September Fourth Fridays Guide

Get ready for an extraordinary evening in historic downtown Ashland! The final Ashland Fourth Fridays of the summer season is upon us, and this year’s celebration is extra special. Join us on September 27, from 5-8 PM, for an event that not only highlights our community’s spirit but also marks a key celebration of Virginia Pride—a spectacular month-long tribute to the LGBTQ community across the state.

A Night of Dynamic Entertainment

The festivities kick off at 5 PM with an impressive lineup of performances by the Ashland Dance Academy at the Ashland Town Hall Pavilion. From the elegance of ballet to the energy of hip-hop and the flair of musical theatre, these talented dancers will bring the stage to life.

Following the dance performances, enjoy a free concert featuring the Ashland Song Contest winner Ginny Ray, who will grace us with her award-winning song. The celebration continues with special performances from other song contest finalists, showcasing their original Center of the Universe-themed creations.

And don’t miss The Sweet Potatoes, a fearless jazz quartet known for their soulful takes on classic covers, innovative originals, and spontaneous jams. With vocal scats, vibrant violin riffs, and a dynamic rhythm section, they’ll have you grooving all night long.

Delicious Bites and Unique Finds

As you enjoy the music and performances, explore an array of vendors around Ashland Town Hall and 110 Thompson Street. TransJam Events, a trans-led service dedicated to organizing fun, inclusive, and engaging local events, will be bringing you a diverse range of vendors offering everything from homemade jams and pastries to original art and tarot readings. 

Treat yourself to sweet and savory crepes from Moniques Crepes or savor Mediterranean-inspired pressed sandwiches from Bikini Panini. Capture a memorable photo with a special guest at 110 Thompson Street—previous visitors have included Bluey, Princess Belle, and Queen Elsa. And don’t forget to grab some free popcorn and cotton candy from Ashland Dance Academy!

Show Your True Colors

In celebration of Virginia Pride, we encourage everyone to let their true colors shine. Dress in your brightest rainbow attire and show your pride as we come together to create a colorful, welcoming, and inclusive atmosphere. Whether you’re waving rainbow flags or sporting colorful accessories, let’s make this event a vivid display of unity and joy.

Art, Entertainment, and Community Spirit

Discover more artistic wonders with KandiMan’s original soft sculptures in front of Changing Reins, and browse Immagine LLC’s art outside Ashland Meat Company. Don’t miss Free to Read’s book giveaway outside the Ashland Branch Library. Engage in immersive games with RED VEIN Escape or delve into Ashland’s darker history with the Ashland Haunted History Tours.

Local restaurants and shops will stay open late, offering delicious farm-to-fork feasts and showcasing curated art and housewares, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Join the Celebration!

This final Ashland Fourth Fridays of the summer season is not just a community event; it's a celebration of inclusivity, pride, and local spirit. Bring your friends, family, and neighbors to experience a night of vibrant entertainment, diverse food, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Let’s celebrate our community, embrace our true colors, and make this a night to remember. See you in downtown Ashland!

Kick Off Your Weekend at Ashland Fourth Fridays!

Ready to jazz up your Friday evening? Ashland's Fourth Fridays are back on Friday, July 26, and we’ve got a night packed with family-friendly fun, food, and fantastic music! Here’s the scoop on what’s happening around town:

Groovin' Tunes and Dance Moves
The Ham Biscuits are serving up a hearty helping of New Orleans-style jazz, soul, and blues at the Ashland Town Hall Pavilion. The concert is free, so bring your lawn chairs and your dancing shoes!

At 5 PM, the Ashland Dance Academy will dazzle us with their adorable dance numbers on the Town Hall Pavilion Stage. Stick around afterward for pictures with Bluey and free blue cotton candy! Inside 110 Thompson, glam up with free fairy hair extensions.

Delicious Bites and Cool Treats
Indulge your sweet tooth at the Farmview Creamery soft serve truck on the Town Hall Lawn. For those in need of a caffeine fix, Classic Coffee and Tea’s truck will be parked outside Ashland Dance Academy.

Art, Tattoos, and More!
Check out the original Ashland-inspired artwork sold by Immagine LLC outside of Ashland Meat Company. Feeling adventurous? Ashland Tattoo Company will have vendors set up outside with some cool gear. The award-winning Free to Read program is back outside the Ashland Branch Library giving away as many free books as you can carry.

Spooky Adventures
RED VEIN Escape is hosting vendors and games, adding an extra thrill to your evening. Plus, Ashland Haunted History Tours is celebrating five years of ghostly tales! Use the code BOODAY24 when booking online to get 20% off your tour through July 27.

Late-Night Local Flavor
Beloved Ashland spots stay open late and keep the good times rolling:

Calling All Songwriters!
Got a tune in your heart inspired by Ashland? Enter the Ashland Song Contest! The winner will perform at Ashland Fourth Fridays on August 23, win a recording session with Free Jambalaya, streaming on major platforms, a $100 Town of Ashland gift certificate, original cover art, and a spot at the Light Up the Tracks Celebration on November 23. The deadline is Sunday, August 18.

So come on down, bring the family, and let’s make this Friday one for the books. See you there, neighbors!

Ashland Fourth Fridays: Your Free Ticket to a Fantastic Friday Night!

Mark your calendars, folks! June’s Ashland Fourth Fridays on June 28 promises to be a night to remember. From 5 PM to 8 PM, downtown Ashland will come alive with music, art, and culinary delights that will make you wish every day was Friday.

Dance, Dance, Dance!

Kicking off the evening with some flair, the Ashland Dance Academy returns to the Ashland Town Hall Pavilion. Their latest toe-tapping dance numbers are sure to dazzle and inspire. Come cheer on the next generation of Ashland’s performing artists as they light up the stage.

Rock and Roll Vibes

At 5 PM, get ready for The Grandson’s Duo to blow the lid off the Ashland Town Hall Pavilion with their all-American rock vibes. With guitar and bass in hand, they’ll set the perfect soundtrack for your evening, making it impossible not to tap your feet along.

Artistic Adventures and Ghostly Games

For those with an eye for art and a love for the quirky, Ashland Tattoo Company hosts the Curio Fairy’s unique jewelry, while Immagine LLC will be outside Ashland Meat Company, showcasing live art and paintings. Looking for a thrill? Join the Ashland Haunted History Tours to explore the darker side of the Center of the Universe, or enjoy some ghoulish games with RED VEIN Escape.

Culinary Delights

No Fourth Friday is complete without some mouthwatering eats. Cross the tracks for farm-to-table fresh fare from The Caboose, The Iron Horse, and Trackside Kitchen and Wine. If you’re a craft beer enthusiast, grab a new brew from Origin Beer Company. And don’t forget to cool down with some farm-fresh sweetness from Farmview Creamery’s truck, conveniently located at Ashland Town Hall.

Late Night Shopping

As you stroll through downtown, take advantage of the extended shopping hours at some of Ashland's most charming stores. The Ashland Museum will be sharing the town's rich history and offering exclusive Secretariat Dedication Day merchandise. At Refunkit, you'll find a delightful array of funky, handcrafted art and unique gifts. For those with a taste for the finer things, The Shop at 112 invites you to peruse their collection of posh antiques and collectibles. And don't miss Tiny Tims Trains and Toys, where unique toys and games await to delight kids and the young at heart, ages 0 to 99. The “Free to Read” library is giving away books beside the Ashland Branch Library.

Calling All Musicians!

Dreaming of performing on the Ashland Town Hall Pavilion stage? Now’s your chance! Submit your song to the Ashland Songwriting Contest and you could win big prizes and a spot on Ashland’s biggest stages. Visit AshlandFourthFridays.com for more information.

So, gather your friends and family, and head to downtown Ashland on June 28. Ashland Fourth Fridays are free to attend - filled with fun, food, and festivities. See you there!

Ashland Fourth Fridays Finale

🌻Ashland Fourth Fridays’ finale is September 22. Fall for fine, culinary, and performing artists one last time…👇

Live entertainment:

🩰 5 PM Ashland Dance Academy’s junior dancers perform inside The Depot.

🎹 5 PM Generations Trio performs standards and clever covers of rock classics in a groovy jazz mode on the Ashland Town Hall Pavillion stage.

🎵6 - 8 PM Vexine brings bluesy, rollicking rock to the Ashland Town Hall Pavillion stage.

👢 7 PM Boot Scooters lead line dancing at Ashland Town Hall.

🏛️Ashland Museum tells the story of our town through historical artifacts, oral histories, biographies, and more.

👻 Ashland Haunted History Tours reenacts the haunted history of our Victorian town.

🐇 RED VEIN Escape challenges guests to puzzling games.

🎥 Ashland Theatre shows a movie at 7 PM.

Eat and Drink:
🍜 Ban Thai Restaurant dishes out authentic Thai tea and cuisine for carryout.

🥘 The Henry Clay Inn provides dine-in options inside the historic space. 

🍺 Origin Beer Lab pours craft brews inside, on the patio, and in their beer garden.

🥘 The Iron Horse Restaurant serves seasonal elevated southern cuisine on the patio.

🥘 The Caboose Market & Cafe pairs beers and wine with farm-to-table meals indoors and out.

🥘 Ashland Meat Co. At Cross Bros serves up sandwiches, salads, ice cream, and beverages indoors and out.

🥘 The Depot serves pizza and libations with three art vendors on display and a 5 PM performance by Ashland Dance Academy.

🥘 Trackside Kitchen and Wine shows off their renovated space with all-American meals.

🍨 Sweet Frog lets you make your own frozen yogurt dreams come true.

🍹 Casa Herradura Family Mexican Restaurant offers a can’t-miss margarita special on the patio or in the expanded dining room.

🥘 Huddle Up Sports Bar is the destination for a giant dance floor, drinks, and dining.

🥘 Andy's Restaurant & Lounge’s homestyle plates pair perfectly with their outdoor patio and billiards. 

🍲 Tops China serves Chinese food favorites for dine-in or takeout.

Food trucks:

😋Hellenic Kouzina Greek Cafe brings authentic Greek cuisine to Ashland Town Hall 

🐷 RVA Outlaw Barbecue serves craft smoked meats that’ll make you squeel

🍦Sno Fields Shaved Ice keeps it cool with sweet snowballs and shaved ice

🥞Monique's Crêpes pulls up beside The Caboose Market & Cafe with their hand-crafted sweet and savory galettes.

Art:

📝ReFunkIt curates funk, handcrafted art, and gifts 

🏠The Shop at 112 is open to peruse posh antiques and collectibles shop.

🚂Tiny Tim's Toys & Trains features unique toys and games for ages 0 to 99.

🎨Ashland Dance Academy hosts Tinsel Hair and Face Painting inside 110 Thompson Street.

🪴 KP Jenkins Jewelry and Fine Arts on Town Hall Lawn creates jewelry inspired by nature.

🦙Meadowgate Alpacas on Town Hall Lawn offering items made from luxurious natural fibers.

🎨 Immagine', LLC on Town Hall Lawn produces art prints, stationery, and gift items.

🕯️Sweet Heat Candles repurposes stylish vessels to house soy candles.

🌊Cre8tdwseaglass on Town Hall Lawn designs nautical-inspired art from pure found sea glass. 

📸Julie Tashner Photography and Sassy Little Star Designs on Town Hall Lawn combine their love for photography and sewing.

👕 CreativeAfro, LLC on Town Hall Lawn brings a touch of African elegance to everyday style. 

🪵 Currier Turned on Town Hall Lawn has hand-turned wood bowls and accessories. 

🎨Lil' Bits of Whimsy on Town Hall Lawn hand paints magnets, ornaments, and cut paper art.

🐶Pawfect Sweets LLC inside The Depot serves us home-cooked food for Fido.

💋 Creations of A Kiss inside The Depot creates custom tumblers.

🪵Adam's Woodworking inside The Depot designs one-of-a-kind chopping blocks and cutting boards.

📝ErAlexica Cards Jewelry and Crafts inside The Depot delivers original cards and stationery.
 

🪴Part-Time Cryptid’s cute, nature-themed art is sold as buttons, art, and accessories on Robinson Street.

🐸 Toad Hill Goods on Robinson Street reclaims wood and linoleum block prints for handmade and homemade items.

💎a4ordablebeauty Jewelry Accessories, LLC on Robinson Street sells handcrafted jewelry for a bargain.

⛅️Heavenly Expressions by Crystal creates unique epoxy resin art on Robinson Street.

🧚‍♂️ The Curio Fairy makes magical creations to adorn and delight.

Huddle Up's Fall Concert Schedule

Huddle Up Sports Bar announces a fresh fall lineup of concerts and events. With popular local bands headlining, Downtown Ashland is your destination for dance parties!

The Fall Concert Series runs from September 8 to November 18, 2023, before moving into a rocking winter series. All shows begin at 8 PM with a $8-10 cover charge. Email huddleupinfo@gmail.com to reserve a table.

Friday, September 8, 8 PM
LadySmyth
A rockin' band for music lovers. Covering all genres! Country, Rock, Motown, All Music!

Saturday, September 9. 8 PM
Mashup & Cozy Condition
Hailing from Richmond Virginia, Mashup & Cozy Condition is an electrifying eight-piece ensemble that melds vintage funk, with with modern production techniques. With a totally unquie sound that occupies the space between modern funk of Vulfpeck and off the wall experimentation of the Beastie Boys.

Friday, September 15, 8 PM
That Dog Bite
That Dog Bite is a fun filled trio that likes to help people dance, tap their feet, and sing along

Saturday, September 16, 8 PM
Josh Duncan Band
Plays modern country for the Center of the Universe.

Friday, September 22, 8 PM
Seven Bridges Band
Returning to Huddle Up playing your favorite classic & southern rock tunes!

Saturday, September 23, 8 PM
Pat Russel Band
Plays Southern rock and country classics.

Friday, September 29, 8 PM
The Janitors
Their tight blend of Rhythm and Blues, 60's Soul, 70's Funk, Country, Classic rock, and current Top 40 Dance keep people of all ages dancing from the first note 'til the last.

Saturday, September 30, 8 PM
Gone Country
Bringing all your favorite country hits to keep you dancing all night long.

Friday, October 6, 8 PM
Blacktop Revival
Playing their usual jukebox style of music from 60's to 2000's rock, pop, and country hits!

Saturday, October 7, 8 PM
Buckshot
A Rockin' Country Band based out of Virginia Beach, VA.

Friday, October, 13, 8 PM
Exit 38
A six piece band that plays primarily in the Richmond, Virginia area. Their music covers rock mostly from the 1970s to 2000. Features two lead singers which allow them to diversify their song selections.

Saturday, October 14, 8 PM
En'Novation
En'Novation is made up of extremely well-seasoned singers and musicians that have decades of combined experience performing on the biggest stages of the eastern United States.

Friday, October 20, 8 PM
LadySmyth
A rockin' band for music lovers. Covering all genres! Country, Rock, Motown, All Music!

Saturday, October 21, 8 PM
KOS Band
The KOS Band is an exciting, powerful, and dynamic 11-piece musical entity playing all the best dance music. Featuring Top 40, Motown, and classic rock ‘n’ roll hits from the 60's through today, The KOS Band has kept people of all ages crowding dance floors up and down the east coast for more than 40 years! From a festive open-air concert to the most ultra-formal black tie affair, KOS has enthusiasm and showmanship that are sure to please.

Friday, October 28, 8 PM
Honky Tonk Heroes
Covering legends like George Jones and Willie Nelson to Nashville’s current kings like Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan, the Honkytonk Heroes play “Classic and Contemporary Country” from the past six decades.

Friday, November 3, 8 PM
Seven Bridges Band
Playing your favorite classic & southern rock tunes!

Saturday, November 4, 8 PM
Cobalt Whiskey
Cobalt Whiskey is a popular cover band performing new & classic country mixing in southern & classic rock we feature four lead vocalist with harmonies along with southern twang rockin guitars.

Friday. November 10, 8 PM
Down River
Down River is a southern rock and traditional outlaw country band.

Saturday, November 11, 8 PM
Michael Hazelwood and The Freight Train Five
Central Virginia's voice of GENUINE COUNTRY music.

Friday, November 17, 8 PM
Homegrown
Homegrown plays a good variety of modern country and classics.

Saturday, November 18, 8 PM
Mashup & Cozy Condition
Hailing from Richmond Virginia, Mashup & Cozy Condition is an electrifying eight-piece ensemble that melds vintage funk, with with modern production techniques. With a totally unquie sound that occupies the space between modern funk of Vulfpeck and off the wall experimentation of the Beastie Boys.

Don’t forget! Every Tuesday and Thursday Huddle Up Sports Bar & Grill hosts Country Line Dancing from 7 - 10 PM.