Alan Vandergrift
Jul 31, 2026
Trivia QuestionâWhat riverside MetroPark near downtown includes a lagoon and walking paths? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
Dayton Events |
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Dayton Area EventsJuly 31–August 7, 2026 .
Friday, July 317:30 P.M.
Donatos Family Movie NightFamily Movie
Check organizer for admission details Families can watch Lilo and Stitch on the stadium video board while enjoying the atmosphere of the Dayton Dragons’ downtown ballpark. Admission time 6:00 P.M. 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. Food and beverages will be available for purchase beneath the downtown pavilion. 7:00–9:00 PM
Cornerstone Music Series: Different and the SameLive Music
Free Dayton-area cover band Different and the Same performs an energetic mix of rock and pop favorites during Centerville’s outdoor music series. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. 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 Summer Concert Series. Food trucks and refreshments are expected, and guests should bring personal lawn seating. 8:00 PM
Anne Wilson with Leanna CrawfordContemporary Christian Music
Ticketed Contemporary Christian singer Anne Wilson performs her blend of faith-centered country and pop music at Fraze Pavilion, with special guest Leanna Crawford opening the evening. Saturday, August 19:00 A.M.
Shelby County Fair – Final DayCounty Fair
Fair admission required The Shelby County Fair concludes with livestock and agricultural exhibits, midway attractions, fair food, vendors and scheduled entertainment. Consult the official fair program for the final day’s complete lineup. 8:00 A.M.
Preble County Fair – Opening DayCounty Fair
Fair admission required The Preble County Fair begins its weeklong run with livestock competitions, agricultural exhibits, midway entertainment, food vendors and community activities. The fair continues through August 8. 9:00 - 4:00
British Car DayCar Show
Free for spectators; vehicle registration may apply More than 300 British cars and motorcycles are expected for this annual gathering, with classic marques, specialty vehicles, awards and opportunities to meet owners and enthusiasts. 10:00am - 5:00pm
Small Farm & Food FestFarm Festival
Check organizer for admission details Explore regional agriculture, local food and traditional farming through demonstrations, hands-on activities, vendors and educational programs designed for families and visitors interested in sustainable food systems. 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
Women of Woodland TourHistory Tour
Ticket required Discover the stories of notable women connected to Dayton history, including author Erma Bombeck, educator Anna Barney Gorman, librarian Electra C. Doren and other influential residents. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. 11:30 AM–12:30 PM
Saturday Morning Community TourMuseum Tour
Museum admission policies apply A museum educator leads visitors through selected works from the Dayton Art Institute’s collection, offering historical context, visual interpretation and opportunities for discussion. 12:00–7:00 PM
Dayton Fruit Festival – Day 1Food Festival
Admission and vendor prices vary Celebrate summer with fresh fruit, sweet treats, local food vendors, artisans, live entertainment and family activities. The two-day community festival continues Sunday from noon to 7:00 PM. 12:00 PM
Great American Beer TastingBeer Festival
Ticketed · Ages 21 and older Sample craft and domestic beers from participating breweries during one of the area’s signature summer tasting events. Admission and package details should be confirmed through the ballpark’s official ticket listing. 12:00–4:00 PM
Collab FestCraft Beer Event
Ticketed · Ages 21 and older Local breweries come together for a collaborative tasting event featuring specially created beers and opportunities to explore the museum. Check the museum’s listing for participating breweries and ticket packages. 1:00–7:00 PM
Art in the City 2026 Kickoff FestivalArts Festival
Free Downtown Dayton’s annual arts celebration features visual art, live music, dance, spoken-word performances, workshops, demonstrations and hands-on activities at galleries, studios and public spaces throughout the city center. 3:00–4:30 PM
Family Open StudioFamily Art
Check museum for participation details Families can create art together during this drop-in studio program inspired by works in the museum’s collection. Materials and age recommendations are available through the Dayton Art Institute. 5:30 PM
Rock Fest featuring Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite BoysLive Music
Free Rock Fest brings roots rock, Americana and rockabilly to the Levitt lawn, headlined by Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for this free outdoor concert. 7:00 PM
Shakespeare in the Park: Much Ado About NothingOutdoor Theater
Free Enjoy Shakespeare’s romantic comedy outdoors at Stubbs Park. Bring lawn seating and prepare for an evening of mistaken identities, witty exchanges and theatrical entertainment under the summer sky. 1:00 and 5:00 PM
School of Rock: Young Actors EditionYouth Theater
Ticketed Young performers present an adapted stage version of the musical comedy about students forming a rock band with the help of an unconventional substitute teacher. Check Dayton Live for the final performance schedule. Sunday, August 28:00 A.M.
Preble County FairCounty Fair
Fair admission required The county fair continues with livestock competitions, agricultural displays, midway attractions, food vendors and scheduled entertainment. Consult the daily program before visiting. 12:00–7:00 PM
Dayton Fruit Festival – Day 2Food Festival
Admission and vendor prices vary The Dayton Fruit Festival concludes with fresh fruit, specialty desserts, food vendors, artisan shopping, entertainment and family-oriented activities. 12:00–3:00 PM
2nd Annual St. Anne’s Hill Summer Community Cook OutCommunity Cookout
Free Neighbors, artists and visitors gather for an afternoon of food, family activities, local art and community fellowship in the historic St. Anne’s Hill neighborhood. 2:00–3:00 PM
Skinner Pipe Organ ConcertClassical Music
Check museum for admission details Hear the museum’s historic Skinner pipe organ during a live afternoon performance. The program offers an opportunity to experience the instrument’s distinctive sound inside the museum’s elegant surroundings. 7:00 P.M.
Stop 741Live Music
Free Stop 741 performs during Springboro’s summer concert series at North Park. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and check the city’s schedule for the confirmed start time and food-truck information. Monday, August 38:00 A.M.
Preble County FairCounty Fair
Fair admission required The fair continues with agriculture, livestock, youth competitions, midway attractions, food and evening entertainment. Check the official daily schedule for Monday’s featured events. Tuesday, August 48:00 A.M.
Preble County FairCounty Fair
Fair admission required Tuesday fair programming includes agricultural activities, livestock competitions, midway entertainment, food vendors and scheduled evening attractions. 4:00–7:00 PM
Try Mountain Biking with Five Rivers MetroParksOutdoor Recreation
Free Borrow a MetroParks bicycle and helmet and try a lap or two on the beginner-friendly mountain-bike course. Equipment is available on a first-come, first-served basis. 5:30–8:00 PM
Taste of Old North DaytonCommunity Event
Free Celebrate National Night Out with free ethnic food samples, a children’s zone, community organizations, neighborhood resources and family-friendly activities highlighting Old North Dayton’s diverse cultures. 6:00–8:00 PM
Cemetery SymbolsHistory Tour
Registration required Learn how religious imagery, fraternal emblems, occupations and artistic motifs carved into gravestones reveal stories about the lives, beliefs and identities of those buried at Woodland. 7:00 - 9:00 P.M.
Locking Up OtisLive Music
Free Locking Up Otis performs a free outdoor concert during Springboro’s summer music series. Bring personal seating and confirm the final start time through the city’s concert calendar. Wednesday, August 58:00 A.M.
Preble County FairCounty Fair
Fair admission required The weeklong fair continues with livestock, youth programs, agriculture, food vendors, midway attractions and scheduled entertainment. 6:00–8:00 PM
Woodland Historic TourHistory Tour
Registration required Visit the resting places of the Wright Brothers, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Erma Bombeck, James Ritty and other notable Daytonians while learning about the city’s history on a guided walking tour. 6:30–8:00 PM
Float Show – DaytonFloating Concert
Free to attend; boat rentals may cost extra Musicians perform from giant floating paddleboards on the Great Miami River. Bring a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard, or listen from the RiverScape riverfront. 8:00 PM · Gates open at 7:00 PM
for KING + COUNTRY with Taylor HillConcert
Ticketed Grammy-winning contemporary Christian duo for KING + COUNTRY performs its cinematic pop and inspirational songs at Fraze Pavilion, with Taylor Hill appearing as the special guest. Thursday, August 68:00 A.M.
Preble County FairCounty Fair
Fair admission required Thursday fair activities include livestock and agricultural competitions, midway attractions, food vendors and scheduled entertainment throughout the grounds. 12:00–3:00 PM
VA Farmers MarketFarmers Market
Free admission Shop local honey, syrups, jams, produce, baked goods and other Ohio-made products during the weekly market at the Dayton VA Medical Center. 5:00–8:00 PM
5 After 5 at the MuseumMuseum Evening
Check museum for admission details Spend an evening at the museum with extended gallery access and special programming. Food, drinks or additional activities may be available depending on the month’s theme. 7:00–9:00 PM
Music Bingo!Games & Entertainment
Free Favorite songs replace traditional numbers in this interactive bingo game. Match tunes for prizes while enjoying food and refreshments from the RiverScape Café. Friday, August 78:00 A.M.
Preble County FairCounty Fair
Fair admission required The Preble County Fair moves into its final weekend with livestock, agriculture, midway entertainment, food and scheduled evening attractions. 11:30 AM–3:30 PM
Dayton Art Institute Community Blood DriveCommunity Service
Free; appointment recommended Support the regional blood supply during a community donation drive hosted at the Dayton Art Institute. Review donor requirements and appointment information before attending. 5:00–9:00 PM
First Friday Art HopArts & Galleries
Free Explore open studios, galleries, artisan shops and boutiques during Front Street’s monthly art hop. Meet local artists and enjoy demonstrations, exhibits, food vendors and creative activities. 6:00 - 11:00 P.M.
St. Brigid Parish Festival – Opening NightParish Festival
Free admission; food and activity costs vary The three-day parish festival begins with food, games, family activities, entertainment and community fellowship. Check the festival schedule for opening-night music and attraction times. 7:00–9:00 PM
Rockin’ Party with The MenusLive Music
Free Cincinnati favorites The Menus bring classic rock, pop, audience interaction and their high-energy stage show to RiverScape’s Summer Music Series. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Please check each events web page for the latest information as events are subject to change. |
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This newsletter sponsored by The Renaissance Men |
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Veteran-owned Construction Co. focused on rebuilding homes, restoring hope, and reviving community! 813-500-9788 |
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ðĄ Answer to Trivia Question: Island MetroPark - The urban park offers river access, picnic space, trails and views along the Great Miami River corridor. |