Happy weekend, Dayton! In today’s edition: Electric air taxis expansion, an interactive mystery dinner, Jesus Christ Superstar, and more.

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

Commercial air service ambitions: Joby Aviation bought a second Dayton-area factory to expand production of electric air taxis. The 700,000-square-foot site is ready for use, complementing its facility at Dayton International Airport — read the full story.

Multi-building retail vision unveiled: Beavercreek planners approved 5-0 Woodard Development’s rezoning for nearly nine acres at 3676 Col. Glenn Highway, sending it to the City Commission, with shops planned to serve Wright State — get details on the plan.

Cold nights, page-turning goals: Dayton Metro Library has launched an Adult Winter Reading Challenge, inviting local readers to build daily habits with weekly themed books and activities. The program supports simple resolutions for 2026 — see how to get involved.

Emerging artists take the spotlight: Dayton Battle of the Bands kicks off this month with alternative and rock up first. Winners reach March 7 finale with prizes including studio time and a Levitt Pavilion slot — get details on prizes and perks.

New palates, old roots: Dayton’s wine scene is growing, with several new bars in the last two years. Silver Slipper embraces adventurous pours, while Dorothy Lane Market engages younger drinkers with education and tech — read the full story.

Art break, anyone?: If your week needs a reset, The Dayton Art Institute offers a low-key wander through galleries, a timely special exhibition, and that feel human again quiet. Go solo or bring a friend… ideal when the group chat fizzles and you just want art and calm.

Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had its best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.

📆 Sneak peek at next week

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🕵 Wassail, Wit, and Who Done It? @ Spaghetti Warehouse | Monday (1/19) at 7:00 PM – Whether your inner Columbo is rusty or your holiday spirit needs a top-off, this interactive mystery dinner at Spaghetti Warehouse delivers pasta, wassail, and plot twists. You sleuth between courses, they handle the dishes, and it’s only $39.95 with reservations.

✂ Beginner Class – Cards or Scrapbook @ Memory Books & More by Karen | Tuesday (1/20) at 6:30 PM – Got photos aging on your phone and a birthday card emergency every other week? This beginner class lets you make scrapbook pages or cards, no experience needed. Twenty-five bucks, RSVP ahead, all materials included, and zero glitter explosions to clean up at home.

🏹 Introduction to Archery(Wednesday Session) @ HotShots Archery Academy | Wednesday (1/21) at 6:00 PM – If you’ve been meaning to try archery, this five-week Wednesday session keeps it simple with one hour a week, coaches, and gear provided. Ages 8 and up. Miss week one and your spot vanishes, reschedules are a maybe, and leave the backyard bow at home.

🌱 Spring Gardening Preparedness @ College Hill Community Church | Thursday (1/22) at 6:00 PM – Dust off those gardening gloves and learn how to actually keep basil alive with Tia Stuart, BIPOC Initiatives Director at the Argaria Center for Regenerative Practice. Practical tips for starting and growing a home garden, plus answers to your questions. Call 937-385-3833 for info.

📚 Aimee Noel Book Launch @ The Contemporary | Thursday (1/22) at 6:30 PM – Celebrate Dayton’s own Aimee Noel with wine, light bites, and a reading, then snag a signed copy like the excellent neighbor you are. It is free, friendly, and delightfully low effort. Come for the pour, leave with book club bragging rights.

🍖 Dance Team Fundraiser @ City Barbeque | Friday (1/23) at 11:00 AM – Skip cooking and swing by City Barbequeue for a fundraiser that feeds you and funds the dance team. Pile up ribs, brisket, and sides, pretend the sauce stains are school spirit, and feel smug knowing your dinner just paid for a few extra pirouettes.

🎤 Jesus Christ Superstar @ Dayton Playhouse | Friday (1/23) at 8:00 PM – Craving some drama that isn’t on your neighborhood Facebook group? Dayton Playhouse is staging Jesus Christ Superstar, the rock opera we grew up hearing on car cassettes. Expect big voices, bigger feels, and zero stream buffering, so grab seats, hum quietly, thank me later.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Dayton report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 34°F – Low: 13°F – Precip: 43%

A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy. High near 34, with temperatures falling to around 28 in the afternoon. West wind 7 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible. Later: A slight chance of snow showers before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 13. West wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

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Tomorrow – High: 24°F – Low: 12°F – Precip: 0%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 24. Southwest wind 6 to 12 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 12.

Most popular house this week

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The primary suite brings a walk-in closet and updated bath. Bedroom two adds a walk-in. A private laundry room with washer and dryer and a two-car garage with workshop add convenience. Gas heat, central air, updated doors and lighting, replacement windows, dimensional shingles, and a one-year Cinch warranty.

Take a peek inside →

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