"Mother’s Day & Spring Fun 💐 What to Do This Week in Dayton"

Trivia Question❓

What MetroPark features a historic covered bridge and waterfall?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Dayton Events

Dayton Area Events

May 8–15, 2026 •

Friday, May 8

8:00–10:00 PM

Mrs. Doubtfire

Schuster Center, Dayton • Ticketed

Hit Broadway musical based on the beloved film following Daniel Hillard’s heartfelt and hilarious transformation into Mrs. Doubtfire.

Saturday, May 9

9:00 AM–3:00 PM

Western Ohio Toy Show

Preble County Fairgrounds, Eaton • $5 admission

Large toy and collectibles convention with vintage toys, comics, games, and 500+ vendor tables across more than 51,000 square feet.

10:00 AM–1:00 PM

TGG Market

The Grazing Ground Dayton, Vandalia • Free

Neighborhood farm market featuring produce, baked goods, jams, handmade gifts, and goat visits in a cozy spring farm setting.

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Waynesville Street Faire

Downtown Waynesville • Free

Historic downtown street fair with artisans, vintage vendors, food trucks, live music, shopping, and family activities.

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Spring Cincy Crunchy Fest

Warren County Fairgrounds, Lebanon • $2 admission

Wellness-focused market featuring natural products, holistic vendors, food, family activities, and small businesses centered around clean living.

12:00 PM–May 10 at 5:00 PM

The Gothic Market

Dayton Convention Center • Ticketed

Alternative culture and gothic-themed market featuring dark art, crystals, horror-inspired vendors, handmade goods, and fantasy aesthetics.

2:00–4:00 PM

Mrs. Doubtfire (Matinee)

Schuster Center, Dayton • Ticketed

Afternoon Broadway performance of the family comedy musical adaptation.

8:00–10:00 PM

Mrs. Doubtfire (Evening)

Schuster Center, Dayton • Ticketed

Evening Broadway performance at the Schuster Center.

Sunday, May 10

11:00 AM–5:00 PM

Second Sundays @ the MOAM

Middletown Open Air Market • Free

“Makers in May” artisan market with food trucks, artists, handmade goods, woodworkers, demos, and family-friendly activities.

12:00–5:00 PM

2nd Sundays in Historic Springboro

Historic Downtown Springboro • Free

Community shopping day with local businesses, vendors, and downtown strolling along South Main Street.

1:00–3:00 PM

Mrs. Doubtfire (Matinee)

Schuster Center, Dayton • Ticketed

Sunday matinee Broadway performance.

6:30–8:30 PM

Mrs. Doubtfire (Evening)

Schuster Center, Dayton • Ticketed

Closing Sunday evening performance for Mother’s Day weekend.

Tuesday, May 12

12:00–1:00 PM

Lunch & Learn: Butter Making at Home

Carriage Hill MetroPark • Registration required

Educational program exploring traditional butter making, historic foods, and greener living practices.

Thursday, May 14

5:00–7:00 PM

Springboro High School Senior Art Show Reception

Springboro Performing Arts Center • Free

Meet student artists and explore senior artwork including painting, ceramics, pen and ink, and colored pencil works.

Friday, May 15

7:00–9:00 AM

National Bike to Work Day Pancake Breakfast

RiverScape MetroPark • Free

Celebrate Bike to Work Day with free pancakes, cycling-themed activities, live music, and community fun downtown.

7:00 AM–6:00 PM

Springfield Antique Show & Flea Market EXTRAVAGANZA

Clark County Fairgrounds, Springfield • Ticketed

Massive nationally recognized antique and flea market with 2,000+ dealer spaces featuring vintage décor, collectibles, clothing, furniture, and architectural salvage.

Featured Event

Mother’s Day Spotlight

💐 Mother’s Day Events Around Dayton

Looking for a special way to celebrate Mom this year? From elegant brunches and rooftop dining to cozy tea experiences and unique outings, there are plenty of Mother’s Day events happening around the Dayton area this year.

🥂 Elegant Brunches

• The Dayton Woman’s Club will host a Victorian-style Mother’s Day Brunch featuring brunch favorites and drinks in a historic downtown setting.
• The Foundry Rooftop plans an upscale brunch experience with omelet stations, carving stations, seafood displays, desserts, and cocktail bars.
• Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse will feature a special Italian-inspired Mother’s Day brunch menu downtown.
• Manna Uptown in Centerville is offering a large brunch buffet with everything from prime rib and Eggs Benedict to baked goods and pancakes.

☕ Cozy & Unique Experiences

• Poppets Coffee and Tea in Kettering is hosting a Mother’s Day Tea complete with tea pots, pastries, cream puffs, petit fours, and scones.
• Whisperz Speakeasy in West Carrollton is offering a creative Mother’s Day brunch experience featuring flower arranging, seed planting, brunch favorites, and photo opportunities.
• The Melting Pot will serve a special four-course fondue dining experience designed for lingering, relaxing, and celebrating together.

🍳 More Local Favorites

• The Florentine in Germantown will offer both brunch and dinner service for Mother’s Day.
• Loose Ends Brewing in Centerville is hosting a relaxed Mother’s Day brunch with food, drinks, and laid-back vibes.
• Lucky Star Brewery Cantina in Miamisburg is also joining the celebration with a special brunch event.
• For something more casual, the Washington Township Fire Department is holding a Mother’s Day chicken BBQ.

💡 Pro Tip

Many of these events require reservations and will likely fill up quickly. If you’re planning to go, booking early is a good idea.

Why it’s worth checking out: Whether Mom enjoys brunch, tea, rooftop dining, or a relaxed afternoon out, there’s something happening around Dayton that can help make Mother’s Day feel extra special this year.

This newsletter sponsored by The Renaissance Men

Veteran-owned Construction Co. focused on rebuilding homes, restoring hope, and reviving community!

The Renaissance Men

813-500-9788

Featured Park

Designed in Dayton: Trails Through Time

Outdoor Adventure

🚴 Best Biking Trails Around Dayton

One of the best things about living in the Dayton area is access to one of the nation’s largest paved trail systems. With hundreds of connected miles stretching through parks, rivers, and small towns, there’s a trail for every type of rider—from casual weekend cyclists to serious long-distance bikers.

🌊 Great Miami River Trail

The Great Miami River Trail is one of the region’s signature rides, offering scenic stretches that connect Dayton with nearby communities like Troy, Piqua, and Middletown. Riders can enjoy river views, parks, and easy access to local stops along the way.

Great starting point: RiverScape MetroPark

🌳 Mad River Trail

The Mad River Trail is a favorite for families and casual riders because it’s mostly flat and easy to navigate. The trail connects downtown Dayton with parks, Eastwood Lake, and even the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

Trail access near: Eastwood MetroPark

🌲 Wolf Creek Trail

Looking for a quieter ride? The Wolf Creek Trail offers a peaceful route through western Montgomery County with wooded scenery and fewer crowds. It’s part of the Miami Valley’s extensive regional trail network.

Nearby stop: Wesleyan MetroPark

🚵 Mountain Biking Options

If paved trails aren’t your thing, Dayton also has great mountain biking options. Riders looking for dirt trails and more challenging terrain often head to the MoMBA trail system at Huffman MetroPark.

Mountain biking destination: MetroParks Mountain Biking Area inside Huffman MetroPark

🚲 Why Dayton Is Great for Cyclists

The Miami Valley trail system includes hundreds of miles of connected paved trails, making it one of the best cycling regions in the Midwest. Many routes pass directly through MetroParks, river corridors, and downtown Dayton.

Pro Tip: Spring and fall are some of the best times to ride—the cooler temperatures and changing scenery make the trails especially enjoyable.

Recipe of the Week

Recipe Feature

👨‍🍳 A Mother’s Day Dinner Dad Can Actually Make

Want to impress Mom this Mother’s Day without turning the kitchen into a disaster zone? This simple menu keeps things easy, flavorful, and stress-free—even if Dad only cooks a few times a year.

🥩 Main Dish: Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Cut steak into bite-sized pieces, season with salt and pepper, then cook in a skillet with butter and garlic for about 8–10 minutes total. Easy, fast, and hard to mess up.

• Use sirloin steak for best results
• Finish with parsley for extra flavor
• Serve hot right from the skillet

🥔 Side Dish: Crispy Roasted Potatoes

Toss baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Roast at 425°F for 35–40 minutes until crispy outside and soft inside.

🥗 Easy Side Salad

Keep this simple: mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded cheese, and bottled dressing. No stress required.

🍓 Dessert: Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

Melt chocolate chips in the microwave, dip strawberries, and let them cool on wax paper. Looks impressive with very little effort.

💡 Dad-Friendly Cooking Tips

• Prep ingredients before starting
• Clean while things cook
• Don’t overcomplicate the menu
• Presentation matters—use real plates and napkins

Why this works: Mother’s Day isn’t about perfection—it’s about effort. A homemade dinner, even a simple one, can mean more than an expensive reservation.

Home Tips

🏡 5 Easy Ways to Freshen Up Your Home for Spring

Spring is the perfect time to reset your space after a long winter. The good news? You don’t need a major renovation or a huge budget to make your home feel fresh again.

A few simple updates can brighten your rooms, improve your mood, and make your home feel lighter and more inviting.

🪟 1. Open the Windows

One of the easiest ways to refresh your home is simply letting fresh air inside. Even 15–20 minutes can help clear out stale winter air.

🌿 2. Add a Few Plants

Houseplants instantly make a space feel more alive. Snake plants, pothos, and peace lilies are easy options that require minimal maintenance.

🧺 3. Declutter One Small Area

You don’t have to organize the entire house. Start with one drawer, shelf, or countertop. Small wins build momentum.

🌸 4. Bring in Seasonal Color

Fresh flowers, colorful pillows, or lighter blankets can instantly change the feel of a room and make it feel more like spring.

☀️ 5. Clean the Windows

Cleaner windows let in more natural light and make your entire home feel brighter and fresher.

Pro Tip: Focus on quick changes that make an immediate difference—you’ll enjoy your home more without feeling overwhelmed.

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

Englewood MetroPark is one of the Miami Valley’s most scenic parks, featuring the historic Salem Avenue Bridge — the longest covered bridge in Ohio still open to traffic — along with the beautiful Englewood Falls, hiking trails, wooded ravines, and access to the Stillwater River, making it a favorite destination for nature lovers, photographers, and outdoor recreation.