Your Insider Guide to Dayton This Week

Trivia Question❓

One of the largest water-powered grist mills still in operation in the United States can be found in what village near Dayton?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Dayton Events

Dayton Area Events

June 12–19, 2026

Friday, June 12

5:30–9:00 PM

2026 Centerville Party in the Park: Turn to Stone – ELO Tribute

Stubbs Park, Centerville

Free

Kick off the weekend with Turn to Stone, an Electric Light Orchestra tribute band, performing at Centerville’s Party in the Park series. Enjoy live music, food vendors, and a lively outdoor summer atmosphere.

Event Information

6:00–10:00 PM

Vandalia Flight Fest

Vandalia Recreation Center

Free ticket required

Kick off Dayton Air Show weekend with live music, food vendors, children’s activities, aviation exhibits, and opportunities to meet performers connected to the Dayton Air Show.

Event Information

6:30–9:00 PM

Big Band Night at RiverScape

RiverScape MetroPark, Dayton

Free

Enjoy an evening of big band jazz along Dayton’s riverfront as the Central Jazz Big Band performs at RiverScape MetroPark.

Event Information

7:00–10:00 PM

Star City Concert Series: Brass Tracks

Riverfront Park, Miamisburg

Free

Brass Tracks brings a horn-driven mix of rock, funk, soul, and dance favorites to Miamisburg’s riverfront, with Jeff Miller opening the evening.

Event Information

7:00 PM; movie at dusk

Summer Movie in the Park

Centennial Park, Englewood

Free

Bring chairs and blankets for a free outdoor movie night with food trucks, previews, and family-friendly fun at Centennial Park.

Event Information

Saturday, June 13

8:00 AM

Museum Mile at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Dayton

Registration required

Run or walk a one-mile course on the museum grounds during this family-friendly race event open to all experience levels.

Event Information

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Yellow Springs Street Fair

Downtown Yellow Springs

Free admission

One of the region’s largest street fairs returns with artists, makers, food vendors, live entertainment, local shops, and small-town festival energy.

Event Information

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Waynesville Street Faire

Downtown Waynesville

Free

Stroll historic downtown Waynesville for artisan vendors, vintage finds, food trucks, live music, family activities, and local shopping.

Event Information

10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Youth Fishing Derby

Delco Park, Kettering

Free

Young anglers can enjoy a morning of fishing, trophies, lunch, limited bait, and loaner poles during this family-friendly Kettering tradition.

Event Information

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Dayton Air Show

Dayton International Airport

Ticketed

The Dayton Air Show returns with military and civilian aerial demonstrations, aviation displays, food vendors, and family attractions.

Event Information

11:00 AM–4:00 PM

Town & Country – The Market

Town & Country Shopping Center, Kettering

Free

Browse local makers, artisans, small businesses, plants, gifts, and specialty vendors during this Second Saturday market.

Event Information

Sunday, June 14

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Dayton Air Show

Dayton International Airport

Ticketed

The second day of the Dayton Air Show features aerial performers, aviation exhibits, family activities, and ground displays.

Event Information

12:00–5:00 PM

2nd Sundays in Historic Springboro

South Main Street, Springboro

Free

Historic Springboro shops and vendors welcome visitors for an afternoon of shopping, dining, local makers, and community fun.

Event Information

7:00 PM

Free Concert at North Park: The Sly Band

North Park Amphitheatre, Springboro

Free

The Sly Band brings an energetic mix of pop, rock, R&B, funk, and dance favorites to Springboro’s free summer concert series.

Event Information

Tuesday, June 16

6:30 PM

Juneteenth Event: A Conversation with Michael Carter

Wright Memorial Public Library, Oakwood

Free

Join Wright Memorial Public Library for a special Juneteenth program featuring Michael Carter. This community conversation explores the history, significance, and continuing legacy of Juneteenth.

Event Information

Thursday, June 18

5:00 PM

Fifth Street Gives Back – Preservation Dayton

Fifth Street Brewpub, Dayton

Free admission

Fifth Street Brewpub partners with Preservation Dayton for an evening supporting local historic preservation efforts. Enjoy food, drinks, raffle opportunities, and community gathering while a portion of sales benefits Preservation Dayton.

Event Information

5:00–9:00 PM

Girls Night Out in Historic Springboro

South Main Street, Historic Springboro

Free admission

Spend an evening exploring the shops, boutiques, and restaurants of Historic Springboro. Participating businesses will offer specials, treats, promotions, and a festive atmosphere for a fun night out with friends.

Event Information

5:30–7:00 PM

Women in Business Social

The Dayton Woman’s Club, Dayton

Registration required

Join local professionals for an evening focused on authentic conversation, meaningful connections, and community building in a relaxed networking setting.

Event Information

6:30–9:30 PM

Annual Drone Show & Concert featuring Stranger

West Carrollton

Free

Enjoy live music from Stranger followed by West Carrollton’s annual drone light show at dusk. Food trucks and family-friendly activities make this a standout summer evening event.

Event Information

Friday, June 19

7:00–9:00 PM

Centerville Cornerstone Music Series: Noah Wotherspoon

Cornerstone Park Pavilion, Centerville

Free

The Centerville Cornerstone Music Series continues with blues-rock guitarist and vocalist Noah Wotherspoon. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy a summer evening of live music at Cornerstone Park Pavilion.

Event Information

Featured Event

Event Spotlight

✈️ The Dayton Air Show Takes Flight Again

One of Dayton's most anticipated summer traditions is preparing to soar once again. The CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show returns to Dayton International Airport, bringing thrilling aerial performances, military demonstrations, and family-friendly entertainment to the Birthplace of Aviation.

For more than 50 years, the Dayton Air Show has attracted aviation enthusiasts from across the country. The event celebrates Dayton's rich aviation heritage while showcasing some of the most advanced aircraft and talented pilots in the world.

🛩️ World-Class Aerial Performances

The highlight of the show is the incredible lineup of aerial demonstrations. Visitors can expect breathtaking aerobatics, precision flying, high-speed military aircraft, and gravity-defying maneuvers that keep crowds looking skyward all day long.

🇺🇸 Honoring Aviation Heritage

Few cities are more closely connected to aviation than Dayton. Home of the Wright brothers and nearby Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the region has played a vital role in aviation history for more than a century. The air show serves as a celebration of that legacy.

✈️ Explore Aircraft Up Close

In addition to the flying performances, visitors can walk among a variety of military, civilian, and historic aircraft on static display. It's a rare opportunity to see many of these aircraft up close and learn about their missions and history.

👨‍👩‍👧 Fun for the Entire Family

• Aerobatic flight demonstrations
• Military aircraft displays
• Aviation exhibits
• Food vendors
• Interactive activities
• Family-friendly entertainment

🎖️ A Dayton Tradition

For many local families, attending the Dayton Air Show is a summer tradition passed down through generations. The combination of aviation history, modern technology, and spectacular flying makes it one of the region's signature events.

💡 Pro Tip

Arrive early, wear sunscreen, and bring hearing protection for children. A hat, sunglasses, and plenty of water will make for a much more comfortable day on the flight line.

Why it's worth attending: Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or simply looking for an unforgettable summer experience, the Dayton Air Show delivers excitement, history, and world-class entertainment in a way that only Dayton can.

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

Caesar Creek State Park

Featured Park

🌊 Caesar Creek State Park

If you’re looking for a summer day trip with a little bit of everything, Caesar Creek State Park is one of the best outdoor escapes within easy driving distance of Dayton.

Located near Waynesville, the park is known for its large lake, wooded trails, beach area, marina, camping, and one of the most unique activities in Ohio: fossil hunting.

🚤 A Summer Lake Getaway

The lake is the heart of Caesar Creek. Visitors can enjoy boating, kayaking, fishing, swimming, and relaxing near the water. It’s a great spot for anyone who wants that “mini vacation” feeling without leaving southwest Ohio.

🥾 Trails, Woods & Scenic Views

Caesar Creek also offers miles of trails through forests, fields, and lake overlooks. Whether you want a short walk or a longer hike, there are plenty of ways to explore the park beyond the shoreline.

🦴 Fossil Hunting Fun

One thing that makes Caesar Creek stand out is its fossil hunting area. Families and curious explorers can search for ancient marine fossils, making the park both fun and educational. Be sure to follow posted rules and check permit requirements before collecting.

👨‍👩‍👧 Perfect For

• Boating and kayaking
• Swimming and beach days
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Fossil hunting
• Camping weekends
• Family day trips

💡 Pro Tip

Make a full day of it: hike in the morning, visit the fossil hunting area, then cool off by the lake in the afternoon.

Why it’s worth visiting: Caesar Creek State Park has the perfect summer mix—water, trails, fossils, and plenty of room to explore. It’s one of those parks that works just as well for families, hikers, boaters, and anyone looking for a fun day outside.

Recipe of the Week

🍝 Summer Italian Pasta Salad

Whether you're heading to Caesar Creek, enjoying a backyard barbecue, or packing a picnic, this Summer Italian Pasta Salad is a refreshing side dish that's easy to prepare and always a crowd favorite.

🛒 Ingredients

• 12 oz rotini pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls or cubed mozzarella
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳 Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Drain and rinse with cold water.
3. Place pasta in a large bowl.
4. Add tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, olives, and mozzarella.
5. Pour Italian dressing over the mixture.
6. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and toss well.
7. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

🥗 Serve With

• Grilled chicken
• Hamburgers
• Hot dogs
• Fresh fruit
• Corn on the cob

💡 Pro Tip

For even more flavor, make the salad the night before. The extra time allows the dressing and seasonings to soak into the pasta and vegetables.

Why you'll love it: Cool, colorful, and easy to make, this pasta salad is the perfect companion for summer gatherings, picnics, and outdoor adventures.

Home Tips

🌻 5 Easy Ways to Boost Your Home's Curb Appeal This Summer

Summer is the perfect time to freshen up the exterior of your home. Whether you're planning to stay for years or simply want your property to look its best, a few simple improvements can dramatically increase curb appeal without breaking the bank.

The best part? Most of these projects can be completed in a single weekend.

🚪 1. Refresh Your Front Door

A freshly painted front door can instantly make your home look newer and more inviting. Popular summer colors include navy blue, deep red, forest green, and classic black.

🌸 2. Add Colorful Flower Pots

Place flower pots near your front entrance, garage, or porch. Petunias, geraniums, marigolds, and calibrachoa thrive during Ohio summers and provide months of color.

🧹 3. Pressure Wash Walkways & Driveways

Years of dirt, mildew, and stains can make concrete surfaces look older than they are. A good pressure washing can instantly brighten your home's appearance.

✂️ 4. Trim Shrubs & Edges

Neatly trimmed bushes and freshly edged landscaping beds create a clean, well-maintained look. This simple task often provides one of the biggest visual improvements.

💡 5. Update Outdoor Lighting

Replace worn light fixtures or add solar-powered pathway lights. Good lighting improves safety while making your home look welcoming after sunset.

💡 Pro Tip

Stand across the street and look at your home from a visitor's perspective. You'll often notice small improvements that can make a big difference.

Why it matters: Small exterior improvements not only make your home more attractive but can also increase your enjoyment of the property throughout the summer months.

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

Clifton Mill in Clifton, Ohio is one of the largest water-powered grist mills still operating in the United States. Originally built in 1802, the mill has become a beloved Ohio landmark, known for its picturesque setting along the Little Miami River, its working milling operations, and its spectacular holiday light display that attracts visitors from across the region each year.