🎈 Up, Up & Away! Discover Dayton's Best Summer Adventures

🎉 Dayton events, featured parks, tasty recipes & hot home tips inside—don't miss out!

Alan Vandergrift

Jul 17, 2026

Trivia Question❓

What canal once connected Dayton with Cincinnati and Toledo?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Dayton Events

Dayton Area Events

July 17–24, 2026

Friday, July 17

5:00 - 10:00 P.M.

The Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon Festival

Festival

Smith Park, 500 Tytus Ave., Middletown

Admission and parking vary

Regional hot-air balloon festival with balloon glows, fireworks, carnival rides, live music, food and craft vendors, skydivers, a car show and family activities.

12:00 PM - 11:45 P.M.

Multi-day festival · July 16–18

Industrial Strength Bluegrass Summer Fest 2026

Bluegrass Festival

Greene County Fairgrounds, Xenia

Ticketed

Three-day bluegrass festival with nationally known and emerging acoustic performers, camping, vendors and family-friendly programming in a smoke- and alcohol-free setting.

12:00 PM - 10:00 PM

174th Montgomery County Fair

County Fair

Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 645 Infirmary Rd., Dayton

Fair admission required

County fair featuring livestock, agricultural exhibits, midway rides, food vendors, entertainment and scheduled motorsports events.

12:30–2:30 PM

Touch A Truck

Family

Riverfront Park, 3 N. Miami Ave., Miamisburg

Free

Children can explore trucks and specialty vehicles up close, with face painting, inflatables, a traveling playground and Kona Ice also planned.

6:00 PM and 7:30 PM

Laser Michael Jackson: Laser Light Nights

Planetarium

Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, 2600 DeWeese Pkwy., Dayton

Ticketed

Michael Jackson favorites are synchronized with laser effects and full-dome visuals during this indoor planetarium tribute.

6:30 PM party · Movie at sunset

“Grease” – Fraze Flicks & Party on the Plaza

Outdoor Movie

Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering

Ticketed

A pre-movie Party on the Plaza leads into an outdoor screening of the musical film Grease after sunset.

7:00 PM

J2B2 with Opener Berachah Valley

Bluegrass

Levitt Pavilion Dayton, 134 S. Main St., Dayton

Free

John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band headlines a free downtown concert with Berachah Valley opening. Bring blankets or lawn chairs; food trucks are expected.

7:00 PM

Montgomery County Fair Demolition Derby

Motorsports

Montgomery County Fairgrounds, Dayton

Fair or event ticket required

Drivers compete in several demolition-derby vehicle classes during one of the county fair’s featured evening events.

7:00–9:00 PM

Cornerstone Music Series: Different and the Same

Live Music

Cornerstone Park Pavilion, 5210 Cornerstone North Blvd., Centerville

Free

Dayton-area cover band Different and the Same performs rock and pop favorites during a free outdoor concert. Bring personal seating.

7:30 PM

Outlaw State of Mind & Beautiful Crazy

Country Tribute

North Park Amphitheatre, Springboro

Free

A double tribute concert celebrates the music of Chris Stapleton and Luke Combs in Springboro’s outdoor amphitheater.

Saturday, July 18

8:00 AM

Open Horse Show Benefiting Preble County 4-H

Equestrian

Bullen Equestrian Center, 722 S. Franklin St., Eaton

Public welcome; competitor fees may apply

Community horse show supporting the Preble County 4-H Horse Program, with competition classes and a family-friendly spectator setting.

8:30 AM–12:00 PM

Downtown Franklin Farmers Market

Farmers Market

20 E. Fourth St., Franklin

Free admission

Shop fresh produce, baked goods, handmade items and specialty products from regional growers, makers and small businesses.

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Oakwood Farmers’ Market

Farmers Market

22 Orchard Dr., Oakwood

Free admission

Rain-or-shine market featuring local farmers, specialty food producers, bakers, gourmet vendors and regional artisans.

9:00–11:00 AM

Summer Bird Walk

Nature

Woodland Cemetery & Arboretum, 118 Woodland Ave., Dayton

Suggested $5 donation; reservation required

A slow-paced guided walk searches for resident and summer birds. Bring binoculars and dress for the weather; some off-trail walking may occur.

10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Gravestone Preservation Workshop

Workshop

Woodland Cemetery & Arboretum, Dayton

$50

Hands-on beginner instruction covering proper gravestone cleaning and preservation techniques. Check the organizer’s page for final duration and availability.

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Gem City Comic Convention – Day 1

Comics & Collectibles

University of Dayton Marriott, 1414 S. Patterson Blvd., Dayton

Admission required

Two-day buying, selling and trading event with dozens of comic dealers offering comics, toys and pop-culture collectibles.

12:00 PM - 11:45 P.M.

Industrial Strength Bluegrass Summer Fest 2026

Bluegrass Festival

Greene County Fairgrounds, Xenia

Ticketed

The three-day festival concludes with touring bluegrass artists, acoustic performers, vendors and family-oriented programming.

12:00 PM - 10:00 PM

174th Montgomery County Fair

County Fair

Montgomery County Fairgrounds, Dayton

Fair admission required

Saturday fair activities include livestock and agricultural exhibits, rides, food vendors and scheduled entertainment.

2:00–3:30 PM

Foam Frenzy 2026

Family

Wilson Park, 350 Wilson Park Dr., West Carrollton

Free

High-energy outdoor family event featuring music, foam and summertime activities at Wilson Park.

4:00 PM - 10:00 P.M.

The Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon Festival

Festival

Smith Park, 500 Tytus Ave., Middletown

Admission and parking vary

The festival continues with hot-air balloons, glows, fireworks, carnival rides, food, craft vendors, live entertainment and family attractions.

5:15–7:30 PM

Evening Floating Soundbath

Wellness

Crains Run Nature Park, Miamisburg

$55

Guided floating sound bath with herbal elixir and community circle. Floating equipment, paddle and life jacket are included; no paddleboarding experience is required.

7:30 PM

The Fabulous Thunderbirds

Blues Rock

The Murphy Theatre, Wilmington

Ticketed

The veteran American blues-rock band performs its mix of Texas blues, rock and well-known catalog favorites in Wilmington’s historic theater.

Sunday, July 19

12:00 PM - 10:00 PM

174th Montgomery County Fair

County Fair

Montgomery County Fairgrounds, Dayton

Fair admission required

Closing day of the county fair with exhibits, midway attractions, vendors, agricultural programming and scheduled entertainment.

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Gem City Comic Convention – Day 2

Comics & Collectibles

University of Dayton Marriott, Dayton

Admission required

Final day to browse dealer tables filled with comic books, toys and pop-culture collectibles from sellers across several states.

9:00 AM

Silent Hike at Hills & Dales MetroPark

Mindfulness

Hills & Dales MetroPark, Dogwood Pond, Dayton

Ticketed; limited capacity

Beginner-friendly guided mindfulness hike combining grounding, breathing, quiet walking and reflective pauses in nature.

9:00 AM–1:00 PM

Waynesville Annual Car Show

Car Show

Downtown Waynesville

Free for spectators; $20 vehicle registration

Classic and custom vehicles fill downtown Waynesville alongside live music, coffee, donuts, restaurants and Main Street shopping.

10:00 AM

Raptor Center Keeper Program

Wildlife

Glen Helen Raptor Center, Yellow Springs

$35; $30 members

Ages 12 and older can go behind the scenes to learn how ambassador birds are cared for, prepare enrichment and observe husbandry activities.

11:00 AM–3:00 PM

Dinosaur Adventure Train

Family

LM&M Railroad, 16 E. South St., Lebanon

Ticketed

Interactive train adventure with a dinosaur trainer, baby dinosaurs, face painting, balloon twisting and a special Velociraptor show.

2:00–4:00 PM

Trail Obstacle Clinic and Competition

Equestrian

Victori Equine, 10597 Eby Rd., Germantown

Registration required

A riding clinic teaches trail-obstacle skills during the first hour, followed by a friendly obstacle-course competition with participant prizes.

7:00–9:00 PM

Shawn Gerhard: The Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute

Country Tribute

Stubbs Park, 255 W. Spring Valley Rd., Centerville

Free

Shawn Gerhard performs a two-hour tribute to Garth Brooks during Centerville’s outdoor Summer Concert Series.

7:30 PM · Gates open 6:30 PM

Harry Connick Jr. in Concert

Concert

Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering

$79–$159, plus applicable fees

Singer, pianist and entertainer Harry Connick Jr. performs at Fraze Pavilion. Posted ticket prices increase on the day of the show.

Wednesday, July 22

11:00 AM · Doors open 10:00 AM

Loren Willson Family Movie Series: The Angry Birds Movie

Family Movie

Miamisburg Plaza Theatre, 33 S. Main St., Miamisburg

Low-cost family matinee in Miamisburg’s historic theater. Arrive early for tickets, concessions and preferred seating.

7:30–10:00 PM

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Broadway

Schuster Performing Arts Center, Dayton

Ticketed

The Tony Award-winning touring musical brings its pop soundtrack, lavish staging and romantic story to the Schuster Center.

Thursday, July 23

2:00–4:30 PM

Moulin Rouge! The Musical – Matinee

Broadway

Schuster Performing Arts Center, Dayton

Ticketed

Afternoon performance of the national Broadway tour known for its spectacle, contemporary pop score and romantic storyline.

6:00 PM

Fifth Street Gives Back: Brukner Nature Center

Fundraiser

Fifth Street Brewpub, 1600 E. Fifth St., Dayton

Free to attend; purchases optional

Fifth Street Brewpub donates 10% of sales and all raffle proceeds to Brukner Nature Center during this community fundraising night.

7:30–10:00 PM

Moulin Rouge! The Musical – Evening Performance

Broadway

Schuster Performing Arts Center, Dayton

Ticketed

Evening performance of the Tony Award-winning touring production at the Schuster Center.

Friday, July 24

5:00–10:00 PM

Dayton Mac and Cheese Fest 2026

Food Festival

The Brightside Music & Event Venue, 905 E. Third St., Dayton

Free admission

Food trucks serve specialty mac-and-cheese dishes alongside their regular menus during a family-friendly festival with vendors and entertainment.

5:30–8:30 PM

Fourth Friday on Fourth Street

Street Festival

Downtown Franklin, 20 E. Fourth St.

Free

Monthly downtown celebration with live music, food trucks, local vendors, shopping and an Ohio Valley Cruisers classic-car cruise-in.

7:00–8:00 PM

Ben & Pete Opening at the Star City Concert Series

Live Music

Riverfront Park, Miamisburg

Free

Local duo Ben & Pete opens a tropical-themed concert evening before Jimmy Buffett tribute band Parrots of the Caribbean takes the stage.

7:00–9:00 PM · Doors open 6:00 PM

Centerville Pops! – Let’s Go to the Movies

Orchestra

Sinclair Community College Centerville Campus, 5800 Clyo Rd.

Free; seating limited

Centerville Pops performs beloved movie themes and popular favorites during a special indoor concert. Concessions, beer and wine will be available.

7:30 PM

Best of Times: A Tribute to STYX

Classic Rock Tribute

North Park Amphitheatre, Springboro

Free

A STYX tribute performs the band’s classic-rock favorites at North Park. Food trucks and beer sales are planned; bring personal lawn seating.

7:30–10:00 PM

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Broadway

Schuster Performing Arts Center, Dayton

Ticketed

Friday-night performance of the touring Broadway musical featuring a contemporary pop score, elaborate production design and a romantic story inspired by the film.

Please check each events web page for the latest information as events are subject to change.

Featured Event

Summer Event Spotlight

🎈 Watch the Skies Come Alive at the Ohio Challenge Balloon Festival

If you've never experienced dozens of colorful hot air balloons filling the evening sky, the Ohio Challenge Balloon Festival is an event you won't want to miss. Held each July at Smith Park in Middletown, just a short drive south of Dayton, this exciting festival combines breathtaking balloon launches with skydiving demonstrations, live entertainment, carnival rides, food vendors, fireworks, and one of the area's largest drone light shows.

Now in its third decade, the Ohio Challenge attracts some of the nation's top competitive balloon pilots. During the event, pilots compete in precision flying competitions while spectators enjoy incredible views of the balloons rising above the Miami Valley. Because balloon flights depend on wind and weather conditions, every launch offers a unique experience.

🎈 More Than Just Balloons

While the hot air balloons are the stars of the show, there's plenty happening on the ground as well. Visitors can enjoy carnival rides, a Kids Zone, live music, food trucks, specialty vendors, and exciting skydiving demonstrations throughout the weekend. Car enthusiasts will also enjoy the popular Saturday car show featuring classic and custom vehicles.

✨ Balloon Glow, Fireworks & Drone Show

As the sun sets, the festival becomes even more spectacular. The Balloon Glow transforms the field into a sea of glowing colors as pilots illuminate their balloons against the night sky. The evening concludes with a synchronized drone light show followed by a dazzling fireworks display, creating one of southwest Ohio's most memorable summer experiences.

👨‍👩‍👧 Perfect For

• Families
• Photography enthusiasts
• Aviation lovers
• Kids of all ages
• Classic car fans
• Anyone looking for a unique summer festival

📅 2026 Festival Information

Dates: July 17–19, 2026
Location: Smith Park, Middletown, Ohio
Friday: Gates open at 5:00 PM
Saturday: Gates open at 4:00 PM
Sunday: Morning competitive balloon flight (weather permitting)

For more information check the website: Ohio Challenge

💡 Pro Tip

Arrive early to find parking and secure a great viewing spot for the balloon launch. Bring lawn chairs, sunscreen, and your camera. Since balloon launches are weather dependent, check the festival's social media or website before leaving home for the latest updates.

Why it's worth attending: The Ohio Challenge Balloon Festival offers far more than beautiful balloons. With thrilling skydivers, live entertainment, carnival rides, delicious food, glowing balloons, fireworks, and an impressive drone show, it's one of the Miami Valley's premier summer events and well worth the short drive from Dayton.

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

Sycamore State Park

Featured Park

🌳 Discover Sycamore State Park – Montgomery County's Hidden Outdoor Escape

Just minutes northwest of Dayton, Sycamore State Park offers more than 2,300 acres of peaceful woodlands, meadows, ponds, and scenic trails. As the only Ohio state park located entirely within Montgomery County, it's a favorite destination for hikers, birdwatchers, horseback riders, anglers, and anyone looking to enjoy nature without traveling far from home.

Named for the towering sycamore trees that line Wolf Creek, the park provides a relaxing mix of forests, wetlands, and open fields that change beautifully with each season. Whether you're looking for a peaceful morning walk or an afternoon family outing, Sycamore State Park has plenty to explore.

🥾 Easy Trails for Everyone

The park features nearly seven miles of easy hiking trails that wind through forests, prairies, and wetlands. Popular routes include the Beech Ridge Trail, Meadowlark Trail, Ghost Hedge Trail, Heron Run Trail, and the family-friendly Storybook Trail. Most trails are relatively flat, making them ideal for casual hikers, families with children, and anyone looking for a relaxing stroll.

🐦 Wildlife Around Every Corner

Bring your binoculars because Sycamore State Park is home to a wide variety of birds, deer, turtles, frogs, and other wildlife. The ponds and marshes attract waterfowl throughout the year, while the wooded areas provide excellent opportunities to spot songbirds and other native species. Spring and early summer are especially beautiful as wildflowers bloom throughout the park.

🎣 More Than Hiking

Fishing is available in the park's ponds, and picnic areas make it easy to spend an entire afternoon outdoors. Horseback riders can enjoy more than 20 miles of equestrian trails, making Sycamore one of southwest Ohio's premier riding destinations. During the winter months, portions of the trail system are also open for snowmobiling when conditions allow.

📍 Plan Your Visit

Location: 4675 North Diamond Mill Road, Trotwood, Ohio
Admission: Free
Best For: Hiking, birdwatching, horseback riding, fishing, picnics, photography, and family outings

💚 Why We Love It

While parks like Cox Arboretum and John Bryan often steal the spotlight, Sycamore State Park remains one of the Miami Valley's best-kept secrets. Its quiet trails, abundant wildlife, and wide-open spaces make it the perfect place to unplug, stretch your legs, and reconnect with nature—all just a short drive from downtown Dayton. Whether you're looking for a peaceful walk, a family picnic, or your next outdoor adventure, Sycamore State Park is well worth the visit.

Recipe of the Week

This Week's Recipe

🍗 Grilled BBQ Chicken with Summer Corn Salad

Nothing says summer like firing up the grill. This easy meal combines juicy barbecue chicken with a fresh corn salad that's packed with sweet summer flavor. It's perfect for family dinners, backyard cookouts, or relaxing weekends on the patio.

Ingredients

For the Chicken
• 4 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup favorite barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Corn Salad
• 4 ears fresh sweet corn (or 3 cups frozen, thawed)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup diced red onion
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
• 1 avocado, diced
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. Brush the chicken with olive oil and season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Grill for 6–7 minutes per side, brushing with barbecue sauce during the last few minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

4. Grill the corn until lightly charred, then cut the kernels from the cob.

5. In a large bowl, combine corn, tomatoes, onion, avocado, herbs, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss gently.

6. Serve the grilled chicken alongside the fresh corn salad and enjoy!

💡 Kitchen Tip

For extra smoky flavor, grill a few lemon halves alongside the chicken and squeeze the warm juice over the corn salad just before serving. It adds a bright, fresh finish that's perfect for summer.

Home Tips

🏡 5 Simple Ways to Boost Your Home's Curb Appeal This Weekend

You don't need a major renovation to make your home look its best. A few inexpensive projects completed over a weekend can dramatically improve your home's appearance and make it more inviting for family, friends, and neighbors.

🌼 1. Refresh Your Flower Beds

Pull weeds, remove faded flowers, and spread a fresh layer of mulch. New mulch instantly gives landscaping a clean, well-maintained appearance while helping retain moisture during hot summer weather.

🚪 2. Wash Your Front Door

A quick wash with mild soap and water can remove months of dirt and pollen. If needed, touch up chipped paint and polish your door hardware for an instant facelift.

💡 3. Clean Outdoor Light Fixtures

Dust, bugs, and pollen can make outdoor lighting look dull. Clean the glass, replace burned-out bulbs, and consider switching to energy-efficient LED bulbs for brighter evenings.

🧹 4. Sweep Walkways and the Porch

A clean sidewalk and porch make a great first impression. Sweep away leaves, grass clippings, and cobwebs, and if you have a pressure washer, give concrete surfaces a quick rinse.

🪴 5. Add a Pop of Color

Place a colorful potted plant or hanging basket near your front entrance. Bright seasonal flowers such as petunias, begonias, or calibrachoa can make your home feel warm and welcoming.

💡 Quick Tip

Stand across the street and take a fresh look at your home. Sometimes the smallest improvements—like straightening a welcome mat, trimming overgrown shrubs, or adding a splash of color—can make the biggest difference.

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

The Miami and Erie Canal. The canal helped move passengers and freight through Dayton during the 1800s, supporting the city’s growth before railroads became dominant.