Dayton, OH Events

Every year, the road to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship begins right here in Dayton. The First Four games officially kick off March Madness, bringing college basketball teams and fans from across the country to the University of Dayton Arena.

📅 Event Details

• Where: University of Dayton Arena
• When: March 17–18
• What: Four opening-round NCAA Tournament games
• Teams: Eight teams competing for spots in the main 64-team bracket

🏀 What Is the First Four?

The First Four consists of four play-in games involving eight teams. Two games usually feature the lowest-seeded conference champions, while the other two feature the final at-large teams selected for the tournament. The winners move on to the official bracket and continue their March Madness run.

🎉 A Big Week for Dayton

Dayton has hosted the opening games of the NCAA Tournament for more than two decades, and the city embraces the excitement each year. Fans travel from across the country, filling hotels, restaurants, and sports bars as the tournament begins.

Inside UD Arena, the atmosphere is electric. Even though these are the first games of the tournament, the energy feels like championship basketball with passionate fan bases cheering every play.

Whether you're attending the games or watching with friends, the First Four is one of Dayton’s biggest annual sports traditions — and the official start of March Madness.

St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most festive times of the year in Dayton. From Irish music and dance to pub celebrations and community festivals, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the holiday throughout the Miami Valley.

🎶 Irish Music & Dance at 2nd Street Market

The 2nd Street Market hosts a lively St. Patrick’s celebration featuring traditional Irish music and dance performances on Saturday March 15. Visitors can enjoy live Irish tunes followed by performances from local Irish dance groups while browsing the market’s food vendors and local products. 

🍻 Dublin Pub St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

One of Dayton’s biggest St. Patrick’s traditions happens at the iconic Dublin Pub in the Oregon District. The pub opens early for breakfast and drinks and features live music, Irish dancers, and a full day of celebration with large crowds dressed in green. 

🎉 Carroll St. Pat’s Fest

The annual St. Pat’s Fest at Archbishop Carroll High School is a popular community event with Irish food, carnival games, music, and family activities during the day. Evening events often include live entertainment and games of chance for adults. 

🍀 Downtown Bar Crawls & Pub Parties

Many bars across downtown Dayton and the Oregon District host themed bar crawls, live music, and drink specials during St. Patrick’s Day weekend. These events typically include multiple venues, green beer, DJs, and a lively party atmosphere. 

Whether you’re looking for live Irish music, family-friendly festivals, or a lively pub atmosphere, Dayton offers plenty of ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

Tucked into the heart of Kettering, Indian Riffle Park is a peaceful natural space that offers a surprising amount of wildlife and scenery for a city park. With wooded paths and a scenic boardwalk through wetlands, it’s a great place for a quiet walk and a chance to reconnect with nature.

🌲 Trails & Boardwalk

One of the park’s highlights is its wooden boardwalk that winds through wetland habitat. The trail system also includes paved and natural paths that make it easy to explore the park’s wooded areas and open spaces.

🐦 Wildlife & Nature

Because of its wetland environment, Indian Riffle Park attracts a wide variety of birds and other wildlife. Early spring is a great time to visit, as you may hear frogs calling or spot ducks and other water birds near the pond.

🌳 A Quiet Local Escape

Despite being located near busy shopping and residential areas, the park feels surprisingly secluded. It’s an excellent spot for a quick nature break, casual walk, or peaceful afternoon outdoors.

📍 Park Details

• Location: Kettering, Ohio
• Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk
• Cost: Free admission
• Best For: Nature walks, birdwatching, photography, relaxing outdoors

Whether you’re looking for a quick nature walk or a quiet place to unwind, Indian Riffle Park is one of Kettering’s best hidden gems.

Shepherd’s Pie is a traditional Irish comfort dish made with seasoned meat, vegetables, and a layer of creamy mashed potatoes baked until golden. It’s warm, filling, and perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at home.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground lamb or ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 3 cups mashed potatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned.
3. Add onion, carrots, and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Simmer 5–7 minutes.
5. Add peas and season with salt and pepper.
6. Transfer mixture to a baking dish.
7. Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
8. Sprinkle cheese on top if desired.
9. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is lightly golden.

Warm, comforting, and full of flavor — the perfect way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

Even though warmer weather is still on the way, mid-March is a great time to start preparing your garden. Taking a little time now will make planting season easier and help your plants thrive once spring arrives.

🌿 1. Clean Up Garden Beds

Remove old leaves, broken stems, and winter debris from flower beds. Clearing space allows sunlight to reach the soil and helps prevent mold or pests.

🌱 2. Start Seeds Indoors

Many vegetables and flowers can be started indoors now, including tomatoes, peppers, and herbs. Use seed trays and place them near a sunny window or under a grow light.

🌷 3. Check Your Soil

Once the ground begins to thaw, loosen the soil in garden beds and add compost or organic matter to improve nutrients and drainage.

🧰 4. Prepare Garden Tools

Sharpen pruning shears, clean shovels, and organize your gardening tools now so everything is ready when planting season begins.

🌼 5. Plan What You’ll Plant

Think about what vegetables, herbs, or flowers you want this year. Planning ahead helps you buy seeds early and organize your garden layout.

A little preparation now can lead to a thriving garden when warmer weather finally arrives.