Ashland to host 21st annual Train Day in April

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- All aboard for the annual Ashland Train Day! The annual festival will return for its 21st year in downtown Ashland on April 26, celebrating the town's love for trains.

The annual street festival and railroad extravaganza, sponsored by Amtrak and CSX Transportation, will run on Saturday, April 26 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Ashland Train Day is our tribute to the trains that built downtown,” said “Coach” Antonio Miller, executive director of Downtown Ashland Association.

During the festival, 12 fully loaded CXS freight trains and Amtrak passenger trains -- from real trains to model trains -- will roll through town.

According to a Downtown Ashland Association spokesperson, this event will give visitors a chance to explore the historic area of Ashland. In addition to trains, the festival will include railroad history, live music, touch-a-truck, food and more.

For the chance to win two round-trip Amtrak tickets along the East Coast, raffle tickets are available for $10. On Friday, April 25, the raffle winner will receive an email from Downtown Ashland Association, with proceeds from the raffle supporting its nonprofit mission.

Anyone interested in volunteering for Ashland Train Day can sign up here.

Ashland Train Day 2025 Scavenger Hunt (Photo Courtesy: Downtown Ashland Association)

Ashland Train Day 2025 Map (Photo Courtesy: Downtown Ashland Association)

RCI Builders' Touch-a-Truck will return this year, allowing guests to explore fire trucks, ambulances, bucket trucks and more, while PlayRVA will offer rides in a firetruck.

“This gives kids a hands-on experience inside the trucks, letting them feel what it’s like on the road,” said PlayRVA owner Taylor Pace. “It’s a rare and unique opportunity only we offer.”

Guests will have the option to either catch a shuttle or ride an Amtrak train to the event.

“Ashland is proud to host Train Day and welcome visitors from across our region and around the world to celebrate with us,” said Ashland Mayor Steve Trivett. “Come see why we consider Ashland the Center of the Universe!”

To grab tickets for Ashland Train Day, go here.