Alan Vandergrift
Jul 24, 2026
Trivia Question❓What secret World War II effort in Dayton was part of the Manhattan Project? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
Dayton Events |
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Dayton Area EventsJuly 24–31, 2026 Event titles are clickable links.
Friday, July 245:30–11:00 PM
Dayton Celtic FestivalFestival
Free admission Celebrate Celtic culture with live music, traditional dance, cultural demonstrations, artisan vendors, food, beverages and family activities along the Great Miami River. The three-day festival continues Saturday and Sunday. 5:00–10:00 PM
Dayton Mac and Cheese Fest 2026Food Festival
Free admission Food trucks serve specialty mac-and-cheese dishes alongside their regular menus during a family-friendly gathering with local vendors, refreshments and entertainment. 5:30–8:30 PM
Fourth Friday on Fourth StreetCommunity Festival
Free Downtown Franklin’s monthly celebration features live music, food trucks, local vendors, shopping and an Ohio Valley Cruisers classic-car cruise-in. 7:00–8:00 PM
Ben & Pete at the Star City Concert SeriesLive Music
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 at 6:00 PM
Centerville Pops! – Let’s Go to the MoviesOrchestra
Free; seating is limited Centerville Pops performs beloved film scores and popular favorites during a special indoor concert. Concessions, beer and wine will be available for purchase. 7:30 PM
Best of Times – A Tribute to STYXClassic Rock Tribute
Free Best of Times performs familiar STYX favorites during Springboro’s outdoor concert series. Food trucks and beer sales are planned, and guests should bring lawn chairs or blankets. 7:30 PM
Moulin Rouge! The MusicalBroadway
Ticketed The Tony Award-winning touring musical brings its pop soundtrack, elaborate production design and romantic story inspired by Baz Luhrmann’s film to the Schuster Center. Saturday, July 25Staging opens at 8:30 AM · Parade begins at 1:00 PM
72nd Annual Hamilton/Fairfield Antique & Classic Car ParadeCar Parade
Free for spectators Antique and classic vehicles from 2001 and earlier travel through Hamilton and Fairfield during one of Butler County’s longest-running automotive traditions. The event is scheduled rain or shine. 9:00 AM · Activities continue throughout the day
2026 Annual Shawnee Lake FestivalCommunity Festival
Free admission Spend the day beside Shawnee Lake with food trucks, local vendors, live music and community activities. Highlights include volleyball and basketball tournaments and an evening ski show. 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
The Grazing Ground MarketFarm Market
Free admission Browse naturally grown produce, fresh eggs, baked goods, seasonal jams, handcrafted gifts and farm-inspired products. Visitors can also see and feed the farm’s friendly goats. 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
BIG Backyard PartyFamily Event
Free The tenth annual party offers inflatables, fishing, archery, crafts, field games and activities for a wide range of ages and abilities. Food trucks, coffee and Kona Ice will be available. 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
Community Field DayCommunity Event
Free Family field day featuring kickball, relay races, tug-of-war, a dunk tank, food, drinks and prizes. The event is designed to promote community connection and positive mental health. 11:30 AM–11:00 PM
Dayton Celtic Festival – SaturdayFestival
Free admission The festival’s full Saturday schedule features live Celtic music, dancing, workshops, cultural displays, vendors, food and beverages throughout RiverScape MetroPark. 2:00 PM
Moulin Rouge! The Musical – MatineeBroadway
Ticketed Saturday matinee of the touring Broadway musical featuring a contemporary pop score, colorful staging and a romantic story set in turn-of-the-century Paris. 6:00 PM · Character meet-and-greet begins at 5:30 PM
The Little Mermen – Disney Music ConcertFamily Concert
Free The Little Mermen perform live Disney favorites during a family-oriented outdoor concert. Costumes are encouraged, and guests can meet Disney characters before the music begins. 6:00–9:00 PM
The Dinner Detective True Crime Dinner ShowInteractive Dinner Theater
Ticketed Professional actors blend into the audience as guests enjoy dinner, gather clues, question suspects and try to solve a present-day murder mystery before the evening ends. 6:30 PM party · Movie begins at sunset
“Grease” – Fraze Flicks & Party on the PlazaOutdoor Movie
Ticketed A plaza party with food, beverages and pre-show activities leads into an outdoor screening of the classic musical film Grease after sunset. 7:00–9:00 PM
Community Drum Circle and Music JamCommunity Music
Free; donations appreciated Bring a drum, instrument, dancing scarf or simply yourself for a welcoming outdoor gathering focused on drumming, movement, music and community connection. Beginners and first-time participants are welcome. 7:30 PM
Moulin Rouge! The Musical – Evening PerformanceBroadway
Ticketed Saturday-night performance of the Tony Award-winning touring musical, filled with familiar pop songs, extravagant costumes and dramatic stage effects. Sunday, July 2610:00 AM–6:00 PM
Dayton Celtic Festival – Final DayFestival
Free admission The Dayton Celtic Festival concludes with another full day of live music, traditional dance, cultural activities, artisan vendors, food and family entertainment. 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
Everything Environmental FestEnvironmental Festival
Free Explore wildlife, conservation and sustainable living through nonprofit booths, demonstrations and hands-on activities. Scheduled programs include raptors, botanical dyes, foraging and family science. 1:00 PM
Moulin Rouge! The Musical – Sunday MatineeBroadway
Ticketed Sunday matinee of the lavish touring production featuring an extensive pop soundtrack, a dramatic love story and visually elaborate Broadway staging. 1:00–5:00 PM
KidzFest 2026 – Ninja Warrior Family FunFamily Festival
Free This Ninja Warrior-themed community festival offers interactive games, obstacle challenges, entertainment and hands-on activities for children and families throughout the Fraze grounds. 3:00 PM
Shakespeare in the Park: Getting to Know BillOutdoor Theater
Free Gem City Groundlings presents memorable scenes and characters from Shakespeare’s works during an accessible, family-friendly outdoor performance. No advance registration is required. 6:30 PM
Moulin Rouge! The Musical – Closing PerformanceBroadway
Ticketed Final Dayton performance of the national Broadway tour, combining contemporary music, romance and theatrical spectacle at the Schuster Center. 7:00–9:00 PM
Landslide: A Tribute to Fleetwood MacClassic Rock Tribute
Free Landslide recreates Fleetwood Mac’s recognizable harmonies and classic-rock sound during Centerville’s outdoor Summer Concert Series. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating.
Tuesday, July 286:30–8:00 PM
Float Show Featuring Rong BrothersOutdoor Concert
Free; equipment rental costs may apply The Rong Brothers perform from a floating stage on the Great Miami River. Guests can listen from shore or bring a kayak, canoe or paddleboard to join the audience on the water. 7:00–9:00 PM
Sunset Sessions with Matthew BruceLive Music
Free Ohio musician Matthew Bruce performs an evening acoustic set beside the Great Miami River. Food, desserts and refreshments will be available from the RiverScape Café.
Thursday, July 3012:00–3:00 PM
VA Farmers MarketFarmers Market
Free admission Shop local honey, syrups, jams and other seasonal products from Ohio Red Barn and participating vendors during the weekly market at the Dayton VA Medical Center. 6:30 PM party · Movie begins at sunset
“Crazy Rich Asians” – Fraze Flicks & Party on the PlazaOutdoor Movie
Check organizer for ticket details Enjoy an evening plaza party followed by an outdoor screening of the romantic comedy Crazy Rich Asians. Food and beverages will be available before the movie. 7:00–9:00 PM
Music Bingo!Games & Entertainment
Free Songs replace traditional bingo numbers during this interactive music game. Match tunes on your card for prizes while enjoying food and refreshments from the RiverScape Café. Friday, July 311:00 PM gathering time
2026 Great Float – The Great “Pirate” FloatOutdoor Adventure
Registration required; rental prices vary Join a pirate-themed 3.5-mile paddle on the Great Miami River, followed by live music, food and friendly activities on shore. Bring a boat or reserve a kayak or tube. Family movie event · Start time varies
Donatos Family Movie NightFamily Movie
Check organizer for admission details Families can watch a movie on the stadium video board at Day Air Ballpark while enjoying the atmosphere of the Dayton Dragons’ downtown home. 7:00–9:00 PM
Motown Concert with The Motown Sounds of TouchLive Music
Free The Motown Sounds of Touch performs timeless soul, R&B and Motown favorites during RiverScape’s Summer Music Series beneath the downtown pavilion. 7:00–9:00 PM
Cornerstone Music Series: Different and the SameLive Music
Free Dayton cover band Different and the Same performs an energetic mix of rock and pop favorites. Bring personal seating for this outdoor neighborhood concert. 7:30 PM
Hotel California – The Original Tribute to the EaglesClassic Rock Tribute
Free Hotel California recreates the harmonies and classic-rock catalog of the Eagles during Springboro’s outdoor Summer Concert Series. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. 8:00 PM
Anne Wilson with Leanna CrawfordContemporary Christian Music
Ticketed Contemporary Christian singer Anne Wilson performs at Fraze Pavilion with special guest Leanna Crawford during an evening of faith-centered country and pop music. Please check each events web page for the latest information as events are subject to change. |
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💡 Answer to Trivia Question: The Dayton Project - Scientists and workers at several Dayton-area sites conducted research involving polonium for components used in early atomic weapons. |