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

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This Must Be the Party hits the stage this Friday at The Brightside

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One of the most celebrated music events in Dayton during the last decade is back! This Must Be the Party is a local super group who performs a fantastic tribute to The Talking Heads. Fans love the complete recreation of the classic album and documentary film Stop Making Sense that they perform! Catch them for an exclusive show Friday April 14, 2023 at The Brightside, in downtown Dayton.

Few bands are as well-known in the music industry as the Talking Heads. The band, which was founded in the middle of the 1970s, contributed to the development of a new musical genre that would later come to rule the radio in the 1980s. The Talking Heads were one of the most innovative and forward-thinking bands of their period with their special fusion of rock, groove, and New Wave. It’s no wonder that Dayton audiences love this tribute show!

Due to the Covid shutdown, This Must Be the Party hasn’t performed since 2019, so this is a highly anticipated event! The best part is that part of the proceeds from this show go to benefit The Seedling Foundation, an organization that supports the arts magnet at Stivers School for the Arts. It’s a musical celebration to support music education!

If you’ve had the pleasure of seeing this amazing show already, you know how much fun to expect! (Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes!) This go around, there is a very special guest joining the show. Sammi Garett, from the national touring acts Turquaz, Cool Cool Cool, & The Bump Assembly, is flying in from Brooklyn to join the crew! She’s an absolutely fabulous singer and performer, and she’s excited to perform in Dayton for the first time.

Local original band, Intergalactic Space Force, is kicking off the show at 8:30pm, shortly after doors open. They were Dayton Battle of the Bands finalists last year, and always love an opportunity to perform at The Brightside.

After the Stop Making Sense headlining show, if you’re still ready to boogie, Freekbass will be making his Brightside debut with a “Solo Grooves” after party.

If you get hungry, the venue has coordinated with Phat & Rich to be on site to serve your needs. The Mexican inspired cuisine is a hit with concert goers, so go hungry and hang on the Brightside’s awesome patio between sets.

If you’re looking for a place to pre-game, organizers recommend going to Tender Mercy for their amazing cocktails. “Not only is Tender Mercy our neighbor, they are one of the primary sponsors of this event!” event organizer, Libby Ballengee told us. “Their sister restaurant Sueño, is an amazing spot for dinner too, but I’d get reservations first!”

This Must Be the Party promises to be one of the most memorable events of the spring!

*The band includes: Khrys Blank, Nathan Lewis, Patrick Himes, Brian Hoeflich, Erich Reith, Aaron Holmes, Matt Byanski, Eric Cassidy, Nathan Peters, Christopher Corn, Brian Spirk, with special guest Sammi Garett.

HOW TO GO?

When: April 14, 2023

Where: The Brightside Music & Event Venue, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH

– $30 Advance General admission tickets (highly recommend purchasing advance to guarantee spot)

– $35 Day of show

TICKET LINK: https://www.venuepilot.co/events/69946/orders/new

 

The Big Lebowski Movie Party happening at The Brightside

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Dayton Dinner Theater’s Big Lebowski Movie Party is happening at The Brightside this Sunday, March 12, 2023.

DDT is a great way to spend time with family and friends when the days are short and nights are long. Make the most of it by sipping the sublime themed drinks with your loved ones, while flaunting your movie-themed attire. 

What to expect from a Dayton Dinner Theater event? First off, make sure you indulge in the creatively themed food provided by Brock Masterson catering. While you indulge in the delicacies, you can feast your ears to live music and soundtrack presentations featuring acts by the likes of The University of Dayton Jazz Ensemble and acclaimed musician and producer Denny Wilson.

That’s not all. As it’s an interactive movie party, organizers will feature famous interactive quote and fun participation activities, pop-up fun facts, and our not-so-famous, but equally entertaining, theme-spotting drinking game. Enjoy some lip-smacking-themed desserts while you’re at it! To add the cherry on the cake, there are special surprises for the top costume contest participants.

This is the last DDT event of the season. Their movie party series runs from the fall through early spring every year, so you won’t want to miss this opportunity to experience all the fun!

Read more below about the specifics for this movie party!

World Famous  Themed Cocktails:

“The Dude Abides” –  Captain, Malibu, Melon and Orange Liqueur, and pineapple juice

“The Caucasian” – Vodka, Kahlua, and half and half with a bowling ball drink pick

“The  Lady Friend”-  Pink lemonade and sprite with fresh lemons

Themed Attire:  Pick your character….  Slacker robe and sandals, Nihilist-Euro trash, porn star, Jesus leisure suit, regular bowler guy, urban combat vet, etc …

HOW TO GO?

Mar 12, 6:00 PM

The Brightside, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH 45402, USA

Tickets available at 
https://www.daytondinnertheater.com/events/the-big-lebowski-movie-party
 
 

DDNews Discontinues Printing Saturday Paper

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Cox First Media will begin printing the Dayton Daily News, Springfield News-Sun and Journal-News six days a week, eliminating the Saturday printed edition on May 6. Though there will be no home delivery or single copy Saturday paper, the Saturday edition will be available through all digital channels, including the daily ePaper, newsletters and websites.

Every day, more loyal subscribers and more new readers are getting their news online as the evolution toward digital journalism accelerates. Currently, most newspaper readers rely on digital products for trusted local news.

Ending the Saturday print edition will help manage the escalating cost of producing and delivering the printed newspaper. There is no anticipation of further reductions, though the company will continue to align resources to serve the most readers.

Cox First Media is well-prepared for the transition to digital media. In the past two years, print and digital content production has been gathered into one team. Advertising and operations have aligned to support all print and digital products. Cox First Media is connecting a growing online audience to the community, the region and the businesses that serve it.

Every subscription to a Cox First Media newspaper includes daily access to every digital product and website for the Dayton Daily News, Springfield News-Sun and Journal-News.

The parent company of Cox First Media is Cox Enterprises, Inc. which began in Dayton, Ohio with the purchase of the Dayton Daily News 125 years ago. The company was founded on a passion for serving the community with quality news and has always been driven by innovation and change. Throughout its history and continuing today, Cox Enterprises is a leader in the media industry with a commitment to growing and nurturing credible, fact-based journalism.

Retail Lab Accepting Applications Deadline July 13

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The Downtown Dayton Partnership (DDP), along with its small business development partners, is inviting business owners to apply to the Retail Lab small business accelerator program, presented by Fifth Third Bank. Launched in 2020, the Retail Lab is an intensive 12-week experience for business owners aiming to launch or grow their first-floor business in downtown Dayton. Applications will be accepted through July 13.

The Retail Lab has two main goals: To continue energizing downtown with vibrant storefronts, and provide a supportive pathway into the downtown market for emerging first-floor entrepreneurs, especially women-owned and minority-owned businesses.

“We’re very pleased at the results this program has produced so far in its first four cohorts,” said Sandra K. Gudorf, president of the DDP. “With these new mixed-use spaces emerging, there is an opportunity to take new business ideas and budding entrepreneurs and show them the support network available in our community to grow or launch their own commercial ventures.”

Kia Wilson of Me’ Yanna Berry Co.

The Retail Lab will provide a series of workshops, focused one-on-one sessions and a public speaking event that connects the participating businesses to people, ideas, capital and resources to help them thrive and grow in downtown Dayton. Weekly workshops will include facilitated instruction and work sessions with mentors, and the program will culminate with a pitch competition.

Eligible businesses include boutiques, shops, cafes, galleries and restaurants – any consumer business that adds to the vibrancy of downtown’s sidewalks. Applicants should either be located in downtown Dayton or aiming to launch downtown in the next 6 to 12 months. Ideal applicants will have had a year or so of sales online and/or pop-up events. Interested small business owners can find more information, including the program application, at DowntownDayton.org/retail-lab. Applications for the Downtown Dayton Retail Lab will be accepted through July 13, with classes slated to begin in August. Workshops will be held in person at the DDP office at 10 W. Second St.

Owners Keon McCarroll and Shanti Sancho at the April ribbon cutting for Sole Touchers

“Since the launch of the program in 2020, the Retail Lab has graduated 37 people through the program,” said Val Beerbower, director of first-floor development and business marketing with the DDP and coordinator of the Retail Lab program. “We’re especially proud of the fact that 35 of those 37 businesses are woman-owned, and/or minority-owned businesses. We plan to continue efforts to create equitable economic opportunities through programs like the Retail Lab.”

Participation in the 12-week program is provided at no cost, and in addition to the support businesses receive through the workshops, each participant is eligible for up to $2,500 in professional services from creative, legal, and financial firms to advance their business.

 

Sonic Introduces New Big Dill Cheeseburger And New Pickle Fries

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Sonic has introduced the  Big Dill Cheeseburger and new Pickle Fries starting May 2, but if you’ve got the Sonic App you can try it starting April 25, 2022.  These new menu items are slated to stick around  through June 26, 2022,

The new Big Dill Cheeseburger features a 100 percent pure seasoned beef patty stacked with crispy pickle fries, crinkle-cut pickle slices, a creamy dill-infused ranch sauce, chopped lettuce, and melty American cheese, all layered on a toasted brioche bun.

Sonic Pickle Fries
Sonic Pickle Fries

New Pickle Fries are a twist on traditional fried pickles, featuring dill pickle spears cut in a fry shape, coated in a light tempura coating and fried up until crispy. They come served with a side of ranch sauce for dipping.

App users can also try The Big Dill Cheeseburger for half price when ordering online or in the Sonic App starting May 2, 2022.

STYX and REO SPEEDWAGON Co-Headline US Summer Tour with Loverboy

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It’s been four years since legendary rockers REO Speedwagon and Styx joined forces for a summer co-headlining tour. While the world has changed since then, fans’ desire to rock out hasn’t. Styx and REO Speedwagon are telling you to close those laptops and get out of your sweatpants, because they’re set to once again bring their rock & roll classics to the masses, this time with special guestLoverboy for the “Live & UnZoomed” tour that kicks off May 31, 2022 in Grand Rapids and will include a stopin Cincinnati, OH at Riverbend Music Center on Saturday, June 11th.

Check out this video to learn more about the REO Speedwagon/Styx/Loverboy “Live & UnZoomed” tour.

 

Tickets for the Cincinnati show go on sale to the public beginning at 10AM on Friday, December 10 atTicketmaster.com and Riverbend.org.  Styx and

REO Speedwagon will be offering VIP packages via their own exclusive pre-sales beginning Monday, December 6 at 10am local time at REOSpeedwagon.com and StyxWorld.com.

Citi is the official presale credit card of the U.S. “Live & UnZoomed” tour dates. As such, Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase presale tickets beginning Tuesday, December 7 at 10am local time until Thursday, December 9 at 10pm local time through Citi Entertainment. For complete presale details, visitwww.citientertainment.com.

Styx’s Tommy Shaw agrees, “I can’t think of a better way of touring the USA next year than with good friends we’ve known for years and performed with on many a stage. What a great night of music this will be!”

REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin said, “Tommy (Shaw) and I have done a number of Zoom performances together during the pandemic, and REO and Styx are ready to go get UnZoomed, and out on the road for our fifth U.S. tour together. Add our great friends Mike Reno and the Loverboy guys, and I am totally psyched. If I wasn’t performing in it, I would totally come out to see this show. See you all, LIVE and UNZOOMED!”

Loverboy’s Mike Reno proclaimed, “We can’t wait to take the stage and rock this summer, it’s gonna be awesome. These are all the groups I grew up with, and I’m there too. Best tour of the summer…guaranteed.”

A new era of hope, survival, and prosperity comes calling with the release of CRASH OF THE CROWN, Styx’s new “masterpiece” studio album, which was written pre-pandemic and recorded during the trying times of the pandemic. The multi-Platinum rockers–James “JY” Young (lead vocals, guitars), Tommy Shaw (lead vocals, guitars), Chuck Panozzo (bass, vocals), Todd Sucherman (drums, percussion), Lawrence Gowan (lead vocals, keyboards) and Ricky Phillips (bass, guitar, vocals)–released their 17th album June 18, 2021 on the band’s label, Alpha Dog 2T/UMe, which is available as clear vinyl, black vinyl, CD on digital platforms. They released more new music on September 17, 2021, THE SAME STARDUST EP, originally sold as part of Record Store Day (June 12, 2021). Available on blue 180-gram 12-inch vinyl only, featuring two brand-new songs on side one (“The Same Stardust” and “Age of Entropia”), as well as five live performances on side two of some of Styx’s classic hits previously heard during their “Styx Fix” livestreams that have been keeping fans company during the pandemic on their official YouTube page, including “Mr. Roboto,” “Man In The Wilderness,” “Miss America,” “Radio Silence,” and “Renegade.” It’s available worldwide on all digital platforms.

Formed in 1967, signed in 1971, and fronted by iconic vocalist Kevin Cronin since 1972, REO Speedwagon’s unrelenting drive, as well as non-stop touring and recording jump-started the burgeoning rock movement in the Midwest. Platinum albums and radio staples soon followed, setting the stage for the release of the band’s explosive HI INFIDELITY in 1980, which contained the massive hit singles “Keep On Loving You” and “Take It On the Run.” That landmark album spent 15 weeks in the No. 1 slot and has since earned the RIAA’s coveted 10X Diamond Award for surpassing sales of 10 million units in the United States.

From 1977 to 1989, REO Speedwagon released nine consecutive albums all certified Platinum or higher. Today, REO Speedwagon has sold more than 40 million albums around the globe, and Cronin and bandmates Bruce Hall (bass), Neal Doughty (keyboards), Dave Amato (guitar), and Bryan Hitt (drums) are still electrifying audiences worldwide in concert with hits and fan-favorites such as “Ridin’ The Storm Out,” “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” “Time For Me To Fly,” “Roll With The Changes,” “Keep On Loving You,” “Take It On the Run,” and many, many more.

REO Speedwagon remained busy throughout the pandemic before the band was able to return to the road. Beginning in April 2020, Cronin began a series of webisodes from his home titled “Songs & Stories From Camp Cronin.” Consisting of anecdotes and acoustic performances from him and his family, the series posted 24 episodes. Cronin and members of REO gave back over the past 16 months by participating in charity events for St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Marilou & Mark Hamill’s USC McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative, John Oates’ “Oates Song Fest,” “Stars to the Rescue,” Acoustic-4-A-Cure, and more. Additionally, while Cronin began keeping a journal of the band’s 2016 UK tour, he never stopped writing and recently submitted what turned out to be his life story, as well as his telling of REO Speedwagon’s history. He says, “Putting out an autobiography is risky. Once it’s out there’s nowhere to hide!” More information on his autobiography will be released shortly.

For more than 40 years, Loverboy has been “Working for the Weekend” (and on the weekend), delighting audiences around the world since forming in 1979, when vocalist Mike Reno was introduced to guitar hot shot Paul Dean – both veterans of several bands on the Canadian scene – at Calgary’s Refinery Night Club.  Along with Reno and Dean, Loverboy still includes original members Doug Johnson on keyboards and Matt Frenette on drums, with Ken “Spider” Sinnaeve replacing the late Scott Smith on bass.

With their trademark red leather pants, bandannas, big rock sound and high-energy live shows, Loverboy has sold more than 10 million albums, earning four multi-platinum plaques, including the four-million-selling GET LUCKY, and a trio of double-Platinum releases in their self-titled 1980 debut, 1983’s KEEP IT UP and 1985’s LOVIN’ EVERY MINUTE OF IT. Their string of hits includes, in addition to the anthem “Working for the Weekend,” such arena rock staples as “Lovin’ Every Minute of It,” “This Could Be the Night,” “Hot Girls in Love,” “The Kid is Hot Tonite,” “Notorious”, “Turn Me Loose,” “When It’s Over,” “Heaven In Your Eyes” and “Queen of the Broken Hearts.” In March 2009, the group was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame at the Juno Awards show in Vancouver.

Night Fever Bee Gees Tribute

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For five decades – a time span more than any other group in pop history – the Bee Gees outwitted the international music scene with their incredible tenacity to remain current through all the eras of contemporary music. The close high harmonies of brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb made the Bee Gees one of the most impossible attractions to launch a salute to…..until “Night Fever”. The vocal matchings of Night Fever’s John Acosta, Joe Varga and Carm Castiglione create an eerie sense of seeing the brothers Gibb in concert. Night Fever is an all-Canadian cast from Ontario, backed by professional studio musicians, that captures the sound and look of the Bee Gees.

Boyz II Men

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Boyz II Men remains one of the most truly iconic R&B groups in music history. The group redefined popular R&B and continues to create timeless hits that appeal to fans across all generations, the band has penned and performed some of the most celebrated classics of the past two decades. The group’s 4 Grammy Awards are just the tip of the iceberg: throughout their 25-year career, Boyz II Men have also won a whopping 9 American Music Awards, 9 Soul Train Awards, 3 Billboard Awards, and a 2011 MOBO Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, as well and a Casino Entertainment Award for their acclaimed residency at the Mirage Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, which has been ongoing since 2013.

DeFi offers Sewing 101 Class

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If you’ve never used a sewing machine or it’s been a while since you’ve used a sewing machine,  DeFi’s Get To Know Your Sewing Machine class is perfect for you!
This is a 1 time class that is 3hrs long.Open to everyone ages 12 and better. In this one time class you will learn:
  • Basic Sewing Terms
  • Sewing Kit components
  • How your machine works
  • Parts of your machine
  • Threading Machine
    Needles
  • Bobbin filling and insertions
    Basic Stitches
  • Basic Seams
  • Troubleshooting

List of supplies needed- (Please Note: Participants are responsible for purchasing their own supplies):

  • Sewing Machine- (If you do not have your own sewing machine, you may rent one of ours)
  • Machine needles size 10 or 12 universal
  •  Bobbin appropriate for your machine
  • Shears for cutting fabric (if you prefer to use a rotary cutter, you may bring one but must bring a cutting mat and something to snip threads)
  • Seam ripper
  • Straight pins
  •  Measuring:   You need a long straight edge such as a yard stick or quilting ruler- a measuring tape
  • 2 fat quarters (NO stretchy fabric)-they do not have to be the same but should be similar in shade
  • Thread that contrast your fabric (ex: white fabric would use black, red, or another dark color). This should be a standard sewing thread such as Gutermann or Coats and Clark- be sure it is NOT an embroidery thread.

This class will be offered at each of these times:

Wednesday, August 25th, 11a-2p
Thursday, August 26th, 11a-2p
Thursday, August 26th, 2:30p-5:30p
Thursday, August 26th, 6p-9p
Class Fee is $35 for members; $45 for non-members- Register online.
No sewing machine, no problem, we’ve got you covered, rent one of our for an additional $7!

Spass Nacht- An Austrian Festival

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In honor of Kettering’s sister city, Steyr, Austria, we celebrate with a Spass Nacht (translation: Fun Night). Strap on your lederhosen and join us at this fun annual festival. We’ll bring the authentic food, beverages, polka music and live entertainment–you bring your family and friends to this celebration of all things Austrian. The festivities will take place throughout Lincoln Park.

The Schnapps Band is one of Cincinnati’s finest German/American bands, providing a variety of energetic music that sets the tone of the party. The Accordion and a driving beat are the cornerstone of their sound and vast song list with many new and old German songs, as well as Pop/Rock, Country, Swing, other varieties of ethnic music.

Yoga in the Outfield

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The annual “Yoga in the Outfield” event is back at Day Air Ballpark on Tuesday, July 20th.  Tuesday marks the second of three events this year, with the third occurring on August 24th.  The one-hour yoga class will be led by the founder of local yoga studio Ignite Yoga, Justina Sanford.

 

This event is perfect for yogis of all skill levels. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. before the class, and the yoga starts at 6:00 p.m. Stick around after the event to mingle with fellow yoga lovers, enjoy a complimentary drink at Day Air Ballpark, and see if you are a winner of any raffle prizes. The event will conclude at 9:00 p.m.

Glady Knight at The Fraze

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Very few singers over the last fifty years have matched her unassailable artistry. This seven-time Grammy winner has enjoyed #1 hits in Pop, Gospel, R&B and Adult Contemporary, and has triumphed in film, television and live performance including most recently appearing as “The Bee” on FOX’s The Masked Singer, in which she placed third.

Mask Up for Dayton Live Performances

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In accordance with local, state, and federal authorities, Dayton Live has revised its policy regarding masks and entry to its venues.

“As we welcome back everyone to Dayton Live venues, the health and well-being of our audiences, staff, volunteers, and artists remains our number one priority,” stated Ty Sutton, President & CEO of Dayton Live.

“Due to the high levels of COVID-19 transmission in Montgomery County and the surrounding area, all guests, staff, and volunteers are required to wear masks at all times in our venues, regardless of vaccination status. This policy is effective immediately and until further notice.  We will continually assess the ever-changing landscape of the pandemic and adjust our health and safety protocols according to the recommendations of health officials.”

 

All ticket holders to upcoming events in a Dayton Live venue will receive an email outlining the policy in effect for that specific performance, within one week of their performance. Information can also be found at daytonlive.org/about/health-safety/

If a patron feels that COVID-19 conditions make it unsafe for them to attend a performance/event in a Dayton Live venue, they have several options starting 30 days prior to the performance. Click here to learn more about the COVID-19 Ticket Guarantee. Contact the Dayton Live Ticket Office at 937-228-3630 with additional questions.

 

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder Opens Tonight

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When the low-born Monty Navarro finds out that he’s eighth in line for an earldom in the lofty D’Ysquith family, he figures his chances of outliving his predecessors are slight and sets off down a far more ghoulish path. Can he knock off his unsuspecting relatives without being caught and become the ninth Earl of Highhurst? And what of love? Because murder isn’t the only thing on Monty’s mind….

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder is a murderous romp filled with unforgettable music, non-stop laughs and a scene-stealing role for one actor playing all eight of the doomed heirs who meet their ends in the most creative and side-splitting ways.

DDP Brings Back Bonus Gift Card Program

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The Downtown Dayton Partnership is offering a limited deal for those who purchase Downtown Dollars starting on Thursday, Aug. 18, at noon: Every $50 Downtown Dollars purchase will receive a bonus buy of $25 of Downtown Dollars in a separate e-gift card to the buyer.

Downtown Dollars is one e-gift card that is redeemable at 73 participating businesses in downtown Dayton, including restaurants, pubs, retailers and services. A full list of the businesses and a link to purchase Downtown Dollars is available at www.downtowndayton.org/dollars.

The bonus Downtown Dollars will be delivered to the purchaser in separate $25 gift vouchers from their $50 purchase. The $50 Downtown Dollars e-gift card purchased by the customer does not expire, but the $25 bonus card(s) will expire if not used before Oct. 31, 2021. This promotion is capped at a maximum of $50 in Bonus Buy Dollars per customer (2 bonus cards per customer.)

The $25 bonus buys are limited, and are only available until Aug. 31, 2021, or while Bonus Buy funds last – so be sure to grab your Downtown Dollars now before this special offer is gone! The Bonus Buy sale begins Thursday, Aug. 19, at noon.

Downtown Dollars gives access to the best shopping, dining and entertainment in Downtown Dayton with one card, conveniently stored on a phone or other mobile device.

When you purchase Downtown Dollars for yourself, or to give to others as a gift, the e-gift card is delivered via email or text message. Benefits of the Downtown Dollars e-gift cards include:

●     Downtown Dollars are accepted at 70+ participating merchants in Downtown Dayton.

●     No monthly inactivity fees.

●     Your Downtown Dollars balance is listed directly on the card, and is updated as you use your card.

●     Purchasing cards is fast, personalized and instantaneous – great for gifts!

●     Monthly reminders are sent via email and/or text message to help customers remember they have the gift card available for use.

Go to the Downtown Dollars webpage to purchase your e-gift card for yourself or to send as a gift. Choose the amount, and it will be delivered by email or text message. To learn more about how to redeem your gift cards at participating businesses, visit our website for details and other frequently asked questions.

The Downtown Dayton Partnership will continue to create special offers for Downtown Dollars. Keep in the loop by “liking” the DDP on Facebook (Facebook.com/DowntownDayton), or follow the DDP on Twitter and Instagram (@DowntownDayton) for the latest news. You can also subscribe to the DDP’s email newsletters. Sign up online at www.DowntownDayton.org/subscribe