Hanover’s Perspective
Summer Adventures in Hanover County, VA
Hanover County, Virginia, offers a delightful mix of outdoor fun, rich history, and local flavor. Whether you’re a family seeking adventure, a history enthusiast, or a foodie craving fresh produce, Hanover has something special for you this summer.
Signature Summer Events
Ashland Strawberry Faire | Website
Saturday, June 7, 2025; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Celebrate the strawberry harvest at this free, family-friendly festival held on the historic campus of Randolph-Macon College. Enjoy fresh strawberries, local vendors, live music, and activities for all ages.
Down on the Farm Concert Series – Hanover Vegetable Farm | Website
Various events throughout the Summer
Make unforgettable memories with friends and family in a picturesque setting that celebrates the joy of live music. Proceeds from the events support the Five-O’s Tiki Foundation, which raises money and awareness to support the law enforcement community and their families in times of need.
Ashland Fourth Fridays | Website
Fridays: June 27, July 25 and August 22; 5-8 p.m.
This monthly celebration of arts and culture in Downtown Ashland invites you to stroll the streets for sidewalk sales, art exhibits, live music, and outdoor dining! These events are an opportunity for local artisans to showcase their work. Downtown Ashland enjoys a vibrant community of jewelers, painters, designers, entertainers, chefs, farmers, and musicians—just to name a few!
Hanover Tomato Festival | Website
Friday, July 11, 2025; 5-9 p.m. and Saturday, July 12, 2025; 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The Hanover Tomato Festival is a beloved annual event held at Pole Green Park in Mechanicsville celebrating the region’s signature crop—the Hanover tomato. This free, family- and pet-friendly festival features over 100 vendors offering handcrafted goods, agricultural products, and a variety of tomato-themed dishes such as tomato pies, fried green tomatoes, and BLTs. Attendees can enjoy live music, including performances by local bands, and participate in activities like tomato-eating contests and games for all ages.
12th Annual B’dam Brew Jam | Website
Saturday, September 13, 2025; 12-6 p.m.
The B’dam Brew Jam is a family-friendly craft beer and music festival held annually in Beaverdam. Hosted by the Beaverdam Ruritans, it features Virginia brews, live music, local food, games, and vendors, with proceeds supporting community programs and services.
Outdoor Fun & Nature Escapes
Hanover County Parks | Website
Hanover County, Virginia, offers a diverse array of parks and recreational facilities, catering to residents and visitors of all ages. With over 1,500 acres of parkland, the county provides numerous amenities including walking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and athletic fields.
Town of Ashland Parks | Website
The Town of Ashland offers a variety of parks and recreational facilities that cater to residents and visitors alike. Carter Park, the centerpiece of the town’s park system, spans 13.5 acres and features an eight-lane junior Olympic-sized swimming pool with day passes available. Other parks in Ashland provide additional recreational opportunities, including skate parks, community gardens, and scenic walking paths.
Kings Dominion and Soak City | Website
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, Kings Dominion in Doswell, Virginia, is set to deliver an unforgettable experience for visitors. The centerpiece of the celebration is the debut of Rapterra, the world’s tallest and longest launched wing coaster. Beyond the adrenaline-pumping rides, the park will offer a variety of entertainment options. Guests can enjoy live performances from the Singing Mushrooms in Candy Apple Grove, a high-energy roaming street party, and the return of the Kings Dominion Clown Band. For those interested in the park’s rich history, a “walk down memory lane” will showcase interactive artifacts from the past. Exclusive 50th-anniversary merchandise and limited-time food and beverage offerings inspired by the park’s history will also be available.
Family-Friendly and Indoor Activities
Summer Youth Camps, Classes and Community Events | Website
Hanover County Parks and Recreation offers a vibrant array of summer programs for youth in Hanover, VA. Their Youth Summer Program provides a supervised environment filled with arts, crafts, sports, games, and field trips across three two-week sessions. Additionally, the department offers a diverse selection of recreation classes for all ages, including arts, fitness, and educational activities, with registration available online.
Ashland Theatre | Website
The Ashland Theatre is offering a vibrant lineup of family-friendly events this summer. Starting June 26, the theatre will host $2 Movie Mondays at 2 PM, featuring films like Lyle, Lyle Crocodile and Hotel Transylvania. Additionally, the Toddler Takeover Hour provides a free, interactive experience for children aged 1 month to 6 years, complete with cartoons, crafts, and occasional live storytelling. The theatre is also screening new releases this summer.
The Montpelier Center for Arts and Education | Website
The Montpelier Center for Arts & Education in Hanover County, Virginia, is offering a diverse array of summer programs for 2025, catering to children and adults alike. Youth can engage in hands-on learning through camps such as Veterinary Science, Creative Writing, Art History, and Space-Themed Art, culminating in public showcases like the Art Show on July 17 and the Critter Art Show on August 7. Additionally, the center hosts a variety of classes and workshops, including dance, music, and wellness programs, fostering creativity and community engagement.
RED VEIN Escape | Website
Red Vein Escape in Ashland offers a thrilling, year-round escape room experience that combines immersive storytelling with intricate puzzles. This venue features multi-themed rooms, each designed to challenge your team’s problem-solving skills within a 60-minute timeframe. Additionally, Red Vein Escape organizes the Ashland Haunted History Tours, guided ghost tours that delve into the town’s rich and spooky past, departing from the venue every Friday and Saturday night.
Visit Farms and Produce Stands | Blog Post
Hanover County is home to a variety of charming farms and produce stands offering fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Other farms welcome guests to meet alpacas, goats and other friendly animals—making for a fun and family-friendly outing.
Dive into Local History
Scotchtown – Patrick Henry’s Historic Home | Website
Visiting Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown offers a unique glimpse into the life of one of America’s most influential Founding Fathers. This well-preserved 18th-century estate showcases the personal and political legacy of Patrick Henry, known for his famous “Give me liberty, or give me death!” speech. In addition to guided tours of the historic home and grounds, Scotchtown hosts a variety of engaging events throughout the year, including living history demonstrations, educational workshops, seasonal festivals, and family-friendly activities that bring colonial history to life for visitors of all ages.
Historic Sites and Battlefields | Website
Explore the North Anna Battlefield Park, Gaines Mill Battlefield, and Totopotomoy Creek Battlefield at Rural Plains. These sites offer walking trails and interpretive signage, providing insight into the Civil War era.
Hanover Tavern | Website
Hanover Tavern is hosting a variety of engaging events this summer, offering something for everyone. From June 6 to June 22 in the Barksdale Theater located in Hanover Tavern, the Chamberlayne Actors Theatre presents Honky Tonk Hissy Fit, a rollicking comedy set in a quirky Texas town. On June 14, treat Dad to a unique experience at the Father’s Day Mixology Mixer, where participants can learn to craft three delicious cocktails and enjoy delectable nibbles. The following day, June 15, indulge in the Father’s Day Feast, featuring a delectable menu to celebrate the occasion. Additionally, the tavern’s restaurant serves scratch-made dishes, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.
Hanover Museum of History and Culture | Website
The Hanover Museum of History & Culture in Hanover County, Virginia, offers a rich look into the region’s past and is showcasing a special exhibit for summer 2025. The exhibit Tapestry of Resilience: A Journey Through the Brown Grove Experience, is on display through June 21, 2025. Running through August 2, Teetotlers & Moonshiners: Prohibition in Virginia, Distilled explores the state’s complex relationship with alcohol and the effects of national prohibition. The museum is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with extended hours on the second Thursday of each month to align with guided tours of the Historic Courthouse and Old Jail. Visitors can explore engaging displays and connect with Hanover’s unique history.
Ashland Museum | Website
The Ashland Museum offers a variety of engaging exhibits, events and programs throughout the summer of 2025. Visitors can participate in a guided walking tour of the historic Woodland Cemetery which delves into the rich history of Ashland and Randolph-Macon College since 1862. For younger audiences, the museum organizes summer camps focusing on local history and culture, with themes such as fishing and the legacy of Secretariat.
Local Wineries & Breweries
James River Cellars Winery | Website
James River Cellars Winery offers a vibrant lineup of events throughout the summer of 2025, providing a delightful experience for wine enthusiasts and families alike. Their “Sundays in the Shade” series features live acoustic music every Sunday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, running through September. Additionally, the “Fridays at the Pavilion” summer concert series takes place every Friday evening from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, offering free admission, live music, and food trucks. Enjoy live music, food trucks, and wine tastings at this local winery, offering a relaxing atmosphere and scenic views.
Center of the Universe Brewing Co. | Website
Center of the Universe Brewing Company in Ashland offers a blend of live music, local cuisine, and community spirit including the Southern Food Festival on June 7, 2025. Throughout the summer, the brewery also offers live music, food trucks, and a family-friendly atmosphere in its expansive beer garden or in its well-appointed indoor space.
Origin Beer Lab | Website
Origin Beer Lab in the Town of Ashland offers a unique experience for beer enthusiasts and train aficionados alike. Situated on South Railroad Avenue, this intimate brewery serves as a testing ground for its sister company, Center of the Universe Brewing Company. With a cozy indoor space and a sunny back patio, Origin Beer Lab provides a welcoming environment to savor craft brews and watch the trains roll by.
Intermission Beer Company | Website
Intermission Beer Company in Ashland offers a unique blend of craft beer, entertainment, and community spirit. This brewpub and arcade feature a variety of house-made beers, including IPAs, stouts, and seasonal offerings, alongside guest taps, ciders, wines, and mocktails. The venue boasts a interior with 20 taps, a kitchen serving from-scratch pizzas and pretzels, and a lively arcade with games like pinball, skeet-ball, and air hockey.
Stay Connected with the “Here in Hanover, VA” App | Website
For the latest events, attractions, and local happenings, visit the “Here in Hanover, VA” app. It’s your go-to guide for everything happening in Hanover County.