Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More
The “must-taste” event of the year rolls back into Springfield this Saturday as food trucks near and far vie for supremacy at the 11th Springfield Rotary Gourmet Food Truck Competition. The regional favorite event will once again bring palate-pleasing mobile cuisine, live entertainment and fun for the entire family from 11 am to 7 pm in Veterans Park. All proceeds from the event will benefit Rotary’s various charitable causes.
“This event continues to attract wonderful food trucks, great entertainment and amazing crowds, including those who bring chairs and tents and stay all day,” said Eddie Bell, past Rotary president and Food Truck Competition marketing committee chair. “Food truck owners consistently tell us this is among their favorite events. It really is a showcase that brings out the best of the city and the region.”
Up to 30 food trucks will line the park’s path with gourmet goodies, keeping attendees fed from brunch through dinner. In addition to standard American fare, comfort foods and sweet treats, trucks will feature cultural creations from Africa, Asia, Germany, Greece, Italy, Mexico and more. In addition to beverages offered by the trucks, a beer garden will feature domestic and local craft brews from Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company, with soda and water also available for purchase.
Past champions join returning favorites and new competitors alike, putting forth their best dishes for $10,000 in prizes. The $5,000 grand prize, $2,500 runner-up and $1,500 third-place prize will be determined by local celebrity/chef judges including:
● Lisa Freeman – Chef/Owner of Crust & Company, Salato Deli and Torte & Iron Cafe
● Bryan Fuentes – Chef, Viva La Fiesta
● Clayton Horrighs – Chef/Owner of Speakeasy Ramen and Hi-Hat Social
● Doug McGregor – Chef/Owner of Seasons Kitchen
● Korge Mori – Lieutenant with the Springfield Fire Rescue Division and former operator of Ramen Rickshaw food truck; past recipient of Springfield Rotary’s Service Above Self Award
The coveted $1,000 “People’s Choice” award will be determined by attendees’ votes using the Springfield Food Truck Mobile app, available on both Apple and Android devices.
Winners will be announced on the park stage at approximately 4:45 pm Saturday.
A number of talented local musicians will perform for attendees throughout the competition, including:
● Andy Fox (11 a.m.-1 p.m.)
● Add On Room (1-3 p.m.)
● Mountain Vain (3-5 p.m.)
● KC & The Moonlighters (5-7 p.m.)
Springfield Rotary has partnered with Crafts for a Cause to host an Arts and Crafts show featuring 20 talented artisans during the competition. Attendees will be able to explore a wide variety of creative finds, from home decor and jewelry to seasonal gifts and specialty items while enjoying the food, entertainment and atmosphere of the day.
A single, large 50/50 drawing will also be held at 6 pm as opposed to multiple smaller drawings at previous events. Participants need not be present to win.
“The competition tastes, smells and sounds good, but it also does a lot of good, too,” said Bell, noting that all proceeds from sponsorships, concessions, the 50/50 drawing and other sources go towards various charitable Rotary projects.
“We’re proud to have raised more than $300,000 through this event over the past decade that we’ve reinvested throughout and beyond the Springfield community,” he said. This includes
services for people with disabilities, scholarships, local projects, the International Project in Lesotho and more.
Springfield Rotary Gourmet Food Truck Competition
Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025
11 am to 7 pm
Veterans Park (formerly known as Cliff Park)
For complete details and updates about participating food trucks, the entertainment schedule, competition and more, visit springfieldfoodtruck.com, or download the Springfield Food Truck mobile app for Android and Apple devices.
From the depths of non conformity. The Murder Junkies is an American punk rock band, best known for having been GG Allin’s final backing band from 1993 to 1999. After GG’s death, the band has continued to perform songs from Allin’s back catalog as well as original material.
You don’t know what to expect but expect the unexpected.
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The member breweries of the Ohio Craft Brewers Association elected seven representatives to their 11 member board of directors. Jason Moore of Crooked Handle Brewing Company was chosen by membership to succeed Alan Szuter of Wolf’s Ridge Brewing as president of the association’s board. Moore, whose brewery has locations in Springboro and Piqua, was first elected to the board in 2022 and subsequently elected vice president in 2024.
Moore is the Ohio Craft Brewers Association’s sixth president since its founding in 2007, following Szuter, Collin Castore of Seventh Son Brewing, Chris Alltmont of Fat Head’s Brewery, Eric Bean of Columbus Brewing Company and John Najeway of Thirsty Dog Brewing. Szuter is term-limited after serving on the board for six years, the last four as president.
Upon assuming the president’s seat on the board on Aug. 1, Moore takes over Szuter’s duties as a public advocate for the Ohio craft brewing industry, in addition to leading the board’s work behind the scenes.
clockwise from top left: Jason Moore – Crooked Handle Brewing Company, Adam Benner – Land-Grant Brewing Company, Melissa Dallas – Upside Brewing, David Lentz – Cartridge Brewing, Ann Zofchak – Red Wagon Brewing/Four Paws Brewing, Kelly Montgomery – Third Eye Brewing Company, Janae Chaney – Rhinegeist, Carmone Macfarlane – The Phoenix Brewing Company
Sitting treasurer Adam Benner of Land-Grant Brewing in Columbus was elevated by membership to vice president for the remainder of his final term on the board. Secretary Melissa Dallas of Upside Brewing in Sylvania was re-elected to another two-year term in the position. David Lentz, co-owner of Cartridge Brewing in Maineville, was elected treasurer for his first term of board service.
Carmone Macfarlane of The Phoenix Brewing Company in Mansfield reclaimed her board seat for a third and final term. Janae Chaney of Rhinegeist and Kelly Montgomery of Third Eye Brewing were both elected to their first terms on the board, representing the Cincinnati area for the state association.
Aspasia Lyras-Bernacki of Penguin City Brewing Company in Youngstown stepped down from the board earlier this year. The association’s executive committee appointed Ann Zofchak of Red Wagon Brewing/Four Paws Brewing in Columbia Station to serve the remainder of Lyras-Bernacki’s term.
In addition to Szuter, Bobby Slattery of Fifty West Brewing Company in Cincinnati also completed his third and final two-year term of board service in July.
“Alan Szuter’s steady and thoughtful leadership has been invaluable to our industry over these past four years,” said Mary MacDonald, executive director of the Ohio Craft Brewers Association. “As our breweries adjust to the challenges of a mature market, having leadership that represents the diversity of brewery businesses will help our organization serve them all, large or small, urban or rural, long established or just starting up.”
Even with changes in board leadership, the association’s top priority continues to be the push for reform of the Ohio Alcoholic Beverages Franchise Act, a law that traps small and independent breweries in lifetime contracts with beer wholesalers. When that law was passed in 1974, beer wholesalers needed protection from the power and influence of a handful of massive brewing conglomerates. Small breweries did not exist in 1974, but more than 430 are currently operating in Ohio. Meanwhile, wholesalers have consolidated through mergers and acquisitions to become large, powerful companies. Franchise law makes these small, independent breweries subject to the same virtually unbreakable contracts as their huge competitors, creating an imbalance of power between small breweries and the wholesalers they rely on to grow their businesses.
Two bills have been introduced in the Ohio General Assembly this year – Senate Bill 23 and House Bill 194 – which would exempt small and independent breweries from franchise law. The Ohio Craft Brewers Association and its leadership continue to support these bills and urge legislators to pass this common-sense modernization of state law in order to benefit small businesses, local communities and beer consumers.
Founded in 2007, the Ohio Craft Brewers Association is a nonprofit guild that exists to promote, preserve, diversify and unify Ohio’s craft brewing industry. We aspire to be recognized as the industry leader at both state and national levels for preserving the art of making high-quality, unique craft beer; to serve as the unified voice for craft brewers across the state; to advocate on behalf of the Ohio craft beer industry; to contribute to systemic, local community development by driving economic and job growth, while creating experiences that bring people together; to promote safe, responsible enjoyment of Ohio craft beer; and to serve as a beacon for local production and manufacturing through craft beer, resulting in diverse choices for consumers.
Wild Hearts African Farm was awarded accreditation as an arboretum, making it the first accredited arboretum in Preble County. This recognition comes through a Level I Accreditation by The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and The Morton Arboretum for achieving standards of professional practices deemed important for arboreta and botanic gardens. The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program is the only global initiative to officially recognize arboreta at various levels of development, capacity, and professionalism. Wild Hearts African Farm is now also recognized in the Morton Register of Arboreta, a database of the world’s arboreta and gardens dedicated to woody plants.
Founded in 2014, Wild Hearts African Farm is a nonprofit Humane Certified™ zoo and now an accredited arboretum located in Lewisburg, Ohio. Our mission bridges animal conservation with land stewardship, emphasizing the role that farmers—both locally and globally—play in protecting ecosystems. The farm is home to over 85 animals representing 35 species, and its landscape includes a variety of native trees, some of which predate the organization’s founding. These trees serve as living reminders of the fragility of native tree populations and the urgent need for conservation and restoration. As an arboretum, Wild Hearts functions as a museum for trees, highlighting biodiversity and honoring the cultural, ecological, and historical significance of woody plants in our region.
The development of the arboretum will be ongoing, with future plans including a campaign to enhance accessibility across both the arboretum and zoo. The campaign will also invite the community to take part in planting trees, installing interpretive signage and benches, and helping with arboretum upkeep. Seasonal events will celebrate the arboretum’s growth, including special programming for Arbor Day and nature-focused educational experiences throughout the year.
“As an educational zoo, we’ve always believed in connecting people to animals and nature. Earning arboretum accreditation allows us to grow that mission—our grounds will now serve not only as a haven for wildlife, but also as a living classroom that helps guests understand the importance of trees, conservation, and global land use,” said Amanda Badger, founder of Wild Hearts African Farm.
Amanda Badger, Founder
About Wild Hearts African Farm
Wild Hearts African Farm is a nonprofit Humane Certified™ farm, zoo and arboretum in Southwest Ohio. We provide interactive educational experiences that connect guests to wildlife, conservation, and agriculture. We are proud supporters of farmers and livestock producers and advocate for sustainable land practices both locally and in Africa. Our zoo and arboretum serve as a hub for empathy, curiosity, and community connection through hands-on learning and nature-based programs. https://wildheartsafricanfarm.org/
7010 Jordan Rd.
Lewisburg, Ohio 45338
937-416-5520
Walk-in Hours:
Fri & Sat 11am – 3pm
Last admission 2pm!
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers® is celebrating National Frozen Custard Day this year by extending the celebration through the weekend, giving their loyalty members three deals to use over three days from Friday, August 8, through Sunday, August 10:
Many of Freddy’s guests are interested to learn that frozen custard is denser, richer and creamier than traditional ice cream, due to a churning process that eliminates ice crystals and excess air. Freddy’s premium frozen custard is churned fresh on-site several times throughout the day.
The offer is valid for all Freddy’s Guests and has a limit of one per order on the app/web. Valid for dine-in, drive-thru and app/web orders at participating locations. Excludes 3rd party delivery and catering. Offer cannot be combined with other offers, discounts, coupons, or promotions. Valid Friday, August 8, 2025 through Sunday, August 10, 2025 only.
Visit https://www.freddys.com/national-frozen-custard-day for more details and download the app today to start earning exclusive rewards!
Dayton Porchfest. Photo by Libby Ballengee
Getting that sinking feeling that the summer is over? Not so fast! We have one of the biggest music festival events of the year happening on Saturday, August 16th: Dayton Porchfest.
“Dayton Porchfest celebrates the breadth and depth of the Dayton music scene, while the porch and backyard venues allow the performers and the audience to deeply engage,” organizer Peter Benkendorf shared with us. “The diversity of the line-up means there is something for everyone. Throw in some food trucks, a beer garden and a family-friendly environment, all wrapped up in the charm of the St. Anne’s Hill Historic District, and you have all the makings for one of Dayton’s most popular summer events.”
Dayton Porchfest was founded in 2017, inspired by the original Porchfest, which was started in 2007 in Ithaca, NY and Larchmere Porchfest in Cleveland, which began in 2009. Today there are over 200 Porchfests throughout the United States and Canada, with Dayton being the 94th to join this growing movement.
Dayton has a rich musical history and active music scene that continues today. Dayton Porchfest is committed to reflecting that diversity in its selection of musical artists, from funk and blues to indie rock and jazz, classical and country, to bluegrass and old-timey music with deep Appalachian traditions here. The festival also celebrates the ethnic diversity of the region, a reflection of our “Welcome Dayton” spirit that has contributed to a significant influx of immigrants and refugees over the past decade.
Dayton Porchfest is an initiative of The Collaboratory, a civic innovation lab that moves ideas to action. The Collaboratory provides infrastructure for people and organizations to collaboratively develop community initiatives that generate new economic, civic and creative opportunities and value. The result is a healthier, more thriving region. All proceeds from Dayton Porchfest go to support the work of The Collaboratory.
Event Details:
When: Saturday, August 16, 2025, 12:15 – 6:45 PM
Where: St. Anne’s Hill Historic District, Dayton, Ohio
Cost: Free and family-friendly
Schedule:
Tips for attending:
For more information and to view the interactive map of participating porches, visit www.daytonporchfest.org.
What happens when two iconic pig-tailed provocateurs join forces in the kitchen? They create a meal that is pure punishment in a bag: introducing the Wendy’s® x Wednesday™ Meal of Misfortune.
Designed by Wednesday Addams, the other pig-tailed outcast herself, the limited-time Meal of Misfortune is centered around the “Dips of Dread,” four inferno-inspired mystery sauces, along with “Rest in 10-Piece” Nuggets, small “Cursed & Crispy” Fries and a small “Raven’s Blood” Frosty®, all served in custom packaging only Wednesday could have devised.
Fans can grab their very own Meal of Misfortune just in time for the Wednesday Season 2 Part 1 premiere on Netflix on Wednesday, Aug. 6.
Speaking of misfortune… no one will escape the Dips of Dread unscathed. With two mystery dipping sauces in each meal, only fate will decide which of the four dips accompany each order. Don’t bother asking which sauce you’ll get – you must surrender to your destiny. Those brave enough to try them all must endure multiple visits.
Wayward souls can dip into the Raven’s Blood Frosty, complete with a “Spoon of Gloom”** and Wednesday-themed Frosty cups, perfect for seeing that delicious dark cherry swirl.
“Wendy’s and Wednesday are both cultural icons famous for challenging convention with wit and a bit of sass,” said Lindsay Radkoski, U.S. Chief Marketing Officer, The Wendy’s Company. “This isn’t a typical collaboration, because not just any brand could scheme up a Meal of Misfortune with Wednesday Addams. But for a brand that’s proudly customer-obsessed and unapologetically bold, it was a match made in dark, dry-witted heaven.”
In addition to the Meal of Misfortune, U.S. fans have a chance to win $10,000 by helping Wendy dodge the perils of normalcy with an interactive game experience, “Escape from Wednesday’s Woe.” This gravity-defying adventure features treacherous traps, delicious Wendy’s x Wednesday treats and exclusive rewards and is available only in the U.S. Wendy’s app.***
“Normally I’d be against this kind of capitalistic corporate synergy,” said Wednesday Addams, Nevermore Academy student. “But when the fast-food-slinging pigtailed provocateur said I could do whatever I wanted to her customers, I couldn’t resist.”
Two days of Jazz & Blues on Two Stages — 18 acts
FREE
Friday, August 8th, 2025 beginning at 4:00 PM
Saturday, August 9th, 2025 beginning at 2:30 PM
Join us, along with Springfield native and award-winning artist John Legend, in supporting the Springfield Jazz and Blues Festival. Building on a long and storied music tradition, Springfield, OH is proud to present the region’s most exciting summer event.
What you’ll experience:
You are cordially invited to Title Boxing Club Dayton, a state-of-the-art fitness center that is offering Beauty Boost gals an exclusive free fitness class!
Title Boxing Club welcomes boxers of all levels (that means no experience required!). Title Boxing focuses on skill progression techniques and interval training for a true full-body workout in a ‘no-judgments’ environment. Each authentic heavy bag boxing workout combines the benefits of high impact training and stress relief, while incorporating skills and fun into each class.
What to Expect:
The class will start promptly at 1pm, so please arrive 20 minutes early to get settled in. We’ll go over all safety guidelines and teach you proper techniques before we jump in!
During the class, our expert instructors will guide you through a 50-minute workout that includes warm-up and cool-down exercises. Please wear comfortable workout clothes and sneakers.
After the class, we’ll have snacks and refreshments for you to enjoy, and you can take a sweaty selfie to commemorate your workout! We’ll be bringing alcoholic beers & seltzers along with non-alcoholic options.
As a thank you for attending, all Beauty Boost members will receive an exclusive offer to join a membership plan with Title Boxing Club.
**Please note that you will need to supply your own pair of hand wraps when you arrive. If you already own a pair, you are welcome to bring your own or you can purchase them at Title. Please arrive 10-15 minutes early if you need to grab a pair of wraps.**
This event is FREE for our annual pass holders. Grab yours HERE!
Dayton’s longest running poetry show is celebrating it’s 24th year. Open mics, competitions, and featured poets await you twice a month, on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month, at Yellow Cab Tavern. The show is open to all ages and poetic styles. Great food, wonderful poetry, and a great environment make this the perfect show for you to get out and enjoy the words of others all for only $3. More information on our website daytonpoetryslam.com and on all social media platforms.
