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? 🚉👇
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.
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. ❄️🎄
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.
BUSINESS SUPPORTERS
GOLD
Your Path Counseling Center | XtraSuite Salon Studios | Smallwood Renovations | Shaken Not Spurred Mobile Bar | Ashland Feed Store | Center Street Sound Co | Barry Farmer Morning Show | Origin Beer Lab | Homemades by Suzanne | Neighbors of Ashland Magazine | Ashland Museum | Ashland Posh Potties | Ash & Olive
SILVER
Root Modern Dentistry | Classic Coffee, Tea and Books | Hanover Academy | Revival Spa | Caboose Market & Cafe | Manning Memorial Services | Renewal by Anderson | 110 Thompson
BRONZE
Good Vices | Wish You Were Here | Bravo Bakeshop