Ashland Train Day's Inspiring Crew

Every great adventure needs a solid crew, and Ashland Train Day is no exception. The 21st railroad extravaganza is fueled by the incredible support of our generous sponsors! 💛 These businesses, organizations, and community leaders keep the tracks clear, the whistles blowing, and the smiles wide—from Touch-a-Truck thrills to the sweetest kettle corn crunch. On Saturday, April 26 from 11 AM to 4 PM, you'll find them all along the tracks of historic downtown Ashland, bringing family-friendly fun, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences to the Center of the Universe.

Hop aboard as we celebrate the sponsors who make Ashland Train Day a first-class ride! 🚆✨ Whether you're chugging through the Kid’s Zone, grooving at the Pavilion, or scoping out model trains, be sure to stop by their booths, give them a wave, and say thank you for supporting one of Ashland’s most beloved traditions.

🚉 Signature Sponsors

Virtual Railfan
 They’ve brought Ashland's tracks to train lovers around the world—now they’re pulling into the station for Ashland Train Day! Catch them in person at the Ashland Branch Library with a special train display. 🌎📸🚂

Amtrak
 Next stop: Ashland Train Day! 🚆✨ Amtrak is helping visitors arrive in style and setting up trackside fun on Robinson Street—including a chance to explore their East Coast routes and connect with Center of the Universe Brewing Co. 🍻🌊

CSX
 With nearly two centuries of railway heritage, CSX is more than just a train line—it’s part of Ashland's story. 🚂 Stop by their booth on Robinson Street to meet the folks who keep the rails rolling daily through the Center of the Universe. 💼📜

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun & Experiences

Macaroni Kid
 All aboard for family fun! 💌 Macaroni Kid brings the heartbeat of the community straight to your inbox. Visit their booth on Robinson Street to discover all the kid-friendly happenings in your own backyard. 🏡🎈

New Community Church
 The Kid’s Zone is bursting with bounce houses, obstacle courses, games, and joy—thanks to New Community Church! Find the fun on the lawn near Ashland Town Hall. 🎨🧁🎉

Tiny Tim’s Trains and Toys
 Model magic meets Train Day thrills! Stop by Tiny Tim’s on England Street and hop on the Scavenger Hunt for snapshots, surprises, and classic toy charm. 🧸📷🚆

RCI Builders
 Touch a Truck fans, this one's for you! 🛻🔧 RCI Builders is helping kids (and kids-at-heart) climb aboard big rigs, vintage rides, and emergency vehicles near the Secretariat Racing into History monument. 🏁👷

PlayRVA Fire Truck Rentals
 Sound the sirens—PlayRVA is bringing the Firetruck Experience to Thompson Street! 🚒💨 Hop aboard for interactive fun, cool tech, and a unique ride through town.

Center Street Sound Co.
 They’re keeping the tunes chugging along all day! 🎧🎶 Join the Party in the Pavilion near Ashland Town Hall for music, announcements, and good vibes courtesy of Center Street Sound Company. 🪩📢

Free Jambalaya
 Live music is rolling into Ashland courtesy of Free Jambalaya! 🎤🎶 Catch the beat outside the Hanover Arts & Activities Center, where the Ashland Song Contest meets DJ jams and live performances starting at noon.

Ashland Dance Academy
 All aboard the Choo Choo Boogie! 💃👟 Keep your eyes peeled for pop-up performances from Ashland Dance Academy at the Town Hall Pavilion, Henry Clay Inn, Library, and Arts Center.

Hanover Concert Band
 Kick off Ashland Train Day with some brassy flair! 🎺🎼 Join the Hanover Concert Band at 11 AM on the Hanover Arts and Activities Center lawn for an opening performance that’s music to your ears.

🍽️ Food & Beverage Sponsors

Wawa
 Fueling the day the Wawa way! 🚉☕ Wawa keeps Train Day on track by nourishing our volunteers and first responders. Don’t miss their booth on Robinson Street—rumor has it Wally Goose is flapping by! 🦢🥤

Jersey Mike’s Subs
 Fresh-sliced subs + community support = a perfect pairing. 🥪❤️ Jersey Mike’s is feeding the folks behind the scenes and welcoming everyone to their Ashland location at 708 England Street.

Homemades by Suzanne
 Lunchtime just got legendary. 🧺🌿 With over 40 years of catering excellence, Homemades by Suzanne is serving up Train Day eats with sandwiches, salads, and charm.

Monique’s Crêpes
 Catch Monique in action on S Center Street! 🥞✨ Her hand-crafted crêpes are a treat to watch—and even better to eat.

Strawberry Street Events
 Located in the Ashland Downtown Municipal Parking Lot, Strawberry Street Events is your station stop for burgers, chicken tenders, pulled pork, and more! 🍔🍗🚦

sweetFrog 
Hop on over to sweetFrog during Ashland Train Day for a swirl of celebration! 🐸🍦 Located at 210 England Street, they’re serving up customizable frozen yogurt creations with toppings galore. A treat this cool is worth a stop on your Train Day route! 🚆✨

Auntie Alice’s Kettle Corn
 It’s a snack-tacular Train Day thanks to Auntie Alice’s! 🍿🎪 Visit the Downtown Municipal Parking Lot for flavored popcorn, cotton candy, pretzels, and more.

Hungry Hungry Arrow
 Ride down S Railroad Avenue for handmade frybread, Indian tacos, and desserts from Hungry Hungry Arrow Catering. 🔥🌮🍰 It’s flavor you won’t forget!

💼 Local Business & Community Sponsors

Root Modern Dentistry
 Stop by Root Modern Dentistry’s booth on Thompson Street and get smiling! 😁🦷 They believe wellness starts with a healthy grin.

Pella Windows & Doors of VA
 Looking to elevate your space? 🪟 Swing by Pella’s booth on Robinson Street and let the daylight in! ✨🔨

CareNow Urgent Care
 Located outside the Dominion Energy Innovation Center, CareNow is your go-to for Train Day wellness support and thoughtful giveaways. 🩹🏥💙

Hanover Manor
 Say hello to Hanover Manor on the Town Hall Lawn. 🌳🏡 This close-knit senior community celebrates Ashland’s charm—one neighbor at a time.

Ashland Friends of the Library
 Inside and outside the Ashland Branch Library, they’re bringing the stories to life! 📚🚂 Enjoy wooden trains, a book sale, and live tales from Matthew Dodd near the Center of the Universe globe.

Your Path Counseling Center
 Find crafts and care with Your Path Counseling Center in the Kid’s Zone. 🎨💬 Supporting minds, hearts, and families on their journey.

Hanover Academy
 Education tailored for every child. 🎓📘 Visit Hanover Academy in the Ashland Town Hall parking lot and learn about their nurturing, student-focused approach.

Healing Circle Counseling
 At their Robinson Street booth, Healing Circle Counseling offers heart-centered care with award-winning insight. 💛🌀

The SPAN Center
 Bringing connection, care, and services to older adults and caregivers, The Span Center is located at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center. 🌈🕊️

Ashland Posh Potties
 Located outside the historic Henry Clay Inn, these are not your average port-a-potties! 🚽✨ Ashland Posh Potties keeps your Train Day experience classy and comfortable.

Wells Fargo Advisors 
Planning your financial future takes the right team—and Wells Fargo Advisors is here to help you stay on track. 🚉💼 Visit their booth outside 110 Thompson Street during Ashland Train Day to learn more about smart investing, retirement goals, and building your path forward. 📊🛤️

Ashland Train Day wouldn’t leave the station without the energy, generosity, and all-out steam of these amazing sponsors. From local heroes fueling our volunteers to neighbors bringing the bounce (literally!), each one helps create the magic that makes this community celebration so special. 🚦❤️

So mark your calendars, shine your conductor hat, and join us on Saturday, April 26, from 11 AM to 4 PM in historic downtown Ashland. Stop by, show your appreciation, and maybe even discover a new favorite local business. Because in Ashland, every track leads back to community. 🚂🌟

Virtual Railfan Brings Ashland Train Day to the World

Virtual Railfans wave from the Ashland Hanover Visitors Center

Attention all train lovers, near and far! The countdown to Ashland Train Day is officially on, and this year, the world is tuning in like never before. Virtual Railfan, the premier North American live train camera network, is the presenting sponsor of Ashland Train Day on April 26 from 11 AM to 4 PM, ensuring that railfans across the globe can experience the magic of the rails at the Center of the Universe. Whether you’re rolling into town in person or logging in from miles away, this is one celebration you won’t want to miss!

From Screen to Scene: Virtual Railfan Joins the Action

Matthew Dodd performs during Ashland Train Day at the Ashland Branch Library.

Virtual Railfan has long been a window to the world of trains, and Ashland’s picturesque downtown, with its bustling rail traffic, is one of its most popular views. With millions of monthly viewers, tens of thousands of newsletter subscribers, and a dedicated following on YouTube and social media, Virtual Railfan has put Ashland on the map as a must-see destination for train enthusiasts worldwide.

And this year,Virtual Railfan is stepping out of the digital realm and into the heart of the action! Stop by their booth at theAshland Branch Library to meet fellow railfans, while the Ashland Branch Library provides wooden model trains appropriate for tiny train tots, live storytelling and music by Matthew Dodd, your new favorite read from the Friends of the Library’s Children’s Book Sale. It’s the perfect stop for train lovers of all ages!

A Railfan’s Dream Destination

For some, Virtual Railfan is more than just a way to watch trains—it’s the reason they make the journey to Ashland itself. One devoted pair of railfans from Munich, Germany, travels to Ashland annually just for Train Day.

“Virtual Railfan is how we know about Ashland, Virginia. That’s why we revolve our whole trip to the United States around the Center of the Universe,” they shared. “The trains and the community in Ashland make us so happy to be here.”

And they’re not alone. Every year, thousands of visitors flock to Ashland to immerse themselves in a day full of train-themed fun, history, and community spirit. Whether you’re a lifelong rail enthusiast or just love the energy of a bustling trackside festival, Ashland Train Day delivers an unforgettable experience.

Mike Cyr,Virtual Railfan’s Co-Founder, captures the excitement best: “Ashland Train Day is a railfan’s dream! The trains, history, and community make it a must-visit event. Virtual Railfan has enjoyed attending the event and capturing the action over the years. We love connecting with fellow train lovers there, and we can’t wait to be back!”

Can’t Make It? Tune In!

Not able to catch the Amtrak train to Ashland Train Day? No problem! Thanks to Virtual Railfan, you can still join the fun from wherever you are. The event will be broadcast to Virtual Railfan’s 100,000+ Facebook followers, and through ScaleTrains’ channels, website, newsletter, and social media. Whether you're watching from across the country or halfway around the world, you can still be part of the excitement and witness the magic of  Ashland Train Day in real-time.

So mark your calendars, pack your bags (or log into your favorite streaming device), and get ready for a train-tastic adventure!  Ashland Train Day and Virtual Railfan are making sure that whether you ride the rails or watch from the screen, the spirit of the tracks reaches railfans everywhere.

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

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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.

EnterTRAINment at Ashland Train Day

Ashland Train Day by Finger Print Photo Studio

Get ready to blow the whistle on boredom because Ashland Train Day is pulling into the station on Saturday, April 26, from 11 AM to 4 PM in historic downtown Ashland! Whether you're a dedicated railfan or just looking for a first-class way to spend the day, this locomotive-loving festival is packed with entertainment, shopping, and dining that will keep your spirits chugging along.

Dining That’s on the Right Track

Ashland Train Day-ers dining at Homemades by Suzanne

Ashland is always a food lover’s paradise, but Train Day puts the local dining scene in the express lane. Within the event area, you can dine at hometown favorites like The Caboose Market & Cafe, Origin Beer Lab, Iron Horse Restaurant, Homemades by Suzanne, Classic Coffee, Tea and Books, Cafe 54 Breakfast and Lunch, The Henry Clay Inn, Sugar Fix Bakery, Sweet Frog, Ashland Pot Pie Company, and Ash & Olive. Craving something on the go? The Ashland Train Day Food Court is brimming with flavors from around the world, featuring Monique’s Crepes, Strawberry Street Events, Hungry Hungry Arrow, Auntie Alice’s Kettle Corn, and Good Vices Ices. Plus, volunteers will enjoy special treats as a thank-you for keeping the event running on time!

Make a pit stop at Ashland Meat Company @ Cross Brothers for a selection of farm-to-fork deli platters, gourmet sandwiches, and local libations. If you need fuel for your day, drink up great beverages and books at Classic Coffee, Tea and Books. Whether you sit down for a meal at The Caboose Market & Cafe or grab a treat from Homemades by Suzanne, there's no shortage of delicious dining to fuel your festival fun.

Off the Rails Shopping

Shop ‘til you drop with over 100 vendors selling unique finds, from jewelry and art to baked goods and handcrafted toys. Bravo Bakeshop, the 2024 Center Street Pitch Competition winner, will be serving up award-winning treats to satiate your sweet tooth while your friendly neighborhood dentists at Root Modern Dentistry keep them clean.

Make a stop at Amtrak Virginia’s booth to play games and enter a raffle for a free trip along the East Coast! Swing by Wawa’s tent for snacks and a selfie with Wally Goose, or visit BeMobile for tech-savvy fun and games. Get hands-on with a truckload of fun at Pella Windows & Doors’ Touch a Truck experience, meet the exterior experts at Smallwood Renovations, and learn what makes Hanover Academy such a special place for young learners. Get crafty with Macaroni Kid’s hands-on fun for families.

Need a moment to relax before you continue chugging along? The Healing Circle will be offering insights into their award-winning outpatient therapy, and Friends of the Library will have their annual children’s book sale outside the Ashland Branch Library.

Tiny Tim’s Toys & Trains at Ashland Train Day

And if you think the fun stops here, think again—some of Ashland’s best shopping and experiences are just steps away! Fin & Feather is the perfect place to stock up on pet supplies, from gourmet treats to small animals and fish, while Tiny Tim’s Toys & Trains will spark joy for every age with model trains, science kits, and games for the whole family. If you're searching for something one-of-a-kind, Changing Reins specializes in gently used equestrian gear and vintage home décor, while The Shop at 112 is a treasure trove of carefully curated antiques and collectibles. Yarn lovers will find inspiration at Center of the Yarniverse, where shelves are stocked with vibrant fibers and tools for knitting and crocheting. Meanwhile, Ashland Feed Store is bringing the farm to town with a petting zoo, alongside all the gardening and animal care essentials you could need.

For entertainment, don’t miss the train-themed movies and classic showings at Ashland Theatre, or strike a pose with dazzling light displays from Alpha-Lit at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center and Sign Gypsies at Caravati’s Architectural Salvage, a must-visit destination for historic home restoration and vintage finds. If you’re looking to add a little sparkle, Wagner Jewelers specializes in handcrafted, custom-designed pieces, including reimagined heirloom jewelry. And for those who love unique, artistic gifts, Refunkit is filled with funky, handcrafted creations from talented artists across Virginia and beyond.

Whether you're shopping, snacking, or sightseeing, this adventure through historic downtown Ashland promises something for everyone—so grab your ticket and hop aboard!

Entertainment That Keeps the Wheels Turning

This year’s lineup is a non-stop express of excitement! Head to the Hanover Arts and Activities Center lawn for a live performance by the Hanover Concert Band, and groove to your favorite hits with Center Street Sound Co at the pavilion. Over with Free Jambalaya at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center, enjoy live music that will keep your feet moving all day long!

For train lovers of all ages, check out the model train displays featuring vintage locomotives, LEGO layouts, and even a classic red caboose. Then, step inside the Ashland Museum to uncover the town’s rich railroading history, and don’t miss the fully restored 1926 C&O red caboose for a journey back in time to the golden age of the railroad! Over at the Ashland Branch Library, enjoy Matthew Dodd’s storytelling and singing, plus a wooden train play area for little conductors in training.

Feeling competitive? Take part in the Scavenger Hunt sponsored by Tiny Tim’s Trains and Toys—snap pictures at key stops to win a first-class prize! You might even spot Ashland Dance Academy performing Choo Choo Boogie through out town. For family fun, the Kid Zone sponsored by New Community Church offers bouncy houses, an obstacle course, games, and face painting. Hop aboard the Kiddie Train sponsored by Your Path Counseling Center, or get up close and personal with big rigs at RCI Builders’ Touch a Truck experience.

If you’re feeing nice, visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at Ashland Town Hall. If you’re feeling naughty, test your wits at RED VEIN Escape, where you and your team must crack codes and solve puzzles to break free. Then, step into the supernatural with the Ashland Haunted History Tours—guided ghost walks through town featuring chilling tales and eerie encounters.

All aboard for even more fun at the Ashland-Hanover Visitors Center, located in the historic Ashland Train Station, where you can learn about all the must-see destinations, dining, and lodging in the area. And don’t miss the Blue Ridge Live Steamers & Titan Trains, where kids and adults alike can ride on miniature locomotives outside the Hanover Arts and Activities Center!

While you wait for shuttles at The Ashland Hanover Shopping Center and Ashland Junction Shopping Center, make sure you check out all the fun to be found in those brick-and-mortars—like soul food at Around The Table, freshly pressed tortillas at La Catrina Tortilleria, the luxurious amenities at XtraSuite Salon Studios, and the stunning displays at the RF&P Model Railroad Club.

Virtual Railfan: Bringing Train Day to the World

Can’t make it in person? Don’t worry, Virtual Railfan has you covered! Stop by the Ashland Branch Library to meet the team behind the famous rail livestream, or join thousands of viewers from around the world by watching Ashland’s bustling tracks online.

All Aboard for a Day to Remember!

With so much to see, taste, and explore, Ashland Train Day is the ultimate destination for families, railfans, and festival-goers alike. So grab your conductor’s hat, bring your appetite, and prepare for a day of full-steam-ahead fun in the Center of the Universe!

For more details and updates, visit AshlandTrainDay.com

April Events in Downtown Ashland

ASHLAND TRAIN DAY

The ultimate railroad celebration is back for its 21st year! Join us in historic downtown Ashland on Saturday, April 26, from 11 AM to 4 PM for a day filled with:
✨ Touchable trucks
🛍 Shopping & dining
🕺 Live art
🚂 Kiddie trains
🚊 Model trains
🚆 And, of course, REAL trains rolling through the heart of the action!

Sponsored by Amtrak & CSX, this is a can't-miss event for train lovers of all ages! Who’s hopping on board? 🚉👇

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APRIL HAPPENINGS

🌸 April - Revival Spa Spring Specials

Spring into self-care! Enjoy 10% off an hour-long massage or indulge in a Botanical Facial with a full-body CBD treatment. 🌿 Booking is easy—just select "Spring Specials" at RevivalSpas.com.

🧶 April - Dogwood Fiber Trail

Get tangled up in fun at Center of the Yarniverse, part of the Dogwood Fiber Trail! 🌳 Discover a curated selection of yarns, fibers, tools, and exclusive patterns—plus, enjoy special giveaways! 🏆 Learn more.

📖 April Mondays - Mother Goose Storytime

It’s rhyme time! 🦢 Designed for ages 6 to 24 months and their caregivers, this nursery rhyme-filled program includes singing and reading. Call 804-798-4072 or visit the Ashland Branch Library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. for details.

📚 April Tuesdays - Ashland Branch Library

A double dose of fun! Bring your toddler at 10:30 AM for books & music, then stick around for preschool story time at 11:30 AM! 📖 🎶 Call 804-798-4072 or visit the Ashland Branch Library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. for details.

🤠 April 1, 6:15 PM - Line Dancing

Kick up your boots with the Boot Scooters at Ashland Branch Library! No experience needed—just bring your two left feet! 👢 Call 804-798-4072 or visit the Ashland Branch Library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. for details.

🎨 April 1-3 - Art Display & Sculpture Workshop with Jocelyn Russell

The sculptor behind "Secretariat Racing Into History" is hosting a three-day workshop at Hanover Arts & Activities Center. Follow her on Facebook for details.

⛏️ April 3 -17 - A Minecraft Movie

A new kind of block-buster is hitting the big screen! 🎥 Craft a great night out at Ashland Theatre. Learn more.

🍕 April 4 - Pizza Night at the Caboose

Pull up for pizza right along the railroad! Plan to dine early - pizza often sells out! Learn more.

🖼️ April 4 -5 - Ashland Artists Showcase and Marketplace

Join Ashland’s favorite artists this spring! This is your chance to see and purchase your next great piece for your home or business. Learn more.

🏃‍♂️ April 5, 9 AM - Hanover Airpark 5K

The race kicks off with a Mascot Dash at 8:50 AM, followed by an official "POP" to start the 5K! 🎉 Cheer from the Fan Zone or register here.

🎭 April 7, 7 PM - Hanover’s Got Talent Auditions

Think you've got what it takes? ⭐ Audition at Hanover Arts & Activities Center for a chance to perform at Ashland Theatre! Sign up.

🏛️ April 8, 6 PM - Historical Tax Credit Consultation

Preserving history just got easier! 🏡 Learn how historical tax credits can help with renovations at Ashland Town Hall.

🩸 April 9, 10 AM - Blood Drive

Be a lifesaver! ❤️ Donate blood at Hanover County Courthouse. Schedule an appointment.

🎭 April 10, 5 PM - Theater Night in Ashland

Dine out & support local theater! 🍽️ Participating restaurants will donate to Liberty Middle School’s production of Beauty and the Beast, Jr.! 🕰️ Learn more.

🎞️ April 12, 10 AM - Toddler Takeover

Little ones take over Ashland Theatre for a special one-hour screening with lights on and concessions available! 🍿 Learn more.

☕ April 12, 3 PM - Tea Party

Pinkies up! ☕ Enjoy a sweet & savory tea party at Homemades by Suzanne in historic downtown Ashland. Call (804) 798-8331 to reserve your seat!

🍷 April 13, 3 PM, Spring PMS Party

Paint, Massage, and Sips spell fun at XtraSuite Salon Studios! Sip seasonal wine while you learn to paint a Cherry Blossom Serenade, then kick back in a massage chair and admire your beautiful work. 🎨 Learn more.

🎬 April 14, 7 PM - The Heiress

Catch this classic 1949 film starring Olivia de Havilland & Montgomery Clift at Ashland Theatre—just $5 a ticket! 🎟️ Learn more.

📚 April 15, 7 PM - D. Randall Blythe: In Conversation

Author & musician D. Randall Blythe discusses his new book, Just Beyond the Light. 🎸📖 Presented with Fountain Bookstore at Ashland Theatre. Learn more.

📚 April 16, 7 PM -Alumni Book Club

Professor Emeritus Dr. Alphine Jefferson discusses Percival Everett’s award-winning novel, James. The novel is a retelling of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of the enslaved Jim. Register to attend.

🎭 April 16-19 - "Love of Labyrinths" (World Premiere!)

A hilarious fantasy adventure with dragons, elves, wizards, & rogues—plus a persnickety rulebook! 🎲 Don’t miss Randolph Macon College’s mellifluously musical new play! Learn more.

🎀 April 19, 11 AM - Berkleytown Heritage Park Ribbon Cutting Celebration

Join the Town of Ashland and Hanover County Black Heritage Society for special remarks, community performances, food, reminiscing, and a neighborly stroll through the trail. Enjoy parking at Ashland Elementary School.

🚀 April 19, 11 AM - More than Science

NASA Solar System Ambassador Kenneth Feldt explores the emotional impact of space travel and our place in the universe. 🌌 Call 804-798-4072 or visit the Ashland Branch Library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. for details.

🎤 April 19, 7 PM - Hanover’s Got Talent SHOW

The top 3 acts take the stage at Ashland Theatre for a chance to shine! 🌟 Learn more.

🦋 April 23, 3:30 PM - Kid’s Butterfly Program

Flutter over to Ashland Branch Library for a butterfly talk & craft with Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. 🌿 Call 804-798-4072 or visit the Ashland Branch Library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. for details.🎸

🎃 April 26, 7 PM - The Rocky Horror Picture Show with Shadow Cast

It’s halfway to Halloween! Get your tickets to the Rocky Horror Picture Show with a shadow cast and enjoy specialty cocktails, goodie bags, & movie madness at Ashland Theatre. Learn more.

🧠 April 28, 12 PM - Keeping Your Brain Active

Stay sharp! 🧩 This brain health presentation will help you keep your mind in top shape. Call 804-798-4072 or visit the Ashland Branch Library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. for details.

⚰️ April & Beyond - Manning Memorial Services CareCredit

Cover memorial costs with CareCredit, now available at Manning Memorial Services. Apply here.

CENTER STEET PITCH COMPETITION

The Center Street Pitch Competition is the friendliest version of "Shark Tank" in the Center of the Universe! Cheer on local innovators on April 10 from 6-8 PM in the historic Ashland Theatre and find out who is swims away with the $35K prize.

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ENTERPRISE EXPRESS

📅 April 7 – Ashland Community Leadership Academy
Ready to make a difference in Ashland? This six-week program, running Mondays through May 12, is designed to engage and empower community members who live, work, or volunteer in town. Spots are limited—apply today!

☕️ April 8 - Coffee and Connect
Start your day with caffeine-infused small business networking and collaboration at Dominion Energy Innovation Center. Rich roasts are generously provided by Hanover’s own Rivers Edge Coffee Co. Learn more.

💻 April 21 – Deadline for the Digital Skills, Literacy, and Device (DSLD) Program
This initiative supports programs that enhance digital skills, literacy, device access, and tech support in the community. Whether you're looking to launch or expand a program, apply now to make an impact!

RUNAWAY RAFFLES

🚆 Two Amtrak Tickets 🌎 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.Enter before April 25! 🚉💨

🎅 Santa Train Tickets 🚂
Enter for a chance to win 6 tickets to the December 2025 Ashland Santa Train sponsored by Tiny Tim’s Trains and Toys! Tickets include a round-trip excursion to 'Colonial Williamsburg' complete with entertainment and cocoa with Santa and his friends. Enter before October 2025. ❄️🎄

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GOOD NEIGHBORS

Free events like Ashland Train Day are only possible thanks to YOUR support. Help us continue to plan free family-friendly fun and build a vibrant future in Downtown Ashland when you make a tax-deductible donation.