🚂 Trails, Trains & Timeless Dayton Adventures

Trivia Question❓

What Dayton institution was founded in 1850 as St. Mary's School for Boys?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Dayton Events

Dayton Area Events

June 26–July 3, 2026

Friday, June 26

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Touch a Truck Weekend

Hidden Valley Orchards, Lebanon

Free admission; some add-ons extra

Kids can climb aboard tractors, construction equipment, emergency vehicles, and farm machinery during this hands-on family weekend with hayrides, outdoor play, treats, and demonstrations.

5:30–8:30 PM

Fourth Friday on Fourth Street

Downtown Franklin

Free

Downtown Franklin hosts live music, food trucks, local vendors, shopping, dining, and a classic car cruise-in along Main Street.

7:00 PM

Hotel California LIVE in Piqua

Lock 9 Park, Piqua

Free

Hotel California performs Eagles favorites at Lock 9 Park in an outdoor summer concert setting.

7:30 PM

Free Concert at North Park: Fleetwood Gold

North Park Amphitheatre, Springboro

Free

Fleetwood Gold performs the music of Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks. Food trucks and beer sales support Wee Panthers Football.

Saturday, June 27

8:00 AM–2:00 PM

Drive Up Recycling Day with 7 Circle of Kindness

Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley, Dayton

Free

A drive-through recycling event accepting select household items including textiles, Styrofoam, inhalers, creams, and loose pills according to event guidelines.

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Oakwood Farmers' Market

22 Orchard Dr., Oakwood

Free admission

Weekly market featuring produce, baked goods, flowers, artisan foods, and local vendors in downtown Oakwood.

9:00 AM–2:00 PM

Shiloh Farmers' Market

5300 Philadelphia Dr., Dayton

Free admission

Shop local bakers, growers, makers, plants, crafts, soaps, jewelry, gifts, and handmade goods at Shiloh Farmers' Market.

9:30 AM–5:00 PM

Carillon Park Rail Festival 2026

Carillon Historical Park, Dayton

Regular admission; free for Dayton History members

Two-day rail festival with miniature train rides, full-size railroad rides, live steam engines, model trains, historic rail equipment, and family activities.

10:00 AM–1:00 PM

Mud Day

Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, Dayton

Free; registration requested

Celebrate International Mud Day with mud pools, mud games, crafts, a mud kitchen, and outdoor family fun.

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Touch a Truck Weekend

Hidden Valley Orchards, Lebanon

Free admission; some add-ons extra

Second day of hands-on vehicle exploration with tractors, trucks, farm machinery, outdoor play, hayrides, and family activities.

10:00 AM

Ohio Reptiles and More Expo

Clark County Fairgrounds, Springfield

See official site

Family-friendly reptile and exotic pet expo with breeders, vendors, educational exhibits, animal interactions, supplies, and workshops.

11:00 AM

Paul Laurence Dunbar Birthday Celebration

Paul Laurence Dunbar House Historic Site, Dayton

Free

Celebrate Paul Laurence Dunbar with historic home tours, poetry, music, crafts, family activities, and living history performances.

11:00 AM–2:00 PM

Farm on Central's 5-Year Celebration

Farm on Central, Carlisle

Free

Celebrate five years of farming, food, and community with live music, kids activities, farm food trucks, coffee, pizza, giveaways, and store specials.

4:00–8:00 PM

Cruise the Burg – Car Meet

Main Street, Downtown Miamisburg

Free

Annual downtown car meet with classic and modern cars, local shops, restaurants, live DJ entertainment, and nearby family activities.

6:00–9:00 PM

Madison Park Live—Summer Concert Series

Madison Park, Trotwood

Free

Trotwood's summer concert series features The Motown Sounds of Touch, the Trotwood Madison High School Strike Team, and DJ TeeCee.

6:00–9:00 PM

The Greene Summer Concert Series: 80s Party

The Greene, Beavercreek

Free

Retrobution brings an 80s party with hits inspired by Cars, Duran Duran, Huey Lewis, Bowie, Idol, and early MTV favorites.

7:00–11:00 PM

Lights Over Dayton

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

Free

Celebrate Ohio's connection to flying and the evolution of flight featuring activities culminating in a drone show with 500 drones at 10 PM.(Rescheduled from June 26 due to expected weather)

Sunday, June 28

8:00 AM

Fun in the Sun Kids Triathlon

Up and Running, Dayton

$20 advance; $30 race day

Youth triathlon for ages 5–14 with swimming, biking, and running in age-based heats. Includes shirt, finisher medal, goggles, and door prize entry.

11:00 AM–4:00 PM

Carillon Park Rail Festival 2026

Carillon Historical Park, Dayton

Regular admission; free for Dayton History members

Day two of the rail festival with train rides, model rail displays, live steam engines, and historic transportation exhibits.

4:00–10:00 PM

Outlaw Country Concert

Warren County Fairgrounds, Lebanon

See event page

Country concert night featuring Richard Lynch and Whey Jennings, with food vendors and a meet-and-greet before the evening performance.

7:00–9:00 PM

Centerville Summer Concert Series: Crush – The Bon Jovi Experience

Stubbs Park, Centerville

Free

Crush performs Bon Jovi favorites at Stubbs Park with food trucks and beer sales available throughout the evening.

Tuesday, June 30

5:00–8:00 PM

Tasty Tuesday Food Truck Rallies

Thomas Cloud Park, Huber Heights

Free admission

Weekly food truck rally with rotating trucks, local makers, yard games, board games, and a relaxed family-friendly park atmosphere.

6:00–7:30 PM

Jim's Big Year

6733 Springboro Pike, Dayton

Free; registration encouraged

Birder Jim Runkle, Ph.D. shares stories from his 2025 Big Year birding adventure and discusses bird conservation and the MetroParks Birding Challenge.

Wednesday, July 1

5:30–6:30 PM

FREE Yoga – Arcade Arts & Wellness

Dayton Arcade Rotunda, Dayton

Free; registration required

Free yoga class in the Dayton Arcade Rotunda led by Michelle Daniel of Row Cycle Fitness. Pre-registration and signed waiver required.

Friday, July 3

6:00 PM

The 2026 Americana Festival: Celebrating America's 250th Birthday

Centerville High School Stadium / Uptown Centerville

Free admission

Centerville's Americana Festival begins July 3 with food vendors and fireworks at 10 PM, followed by July 4 events including a 5K, parade, street fair, live entertainment, auto show, and food vendors.

6:00 PM

Star Spangled Boom

Wax Park, Moraine

Free admission

Moraine's two-day Independence Day celebration begins with food trucks, carnival favorites, family activities, and a live performance by Hotel California.

7:00 PM

Hotel California LIVE in Moraine

Payne Recreation Center / Star Spangled Boom, Moraine

Free

Hotel California performs Eagles classics as part of Moraine's Star Spangled Boom celebration.

8:30–11:00 PM

6th Annual Family Fireworks Paddle

RiverScape MetroPark, Dayton

$60 per person; advance reservation required

Watch Dayton's Lights in Flight fireworks from the Great Miami River during a guided evening paddle. Rental includes kayak or canoe, paddle, and life jacket.

Featured Event

Event Spotlight

🚂 All Aboard for Carillon Park Rail Festival!

If you love trains—or simply enjoy unique family events—you won't want to miss the annual Carillon Park Rail Festival June 27 - 28, 2026. Held at Carillon Historical Park, this two-day celebration is one of Dayton's most popular summer attractions, bringing together railroad enthusiasts, families, and curious visitors for a weekend of history, hands-on fun, and train rides.

The festival showcases railroading in all its forms—from beautifully detailed model train layouts to live steam engines and miniature railroads that visitors can ride. Whether you're eight or eighty, there's something magical about watching trains in motion.

🚂 Ride the Rails

One of the festival's biggest attractions is the opportunity to ride both the Carillon Park Railroad and the popular miniature railroad operated by the Carillon Park Rail & Steam Society. These rides are always a favorite with children and adults alike, offering a fun way to experience the park from a different perspective.

🚉 What You'll See

• Model train displays in multiple scales
• Live steam engines
• Ride-on miniature trains
• Historic railroad exhibits
• Train vendors and railroad collectibles
• Food vendors and family activities

👨‍👩‍👧 Fun for Every Generation

The Rail Festival is one of those rare events where grandparents, parents, and kids all find something to enjoy. Model railroad enthusiasts appreciate the intricate layouts, while younger visitors love climbing aboard the trains and watching the locomotives in action. It's a wonderful way to introduce children to the history of rail travel and engineering.

🏛️ Explore Carillon Historical Park

Admission to the Rail Festival also gives visitors access to Carillon Historical Park, where you can explore more than 30 historic buildings and exhibits celebrating Dayton's remarkable history of invention, industry, and transportation. It's easy to turn your visit into a full day of discovery.

💡 Pro Tip

Arrive early to enjoy the train rides before the busiest part of the day. Wear comfortable walking shoes and plan plenty of time to explore both the festival and the historic park.

Why it's worth attending: The Carillon Park Rail Festival blends history, engineering, and family fun into one unforgettable weekend. Whether you're a lifelong railfan or simply looking for a unique Dayton experience, this festival is sure to keep everyone on the right track.

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Featured Park

Sweet Arrow Reserve Bellbrook Sugarcreek Ohio

Featured Park

🌿 Sweet Arrow Reserve

Tucked away in Bellbrook Sugarcreek Township, Sweet Arrow Reserve is one of the Miami Valley's best-kept secrets. Spanning nearly 263 acres of woodlands, meadows, and prairies, this peaceful nature preserve offers visitors a chance to disconnect from the hustle of everyday life and reconnect with the outdoors.

Unlike many parks filled with playgrounds and athletic fields, Sweet Arrow Reserve is designed for quiet exploration. Whether you're hiking, birdwatching, photographing wildflowers, or simply enjoying the sounds of nature, the reserve provides a relaxing escape just minutes from Dayton.

🥾 Seven Scenic Trail Loops

Sweet Arrow Reserve features seven color-coded trail loops ranging from approximately one-half mile to one and a half miles in length. The well-marked trails wind through forests, open prairies, rolling meadows, and creek crossings, allowing visitors to choose a short stroll or combine several loops for a longer adventure.

🌼 A Nature Lover's Paradise

The reserve's diverse habitats make it an excellent destination for wildlife viewing. Deer, hawks, songbirds, butterflies, and a variety of native wildflowers can be seen throughout the seasons. Spring and summer bring colorful blooms to the prairie, while autumn transforms the woodlands into a spectacular display of reds, oranges, and golds.

🏡 Sweet Arrow Nature Barn

The reserve is also home to the Sweet Arrow Nature Barn, which serves as a hub for educational programming and seasonal nature activities offered by the Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Park District. It's another way the park encourages visitors of all ages to learn more about the local environment.

👨‍👩‍👧 Perfect For

• Hiking
• Birdwatching
• Nature photography
• Wildflower viewing
• Family walks
• Peaceful outdoor escapes

💡 Pro Tip

Pick up a trail map at the entrance before you begin your hike. With multiple interconnected loops, it's easy to customize your walk and explore different parts of the reserve on each visit. Comfortable hiking shoes and a pair of binoculars will help you make the most of your adventure.

Why it's worth visiting: Sweet Arrow Reserve offers a quieter, more natural experience than many local parks. Its miles of scenic trails, beautiful prairies, and abundant wildlife make it one of the Miami Valley's finest hidden gems for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors.

Recipe of the Week

🍋 Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken with Summer Vegetables

Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill, and this Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken is fresh, flavorful, and easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Paired with colorful grilled vegetables, it's a healthy meal that's perfect after a day exploring local parks or attending a summer festival.

🛒 Ingredients

• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 zucchini, sliced
• 2 bell peppers, cut into strips
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges

👨‍🍳 Directions

1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes.
3. Toss the vegetables with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for 6–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Grill the vegetables for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until tender.
6. Serve the chicken alongside the grilled vegetables with lemon wedges for garnish.

🥗 Serve With

• Rice pilaf
• Fresh watermelon
• Garden salad
• Crusty bread
• Iced tea or fresh lemonade

💡 Pro Tip

Marinate the chicken in the morning before work, and dinner will be ready in about 20 minutes when you fire up the grill that evening.

Why you'll love it: Bright citrus, fresh herbs, and colorful vegetables make this an easy, healthy meal that's perfect for enjoying outdoors during Ohio's beautiful summer evenings.

Home Tips

🌞 5 Simple Ways to Save Energy During Ohio's Summer Heat

As temperatures climb across the Miami Valley, your air conditioner is likely working overtime. Fortunately, there are several easy ways to stay comfortable while keeping your energy bills under control.

A few simple changes around the house can make a noticeable difference throughout the hottest months of the year.

🌅 1. Close Curtains During the Hottest Part of the Day

Sunlight pouring through your windows can quickly warm up your home. Close blinds or curtains on south- and west-facing windows during the afternoon to help keep indoor temperatures cooler.

🧹 2. Replace Your HVAC Filter

A clean air filter allows your air conditioner to circulate air more efficiently. Replacing it every one to three months can improve airflow and reduce strain on your system.

🌀 3. Let Ceiling Fans Do the Work

Set your ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise during the summer. This pushes cool air downward, making rooms feel several degrees cooler without lowering the thermostat.

🍳 4. Cook Outside When You Can

Using your oven can heat up your kitchen quickly. Grilling outdoors or using a slow cooker or air fryer helps keep your home cooler while giving you a break from traditional cooking.

💧 5. Water Early in the Morning

If you're watering flowers, gardens, or your lawn, do it early in the morning. Cooler temperatures reduce evaporation, allowing plants to absorb more moisture while conserving water.

💡 Pro Tip

Set your thermostat a degree or two higher when you're away from home. Even a small adjustment can lower your cooling costs over the course of the summer without sacrificing comfort.

Why it matters: Small energy-saving habits can add up to noticeable savings on your utility bills while helping your home stay comfortable all summer long. Spend less on cooling and more on enjoying everything summer in the Dayton area has to offer!

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

University of Dayton traces its roots to 1850, when the Society of Mary (Marianists) established St. Mary’s School for Boys in Dayton. Over the years, the small boarding school grew into one of the nation’s largest Catholic universities, known for its academic excellence, strong sense of community, and nationally recognized engineering, business, and research programs.