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Hanover’s Perspective

SPRING HAPPENINGS IN HANOVER COUNTY – 2023

With spring in full bloom, a visit from everyone’s favorite bunny around the corner and summer not too far away, be sure to mark your calendar with these springtime offerings in Hanover County.

Bass Pro Shops, Ashland, VA is offering a FREE 4×6 picture with the Easter bunny! Multi-photo packages start at just $15!  Reservations open March 25th to schedule your visit with the Easter bunny! Get all the details at Basspro.com/Easter.

Hanover Tavern’s Easter Brunch & The Bunny is Sunday, April 2, 2023 with two sittings (9:00 a.m. & 11 a.m.)  Easter Egg Hunt on the Tavern Lawn is at 10:15 a.m. & 12:15 p.m. Call to make a reservation (required).  Visit the venue’s events page for more offerings.

The 2023 Hart Nissan Concert Series Benefitting the Five O’s Tiki Foundation is underway featuring country and rock performances!   This season’s series will be limited to 2,000 tickets per show to bring a more intimate experience to the fans, and offers affordable concerts to the Richmond area with tickets ranging from $15 to $25 for General Admission, and Gold Circle tickets priced from $25 to $45.

On March 11 starting at 6:30 p.m., The Montpelier Center for Arts & Education will hold its 2023 Annual Fundraiser event themed as a Yellowstone featuring buffet dinner, live music, prizes, a silent auction and more.  A ticket purchased for this event helps the Center support and enrich the underserved, rural community through classes, community events, and programs.  Be sure to check out the Center’s various art classes including a Hand Painted Watercolor Spring Eggs Workshop on March 20, 2023.

The Garden Club of Virginia’s Historic Garden Week will conduct tours in Ashland-Hanover County on April 15, 2023.  The tour includes admission to sites on scenic Cross Corner Road.  To view the event brochure, visit vagardenweek.org.  Ticket purchase required.

James River Cellars Winery is hosting its annual Heart of Virginia Wine Trail’s April Fools’ Festival on April 15, 2023 from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.  Listen to live music, enjoy wine tastings and food trucks, shop vendors, and take home a souvenir wine glass!  Ticket purchase required.  Visit the winery’s calendar for more events.

Center of the Universe Brewing hosts music, game nights and other special events.  View the brewery’s event calendar on their Facebook page.

Castle Glen Winery hosts music, paint nights and other special events as well as posting statewide events that the winery is participating in.

The 19th Annual Ashland Train Day is April 29, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  This annual street festival and railfan extravaganza celebrates Ashland’s love for trains!  The family-friendly event features more than 12 trains passing through the Town, a museum, model trains, Touch-A-Truck featuring all types of emergency and construction trucks, a fun-filled Kid Zone, kiddie train rides, scavenger hunt and more!  Admission:  FREE

Kings Dominion started operating year-round in 2023.  The park is currently open Saturdays – Sundays throughout March.  Beginning March 31 throughout April 9, 2023, the park is open every day throughout Spring Break, then resumes a Friday – Sunday schedule for the remainder of April and most of May. Starting May 26, the park begins its peak summer season with hours every day with Soak City opening to guests on June 3.  Check the park’s events page for other fun offerings included in admission.

The Shelton House at Rural Plains reopens in May for tours every weekend through October 31 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Be sure to enjoy the Walking Trails at Rural Plains any day from dawn to dusk.

Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown offers interior tours Fridays through Sundays starting in March through December each year. A guided 45-minute exterior walking tour of the history and architecture is offered, but please call 804-227-3500 to confirm availability.  Self-guided cell phone tours are always available. Pack a picnic and eat under the covered pavilion.  Also, check Scotchtown’s events page for special programs and workshops.  Fees apply.

Hanover County Parks and Recreation’s Classic Car Cruise-In is Saturday, May 13, 2023 from 4:00-7:00 pm at Hanover High School. This is a free event. Enjoy classic cars, music and food truck fare.  To view all events, click here: Parks and Recreation Events.

Hanover Arts & Activity Center is hosting the 46th Annual Ashland Railroad Run on Saturday, May 13, 2023.  The 5K/Fun Walk starts at 8:00 a.m., Kids one mile Fun Run at 8:15 a.m. and the 10K COTU Challenge at 9:00 a.m.  Virtual Runs are also available.  Registration/Fees required.

Hanover Vegetable Farm is hosting its 6th Annual Strawberry and Wine Festival on May 13 and 14, 2023 with wine, live music, vendors, food, fun and of course strawberries!  Mark your calendar for these upcoming events: Down on the Farm Wings Fest, Down on the Farm Concert Series, Shrimp & BBQ Festival and Fireworks.  Fees apply to all events.

The Ashland Strawberry Faire, now in its 41st year, is Saturday, June 3, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  The Faire is a free, outdoor, family and pet-friendly event.  All are welcome to the historic campus of Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia.  Enjoy fresh strawberries, vendors galore, food, beverages, pageants, music, entertainment, and activities for the kids.

For a list of more things to do in Hanover County, visit the Here in Hanover, VA app!