Ashland Artists; Spring Showcase & 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.
Friday, April 4 5PM-8PM: Opening Showcase
Saturday, April 5 10AM-4PM: Marketplace
Featured Artists:
Photos coming soon!:
Tim Slaven, Bill Harrison, Katie Grottenhaler, Lucy Coates, Chloe Coates, Rosemary Duda, Alexia Sangiray
In Memoriam: Ginny Layne, John Joseph Albert
More Artists and Vendors uploading today! Click on the artist’s photo to visit their website or social media pages.
Hanover's Got Talent!
Hanover's Got Talent: A Call for Local Talent!
Ashland, VA – Hanover’s Got Talent is calling all local performers, ages 8 and up, to showcase their skills in this exciting competition! The top 15 acts from the auditions will take the stage at the Hanover's Got Talent Showcase at the Ashland Theatre on Saturday, April 19. The showtimes are still to be determined, but the competition promises to be a night full of incredible talent and entertainment.
Prize Opportunities & Performance Opportunities!
The top three acts will not only win fantastic prizes but will also be invited to perform as special guests at various upcoming events in Ashland, VA.
AUDITIONS:
Date: Monday, March 10, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (time slots will be assigned upon registration)
Location: Hanover Arts and Activities Center
Performers must register in advance and will receive an audition time slot via email. Audition pieces must be 3 minutes or under.
MANDATORY REHEARSAL:
Date: Sunday, April 13, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
SHOWCASE:
Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025
Location: Ashland Theatre
Showtime: 7:00PM
Show tickets will be available through the Ashland Theatre by visiting www.ashlandtheatre.org
This is your chance to shine! Whether you're a dancer, singer, comedian, or magician, we want to see your talent. Please read the audition guidelines carefully, as you must meet them in order to participate.
For any questions or more information, please reach out via email at ashlanddanceacademy@gmail.com.
Sign up now and get ready to make your mark in Hanover's Got Talent 2025!
Paint the Universe Summer Art Camp
Paint the Universe Summer Art Camp will take place this summer at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center in Ashland, VA, fondly referred to as the "Center of the Universe." Local artist and teacher, Lindsey Finch, will be instructing the camps.
At our camp, children will engage in a variety of artistic activities spanning painting, drawing, sculpture, and more. Through hands-on experiences and guided instruction, they'll cultivate their artistic talents while fostering essential skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and self-expression. Our program promotes collaboration and encourages individuality, providing a supportive environment where children can thrive creatively. With access to professional tools and techniques, they'll embark on a journey of discovery, gaining confidence and inspiration along the way. Join us for an unforgettable summer filled with imagination, friendship, and endless artistic possibilities.
Ashland Railroad Run
Join us for our 46th year racing the rails in lovely Ashland, Virginia. All proceeds benefit the Hanover Arts & Activities Center. For this year’s event, we are partnered with Arsenal Events and will have in person and virtual options.
Come race the rail at one of Central Virginia’s longest established road races. This 10K RAILS to TRAILS race is a favorite spring ritual for runners near and far. Start and finish "on the tracks" in our picturesque railroad town, known as the "Center of the Universe"! Events include a 10k, 5K Walk/Run, Kids Fun Run, and the COTU Challenge (race both the 5K and 10K!). Stay after the race and enjoy all that Ashland has to offer.
Packet pickup in person at Hanover Arts & Activities Center, March 21st 5-7pm and March 22nd beginning at 7am.
Hanover County Public Schools IB Art Show
Join us as we host students from Hanover County Public School’s IB Art program for their annual art show! Come and see what the future generation of artists has on display!
EMIXX 2025
EMIXX - Electronic Music Instruments Expo & Exchange is a one-day meetup for synthesizer nerds, electronic musicians, pedal builders and more. The event, held in Ashland, VA, features gear exhibits, DIY workshops, a swap meet, and live performances, bringing together an eccentric community of sound crea
Arranger's Market Valentine's Floral Workshop
With leaders Kate Hugo Vernon & David Pippin
(and special guest Nancy Ross Hugo)
Learn to create arrangements that are lush and romantic, yet contemporary in design. We’ll be combining fresh, spring-like flowers with fun line material like pussy willow. Tuition: $125
Tuition includes plant material and the container featured above.
Bring your own clippers.
Beginners and experts welcome.
Register early! Space is limited.
Due to the nature of this event, tuition is nonrefundable.
This workshop is run by The Arranger’s Workshop. Please contact them HERE for questions about registration and materials.
Ashland Dance Academy Valentine's Ball CLASS IS FULL
Registration is CLOSED
Free and open to ages 3-8!
Downtown Ashland New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball
Ring in the New Year at the Ashland New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball, a dazzling celebration supporting the Hanover Arts and Activities Center and Downtown Ashland Association's non-profit missions. Held on December 31 at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center, the event features live music by The Blue Guitar, dancing, stunning décor by Deck the Halls, and exciting live and silent auctions. Savor delicious catering from Strawberry Street Catering, enjoy drinks from Shaken Not Spurred and Center of the Universe Brewing, and toast with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine from The Caboose Market & Café as midnight approaches. Limited VIP tickets offer exclusive seating, complimentary food, and drinks, ensuring an unforgettable evening. Every ticket supports vital efforts to enrich Ashland’s cultural and economic vibrancy—don’t miss this magical night!
Raise a glass to elegance and inclusivity with Downtown Ashland’s most enchanting mobile bar – Shaken Not Spurred. As Virginia’s first and ONLY mobile cocktail & mocktail bar, they craft an unforgettable experience where everyone feels welcome to indulge in the moment. From delicate floral infusions to sparkling signature blends, each drink is artfully prepared by their skilled team, ensuring your new year gets off to the right start. If you’re craving a beautiful brew, Center of the Universe Brewing Company serves an ever-evolving spectrum of beers, each crafted with only the finest all-natural ingredients and using time-honored traditional methods of brewing. VIP Guests get complimentary drinks on Downtown Ashland Association's tab!
Indulge in a culinary delight this New Year’s Eve with the legendary Strawberry Street Catering at our Masquerade Ball! Once renowned as the iconic Strawberry Street Cafe in Richmond, they’re still serving up what they do best—now bringing their extraordinary flavors straight to you. With a menu that promises something for everyone, each bite will be a celebration in itself. Elevate your night with VIP tickets and savor a delicious dinner covered by the Downtown Ashland Association. Let us take care of every dining detail, so you can focus on dancing the night away!
The captivating Blue Guitar will set the stage ablaze with live covers and instrumental arrangements of your favorite rock, jazz, R&B, and pop hits! Join us as we countdown to a dazzling new year, letting the music sweep you off your feet and inspire you to dance like nobody’s watching.
Before the clock strikes midnight, The Caboose Market & Café, a cherished staple in the Hanover and greater Richmond area since 1997, will treat every guest to a complimentary glass of sparkling wine! Known for their finest selection of wine, beer, and specialty foods, The Caboose brings a touch of elegance to our celebration.
But this isn’t just a night of glamour—it's a chance to support the heart of Ashland. With every ticket, you’re contributing to the work of two organizations that champion the community. The Downtown Ashland Association works tirelessly to build a vibrant future for our beloved town, organizing events and supporting local businesses, while the Hanover Arts and Activities Center continues its mission to offer a place of cultural and educational enrichment for all.
So, don your finest attire, pick out your most dazzling mask, and join us for a night of mystery, romance, and celebration. But don’t wait too long—VIP seating is limited, offering exclusive perks like complimentary food and beverages, and general admission is capped at just 160 tickets.
Let’s step into the new year together, where each masked face holds a promise of something new. Buy your tickets today, and prepare for a night that will dazzle long after the clock strikes midnight
Holiday Pops Concert with The Hanover Concert Band
Join the Hanover Concert Band and they treat us to a jazzy concert of holiday favorites! All are welcome and this concert is free and open to the public. Donations to The Hanover Concert Band are appreciated.
A Wreath of Carols with Hanover Harmony
Join the men of Hanover Harmony for a special evening of Carols to put you in the Christmas spirit!
The event is free and open to the public & donations to Hanover Harmony are appreciated.
Hanover Arts Family Holiday Showcase
Join Hanover Arts as we host a day of holiday performances geared to our littlest friends! Performances by local dance, music, and school groups and visits from some very special guests!
11am-12:30pm
500 South Center Street, Ashland
Free and open to the public.
Jolly Jingle Jog
🎄 Jolly Jingle Jog Virtual 5K & 10K 🎄
Get ready to spread some holiday cheer while staying active this season! Join us for the Jolly Jingle Jog Virtual 5K & 10K — a festive, fun way to celebrate the holidays, one step at a time.
👟 Gather Family & Friends
Bring your loved ones along to make this holiday tradition even more special. Whether you’re running or walking, the Jolly Jingle Jog is the perfect way to share the joy and create lasting memories.
🎁 Prizes for Best Jolly Costumes!
Dress up in your most festive holiday attire — from Santa suits to reindeer ears — and you could win a prize for the Best Jolly Costume! Get creative and let your holiday spirit shine!
👕 Free Event T-shirt
Sign up and receive a Jolly Jingle Jog T-shirt to wear with pride as you tackle your race!
🎉 Special Bundle Offer
Sign up for both the Jolly Jingle Jog and the Ashland Railroad Run and save $5 on each race! Double the fun, double the savings — it’s a win-win!
🏃♂️ Run Anytime, Anywhere
Since this is a virtual event, you can complete your race on your own time, at your own pace. Whether you run on your favorite trail or around the block, the holiday spirit is just a step away!
Don’t miss out on the fun! Sign up for the Jolly Jingle Jog today and get into the holiday spirit!
Deck the Halls
Deck the Halls is a Fundraiser Benefitting Hanover Safe Place
Hanover Safe Place is a non-profit organization providing confidential services to persons who have experienced domestic or sexual violence in Hanover County, VA, and the Town of Ashland since the early 1990s.
These services include a free and confidential 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, support groups, and case management.
How does Deck the Halls work?
For a small entry donation ($40/person), you receive 3 tickets for hardware (wreath forms, centerpiece bowls, etc) and 3 tickets for bows! We have experts to help you every step of the way.
Create wreaths, swags, boxwood circles, table toppers, candle surrounds, and more! Our fresh-cut greenery includes pine, cedar, hemlock, fraser fir, holly, nandina, and boxwood all cut from historic farms in Hanover County. You are also welcome to bring your own, recycled wreath forms!
There are 2 sessions (10:00 am and 1:00 pm).
Details
DATE: Sunday, December 8, 2024
2 SESSIONS: 10:00 am and 1:00 pm
LOCATION: Hanover Arts & Activities Center
500 South Center Street, Ashland VA 23005
ENTRY DONATION TICKETS
QUESTIONS? Call Carolyn at 804-798-9131 or email Stacie Francis.
Ashland Christmas Market
Inspired by open-air holiday markets around the world, downtown shops and businesses are taking their wares to the streets with sidewalk sales, displays, and specials.
Plus, more than 100 local artists and makers will host a crafts fair. 18 local eateries are open for your enjoyment. Festive music and food trucks will be onsite.
This event is held rain or shine. Free, accessible, and open to the public.
Concert Ballet of Virginia presents a Nutcracker Tea Party
Saturday, December 7th, 2024 – 11AM
Hanover Arts & Activities Center
500 South Center St. Ashland, VA 23005
You’re invited to a tea party with the Concert Ballet of Virginia and characters from The Nutcracker, after a performance of The Nutcracker Suite.
The Arranger's Market Thanksgiving Floral Workshop-SOLD OUT
This event is sold out. Please check back soon for our next workshop!
Light Up the Tracks Grand Illumination
Downtown Ashland Association transforms the trackside historic district to celebrate the season.
With the help of Dominion Energy as presenting sponsor, Downtown Ashland hosts a FREE mile-long holiday light display and six weeks of special events.
Walk, cycle, or drive through a twinkling spectacle of over ten thousand lights that dazzles visitors with dining, shopping, and entertainment along the route. The holiday magic illuminates each night at dusk and keeps shining all night in the Center of the Universe!
GRAND ILLUMINATION: LIGHT UP THE TRACKS CELEBRATION
NOV. 23 SCHEDULE
5 PM
Show off your glow in the Illuminated Costume Contest at Downtown Ashland Association’s booth on the Town Hall Lawn for a chance to win prizes from Ashland Christmas Market makers.
Shop the Light Up the Tracks Market featuring local food, arts, and crafts vendors from Ashland Town Hall to Hanover Arts and Activities Center to Thrill of the Hunt.
Enjoy dazzling entertainment like Jonathan Austin’s 24-Hour Emergency Juggling and Magic, glow-in-the-dark face painting with Cara Mia Arts, and the Ashland Feed Store petting zoo.
6 PM
Gather on the Town Hall Lawn to sing Walking in a Winter Wonderland with Randolph-Macon’s Concert Choir and light the town tree.
Watch Ashland Dance Academy perform seasonal favorites in glowing costumes at the Town Hall Pavilion.
Dance the night away with Center Street Sound Company’s holly jolly tunes until 8 PM.
6:15 - 8 PM
Stroll the light displays along the tracks, listen to carolers, enjoy festive entertainment, and explore dining, food trucks, and holiday shopping at local stores and the Light Up the Tracks Celebration Market.
Ashland Artists' Showcase & Marketplace
🎨 Ashland Artists' Showcase and Marketplace 🎨
Join us for a celebration of creativity and community at the Ashland Artists' Showcase and Marketplace!
Opening Reception:
Friday, November 8
6PM - 9PM
✨ Kick off the weekend with an evening of art, music, and refreshments as we unveil stunning works from talented local artists and craftspeople right here in the Center of the Universe. Connect with creators, discover unique pieces, and enjoy an inspiring atmosphere!
🛍 Saturday Showcase & Marketplace:
November 9
10 AM - 4 PM
Explore a vibrant marketplace filled with handcrafted goods, original artworks, and one-of-a-kind treasures. Whether you're searching for the perfect gift or a new addition to your home, you’ll find it among our talented local artisans.
🌟 In Partnership with Immaginé
Support our local creative community and experience the diverse artistic expressions that make Ashland special. We can't wait to see you there!
Location: 500 South Center Street, Ashland, 23005
For more info: immaginedesigns@gmail.com
Let’s celebrate art together! 🎉
Featured Artists:
mmaginé
Pat Morris
William Harrison
Susannah Wagner Merritt
Nancy Cozart
Katie Grottenthaler
Tim Slaven
Allison Bass Broaddus
Genevieve Franco
Richard Harding
580 Pottery
Linda Hollett-Bazouzi
& more!
Halloween at The Center
Trick or Treat on Center Street and enjoy a spooky concert with The Hanover Concert Band from 6-7. Visit www.ashlandvirginia.com for a map of Halloween Hosts all over town!
Off the Rails Craft Beer Festival Brews, Boos & Barbecue
Tickets go on sale September 20, 2024 TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR!
Join Us for the Off the Rails Craft Beer Festival: Brews, Boos, and BBQ!
Hanover, VA – [Date] – Get ready for a day of fun, flavor, and festivities at the Off the Rails Craft Beer Festival: Brews, Boos, and BBQ on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center! This family-friendly event will take place on the beautiful lawn, showcasing local craft beers, delicious BBQ, and a vibrant community atmosphere.
Event Highlights:
Entry Fee: $15 (online tickets)
On-site Beverage Pricing:
Full Pours: $7
Half Pours: $4
BBQ Delight: Enjoy mouthwatering BBQ provided by the Ashland Rotary Club.
Wine Tent: Savor selections from James River Cellars, with 6oz pours at $8 and bottles available for $25.
Costume Contests: Get in the Halloween spirit! Horror Costume Contest prize by Red Vein Escape will be awarded for the scariest costume and Halloween Film Costume Contest prize by Ashland Theatre for the best Halloween movie character costume.
Fun Activities: Test your luck at our Human Slot Machine and enjoy live music from Buckville Hootenanny.
Lawn Games: Join in on cornhole and other lawn games for all ages!
This festival is a perfect way to celebrate the fall season while supporting local businesses and community organizations. Gather your friends and family for an unforgettable day filled with great brews, delicious food, and festive fun!
A big thank you to our generous sponsors and partners! Click on their logo to visit them on the web!
Ashland July Fourth Parade & Celebration
A beloved tradition, join us each July Fourth for a day of fun celebrating our country’s independence! Featuring an endearing small town walking parade and a patriotic concert by the Hanover Concert Band on our lawn. There old fashioned lawn games, a Patriotic Pet Contest, cold snow cones, hot dogs and hamburgers and of course our famous Apple Pie Baking Contest and Pie Auction all in the Center of the best little town in the Universe!
Schedule:
9:30-10:30-Apple Pie Baking Contest Drop Off
10:30-Parade Line Up at Henry Clay Elementary School
11:00-Parade Steps Off on Hanover Avenue and Ends at The Center
11:00-12:00-Apple Pie Judging
11:45- Presentation of Colors, Hanover Concert Band Patriotic Concert on the Lawn
12:00-Lawn Party-Food, Games, Patriotic Pet Contest Judging Begins
12:30-12:40-Pie Winners Announced, Pie Auction, Pet Winners Announced.
Brigades in our walking parade are one of the most charming aspect of our parade. Patriotic bikes and pets, Basset Hounds, The Cacophony of the Universe Marching Band, and of course the famous Lawn Chair Brigade are all staples of the day. Do you have a new idea for a brigade or would your organization like to be a part of our event? Submit a form at the link below so we can include you in our parade line-up!
*All brigades must have a patriotic theme: decorations, clothing, costumes, etc. No flags besides the United States flag are permitted. No politically themed brigade or campaigning is permitted. Thank you for your understanding. No profane brigades or handing out of materials (flyers, candy, stickers, etc.) will be allowed. All brigades are approved at the discretion of the board and any brigade not adhering to these parameters will be asked to refrain from participation.
Do you have the baking skills to be the best baker in the Center of the Universe? Get out those rolling pins and submit your very best pie to our All-American Apple Pie Baking Contest! Entries are to be dropped off between 9:30 and 10:30 on July 4th and will be judged during the parade. Registrations can be filled out ahead of time by clicking below and printing out the form. Or, you may fill out your form at The Center. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Most Patriotic, and Best Kid’s Pie (Under 11) with the award winners’ pies being auctioned off to benefit The Center. Please label your pie dishes if you would like for them to be returned.
RULES:
· A panel of judges will pick the winning pies which will be auctioned off at 12:30pm with proceeds benefitting the non-profit Hanover Arts & Activities Center. All decisions of the judges are final.
· The remaining pie entries will be sold by the slice.
· Pies must be homemade with primarily apple filling (nuts, food coloring, etc are allowed)
Dress your pet up in their best red, white, and blue! Your leashed pets are welcome to walk with you in one of our animal brigades and you may enter them into our Patriotic Pet Contest just by walking up to our pet comfort station on our lawn starting at 11:30AM. The top three pets will win a prize! We welcome all kinds of pets so bring that favorite chicken or kitty cat with your canine best friend.
Looking for something patriotic to wear to the parade? Order an Ashland July 4th T-shirt and look your small town July 4th best! All proceeds benefit The Center!
SUMMER CAMPS at HANOVER ARTS
Come join in the fun at Hanover Arts summer camps! Art & theatre options.
Click below for more information.
"A Life of Dreams" by author Doug Dunnevant Book Launch Party
The May 7th release of A Life of Dreams will kick off with a celebration and book signing event on Monday, May 6th at 7:00 PM. Fans of the author who live in the Richmond, Virginia, area are invited to meet Doug, hear him read a selection from the book, enjoy an author Q&A, and purchase signed copies of A Life of Dreams. If you’d like to join us, please RSVP so we can plan for your attendance and send updates as the date approaches.
RSVP REQUIRED
Ashland Train Day Beer Garden at Hanover Arts
Join us at Hanover Arts for some adult refreshments on Ashland Train Day! Visit Ashland Train Day for details at www.ashlandvirginia.com/trainday
Ashland Railroad Run
Ashland Railroad Run This Saturday 8am!
Hello Registered Runners!!!!Saturday is throwing us a curveball and may be quite rainy and windy. But do you know what we do in Ashland when it rains? WE RUN!!!!!
Packet pickup is in person at Hanover Arts & Activities CenterFriday March 22nd 5-7pmSaturday March 23rd beginning at 7am
If you would like to convert your race to the virtual option please email haacsec@gmail.com and you can have until midnight 3/24 to run and record your time.
5k - 8 amKids
Fun Run - 8:15 am
10k - 9 am
AWARDS
$50 prize for 1st Place Male & Female 10k&5k
First, Second & Third Place 10k Collectors Train Trophy
First Place 5k Collectors Train Trophy
1st place Male & Female COTU Challenge
Prizes for all Fun Run finishers
DOOR PRIZESGreat door prizes from Ashland Meat Company, Spy Museum, Bogeys, Lindsey Finch Art, Triangle Rock Club, Preservation VA, Mount Verson, Red Vein, Flying Squirrels, Ashland Skateland, Town of Ashland and Organized Interiors.
Chamberlayne Actors Theater: Clever Little Lies
ABOUT CLEVER LITTLE LIES
A mother always knows when something is wrong. When Alice notices her beloved husband, Bill, has returned home on edge after a tennis match with their son, she grows suspicious and springs into action. Determined to piece together the puzzle, she invites her son, Billy, and daughter-in-law, Jane, over for drinks and dessert. Sidesplitting chaos ensues as Alice digs for the truth, resulting in even more honesty than anyone expected. Shattering and hilarious, CLEVER LITTLE LIES is a story of long-term love and marriage…for better…and for worse.
CONTENT DISCLAIMER
Get ready to laugh out loud as "Clever Little Lies" cleverly weaves humor into the complexities of relationships, infidelity, and the secrets we keep. This comedic journey is a rollercoaster of wit, ensuring a delightful experience. Viewer discretion is advised.
Winter Solstice Storytelling with Kristina and Martha Wright
December 20th will be a magical storytelling night at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center! We will bring the medicine of Celtic mythology to life, evoking a deep sense of connection and welcoming wisdom from Spirit.
The Celtic story of the Selkie tells the tale of a woman whose sealskin is taken from her, and her experience in retreiving it again. By using the story as a guide and unpacking the universal wisdom within, Kristina and Martha structure this storytelling event to include meditation, breath, gentle movement and sound healing to help you remember your inner spark, your unique essence, amidst a busy modern life.
This event honors the ancient tradition of storytelling as a communal act, and encourages participants to ask questions, share openly, and celebrate their experience throughout the event.
More details will come the week after Thanksgiving. In order to receive those details, please get on the waiting list by submitting your information HERE
Holidays Pops Concert with The Hanover Concert Band
Join the Hanover Concert Band as they play all of your holiday favorites in the pops style~Christmas and Chanukah selections, Small Ensemble performances.
Tuesday, December 19, 2023, 7:00PM
This event is free and open to the public.
Donations to Hanover Concert band are gratefully accepted.
Hanover Arts Holiday Family Showcase
Join us on Saturday, December 3, 2023 for a fun day of performances, music, and SANTA & RUDOLPH!
This event is free and open to the public.
11-11:10-Ashland Dance Academy
11:10-11:20-804 Dance Place
11:20-11:25HCES Singers
11:25-11:30- PHHS Latin Carolers
11:30-11:35-Ashland Community Preschool Singers
11:35-11:45-PH Strings*
11:45-12-Roger Reynolds sing-a-long
12;00-Rudolph, Santa and Mrs Claus *Formal photos will not be taken so bring your camera or phone to snap a photo of your kiddo with Santa, Mrs. Claus and Rudolph!
Santa wanted us to share some of his favorite photos and says he cannot wait to see the children!
Tidings of Comfort & Joy: Carols of the Christmas Season Presented by Hanover Harmony Men's Chorus
Ring in the season with the beautiful sounds of Hanover Harmony Men’s Chorus
Friday, December 1, 2023 7:00PM
This event is free and open to the public
Donations to Hanover Harmony gratefully accepted.
The Arranger's Market Thanksgiving Floral Arranging Workshop
Join us for a Thanksgiving Floral Workshop with The Arranger’s Market.
Registration at The Arrangers Market