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.

Free Movie Mondays!

The Ashland Theatre is thrilled to announce a weekly summer series of free family films thanks to a generous gift from the Rappahannock Electric Cooperative.

“We have run a $2 Movie Monday summer series for the last two years and have welcomed over 1,000 attendees each year.” said Executive Director Courtney F. Caldwell.  “We are so happy to have the opportunity to make the series completely free thanks to Rappahannock Electric Cooperative.  Our Theatre is a community destination and should be enjoyed by everyone.”  The 2025 summer series will include family favorite films, such as Sing 2, Shrek, and The Land Before Time. 

The series begins Monday June 9, running through Monday August 11, with two showtimes each day, at 10AM and 2PM.  Ticket registration will open at 5PM the night before each film through the Ashland Theatre website.

Monday, June 9: Trolls Band Together
Monday, June 16: The Land Before Time
Monday June 23: The Bad Guys
Monday June 30: Minions: The Rise of Gru
Monday July 7: Migration
Monday July 14: Shrek
Monday July 21: An American Tail
Monday July 28: The Wild Robot
Monday August 4: Puss in Boots, The Last Wish
Monday August 11: Sing 2

 For more information, please visit ashlandtheatre.org.

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The Ashland Theatre is committed to offering a range of programming for the greater Ashland community.  The Theatre welcomed over 22,400 patrons throughout 2024.  The Theatre offers not just movies and concerts, but recurring programs to keep building audiences for the next 75 years.  The annual Ashland Book Festival, the Holly Jolly Holiday Party, monthly Toddler Takeover, E-Sports tournaments, Knit at Night series, open mic nights, and private rentals are all examples of the ways the Theatre continues to be a staple of Ashland and the greater Richmond metro area.

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The historic Ashland Theatre, built in 1948, is an art deco style, 260-seat entertainment venue.
The Ashland Theatre Foundation’s mission is to reinvent the classic American movie house
experience through exceptional film, live performances, and live music. As a non-profit
organization, we will deliver a deeper level of engagement through speakers, panels,
talkbacks and events that entertain, educate, inspire and are welcoming to all.

The Heart of Hanover Beats Strong in Downtown Ashland

Downtown Ashland Association’s archival photo of Root Modern Dentistry’s ribbon cutting

There’s something truly special about a community that shows up for its neighbors—and thanks to the Heart of Hanover Business Awards, we now have 22,441 more reasons to celebrate just how much love there is for local businesses in Hanover County.

With more than 600 businesses nominated and over 10,000 ballots cast, this inaugural awards program from Hanover County Economic Development captured the passion and pride of our community. After two rounds of enthusiastic voting, the top three finalists in each of the seven categories have been revealed—and we are bursting with pride to see so many of Downtown Ashland Association’s partners, sponsors, neighbors, and friends on the list.

Let’s raise a glass (perhaps one brewed by a finalist below!) to these remarkable Heart of Hanover Finalists:

• 🏆 Destination Business of the Year:

  • Ashland Theatre
    This beautifully restored 1950s theatre is more than a movie house—it’s a cultural heartbeat in downtown Ashland. Home to countless free Downtown Ashland Association events, Ashland Theatre delights with first-run and classic films (some for as low as $5!), live music, theatrical performances, and signature programming like Toddler Takeover and Knit at Night.

  • Freckled Flower Farm

  • Hanover Tavern
    

• 🪥 Health & Wellness Business of the Year:

  • Root Modern Dentistry
    More than just a Downtown Ashland Association sponsor, Root Modern Dentistry brings energy, excellence, and a neighborly smile to everything they do. From showing up for Ashland Train Day to welcoming patients into their stylish, state-of-the-art office, Root is redefining what it means to care.

  • Good Vibes RVA

  • Pulse Barre Studio

• 🍻 Manufacturer of the Coolest Thing Made in Hanover County:

  • Center of the Universe Brewing Company
    From brewing award-winning beverages to collaborating on Downtown Ashland’s Saturday Soundtracks, this local legend keeps things cool—literally and creatively. Bonus points: you can enjoy their signature Brewski aboard Amtrak Virginia’s dining car!

  • Naked Goat Soap Co.

  • Virginia Artesian Bottling Co.

• 💙 Nonprofit Organization of the Year:

  • The Arc of Hanover Thrift Store
    An extraordinary organization doing impactful work for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Hanover County, The Arc Thrift Store is also a vibrant part of Downtown Ashland. From volunteering at Train Day to engaging in our Business Innovation Workshops, their spirit of service is unmatched.

  • Alix's Fosters

  • The Lucky Paw Foundation

• 🍽️ Restaurant of the Year:

  • The Caboose Market & Café
    A cornerstone of downtown Ashland, The Caboose delivers farm-to-fork favorites with local flair. Whether you’re savoring a meal or spotting their generous donations at Downtown Ashland events, their community care shines as brightly as their flavors.

  • Red Rooster Country Store

  • Rise and Shine Diner

• 🛍️ Retail Business of the Year:

  • Refunkit
    Always fresh, always fabulous—Refunkit is a treasure trove of local art and creative finds. Their curated collection adds charm to downtown and ensures every Downtown Ashland event sparkles with one-of-a-kind flair.

  • For Posh Sake

  • Green Top Sporting Goods

• Service Business of the Year:

  • Blazer Heating, Air and Plumbing

  • Creative Enterprise Powerwashing LLC

  • PawsCienda Pet Resort
    

As if all that weren’t heartwarming enough, we’re deeply honored that Downtown Ashland Association was nominated for Nonprofit Organization of the Year. With a staff of just two and a few extraordinary volunteers, we work tirelessly to support downtown businesses and everyone who carries the Ashland spirit—in the Center of the Universe and beyond.

While we’re not among this year’s finalists, we are proud to celebrate the incredible organizations who are—and we’re thankful every day for the opportunity to collaborate with and champion so many of them. Being nominated by this community is a reminder of how meaningful this work is, and how lucky we are to do it.

Now’s your chance to discover for yourself why these finalists truly are the Heart of Hanover. Visit, shop, dine, and support your favorites—and help keep our community vibrant, welcoming, and uniquely Ashland.

Halfway to Ashland Halloween

It’s June in Ashland, which means the countdown to cobwebs and candy has officially begun—because we’re halfway to Halloween! Even better? This month boasts the only Friday the 13th of 2024, and our frightfully fun friends at RED VEIN Haunt are helping us scream it in style.

Friday the 13th with RED VEIN 👻
Mark your calendar for Friday, June 13th, when RED VEIN rents out the Ashland Theatre for an exclusive (and slightly sinister) celebration. Want in? Follow RED VEIN for contests where you can win:
🍿 Tickets to their private movie night
🎟 Free admission to the RED VEIN Haunt this October
🕵️‍♀️ Escape room specials
👻 Deals on Ashland Haunted History Tours
It’s the unluckiest day of the year—but you might just get lucky. 😈

Ashland Halloween: 31 Days of Local Terror (and Treats)
Here in the Center of the Universe, Halloween is more than just a night—it’s a whole month of ghoul times. Every October, thousands of trick-or-treaters creep their way into Downtown Ashland. To keep everyone safe (and well-fed), Downtown Ashland Association is working closely with Ashland Police to shift the haunt away from the train tracks and into our beloved local shops, restaurants, and neighborhoods.

And we’re doing more than just moving monsters—we’re supporting the community with free candy for residents, family-friendly events, and local business engagement. Here’s how you can get involved today:

🗺️ Get on the Trick-or-Treat Map
You asked, we listened: the Google Trick-or-Treat Map is BACK! Add your home and even upload a photo of your decorations to help the little monsters find your lair:
Add Your Home to the Map

🎃 Snag Your Ashland Halloween Yard Sign
Want to show your haunted house pride? Pick up one of 200 exclusive Ashland Halloween yard signs at the Ashland Feed Store starting Monday, September 29. These signs are yours to keep—any left behind after Halloween will be spirited away for recycling.

🛍️ Be a Vendor—For the Price of a Bag of Candy
We’re summoning vendors to join the Halloween Market in the Henry Clay Elementary Parking Lot! If accepted, all you need to do is donate a bag of candy (minimum 300 pieces) to cover your booth fee. Apply here:
Vendor Application

🍬 Candy for Our Community
Ashland residents—especially those along Center Street and Railroad Avenue—can pick up free candy at the Ashland Halloween Market starting at 4:30 PM on October 31. Bring your ID or a piece of mail with your address, and we’ll treat you right!

📸 Picture Scavenger Hunt: Snap, Connect, Win
Back again this year: the Halloween Picture Scavenger Hunt! Snap photos of spooky stops, connect three, and grab your prize at the Downtown Ashland Association booth in the Henry Clay Elementary School Parking Lot. Think of it as trick-or-treating with a twist.

Raffle - 4 Fast Pass RED VEIN Haunt Tickets

$10.00

Enter to win 4 Fast Pass tickets to RED VEIN Haunt—Central Virginia’s legendary haunted attraction that mixes haunted house horror with immersive storytelling. 😱👻 Located in the actual haunted Hanover Vegetable Farm, RED VEIN is known for its movie-quality sets, live actors, and interactive terror that blurs the line between fiction and fear. 💀🌕

🚨 The Fast Pass lets you skip the general admission line—meaning you get to face your fears faster! No long waits. Just straight into the madness. 🧛‍♀️🔪

🎟️ Raffle tickets are just $10 and support the non-profit mission of the Downtown Ashland Association!
📅 Winner will be emailed on Friday, September 26—just in time for peak scare season.

🕸️ Don’t ghost this chance—enter today!

Quantity:

Purchase

So, whether you're in it for the frights or the free treats, now's the time to join the haunted happening. Because in Ashland, Halloween doesn’t sneak up on us... we summon it early.

🕸️ Let the countdown begin… 🕸️
Visit ashlandhalloween.com for all the gory (and glorious) details.

DAA Executive Director Featured on Partners for Better Communities Podcast

Downtown Ashland Association’s Executive Director, “Coach” Antonio Miller, recently joined Douglas Jackson of the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development on Partners for Better Communities, episode 67: A Conversation with Antonio Miller.

Recorded in the heart of the Center of the Universe while 37 Main Street directors from across the Commonwealth gathered in Ashland, this inspiring episode offers a firsthand look at Ashland’s community spirit and the powerful impact of the Virginia Main Street program—celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

Coach Miller, who joined the Downtown Ashland Association in 2024, reflects on the town's charm, diversity, and momentum:

“Ashland is three-dimensional… It’s the biggest little town you’re gonna come across. Anybody that visits is probably gonna run into somebody like themselves. You can find a bit of yourself in Ashland no matter who you are.”

The episode highlights how Ashland’s kindness, connectivity, and community leadership—especially its dedicated board and volunteers—create fertile ground for growth.

“That kindness allows me to shorten my learning curve, optimize my approach to how I want to steer the growth of our Main Street… It starts with that kindness.”

He shares his gratitude for the dream team around him, including the board that took a chance on someone new to the role, and partners like Louise Keeton, who, in his words, “Doesn’t believe in 99%. Most people would take that A and say, I got an A. But she wants to make sure she's putting her best forward all the time.” This team of community crusaders is working tirelessly on behalf of downtown Ashland thanks to leaders like “Coach” Antonio Miller.

For anyone interested in building better communities, especially through the lens of historic preservation and economic revitalization, this is a conversation not to miss.

🎧 Listen now: A Conversation with Antonio Miller – Partners for Better Communities, Ep. 67