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.

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

Train Day Packs Big Volunteer Perks

Every year, Ashland Train Day’s locomotive celebration brings thousands of visitors from around the world to the Center of the Universe. But behind every whistle and wave, there’s a team of over 100 dedicated volunteers keeping things chugging along. Saturday, April 26, is your chance to hop on board!

Volunteering at Ashland Train Day isn’t just about lending a hand—it’s about hoping a board community spirt. Whether you’re handing out maps, supporting artists and entrepreneurs, or making sure every guest has a smooth ride through the festivities, your efforts help create the magic that makes Train Day unforgettable. Plus, volunteering with Downtown Ashland Association, a Main Street America-accredited nonprofit, means your hours count toward community service. You’ll even receive a digital, printable service sheet to turn in, complete with a signature from the friendly volunteer coordinator at headquarters.

And speaking of headquarters, there’s a first-class stop just for you! The Dominion Energy Innovation Center, normally home to entrepreneurs shaping a net-zero future (and the Downtown Ashland Association’s offices), transforms into Volunteer Headquarters for the day, thanks to the generous support of Wawa and Jersey Mike’s. Need a pick-me-up before your shift? Ashland’s Wawa, stationed at 100 N. Washington Hwy, will keep volunteers and first responders fueled with coffee, water, and breakfast treats. Swing by their booth on Robinson Street for snacks, smiles, and a high-five from Wally Goose himself. By lunchtime, Ashland’s own Jersey Mike’s (708 England Street) will be stacking Volunteer Headquarters with fresh subs to keep you rolling.

Of course, no great journey is complete without a few delicious detours! Volunteers can enjoy tokens for treats from some of Ashland’s finest eateries and food trucks. Whether you’re craving a homemade sandwich from the beloved Homemades by Suzanne, watching the artistry of Monique’s Crêpes as she crafts delicate French delights, or indulging in the legendary flavors of Strawberry Street Catering, there’s something for every palate. Auntie Alice’s Kettle Corn, Hungry Hungry Arrow’s frybread and Indian tacos, and more will keep the energy high as you make your way through the festival.

Beyond the food and fun, Train Day volunteers receive a special token of appreciation—a limited-edition Ashland Train Day shirt, designed by Geoff Stone and printed by Minuteman Press of Ashland. These coveted cotton tees are only available online, making volunteering your best ticket to scoring one of these exclusive designs.

Community groups are also getting on board in a big way! ARC of Hanover will be bringing their Thrift Store from Glen Allen to their booth on Robinson Street, advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. St. Ann’s Knights of Columbus will be working hard behind the scenes to keep Ashland spotless—ensuring our beloved festival is as clean as a freshly polished Amtrak train car. And New Community Church is stepping up in a big way, with over 60 volunteers keeping the Kid Zone on track with bounce houses, obstacle courses, face painting, games, and family-friendly fun in the Ashland Branch Library parking lot on 201 S Railroad Ave.

Supporting our first responders is more important than ever. While the Ashland Volunteer Rescue Squad recovers from the fire that displaced them in February, Ashland’s CareNow Urgent Care is stepping in to provide world-class First Aid support—and a bit of fun—at the Dominion Energy Innovation Center. Meanwhile, Ashland’s Police Department will be working tirelessly to keep Train Day safe and welcoming for all. Want to show your appreciation? You can support the Ashland Volunteer Rescue Squad by signing up for their meal train and helping provide a warm meal or comfort item during their time of need.

Ready to jump on board? Sign up today to be part of the action at AshlandTrainDay.com. Whether you’re handing out prizes, assisting visitors, or just bringing your best enthusiasm, there’s a role for everyone. And if you live or work along the event route, don’t forget to set out your County Waste trash and recycling bins a day early—it’s a simple way to show your community spirit and keep Ashland looking its best for over 20,000 attendees.

So, what do you say? Let’s keep Ashland Train Day running full steam ahead—one volunteer at a time!

Amtrak is Your Ticket to Ride Ashland Train Day

Ashland Train Day is rolling into town on April 26 from 11 AM to 4 PM, and there’s no better way to arrive than by train! With up to 50 CSX and Amtrak trains passing through Ashland daily, our town is truly a rail-lover’s paradise. But on this special day, there’s one train experience that stands out above the rest—riding Amtrak Virginia straight into the heart of the celebration.

Skip the Parking Hassle—Ride in Style

The beauty of taking Amtrak to Ashland Train Day is that it drops you off right at the Ashland Train Station, also home to the Ashland Visitors Center. No need to search for parking or trek from a shuttle stop—with a quick step off the train, you’re instantly in the middle of the fun. Downtown Ashland transforms into a lively hub of train-themed entertainment, shopping, and dining, and there’s no better way to start the adventure than by rolling in on the rails.

Comfort, Convenience, and Virginia Favorites

Amtrak Virginia doesn’t just get you there; it makes the journey just as enjoyable as the destination. With spacious seating, plenty of storage for strollers and shopping bags, and a relaxing ride that lets you sit back and enjoy the view, it’s a stress-free way to travel. And for those looking to sip on something local, Amtrak’s café cars feature Virginia-made products, including Brewski from Center of the Universe Brewing Company. Supporting local businesses while cruising to Ashland Train Day? That’s a win-win!

Fun for the Whole Family

Traveling with little ones? Amtrak makes it easy with half-price tickets for children and engaging activities to keep them entertained. Unlike a long car ride where restlessness can take over, a train ride is an adventure in itself—watching the scenery pass by, walking through the cars, and enjoying the unique experience of train travel. It’s an exciting prelude to a day filled with locomotive-themed fun in downtown Ashland.

Can’t Take the Train? We’ve Got You Covered

For those who can’t enjoy the luxury of arriving by rail, there are still plenty of ways to get to the event. Free public parking areas with shuttle service will be available starting at 11 AM at the following locations:

• Green Parking Area (East): Ashland-Junction Shopping Center, 167 Junction Drive

• Purple Parking Area (East): Ashland Hanover Shopping Center, 251 N. Washington Hwy

• Red Parking Area (West): First Baptist Church Ashland, 800 Thompson St

Shuttles and trolleys will run throughout the day, with the last pickup at 3:45 PM, ensuring everyone can get to and from the event with ease.

Enter to Win Your Next Train Adventure

If Ashland Train Day has you dreaming of your next rail journey, don’t miss the chance to win one of our two exciting train raffles!

Amtrak East Coast Getaway Raffle

Enter for a chance to win two Amtrak tickets to any destination along the East Coast! Whether you're dreaming of a scenic retreat, a city escape, or a coastal adventure, this raffle could be your ticket to ride. The winner also receives a $25 gift card to Center of the Universe Brewing Company, five Brewski hats, and bragging rights as the lucky traveler of the year. Raffle proceeds support Downtown Ashland Association’s non-profit mission, and the winner will be announced on April 25.

Raffle - 2 Amtrak Tickets

$10.00

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Ashland Santa Train Raffle

Looking for a magical holiday experience? Win six tickets to the December 2025 Ashland Santa Train, sponsored by Tiny Tim’s Trains and Toys! This festive round-trip excursion to Colonial Williamsburg includes complimentary coffee and cocoa with Mrs. Claus, onboard entertainment with Santa and his elves, and a visit to Merchants Square for holiday shopping. The winner will be notified in October 2025.

Raffle - Ashland Santa Train

$10.00

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Join Us for a Day of Train-Filled Fun!

No matter how you get here, Ashland Train Day promises a celebration filled with history, entertainment, and plenty of rail-themed excitement. But if you want the full experience—from the moment you leave home to the final whistle—Amtrak Virginia is the way to go. Climb aboard, sit back, and let the train take you straight into the heart of the action. See you at the station!

Ashland Train Day’s Kid Zone Rolls In!

Ashland Train Day Kid Zone photos by Joel Atanacio Serrano in 2023

Choo-choo! Get ready to steam into a world of fun as Ashland Train Day returns with an exciting, adventure-packed Kid Zone, made possible by the generous sponsorship of New Community Church! For the third year in a row, New Community Church is pulling into the station with an incredible lineup of family-friendly activities, ensuring that young conductors and their families make memories to last a lifetime.

Full Steam Ahead with Free Activities

Last year, over 4,000 children took part in the Kid Zone’s incredible offerings, and with a record-breaking 20,000 attendees at Ashland Train Day, the excitement continues to build! This year's Kid Zone is packed with interactive fun designed to keep kids and families smiling from ear to ear. Children can take a ride on a whimsical kiddie train, get creative with face painting, and enjoy classic yard games that bring out friendly competition. The Prize Spin Wheel will offer the chance to win exciting goodies, and three bounce houses ensure there's something for everyone - including two bounce houses. To help guests cool off, Kona Ice truck will serve up delicious frozen treats throughout the day. Family-friendly vendors will also be on hand with engaging activities and items to explore, rounding out an experience that's sure to be the highlight of the day.

Community on Track for Kindness

New Community Church’s mission is simple: to bring hope to their neighbors. Their support for Ashland Train Day reflects their commitment to enriching the community and ensuring that every child experiences joy.

“We believe the church should be in its community and for its community,” said Co-Lead Pastor Brandon Baldwin. “Ashland Train Day is an important day for our town, so our heart is to show our support and do our part to make it a great experience.”

Hop on Board!

Ashland Train Day is the perfect opportunity to bring the family together for a day of laughter, adventure, and memories. Whether soaring through the obstacle course, riding the kiddie train, or spinning the prize wheel, every child will find something to enjoy at the Kid Zone. Thanks to New Community Church, the Kid Zone is a can’t-miss experience that keeps Ashland Train Day chugging along as a favorite annual tradition.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 29, and come see why the Kid Zone is the express route to fun!