Alan Vandergrift
Aug 7, 2026
Trivia Question❓For whom was Dayton named? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
Dayton Events |
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Dayton Area EventsAugust 7–14, 2026 Friday, August 78:00 AM–6:00 PM
DARPA Lift Challenge & Flite Fest 2026Aviation / STEM / Family
Free Watch engineers, universities, startups and aviation innovators test experimental heavy-lift unmanned aircraft while competing for a share of $6.5 million in prizes. Flite Fest adds RC flying demonstrations, giant-scale aircraft, build activities and family STEM programming. The event continues through Sunday. 4:30–10:00 PM
Rock ’N’ Green Tomato Festival – Opening NightFestival / Food / Live Music
Free admission Miamisburg’s signature summer festival opens with food and retail vendors, fried-green-tomato specialties, a free kids zone and live music. Friday’s lineup includes Funky Uncles from 4:30–6:30 PM and SpungeWorthy from 7:30–10:00 PM. 5:00–9:00 PM
First Friday Art HopArts / Galleries / Shopping
Free Explore open artist studios, galleries, artisan shops and boutiques during Front Street’s monthly art hop. Meet local artists and browse exhibits, demonstrations and creative work throughout the historic campus. 7:00–9:00 PM
Rockin’ Party with The MenusLive Music
Free Cincinnati favorites The Menus bring classic rock, pop, audience interaction and their famously energetic stage show to RiverScape’s Summer Music Series. Food and beverages are available from the RiverScape Café. 6:00 - 11:00 PM
St. Brigid Parish Festival – Opening NightCommunity Festival / Family
Free admission; food and activity costs vary The parish festival begins its weekend run with food, games, family activities, entertainment and community fellowship. Check the festival schedule for opening-night music and attraction times. Saturday, August 88:00 AM–6:00 PM
DARPA Lift Challenge & Flite Fest 2026Aviation / STEM / Family
Free See cutting-edge drone and vertical-lift technology in action while teams test aircraft capable of carrying payloads far heavier than their own weight. Flite Fest adds radio-control aviation demonstrations and hands-on STEM activities. 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Household Hazardous Waste Drop-OffCommunity Service / Recycling
Free for eligible Greene County residents Safely dispose of selected household chemicals including cleaners, aerosol cans, antifreeze, pesticides, adhesives, oil-based paints and paint thinner. Review the county’s accepted-material list before loading your vehicle. 10:00–11:30 AM
Waynesville Underground Railroad TourHistory / Walking Tour
$20 per person; registration required Walk approximately one mile through historic Waynesville while learning about the town’s Quaker roots, abolitionists, suspected hiding places and local connections to the Underground Railroad. Advance reservations are required. 10:00 AM–10:00 PM
Rock ’N’ Green Tomato FestivalFestival / Family / Live Music / Fireworks
Free admission Spend the day with food and retail vendors, a free kids zone, contests and live entertainment. Highlights include Lacey Jane Band, Cecil & The Spaceship, Ryan Roth & The Comeback Special, a veterans’ Jeep parade, petting zoo, Salsa Showdown and RiverBlast fireworks around 10 PM. 10:30 AM–6:00 PM
Englewood FestivalArts Festival / Family / Live Music
Free admission and parking The annual Englewood Festival features regional artists, food vendors and live entertainment. The day also includes an 8 AM 5K, 9 AM parade and performances from the Northmont Marching Band, Last Call and Cross River Junction Band. 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
Geeky Garage Sale!Shopping / Fandom / Community
Browse secondhand comics, cosplay pieces, props, posters, figurines, manga, dice, board games and other fandom collectibles. Artist tables are also part of the 2026 market. 11:30 AM–8:00 PM
2026 Bites in the HeightsFood Festival / Family / Car Show / Music
Free admission The City of Huber Heights’ large food-truck festival features more than 20 local food trucks, children’s activities, community organizations and a cruise-in car show. The Prince Project performs a Prince tribute from 6–8 PM. 12:00–10:00 PM
10th Annual BoomerFest at St. LeonardFestival / Live Music / Family / Car Show
Free admission An all-day Rock & Soul festival with live music, food trucks, craft beer, cocktails, a free kids area and cruise-in. The scheduled bands are Stranger, Brass Tracks, 5 Band and The Fries. The festival is outdoors and runs rain or shine. 2:00–8:00 PM
Makers Market Star CityMakers Market / Shopping
No admission charge stated Gem City Makers Markets brings local makers, artists and handmade goods to the historic Peerless Mill venue for a six-hour Saturday market. 4:00–10:00 PM
BaconFest 2026Food Festival
Check organizer for current admission details Bacon-themed dishes from participating Miami Valley restaurants take center stage during this annual Kettering food festival, with drinks, entertainment and plenty of savory creations. 5:30 - 11:00 PM
St. Brigid Parish FestivalCommunity Festival / Family
Free admission; food and activity costs vary The parish festival has with food, games, family activities, entertainment and community fellowship. Check the festival schedule for music and attraction times. 6:00–9:00 PM
Madison Park Live – Summer Concert SeriesLive Music / Family
Free Bring lawn chairs for a free evening featuring Dayton Funk All-Stars, The Deron Bell Band and DJ RK. Food and other vendors will be on site. 6:00–9:00 PM
The Greene Summer Concert Series – SpungeWurthyLive Music / Outdoors
Free Dayton favorite SpungeWurthy performs rock, pop, dance, country and rap hits in Center Court. Bring a chair or blanket and pair the show with dinner or drinks at one of The Greene’s restaurants. Sunday, August 98:00 AM–6:00 PM
DARPA Lift Challenge & Flite Fest – Final DayAviation / STEM / Family
Free Final day of the national heavy-lift drone competition and Flite Fest, with experimental aircraft demonstrations, RC aviation and family STEM activities. 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Englewood Festival – SundayArts Festival / Car Show / Live Music
Free admission and parking Sunday includes the art festival, an 11 AM–3 PM car show and performances by Mike Sedmak, Englewood Civic Band and Elvis tribute performer Ryan Roth. 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Art on the Commons Fine Arts & Crafts FestivalFine Arts / Festival
Free admission The 38th annual festival brings approximately 100 artists from around the country to Kettering, along with live performances and food vendors. Browse painting, photography, jewelry, ceramics, fiber, sculpture and other fine art. 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
Cruise-In to the Ice Cream SocialCar Show / Family / Community
Free Classic cars and hot rods meet a community ice cream social with complimentary food, games, raffles, public-safety demonstrations and family activities. Open swim, gym and climbing opportunities are also part of the celebration. 12:00–5:00 PM
2nd Sundays in Historic SpringboroShopping / Community
Free admission Spend a relaxed Sunday exploring historic Springboro as local businesses open their doors and visiting vendors set up along South Main Street. 1:00 - 5:00 PM
St. Brigid Parish FestivalCommunity Festival / Family
Free admission; food and activity costs vary The parish festival has with food, games, family activities, entertainment and community fellowship. Check the festival schedule for music and attraction times. 7:00–9:00 PM
Live From Earth: Pat Benatar and BeyondLive Music / Tribute
Free Centerville’s Summer Concert Series presents Live From Earth, celebrating Pat Benatar’s biggest rock hits and related favorites. Food trucks and beer sales will be available; bring lawn chairs or blankets. Monday, August 105:30–7:30 PM
Woodland Historic TourHistory / Walking Tour
Suggested $5 donation; reservation 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. Meet at Eichelberger Plaza at the main gates. 8:00 PM · Doors 7:00 PM
The Stray Cats US Tour with Midnight CowgirlsLive Music / Rockabilly
$52.50–$105.50 Original Stray Cats members Brian Setzer, Lee Rocker and Slim Jim Phantom bring their rockabilly catalog to the Rose, with Midnight Cowgirls opening. Concertgoers arriving in classic cars may also have access to the special classic-car parking experience promoted for the show. Tuesday, August 116:30 PM · Gates 5:30 PM
Howard Jones: Things Can Only Get Better Tour / MIXFestLive Music / ’80s / New Wave
$55–$99 standard tickets Howard Jones headlines a major ’80s package featuring Wang Chung, The English Beat and Modern English, hosted by Richard Blade. A limited four-ticket lawn/terrace package may also be available. Wednesday, August 1210:00 AM–12:00 PM
Woodland Arboretum Tree TourNature / Walking Tour
Suggested $5 donation; reservation required Tour Woodland’s accredited arboretum and learn about its 3,000+ trees, 165 native species, notable oaks and State Champion Trees. Meet at Eichelberger Plaza and wear comfortable walking shoes. 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Fairborn Farmers MarketFarmers Market / Shopping
Free admission Shop fresh produce, fruit, flowers, herbs, baked goods, meat and poultry, honey, preserves, agricultural crafts and other homemade products at Fairborn’s weekly city-run market. 11:30 AM–1:00 PM
Picnic in the Park – Ages 55+55+ / Social / Outdoors
Free; registration required Adults 55 and older can enjoy a community picnic with hamburgers, hot dogs, sides and drinks while socializing outdoors. Registration is required so organizers can plan food and supplies. 2:00–4:00 PM
Cemetery SymbolsHistory / Guided Tour
Suggested $5 donation; reservation required Learn how religious, secular, fraternal and occupational symbols carved into gravestones reveal information about the beliefs, careers and identities of the people memorialized at Woodland. 6:30–8:00 PM
Float Show – Dayton featuring Khrys BlankLive Music / Paddling / Outdoors
No admission charge stated; rentals may cost extra Tomfoolery Outdoors turns giant paddleboards into a floating stage on the Great Miami River. Bring a kayak, SUP or canoe and listen from the water, or enjoy the riverfront atmosphere from shore. 8:00 PM · Gates 7:00 PM
Get The Led Out: A Celebration of “The Mighty Zep”Live Music / Classic Rock Tribute
$34–$39 advance; prices increase on show day A six-musician Led Zeppelin tribute recreates the band’s heavier classics, acoustic material and deeper cuts in a concert designed to reproduce the recordings rather than impersonate the original performers. Thursday, August 135:00–8:00 PM
Sip & Shop in Uptown CentervilleShopping / Community
Free admission Uptown merchants stay open for a relaxed evening of shopping, new arrivals, special treats, entertainment and small-town atmosphere. Individual business hours may vary. 7:00–9:00 PM
Music Bingo!Games / Music
Free Favorite songs replace traditional bingo numbers in this interactive game. Match tunes for prizes while enjoying food and refreshments from RiverScape Café. Arrive early because bingo sheets are limited. 7:00 PM
Saints & Strangers – Lebanon’s Concert in the ParkLive Music / Country
No admission charge stated Saints & Strangers perform a mix of ’90s and contemporary country music during Lebanon’s outdoor Concert in the Park series. Friday, August 145:00–10:00 PM
Dayton Taco Fest 2026Food Festival / Family
Free admission Food trucks serve tacos, quesadillas, nachos and themed specialties alongside their regular menus during one of Dayton Food Truck Rallies’ largest summer events. Come hungry and expect a wide selection of vendors. 5:00–11:00 PM
GermanFest Picnic 2026 – Opening NightCultural Festival / Food / Live Music
Free admission Celebrate Dayton’s German heritage with homemade German food, bier and wine, live music, dancing, cultural displays and vendors. The festival continues Saturday and Sunday. 5:00–11:00 PM
Bellbrook SummerFest 2026 – Opening NightFestival / Family / Rides / Live Music
Free admission; rides and concessions extra The 79th annual Bellbrook Lions Club festival features carnival rides, games, festival food, a beer and wine tent and activities for kids and adults. Curious Animals performs from 7–11 PM. SummerFest continues Saturday. 5:30–9:00 PM
Centerville Party in the Park: Twist on TaylorCommunity Festival / Live Music / Family
Free The evening begins with more than 30 vendors and kids activities before the 7 PM Twist on Taylor concert. Food trucks and beer sales will also be available. 6:00–10:00 PM
Runway Fest 2026Aviation / Festival / Family / Fireworks
Free admission and parking Enjoy live music by Karate Girls, aircraft and helicopter rides, food trucks, a KidZone, family activities and fireworks at this aviation-themed summer celebration. Free parking and shuttle service are planned from Austin Landing. 6:00–9:00 PM
Romantic River RendezvousDate Night / Outdoors / Paddling
$30 per couple; registration required Couples float the Little Miami River on tubes tied for two, then finish near a bonfire with s’mores. A luminaria-lit path leads back toward the parking area for a relaxed summer date-night experience. 7:00–9:00 PM
Big Band Concert with Dayton Jazz OrchestraLive Music / Swing / Dance
Free Dayton Jazz Orchestra performs classic big-band and swing favorites under the RiverScape pavilion. During intermission, Gem City Swing hosts a free dance lesson so guests can learn a few steps before returning to the dance floor. 7:00–10:00 PM event · Midnight Blue around 8:00 PM
Star City Summer Concert Series – Midnight Blue: The Foreigner ExperienceLive Music / Classic Rock Tribute
Free Cleveland-based Midnight Blue presents an extended tribute to Foreigner and Lou Gramm, including familiar ’70s and ’80s hits plus deeper cuts. The overall Star City concert program begins around 7 PM, with the featured set listed around 8 PM. 6:00 PM
Song Sung Blue – Fraze Flicks & Party on the PlazaMovie / Party on the Plaza
Ticketed; check Fraze for current price Fraze’s outdoor movie series pairs a feature presentation with a pre-show Party on the Plaza. Check the venue for gate times, seating rules and current ticket availability.
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💡 Answer to Trivia Question: The city was named for Jonathan Dayton, a Revolutionary War veteran, land investor and the youngest signer of the U.S. Constitution. |