What to Do Around Dayton This Memorial Day Weekend

Trivia Question❓

What famous humorist and bestselling author, known for her witty observations about suburban family life, lived in the Dayton area?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Dayton Events

Dayton Area Events

May 22–29, 2026

Friday, May 22

5:30–9:00 PM

Purple Rain Paddle

Great Miami River, Miamisburg • Ticketed

Prince-themed sunset paddle with Hope Wanders and Taiters Kayak, leading into the Star City Concert Series in Miamisburg.

7:30 PM

George Thorogood & The Destroyers with The Marshall Tucker Band

Rose Music Center at The Heights, Huber Heights • Ticketed

Classic blues-rock concert featuring George Thorogood & The Destroyers with special guests The Marshall Tucker Band.

3:00–10:00 PM

Memorial Day Weekend Carnival Rides at Young’s Jersey Dairy

Young’s Jersey Dairy, Yellow Springs • Ride tickets required

Kick off Memorial Day weekend with carnival rides, games, family fun, and Young’s regular farm, food, and entertainment offerings.

Saturday, May 23

8:30 AM–12:00 PM

Downtown Franklin Farmers Market

Downtown Franklin • Free entry

Seasonal market featuring fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, small businesses, and local vendors in downtown Franklin.

11:00 AM–4:00 PM

Revolutionary War Veterans Self-Guided Driving Tour

Springboro Area Historical Society, 110 S Main St, Springboro • Not listed

Explore Revolutionary War veterans’ burial sites and local history at your own pace through Springboro and Clearcreek Township.

1:30–2:00 PM

Turtle Feeding at Trailside Museum

Trailside Museum at Glen Helen, Yellow Springs • Free

Meet Mr. Turkleton, Glen Helen’s resident woodland box turtle, during a short educational turtle feeding program for all ages.

7:45–9:00 PM

Sunset Paddle – Eastwood Lake

Eastwood MetroPark, Dayton • $25

Guided sunset kayak paddle with rentals included. Beginner-friendly, weather permitting, with advance registration and waiver required.

12:00–11:00 PM

Memorial Day Weekend Carnival Rides at Young’s Jersey Dairy

Young’s Jersey Dairy, Yellow Springs • Ride tickets required

Saturday carnival hours with rides, games, and family-friendly holiday weekend activities at Young’s Jersey Dairy.

Sunday, May 24

12:00–5:00 PM

Heritage Day with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra

Carillon Historical Park, Dayton • Ticketed

Memorial Day weekend event with costumed interpreters, hands-on history activities, Carillon Park Concert Band, and Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra performance.

12:00–7:00 PM

Carillon Park Small-Scale Train Rides

Carillon Historical Park, Dayton • Included with admission

Ride miniature trains operated by the Carillon Park Rail & Steam Society, a family-friendly attraction for kids and adults.

12:00–10:00 PM

Memorial Day Weekend Carnival Rides at Young’s Jersey Dairy

Young’s Jersey Dairy, Yellow Springs • Ride tickets required

Sunday carnival rides and holiday weekend family fun at Young’s Jersey Dairy.

Monday, May 25

10:00–11:15 AM

Memorial Day Woodland Cemetery Walk

Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum, Dayton • Free

Guided Memorial Day walk honoring notable residents and families buried at Woodland Cemetery, with local history and gravesite reflection.

11:00 AM

City of Miamisburg Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony

Veterans Memorial Park, Miamisburg • Free

Memorial Day parade and ceremony featuring cemetery tributes, military honors, live music, a 21-gun salute, and community picnic.

12:00–10:00 PM

Memorial Day Weekend Carnival Rides at Young’s Jersey Dairy

Young’s Jersey Dairy, Yellow Springs • Ride tickets required

Final day of carnival rides and family activities for Memorial Day weekend at Young’s Jersey Dairy.

Tuesday, May 26

5:00–8:00 PM

Ohio Valley Cruisers Downtown Franklin Cruise-In

Downtown Franklin • Free

Classic cars take over downtown Franklin with music, food trucks, door prizes, and family-friendly small-town fun.

Wednesday, May 27

6:00 PM

DTC x lululemon Group Run

lululemon at The Greene, Beavercreek • Free

Community group run with relaxed “sweet” and faster “spicy” route options for adults, hosted by Dayton Track Club and lululemon.

Friday, May 29

6:00–8:00 PM

Woodland Historic Tour

Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum, Dayton • Suggested $5 donation

Guided historical cemetery tour featuring stories of notable Daytonians including the Wright Brothers, Paul Laurence Dunbar, and Erma Bombeck.

6:00 PM

Passport to MetroParks

RiverScape MetroPark, Dayton • Free

Interactive community event with MetroParks staff, live music, food trucks, animal ambassadors, hands-on activities, games, and passport prize opportunities.

7:00 PM

The Riverfront Revival

Riverfront Park, Miamisburg • Free / Not listed

Two-day community worship gathering with live music, church fellowship, prayer, and family-friendly festival activities along the riverfront.

Featured Event

Dayton Spotlight

⚾ Dayton Dragons: More Than Just Baseball

Few things feel more like summer in Dayton than a night at a Dayton Dragons game. From packed crowds and fireworks to mascots and downtown energy, Dragons baseball has become one of the Miami Valley’s favorite traditions.

The Dragons, a High-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, have played at Day Air Ballpark since 2000 and continue to draw some of the biggest crowds in Minor League Baseball. Their incredible sellout streak has become nationally recognized and is considered one of the longest in professional sports history.

🎉 More Than a Game

Dragons games are built around family entertainment as much as baseball. Fans can expect mascot appearances from Heater, Gem, and Blaze, on-field promotions, fireworks nights, themed events, and activities for kids throughout the season.

🌆 Downtown Energy

Located in the Water Street District, Day Air Ballpark has helped turn downtown Dayton into a lively entertainment destination. Restaurants, bars, and public events often surround game nights, creating an atmosphere that extends well beyond the stadium gates.

⚾ Future Reds Stars

One of the most exciting parts of Dragons baseball is watching future Major League talent before they become household names. Over the years, many former Dragons players have gone on to successful careers with the Cincinnati Reds and across Major League Baseball.

📅 Next Week’s Schedule

• Tuesday, May 26 – vs. Great Lakes Loons – 7:05 PM
• Wednesday, May 27 – vs. Great Lakes Loons – 7:05 PM
• Thursday, May 28 – vs. Great Lakes Loons – 7:05 PM
• Friday, May 29 – vs. Great Lakes Loons – 7:05 PM
• Saturday, May 30 – vs. Great Lakes Loons – 7:05 PM
• Sunday, May 31 – vs. Great Lakes Loons – 1:05

More information here: Dayton Dragons

All games are scheduled at Day Air Ballpark in downtown Dayton.

👨‍👩‍👧 Perfect For

• Family outings
• Affordable summer entertainment
• Date nights downtown
• Baseball fans of all ages
• Fireworks and themed event nights

💡 Pro Tip

Arrive early to explore the Water Street District before the game, and stay after Friday night games for fireworks when available.

Why it’s worth experiencing: A Dayton Dragons game isn’t just about baseball—it’s one of the city’s signature summer experiences and a tradition that brings the entire community together.

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

John Bryan State Park on the PERFECT Day! #yellowsprings #ohio #hikes

Featured Park

🌲 John Bryan State Park

If there’s one spring destination near Dayton that feels like a true escape into nature, it’s John Bryan State Park near Yellow Springs. Known for its dramatic limestone gorge, scenic river views, and wooded hiking trails, this park is one of the most beautiful outdoor spots in Ohio.

The park surrounds a stunning section of the Little Miami State and National Scenic River, where cliffs, rock formations, and flowing water create incredible scenery year-round. Spring is especially beautiful as wildflowers bloom and the forest comes alive with fresh greenery.

🥾 What You’ll Find

• Scenic limestone gorge overlooks
• More than 15 miles of hiking trails
• The Little Miami River running through the park
• Mountain biking and rock climbing areas
• Picnic areas, camping, and fishing
• Easy access to nearby Yellow Springs

🌊 The Gorge Is the Star

John Bryan State Park is best known for its breathtaking gorge carved by the Little Miami River over thousands of years. Trails along the rim provide incredible views of cliffs, rushing water, and forest scenery that feel more like the Appalachian region than western Ohio.

🚶 Popular Trails

One of the park’s most popular hikes is the Pittsburg-Cincinnati Stage Coach and South Gorge Trail Loop. The moderate 2.9-mile trail features river views, forest scenery, rock formations, and wildflowers in spring.

🌿 Explore Beyond the Park

One of the best parts of visiting John Bryan is that nearby attractions connect right into the experience. Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve, Glen Helen Nature Preserve, Clifton Mill, and downtown Yellow Springs are all just minutes away.

👨‍👩‍👧 Perfect For

• Hiking and trail walking
• Spring wildflower viewing
• Scenic photography
• Family outdoor adventures
• Day trips to Yellow Springs

💡 Pro Tip

Visit early in the morning or on weekdays if possible—John Bryan is one of the region’s most popular parks and parking can fill up quickly on sunny spring weekends.

Why it’s worth visiting: Between the gorge views, river trails, towering trees, and nearby Yellow Springs atmosphere, John Bryan State Park delivers one of the best outdoor experiences anywhere near Dayton.

Recipe of the Week

Memorial Day Recipe

🍔 All-American BBQ Sliders

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kickoff to summer, and nothing says backyard cookout quite like BBQ sliders fresh off the grill.

These easy sliders are perfect for cookouts, family gatherings, or relaxing on the patio while enjoying the long holiday weekend.

🛒 Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 12 slider buns
• 6 slices cheddar cheese
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• Pickles
• Sliced red onion
• Salt & pepper
• Optional: crispy bacon

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Form ground beef into small slider patties.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill or cook in a skillet for 3–4 minutes per side.
4. Add cheese during the last minute of cooking.
5. Toast slider buns lightly.
6. Assemble with BBQ sauce, onions, pickles, and bacon if desired.

🍉 Perfect Memorial Day Pairings

• Pasta salad
• Watermelon slices
• Chips and dip
• Baked beans
• Lemonade or iced tea

💡 Pro Tip

Set up a “build-your-own slider bar” with toppings so everyone can customize their own sliders.

Why it works: Memorial Day food should be simple, fun, and easy to share—and these sliders check every box.

Home Tips

🏡 5 Easy Ways to Get Your Home Ready for Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer, making it the perfect time to refresh your outdoor spaces and prepare for backyard gatherings, cookouts, and relaxing evenings outside.

The good news? A few simple projects can make your home feel cleaner, brighter, and ready for the season ahead.

🧼 1. Pressure Wash Patios & Sidewalks

Dirt and winter grime build up fast. A quick pressure wash can instantly make patios, decks, driveways, and sidewalks look dramatically newer.

🌸 2. Add Color With Flowers

Hanging baskets, potted flowers, and fresh mulch can completely transform your porch or backyard without spending a fortune.

🪑 3. Refresh Outdoor Seating

Clean outdoor furniture cushions and add a few inexpensive pillows or lanterns to make your outdoor spaces feel more welcoming.

💡 4. Add Outdoor Lighting

String lights and solar pathway lights are inexpensive upgrades that instantly improve the atmosphere for evening gatherings.

🇺🇸 5. Add a Touch of Patriotism

Small American flags, patriotic wreaths, or red-white-and-blue accents can add a festive Memorial Day touch without overdoing it.

Pro Tip: Focus on the spaces where family and friends will gather most—small upgrades there make the biggest impact.

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

Erma Bombeck was a beloved Dayton-area newspaper columnist and bestselling author whose humorous takes on everyday family life made her one of America’s most recognizable voices in the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s.