Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More
Five Rivers MetroParks invites the community to celebrate National Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 16, during its annual Bike to Work Day Pancake Breakfast at RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E. Monument Ave.
From 7 to 9 a.m., hundreds of cycling enthusiasts will gather to enjoy a free, flying pancake breakfast, coffee, live music, cycling-related exhibitors, a photobooth and more during this celebration of human-powered transportation.
The past three decades have written a story packed full of surreal experiences, epic moments, groundbreaking involvement and huge accomplishments. The String Cheese Incident has been recognized for their commitment to musical creativity and integrity, for their community spirit, philanthropic endeavors, and for their innovative approach to the business of music.
When The String Cheese Incident’s growth first started gaining momentum in the 1990s, as the Internet was just beginning to take hold and the major-label business model was failing, the band decided to make music on their own terms.
Since then, The String Cheese Incident has gone on to carve out a completely unique approach to the business of music; they are truly pioneers of a new way of “making a band.” With the Internet as their tool, SCI was among the first artists to disseminate information online, such as tour dates, release information, and other news, to their growing fan base. Rather than doing business on such terms as “the bottom line,” SCI put their music and their fans first, opening companies of their own, including a ticketing company, a merchandise company and a fan travel agency, to best serve their community. The band’s record label, SCI Fidelity Records, has always operated under the same ideals. Even early on, SCI Fidelity embraced downloadable music and file sharing, delivering SCI’s “On The Road” series, where every show the band plays is made available for download on the Internet. Whether they realized it at the time or not, The String Cheese Incident was inventing grassroots band development. Today, literally hundreds of bands are using some version of this same approach to build their brand.
The initiative brings strangers with different political beliefs together for a conversation — not to debate politics — but to simply get to know each other as people. WYSO and StoryCorps are inviting the southwest Ohio community to join the nearly 6,000 people in 50 U.S. states who have participated in a One Small Step conversation.
In collaboration with StoryCorps and other community organizations throughout southwest Ohio, we invite you to meet someone new—a fellow resident with different perspectives from you, who you might never talk to otherwise—for a meaningful 50-minute conversation.
WYSO is one of just four stations selected nationally to host One Small Step in 2025.
With participant permission, these conversations will be preserved for future generations at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress.
We’re teaming up with civic organizations, churches, and other community groups and leaders to spread the word and connect southwest Ohio residents from all backgrounds who are ready to take One Small Step. Do you want to get your group or organization involved in the effort? Contact Ryann Beaschler for more details.
We’ll be matching participants and hosting recorded conversations throughout 2025.
Matching Partners & Preparing:
The One Small Step Experience:
Participant Agency and Privacy:
How WYSO Works with These Recordings:
The wildly successful Rose Music Center at The Heights is celebrating its 10 year anniversary with a stellar 2025 season featuring some of the biggest names in entertainment (see full list of 2025 concerts announced to date below). Located just north of Dayton in beautiful Huber Heights, Ohio, The Stuart & Mimi Rose Music Center at The Heights is a 4,200-seat, fully covered outdoor amphitheatre located in The Heights development of Huber Heights, Ohio.
The Stuart & Mimi Rose Music Center at The Heights is owned by The City of Huber Heights and managed by MEMI (Music and Event Management, Inc.) The Heights is a destination for retail, dining and entertainment conveniently located off of I-70. Construction of the Music Center began in 2013 and was completed in 2015.
More than 430 artists have performed at the venue to date (2015-2024) including Billy Strings, Brandi Carlile, Chicago, Earth, Wind & Fire, Goo Goo Dolls, Hank Williams, Jr., Diana Ross, John Legend, Lainey Wilson, Santana, Shawn Mendes, Sugarland, The Doobie Brothers, Train, Willie Nelson, Lynyrd Skynyrd and many, many more. Rose Music Center has hosted 298 Concerts, 61of which were SOLD OUT! Since opening its doors Rose Music Center has welcomed more than900,000 fans!
“The Rose is a special venue because there’s nothing like it in the region and it draws concert goers from all over the country to our city to see the incredible acts year after year,” said Huber Heights Mayor, Jeff Gore. “The Rose has also been a tremendous economic growth engine for Huber Heights as it is the center of our emerging entertainment district. The Rose generates a buzz of excitement that businesses and individuals want to be around and be part of. Our residents are proud that Huber Heights is the home of The Rose and attend the venue every opportunity they have to do so. It offers a great night out to enjoy with friends and family.
The relationship that we have also established with Stuart and Mimi Rose is vital to our success,” Gore continued. “MEMI has fostered that relationship and friendship into what it has become today. The name Rose and Huber Heights are synonymous to music, fun and entertainment. It’s impossible to express our gratitude to Rose’s foundation but there isn’t a person around who doesn’t understand how respected they are and what they mean to us as a city.”
“For 10 years The Stuart & Mimi Rose Music Center has been more than a stage – it’s been a home for artists, a place where crowds become family, and the heart of Huber Heights,” saidMEMI Director of Marketing, Lane Kolkmeyer. “MEMI is grateful to Stuart & Mimi Rose and The City of Huber Heights for their decade of partnership. To every concertgoer – whether you’ve been with us since opening night or just discovered our stage last week – we’re here because of your passion, energy, and support. We couldn’t have done it without you, and we wouldn’t want to. We look forward to the next 10 years of community, unforgettable memories, and the beats that bring us together.”
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In celebration of the 10th Anniversary the venue has created special merchandise to commemorate the occasion, including the following items:
Where to purchase 10th Anniversary Merchandise: items will be sold at the venue this summer. The T-Shirts are also available to purchase online HERE.
10th Anniversary 2025 Concerts at The Stuart & Mimi Rose Music Center at The Heights:
May 18 – The String Cheese Incident w/ The Wood Brothers
May 24 – Brit Floyd – Wish You Were Here 50th Anniversary Tour (1st show)
June 10 – Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’ w/ Abraham Alexander
June 13 – Chase Rice w/ Drake White
June 14 – Buddy Guy w/ Eric Gales
June 15 – Lynyrd Skynyrd
June 19 – David Foster & Chris Botti feat. Katharine McPhee
June 20 – The Wiggles
June 23 – Rick Springfield w/ John Waite, Wang Chung, & Paul Young
June 27 – The Fab Four – Ultimate Beatles Tribute
July 2 – Greensky Bluegrass
July 3 – Kansas & 38 Special
July 6 – Chicago
July 12 – Blues Traveler & Gin Blossoms w/ Spin Doctors
July 16 – Leftover Salmon & The Infamous Stringdusters w/ Kitchen Dwellers
July 19 – Let’s Sing Taylor – Taylor Swift Tribute
July 20 – +Live+ & Collective Soul w/ Our Lady Peace & Greylin James Rue
July 25 – Straight No Chaser w/ O-Town
July 26 – Bachman-Turner Overdrive & The Marshall Tucker Band w/ Jefferson Starship
August 2 – April Wine & Molly Hatchet w/ Sweet
August 3 – Air Supply
August 5 – Toad The Wet Sprocket w/ Semisonic & Sixpence None The Richer
August 6 – The Black Crowes
August 7 – The Temptations & The Four Tops
August 8 – America
August 9 – Dark Star Orchestra – Grateful Dead Tribute
August 16 – Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder + The Oak Ridge Boys
August 17 – Brit Floyd – Wish You Were Here 50th Anniversary Tour (2nd show)
August 18 – Rob Thomas w/ A Great Big World
September 6 – Bonnie Raitt w/ Jimmie Vaughan & The Tilt-A-Whirl Band
September 21 – X & Los Lobos
MORE SHOWS TO BE ANNOUNCED!
Get tickets at Ticketmaster.com, RoseMusicCenter.com and the Rose Music Center Box Office.
Join Sarah Sears for restorative Yin Yoga in our Energy Enhancement System at 7-8:30 pm. Our system detoxes you at the cellular level using scalar energy and re-energizes the cells for optimal natural healing. Sarah’s class is $25. An optional extra hour in the EES is available from 5:45-6:45 for $25. Text or email Sarah to register at 937-414-9158 or [email protected]. Venmo @reconnectandrise.
The newest offering from Pringles is a collaboration with Miller Lite. The limited-edition Pringles x Miller Lite crisps capture two classic summer grilling favorites in a single bite. Plus, no one has to worry about the grill’s fiery flames.
Mauricio Jenkins, US Head of Marketing for Pringles said, “At Pringles, we’re dedicated to bringing new, unexpected flavors that both surprise and satisfy our fans’ cravings to the market, no matter the occasion. That’s why we came together with the brewing geniuses at Miller Lite to bring our two iconic brands together. These crisps marry the best flavors of summer into one delicious bite that we can’t wait for fans to experience. We hope the new flavors kick off grilling season on a deliciously crispy note.”
The two limited edition Pringles and Miller Lite flavors are: Pringles x Miller Lite Beer Can Chicken and Pringles x Miller Lite Grilled Beer Brat. Both options capture classic summer grilling food with that crisp, light lager flavor.
The Beer Can Chicken has notes of garlic and onion combined with the roasted chicken and lager flavors. Those savory notes make these crisps work well with some cheese or sour cream crisps for pairing. Additionally, it would make for a great crust on a chicken tender.
The Grilled Beer Brat option is a little spicier. The black pepper comes through with a sweet caramelized onion and a hint of spice. For people who love texture, adding a few of these crisps as a topping for a grilled brat would be delicious. It would enhance the juicy brat in a delightful way.
The new Pringles and Miller Lite offerings will be available at your favorite store this May.
Beginning Wednesday, April 16 and continuing every Wednesday thereafter, talented local classical guitarist, performer, and educator, Danny Voris, will perform from 5-8pm at Whisperz Speakeasy. Join us for an evening of original compositions, classical guitar sensations, small plates, cocktails and more! Don’t forget to check our website for the secret password – you’ll need it to enter! www.thedrinkerys.com
Experience an unforgettable evening at Wholly Ground, featuring an incredible lineup of special guest vocalists: Brenda Brookshire, Sandra Rutledge, and Audrey Whitaker Wright!
Join us for a swingin’ vocal set, followed by an open Jazz Jam session welcoming musicians of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a budding jazz enthusiast, bring your instrument and join the fun!
Our talented rhythm section includes Noah Ramirez on drums, Connor Smith on bass, and Moses Mabarek on keys, all led by our host and vocalist, Kelli Campbell!
Funny, light, uplifting, and uniquely American,The Unsinkable Molly Brown has charmed audiences on both Broadway and in film adaptations. The musical’s success is attributed to its irresistible characters, entertaining storyline, and Meredith Willson’s dynamic score, reminiscent of the beloved The Music Man. The Unsinkable Molly Brown is a lively and engaging musical that tells the captivating rags-to-riches love story of Molly and Leadville Johnny Brown. Set against the backdrop of the early twentieth century in Colorado, the musical explores themes of love, romance, social classes, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Known as “the Olympics of beer,” the World Beer Cup is the most prestigious beer competition in the world, held annually in conjunction with the Craft Brewers Conference® & BrewExpo America®. The Brewers Association recognized 349 winners during the 2025 World Beer Cup awards ceremony on May 1, 2025.
Kettering’s own Eudora Brewing Company came home with a silver medal in the Brown Porter Category for their Mother Fuggle Ale.
With an ABV of 6% and an IBU rating of 28 Eudora describes this brew as rich an dchocolatey, with notes of dark caramel, coffee and roasted nutts. Mother Fuggle uses 100% English Fuggle hope and is a hybrid of the traditional English style brown ale and the more modern American style brown ale.
Eudora Brewing Company
4:00pm-10:00pm Tuesday-Thursday
4:00pm-10:00pm Friday
12:00pm-10:00pm Saturday
12:00pm-8:00pm Sunday
*Happy Hour: $1 Off Beers, Weekdays 4-6pm
Music Bingo: Tuesdays from 7-9pm
Live Trivia: Every Wednesday at 7pm
Levitt Pavilion Dayton announced the 2025 Eichelberger Concert Season, featuring a lineup of free concerts highlighting a diverse array of genres and artists. The season will officially kick off on May 31 with Funk Fest, headlined by Rick James’ Stone City Band, part of the Amplified Series powered by the City of Dayton,
This year marks the second year of the Amplified Series, which will bring back the Funk, Blues and Reggae Fests and includes the return of Jazz Fest and the premiere of Gospel Fest. The Amplified Series concerts will be held on Saturdays, with no concerts scheduled on Thursdays or Fridays of those weeks. Instead, these evenings may showcase the new PNC Community Series, supporting local organizations’ utilization of the space. Highlights include Shakespeare in the Park produced by Gem City Groundlings.
Notable dates on the 2025 Eichelberger Concert Season demonstrate how the Levitt Pavilion Dayton continues to deepen its community partnerships:
“We continue to be committed to serving our entire community,” said Lisa Wagner, executive director, “ensuring that everyone has a seat on the lawn. Partnering with other community organizations furthers that initiative.”
All concerts in the 2025 Eichelberger Concert Season begin at 7 p.m. (with the exception of select dates) and are free and open to the public, thanks to the generosity of the community. Levitt Dayton is located in Dave Hall Plaza in downtown Dayton and features lawn seating. Audience members can bring in their own lawn chairs and food and beverage – including alcohol, although glass is prohibited. Beverages can be purchased on site and lawn chair rental is available for a $5 donation.
Join us for a season of unforgettable performances and community engagement at Levitt Pavilion Dayton. For more information, visit LevittDayton.org.
Contact: Levitt Pavilion Dayton Phone: (937) 281-2144 Email: [email protected]
2025 Eichelberger Concert Season Lineup:
The venue provides access to high quality cultural and educational experiences for the entire community. Levitt Pavilion Dayton presents free family-friendly concerts with a reach annually to over 70,000 individuals of all ages and backgrounds in the Dayton region. They provide access to all, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, age, or socioeconomic status. www.levittdayton.org
Levitt Pavilion Dayton is part of a national ne
Levitt Pavilion Dayton is part of a national network of changemakers and nonprofits across the country that are strengthening the social fabric of communities through free, live music. Presenting a broad array of music genres and cultural programming, Levitt concerts are welcoming and inclusive destinations where people of all ages and backgrounds come together. Learn more: www.levitt.org
Preservation Dayton will begin hosting weekly tours of downtown Dayton this week. The nonprofit focuses on educating and advocating for local history and architecture.
Tours will be held every Friday at 5:30 p.m., held weekly through October. Tickets are $10, with all proceeds going to Preservation Dayton’s mission.
The tours will provide a leisurely walk through historic Dayton neighborhoods, like the Oregon District, the Wright Dunbar Village and more.
Preservation Dayton also offers self-guided walking tours of the 10 historically-zoned district areas located in Dayton, Ohio.
These walking tours will highlight a few of the architectural and historical features of each area.
These walking tours are intended to provide a leisurely walk through Dayton’s historic neighborhoods, allowing ample time to pause and appreciate the architecture, the streetscape, and the amenities of the area. We ask that you walk carefully, as streets and sidewalks can be uneven, and it’s important to observe the terrain while you appreciate the historical and architectural features of the area.
Click on the links below or in the navigation on the menu bar to get to each areas tour.
You can support Preservation Dayton by becoming a member for as little as $15/year. Help preserve and restore our irreplaceable architectural heritage in Dayton’s unique National Register neighborhoods. By making a tax-deductible donation, you join in the effort to preserve Dayton’s history.
Originally founded in 1983 as the Dayton Area Coalition of Historic Neighborhoods, innumerable members and leaders have been champions and advocates for the Dayton region’s historic communities and built environment. Volunteer today to support your neighbors and community. You’ll have fun and meeting truly interesting preservationists when you volunteer for one of PDI’s committees. Indicate your volunteer interests on your annual membership form or email [email protected]
Fast-casual restaurant concept, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers®, announced today the launch of its new BBQ Brisket Steakburger. Back by popular demand, the Key Lime Pie Concrete is also making its return to the menu. The BBQ Brisket Steakburger is available to order starting now through August 26th, and the Key Lime Pie Concrete is available through July 8th .
The cooked-to-order BBQ Brisket Steakburger is made with sliced brisket, pit-smoked for 16 hours, on top of two premium Freddy’s steakburger patties with American cheese, pickles and onion on a King’s Hawaiian bun with smoky BBQ sauce
“Freddy’s newest BBQ Brisket Steakburger is a delicious combination of bold, smoky flavors with tender, pit-smoked brisket layered on top of our signature steakburger patties. Each bite delivers a perfectly savory taste with a hint of sweetness from the BBQ sauce and soft and pillowy King’s Hawaiian bun,” said Erin Walter, CMO. “Whether you’re a longtime FredHead, a BBQ lover, or visiting us for the first time, this burger is a must-try!”
Freddy’s Key Lime Pie Concrete is a refreshing summer classic made with vanilla frozen custard blended with a whole slice of Key Lime Pie. The dessert is topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with cinnamon streusel.
“Our Key Lime Pie Concrete has a perfect balance of cool and tangy, making it an unforgettable treat that many of our guests call their favorite limited-time offer,” said Walter. “The zesty slice of Key Lime Pie blends seamlessly with our smooth, rich vanilla frozen custard while the finishing touch of cinnamon streusel topping adds a bit of sweetness. This dessert is one that guests of all ages can enjoy.”
10:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Two legendary bands, one historic tour! X and Los Lobos — pillars of the Los Angeles music scene — are teaming up for their first national tour together to celebrate 99 Years of Rock ‘N Roll. With all original members in both bands still rocking stages after over six decades, this tour marks an extraordinary moment in music history. This highly anticipated tour will bring X and Los Lobos to Huber Heights, OH for a performance at Rose Music Center on Sunday, September 21.
A Legacy Like No Other
These two iconic bands have paved their own paths in the industry—DIY ethics, mainstream success, top ten lists, Grammy wins, world tours, and a steadfast dedication to their craft. Now, they join forces to bring fans a celebration of their unparalleled careers.
“48 years is a long time. 51 years, even longer. But 99 years combined is an insane number for two rock and roll bands and with the same lineup? Unheard of. That’s what we got going this year when Los Lobos team up with our good amigos X for our very first American tour together. Sounds like a celebration and everybody is invited.” – Louis Perez Jr. (Los Lobos)
“This is a dream come true for me. We’re taking the 70’s & 80’s punk roots of LA both East and West all over the country. TOGETHER! 99 years and still going strong. Let’s have a party!” Exene Cervenka (X)
In addition to the tour X have released a brand new video, narrated by Exene, celebrating over 40 years of their iconic rendition of “Wild Thing.”
A limited edition 12” picture disc vinyl including “Wild Thing,” a long-time fan favorite, as well as Exene’s narrated wild history of the song will be available via Fat Possum Records. Pre-order now. The video behind the genesis of X’s “Wild Thing” was directed by James Blagden (the genius behind Dock Ellis & The LSD No-No).
X continues to ride the success of their ninth and final studio album, Smoke & Fiction, released last year via Fat Possum Records. Produced by Rob Schnapf (Beck, Foo Fighters), the album debuted in the Top 10 on four Billboard charts and has been met with overwhelming praise from both critics and fans. X will perform career-spanning hits along with selections from Smoke & Fiction and their 2020 release, Alphabetland.
Do not miss this first and last tour of its kind. This has never happened before and likely to never happen again. Long live Rock ‘N’ Roll!
ABOUT X
Formed in 1977, X quickly established themselves as one of the best bands in the first wave of LA’s flourishing punk scene; becoming legendary leaders of a punk generation. Featuring vocalist Exene Cervenka, vocalist/bassist John Doe, guitarist Billy Zoom, and drummer DJ Bonebrake, their debut 45 was released on the seminal Dangerhouse label in 1978, followed by seven studio albums released from 1980-1993. Over the years, the band has released several critically acclaimed albums, topped the musical charts with regularity and performed their iconic hits on top television shows such as Letterman and American Bandstand. X’s first two studio albums, Los Angeles and Wild Gift are ranked by Rolling Stone among the top 500 greatest albums of all time. The band continues to tour with the original line-up fully intact. In 2017, the band celebrated their 40thyear anniversary in music with a Grammy Museum exhibit opening, a Proclamation from the City of Los Angeles and being honored at a Los Angeles Dodgers game where Exene threw out the first pitch and John Doe sang the National Anthem. In 2019 X reissued and remastered their first four classic albums via their collaboration with Fat Possum Records; Los Angeles (1980), Wild Gift (1981), Under The Big Black Sun (1982) and More Fun In The New World (1983). In 2020, X celebrated the 40th Anniversary of Los Angeles and celebrated with a surprise release of Alphabetland, their first new studio album, featuring the original line-up, in 35 years. In August of 2024 X released their ninth and final album, Smoke & Fiction.
ABOUT LOS LOBOS
For over 50 years, Los Lobos have defied musical boundaries, blending rock, blues, Tex-Mex, country, R&B, and traditional Latin sounds into a style uniquely their own. Rising from East Los Angeles in the ‘70s, the band gained widespread acclaim with their Grammy-winning cover of “La Bamba” and have since built an enduring legacy with multiple awards, hit albums, and a reputation as one of the most dynamic live acts in music. With all original members still at the helm, Los Lobos continue to push the limits of their sound while staying true to their Chicano roots.
Tickets will go on sale to the public beginning at 10AM on Friday, May 2 at Ticketmaster.com and the Rose Music Center Box Office.
The Better Business Bureau is pleased to announce the recipient of BBB’s 15th annual Community Honor Award. This year, Habitat For Humanity Of Greater Dayton will receive the distinguished honor.
The Community Honor Award was established in 2011 to recognize government, nonprofit or education organizations with proven commitment to improving all aspects of life in the Miami Valley. It spotlights the honorees’ efforts to realize not only their own missions, but their roles in making the Miami Valley a thriving community, taking care of its citizens – individuals and organizations. The honorees enhance the Miami Valley marketplace by offering their own tangible and intangible resources, making a positive impact on the evolution of the Miami Valley and the betterment of its people and industries. They demonstrate a passion for and progress towards improving the quality of life. This honor is reserved for organizations, which have shown stamina, steadfast determination and truly innovative ways of giving back to the community.
Habitat For Humanity Of Greater Dayton builds new homes and renovates existing ones to provide the opportunity for low-to-moderate income families to purchase them with zero interest mortgages. It services each mortgage, allowing the organization to work with every homeowner to ensure the mortgage is successfully paid in full, resulting in transformational financial security. It even provides homeowner education classes to all partner families to prepare them for homeownership and provides critical home repair services to income-qualified homeowners who don’t have the financial resources for major repairs or upkeep. In addition, Habitat also runs two retail stores, selling donated household goods, cabinets, appliances, construction materials and hardware to the public. Funds generated in the stores offset operational costs. The organization has also expanded to serve Greene and Clark counties.
Habitat For Humanity Of Greater Dayton has grown from a volunteer mission working from a church basement to what it is today with one simple belief — everyone deserves a decent place to live. In total, the organization has served over 1000 families locally, providing safe, decent, affordable homes.
With the current affordable housing crisis, Habitat operates with five core principles: demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ; focus on shelter; advocate for affordable housing; promote dignity and hope; support sustainable and transformational development. These principles guide everything the organization does. Its success hinges on the 4000 volunteers that come out each year to help build, renovate, and repair homes.
Norman Miozzi, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton executive director, says, “We’re so excited that the BBB selected Habitat For Humanity Of Greater Dayton as the 2025 Community Honor recipient. Since 1983, Habitat For Humanity Of Greater Dayton has served the Miami Valley with integrity; providing, preserving and protecting affordable home ownership. Receiving the Community Honor recognizes not just the hard work and dedication of our employees and board members, it also recognizes the work of thousands of volunteers, corporate partners and homeowners who have been the heart of Habitat For Humanity Of Greater Dayton for 42 years.”
John North, president and CEO of the BBB serving Dayton and the Miami Valley, shares, “The selection committee was impressed with this organization’s laser focus on serving the Miami Valley. They are a true example of how strong communities thrive when committed organizations get involved. Its efforts are unbelievable and it’s our honor to recognize them.”
The public is invited to join us at the Torch Awards For Ethics Dinner on May 13 at Sinclair Community College’s Great Hall to applaud this organization. You can reserve a table for $999 or reserve individual tickets for $99 per person. To make your reservations, call (937) 610-2277.
