Dayton937

Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

Dayton937

The Holly Jolly Variety Hour is coming to town!

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The Holly Jolly Variety Show returns! The Dayton Playhouse is bringing back its holiday-themed fundraiser on Saturday, December 13th. Hosted by Brandon Shockney, the evening showcases an exciting mix of local performers and includes special presentations from Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus group NOTEWORTHY, Funk Lab Dayton, Dayton Poetry Slam, and much more! Come ring in the holidays with a night of song, dance, comedy and seasonal cheer!
Tickets are available now for the 8 pm show, which also includes a 7 pm social hour with drinks and treats!

Dayton Backpacker Campfire

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Bring your family and friends to the original Dayton Backpacker Campfire, featuring adventure, nature and travel programs.

The programs are free and open to the public. All ages are welcome.

The programs are on the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm at Cox Arboretum MetroPark, in Dayton, Ohio and last about 90 minutes.

The Dayton Backpacker Campfire is presented in partnership with Five Rivers MetroParks.

backpackercampfire.com

Thursday, January 08, 2026, 6:30pm-8:00pm
Thursday, February 05, 2026, 6:30pm-8:00pm
Thursday, March 05, 2026, 6:30pm-8:00pm
Location
6733 Springboro Pk
Miamisburg, OH

The Texas Tenors Christmas

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Ring in the holiday season with this beloved trio of musicians. The Texas Tenors have amassed a huge fan base worldwide, with over half a million followers on social media and more than 20 million views on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. In 2019, they were Billboard Magazine‘s #10 Classical Artists in the World and are considered the most successful touring group in the history of America’s Got Talent. As consummate professionals, these three friends with a simple All-American dream have proven their impact to be long-lasting. A traditional family Christmas experience, The Texas Tenors make a stop in Troy, OH, to perform Christmas favorites, presented with award-winning harmonies and arrangements.

Santafoolery Bike Tour

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We aren’t elfing around! Let’s get in one more Tomfoolery Outdoors bicycle ride in downtown Dayton, OH to send 2025 out in style.
Get in the holiday spirit while cruising around the Gem City decked out in your finest Santa suit, ugly sweater, holiday costume, onesie and/or hang some stockings and lights on your bike, and get ready to ride!
Most of this ride will be at night. Bring appropriate lights, clothing and helmet.
Brace yourself we traditionally take awkwardly close portraits for those who aren’t camera shy!
The Plan: *Schedule subject to change. Estimated arrival times at stops listed below.
Note – if you would like to eat while on tour and stay with group your best option is at Troll Pub for welcome party or call ahead for Old Scratch Pizza.
5-6 pm – Welcome and Registration Party at Troll Pub
6 pm – Start Ride from Troll Pub
6:30 pm- Stop #1 – Carillon Holiday Tree
7 pm – Stop #2 : @Old Scratch Pizza
8 pm – Stop #3 – Courthouse Square Holiday Tree
8:30 – 9:30 pm – Finish Line Party at Troll Pub
To learn more about the Santafoolery Bike Tour presented by New Belgium Brewing contact Tom Helbig at 937-417-2228

5 course Martini Pairing Dinner

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Sip, savor & celebrate the season. 🍸✨
Join us for our Merry Martini 5-Course Pairing Dinner, featuring festive flavors and handcrafted martinis made to toast the holidays.
📅 Two dates to choose from: Thursday, Dec 4th & Tuesday, Dec 9th
🕕 6:30 PM | 💵 $80 per person
Seats are limited! Reserve your spot and make it a night to remember. 🎁

COURSE 1

SEAFOOD CHOWDER

Creamy white wine chowder with roasted shrimp and scallops, topped with bacon.

VEUVE CLICQUOT YELLOW LABEL

The epitome of classic champagne celebrated for its elegance and consistency, this champagne’s vibrant acidity and fine bubbles provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy texture of the seafood chowder.

Course 1

COURSE 2

SHAVED BRUSSELS SPROUTS SALAD

Fresh salad mix and shaved brussels sprouts tossed in maple balsamic vinaigrette, topped with toasted macadamia nuts, grape tomatoes, feta, balsamic glaze and crispy onions.

FROSTED ROSEMARY POMEGRANATE

Made with Grey Goose vodka, cranberry, pomegranate and mango flavors, the sweet and tart elements of the martini enhance the sweetness of the vinaigrette while balancing the earthy, slightly bitter notes of the brussels sprouts and spinach.

Course 2

COURSE 3

LOBSTER STUFFED SHRIMP

Jumbo shrimp stuffed with lobster imperial, topped with lemon butter sauce.

PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE

Absolut Pear vodka, St~Germain Elderflower liqueur and lemon juice give the martini a crisp fruitiness that brings a refreshing acidity, cutting through the buttery richness of the sauce.

Course 3

COURSE 4

FILET & CRAB CAKE WITH BANG HOLLANDAISE

Wood-grilled filet paired with a lump crab cake, topped with a creamy spicy hollandaise sauce, finished with green onion, served with asparagus.

WINTER WHITE COSMO

Hand-shaken with Reyka vodka, Cointreau liqueur, St~Germain Elderflower liqueur, fresh lime and cranberry juice, this citrus-forward and slightly floral martini pairs well with the rich filet and spicy hollandaise.

Course 4

COURSE 5

BOURBON CHOCOLATE BROWNIE

Rich, flourless brownie topped with warm chef-crafted bourbon macadamia nut sauce and fresh whipped cream.

CHOCOLATE ORANGE MARTINI

Patrón Silver tequila, Cointreau, Creme de Cocoa, and chocolate topped with sweet cold foam and orange zest. This pairing is indulgent yet balanced. The cocktail’s bright citrus and subtle tequila notes cut through the richness of the brownie.

Course 5

The DGMC Present “Slay” Bells Ring!

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Join the DGMC and start the holiday season off right with “Slay” Bells Ring! The chorus will be slaying traditional songs as well as some new holiday favorites. For over two decades the DGMC has been ringing in the holidays at the historic Westminster Presbyterian Church for two concerts. You will not want to miss this event!
2 shows- 2pm & 6pm
Tickets on sale NOW! $30 for adults, $20 for student and active duty and children under 7 are free!

2026 Battle of the Bands Line Up Released

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The annual concert series competition kicks off in January at the Brightside Music and Events Venue in downtown Dayton and features six preliminary rounds from which six finalists are chosen to compete at the finale on Saturday, March 7. “The goal of Dayton Battle of the Bands is to give a platform for the outstanding local musical talent we have in the Dayton community, while providing a prize package that helps launch them to their next level,” says organizer Libby Ballengee of Venus Child Productions.

The preliminary rounds are organized by genre and are judged by both a crowd vote and a panel of judges made up of local music industry professionals and tastemakers. The winner of the finale is chosen entirely by the audience. The competition is for original music only with participants who live within a 35-mile radius of downtown Dayton.

Grand Prize winner gets:

$1000 cash prize, a Free EP recording session with Dayton Sound Studios, the opportunity to perform at Levitt Pavilion Dayton during the Summer 2026 Concert Season and 50, 1 color design T-shirts, printed by Little Monster Printing.

Black Friday Deal:
This year for Black Friday they are offering a special on the  Battle of the Bands Series Pass!  Get the  SERIES PASS for just $50 (Regularly $75) – That’s just $7.14 per show!
Get into ALL 6 weeks + the Finale for less than a pizza! Save $60 off door prices!
Option 2 is for a  VIP TABLE FOR TWO – $300 (Regularly $400)
Want guaranteed seating? Snag a table for 2 and save $50! **This is the ONLY way to get a table at the Finale (other than being a sponsor). Limited quantity available!**
This sales starts Black Friday and runs through Cyber Monday at midnight
Don’t miss 7 nights of original, local music for an unbeatable price. Support Dayton’s music scene and discover your new favorite band!
NOTE: Individual week tickets will be on sale soon as well!

 

Previos Battle of the Band Winners:
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2020

THE KATAWICKS

The Katawicks are a soulful indie folk rock trio that has the distinction of being our first-ever Dayton Battle of the Bands winners! Allison Justice (leader, singer, guitar, ukulele), Matt Washburn (lead guitar), and Tony Powers (bass) make up this fantastic group. Listen to The Katawicks Spotify here. 

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2022

BOHEMIAN FUNK

Bohemian Funk blew audiences away with their dynamic sound and throwback look. Led by Rocko Dalian, this band is self-described as rock’n’soul, mixing blues, rock, soul and, of course, funk, to create their sound. Take a listen here.

IMG_8269.JPG2023

CRABSWITHOUTLEGS

Crabswithoutlegs is a young, nine-piece original jazz-fusion ensemble made up of performing arts students. Led by singer Eleanor Dakota and bass player & composter, Carter Griffin, they enchant audiences with their robust sound and undeniable talent! Explore their music here.

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2024

FREAKQUENCY

Freakquency rocked our stage with their energetic funk-fusion originals and mad skills! Led by a dynamic front man, Sayyid Jones, this group has been honing their skills and sound for several years and are ready to take on the world!  You can listen to Freakquency here.

 

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2025

Empire pool

Empire Pool knocked our socks off with their high-energy rock and incredible stage presence! Their originals are infused with funk, surf, jam, and indie influences. This young band is one to keep your eye on! You can listen to Empire Pool here.

 

It’s MetroParks Ice Rink Opening Day!

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As far as traditions go, not much can top ice skating with your friends and family on a cool winter day. Gather your loved ones to the MetroParks Ice Rink where you can listen to holiday music while gliding on the ice, then enjoy food and drinks from the RiverScape Café. At 150 feet by 70 feet, it is one of the region’s largest outdoor skating rinks and the coolest spot in town.

The ice rink officially opens Friday, Nov. 28 at 11 a.m. and will remain open daily through Feb. 27, 2026 (weather permitting), with the exception of Christmas Day (closed). To view hours of operation through the entire season, please visit the ice rink page on metroparks.org. Skate admission is $7 and skate rentals are $3, ages three and under skate free with a paying adult. Visitors receive a 75% discount — $1.75 admission and $0.75 skate rental — on admission and skate rental by presenting either a SNAP/EBT or Access to Nature card at the Rental Office. This discount is made possible by the Five Rivers MetroParks Access to Nature financial assistance program, supported by the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation.

Season passes are also now available. If ordering a season pass online before Opening Day on Nov. 28, guests can take advantage of presale pricing and purchase an individual pass for $32 or a family pass (for families up to five) for $96. Both passes include admission and skate rental for an unlimited number of visits all season long. During opening weekend (Nov. 28 through Nov. 30), there will also be a sale where they can be purchased at $34 for individuals and $102 for families. On Dec. 1, season passes will return to the full price of $40 for individuals and $120 for families.

The MetroParks Ice Rink Season is presented by Dayton Children’s, along with additional sponsors The Rehabilitation Institute of Ohio, MSD, Inc., Enterprise Roofing, DICK’S House of Sport, Flying Ace Express Car Wash, Musick’s Body Shop, ABC22/FOX45/Dayton 24/7 Now and Winans Coffee & Chocolate.

Feeling a bit wobbly on the ice?

Whether you are new to ice skating or are just looking for a refresher, there is no better place than the MetroParks Ice Rink to Learn to Skate. For adults and kids who may be a little wobbly on the ice or would like some extra support, we have you covered with our skate helpers. These provide a sturdy and safe option for you to gain confidence at no additional charge. Be aware that there are a limited number of skate helpers and they are available on a first come, first serve basis.

If you are new to skating or looking for a more structured approach, we have you covered. Participants will receive enthusiastic, hands-on training from a certified skating instructor for a total of three courses, covering an assortment of skills to gain more confidence on the ice. Classes are offered by age group (children, youth and teen/adult). To learn more or to register, please view our website.

  • Learn to Skate: Sundays – Nov. 30, Dec. 7 and Dec. 14 (Registration Required)
  • Learn to Skate: Sundays – Jan. 4, 11 and 18 (Registration Required)
  • Learn to Skate: Sundays – Feb. 1, 8 and 15 (Registration Required)

Ice Skating 101

If you are planning your first visit to the MetroParks Ice Rink, you may be a little overwhelmed and not sure what to expect. Don’t worry! With a little bit of practice and patience, ice skating can be a magical experience. Here are some tips and tricks to help you gain confidence on the ice.

  • Dress Appropriately: Wear warm, layered, nonrestrictive clothing. Don’t forget to bring a hat and gloves, and wear tall socks to keep your feet warm and comfortable inside the skates. Consider bringing a backpack to keep all your belongings together in a dry place.
  • Getting to RiverScape MetroPark: The MetroParks Ice Rink is located just off the interstate on the edge of the Great Miami River. There is metered parking available (for FREE after 6 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends) along Monument Ave., Patterson Blvd., Harries St. and St. Clair St.; there is also a parking garage and open lot just north of Monument Ave. on Water St., all within a five-minute walk of the park.
  • Check in at the Rental Office: The Rental Office is located right next to the RiverScape Café. Stop in and pay for admission and your skate rental. If you choose, there are also lockers available to rent for $1 each. Then, have a seat on the nearby benches where you can lace up comfortably in the MSD Warming Zone.
  • Warm-Up Exercises: If you are new to ice skating, we recommend a few gentle stretches of your arms, legs and neck to help loosen your muscles before heading out.
  • Start with Penguin Steps: Maintaining balance is key to successful ice skating. Before you try using a push step, begin with a penguin march. Stand near the outside of the rink, keeping your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees slightly, keep your back straight and your head looking straight ahead (don’t look down). Then start taking some tiny penguin marching steps. Just like that, you are taking your first steps on the ice.
  • Start Gliding: Once you gain confidence, try taking small gliding steps or pushing off in between steps to gain momentum. If you feel yourself losing balance, try to relax and bend your knees slightly to absorb the impact. Falling forward? Make your hands into fists and extend your forearms at a 90° angle to cushion the fall without putting pressure on your wrists. Falling backward? Tuck your chin, round your back and try to land on your butt.
  • Take Breaks: Remember to reward yourself for all your hard work with a visit to the RiverScape Café for some hot cocoa and snacks. You can also warm up in the heated comfort tent.
  • Practice and Patience: Try not to get discouraged if you stumble or find it challenging at first. With consistent effort and perseverance, your balance, control and overall skating abilities will improve. Remember to have fun!

 

Every Friday is Theme Night

Theme Nights are back at the MetroParks Ice Rink this year every Friday from 6 to 10 p.m. Guests will enjoy custom playlists linked to each week’s theme that will play throughout the evening as well as custom décor. Visitors are also welcome to relax in one of several warming areas, including a heated comfort tent containing games and seating.

Plus, every Sunday in January and February is Family Skate Day. For more information on upcoming events, please visit the ice rink page on metroparks.org and the RiverScape Facebook page.

Dayton Turkey Trot

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“Donut” stop until you get to the finish line! Dayton’s very own Bill’s Donuts & a commemorative finisher medal waiting for you at the finish line!

RUN DAYTON

-Chip-timed, fun run categories & kids categories. You choose!
-11 YEARS STRONG. Run the tradition!
-Complete a 5K/Half Marathon and make room for leftovers!

Funk and Wine Party in Yellow Springs

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Basim Blunt, better known as DJ Radio Basim, curates a deep-digging blend of funk, soul, retro R&B and radio-inspired grooves. He has strong ties to the Dayton and Yellow Springs area, and brings a rich musical background that spans community radio, DJ culture and local music advocacy.

Montgomery County ArriveSafe Offers Free Rides for Thanksgiving Weekend

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The ArriveSafe program will be available from 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26, to 6 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 30. Anyone can click here to get a free $20 Uber ride home.

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Montgomery County Prosecuting Attorney Mat Heck, Jr. stressed the importance of the program and encouraged people not to drink and drive.

“If alcohol is going to be included with your meal, all I ask is that you drink responsibly. Do not drink and drive. Over one-third of traffic deaths in Ohio involve alcohol-impaired drivers,” said Heck. “The good news is that the number of alcohol-related traffic crashes has dropped for three years in a row. I’m going to ask the public to continue that tradition.”

Heck said it’s easier than ever not to drink and drive by using the free ride program.

“In 2007, we started a program and have given over 23,000 free cab rides home, keeping our streets safe. But more importantly, keeping our citizens safe and alive so they can enjoy the holidays and their families and loved ones,” said Heck.

He said in 2024 alone, the county gave 2,000 rides home. Heck said the free program doesn’t cost taxpayers anything. “It’s not costing the public one cent, that’s the other great thing about it. We pay for this with the support of Budweiser, Heidelberg Distributing and money that we seized from drug dealers,” said Heck. “It’s a win-win for everybody.”

 

Gulzars Presents Flavor of the Streets

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The aromas of Indian Streets await your presence at the heart of Dayton Downtown. This event will highlight some of India’s most popular Street Foods. It will be the opposite of everything formal. Bring your authentic, adventurous side to enjoy the marriage of dynamic flavors and textures along with great conversations. Nothing compliments these urban bites better than our beautifully crafted cocktails, so do bring your designated driver.

See you at the dinner table!

Mystery Dinner Theater

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It’s a murder mystery whodunnit!!! Seasonal themed Mystery Dinner Theater shows with a delicious 3 course Italian Meal.

IIt’s Christmas time and The Wassail Warblers, a group of long-time friends and semi-committed amateur carolers, are making their annual rounds of holiday cheer. Armed with matching scarves, an curated setlist, and exactly one person who can actually sing, they’re determined to brighten their town with off-key classics and questionable choreography.

Midway through “Good King Wenceslas,” one of the carolers slips away. But when they’re still missing by dessert, the group begins to panic. Can you solve the mystery? Join us for holiday fun and see.

Join Mayhem & Mystery to find out!

MAYHEM & MYSTERY INTERACTIVE DINNER THEATRE
Dinner & Show only $39.95 (tax and gratuity not included)
Call 937-461-3913 for Reservation (Required)
Shows start at 7:00PM (Mondays)
Select Fridays & Saturdays

 

 

 

 

Please call to make reservations. 937-461-3913. Go to our website to see show details. www.thespaghettiwarehouse.com

Wayne and Clover Coffee to keep the ‘Light’ on for Dayton!

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Press. Wholly Grounds. MidDay. Dayton has some amazing coffee shops. Among them has been the beloved ‘Ghostlight’ in South Park Historic District. Facing challenges, the owner faced a tough decision: how to move on. With that, 2 of Ghostlight’s biggest fans, Tim Farquhar and Joshua Stucky heard the news and immediately reacted! ‘No way are we letting this place go. It is a Dayton Landmark. We have to find a way to keep the ‘light’ on.’  Within less than 2 weeks, a deal was struck to save the iconic shop. ‘We are thrilled…and a bit overwhelmed!’ says Farquhar.

‘It happened so fast, we are definitely playing catch-up to all things. We are looking for bakers, retail opportunities, graphic artists and events for the space. All the while, we are keeping the world’s best coffee shop team intact and operating as best we can! People have been so incredibly supportive of this!’ Says Stucky. ‘We have found a fantastic partner in ContempoRoast Coffee & Roastery. We had a cupping class with them, and it was an instant connection. They understand our desire to make ‘coffee integrity’ the number one factor in partnering! They are simply amazing people!’

Ghostlight is well-known for its diverse customer base, and the new owners love it! ‘Oh my goodness. In our first week, it was so cool to meet so many people from so many walks of life. They are definitely a family here…it’s apparent!’ The new owners are taking over the entire first floor of the building in hopes of creating more space for small meetings, acoustic music, events, and more. ‘The potential here is limitless,’ says Farquhar.

So what’s with the new name ‘Wayne and Clover’ you ask? ‘Funny story. I was having coffee with my husband the day we found out we were getting this opportunity. I went through every name I could. I remember learning in business ‘if you can incorporate your address, it’s a good idea.’ I sat up and said, ‘Wait….Wayne and Clover! WAYNE and CLOVER! Think about it…they are people! Wayne and Clover are people, and they have a coffee shop! AND that’s the corner where we are located! SHAZAM! It immediately stuck. Wayne and Clover Coffee Shop. (The shop is located at 1201 Wayne Avenue.) And from there, the story grew to include the street behind us, which is Theobald…you guessed it, THEIR DOG! I think he is likely to be the mascot for all things Wayne and Clover!’

Part of the community piece will be inviting local artists to give ideas for the look of W & C’s logo and artwork that follows the story of the neighborhood and the future!

The building is also important to South Park. It has become a gathering spot for the area. ‘We want to respect the fact that this is more than a coffee shop. For South Park, it is a home away from home. We will do our level best to keep the ‘Light’ in the store so it’s familiar and fun!’ The coffee shop is supporting Miami Valley Meals this holiday season. 

Wayne and Clover Coffee Shop is located at 1201 Wayne Ave. Dayton, OH 45410.
Hours: M-Th 7-2 | Fri 7-4 | Sat + Sun 8-4
Follow them on Instagram.

Such a Night: The Last Waltz Live!

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Join with us as more than 25 of Dayton’s most talented musicians gather on the Victoria Theatre stage to celebrate the music of The Band. For over a decade, SUCH A NIGHT: THE LAST WALTZ LIVE continues to be a Dayton Thanksgiving tradition and one of the must see concerts of the season. Proceeds from the performance support the greater community and will benefit WYSO Public Radio and other local organizations.

On November 25, 1976, one of rock and roll’s most influential groups, The Band, held their final concert. This event was documented by director Martin Scorsese and made into the film The Last Waltz. Considered one of the best concert films ever, The Last Waltz also featured performances by Dr. John, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Neil Diamond, Van Morrison, Emmylou Harris, Muddy Waters, Paul Butterfield, Eric Clapton, and Bob Dylan. This seminal moment in music history will be recreated by our own local musicians.

Wednesday. Nov 26  8:00pm at the Victoria Theatre
Get tickets here.

Jubie’s Creamery Makes the Best Flavor in North America

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Jubie’s Creamery took their ice cream to Palm Beach, FL earilier this month to compete against some of the best ice cream shops in the country at the Annual Ice Cream Association Conecon.

As all  1000 ice cream attendees voted
Jubies’s attendees at the convention Jubie’s Hot Honeycomb sweeped with Best of the Midwest and Best Flavor overall!  This is the highest award given at Conecon. This means they literally have the BEST FLAVOR IN NORTH AMERICA!  They didn’t do it on their own, so they want to thank Tasty Bacon Food Truck and Winans Chocolate  for offering incredible, local products featured in Hot Honeycomb.

At the same Convention, they also submitted their Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry ice creams for the chance to become a Grand Master Ice Cream Maker
Over the last 3 years, they’ve been working towards this award and submitting our Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry flavors as a part of the Ice Cream Clinic program.
Each year, we ship these 3 classic flavors to Cornell University to get science tested according to FDA standards to ensure food safe manufacturing practices on the molecular level. These flavors are then tasted by the University’s renowned Dairy Extension Team and scored according to ice cream industry standards such as flavor, texture, structure, color, melting point, etc.
At the beginning of every convention, they learn about how their flavors tested and scored. Depending on the score, you can earn a white, red, or blue ribbon of excellence. Any company that receives 3 blue ribbons in a 5 year time span is rewarded for their excellence and consistency in their products and overall manufacturing practices.

This year was their 3rd year of winning the coveted blue ribbon (with 4 total blue ribbons under their belt) meaning they are now officially Grand Master Ice Cream Makers along with 8 other well-deserving shops in North America! Who knew all the reasons you love Jubie’s so much was backed by all this science?!