Your 2026 Ashland Vision Board

Ashland Train Day through the lens of Rick Kidd Photography

If you’ve ever wished your vision board could come to life, 2026 in Ashland is ready to deliver. This year’s calendar is filled with moments both joyful and meaningful—events that invite you to gather, reflect, celebrate, and return again and again to the heart of the Center of the Universe.

Untold Stories at Patrick Henry High School

The magic is already underway with Gonna Be Golden Milk Chocolate Bars, available now while supplies last. Only four golden tickets remain, each hidden inside a creamy milk-chocolate bar and redeemable for extraordinary downtown prizes. It’s a sweet reminder that in Ashland, even everyday treats can hold a little surprise.

On March 1 from 4–6 PM, the community comes together for Untold Stories at Patrick Henry High School. This powerful panel features local residents sharing oral histories centered on race, community, and segregation during the 1940s–1960s—an evening of listening, learning, and honoring the voices that shaped our town.

Starting in March and continuing through October, Ashland Fourth Fridays light up downtown on the fourth Friday of every month. These beloved street parties feature late-night shopping, farm-to-table fare, live music, dancing, photo-worthy moments, and the unmistakable buzz of Ashland after hours.

Ashland Fourth Fridays in historic downtown Ashland

History and hometown pride take center stage on March 28 during Secretariat Day, held at 1104 PM around the Secretariat Racing Into History monument in the Reynolds Family Plaza at Randolph-Macon College. Virginia’s only Secretariat monument comes alive with family-friendly fun, history talks, local vendors, food, merchandise, and horse-powered joy—made possible by @secretariatforvirginia.

Railfans and festival lovers alike will want to mark April 25 from 10 AM–4 PM for Ashland Train Day, the 22nd annual celebration of the town’s deep railroad roots. Expect a full day of festival fun, railroad flair, and community connection, with opportunities to get involved as a vendor, volunteer, or sponsor.

In May, big ideas take the spotlight at the Center Street Pitch Competition at the Ashland Theatre. Known as the friendliest Shark Tank in the Center of the Universe, this event champions local entrepreneurs as they pitch for major cash prizes and community support.

Light Up the Tracks through the lens of Robert Pfeifer

Summer sweetness arrives on June 6 from 10 AM–5 PM with the Ashland Strawberry Faire. A cherished tradition since 1982, this free, family-friendly festival overflows with strawberry treats, live entertainment, and activities—all while supporting scholarships and local nonprofits.

As the year winds down, Ashland turns up the glow with Light Up the Tracks, running November 21 through January 1, 2027. This mile-long holiday light display anchors six weeks of events, markets, music, and seasonal magic, powered by @dominionenergy and beloved by all ages.

In Ashland, planning your year isn’t just about dates—it’s about choosing moments. As you look ahead to 2026, we hope you’ll save space for the experiences that make the Center of the Universe feel like home.

Seize Your Space in the Center of the Universe

Vendors at Ashland Train Day in historic downtown Ashland

Entrepreneurs have been looking for the right moment to claim space, build brand awareness, and plan smarter (while saving money). Downtown Ashland Association is making it happen.

At the Downtown Ashland Association (DAA), supporting small businesses isn’t a one‑off initiative—it’s a year‑round commitment. From education and exposure to real, revenue‑generating opportunities in the heart of historic downtown Ashland, DAA is proud to offer meaningful pathways for entrepreneurs to grow, connect, and be seen.

Education First: Free Entrepreneur Workshops

Free entrepreneur workshops at 6 PM on the first Wednesday of every month

Every great business starts with knowledge—and community. That’s why DAA hosts free entrepreneur workshops at 6 PM on the first Wednesday of every month inside the Ashland Branch Library. These sessions are designed to empower local and regional entrepreneurs with practical tools, shared expertise, and connections that matter.

We believe informed entrepreneurs build stronger businesses—and stronger downtowns.

From Learning to Earning: High‑Impact Vendor Events

Education is only the beginning. DAA then helps entrepreneurs turn ideas into action by creating opportunities to vend at some of the most beloved events in the Center of the Universe.

Where Entrepreneurs Show Up—and Stand Out

Ashland Fourth Fridays (March–October) mark the rhythm of the seasons in the Center of the Universe. Hosted at Ashland Town Hall, these free, family‑friendly destination events welcome spring, celebrate summer, and awe in autumn with live concerts, picnic‑perfect vibes, and entertainment that invites people to linger downtown. From face painting and dancing to the most delicious picnic fixings Ashland has to offer, Fourth Fridays create the kind of relaxed, joyful atmosphere where vendors thrive—meeting customers who are ready to explore, shop, and support small businesses.

Ashland Train Day by Rick Kidd Photography

Ashland Train Day, now in its 22nd year, is nothing short of legendary. Known around the world, this downtown‑wide railroad extravaganza transforms Ashland into a living celebration of rail history and community pride. Model trains, touch‑a‑truck style vehicles, live entertainment, giveaways, immersive history experiences, and an entire kids’ zone—complete with On the Fly bounce houses, obstacle courses, and games—fill the streets. All the while, real trains barrel through downtown, creating unforgettable moments and unmatched foot traffic for vendors.

The Grand Illumination officially ushers in the holiday season in the Center of the Universe. Hosted at the Ashland Town Hall Pavilion, this magical evening features live entertainment, traditional outdoor shopping, light‑up contests, prizes, and a breathtaking tree lighting. More than 10,000 twinkling lights outline downtown Ashland, made possible by Dominion Energy, turning the entire district into a festive marketplace where vendors connect with holiday shoppers in a truly memorable setting.

Amplification That Goes Beyond the Event

On the Fly Events on Happy Hour Vibes Networking and Recording Parties

When you partner with DAA, your reach doesn’t stop at your 10x10 space.

Vendors and sponsors are amplified through a robust mix of media that extends far beyond event day. This includes digital storytelling shared locally and around the world, print features, and radio promotion on K101.2 POP Richmond, where brands are heard across the airwaves. Sponsors are also invited to attend Happy Hour Vibes Networking and Recording Parties, creating opportunities to connect, collaborate, and hear their brand amplified in real time.

Select sponsors even see their brand light up the big screen at the historic Ashland Theatre, reinforcing visibility in one of downtown’s most iconic spaces.

It’s not just vending—it’s visibility.

One Sponsorship. A Full Year of Opportunity.

Silver Business Sponsor

$500.00

BECOME A SILVER SPONSOR

Here’s where planning gets easier—and more affordable.

Rather than filling out nine separate vendor applications, waiting for invitations, and paying individual vendor fees throughout the year, businesses can secure guaranteed placement with a Downtown Ashland Association sponsorship.

Silver Sponsorship benefits include:

• A guaranteed 10x10 vendor space at:

  • Every Ashland Fourth Fridays event (March–October)

  • Ashland Train Day

  • The Grand Illumination

• A full year of visibility and support

• Cost savings and simplified planning

• Priority access to Downtown Ashland’s most high‑traffic events

That’s an entire year of vending opportunities—without the guesswork—in the Center of the Universe.

Now Is the Time to Claim Your Space

Downtown Ashland Association sponsorships are more than a marketing opportunity—they’re an investment in your business’s growth and a partnership with a community that shows up for its entrepreneurs.

Guarantee your place today and start planning smarter:

👉 https://www.ashlandvirginia.com/sponsor

Because when small businesses thrive, downtown thrives—and there’s no better place to shine than right here in the Center of the Universe.

Ashland Train Day Showcases the Power of Community 🚂✨

Ashland Train Day through the lens of Aidan Brown

Each spring, the sound of train whistles echoing through downtown Ashland signals more than passing railcars — it signals connection, celebration, and community pride. Ashland Train Day, now in its 22nd year, has become one of Virginia’s most beloved rail‑centric events, drawing rail enthusiasts, families, and visitors from around the world to the heart of the Center of the Universe.

On Saturday, April 25, from 10 AM – 4 PM, historic downtown Ashland will once again transform into a vibrant festival space where rail history, local businesses, and community spirit converge. More than 20,000 people are expected to arrive by plane, train, shuttle, bicycle, and on foot, while millions more tune in globally through livestreams, social media, print coverage, and radio storytelling.

What makes Ashland Train Day extraordinary is not just the trains — it is the remarkable collaboration behind the scenes. Sponsors, in‑kind partners, vendors, volunteers, artists, and neighbors all play a role in creating an experience that is welcoming, inclusive, and unforgettable.

A Rail Town Like No Other 🚆🌍

Raffle - 2 Amtrak Tickets

$10.00

Enter our raffle for your chance to win TWO Amtrak tickets to anywhere along the East Coast! Whether you're dreaming of a scenic getaway, a city escape, or a coastal retreat, crack open a can of Center of the Universe Brewski and climb on board! Your ticket to ride is just a lucky draw away.

🎟 Your golden ticket includes:
🚆 Two Amtrak tickets valid for any East Coast destination
🍻 $25 Center of the Universe Brewing Company Gift Card
🧢 5 Brewski Hats
📅 Redeemable for up to one year from the issue date
⚠️ Some blackout dates apply (mostly federal holidays)

Don’t miss your chance to embark on the journey of a lifetime—grab your raffle tickets now before this opportunity leaves the station! 🚉💨

Raffle proceeds benefit Downtown Ashland Association’s non-profit mission.

The winner will receive an email from Downtown Ashland Association on Friday, April 24.

Purchase

Downtown Ashland holds a rare distinction as one of the few towns in America where an active Amtrak station, operating since the 1920s, runs directly through the center of town. Powerful Amtrak and CSX trains roll past sidewalk cafés, railside dining, and locally owned boutiques filled with toys, antiques, equestrian goods, art, and gifts. For railfans unable to attend in person, the beloved Virtual Railcam offers a front‑row seat from anywhere in the world.

Ashland Train Day elevates this everyday magic into a once‑a‑year celebration that highlights not only rail history, but also the businesses, organizations, and people who make Ashland special year‑round. Through the Downtown Ashland Association’s expansive media reach — spanning digital platforms, print features, and radio partnerships like K101.2 POP Richmond’s Happy Hour Vibes — the event shines a spotlight on the community far beyond town limits.

Amtrak Virginia Helps Set the Pace 🚉💙

As a presenting sponsor, Amtrak Virginia plays a central role in Ashland Train Day, reinforcing the importance of rail travel to the event’s identity. In celebration, Amtrak Virginia is raffling off two round‑trip tickets anywhere along the East Coast, delighting attendees and underscoring the ease of arriving by train.

For many visitors, Amtrak is the preferred way to experience Train Day. Riders enjoy parking‑free travel straight into downtown Ashland, scenic views along the route, and a warm welcome as railfans wave them into the historic station. The Ashland stop is part of Amtrak Virginia’s Northeast Regional Route, connecting the town to destinations including Hampton Roads, Williamsburg, Richmond, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, and Boston.

Amtrak Virginia further supports accessibility by promoting traveler‑friendly fare programs, including the Virginia Anytime Fare with 15 percent savings, a student discount offering 15 percent off with valid identification, a child discount allowing one child ages two to twelve to ride for half price with each paying adult, and Share Fares, which provide group discounts of up to 60 percent for parties of eight or more.

Community Partners Bring the Experience to Life 🤝🎉

Raffle - Wild Bill's Mugs

$5.00

🚂 All aboard the refreshment express! 🥤
Wild Bill’s Soda is rollin’ into town for Ashland Train Day on April 25 with craft sodas made for slow sippin’ and fast refillin’! 💨💛

We’re rafflin’ TWO legendary Wild Bill mugs—and the lucky winners get FREE refills all Train Day long! 🍒🍋🍉
That’s one refreshin’ ride you don’t wanna miss.

🎟️ Enter now for $5
Then giddy up to the food court and sip like a soda sheriff. 🤠🥤

Raffle proceeds benefit Downtown Ashland Association’s non-profit mission.

The winner will receive an email from Downtown Ashland Association on Friday, April 24.

Purchase

Ashland Train Day comes to life through generous in‑kind contributions that support everything from volunteer care to entertainment and accessibility. Chick‑fil‑A ensures volunteers start the day energized by providing a complimentary breakfast buffet inside the Dominion Energy Innovation Center.

Families are invited to explore the lively Kids Zone inside the Ashland Branch Library, sponsored by New Community Church. The space features a looping kiddie train and an inflatable obstacle course and bounce house made possible through the enthusiastic in‑kind support of On The Fly Events VA, known for delivering engaging, high‑quality event experiences across the region.

Music fills the air thanks to Center Street Sound Co, which donates DJ services throughout the day inside the Ashland Town Hall Pavilion. Just outside, Free Jambalaya hosts a free live sidewalk concert near its Slipped Disc studio beside the Ashland Theatre, adding rhythm and energy to the streets of downtown.

Inclusivity remains a cornerstone of the event, with the Autism Society of Central Virginia offering a sensory‑friendly, quiet space overlooking the trains for guests seeking a calmer environment. Adding a dash of fun and fundraising, Wild Bill’s Soda is raffling off two custom Ashland Train Day mugs — complete with free refills all day — with proceeds supporting the Downtown Ashland Association and helping keep Train Day free for everyone.

Vendors, Sponsors, and Neighbors Power the Day 🛍️🚂

Downtown Ashland’s intimate, walkable layout makes vendor participation especially impactful. Vendors enjoy meaningful visibility, curated placement throughout town, and the opportunity to connect directly with thousands of engaged attendees. Participation also opens the door to future Downtown Ashland Association events and ongoing promotional support.

Revival Spa vending at Ashland Train Day

Sponsorship opportunities further amplify community involvement. Silver Sponsors, including organizations such as Giving Hope Lawn Management and Macaroni Kid, receive enhanced visibility, including advertising on the Ashland Theatre’s iconic silver screen. Vendors interested in participating specifically in Ashland Train Day may apply through AshlandTrainDay.com, where invited vendors select preferred locations and pricing tiers ranging from $50 to $500 based on placement.

A Celebration Made Possible by Community 🚦✨

Ashland Train Day stands as a powerful example of what happens when a community comes together. From sponsors and in‑kind contributors to vendors, volunteers, musicians, nonprofits, and neighbors, each participant helps create an event that honors rail history while celebrating the present‑day spirit of Ashland.

As trains continue to roll through the Center of the Universe, Ashland Train Day remains a joyful reminder that collaboration, creativity, and community pride are what truly keep the town — and the event — moving forward.

More information about Ashland Train Day, including vendor and sponsorship opportunities, is available at AshlandTrainDay.com

Conductor Train Day Sponsor

$500.00

Become a sponsor for Downtown Ashland Association’s signature event - Ashland Train Day! Reach over a million viewers and 20K people in person when you become a donor to our railroad extravaganza!

Conductor Sponsors increase impact with a $500 donation, securing a dedicated social media post and a month of ads on the iconic Ashland Theatre big screen.

Purchase

Engineer Train Day Sponsorship

$1,000.00

Become a sponsor for Downtown Ashland Association’s signature event - Ashland Train Day! Reach over a million viewers and 20K people in person when you become a donor to our railroad extravaganza!

For our esteemed $1,000 donors, enjoy a comprehensive package including media promotion reaching 1.5M, a featured blog article on the Downtown Ashland Association website, recognition in our highly anticipated Get Centered Newsletter reaching over 4K readers, and a branded photography package capturing the essence of your support. 

Purchase

Stationmaster Train Day Sponsor

$5,000.00

Become a sponsor for Ashland’s signiture event - Ashland Train Day! Reach over a million viewers and 20K people in person when you become a donor to our railroad extravaganza!

For a $5,000 donation, Stationmaster Sponsors receive a dedicated Facebook and Instagram post highlighting your business or charity, reaching an audience of over 20K engaged viewers.

Purchase

Ashland Train Day Guide to Getting Here

Ashland Train Day is pulling into the station on Saturday, April 26 from 11 AM to 4 PM, and there are so many ways to arrive at this celebration of rails, roots, and community spirit. Whether you're traveling from across the region or coming in from a nearby neighborhood, we've laid out the best routes to get you to the Center of the Universe in style.

🚄 Travel by Train (Of Course!)

Why not travel the Ashland way—by train? Amtrak stops right in the heart of downtown Ashland, placing you smack in the middle of Train Day festivities. Kids ride for half price, and Amtrak sweetens the ride with kid-friendly activities like coloring pages, games, and videos. Grown-ups can sit back with a craft beer from Center of the Universe Brewing Company and toast to the good times ahead.

🌐 Can’t Make It in Person? Go Virtual!

Join the millions of train lovers who enjoy Ashland’s tracks through Virtual Railfan. During Train Day, the Ashland Branch Library becomes a real-life meeting place for the digital railfan community, complete with a special train display for visitors of all ages.

🅿️ Park and Shuttle Like a Pro

Avoid the traffic crawl and hop on one of our engineered-for-ease shuttles. Three Park & Ride locations will be open with continuous service to downtown Ashland starting at 11 AM (final shuttle departs at 3:45 PM):

• Green Line (East)
  📍Ashland-Junction Shopping Center
  ADA-accessible with drop-off at Fin & Feather
  → Grab a bite at Around the Table or La Catrina Tortilleria before boarding!

• Purple Line (East)
  📍Ashland Hanover Shopping Center
  Drop-off at Fin & Feather
  → Recharge with a Heated Zero-G Massage Chair in XtraSuite Salon Studios, or explore detailed model railroads.

• Red Line (West)
  📍First Baptist Church Ashland
  Drop-off at Dominion Energy Innovation Center
  → Restroom access, bottled water, and changing tables make this stop a family favorite.
  

🚧 Road Closures Ahead

Plan your route accordingly! Streets around Railroad Avenue, Center Street, and Hanover Avenue will be closed between 8 AM and 4 PM. England Street to Thompson Street will close from 10 AM to 4 PM.

🎫 Pro Tip

Raffle - 2 Amtrak Tickets

$10.00

Purchase

There’s a special ticket to ride waiting for someone! For a chance to score two rail tickets anywhere along the East Coast, when you enter Downtown Ashland Association’s Amtrak Raffle. Just be sure to hop on before April 25!

Ashland Train Day is more than a festival—it’s a full-steam-ahead community celebration filled with trains, tunes, and tons of smiles. Save this blog, share it with your fellow passengers, and make your plans now for a smooth ride to one of Virginia’s most beloved family events.

🚂 See you at the station!

Gearing Up for Fun with Train Day’s Touchable Trucks

Touch a Truck sponsored by RCI Builders at Ashland Train Day.

Ashland Train Day is about to rev up the excitement in the Center of the Universe—and this year’s Touch a Truck lineup is bringing high-octane thrills to the tracks! Thanks to the generous support of RCI Builders, Train Day’s most hands-on exhibit gives gearheads of all ages the chance to climb into the driver’s seat—literally.

Touch a Truck will be stationed from the corner of England Street and Maple Avenue all the way down to the railroad tracks, where families can check out a fleet of incredible vehicles, talk to the folks behind the wheel, and discover the big machines that help our community move full steam ahead.

RCI Builders at Ashland Tran Day, 2024

RCI Builders has been driving quality and craftsmanship since 1999. Locally owned and operated by founders Todd Rogers, Mike Chenault, and partner Patrick Ashley, RCI has grown into one of Central Virginia’s largest construction companies, with 30+ employees, over 18 communities, and an impressive build-on-your-lot program. Their support helps make this engine run—and helps keep Touch a Truck free and open to all.

So what’s under the hood at Touch a Truck this year? Let’s shift into gear:

🚒 Ashland Fire Department is bringing the heat with their iconic ladder truck, ready for close-up inspection.

🔧 Glen Allen Transmission will be on-site with high-performance tech and tools from their state-of-the-art auto repair facility.

🚛 Lawrence Equipment delivers powerful construction machines with all the modern bells and whistles today’s builders demand.

🌲 Wells Tree Service, the behind-the-scenes heroes of Ashland’s Light Up the Tracks, will showcase the truck that lights up the town—literally.

🚜 Gulf Seaboard is hauling in commercial construction power with the experience and strength that’s helped build schools, churches, banks, and more across the region since 1982.

🧹 JDog Junk Removal is proving that clean-up can come with a mission—donating or recycling up to 80% of what they haul, and making a difference while making space.

🚐 Commonwealth RV and Boats is parking a dream garage with their jaw-dropping collection of pre-owned RVs, yachts, and even aircraft. It’s more than a pit stop—it’s an adventure.

🪟 Pella Windows and Doors of Virginia will give visitors a peek behind the panes with displays that frame just how smooth and efficient modern windows can be.

🚑 Veterans of Foreign Wars will roll in with a historic M20 Greyhound Personnel Carrier and ambulance, connecting guests with military history through a powerful, hands-on experience.

Model A Ford cars on S Railroad Ave.

🚗 Model A Ford cars, though strictly look-but-don’t-touch, will add vintage vroom on S. Railroad Avenue—showcasing iconic style and classic charm from the golden age of motoring.

🚒 PlayRVA’s Firetruck Experience takes things to the next level—offering not just a peek inside a firetruck, but rides around the block! Cross the tracks to Thompson Street to catch a ride, check out onboard flat screens, and enjoy treats and more.

🚂 Just a hop down Cox Lane beside the Hanover Arts and Activities Center, families can hop aboard Blue Ridge Live Steamers and Titan Trains to explore and ride a steam engine, a diesel engine, and two rail cars. It's the ultimate connection between trains, trucks, and tracks.

Ashland Train Day is the place where little hands meet big wheels, where dreams shift into drive, and where the Center of the Universe becomes the center of excitement. Thanks to our community partners and the generous support of RCI Builders, Touch a Truck is ready to roll.

So bring the whole crew down to Ashland on Saturday, April 26, from 11 AM to 4 PM—it’s full throttle fun for the whole family!