There are plenty of places to spend a Sunday morning.
But how many invite you to learn a new dance, discover a handmade treasure, watch an artist demonstrate their craft, support a local entrepreneur, meet your neighbors, eat brunch, and maybe arrive by train?
Ashland, Virginia, would like to make that a weekly tradition.
Beginning September 27, Dance Friends RVA will join LouAffirms' and Studio54’s Sunday Brunch Markets every Sunday through the end of 2026, transforming an already bustling Sunday morning into an invitation to get up, get moving and shake off the Sunday scaries together.
On the first Sunday of every month, Cowgirl Up Line Dance will lead the celebration with line-dancing instruction — the first in a series of dance experiences designed to welcome experienced dancers, complete beginners, families, curious neighbors and anyone who has ever said, “I don't dance.”
Sunday Brunch Markets say, “That's okay. Come dance anyway.”
A Market for the Makers Who Keep the Center of the Universe Spinning
The dancing is only part of the story.
Every Sunday, Sunday Brunch Markets bring together local artists, makers, entrepreneurs and community organizations whose work represents the wonderfully eclectic creative life of Central Virginia.
You won’t get to see these vendors at the Farmers Market. In fact, Sunday Brunch Markets are the only space in historic downtown Ashland to feature the neighbors making jewelry, art, baked goods, bags, crafts and experiences. They're experimenting. They're building businesses. They're creating things that didn't exist before they imagined them.
Don't Just Shop. See How the Magic Gets Made.
The market is also growing into something more interactive.
Visitors will have opportunities to watch vendors demonstrate their creative processes and, in some cases, get hands-on with the art themselves.
CakePlay 101 Studio, for example, can turn a shopping trip into a creative experience with a make-your-own cake bar.
Sherry Siewert Studio brings the opportunity to explore fine jewelry and learn more about the artistry behind the pieces.
The goal is simple: don't just buy something beautiful.
Meet the person who made it.
Your Sunday Shopping List Can Actually Do Some Good
There is another reason LouAffirms believes this makes sense as a weekly tradition:
Where we spend our money matters.
A purchase from a local maker can help an entrepreneur buy supplies, pay a bill, invest in their next idea or keep creating.
A meal at a local restaurant supports the people behind that restaurant.
A Sunday spent downtown creates another reason for people to discover Ashland's shops, restaurants, arts and community spaces.
The Sunday Brunch Market isn't asking people to choose between having fun and supporting their community. It's trying to make those the same activity.
And Yes, You Can Take the Train.
There may be no more Ashland way to begin the adventure than by rail.
Studio54 Event Space is just steps from Ashland's historic train station, making Sunday Brunch Markets especially easy to turn into a day trip for visitors coming from Richmond and beyond.
Ashland has long embraced its identity as the Center of the Universe and its relationship with the railroad. Local tourism materials already highlight Amtrak as a way to arrive in the heart of the community for major events and celebrations.
Now, LouAffirms wants to give people another reason to hop aboard.
The Dance Floor Is Only the Beginning
The September 27 launch is also the beginning of a much bigger fall and holiday story.
The momentum will continue into Studio54's Halloween celebration on October 31, when dancers, vendors, families and visitors will have an opportunity to celebrate together inside the event space.
Then comes the Ashland/Hanover Olde Holiday Parade on November 22, followed by a December designed to turn the Center of the Universe into a little winter wonderland.
Throughout December, LouAffirms plans to bring Tiny Tim's Trains and Toys into the Sunday Brunch Markets experience, with the Ashland Santa Train departing from Studio54 and appearances by Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Snow Queen, including opportunities for families to take free photographs.
A Weekly Invitation to Come As You Are
Sunday Brunch Markets began with a simple idea: Ashland already knew how to do Sunday brunch. What if the community had a reason to stay a little longer?
The answer has become a growing collection of local artists, makers, musicians, entrepreneurs and neighbors gathering inside Studio54 while Café54 serves brunch next door.
SUNDAY BRUNCH MARKETS
Every Sunday through December 2026 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Studio54 Event Space + Café54 Historic Downtown Ashland, Virginia
Dance Friends RVA will join Sunday Brunch Markets every Sunday through 2026 with free dance experiences and opportunities to learn, move and connect.
Cowgirl Up Line Dance launches the new dance programming the first Sunday of the month, with line-dancing instruction.
Sunday Brunch Markets are free and family-friendly.
Visitors can shop local artists and makers, participate in creative demonstrations, enjoy brunch at Café54 and explore the restaurants, shops and attractions of historic downtown Ashland.
Interested in becoming a Sunday Brunch Markets vendor? Email Hello@LouAffirms.com.
