Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More
Ever wonder what it takes to prepare a stage for a show? Join us for BAGELS & BROADWAY, a unique opportunity for you to find out first-hand. Have a cup of coffee and a bagel – then watch the show’s crew and members of IATSE Local 66 set up the sights and sounds for PETER PAN!
Please note, this BAGELS & BROADWAY is on a Wednesday.
BAGELS & BROADWAY is free, but you must register.*
The Dayton Art Institute (DAI) is excited to announce a new signature event called Curated, presented by Thompson Hine, which will take place at the museum on Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 6–9 p.m. The event will offer guests the opportunity to sample a variety of handcrafted cocktails created by some of the region’s best bartenders while enjoying gourmet bites and tasty treats.
With a mission-based focus on art conservation, Curated was an event created to raise funds to preserve and protect an object from the DAI’s collection. Guests attending the event will have an opportunity to learn more about the DAI’s efforts to save the community’s art.
The inaugural event’s fundraising efforts will be dedicated to the conservation of a work donated to the museum by benefactor Julia Shaw Patterson Carnell, whose generosity and vision were crucial in the construction of the historic DAI. The artwork, created in the late 18th–early 19th century, is titled Contemplation on Manjushri’s Buddha Field and is a beautiful painting on fabric. The conservation process will repair tears in the fabric, stabilize loose paint on the artwork, stabilize the textile brand around the perimeter of the painting and ultimately allow for safer handling and display of the artwork.
Artist(s) unknown (China, Qing dynasty, 1644–1911), Contemplation on Manjushri’s Buddha Field, late 18th–early 19th century, pigments on cotton, 71 x 46 inches. Gift of Mrs. Harrie G. Carnell, 1944.155
“At the Dayton Art Institute, we are trusted stewards of the art, committed to caring for and preserving the priceless community treasures contained within the museum collection,” said DAI Director & President Michael R. Roediger. “Our newest signature event, Curated, allows guests to come together with a defined goal of saving a particular artwork while enjoying an entertaining evening of fine cocktails and great company.”
The fundraising event will feature 15 different cocktails created by local bartenders. Each guest attending will receive a punch card, allowing them to sample a selection of the drinks and enjoy small bites provided by Bernstein’s Fine Catering. Spirits featured in the drinks include Chopin (Vodka), Drumshanbo (Gin), El Mayor Blanco (Tequila), Flor de Cana (Rum) and George Remus (Bourbon).
The DAI is proud to work with a notable selection of local businesses for Curated, including The Bar Time, Bernstein’s Fine Catering, Club Oceano, Dewberry 1850, Hotel Versailles, Jimmie’s Ladder 11, Joui, Manna Uptown, The Reserve on Third, Smith’s Boathouse, Sueño, Tender Mercy, Tuty’s Bar and Grill, Whisperz Speakeasy and Wheat Penny. Each bartender participating will compete in two donate-to-vote competitions, awarding winners for the crowd-favorite cocktail of the evening and the most creative bar decorations. Winners will receive a prize basket from the DAI, as well as bragging rights. Additional fundraising efforts will include a silent auction, allowing guests to bid on a number of fantastic prizes.
Reservations are required to attend Curated, and attendance is limited. Tickets may be purchased on the DAI website beginning February 21, 2025. For more information, please go to daytonartinstitute.org/curated. The website serves as the go-to location for all information regarding the DAI’s Signature Events, including ticket information, schedules and more.
EPIC Inspires announced its inaugural event “ART Matters, Dayton Art and Design Symposium” to be held on February 28, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM at The Tank Theatre inside the historic Dayton Arcade.
Renowned artists, architects, designers, city leaders, and creative visionaries will come together to explore opportunities for artists and the economic impact and importance art has at the intersections of innovation, culture, and community. Dayton Mayor Jeffrey J. Mims, Jr., will provide opening remarks, and closing remarks will be made by Dayton City Manager Shelley Dickstein. The keynote address “Empowering Creativity: Advancing Art and Design in Ohio” will be presented by Donna Collins, executive director of the Ohio Arts Council.
The goal of this event is to educate the community on why art matters and provide inspiration to those who seek art as a profession, while elevating the effect art can have on the Dayton metropolitan area. Attendees will discover the power of art to inspire, challenge, and connect through engaging, thought-provoking discussions designed to spark new perceptions and foster collaboration across disciplines. Presentations featuring diverse experts will illuminate how industries can benefit from integrating artistic perspectives and reveal ways to cultivate successful partnerships with artists. Conversations will explore strategies for artists to position themselves as valuable collaborators in nontraditional spaces and delve into innovative ways art can coexist with various fields to drive creativity, alliances, and economic growth.
Dana Wiley, owner of the Dana L. Wiley Gallery and president of EPIC Inspires, LLC, said, “Initiating this art symposium is an important step in building a bridge where artists, ideas, and communities meet in collaboration to inspire and redefine the boundaries of creativity. My hope is that we can cultivate opportunities for creatives, ensuring their success, as they are the foundation for vibrant and dynamic communities.”
Organized by EPIC Inspires and sponsored by CreativeFuse, Sinclair Community College, Taft Law Firm, and Wright State University, the symposium will feature nine breakout sessions for attendees to select from, including two panel discussions exploring opportunities for artists across industries and the current state of artmaking in 2025. Featured presenters and panelists are industry leaders comprised of Michael Roediger, director and CEO of The Dayton Art Institute, Lisa Hanson, president and CEO of Culture Works, Frances Jo Hamilton, director of revitalization at Heritage Ohio, and Brandon Ragland, artistic director of the Dayton Ballet, among many others.
“This symposium pulls together artists, builders, and creators to talk about how art matters in their respective fields, but also to talk about why art matters, period, full stop,” said Dayton Mayor Jeffrey J. Mims, Jr.
Tickets are $20.00 for students and $65.00 for the general public and include a boxed lunch from Tony & Pete’s. A networking reception will be held at the Dana L. Wiley Gallery in The Dayton Arcade following the event at 4:15 PM, where attendees can meet and greet the guest speakers. To get more details about “ART Matters, Dayton Art and Design Symposium,” and purchase tickets, visit: Eventbrite.
AGENDA:
A
9:00 AM – 9:25 AM Check-in at the Tank Entrance
10:00 AM – 10:50 AM – Choose from one of these 3 presentations:
*Art, Identity, and Transformation: The Power of Creative Philanthropy, Josh Stucky, The Galleria
*On the Frontlines: Artists discuss the current state of artmaking in 2025, The Tank
Panel: Rodney Veal, Jamal Durr, Brandon Ragland, and Kevin Harris
*Redefining Beauty: The Art of Efficiency and Resilience in Design Mary Rogero, Dana L Wiley Gallery
11:00 AM – 11:50 AM – Choose from one of these 3 presentations:
*Tell The Story: The Art of Visual Speaking, Gary Hinsche, Dana L Wiley Gallery
*The ART of Toy Design: The Process of Toy Design, How Art is at the Foundation, Tom Osborne, The Tank
*How Art Breathes Life into Forgotten Places, Dave Williams, Dana L Wiley Gallery
11:50 AM – 12:50 PM Lunch pick up is in the Tank Reception Area. Seating available in the Galleria and The Hub.
1:00 PM – 1:50 PM- Choose from one of these 3 presentations:
*From Workspace to Living Room: How Art Alters the Way You Feel, Litsa Spanos, The Galleria
*Creative Crossroads: Exploring Opportunities for Artists Across Industries, The Tank\
Panel: Debi Chess, Andy Aidt, Lisa Hanson, Frances Jo Hamilton, Michael Roediger, and Craig Gossman. Location: Tank
*ART in Design: What is Art, Why does it Matter, and How do I get it?, Rich Johnson, Dana L Wiley Gallery
1:50 PM – 2:10 PM Break
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM
KEYNOTE: Empowering Creativity: Advancing Art and Design in Ohio, Donna Collins The Tank
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM., Closing Remarks – Shelley Dickstein, The Tank
4:15 PM – 5:30 PM
Reception – Join us in the Dana L Wiley Gallery for refreshments. Food Provided- Cash Bar
EPIC Inspires is a grassroots initiative launched by community members with passion for the arts and a desire to explore the Educational, Promotional, Inspirational, and Connective impact of the arts. The EPIC Inspires mission is to unify Dayton’s dedicated arts community through curated exhibitions, special performances, and collaborative experiences. We aim to present Dayton as a vibrant hub of creativity in all its diversity to celebrate the art and artists in this metropolitan area.
Wendy’s new Frosty in partnership with Girl Scouts of the USA makes its debut today! According to Wendy’s, its newest limited edition Frosty combines the “flavor of two iconic fan favorites — Girl Scout Thin Mints and our beloved Frosty dessert — for a delectable, minty treat.” And, as it noted, “everyone knows Thin Mints are extra delicious when frozen,” which, honestly, is impossible to argue with as it’s a verifiable fact. Best of all, fans can enjoy the new Thin Mints swirl in either a Wendy’s Classic Chocolate or Vanilla Frosty.
The development team behind the Thin Mints Frosty wanted to play up the concept of frozen Girl Scout Thin Mints, based on the widely circulated belief that these cookies taste even better straight out of the freezer. Simply adding crumbled frozen cookie pieces to the Frosty didn’t satisfy the developers (not to mention Dairy Queen did exactly that with the Blizzard years ago). Instead, Wendy’s came up with a chocolate swirl inspired by Girl Scout Thin Mints, which exists somewhere between cookie butter and ice cream fudge topping. Being able to try the Thin Mints Frosty in vanilla or chocolate adds another layer of intrigue to Wendy’s Thin Mints innovation.
Double the laughs, double the fun! Experience a night of side-splitting entertainment with two hilarious one-act plays back-to-back.
Five Lesbians Eating a Quiche: Come join the Susan B. Anthony Society for the Sisters of Gertrude Stein at their 1956 Annual Quiche Breakfast, where they pay tribute to the most perfect food in the world, the egg. Secrets will be revealed and laughs will be had, as the women face the unknown… and the possibility of a world without eggs.
The Butler Did It: Next, enjoy a classic whodunit comedy, where nothing is as it seems! This cast of colorful characters, plenty of misunderstandings, and, of course, a butler, create a witty and entertaining mystery that is sure to make you laugh out loud.
Don’t miss this double feature of comedy! It will be an evening full of laughter.
TajMo – the historic collaboration between two generations of American music masters – have announced their long-awaited return with Room On The Porch, a new full-length album out May 23 on Concord Records. The ten-song collection finds Keb’ Mo’ and Taj Mahal reuniting for their first release together since 2017, when their debut collaboration brought them from The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to the GRAMMY stage where they took home Best Contemporary Blues Album. Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ will also bring their TajMo live show back on the road in 2025. The duo will celebrate Room On The Porch in over a dozen cities across the United States, including Huber Heights, OH for a performance at Rose Music Center at The Heights on Tuesday, June 10.
“We’re just trying to keep the culture moving forward,” said Taj Mahal during the duo’s acceptance speech that year; a joint mission statement that radiates as strong as ever with Room On The Porch.
“That first album turned out so great that part of me wondered if maybe we just got lucky,” jokes Keb’ Mo’ on reuniting with Taj Mahal. “But when we got back into the studio together, I felt that same magic again, and I realized it wasn’t luck at all.”
Featuring a tracklist with more original, co-written songs than ever before, Room On The Porch (which Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ also co-produced together) brings out the best in both of these legends. The music is warm and inviting, rooted in the joy of human connection and the power of positivity. There’s no greater example than the album’s title track, which unites TajMo with Ruby Amanfu for a much-needed ode to friendship and community in these divisive times: “Stay as long as you like / That’s alright / Come up on / There’s room on the porch for everyone.”
Tickets will go on sale to the public beginning at 10AM on Friday, February 28 at Ticketmaster.com and the Rose Music Center Box Office.
Debbie Lieberman, a new member of the Wright Dunbar, Inc. Board, will chair the 2025 Walk of Fame Committee. She has chaired numerous large events including past Artemis Galas. Her outstanding history of service in Montgomery County and her love for the area are recognized and highly respected.
The Walk of Fame was begun by Celebration Dayton ’96 at the main terminal of the Dayton International Airport in 1996 in recognition of the region’s Bicentennial. Wilbur and Orville Wright were the first two inductees in 1995 to jump start the idea. The project was transferred to the 2003 Inventing Flight Committee in 1997. Today the Dayton Region Walk of Fame is in the Wright Dunbar Historic District in Dayton on West Third Street. It is managed by Wright Dunbar, Inc. and an event Executive Committee.Take a trip across the pond, no passport required. The Pub at The Greene has a new limited time menu offering items often found as part of the London Street Food Scene.
The Pub Beavercreek
39 Greene Blvd at The Greene
937-320-1199
Mon – Thurs 11am – 11pm
Fri & Sat 11am – midnight
Sun 11am – 10pm
Red Lobster’s most legendary event of the year is back and bigger than ever. Lobsterfest® returns through April 20, 2025, and this year, it’s not just great, it’s the GLOAT: The Greatest Lobsterfest of All Time. Red Lobster® is owning its lob-star status with unmatched quality, bold flavors, and an elite new lineup of lobster creations designed to make this year’s celebration truly unforgettable.
After last year’s success, Red Lobster is doubling down on its lobster authority, rolling out 10 mouthwatering new dishes alongside the ultimate Lobsterfest upgrade: a Create Your Own option. For the first time ever, guests can build their dream plate by selecting two or three lobster entrées, customizing their perfect Lobsterfest feast.
“Lobsterfest is the ultimate celebration for lobster lovers, and this year, we’re taking it to the next level with more variety, more flavor, and more ways than ever for guests to satisfy their crustacean cravings,” said Nichole Robillard, CMO at Red Lobster. “From brand-new lobster creations to our exciting new Create Your Own option, we’re serving up a lobster-loaded lineup that’s sure to please any palate.”
Only at Red Lobster can fans indulge in the one-of-a-kind Lobsterfest celebration, featuring 10 all-new lobster dishes – like Lobster & Shrimp Linguini and a Lobster Roll – plus a Create Your Own option. Returning fan favorites, including hush puppies and popcorn shrimp, are back, all served with endless Cheddar Bay Biscuits. To top it off, guests can sip on handcrafted cocktails, making every bite and sip an unforgettable experience.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the most legendary Lobsterfest yet. The countdown is on, so get ready to feast like a GOAT at Red Lobster. To view the complete Red Lobster menu or find a restaurant location near you, visit Red Lobster’s website.
Miami Valley Meals (MVM) is bringing back its popular spring fundraiser, Pierogi with a Purpose, in which sales of handmade pierogi benefit hunger relief across the Miami Valley.
MVM’s professional chefs and volunteers will be preparing thousands of handmade pierogi for the community to enjoy. Pierogi will go on sale Wednesday, February 19, 2025, and the sale will remain open until March 12, 2025, or until sold out. Pierogi will be sold by the dozen for $15/dozen and frozen for easy storage and preparation. The event is a pre-order event; buyers will be asked to select a scheduled pickup time at checkout. The pierogi are filled with potato and cheese and are vegetarian-friendly—perfect for those celebrating Lent.
This new tradition, started in 2024, was inspired by MVM Board Chair Ricia Ballas. Ricia stated, “I grew up making pierogi with my mom. To me, they represent not just a yummy comfort food that we always ate on Christmas Eve and during Lent, but the act of making and eating pierogi represents family to me. Growing up in northeast Ohio, handmade pierogi were always available, churches and restaurants sold them, but we just don’t have that in the Dayton region. I’ve been encouraging pierogi-making for years, I just needed to find the right partner in Stan Troha [former board member of MVM] and the right organization. Miami Valley Meals is that organization.”
All proceeds raised from pierogi sales will benefit MVM’s mission to transform donated food into nutritious meals for those experiencing food insecurity across the Miami Valley. The inaugural fundraiser last year sold out within two weeks and brought in over $9,000 to support Miami Valley Meals.
Taylor Naragon, Communications Manager at MVM, shares, “This event really exemplifies how food and community come together for the greater good. I had no idea how beloved pierogi were until we launched this event last year, and was amazed at how many people rushed to purchase them. Our volunteers have the best time making them, and we all bonded together over it. It’s a really special event, and we’re thankful for the enthusiasm the community has shown us. Every purchase helps us continue our work to provide chef-prepared meals free of charge to local families in need. It’s a delicious way to pay it forward!”
Taco Bell is offering the new Luxe Cravings Boxes to deliver greater value, variety, and abundance.
The boxes offer premium options at budget-friendly prices, with the $9 Discovery Box allowing fans to try Taco Bell’s latest creations.
Additionally, Taco Bell is rolling out exclusive deals for Rewards Members, including discounts, rewards, and delivery perks starting January 7, 2025.
Taco Bell’s Cravings Value Menu, coupons, deals, and rewards program make it easy to enjoy their tasty creations.
