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boxing

TIFF Day #4 – 2024

September 8, 2024 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello NEON Community!

Today was a rougher start than usual.  I knew I needed to be in a physical line by 8:00…but 8:00 is when I need to be on-line attempting to get tickets for later in the day.  And being outside in a line means that I have to use data instead of a decent internet connection…so it was a stressful start to the morning.  Regardless, I got a couple tickets for later in the day that were on my list – so then I was off to the races.

My first film of the day was NIGHTBITCH, dir Marielle Heller (USA) “An overworked stay-at-home mom (Amy Adams) tries to catch a break, any break, while caring for her rambunctious toddler. Also, she might be turning into a dog.” (taken from TIFF catalog) Heller made a film I adored at TIFF back in 2018 – CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME (with Melissa McCarthy playing Lee Israel)…so I was quite interested to see this…but I was also skeptical given the synopsis and trailer.  It turns out, I rather liked it. This is a film about a woman rediscovering herself after having dedicated a couple years of her life, without rest or instrospection, to raising a child.  It’s about motherhood being primal – and that mothers are gods who create life…and that a child’s first act is one of violence as they enter the world.  There’s a monologue at the beginning of the film that I think will be used often down the road for women auditioning for roles…it’s pretty spectacular.  Overall, I liked this film, and Amy Adams is fantastic.

Next up wasn’t a film, but a chance to sit in on an interview with a contemporary icon. IN CONVERSATION: CATE BLANCHETT.  This session was spectacular, and the interview was hosted by TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey. Blanchett is grounded, wise, and very funny.  The event took place in the Royal Alexandra Theatre – a lovely space that reminds me a bit of The Victoria.  Blanchett was asked about some career defining collaborations, the different roles she’s taken (both as an actress and as a producer), and she reflected on certain projects.  When told that we’d be looking at some different clips of her work, she asked if there was a barf bucket…then after a clip from ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE, she shrieked and gasped and exclaimed, “I keep waiting for RuPaul to ask me to be on the show.”  It was a delightful afternoon full of insight and a true desire to connect with the audience in front of her.  (And of course I loved when she talked about CAROL – and how hard it was to find funding…and how TALENTED MR. RIPLEY was one of the best gigs she’s ever had.) Such a lovely event!
I didn’t have the best seat in the house…but it was pretty good.  Here’s a little pic I snapped:

Another conversation was next…but I couldn’t stay the entire time. VISIONARIES: ALFONSO CUARÓN had Cuarón on stage being interviewed by a film critic – and the conversation got started by talking about his relationship to the other 2 very famous Mexican directors – Guillermo del Toro & Alejandro González Iñárritu.  I could only stay for about 20 minutes because 1) it got a late start & 2) I had another screening.  While on my way to this event, I stopped on the sidewalk for a quick phone call…and a car pulled up and Cate Blanchett got out.  I love little moments like this while at TIFF!

I rushed out of the Cuarón event in order to get to FIRE INSIDE, dir Rachel Morrison (USA)  “Renowned cinematographer Rachel Morrison makes her feature directorial debut with this film about boxer Claressa Shields’ true-life ascent to the Olympics. It’s a unique sports story that goes beyond the triumph of the underdog to ask what comes after.” (taken from TIFF catalog) You might recognize Rachel Morrison’s name from other projects like FRUITVALE STATION, MUDBOUND and BLACK PANTHER – this is one reason I wanted to see this film…the other reason was that it was written by Barry Jenkins.  I’m going to be completely up front with you.  I don’t like boxing (in fact, I really loathe any sport where you’re supposed to attack or strike someone – I’ve never understood the allure).  That said, this film is very well done.  The story of rising up, having a mentor and working against an oppressive system is powerful.  The film works on several levels, and it will help create an understanding to the masses just how biased and sexist the sporting world is to athletes that don’t fit certain societal “ideals.”  It’s a great little film, and I hope it gets a good release.

My last film of the night (which now has me at 16 films for the first 4 days) was ON SWIFT HORSES, dir Daniel Minahan (USA) “Set in the 1950s, this gorgeous adaptation of Shannon Pufahl’s 2019 novel follows a seemingly sensible newlywed (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and her wayward brother-in-law (Priscilla’s Jacob Elordi) as they undertake parallel journeys of risk, romance, and self-discovery.” This ambitious period film has compelling characters, lovely production design, beautiful camera work, some great costumes and one really bad wig (boy, oh boy…a bad wig can really ruin an entire scene). There are some wonderful moments in this film, and the sexual awakenings are interesting – but it just doesn’t add up. I kept watching because I liked the characters – I just wish I had liked the screenplay better.

Tomorrow is CONCLAVE – a film we’re considering for Thanksgiving.  It’s getting rave reviews, and I can’t wait.

Thanks for checking in,
Jonathan

Filed Under: Arts & Entertainment Tagged With: amy adams, boxing, cate blanchett, claressa shields, daisy edgar-jones, fire inside, jacob elordi, nightbitch, olympics, on swift horses, TIFF

On Becoming a Bad Ass

February 23, 2012 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Kristen Wicker and Amelia Robinson spar at Drake's Downtown Gym to prepare for Dayton Knockout.

Kristen Wicker and Amelia Robinson spar at Drake's Downtown Gym to prepare for Dayton Knockout. PHOTO COURTESY OF TOM GREENE.

“Girl, the jig is up,” my best friend is telling me on the phone as I’m freaking out about my recent discovery that I am not, after all, a born fighter. “Your shit is totally exposed.”

She’s right, and I know it. I rappelled off a 27-story office tower. In the bazaars of Cairo, Egypt, I’ve nonchalantly weaved through cow carcasses hanging from their hooves and dripping blood. I’ve chased a group of punk kids in my former inner city hood. I have a bunch of big tattoos and own three genuine leather jackets. I’ve hiked through the Grand Canyon on trails forged by mountain goats and swam with sharks and barracuda in the Red Sea. (OK, I admit that last one was by accident, but it still didn’t faze me.) I will walk right up to a sketchy-looking somebody hanging out downtown and tell him to move it right along.

But my bad ass credentials have never before been tested as they have in the past three months as I’ve trained to box some of my best friends as part of Dayton Knockout.

I signed up for this charity boxing event ― which will be held this Saturday, Feb. 25, at Memorial Hall ― to be part of something super cool, help a good cause, get in shape and maybe lose a few pounds. I’d been boxing at Drake’s Downtown Gym for nearly two years, and I’ve yet to encounter a workout that makes me feel like more of a bad ass than giving a punching bag a hefty one-two.

Immediately, it was on. My girlfriend and I started trash talking. And texting. And posting.

I hope your bucket list is wheelchair accessible.

They’re gonna find your torso in a corn maze.

I hope you enjoyed your smoothie because after I knock all your teeth out, you’ll only be able to digest soft foods.

I’m gonna snack on your kidney on a stick.

I hope you liked wearing head gear because soon it will be a permanent fashion accessory for you.

I hear they make software now that can help you re-learn how to walk.

Halfway through our training, I missed nearly two weeks of practice after some complications from what was supposed to be minor surgery. She sent me flowers ― a beautiful bouquet of roses, actually ― with a card reading, “Sickness will not protect you.”

Then we sparred for the first time. And she rattled my teeth as if they were shells in a wind chime.

Which took the muscle right out of my trash talking. Truth is, I’m not a bad ass. I’m just really good at pretending.

I even had my friend fooled.

“What do you mean, you’ve never fought before? I thought you said you were some kind of crazy, black-haired punk rocker in high school!”

“Those Barbies wouldn’t fight me,” I explained. “Their Aqua Net puff bangs would have gotten flattened.”

“Didn’t you fight your sister?” She was incredulous at this point.

“My sister is eight years younger than me. The worst thing I ever did was put peas in her peanut butter and jelly sandwich.”

***

Monster Truck Rally at Hara Arena.

Monster Truck Rally at Hara Arena. Bad ass grade: D

I did try to up my bad ass quotient after my first Saturday-practice skull crushing. I figured it would help me find my inner fighter.

A friend and I went to a monster truck rally at Hara Arena. I imagined it just like in the commercials: big ass trucks crushing cars and motor bikes daredeviling over piles of dirt. Whoopee! We picked out the perfect outfits, complete with cowboy boots and denim and plaid flannel and bandanas. I insisted we arrive early to have a cocktail at the Hara Pub and spotted an extra five bucks for VIP tickets so we could gain access to a pre-party and obtain a complimentary skull and crossbones flag.

Commercials can be misleading.

“We don’t open the bar for family events,” the woman scanning our tickets tartly replied at my dismay that the pub was closed. The VIP tickets must have stood for Very Ignorant Person, because everyone seemed to be enjoying the “perks” of said tickets. The skull and crossbones flags appeared to have come from one of those little plastic cups in a pizza parlor vending machine. The cars were already crushed, and there wasn’t a speck of dirt (unless you count the grime coating all that is Hara Arena). Some of the drivers couldn’t even get their trucks to spin in the donut competition. Some dude in an ostrich costume as raggedy as an old shag carpet came out and did a 10-minute skit that nearly made us peel our eyeballs out of our skulls.

The best part of the night was when a kid in the row behind us recognized Hell’s Bells two gongs into the song. “Your mother would be so proud,” sighed the woman with him.

We left at intermission. I think my bad-assery actually dropped in value that night.

Rock Star Wrestling

Rock Star Wrestling in Dayton. Bad ass grade: A

Then I took the grand opening of Rock Star Wrestling on East Third Street for a spin. Now, this was some bad ass I could get behind ― men in singlets and Captain America-esque costumes jumping on the ropes around the ring and tossing each other like salad. Hell, YES, that’s what I’m talking about! Complete with kids heckling the wrestlers from the front row!

I definitely ingested a nice womp of bad ass that night. Problem was, I drowned it in beer and Long Island Iced Teas and was left with only blurry pictures on my phone.

***

I have been humiliated by the realization I’m lacking in the bona fide bad ass department before.

The first time I went to a Gem City Roller Girls bout, I was convinced it should be me out there zipping around on skates, hunched into the breeze created by my own speed, elbowing and snarling and falling-but-getting-right-back-up. Oh, the girl power! The striped socks and black skirts and skulls! The clever yet sinister names!

Then I went to Skateworld of Vandalia with my rock star girlfriend. She’s trotted the globe playing searing guitar with bands and always has been much cooler than I am. It was the same in the skating rink.

Gem City Roller Girls. Bad ass grade: A+

Gem City Roller Girls. Bad ass grade: A+

My feet had not known a pair of roller skates since Members Only jackets were in style, you did the Hokey Pokey and Space Invaders was the game to beat. I decided I should warm up with a spin in the kids’ practice area.

At first, I figured the floor was warped in weird ways that were preventing me from getting my Pac Man Fever back. Then, I decided I was just too tired and sloppy from an exhausting week. Next, I concluded that I was just being sensible, as the place was jam-packed with little kids’ birthday parties. If a big girl like me fell on one of these 3-year-olds, that youngster could be smushed like a cupcake. Why risk it?

Finally, my friend ― skating backward and doing spins ― convinced me to make my way to the big kids rink. By then, I was too paranoid to let go of the side railing. As I clunked and slithered my way around the ring as if I were walking on an oil spill, I felt a poke in the small of my back.

I turned to find a little girl, probably five years old, her hair in pig tails. “Excuse me, miss,” she asked in her pip-squeak voice. “Can you move? You’re blocking my way.”

“No,” I said, the word falling from my mouth like a brick. I grabbed her hand and ― still desperately clutching the railing ― swung her around me.

I then proceeded to get the hell out of the rink and take off those damned skates as fast as I could. On our way out, my friend handed me a brochure about skating lessons. I shoved it in the bottom of my purse.

***

Twisted Wicker in the blue corner psyching herself up to bust some jaw.

Twisted Wicker in the blue corner psyching herself up to bust some jaw. PHOTO COURTESY OF TOM GREENE.

I haven’t given up on becoming a boxer as I did with becoming a Gem City Roller Derby Girl. I have been practicing my jab to the point where my knuckles are bruised. I’ve watched Rocky I, II and III, along with YouTube videos of real-life boxers, to observe in-the-ring moves. I’ve been listening incessantly to “We Are the Champions,” “Eye of the Tiger” and the song I chose to play as I make my way to the stage at Memorial Hall, “Mama Said Knock You Out.”

And I’ve been spending a lot of time envisioning myself as a fighter. Faking it. Which I know I can do. After all, these days, when I tell people I’m clinically shy (I am! Like turning a bowling ball in your stomach to talk to a stranger kind of shy!), they don’t believe me. They are totally faked out.

I realize now that becoming a bad ass is like aging: It’s less about the number of times you’ve toasted your birthday or the number of years you’ve been giddy about the arrival of spring. It’s just a a thought you create and control in the mechanics of your brain.

At least, that’s what I’m telling myself as I walk into that ring. I may be wearing a costume of sorts, but it’s genuine boxing garb, the same the pros wear. And I will be feeling like a genuine boxer ― and bad ass.

JAB!

Dayton Knockout benefits AIDS Resource Center Ohio and Dayton History. The event takes place at 8 p.m. this Saturday, Feb. 25, at Memorial Hall. Doors open at 7 p.m. Buy advance tickets online or at Drake’s Downtown Gym, Ghostlight Coffee, Lucky’s Taproom & Eatery, Brixx Ice Co., Square One Salon, and the Dublin Pub. Food and drinks will be available, and an after party featuring live music by Funky G and the Groove Machine will be held in the Memorial Hall basement after the fights.

Click here to read J.T. Ryder’s article on the history of boxing in Dayton. Click here to listen to a radio story Amelia Robinson and I produced about the fight.

Filed Under: The Featured Articles, Twisted Wicker Tagged With: boxing, Dayton Knockout, Dayton Ohio, Downtown Dayton, Drake's Downtown Gym, Events, Memorial Hall, Things to Do

Boxing in Dayton – From Past History to Present “Knockout”

February 18, 2012 By J.T. Ryder 23 Comments

On Saturday Night (February 25, 2012), 17 brave locals will enter the ring at historic Memorial Hall in Downtown Dayton to show the boxing skills they’ve learned over the past several weeks, months and even years of training at Drake’s Downtown Gym in the first Dayton Knockout V.I.P. Fight Night!  This highly-anticipated event is presented by AIDS Resource Center Ohio and Dayton History (in collaboration with Drake’s Downtown Gym) with proceeds benefiting these two excellent organizations.  Knockout Tickets are $15 advance/$20 door for General Admission, with limited $25 advance tickets available that include three drink tickets and admission to the Speakeasy Lounge AfterParty featuring Funky G and the Groove Machine.

Knockout V.I.P Fight Night is the first event in the Memorial Hall Theatre since Bill Cosby appeared there in 2001, and an opportunity for Daytonians to revisit the venue in which many big acts have performed over the past decades – not to mention some big boxing events in the early 1900’s.  Continue reading for an interesting look back at Dayton’s boxing legacy, and at the end of this article – a chance to win tickets for the Knockout V.I.P. Fight Night…

Dayton Is Far From Being Down For The Count


A Brief History Of Boxing In Dayton – By J.T. Ryder 

 

 Imagine yourself ascending the wide limestone steps of Memorial Hall in the early to mid 1900’s, with its godlike statuary flanking you and its French Renaissance façade looming before you. It would be easy to be timelessly transported to another era, one of arenas and sporting grounds strewn with the blood and sweat of athletic champions. Even through the thick, stone walls of the hall, you hear the pulsating roar of the crowd that has gathered here to witness yet another pugilistic match between two worthy contenders, a spectacle of violence that sways between splendor and civilized chaos.

As you enter the hall, the haziness of the cigarette and cigar smoke, coupled with the heat of the crowd, drifts through the glare of the primitive klieg lights, giving the hall a cavernous appearance, like a misty vision of Valhalla. The sounds of brutality and bloodshed echo and rebound off the shadowed walls. A sea of boaters, bowlers and fedoras move in an undulating wave as the staccato voice of the bout’s announcer breathlessly shouts out each blow in a stridently clipped voice. Spectators clench betting slips in their hands and cigars between their teeth as they bark out encouragement for their champion and profane epithets towards his challenger. Close up, the ring reveals two opponents, locked in a ballet of darting evasions and devastating blows. These two gloved gladiators are continually caught in the sharply contrasting light of the popping flashbulbs of the eager press’ phalanx Graflex, the photographer’s jockeying for a better position, chronicling the sportsmanlike spilling of blood and hoping to capture either the triumph of the reigning champ or the rise of a new title holder, imprisoning the moment in emulsion.

Gene Tunney & Jack Dempsey at Memorial Hall

There was a time when Daytonwas a Mecca for boxing. There were countless gyms focused on boxing that dotted the city. Individual boxing clubs sprouted up, creating cross town rivalries that defended their honor in the various rings and exhibitions throughout the city. The Dayton Gym Club loomed large within the local and national boxing community. In 1950, it was voted as one of the best fight clubs in the nation and was home to several of the local Golden Gloves teams. From the late 1890’s, nearly two dozen world champions fought at the gym and the World Welterweight title changed hands there when Honey Melody was knocked out in 15 rounds by Frank Mantell, November 1, 1907. Westwood Field was another location that saw it’s share of international boxing stars. On June 25th, 1917, Jack Britton lost his welterweight title to Kid Lewis and later on, in 1918, Jack Dempsey knocked out Terry Keller in five rounds at Westwood.

“Jones failed to display half the ability expected and many fans were highly disappointed with the showing of the Gorilla. The fight was really saved by the constant driving-in tactics of Williams who won seven on the twelve rounds, three being even, Gorilla taking the others.”– Wire Report from Dayton

Until the seating was elevated in the 1940’s, Memorial Hall was the premier site for the local boxing scene. On April 22nd, 1935, Joe Louis knocked out Biff Bennett during an exhibition match at Memorial Hall. During a fight with favored boxer Gorilla Jones on April 22nd, 1930 Tiger Roy Williams won in a twelve round decision at Memorial Hall. Many other boxer fought within the walls of Memorial Hall, including Manuel Castro, Jimmy Kelly, Danny Budd, Joe Glick, Mike Ballerino…the list goes on and on.

The city also spawned some national and international luminaries of the boxing world, including Joe Sekyra, the once top rated light-heavyweight and heavyweight boxer who later went on to train a Dayton Golden Gloves team. There was also the lightweight journeyman Eddie Brandt, who was also the former president of Old Time Boxers’ Club of Dayton. Sugar Costner, who was once the top ranked welterweight, beat Kid Gavilan and Ike Williams before losing to Jake LaMotta and Sugar Ray Robinson. Charles “Buddy” Knox was a heavyweight contender who also trained a Dayton Golden Gloves team. There was also world ranked featherweight Joe Marinelli who defeated two former world champs, Jimmy Perrin and Joey Archibald at Memorial Hall.

Chris Pearson

There are also some very well known boxers from the Dayton area (omitting Buster Douglas’ brief stay here in 1979 while he attended Sinclair Community College). First, there is Chris Pearson, who is actually from Trotwood, but close enough to be counted. Pearson has been labeled by many boxing aficionados as one of the best upcoming middleweight boxers and the one to watch. This south-paw has been a U.S. National Amateur Middleweight Champion gold medalist, a 2-time Silver Gloves Champ, a 4-time Jr. Golden Gloves Champ, an 8-time State Fair Champ, a Jr. Olympic Bronze Medalist, the Ringside World Champion and the National PAL Champion as well as the 2009 Police Athletic League national champion. In his short, burgeoning career, he has beaten four former Olympians (including Brazil’s Yamaguichi Florentino, a veteran of 151 fights) and Bakhyt Sarsekbayev of Kazakhstan, who was the 2008 Beijing Games welterweight gold medalist.

There is also Michael Evans, born July 22nd, 1977 and raised part of the time at his grandma’s apartment in Dayton’s Arlington Court housing project. Through a childhood altercation that led to fisticuffs, Evans got noticed and groomed by the local boxing community. He went on to become a national Police Athletic League champion, held two Junior Olympic titles, won a bronze medal at the Goodwill Games before going on to become the 2005 Golden Gloves champion. This led to him becoming a captain of the Team USA boxing squad, fighting bouts in China, Hungary, Ireland, England (including his sell out event against British Olympian Amir Khan at Liverpool’s famed Olympia ballroom), Japan, Thailand, Germany and all across America, including Madison Square Garden. Shortly before he was to lead Team USA into Russia, Evans was busted for selling crack cocaine to an undercover officer, drawing himself a four year stint at London Correctional Institute.

Next – Dayton native Ron Lyle. Continue reading…

Pages: Page 1 Page 2 Page 3

Filed Under: Dayton History, Spectator Sports, The Featured Articles Tagged With: boxing, Dayton, Dayton Gym Club, Foreman, Lyle, Memorial Hall, Pearson

UD Student Breaking Into the Professional Boxing World

June 14, 2010 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Many young professionals get career ideas from their parents, friends or maybe even school professors. Jose Santana Jr., a senior at the University of Dayton, became hooked on boxing at the age of 15 while admiring boxer Felix Trinidad. It wasn’t until he was finishing up high school at Saint Ignatius High School in Cleveland, Ohio, that he realized he wanted to work in boxing for a living.

Santana (left) with Freddie Roach, trainer of seven-division world champion boxer Manny Pacquiao

His dream in working in boxing professionally finally became a reality after his freshman year of college at UD. Taking lessons learned from classes he took freshman year, Santana decided to call a Cleveland radio station to see if any internship spots were available. “The classes I took as a sport management major really taught me how make connections, which sounds easy, but you try picking up a phone and calling a business executive who has no idea who you are and try to make friends with him,” said Santana. “It can be a nerve-wracking thing to do for an 18-year-old.”

He talked to Antonio Castro, who gave him the job of promotions assistant which entailed booking guests, helping plan the show and answering phones.

After writing for a small boxing web site, Santana was able to put together a portfolio and send it to a bigger boxing web site called SecondsOut, which is based out of London, England. After doing this, he was able to secure a writing position for them last June.

Securing an internship is a very important thing to do for college students and some, like Santana, try and get a head start early. The key time to start really looking for internships for the summer would be in the early spring, as companies are looking to fill positions and get training started before students are out of school. Although some companies still look for interns in the summer, it is best to go out and search actively early and often. I can attest to this as I had applied to more than 15 internships for this summer and was able to get interviews for three by applying early and asking about certain programs.

Even though he has clear connections and a job in Cleveland, Santana says he may need a change in scenery if he wants to move up in the boxing world. “The high profile jobs in the industry are located in Florida, New York, California and Las Vegas, so I may have to move to one of those areas.”

Boxing may not be as popular in the United States as it is in other countries, but Santana and his family still embrace the cultural significance that comes with it. Santana, who is of Puerto Rican descent, would often get together with his entire family to watch big fights, and it was a time to enjoy the fight and spend time with family. “I fell in love with the atmosphere and the sport that way,” said Santana.

Santana also works for Antonio Castro’s boxing promotions company called Warner Promotions, which he was able to get after working with him. “Promotions is difficult work where your money is on the line and you are depending on people buying tickets to make a profit,” said Santana. “If you really want experience dealing with all that, you have to jump right in there and an internship is going to be very beneficial.”

“Get to know people who work in your desired industry. That is huge. They know other people who know other people and soon enough you have a whole tree of connections,” said Santana.

Filed Under: Community Tagged With: boxing, internship, UD

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7:00 pm
Levitt Pavilion

Star City Free Concert Series

7:00 pm
Riverfront Park

Shrek The Musical

7:00 pm
Epiphany Lutheran Church

Shrek The Musical

7:00 pm
Epiphany Lutheran Church

Firefly Party

8:30 pm
Caesar Ford Park
+ 9 More
All Day

Montgomery County Fair

Montgomery County Fairgrounds
Ongoing

Greenville Farm Power of the Past

8:00 am
Darke County Fairgrounds

Dragons 5K

8:00 am
Day Air Ballpark

Yellow Springs Farmers Market

8:00 am
John Bryan Community Center

2025 Dragons 5K

8:00 am
Water Street District

2nd Annual Lebanon Pride Festiva

8:00 am
Mulberry Plaza

Downtown Franklin Farmers Market

8:30 am
Franklin Farmers Market

Oakwood Farmers Market

9:00 am
Oakwood Farmers Market

Greene County Farmers Market

9:00 am
Beavercreek Farmers Market

Shiloh Farmers Market

9:00 am
Shiloh Church

Yoga in the Park

10:00 am
RiverScape MetroPark

Dayton’s First-Ever M Cruise-In

10:00 am
BMW of Dayton

Farmers Market at The Heights

10:00 am
Eichelberger Amphitheater

New Carlisle Farmer’s Market

10:00 am
Downtown New Carlisle

Waynesville Street Faire

10:00 am
Downtown Waynesville

Planting a Shade Garden

10:00 am
Cox Arboretum

THE MARKET

11:00 am
Town & Country Shopping Center

Saturday Art Hop at Art Encounters

11:00 am
Front Street

Greek Fest

11:00 am
Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church

 Smoke and Stroll Saturday

11:00 am
420 Dayton

Underground Railroad Walking Tour

11:30 am
Springboro Area Historical Society

Curtis Barnes, Sr., Dayton Icon Exhibit Opens

12:00 pm
The Dayton Art Institute

Freakin Ricans

12:00 pm

Road Rally Scavenger Hunt

1:00 pm
Kettering Recreation Complex
+ 25 More
Ongoing

Greenville Farm Power of the Past

8:00 am
Darke County Fairgrounds

Christmas in July Half Marathon & 5K Dayton

8:00 am
Hollywood Gaming Dayton Raceway

Locking Up Otis

8:00 am
Wright Station

Downtown Troy Farmers’ Market

9:00 am
Downtown Troy

Dayton Summer Wedding Expo

11:00 am
Hilton Garden Inn Beavercreek

DAYTON MAC N’ CHEESE FEST 2025

11:00 am
The Brightside Event & Music Venue

Porsche and Packards

12:00 pm
America's Packard Museum

Pencils and Prompts: Drawing Basics

12:30 pm
Dayton Society of Artists - DSA

Tomato Workshop

1:00 pm
Possum Creek MetroPark

Sketcher Social Session: Advanced Drawing

2:30 pm
Dayton Society of Artists - DSA

Matilda: The Musical

6:00 pm
La Comedia
+ 7 More

Week of Events

Mon 7

Tue 8

Wed 9

Thu 10

Fri 11

Sat 12

Sun 13

July 7 - July 12

Montgomery County Fair

Montgomery County Fair

July 7 - July 12

Montgomery County Fair

The 173rd Montgomery County Fair is back and better than ever! This 2025, we’re celebrating Red, White & Bloom with an unforgettable weekend packed...

July 7 - July 12

Montgomery County Fair

July 7 - July 12

Montgomery County Fair

July 7 - July 12

Montgomery County Fair

July 10 @ 8:00 am - July 13 @ 9:00 pm

Greenville Farm Power of the Past

Greenville Farm Power of the Past

July 10 @ 8:00 am - July 13 @ 9:00 pm

Greenville Farm Power of the Past

Antique tractor and gas engine show with flea market at the historic Darke County Fairgrounds in Greenville, OH. Daily admission...

$5.00
July 7 - July 12

Montgomery County Fair

July 10 @ 8:00 am - July 13 @ 9:00 pm

Greenville Farm Power of the Past

July 7 - July 12

Montgomery County Fair

July 10 @ 8:00 am - July 13 @ 9:00 pm

Greenville Farm Power of the Past

July 10 @ 8:00 am - July 13 @ 9:00 pm

Greenville Farm Power of the Past

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Recurring

Color Our World – The Art of Stories

July 7 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Recurring

Color Our World – The Art of Stories

Each session of this freeform art class will focus on a different children's book illustrators' works and provide children an...

5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Recurring

Rolling Easy

July 7 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Recurring

Rolling Easy

Mobile food trailer w/ freshly made street food: crispy wonton rolls filled with fresh ingredients, prime rib sliders, grilled cheese...

5:00 pm - 10:00 pm Recurring

$3 Burger Night

July 7 @ 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm Recurring

$3 Burger Night

From 5-10pm you can choose from the following: for $3 - it's a plain burger on a bun, $4 -...

$3
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Bourbon and Cigar Night

July 7 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Bourbon and Cigar Night

Choose 1 cigar Get a flight of Jefferson’s (three 1 oz pours) Sign up on Eventbrite space is limited to...

$35
7:15 pm

Auditions for THE ADDAMS FAMILY: The Musical

July 7 @ 7:15 pm

Auditions for THE ADDAMS FAMILY: The Musical

 Performances:Weekends, September 5–21 Join us for this spooky, kooky musical comedy! We’re looking for kind, hardworking people who want to...

Free
7:30 pm - 11:30 pm Recurring

Justin’s LOTD Scotch Doubles Pool Tournament

July 7 @ 7:30 pm - 11:30 pm Recurring

Justin’s LOTD Scotch Doubles Pool Tournament

EVERY MONDAY NIGHT at Miami Valley Sports Bar - Justin's Famous Luck of the Draw Scotch Doubles Pool Tournament!!! Each...

$10.00
8:00 pm Recurring

Monday Night Laughs!

July 7 @ 8:00 pm Recurring

Monday Night Laughs!

  Join us every Monday at Oregon Express for Comedy Open Mic hosted by the hilarious G-Money! Sign-ups at 8:00PM...

11:00 am - 2:00 pm Recurring

Freakin Ricans Food Truck

July 8 @ 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Recurring

Freakin Ricans Food Truck

12:00 pm - 8:00 pm Recurring

Schmidt’s Sausage Truck

July 8 @ 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm Recurring

Schmidt’s Sausage Truck

2:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Bargain Tuesday: $6.50 Movie Day

July 8 @ 2:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Bargain Tuesday: $6.50 Movie Day

Tuesday at the Neon in Downtown Dayton movies are just $6.50

$6.50
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Tai Chi & Qigong at the River

July 8 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Tai Chi & Qigong at the River

Offered by Immortal Tree Qigong. Each hour-long Tai Chi & Qigong session will start with breathing exercises, warm up, and...

Free
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

 Herb Garden Make & Take Workshop

July 8 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

 Herb Garden Make & Take Workshop

 Herb Garden Make & Take Workshop Tuesday, July 8, 2025 | 6:30–8:00 PMHosted at Mystic Life | $20 per person Join...

$20
7:00 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Trivia with Rob

July 8 @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Trivia with Rob

Come test your brain, enjoy great food and drinks, and have some fun!

7:00 pm - 9:45 pm Recurring

Progressive Euchre Tournament

July 8 @ 7:00 pm - 9:45 pm Recurring

Progressive Euchre Tournament

Are you ready for a fun, social evening with fellow Euchre enthusiasts? Look no further! Our progressive Euchre tournament is...

7:15 pm Recurring

Auditions for THE ADDAMS FAMILY: The Musical

July 8 @ 7:15 pm Recurring

Auditions for THE ADDAMS FAMILY: The Musical

 Performances:Weekends, September 5–21 Join us for this spooky, kooky musical comedy! We’re looking for kind, hardworking people who want to...

Free
+ 2 More
10:00 am - 1:00 pm Recurring

Fairborn Farmers Market

July 9 @ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm Recurring

Fairborn Farmers Market

The Fairborn Farmers Market was established with the intent to provide the Fairborn community access to fresh and wholesome products...

Free
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Recurring

Adult Stretch

July 9 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Recurring

Adult Stretch

Adults ages 16 and up are invited to an afternoon session of stretching and more! Donna Gambino is owner of...

Free
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Trotwood Community Market (presented by American Legion Post 613)

July 9 @ 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Trotwood Community Market (presented by American Legion Post 613)

A celebration of locally sourced foods and products from small businesses in Trotwood and the surrounding communities! Stop by and...

3:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Miamisburg Farmers Market

July 9 @ 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Miamisburg Farmers Market

Miamisburg Farmers MarketAt Miamisburg Christian Church parking lot.1146 E. Central Ave in Miamisburg.Fresh Produce, sweet treats, food trucks and more..

5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Recurring

Beckers SMASH-tastic Burgers

July 9 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Recurring

Beckers SMASH-tastic Burgers

Single Single smash patty on a brioche bun $9.00 Single with Bacon Single smash patty and bacon on a brioche...

6:00 pm

July Wine Tasting

July 9 @ 6:00 pm

July Wine Tasting

Summer Table: a refined twist on the Southern cookout MENU Fried alligator with stuffed onion rings and chimichurri aioli; Mirabelle...

$79
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Bourbon vs Barrel: The Ultimate Pairing Experience

July 9 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Bourbon vs Barrel: The Ultimate Pairing Experience

Join ModeX Tequila Bistro and Wright Dunbar Cigars for a night of fire-grilled meats, aged bourbon, and hand-selected premium cigars....

$95
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Recurring

Trivia Night at Alematic

July 9 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Recurring

Trivia Night at Alematic

Grab some friends and join us every Wednesday night at the brewery for a pint of your favorite ALEMATIC brew...

+ 2 More
8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Country Concert 2025

July 10 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Country Concert 2025

30 SUPERSTARS - GREAT CAMPING The Midwest's Premier Country Music Festival started more than 40 years ago and is still...

$155 – $436
11:30 am - 12:15 pm Recurring

Art Start Pre-School Storytime

July 10 @ 11:30 am - 12:15 pm Recurring

Art Start Pre-School Storytime

Art Start Pre-School Storytime 2nd Thursday of the month 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM Rosewood Arts Center 2655 Olson Dr....

Free
12:00 pm - 5:00 pm Recurring

Open Coworking

July 10 @ 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm Recurring

Open Coworking

Join us in The Hub for open co-working from 12pm to 5pm. Ever wonder how The Hub could work for...

12:00 pm - 8:00 pm Recurring

Launch Pad

July 10 @ 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm Recurring

Launch Pad

Meet the people you need to move your business forward This monthly LaunchPad event series brings you opportunities to expand...

Free
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Ermal’s Hefeweizen Launch

July 10 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Ermal’s Hefeweizen Launch

Ermal's Hefeweizen Returns Thursday, July 10th!  Back on tap & in 6pks - this classic wheat beer is brewed true...

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

National Shark Week Movie: Jaws

July 10 @ 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

National Shark Week Movie: Jaws

Drop in for a special "Shark Week" movie to help promote education and interest in shark and oceanic research. Join...

4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Lebanon Farmers Market

July 10 @ 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Lebanon Farmers Market

The Lebanon Farmers Market is open 4 pm to 7 pm every Thursday mid-May through mid-October.  We are located in...

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Grapes & Groves

July 10 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Grapes & Groves

Join us every Thursday to Taste Wine at your own pace. Each Thursday we will have one of our highly...

+ 12 More
9:00 am

Birdies and Bogeys for Breast Wishes

July 11 @ 9:00 am

Birdies and Bogeys for Breast Wishes

Join us for the Breast Wishes Foundation Golf Outing and tee up FORE a day of fun, giving back, and...

$125
4:00 pm - 10:00 pm Recurring

Cruise In at the Roadhouse

July 11 @ 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm Recurring

Cruise In at the Roadhouse

Cruise In at the Roadhouse is taking place at Rip Rap Roadhouse, which is located at 6024 Rip Rap Rd. in Huber Heights....

5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

The Great Dayton Food Truck Rally- 50 Trucks

July 11 @ 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

The Great Dayton Food Truck Rally- 50 Trucks

We are excited to announce the biggest food truck rally Downtown Dayton has ever seen over a two day period!...

6:00 pm Recurring

Matilda: The Musical

July 11 @ 6:00 pm Recurring

Matilda: The Musical

Winner of 47 International Awards! Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence, and special powers. She's unloved by...

$39 – $79
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Wire-Wrapped Succulents: a Two-Part Workshop with Jenn & Shanon Queen

July 11 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Wire-Wrapped Succulents: a Two-Part Workshop with Jenn & Shanon Queen

Join us for a creative two-day workshop where you’ll learn the art of wire wrapping while crafting a charming wire-wrapped...

$65
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Recurring

LIVE TRIVIA with Trivia Shark

July 11 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Recurring

LIVE TRIVIA with Trivia Shark

Join us every Friday night at 6pm for Dayton's Best LIVE TRIVIA with Trivia Shark at Miami Valley Sports Bar!...

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Foam Frenzy

July 11 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Foam Frenzy

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of bubbly fun! Foam Frenzy is coming to Wilson Park this summer—and you’re invited...

Free
7:00 pm Recurring

Candlelight Reading Night

July 11 @ 7:00 pm Recurring

Candlelight Reading Night

Candlelight Reading Nights is a cozy, intentional space for BIPOC & Queer community to gather and read together. Bring your...

+ 9 More
8:00 am - 11:00 am

Dragons 5K

July 12 @ 8:00 am - 11:00 am

Dragons 5K

The 2025 Dragons 5K presented by Orthopedic Associates hits the heart of Water Street District on Saturday, July 12, 2025....

$20 – $40
8:00 am - 12:00 pm Recurring

Yellow Springs Farmers Market

July 12 @ 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Recurring

Yellow Springs Farmers Market

For over 20 years this market has been made up of a hardworking group of men, women and children, dedicated...

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

2025 Dragons 5K

July 12 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

2025 Dragons 5K

Registration will open March 3, 2025, but if you participated in last year's race, check out your photos and learn...

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

2nd Annual Lebanon Pride Festiva

July 12 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

2nd Annual Lebanon Pride Festiva

Join us for the second ever PRIDE Celebration happening in Downtown Lebanon, Ohio! Come have a fabulous day of vendors,...

8:30 am - 12:00 pm Recurring

Downtown Franklin Farmers Market

July 12 @ 8:30 am - 12:00 pm Recurring

Downtown Franklin Farmers Market

Join us every Saturday through Sept 13, 8.30 a.m. - 12 p.m. for local products including fresh produce, honey/jams, and...

9:00 am - 12:00 pm Recurring

Oakwood Farmers Market

July 12 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Recurring

Oakwood Farmers Market

The 2025 Oakwood Farmers’ Market will be held Saturdays, June 7th thru October 11th, from 9 am until 12pm. The...

9:00 am - 1:00 pm Recurring

Greene County Farmers Market

July 12 @ 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Recurring

Greene County Farmers Market

The outdoor Farmers Market on Indian Ripple Rd. in Beavercreek runs Saturdays, 9-1 even during the winter months. Check out...

9:00 am - 2:00 pm Recurring

Shiloh Farmers Market

July 12 @ 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Recurring

Shiloh Farmers Market

The farmers’ market is located on the corner of Main St. & Philadelphia Dr, in the parking lot of Shiloh...

+ 25 More
8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Christmas in July Half Marathon & 5K Dayton

July 13 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Christmas in July Half Marathon & 5K Dayton

Ho Ho Ho, Oh What Fun it is to Run in the Sun (and Shade) and Earn Some Chillin’ Hawaiian Summer...

$39.99 – $79.99
8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Locking Up Otis

July 13 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Locking Up Otis

Ready for some Wright Station live music? Here we go!  The Classic rock of Locking Up Otis kicks off our...

Free
9:00 am - 12:00 pm Recurring

Downtown Troy Farmers’ Market

July 13 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Recurring

Downtown Troy Farmers’ Market

Downtown Troy Farmers' Market will run Saturday mornings 9:00 am to 12:00 pm from June 22nd, 2013 through September 21st,...

11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Dayton Summer Wedding Expo

July 13 @ 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Dayton Summer Wedding Expo

FREE ADMISSION, Reservations Required. Show only vendor discounts and specials Every couple receives a gift card for Free wedding rings....

Free
11:00 am - 6:00 pm

DAYTON MAC N’ CHEESE FEST 2025

July 13 @ 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

DAYTON MAC N’ CHEESE FEST 2025

Join us for a ton of incredible mac n' cheese and more all from some amazing food trucks at The...

Free
12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Porsche and Packards

July 13 @ 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Porsche and Packards

Two great collector car icons meet! America's Packard Museum, for the very first time, is hosting Porsche and Packards sponsored...

Free
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm

Pencils and Prompts: Drawing Basics

July 13 @ 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm

Pencils and Prompts: Drawing Basics

Pencil and Prompts: Drawing Basics Sharpen up your sketching skills with a local artist providing you insights and inspirations into...

$30
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Tomato Workshop

July 13 @ 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Tomato Workshop

Watering, pruning, staking, pinching and fertilizing are all part of getting the perfect tomato crop. We'll discuss these and more...

$20
+ 7 More
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