The 22nd annual street festival and railroad extravaganza celebrates love for trains in the Center of the Universe rain or shine thanks to the generous support of Virtual Railfan, Amtrak Virginia, Renewal by Andersen, and CSX.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
🚂 TRACK YOUR FUN WITH THE MAP!
There's a full day of fun around every switch and signal in historic downtown Ashland! View the map and get a conductor's-eye view with the interactive desktop Google map.
Minuteman Press of Ashland produces the official 2026 Ashland Train Day merchandise—available only for pre-order online!
🏆 OFF THE RAILS RAFFLES
You could be the big winner of off the rail raffles like bottomless soda mugs and train tickets all along the East coast! Tap here to enter.
🚄 THE MAIN LINE: LOCOMOTIVES
More than a dozen mighty metal giants barrel down the rails through the heart of Train Day! Hop aboard Amtrak and ride into the fun—plus, little conductors (tots) get half-price tickets! Tap this hyperlink for Amtrak ticket information.
Chug through a carefully curated cargo of unique finds in historic storefronts and vendor stalls. Whether you're looking for sweet treats, stylish threads, or home décor, there's something at every station! Apply to vend during Ashland Train Day in this hyperlink.
Fuel up with farm-to-fork fare in Ashland’s charming eateries while food trucks pull in for a layover in Ashland Downtown Municipal Parking Lot, serving up flavors from all over the world.
The Pavilion will be rockin’ and rollin’ with your favorite tunes spun by Center Street Sound Company! Switch tracks for live performances by Free Jambalaya and Friends at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center, catch dazzling dance performances, and even signal Santa for a stop!
🚆 MODEL TRAINS: SMALL SCALE, BIG FUN!
From mini locomotives to racing railcars, model trains of every size and style are on display—including Lego layouts, vintage railroad equipment, and a classic red caboose!
🚜 MONSTER MACHINES ON DISPLAY!
Full speed ahead for gearheads! Get your hands on RCI Builder’s heavy-duty lineup of fire trucks, ambulances, dump trucks, tractors, and more big-rig wonders.
🎈 KID ZONE
New Community Church’s train-load of thrills features two bouncy houses, an obstacle course, face painting, games, and family-friendly vendors.
🚒 KIDDIE RIDES
Choo-choo-choose your adventure! Ride on mini trains, fire trucks, and more with a Kiddie Train, PlayRVA’s Firetruck Experience, and Blue Ridge Live Steamers & Titan Trains!
Snap pictures at key stops along the route and you could win a first-class prize from Tiny Tim’s Trains and Toys!
🚌 PARKING SHUTTLES: RIDE THE RAILWAY EXPRESS!
Catch a non-stop shuttle from satellite parking areas to the event—no need to switch tracks!
👕 EVENT HEADQUARTERS: JOIN THE CREW!
Over 100 dedicated depot volunteers keep Train Day running on schedule! Sign up to punch your ticket as a volunteer and receive a free Ashland Train Day t-shirt (printed by Minuteman Press), plus meals from Wawa, Jersey Mike’s, and select food vendors.
👀 WATCH VIRTUAL RAILFAN
Can’t participate in person? Join the millions of Virtual Railfans worldwide watching Center of the Universe locomotives make their way through Ashland Train Day. Tap this hyperlink to start streaming.