Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More
Equipment available upon request. Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Bring a water bottle. A valid Ohio fishing license is REQUIRED.
Explore some late summer favorites from Wine Trends’ Kara York alongside a handcrafted pairing menu!
Watermelon, feta, and basil salad tossed in a lemon preserve vinaigrette
Zardetto Prosecco DOC Brut
Seared Barramundi with lima bean purée and a creamy shallot & cilantro oil sauce
André Brunel Côtes Du Rhône
Shrimp, red bell pepper and asparagus-stuffed chicken breast with summer veggies & tarragon sauce
Les Hauts de Legarde Bordeaux Blanc
Grilled skirt steak, roasted fingerling potatoes & a wild mushroom sauce
Yves Leccia Ile de Beaute Rouge
Strawberry & Rose Tart
Boschendal Rose Garden Rosé
Listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest running play in the history of the USA! There’s been a murder at Shear Madness Salon! Figure out the clues and solve this over-the-top, hilarious murder mystery. Seen by 14 million people worldwide, Shear Madness is a wildly popular comedy-whodunit that keeps audiences laughing as they try to outwit the suspects and catch the killer. New clues and quick improvisation deliver a different show every night!
Voted “Best Comedy of the Year” seven times by the Boston Globe and recipient of the title “Best Play of the Year” by both the Chicago Sun-Times and the Philadelphia Enquirer, Shear Madness has also received the Raven Award from the Mystery Writers of America and has been inducted into the Comedy Hall of Fame, the first play ever to receive that accolade.
With seating for over 600, La Comedia is one of the nation’s largest professional dinner theatres and is perfect to celebrate any occasion! For tickets, visit lacomedia.com or call 937-746-4554.
The Concert: A Tribute To ABBA continues to be the top ABBA tribute group in the world, dazzling all who see with their fantastic performance while playing the most iconic hits from ABBA, including “Mamma Mia,” “S.O.S,” “Money, Money, Money,” “The Winner Takes All,” “Waterloo,” “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme,” and “Dancing Queen.”
Many critics agree, The Concert: A Tribute To ABBA is the most amazing and authentic ABBA tribute show in the world. Come dance, come sing, having the time of your life at THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE CELEBRATION!
*The Concert: A Tribute To ABBA is not affiliated with the original ABBA group or Mamma Mia.
This event promises to be an evening filled with fun, laughter, and mind-blowing talent, as your friends and neighbors showcase their unique abilities. But that’s not all – the Talent Show is set to be more than just an exciting spectacle; it’s your chance to star! So, grab your props, warm up your vocals, practice your dance moves, and submit a virtual try out to take part in the grand performance. Who knows? You just might be the star they’re looking for! Apply online.
All participants will be showered with gifts of ice cream at the end of the performance. Any dessert item that you choose is on us!
Twenty-nine food trucks rolled into Veterans Park in Springfield Saturday for the 10th Springfield Rotary Gourmet Food Truck Competition, but only one of them rolled out of town as the grand prize winner.
Dine-In Hawaiian, from Hamilton, Ohio, earned the $5,000 grand prize for its signature dish, soy-braised short rib with crispy korokke. The winner was determined by a panel of local chef judges, as well as anonymous roving judges during the event.
“It’s been a really humbling experience to be here with all of these phenomenal trucks and we’re truly blessed to receive this award out of so many great trucks. They deserve to have a medal, too, all of them,” said Aaron Kimura, of Dine-In Hawaiian. “Thank you so much for having me, and aloha!”
Tortilla Mexican Street Food, from Hilliard, Ohio, was named the $2,500 runner-up for its barbacoa corn tamales. Raging Bull Wood Fired Pizza, from Urbana, Ohio, was awarded the $1,500 third place prize for its Big Jimmy pizza.
Chef judges determined winning dishes based upon a combination of flavor/taste, presentation/visual appeal and creativity/originality. The panel included:
● Elizabeth Wiley – Chef/Owner of Meadowlark Restaurant and Wheat Penny Oven and Bar
● Jenn Disanto – Chef/Owner of Fresco
● Lisa Freeman – Chef/Owner of Crust & Company, Salato Deli, Le Torte Dolci and
Ironworks Waffle Cafe
● Issac Soto – Co-owner of Casa del Sabor
● Doug McGregor – Owner of Seasons Kitchen
Over 500 attendees used the Springfield Food Truck mobile app to vote for their favorite truck throughout the event, with El Cardenal Taqueria, of West Chester, Ohio, taking home the “People’s Choice” $1,000 prize in its first year competing at the event.
“I’ve always heard good things about the event from other trucks and organizations, so I put in my application and here I am,” said Chaz Himes, of El Cardenal. “It’s been a fun event to work, the people are great and it’s a nicely-run organization.”
In addition to the competition’s extensive food truck line-up, this year’s event once again featured live music from local bands and artists, including Mike Manley and Katie Harford, Andy Fox, Add On Room and Terrapin Moon.
Attendees, both new and returning, continue to praise the Springfield Rotary Club for hosting a top-notch event enjoyed by residents from across the region.
“This was my first time attending the event, and I was really impressed by the number and quality of food trucks, the entertainment line-up and the overall atmosphere of the event,” Jack Wallace, of Grandview Heights, Ohio. “My favorite thing I tried was a gyro from Greek Street, and it was delicious. I will definitely be back next year!”
While food truck vendors kept their sales revenue from the day, all money raised from concession sales, corporate sponsorships and donations benefit the many charitable causes of the Springfield Rotary Club. The amount raised from the previous nine years of the event totals more than $300,000.
“The food, drinks and entertainment are just a piece of the equation,” said Eddie Bell, past Rotary president and Food Truck Competition marketing committee chair. “This event is really about creating a lasting difference in our community, especially for our neighbors with disabilities. We’re committed to growing this event every year, making it an essential part of Springfield’s summer and a powerful force for good all year round.”
The 2025 Springfield Rotary Food Truck Competition will return next August.
Join our Bar Manager Sara for a monthly interactive class. We love that you’re loving Mixology Mondays with Sara! Have some snacks, make some new friends and maybe a new favorite cocktail. Each class begins at 6 and is limited to 15 participants.
Shakespeare in South Park launches its 15th season this summer with one of the Bard’s early comedies: “Love’s Labour’s Lost” is believed to have been written in the 16th century for a performance at the Inns of Court before Queen Elizabeth I.
This Shakespearean romp follows a group of over-eager fellas who swear off women for three years of studious solitude. But hilarity (and romance!) ensues when a gaggle of gorgeous ladies arrive, turning their scholarly pursuits into a battle of the sexes. Expect mistaken identities, witty wordplay, and a whole lot of musical mayhem in this delightful exploration of love, friendship, and the folly of taking yourself too seriously.
Bring a chair or Blanket to South Park Green for Shakespeare-in-the-park, a truly unique outdoor theatre experience! The show is free, but donations are cheerfully and most gratefully accepted. In case of inclement weather, we will perform at Hope Lutheran Church, a very short distance from the park. Ample free parking. Restrooms are available.
Free; donations are gratefully received. Rain location: Hope Lutheran Church, 500 Hickory Street, 45410. Parking at Hope Lutheran and Emerson Academy, 501 Hickory Street. Shakespeare in South Park produces one show every summer at South Park Green, 601 Hickory Street, 45410. Questions? 937-222-7324.
Friday night, August 16th, kicks off our 10 YEAR Anniversary Party! Get down with Dayton Funk All-Stars from 7PM – 10PM.
Enjoy a 10-year anniversary drink special at our container bar, and grab a Zombie Dog to celebrate!
Saturday, August 17th, the party continues! Festivities begin at 4PM with live music, local vendor & charity booths, PLUS food trucks!
Hayner Hits the Road will host a day trip to Indianapolis on Wednesday,
September 12th featuring a tour of the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home at 528 Lockerbie St. One of the only preservations of a 19th-century residence in the entire country, this National Historic Landmark offers visitors a chance to step through the front door and back in time. Built in 1872, the Italianate style Home features original Victorian art and furnishings, as well as many artifacts that belonged to Riley. He became a national celebrity through his poetry about Indiana, nature, and childhood. He joined the lecture circuit and recited his poetry in major theaters across the country. He introduced the rest of America to what it meant to be from Indiana, earning him the nickname the “Hoosier Poet.” At the peak of his career in 1893, his friends, the Nickums and Holsteins, invited him to share their home at 528 Lockerbie St. He lived here for the next 23 years of his life until his death on July 22, 1916. Traveler’s will enjoy a lunch of German cuisine at The Rathskeller German Club. Established in 1894, The Rathskeller is the city’s oldest restaurant still in operation today and is regularly voted the best German restaurant in Indy. Located in the basement of the Athenaeum, The Rathskeller is reminiscent of both a quaint inn tucked in the Bavarian hills and a lively beer hall in Munich. The day will conclude with a visit to the Newfield’s Campus including the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Fairbanks Park, the Gardens, Lilly House & the Elder Greenhouse. Founded in 1883 as the Art Association of Indianapolis, the first permanent museum was opened in 1906 as part of the John Herron Art Institute. The name Newfields is a celebration of the IMA’s past and a commitment to its future. It is because of the Lilly family’s generous donation of the Oldfields estate 50 years ago, and generations of dedicated supporters, that the museum and campus has become the cultural institution we find there today. In 1969, the Art Association of Indianapolis changed its name to the Indianapolis Museum of Art, and in 1970 the museum moved to its current location.
Chicago will be the destination for a five-day/four-night trip on October 7th-11th. Lodging will be at the historic Palmer House. The story of downtown Chicago’s Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel is one of romance and undeniable charm. Potter Palmer was a Chicago business magnate—well-known for various endeavors, including his significant role in the development of downtown Chicago’s iconic State Street. Bertha Honoré Palmer, 23 years Potter’s junior, was a wealthy socialite who also had a drive to learn and succeed. An introduction by Potter’s former business partner, Marshall Field, sparked a romance—and eventual engagement—between Potter and Bertha that led to perhaps one of the most extravagant wedding gifts of all time – Palmer House. It was a grand Chicago Hotel—one destined to take its place among the most luxurious hotels in Chicago and beyond. However, only 13 days after its grand opening, the Palmer House fell victim to the Great Chicago Fire. But that didn’t deter Potter. Determined to rebuild his hotel, Potter secured a $1.7 million loan–negotiated on his signature alone. On November 8, 1873, the new Palmer House welcomed its first guests, marking the opening of what would become the nation’s longest continually operating hotel. The trip will include breakfast at the Hotel each morning and dinner destinations including Morton’s Steak House, Topo Gigio in Olde Town, and Greektown, a touring Broadway Show, Navy Pier, Skydeck Observatory, Art Institute of Chicago, Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, Lincoln Park Conservatory, Water Tower Place, an Architectural Cruise and guided tour of Chicago.
The Hayner Hits the Road trips are all-inclusive including transportation, lodging, breakfasts & dinners, admission to all scheduled activities, and gratuities.
Please visit www.troyhayner.org for additional information, to register and to pay. If you have questions, call David or Rachael at the Hayner, 937-339-0457. The Troy-Hayner Cultural Center is proudly supported by the citizens of the Troy City School District through a local tax levy and generous gifts to the Friends of Hayner. Troy-Hayner Cultural Center is located at 301 West Main Street, Troy, OH 45373. Hours of operation are Monday 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Tuesday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Friday & Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. The Hayner Center is closed on holidays.
Learn about gear, food, trip planning and other tips and tricks during this classroom session, setting you up to have a safe and enjoyable backpacking adventure.
The finalists of Bricky’s Comedy Club months long roast battle series face-off to determine who is the Roast Battle Champion!!
Back in July Val’s Bakery was visited by Cleveland foodie influencer Emily Pentecost and she posted a video about what she called “the best bakery in Ohio.” The video has over 28K views on Tik Tok, went viral and just overloaded the bakery with business.
As owner Paige Woodie said “we were not at all ready or expecting the crowd we received” since the video. So they struggled to keep up with the baking, triple their output and still couldn’t supply enough treats for the demand. So she limited buying to two items per guest and still couldn’t keep up.
She just recently shared this update via facebook:
