Upcoming Events at the Center
Plein Air in Ashland
Paint outside--Plein Air-- at the Hanover Arts & Activities Center on Saturday, May 2, from 10 am -1:00 pm.
Fall into Painting Art Classes
Fall into Painting Art Classes at the Hanover Arts & Activities Center on Wednesdays, May 13 - June 3, from 6-8:00 pm.
Veteran’s Day Celebration
Join AARP as they lead their annual Veterans' Day Celebration. All veterans and their families are invited to attend and be celebrated on May 15 at 10 am.
Ashland July 4th Parade and Celebration
Our 4th of July celebration will be held in downtown Ashland on July 4, 2026. To honor our country’s 250th anniversary, we will have contests, food, music, games, the pie auction, and, of course, the parade!
Historic Garden Week in Ashland
The Center is proud to be a part of Historic Garden Week in Ashland as the “Tour Headquarters” on Saturday, April 18, from 10 am - 4:00 pm.
The Center Sessions
Join us for an afternoon of acoustic live music—with an Open Mic to follow! All talents welcome! Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 12:00pm.
Wedding Expo
Join us for our 2026 Wedding Expo on Sunday, March 29, from 12 - 3:00 pm. Explore our venue, meet talented local vendors, and gather inspiration. Admission is FREE!
Sculpture Workshop
March 24 - 26, 2026 - Join us for a 3-day sculpture workshop with "Secretariat Racing Into History" artist Jocelyn Russell at the Hanover Arts & Activities Center.
Ashland Railroad Run
The 47th running of the Ashland Railroad Run takes place on March 21, 2026!
The African American Experience in Hanover County
Join us for a Book Talk about the African American Experience in Hanover County with Dr. Jody Allen and Joe Gorman. The program will take place at the Center on March 8, 2026 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm.
Emixx
EMIXX is coming! Share cool instruments, show us what you've been making, and/or buy/sell/trade. Saturday, March 7, 2026!
The Center Sessions
Join us for an afternoon of acoustic live music—with an Open Mic to follow! All talents welcome! Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 12:00pm.
Hanover Yoga & Wellness
Join us for Yoga on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 10:30 am at the Center. Hosted by Hanover Yoga & Wellness.
Toy Drive
Donate new, unwrapped toys and enjoy food, music, and giveaways on December 20 from 11am - 3pm at the Center.
Deck the Halls
Deck the Halls, an annual holiday decoration-making fundraiser, will be held at Hanover Arts and Activities Center in Ashland on Sunday, December 7, to benefit Hanover Safe Place. 2 sessions!
Autumn in Ashland: Artists’ Showcase
Immagine’ hosts “Autumn in Ashland: Artists’ Showcase” on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Browse and shop for pieces from local artists while sipping delicious beverages and enjoying desserts.
Autumn in Ashland: Artists’ Showcase - Opening Reception
Opening Reception for “Autumn in Ashland: Artists’ Showcase” on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 5:00 - 8:00 pm. Cash bar, hors d’oeuvres, raffle, and silent auction.
9D Breathwork
9D Breathwork is a powerful, trauma-informed modality that blends guided breath with soundscapes to reduce stress, regulate the nervous system, and foster resilience. Join Kristy Wright on 9/22, 10/6, and 11/3 from 6-8 pm at the Center.
Off the Rails Craft Beer & Wine Fest
Get ready for a day of fun, flavor, and festivities at the Off the Rails Craft Beer & Wine Fest! Enjoy Brews, Boos, and BBQ on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 3:00-7:00 pm.
9D Breathwork
9D Breathwork is a powerful, trauma-informed modality that blends guided breath with soundscapes to reduce stress, regulate the nervous system, and foster resilience. Join Kristy Wright on 9/22, 10/6, and 11/3 from 6-8 pm at the Center.
Fall into Painting Art Classes
Join Chistine Holzem for a 4-week series that will explore your creative side with composition work, color and shape exercises, and portrait work! Wednesday evenings from 7-9:00 pm at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center.
Ashland School of Magic: Center Players Theatre Camp
Ashland School of Magic: Center Players Theatre Camp
Join us for a magical week of creativity and fun at the Ashland School of Magic theatre camp, hosted by Center Players! From July 28–August 1, rising 1st through 5th graders will dive into the world of theatre through exciting games, dance, a talent show, and even create their own original movie! Camp runs Monday–Thursday, 9AM–1PM, and Friday, 9AM–12PM, culminating in a Showcase performance Friday at 6PM for family and friends.
Unleash your child’s imagination and let the magic begin!
Info Registration HERE
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.
Red Cross Blood Drive
Hanover Arts is committed to strengthening our community and helping meet hospital and patient needs through blood donations.
Blood is a perishable product that can only come from volunteer blood donors. With someone in the U.S. needing blood every two seconds, blood products must be constantly replenished, according to the Red Cross.
We urge community members to donate blood and help ensure that patients in local hospitals have a supply of blood ready and waiting before an emergency occurs. There’s no better feeling than knowing that your blood donation may give someone a second chance at life.
According to the Red Cross, donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative.
Sign up HERE
Figure Drawing Open Studio
🎨 Figure Drawing Open Studio – Live Model Featured
📍 500 South Center Street, Ashland, VA (Just 20 minutes north of Richmond)
🗓 Last Thursday of Every Month | 🕕 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM | 💵 $10 at the Door | 🔞 Ages 18+
📅 First Session: Thursday, May 29
Join us for an inspiring evening of figure drawing with a live model in a relaxed, supportive environment. Whether you're sharpening your skills or just getting started, this monthly open studio is perfect for artists of all levels.
Bring your favorite drawing materials—tables and chairs provided.
No registration required. Just show up, create, and connect with fellow artists!
EMAIL mscearceart@gmail.com for more information!
Concert Ballet of Virginia: Cinderella Tea Party
Next weekend is Mother's Day, and what better way to celebrate than with the most infamous Stepmother at our Cinderella Storybook Tea Party! Tickets are still available for our 1pm or 4pm show, with tea and desserts, character meet and greet and photographs, and the Cinderella story read and danced for all audiences. Grab yours at the link below today! Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../concert-ballet-of-virginia...
#concertballetofvirginia #concertballet #dance #ballet #StorybookSeries #storybook #Cinderella #localarts #nonprofitartsorganization #youthballet
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!
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.
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.