Dayton937

2025 Diced Chef Challenge To Benefit Miami Valley Meals

July 8, 2025 By Dayton937

Miami Valley Meals’ signature fundraiser, Diced in Dayton will return on Tuesday, Sept 9th. This interactive, food-filled event showcases and celebrates the creativity of local chefs as they craft unique dishes from a set of mystery ingredients. Participating chefs must meet the challenge that MVM chefs face each day: how to transform unpredictable ingredients into something new and delicious. Moving to a new venue this year, the event will take place at the Schuster Center.

Guests delight in the ingenuity and flavor of the dishes while learning about what Miami Valley Meals does to help those who are food insecure in our community. Guest get to taste the bites created by each chef that have been given a mystery box of ingredients to feature in their taste.

At the end of the night, the top two chefs, as voted by the people and by judges, compete in a live cook-off with a new box of mystery ingredients for the title of Diced in Dayton Champion.

Chefs Patrick and Casey Van Voorhis of Grist Provisions (Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice winner).

2025 Competing Chefs

General admission tickets run $75 which includes 6pm entry, ability to sample tastes from all chefs, and free parking in the ARTS Garage.

VIP tickets are $150 includes 5:30pm early entry, ability to sample tastes from all chefs, access to a VIP.lounge area with additional seating, 2 drink tickets, 1 raffle ticket, free parking in the ARTS Garage, and an exclusive gift.

VIP Table for 8 – Limited availability – A table includes 8 VIP tickets and a dedicated, reserved table at the event. VIP Admission includes 5:30pm early entry, ability to sample tastes from all chefs, 2 drink tickets, 1 raffle ticket, free parking in the ARTS Garage, and an exclusive gift. $1,440.00

Tickets can be purchased online here.

All funds raised from this event allow Miami Valley Meals team of chefs transform recovered (a.k.a. “rescued”) foods into hearty and nutritious prepared meals that are then distributed to a network of nonprofit partners serving people experiencing food insecurity in the Miami Valley—free of charge. This program currently distributes an average of ~4,000 meals per week to 50 partners per month.

Freddy’s Introduces Dr Pepper Frost

July 8, 2025 By Dayton937

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers^®, announced the launch of its new Dr Pepper Frost – an ideal treat for the summer. The limited-time offer is available to order starting July 9 through August 26 at participating Freddy’s locations nationwide.

Freddy's new Dr Pepper Frost is available for a limited time starting July 9. — Freddy’s new Dr Pepper Frost is available for a limited time starting July 9

Freddy’s new Dr Pepper Frost is made with vanilla frozen custard blended with Dr Pepper and its 23 unique flavors, topped with whipped cream to make a cool and creamy treat that pairs perfectly with any summer plans.

“Freddy’s Frosts feature a lighter, refreshing taste made with our signature freshly churned vanilla frozen custard, and we’re excited to add the Dr Pepper Frost to our existing lineup of frosts for a limited time,” said Rick Petralia, Director of Menu Strategy & Innovation. “The new treat combines our rich and creamy frozen custard with the one-of-a-kind taste of Dr Pepper’s iconic 23 flavors. Guests will find that it’s just right for cooling off during the warmer season.”

McDonald’s Introduces Spicy McMuffins.

July 7, 2025 By Dayton937

Starting July 8 the Golden Arches introduces new Spicy McMuffin breakfast sandwiches that come in three variations will be available for a limited-time at participating restaurants nationwide.

The new sandwich includes what customers “already love about the iconic Egg McMuffin — melty cheese, a freshly cracked egg (now sourced 100% cage-free in the U.S.), Canadian bacon and a perfectly toasted and buttered English Muffin — plus a fiery, delicious twist: a shot of McDonald’s signature Spicy Pepper Sauce,” the company said in its announcement.

Customers can also opt for the new Spicy Sausage McMuffin or the Spicy Sausage McMuffin with Egg.

But don’t snooze too long, the Spicy McMuffin won’t last forever. Set that alarm clock on July 8—because this one’s worth waking up for.

Shrek The Musical

July 7, 2025 By Dayton937

Join Epiphany Players Drama Ministry for their 34th musical as Aaron Brewer debuts as Director, with Music Director Kandis Gibson and Producers Michele Borns and Megan Wean Sears. Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek The Musical is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure, featuring all new songs from Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie; Caroline, or Change) and a sidesplitting book by David Lindsay-Abaire. Shrek brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage and proves there’s more to the story than meets the ears.

PERFORMANCES: July 10-20, 2025

Thurs-Sat, July 10-12 | 7 PM

Sun, July 13 | 2 PM Matinee

Thurs-Sat, July 17-19 | 7 PM

Sun, July 20 | 2 PM Matinee

Tickets: $18 Adults/$15 Seniors, Students & Military. Purchase online.

Hosted by Epiphany Lutheran Church, 6430 Far Hills Ave., Centerville. Learn more about Epiphany Players at our website.

EMO Night with Flicker // Fade

July 7, 2025 By Dayton937

Get ready to scream your favorite lyrics and relive your Warped Tour days—EMO NIGHT is coming to Dayton! Featuring a full live performance by Flicker//Fade, this high-energy night will bring you the best of Emo, Pop-Punk, and nostalgic anthems from the golden era of angst.

Whether you’re a former scene kid or just discovering the genre, this is your night to sing, jump, and feel everything. Black eyeliner optional—but encouraged.

📅 Thursday, July 10, 2025
📍 The Brightside – 905 E 3rd St, Dayton
🕖 Doors at 7 PM

🎟 Tickets:

$17 in advance
$20 at the door
🎫 Advance tickets available here: https://www.thebrightsidedayton.com/event-details/emo-night-with-flicker-fade
👥 All ages welcome (under 18 requires adult supervision)

Summer Class Registration Now Open at DLM Culinary Center

July 7, 2025 By Dayton937

The Dorothy Lane Market Culinary Center Summer Class Schedule is here! Whether you’re a curious beginner or seasoned home cook, the lineup of hands-on classes invites you to explore bold flavors, master new techniques, and connect with fellow food lovers. From making pastry to trying ethnic cuisines, these experiences are designed to provide food education and elevate your kitchen game. Come cook, taste, learn, and celebrate the joy of food all summer long.

The variety of classes range from Summer Fruit Desserts, Farm-To-Table Flavors Of Summer, The Limitless World of Flatbread and several classes for junior bakers.

But hurry, these classes sell out quickly!
Make your reservation for a spot now.

Young’s Ice Cream Charity Bike Tour Rally Rides

July 6, 2025 By Dayton937

The Young’s Ice Cream Charity Bike Tour is dedicated to bringing together community members of all ages and abilities to raise funds for four local causes, promote healthy living, and celebrate the joy of cycling. We ride for the Alzheimer’s Association, T1D Breakthrough, South Community Behavioral Health and United Rehabilitation Services. Through our annual bike tour, we aim to support these impactful charities while spreading the love for fitness, fun and ice cream! Together, we ride, we give, and we make a difference.

Rally Rides (Training Rides)

Get to know fellow riders and the charities – each charity supports one rally ride and all four are there for the main ride in September!

Rally rides are a great way to get ready for the big ride, especially if you aren’t used to going on long distance rides. The first rally ride has a $5 fee, the second $15, and the third $25. The fourth rally ride is a $35 fee (lunch included). ALL FEES ARE WAIVED IF YOU ARE PRE-REGISTERED FOR THE MAIN RIDE.

Every rally ride begins at 9am. Please plan to arrive about 30 minutes early to register/check-in.

#3 – Saturday, July 12 – Link to Route

K&G Bike Center (Kettering – Marshall Rd) to Bellbrook & back – 50 miles

#4 – Sunday, August 17 – Link to Route

Young’s Jersey Dairy (in Yellow Springs) to Jamestown and back, lunch provided – Approximately 60 miles

Chicago Plays The Rose

July 5, 2025 By Dayton937

Multi-Grammy award winning, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Chicago will return to Huber Heights, OH for a performance at Rose Music Center

Hailed as one of the “most important bands in music since the dawn of the rock and roll era”, the legendary rock and roll band with horns, Chicago, came in as the highest charting American band in Billboard Magazine’s Top 125 Artists Of All Time. Chicago is the first American rock band to chart Top 40 albums in six consecutive decades.

Moonlight Bike Ride

July 4, 2025 By Dayton937

Join the Greene County Parks & Trails Trail Sentinels for a moonlight ride along the region’s bike trails.

GCP&T Trail Sentinels are an elite volunteer group who patrol the trails and coordinate several cycling events.

All night riders must be 18 and older, wear a helmet and have lights on their bikes.

All rides begin at 7 p.m. The average speed of the ride is 10 MPH.

Night Ride: Xenia Station to Cedarville (Mom & Dad’s Dairy Bar)	18y and up	N/A	Sa	07/05/2025 07:00 PM – 09:00 PM Xenia Station	$0.00 Res, $0.00 Non-Res


No Registration Required	Night Ride: Xenia Station to Young’s Dairy	18y and up	N/A	Sa	07/19/2025 07:00 PM – 09:00 PM Xenia Station	$0.00 Res, $0.00 Non-Res
No Registration Required

No Registration Required	Night Ride: Xenia Station to Jamestown (McDonald’s)	18y and up	N/A	Sa	08/02/2025 07:00 PM – 09:00 PM Xenia Station	$0.00 Res, $0.00 Non-Res
No Registration Required

No Registration Required	Night Ride: Xenia Station to Yellow Springs (O&E Corner Cone)	18y and up	N/A	Sa	08/16/2025 07:00 PM – 09:00 PM Xenia Station	$0.00 Res, $0.00 Non-Res
No Registration Required

No Registration Required	Night Ride: Xenia Station to Cedarville (Mom & Dad’s Dairy Bar)	18y and up	N/A	Sa	08/30/2025 07:00 PM – 09:00 PM Xenia Station	$0.00 Res, $0.00 Non-Res
No Registration Required

No Registration Required	Night Ride: Xenia Station to Jamestown (McDonald’s)	18y and up	N/A	Sa	09/13/2025 07:00 PM – 09:00 PM Xenia Station	$0.00 Res, $0.00 Non-Res
No Registration Required

No Registration Required	Night Ride: Xenia Station to Yellow Springs (O&E Corner Cone)	18y and up	N/A	Sa	09/27/2025 07:00 PM – 09:00 PM Xenia Station	$0.00 Res, $0.00 Non-Res
No Registration Required

No Registration Required	Night Ride: Xenia Station to Spring Valley (End of Season Carry-in)	18y and up	N/A	Sa	10/11/2025 07:00 PM – 09:00 PM Xenia Station

Rides will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather

Bourbon vs Barrel: The Ultimate Pairing Experience

July 4, 2025 By Dayton937

Join ModeX Tequila Bistro and Wright Dunbar Cigars for a night of fire-grilled meats, aged bourbon, and hand-selected premium cigars.

Featuring:

Buffalo Trace

E.H. Taylor

Weller Antique

Eagle Rare

Menu Highlights:

Shrimp Cocktail · Ribeye · NY Strip · Filet · Godiva Chocolate Cake

July 9th | 6PM–9PM

4492 Glengarry Dr, Beavercreek, OH

$95 | Limited seating – reserve now!

Bourbon. Smoke. Flavor.

Taco Bell’s New Refrescas Drink Menu

July 3, 2025 By Dayton937

Taco Bell says it has a “vision to make its beverages as iconic as its food.” That’s one of the reasons the chain just unveiled multiple new drink options nationwide. Here are the just launched six new wild drinks- New Taco Bell Refrescas! These are all available now but only for a limited time. Here’s a quick description of the new drinks:

Dragon Fruit Berry Refresca

The first drink Taco Bell added to the roster? The Dragon Fruit Berry Refresca. Tropical dragonfruit and mixed berry flavors, real freeze-dried The dragonfruit pieces, and green tea. Contains 51mg of caffeine.

Mango Peach Agua Refresca

Mango Peach Agua Refresca has been describes as a tropical mango and juicy peach flavors, real freeze-dried mango pieces, and green tea. Contains 51mg of caffeine.”

Strawberry Passionfruit Agua Refresca

Flavor three is Strawberry Passionfruit Agua Refresca. Strawberry passionfruit flavors, real freeze-dried strawberry pieces, and green tea. Contains 51mg of caffeine.

Tropical Punch Rockstar Energy Refresca

Tropical Punch Rockstar Energy Refresca Tropical punch–flavored beverage featuring Rockstar Focus Energy, packed with Lion’s Mane, B vitamins, guarana, and taurine for a charge of energy. Contains 200mg of caffeine. says Snackbetch. “I tried the Tropical rockstar punch. Taste like no sugar Rockstar punch,” one follower writes.

Pineapple Lime Rockstar Energy Refresca

This pineapple lime–flavored beverage featuring Rockstar Focus Energy, packed with Lion’s Mane, B vitamins, guarana, and taurine for a charge of energy. Contains 200mg of caffeine.

Strawberry Lime Refresca Freeze

A twist on their Wild Strawberry freeze, infused with tart citrusy lime flavor and crafted with real freeze-dried strawberry pieces. This drink contains no caffeine.

McDonald’s Launches Lil Happy Meals with Miniature Toys

July 1, 2025 By Dayton937

McDonald’s is going small in a big way this summer with the launch of Lil McDonald’s Happy Meals, a limited-time collection of 21 miniature toys inspired by the fast-food giant’s most iconic features. Starting July 1 through August 11, 2025, customers across the U.S. can collect tiny versions of McDonald’s staples—from a Boo Bucket and Happy Meal box to a mini cash register, delivery truck, and even a pint-sized PlayPlace.

The Lil McDonald’s collection taps into the joy of imaginative play and nostalgia, with toys that replicate everything from a McNugget box to a self-ordering kiosk. “There’s something magical about watching your child’s imagination come to life with these tiny toys,” said Anna Engel, Director of Marketing for McDonald’s USA. The toys are designed to let kids “play McDonald’s” at home—turning kitchen tables into drive-thrus and living rooms into mini restaurants.

Each Happy Meal includes one of the 21 collectible toys and a scannable code that unlocks Drive Thru Dash, a digital game where players race to take orders and earn points. Families can also download a Lil McDonald’s placemat from HappyMeal.com to create their own play zone, or use the McDonald’s app to find nearby restaurants with real PlayPlaces.

Making A Difference in Dayton: Libby Ballengee

July 1, 2025 By Dayton937

Libby Ballengee’s career started as a photo researcher and studio photographer in the educational publishing industry. She found that job the old-fashioned way: a newspaper classified ad! She either took photos for the books or researched ones that were historical or otherwise too costly to photograph in the studio. She also learned how to be an art buyer, which is someone who commissions custom illustrations from artists.

It wasn’t until she was in her mid-thirties that she found a new career path: being a concert promoter. It very much started as a hobby. It started as just wanting to throw one show for her best friend’s birthday. He wanted New Riders of the Purple Sage to perform in our hometown, and she happened to know someone who recently bought a music venue. The venue owner was willing to show me the ropes, which was invaluable. That first show came together beautifully, sending me down a path of producing more concerts for my friends and neighbors in Dayton, Ohio, over the last decade.

So this month is the official 10th Anniversary of Venus Child Productions! After that first show with New Riders of the Purple Sage at Oddbody’s, she slowly started to get into promoting shows, including developing Dayton Porchfest with Peter Benkendorf and culminating with him connecting her to Carli Ricciardi Dixon, where we developed The Brightside Music & Event Venue!

With her production company she view concerts and live experiences through the lens of the audience. Musicians themselves produce a lot of the local concerts she has attended in the past, and they often have a different perspective on building a show. They like to book their friends rather than who would fit best together. There is also usually a lot of politics about who performs in what order, which doesn’t necessarily lead to the best outcome.

Libby likes to ensure there is a natural flow and crescendo of energy during the concert. So, she tend sto place bands in an order that feels good to her, not necessarily in an order of who has been a band longer or has more clout. She wants the experience to feel good to the people paying to be there.

She admits she’s a fan, first and foremost, so little things matter. Is the ticket staff-friendly when you arrive? How is the sound quality? Is there toilet paper in the bathrooms at the of the show? I’m proud of the reviews we’ve received, especially from other women who really feel cared for at our shows.

Libby always dreamed of being a ballerina when she was little, and while that didn’t work out, she still wanted to support dancers in our community. For several years, she served on the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance board, which is home to the Dayton Ballet, Dayton Philharmonic, and Dayton Opera. She also volunteered for the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Stivers School for the Arts as well as the Board of Advisors for the Dayton Dance Initiative and the Dayton Ballet Barre.

“Anywhere can be boring – it’s up to you to engage with the community and explore. I’ve traveled a lot, but there’s no place else I’d rather be. As a music lover, Dayton was the perfect place to grow up in the 90s. If I can keep that tradition alive in any small way, I’ve achieved my goal! “

Thanks Libby for all you bring to the Miami Valley, keep bringing us the music!

If you’d like to nominate someone for Making a Difference In Dayton, drop us an email and tell us about your nomineed.

Learn To Make Biscuits With Master Baker Bill Evans

June 30, 2025 By Dayton937

Master Baker Bill Evans

In a unique fundraiser, join Miami Valley Meals founding board member Bill Evans, a retired certified master baker (CMB) and former owner of Evans Bakery, for a fast-paced, hands-on lesson in Biscuit making.

In a one-hour class on Sunday, July 27th at 10am Evans will introduce you to a technique called lamination that will enable you to produce not only flaky biscuits, but also other laminated products-Danish, croissants, puff pastry, even pie crust.

If you are among the 25 amateur bakers to sign up for this $25 event, Bill will guarantee you a fun-filled hour and enough knowledge to have bragging rights the next time you have friends over for biscuits and gravy, strawberry shortcake, scones, or a combination of the two.

Looking forward to a sell-out crowd. The proceeds will be split between Miami Valley Meals and Bill’s charity, Luke meets Nehemiah (LMN), a door-to-door emergency meal delivery ministry that always includes Miami Valley Meals.

As a bonus, if you prove to be an energetic crowd, pay attention, and don’t make a mess, Evans will have time to squeeze in a bonus biscuit recipe, “Hootie’s mystery biscuits.”

Reserve your spot online here. The class will be held at Miami Valley Meals, located at 428 S Edwin C Moses Blvd in Dayton.

Matilda: The Musical at La Comedia

June 29, 2025 By Dayton937

Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence, and special powers. She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her school teacher, Miss Honey, who recognizes her extraordinary personality.

The school’s mean headmistress, however, hates children and loves to punish those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts and could be the students’ saving grace!

Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.

Matinees: Thursday, Friday & Sunday: Arrival time, 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. Buffet opens around 11:15, show begins around 12:30 p.m.

Evenings: Thursday – Sunday: Arrival time, 5:30 – 6:00 p.m. Buffet opens around 6:15 p.m., show begins around 7:30 p.m.

Step Right Up! Plan A Visit Your County Fair This July

June 29, 2025 By Dayton937

Taste the Tradition
From deep-fried delights to local barbecue, fair food is a world of its own. You’ll find lemonade shaken fresh, award-winning pies, and plenty of vendors serving up mouthwatering treats you won’t get anywhere else. It’s a perfect opportunity to indulge in your favorites—or discover something new.

Feel the Fun
Midway rides, games of chance, and the nostalgic call of the carousel bring out the kid in all of us. Test your aim at the ring toss, race down a giant slide, or take a spin on the Ferris wheel for unbeatable views of the fairgrounds. There’s no better place to laugh, cheer, and make memories with friends and family.

Celebrate Community
The heart of any county fair lies in its local flair. You’ll find livestock competitions, craft exhibits, baking contests, and homegrown talent on display. It’s a chance to cheer on your neighbors, see youth 4-H projects up close, and appreciate the agricultural roots of the region.

Entertainment for All
From live music and tractor pulls to talent shows and fireworks, the fair’s entertainment schedule is packed with high-energy events day and night. Whether you’re grooving to a local band or catching a daredevil stunt show, there’s always something exciting around the corner.

Support Local & Have a Blast
Your visit to the county fair supports small businesses, local farmers, artisans, and performers. It’s a way to give back to the community while having a whole lot of fun.

So grab your sunscreen, bring your appetite, and get ready to enjoy a summer tradition that never goes out of style. Each county fair only comes once a year—get all the details here.