Events in Dayton today

Now in its sixth year, this triathlon is organized for Down syndrome. This annual event is dedicated to this cause.

Set in downtown Oakwood, this farmers market takes place in all weather. Launched in 2013 by local residents, it was created to bring together area farmers, gourmet food purveyors, and artisans in the heart of the business district. Its purpose is to offer an inclusive, engaging, and educational environment where people from Oakwood and neighboring Dayton communities can gather while supporting local businesses.

Enjoy a free day devoted to community wellness, featuring classes, healing experiences, and local flavors. Admission is free, with complimentary classes available throughout the day. Explore first come, first served mini sessions that include four handed Ayurvedic massage, chair massage, reflexology, and brief astrology readings focused on the solar eclipse. The day includes a ribbon cutting, an introduction to the team, and a grounding sound bath with meditation. Continue with interactive Ayurveda plus somatic trauma and lymph drainage exercises with Anjali Brannon, then experience Princess Layers Energy Healing Adventures with Christina Blockberger. Enjoy live violin from Moira Levant, take time for lunch and browse vendors, and receive guidance for the Leo solar eclipse with astrologer Lauren Wilde. Move with a belly dance class led by Asiya, followed by open dancing with music curated by Emissary of OHM, DJ Scorpius Max. Food is available for purchase from Nourishing Souls Juice Bar and Maharaja Indian Restaurant, and goods are offered by Rad Creations LLC. Door prizes are given throughout the day, and participation in three classes or mini sessions qualifies you to enter.

Build strength, improve mobility, and cultivate a deeper connection with yourself in a dynamic yoga class led by Tori. Move through a breath-centered flow that blends empowering movement with a calm, meditative focus. Suitable for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike, with options offered throughout so you can tailor each pose and feel the benefits beyond the mat. Please bring your own yoga mat, a water bottle, and towels.

Ohio’s Hospice is holding a butterfly release to remember and honor people who have touched our lives and continue to live on in memory. A brief program with music will lead into a shared release of butterflies dedicated to loved ones. If attending is not possible, butterflies ordered will be released on the requester’s behalf. Butterflies are $20 each, and registration is required. Sponsorship opportunities are available, and net proceeds benefit Ohio’s Hospice patient care and services. Orders placed by the deadline allow names to be included in the program.

Designed for babies and toddlers ages 6 to 23 months, this playful session at Russ Nature Preserve invites little ones to explore water through safe, sensory activities. The theme is all about water play, with small pools, touch tables, and gentle slides available. Projects are hands-on and meant to be completed with help from an accompanying adult. The format is flexible, so families can come and go as needed to finish the activities. No registration is needed and drop-ins are welcome. Little ones must wear swim diapers, and a parent or guardian must stay with their child and assist throughout.

Storytime features a reading of "The Lost Robot".

Bites in the Heights is a food truck festival bringing 20+ Dayton-area trucks and family-friendly activities to the Rose Music Center. The day also includes a cruise-in car show and live music by The Prince Project.

This family friendly back to school gathering supports young readers who feel nervous about starting kindergarten or first grade. Enjoy a cheerful storytime featuring school themed books, along with plenty of games, crafts, and hands on activities designed to build confidence and spark excitement for that first morning. All ages are welcome.

Explore fresh flavors and wellness options with juicing using the NamaJ2 juicer, a demo on Noma, and the opportunity to sign up for a Juice Detox or a Sugar Detox. Sip on watermelon pineapple juice and try mocktail samples, with donations accepted, and keep an eye out for giveaways.

Bring your best take on a German classic to a friendly cook-off held as part of the 43rd GermanFest Picnic. Entrants should deliver 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of German potato salad to the Liederkranz Clubhouse Great Hall, where judging will follow and may adjust based on the number of submissions. Each entry must include a complete recipe with standard U.S. measurements, a full list of ingredients in the order used, step-by-step preparation directions, and any other helpful notes. Potatoes are required, any variety is welcome, and please indicate whether they are peeled or unpeeled. Include your name, address, all phone numbers, and an email address if available. Eligible dishes will be evaluated on originality, ease of preparation, appearance, consistency, and taste, and all judging decisions are final. If there is a tie, the entry with the higher originality score will be selected. Recipes may be shared in a future newsletter and could appear in later editions of the Dayton Liederkranz Turner cookbook. Contestants may be photographed or interviewed on video, and images or footage may be used in future posts and emails from Dayton Liederkranz Turner. To participate, email Culinary@DaytonGermanClub.org or call or text 937-985-4853, or register online. The winner will receive a Dayton Liederkranz Turner gift card and bragging rights, with the announcement taking place during the Opening Ceremony.

Pickleball for Pups brings a community tournament to Black Barn Pickleball with men’s, women’s, and mixed divisions open to every skill level. The event raises funds for HALO dogs and pairs spirited matches with activities for participants and spectators, including raffle baskets, a 50/50 drawing, and door prizes. Registration is $50 per player, with proceeds helping provide care for dogs in need.

Ride aboard small-scale trains operated by the Carillon Park Rail & Steam Society on a 7.5 gauge, one eighth scale railroad that spans Carillon Historical Park. The Society was established in 1984 and offers miniature train rides for visitors of all ages. Dates and times are subject to change.

Liberty High School's Community Day features local vendors, food trucks, and community resources, along with kid friendly activities like bounce houses, craft stations, face painting, and more. Families can learn about the school and complete student enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year. Vendor opportunities are available for those interested in participating.

Leah Brunner appears for a book signing. A bestselling romance author, she creates love stories charged with chemistry and grounded in authentic, imperfect characters. Look for bold, quick-witted heroines and heroes who are completely smitten. Attendees can collect autographs and celebrate her work with fellow romance readers.

Enjoy a classic Afternoon Tea in the historic Dayton Woman’s Club Victorian-era clubhouse. Your ticket includes a curated tea service with a selection of teas, delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and sweet treats. This month’s gathering also features classical guitarist Christina Darding, providing music for a relaxing afternoon of conversation and connection. Reservations are required, and seating is limited.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1992699164844?aff=oddtdtcreator

A live performance presents music across the decades, starting in the 1960s and reaching into the present day. The program spans many eras to create a broad musical journey through time.

Center Court comes alive with live music and an upbeat atmosphere as Spungewurthy takes the stage. This long running Dayton band, performing for more than two decades, brings a high energy mix of rock, pop, dance, country, and rap hits. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to settle in and enjoy the show. Arriving early leaves time to have dinner at one of the restaurants, sip something refreshing, and shop favorite spots for a full day and night out.

Settle in for a contemporary whodunit where anyone at the table could be guilty. The Dinner Detective turns a full-course meal into a high-energy, laugh-filled investigation as the story unfolds throughout the room. Disguised performers mingle with diners and improvise on the spot, trading accusations and pulling guests into the action. Expect to collect clues, question suspicious characters, and piece together the mystery before the evening wraps up... the culprit may be closer than you think.

The Levitt Lawn Lit Club convenes for its third 2026 meeting with a community discussion of Medicine River by author Mary Annette Pember. The memoir interlaces personal narrative, history, and journalistic elements to explore Indigenous identity, family, and healing, while examining the lasting effects of boarding schools, cultural displacement, and intergenerational trauma. It also highlights resilience and the act of reclaiming one’s story. Pember, an enrolled citizen of the Red Cliff Band of Ojibwe in Wisconsin, encourages reflection on belonging, memory, and the preservation of culture across generations. The conversation centers on the book’s themes of storytelling, identity, and healing, and on the voices that deepen understanding across communities. After the discussion, a free concert features Supaman, an Indigenous hip hop artist, dancer, and motivational speaker whose performance blends music, culture, and storytelling to honor Indigenous pride, resilience, and connection. This event is free to attend. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for comfortable seating, and look for food trucks and drinks available on site. The Levitt Lawn Lit Club fosters conversation and community in downtown Dayton by bringing books and live music together. Support comes from Dayton Metro Library and Brunner Literacy Center.

Levitt Pavilion Dayton is hosting a free, family-friendly evening celebrating the Native American community through music. Supaman takes the stage on Saturday, August 8 at 7:00 PM. The event highlights Supaman’s Native American hip-hop style and the idea of music connecting and uplifting the community’s well-being.

Paw Patrol Dayton Night brings baseball and community support together at Day Air Ballpark. Half of each ticket purchased through the designated fundraising link benefits Paw Patrol Dayton, helping fund veterinary care, supplies, and other assistance for rescue dogs. Families, friends, and dog lovers can enjoy the game while making a meaningful impact. To ensure the donation applies, use the fundraiser link when buying tickets.

Enjoy a casual outing on the patio at Pins Mechanical Co. in Dayton with patio games and the chance to meet bulldogs. Play a few games, say hello to the dogs, and have a good time.

A fun afternoon dedicated to cheering for the Dragons, celebrating the end of summer and building excitement for the brand new school year.

Wrap up the weekend with a weekly Luck of the Draw darts night. Entry is $10, with an optional $3 mystery out. Signups take place before play begins, and all participants must be present, registered, and paid before the first throw. Enjoy a friendly atmosphere focused on darts and good times.

Every summer Monday, Rabbit Hole Books welcomes children from infancy through age 18 to choose any book in the store for free. Visit weekly to pick out new reads, and look forward to a Back to School party that concludes the program.

Explore Woodland, established in 1841 and counted among the country’s oldest rural cemeteries. This walking tour visits the graves of the Wright Brothers, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Erma Bombeck, James Ritty, members of the Stanley and Mead families, George Newcom, and other notable and notorious Dayton residents. Participants gather at Eichelberger Plaza by the main entrance. Parking is available inside and outside the gates. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water if desired. The tour runs in most weather, pausing only for thunder or lightning. A reservation is required, and a suggested $5 donation supports the Woodland Arboretum Foundation and its restoration, preservation, horticultural, and educational efforts that help keep Woodland a cultural resource for Dayton and Ohio.

Experience a free, all-levels yoga flow led by Aleasha. Newer practitioners receive clear modifications to build comfort and familiarity with each pose. Those with more experience get personalized guidance to refine alignment and deepen their practice. Open and welcoming to everyone, this class supports participants at any stage of their yoga journey.

A dynamic bootcamp with The Unit reimagines RiverScape as an outdoor training course. Participants move through stair runs, pushups beside the reflecting pools, and stretches along the levee for a session that keeps the pace steady and the energy up. The supportive community behind The Unit offers encouragement throughout, helping make this a routine worth returning to each week. All fitness levels are welcome.

Gem City Pinball League meets on Mondays at Canal Street Arcade and Deli and offers a clear, structured format for both newcomers and returning players. Membership is $20 per session, with standard coin drop each week. Most holidays and weeks when the league is not in session are skipped, and any additional Monday exclusions are communicated to members. Each week, participants are placed in groups of three or four, play four randomly selected machines, and earn points based on finish order. The season features eight weeks of regular play followed by two nights of finals, and each player competes on one of those nights. Overall standings determine placement into A or B divisions, so everyone qualifies for a finals tournament. Finals details may shift based on league needs and the number of players. Consistent attendance is important. There are no make up weeks, but one low weekly score is dropped from your total at the end of the eight week season. Players are expected to communicate their attendance status each Monday. Missing three weeks in a season results in removal from the rankings and ineligibility for that season’s finals, though league operators may consider exceptions if contacted promptly with a valid reason. If removed for attendance, you may still play for fun during the remainder of the season, but scores will not be recorded, and you can sign up again next season if space allows. A respectful environment is required. Disrespectful behavior may lead to removal. Decisions by league directors are final, and not following league rules can result in disqualification. Mechanical issues can occur in pinball and may require a game to be stopped or restarted, and related rulings are not open to argument. The focus is friendly competition, fair play, and a welcoming atmosphere for all.

Two exhibitions from the Marian Library invite visitors to reflect on the Annunciation, the moment when Mary said yes to becoming the mother of Jesus. “Blessed Among Women: The Annunciation in Contemporary Art” fills the Stuart & Mimi Rose Gallery on the first floor of Roesch Library with 30 works from John A. Kohan’s Sacred Art Pilgrim Collection, a gift to the Marian Library. A companion show, “Fiat and Faith: Symbolism of the Annunciation,” in the Marian Library Gallery on the seventh floor of Roesch Library, explores the meaning of familiar motifs often found in Annunciation imagery, including the spindle, the book, the lily, and the dove.

Stop by the Dayton Metro Library for a Small Business Resource Fair where local entrepreneurs can connect with regional resource partners, join quick trainings, and learn about free and affordable tools to start and grow a business. The event includes lunch and is open to the public, with grab-and-go food provided. Expect networking opportunities with other business owners and economic development professionals, plus session programming from small business support organizations.

A networking gathering at Troll Pub brings together Dayton area veterans, spouses, and nonprofits that support the military community. The focus is on building connections and exploring ways to continue supporting business within the military community.

Registration is required for this free stuffed animal session designed for toddlers ages 2 and 3. Participants will create a tortoise to keep and imagine their new friend setting off to see the world, after it says goodbye to all the animals. The activities are inspired by the picture book See You Later, Alligator by Sally Hopgood. Older siblings are welcome to assist. There is also a stuffed animal program for older children called Christmas in July.

Immortal Tree Qigong offers an hour of Tai Chi and Qigong that focuses on ease and accessibility. The session begins with breathwork, a gentle warmup, and simple movements to prepare the body. It continues with guided, flowing sequences drawn from the Tai Chi 24 form, interspersed with brief standing meditations. The practice concludes with a longer guided meditation that can be done standing or seated, followed by a short time for questions or reflections. No prior experience or special equipment is required, only your body and your breath.

This guided walk traces stories tucked among quiet trees and historic stones at Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum. Inventors and pioneers rest here alongside people whose lives ended amid scandal, sudden loss, or unresolved mysteries. Expect accounts of murder, misfortune, and curious turns of fate, with narratives that can feel stranger than fiction. The tour meets at Eichelberger Plaza by the main gates. Parking is available inside and outside the gates. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and bringing water is wise. Tours proceed in most weather, pausing only for thunder or lightning. Reservations are required. A $5 donation is suggested, and contributions support the Woodland Arboretum Foundation’s restoration, preservation, horticultural, and educational work that helps keep Woodland a cultural resource for Dayton and the state.

Designed for busy summer schedules, this book club invites participants to read the text independently while still engaging in a meaningful study. A group leader will stay in touch with check-ins throughout June and July. Afterward, the group meets at a local park to discuss the book together with refreshments and desserts.

This event features live music by Reyna Spears at RiverScape MetroPark, bringing a sound shaped by Andean roots and years of singing in churches across the United States and South America. Her set blends heartfelt vocals, authentic storytelling, and an engaging stage presence. The RiverScape Café will be open with flatbreads, sides, desserts, and other refreshments available for purchase, and guests 21 and over can choose from a full selection of cocktails, wine, and beer through the Downtown Dayton DORA. Attendees can relax by the café, take in the sunset over the river, and enjoy oversized lawn games.

A monthly gathering guided by Jesse Sage of Akunah’s Dream and Jeff Wilson offers a gentle space to realign body, heart, and spirit. The experience blends mindful movement that honors the body, a guided meditation that nurtures the heart, and an immersive sound bath that helps weave inner connections. The intention is for participants to explore within, then emerge with a renewed sense of empowerment and the confidence to share their light. This is a donation-based community offering with no required fee to attend. Contributions to The Temple Of The Rebel Goddess are encouraged, with suggested amounts of 10, 20, or 30 dollars, and any amount is welcome. All are invited, including guys, gals, in-betweens, and all other pals. Please bring a water bottle, a yoga mat, a blanket, and any additional supports needed for comfort while lying on the floor. A limited number of mats are available on a first come, first served basis. Guests are asked to use designated guest parking and not park in the main courtyard, which is reserved for tenants. Vehicles may be towed if the courtyard is used without explicit permission. Please allow time for parking and for the walk from the parking areas. About the facilitators: Jesse Sage creates experiences that help deepen connection to self, the body, the natural world, and the Divine, drawing from energy work, divination, meditation, ritual, yoga, sound baths, and art to open the heart and support transformation. Her work emphasizes that each person is already worthy and whole. Jeff Wilson is devoted to community and unity, exploring mindful vitality through sound, herbal infusions, breath, movement, and meditation.

Karaoke at The Yellow Cab Tavern is hosted by MC Zane Gerlach. Entry is free, and a catalog of more than 60,000 songs provides a wide range of choices. If a favorite track is not available, the team will do their best to add it.

Enjoy a lively karaoke night with Limelight Entertainment in a family friendly setting, where singers of all levels can take the stage and share their favorite songs. The atmosphere centers on upbeat music and plenty of fun. Happy hour features drink specials, including half off drafts and $2 off liquor.

Join the fun at Book Boogie for a story followed by a dance party. This program is suitable for families, and it will be held in the Community Room.

Greene County Parks & Trails offers Wobbly Walkers, a friendly program of brief, gentle strolls created for participants of every ability level. The atmosphere is inclusive and social, with a relaxed pace that works well for anyone using mobility aids, those in recovery, or people who simply prefer to take it slow. Enjoy fresh air and conversation while spending time outdoors with both new acquaintances and familiar faces. Registration is not required, and walk-ins are welcome. Bring a walker, cane, wheelchair, or come without any equipment.

Explore the living collection at Woodland Cemetery on a guided walk led by tour guide Kay Linden. This Level II accredited arboretum is home to more than 3,000 trees, including 165 native species, featuring 25 varieties of oak and 10 trees recognized as current or former State Champions. Gather at Eichelberger Plaza by the main gates, with parking available within the grounds. Wear comfortable walking shoes and consider bringing water. Tours take place rain or shine, pausing only for thunder or lightning. Reservations are required, and a suggested $5 donation supports the Woodland Arboretum Foundation and its restoration, preservation, horticultural, and educational work that helps keep Woodland a cultural resource for Dayton and Ohio.

Enjoy free, out-of-the-box lunchtime entertainment at Courthouse Square. CURIO is a community event hub featuring free activities from noon to 2 p.m. during the summer, with food vendors also setting up each weekday for a relaxed midday break outdoors.

Explore the imagery carved into historic gravestones on a guided walk that looks at how symbols have conveyed beliefs about death and the afterlife, ties to fraternal or social groups, and details about a person’s trade, profession, or cultural background. Some icons are easy to read, while others make more sense with context and history. Meet at Eichelberger Plaza by the main cemetery gates. Parking is available inside and outside the gates. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water if needed. The tour proceeds in rain and pauses only for thunder or lightning. Reservations are required, and a suggested $5 donation supports the Woodland Arboretum Foundation and its restoration, preservation, horticultural, and educational projects that help maintain Woodland as a cultural resource for Dayton and Ohio.

Paddle beneath the fountains at RiverScape MetroPark as Taiters Kayak sets up along the shoreline between the bike trail and the river. Rentals are offered on a walk-up, first-come basis, and small groups can coordinate a reserved slot. Choose the duration that fits your outing with options for 30 minutes at $15, 1 hour at $25, or 4 hours at $60. Upon arrival, scan a QR code to pick your rental, complete payment, and sign the waiver, with cash and tap-to-pay also accepted. Participants must be at least 10 years old, minors need an accompanying adult and a signed waiver, and the weight limit is 300 pounds. Friendly staff provide help getting in and out of the water, and first-timers receive simple instruction before heading out. Restrooms are available in the park near the canteen. The fleet includes 18 single sit-in kayaks and 2 sit-on-top doubles. Parking is available downtown.

A grilled pork chop served with green beans, coleslaw, and a roll is available for $10. Meals are offered until they sell out.

A Buddhist-inspired, peer-led gathering focused on recovery and freedom from the suffering of addiction. This inquiry meeting invites participants to explore written questions through personal journaling and meditation, followed by group conversation. The questions draw on recovery principles alongside teachings such as the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the Five Precepts. People navigating any form of addictive pattern are welcome, including challenges related to substances, food, screen use and scrolling, codependency, overspending, or other behaviors. The emphasis is on empowerment, mutual support, and finding one’s own inner wisdom on an individual path. This is a donation-based meeting, and no pre-registration is required. Guests are asked to use designated guest parking unless accessible parking is needed. The main courtyard is reserved for those with accessibility needs and for building tenants, and vehicles parked there without permission may be towed.

On Par Entertainment hosts a Marvel trivia event for fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Tackle rounds covering heroes and villains, the Infinity Stones, and famous quotes. Dressing up is encouraged, teams can compete together, and participation is free. Prizes await the top finishers.

Catch The Goo Goo Dolls with Neon Trees at The Rose Music Center at The Heights. The show gets underway in the evening, with tickets available through Ticketmaster.

At Beavercreek Golf Club, this benefit golf scramble turns every swing into support for Toward Independence. Golfers of all experience levels can enjoy 18 holes in a team scramble format, along with a catered lunch, beverages, raffles, prizes, and contests such as longest drive and closest to the pin. The event also offers opportunities to connect with community leaders and local businesses in a welcoming setting. Player entries and sponsorships directly advance Toward Independence’s mission to empower people with developmental and intellectual disabilities to live fully with dignity, choice, and independence. Proceeds help provide safe, supportive housing, job training and employment opportunities, community integration programs, and remote support with 24/7 assistance. Ways to take part include registering as an individual or with a team, sponsoring a hole or the event, or contributing raffle items or gift baskets. Businesses and organizations are recognized as champions for inclusion, with sponsorship options that offer notable visibility and promotional benefits.

A toddler-focused storytime featuring brief, playful stories selected to engage the youngest readers.

ORB will take part in the weekly farmers market at the Dayton VA Medical Facility, offering honey, syrups, jams, and more. The market takes place on Thursdays throughout the summer.

Part of the museum’s long-running Jazz & Beyond series, this concert features the Alex Nicodemus Jazz Trio. The series brings together returning favorites and new talent from the region’s jazz community and has been part of the museum’s programming for more than 25 years. Performances are held in the Shaw Gothic Cloister unless otherwise noted. Admission is free for museum members, and entry for non-members is included with general museum admission. A cash bar will offer alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and snacks from Leo will be available for purchase.

Enjoy a laid-back book discussion with drinks and food at Crafted & Cured. This meeting highlights Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid. No registration is required, and the gathering is for adults.

Music takes the place of numbers in this lively bingo game, and every round brings dance-worthy energy. Bring friends, sing along to familiar tunes, and mark your card for a chance at prizes. Settle in by RiverScape Café with food and drinks, then see how quickly you can match songs to your squares. Five in a row wins, so keep your ears sharp. Participation is free, but arrive early because bingo sheets are limited. RiverScape Café will be open with flatbreads, sides, desserts, and other refreshments for purchase. Guests 21 and over can choose from a full selection of cocktails, wine, and beer available for purchase as part of the Downtown Dayton DORA.

Throw it back with a high-energy team music trivia night at Oregon Express. Expect a mix of iconic hits, guilty pleasures, and nostalgic jams that span eras and genres. It is free to play and open to all ages. Bring a team, enjoy pizza and drinks, and see who knows their tunes best. Held on Thursdays except the first Thursday.

Settle in on the lawn for a high-spirited night with Grammy-winning artist Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience. The performance blends zydeco with New Orleans funk, reggae, blues, and global influences, creating an upbeat sound rooted in Louisiana traditions. With more than 7,000 shows and tours spanning over 45 countries, Simien leads concerts that spark dancing, connection, and shared joy, turning the gathering into a celebration of rhythm and community. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome, and local food trucks add to the experience. All are welcome on the lawn. Support from Susan & Kurt Stedje and WHIO helps make free live music possible for the community.

An evening of cult cinema pairs a seldom-seen screening of KIDS (1995), a provocative coming-of-age independent film, with a screening of Wildwood, NJ (1994), a documentary shot on Super 8 by an all-women crew. Framed around the end of summer and the start of school, this two-film program highlights distinct voices from the mid-1990s.