare.

📸 Star Sighting Alert!
Who’s that posing for selfies on Thompson Street? 👀 You’ll have to come see for yourself! Our mystery celebrity guest will be on hand at 110 Thompson Street for photo ops and fan fun. Strike a pose—it might just be your most iconic Fourth Friday moment yet! 🌟📷

Rantrak outside of Tiny Tim’s Trains & Toys at Ashland Fourth Fridays

🚂 Tiny Trains & Painted Ponies
Stop by Tiny Tim’s Trains and Toys for a double dose of delight! Outside, the incredible team from Rantrak will be running their magical model train display—a miniature world that’s sure to wow railroad lovers of all ages. Inside, young creatives can paint their own Breyer Horse model, a neigh-borhood favorite that’s sure to spark imagination. 🐴🎨

🌳 Make It a Picnic Party
Bring a blanket, round up your crew, and spend the evening surrounded by music, movement, and community. Whether you're enjoying live performances, shopping for local gems, or just lounging in the summer sun, Ashland Fourth Fridays is the place to be. 🧺🌞

See you on the lawn, July 25 from 5–8 PM!
You never know what you'll discover—but we do know it’ll be marvelous, musical, and Center of the Universe-level magical. 💫

Deadline Extended for the Ashland Song Contest

Art takes time—and great songs often take just a little more. That’s why Downtown Ashland Association and acclaimed music producers Free Jambalaya are harmonizing with consuming creative schedules. The deadline for the Ashland Song Contest has been extended from July 27 to Sunday, August 10, inviting musicians of all ages and genres to find their muse in Ashland, Virginia, and turn that inspiration into song.

The Ashland Song Contest is only in its second season, but music has always been part of Ashland’s heartbeat. From the rhythm of trains echoing through town to the melodies spilling out from front porches and open windows, creativity lives in every corner of the Center of the Universe. Local events like Ashland Fourth Fridays offer a perfect excuse to soak it all in every fourth Friday through August. Live music under the stars, the laughter of neighbors shopping on the Town Hall Lawn, the scent of something delicious drifting from a downtown kitchen or farm-to-fork food truck. It’s not just atmosphere. It’s fuel for your next great lyric.

“There’s something about Ashland that brings out every genre,” says Downtown Ashland Association Executive Director “Coach” Antonio Miller. “Last year, we heard hip-hop, folk, gospel, and indie rock all telling their version of Ashland’s story. From Mauice Taylor’s ‘Train Reaction’ to Aidan Hamilton’s ‘Ashes & Dirt,’ each track from Songs from the Center of the Universe showed us how this town speaks to people in different ways.”

The first season of the Ashland Song Contest ended with a standing ovation—and a star. Thirteen-year-old Ginny Ray stole hearts with her original song “You Already Know,” earning a professional recording session, airplay on K101.2 POP’s nationally syndicated Barry Farmer Morning Show with Sharron Lizzy, and a chance to perform at Ashland’s signature events. Now, the stage is set once again.

Entries are open at AshlandFourthFridays.com, and the winner will be announced live at Ashland Fourth Fridays on August 22 at the Ashland Town Hall Pavilion. One song will get the grand prize, but every qualified Ashland-themed submission becomes part of Songs from the Center of the Universe volume 2 - and the town’s growing musical legacy.

If you’ve ever felt Ashland’s charm tug at your creativity—or if the Center of the Universe has a hold on your heart—this is your chance to sing it out in the Ashland Song Contest.

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! 🌈🎨💃🛍️🍋🎷👻