Ashland Train Day returns for its 21st year in historic downtown Ashland on April 26, 2025, thanks to Amtrak and CSX. From 11 AM to 4 PM, the town known as the Center of the Universe will transform into a railfan’s paradise, where locomotive history meets small-town charm for a day packed with interactive experiences, family fun, and a deep appreciation for the iron rails that built Ashland.
“Ashland Train Day is our tribute to the trains that built downtown,” says “Coach” Antonio Miller, Executive Director of Downtown Ashland Association. With over 12 fully loaded CSX freight trains and Amtrak passenger trains rolling through town during the event, Ashland Train Day is an immersive festival known around the world.
From real trains to model trains, the entire town transforms into a railway wonderland! Blue Ridge Live Steamers and Titan Trains will roll into the Hanover Arts and Activities Center with a steam engine, diesel engine, and two cars ready for interactive exploration. Enthusiasts will marvel at model train displays of all sizes, vintage railroad equipment, and a classic red caboose, while little conductors climb aboard the Kiddie Train Ride, sponsored by Your Path Counseling Center, for a delightful tour of the festivities. Over at the Firetruck Experience, courtesy of PlayRVA, guests can hop in, explore, and even ride along! The excitement continues with RCI Builders’ Touch-a-Truck showcase, featuring fire trucks, ambulances, dump trucks, and tractors for hands-on discovery. In the Kid Zone, sponsored by New Community Church, children can bounce, race, play games, visit family-friendly vendors like MacaroniKid, and get their faces painted in a high-energy hub of fun. Adventurers can take a spooky turn with the Ashland Haunted History Tours or enjoy railroad-themed stories and tunes with Matthew Dodd at the Ashland Branch Library. For those with a keen eye, the Picture Scavenger Hunt leads guests through downtown’s most picturesque spots—connect three stops and claim a prize from Tiny Tim’s Toys and Trains at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center.
No festival is complete without great music and delicious eats! Center Street Sound Company’s Party in the Pavilion will keep spirits high with family-friendly music all day long, featuring the Hanover Concert Band at 11 AM, followed by Free Jambalaya and Friends at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center. Hungry festival-goers can grab a bite from 15 food trucks offering everything from classic festival favorites to Caribbean cuisine, while downtown’s locally owned shops and restaurants open their doors with handcrafted goods and farm-to-fork dining. Over 60 local artists will line the sidewalks with handcrafted jewelry, woodcrafts, crochet, soaps, and more.
A festival of this scale takes more than tracks and timetables—it requires a dedicated crew. More than 100 volunteers and first responders keep Ashland Train Day running smoothly, fueled by the generosity of local businesses. Minuteman Press of Ashland is providing volunteers with commemorative Train Day t-shirts, while beloved local eateries—including Homemades by Suzanne, Monique’s Crepes, Strawberry Street Catering, Alice Auntie Alice’s Kettle Corn, and Fun Stuff 4 Kids—are serving up complimentary meals. Wawa is stepping up as the Volunteer and First Responder Signature Sponsor, catering breakfast and lunch inside the Dominion Energy Innovation Center to show appreciation for their service while Wally Goose tours around town.
For those who prefer their engines with wheels instead of rails, RCI Builders’ Touch-a-Truck attraction is back, giving guests the chance to explore fire trucks, ambulances, bucket trucks, and more. PlayRVA is taking the experience a step further by offering rides in a firetruck, letting visitors feel the thrill of the road. “This gives kids a hands-on experience inside the trucks, letting them feel what it’s like on the road!” says PlayRVA owner Taylor Pace. “It’s a rare and unique opportunity only we offer.”
The festival is made possible by the unwavering support of its signature sponsors, including CSX Transportation and the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA). CSX’s Community Service Grant helps bring this beloved event to life, while VPRA celebrates Ashland’s railroad history while looking to the future. “The railroad is such a big part of Ashland. The tracks literally run right through the Center of the Universe,” says DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA. “Our sponsorship is the perfect opportunity to promote Amtrak Virginia service because, as the railroad is a huge part of Ashland’s history, we are committed to being a vital part of its future.”
The connection runs even deeper—last summer, Amtrak Virginia introduced Brewski, a locally crafted beer from Ashland’s own Center of the Universe Brewing Company, to its café car menu. This addition supports Virginia’s initiative to boost local businesses while enhancing the passenger experience. Festival-goers can also try their luck in an exclusive Amtrak raffle, with the chance to win two tickets to any destination along the East Coast. With a year to redeem and endless travel possibilities, the winner’s next adventure could start right here in Ashland. Proceeds from the raffle will support the Downtown Ashland Association’s nonprofit mission.
For those eager to commemorate the day, Minuteman Press of Ashland has made sure that guests can easily find their way through festivities with maps, scavenger hunt cards, and exclusive 2025 Ashland Train Day apparel. Limited-edition tees, hoodies, trucker hats, and more are available now online, with a limited supply available in-person at Downtown Ashland Association’s information tent.
“Ashland is proud to host Train Day and welcome visitors from across our region and around the world to celebrate with us,” says Ashland Mayor Steve Trivett. “Come see why we consider Ashland the Center of the Universe!” Visitors can catch a shuttle to the event or, for the full railfan experience, arrive by Amtrak, where children’s tickets are half-price, and special onboard activities add to the festivities. Don’t forget to stop by the café car to toast the occasion with a Brewski from Center of the Universe Brewing Company.
Mark your calendar and gather your crew for Ashland Train Day on April 26, 2025, from 11 AM – 4 PM! For event details, volunteer opportunities, and more, visit AshlandTrainDay.com
