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frozen

Secrets of Cassano’s and The Dough Plant

August 10, 2016 By Dayton937 6 Comments

Chip Cassano inspects the hi-tech equipment in the dough plant

***** WIN A FREE PIZZA WITH THE FOOD ADVENTURES CREW ***** JUST COMMENT BELOW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN – winner will be chosen at random on Monday
For decades Daytonians have taken pizza for granted.  We don’t realize that Dayton, Ohio is one of the most important cities in the world when it comes to the history of pizza.  And it is all because of Vic Cassano and his mother-in-law Caroline “Mom” Donisi.

Now, 63 years later, The Cassano’s franchise is going strong, and not just in the pizza restaurants.  Cassano’s headquarters on Stroop Road in Kettering is also a facility for dough production.

Vic Cassano Sr. in his early Pizza Days during the 1950’s

— SECRET 1: What most Daytonians don’t know is their dough is produced here, and sold nationwide.  Whether balls of dough or sheeted pizza crusts, hundreds of restaurants serve products made with Cassano’s dough.  We are not allowed to name the companies, but let’s just say they are some big wig, national restaurants, that you definitely would recognize.  There are also hundreds of small restaurants that use Cassano’s, dough as a shortcut for great pizzas, calzones, breads and more.

After a year of preparation, Food Adventures is ready to tell you a story, much of which is unknown to Miami Valley residents.  It is the untold insight into the dough plant, the history and personal triumphs of the Cassano family.

Hand cutting hundreds of pounds of dough from the mixer

Before we get to secrets inside the dough plant lets get the scoop on Cassano’s history:

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON CASSANO’S

— JUNE 4th, 1953 – At the urging of a friend in New York, Vic Cassano decides to sell pizza at the Kettering grocery store of his in laws, Mom and Pop Donisi.  Using a thin crust recipe developed by Mom Donisi from her days in Italy, they make pizza available for the public.  It is a huge hit, and they sell 400 pies the first day on Schantz Avenue.  It is Dayton’s first introduction to pizza.  Needless to say the grocery store, soon became a

The Cutter presses 6 inch to 18 inch crusts for freezing

pizza shop.

— SECRET 2: THIS SUMMER DATE in 1953 ALSO MARKS THE INVENTION of THIN CRUST PIZZA in THE UNITED STATES.  Don’t let anyone tell you different, Dayton, Ohio is the center of that storm.  That would have been a hell of a day for a Food Adventure.   

Dough Balls are produced through a mostly automated system

— SECRET 3: Vic Cassano decides to cut the pieces in tiny squares.  WHY?  Because in 1953 it wasn’t “lady like” to be holding and handling big slices of pizza in your palm.  Cassano’s square slices were the polite and dainty way to enjoy the Italian treat.
— SECRET 4: Vic Cassano was not only a pizza genius, he was a mechanical genius.  He patented the first self cleaning oven.  To this day, his family  still finds dozens of papers in the office, detailing patented inventions from cooling and refrigeration systems to appliances.

Vic Cassano Jr. streamlined operations efficiently

 — SECRET 5:  Cassano’s was the first franchised restaurant in Ohio and possibly the United States.  The early 50’s were a time of business and law challenges, as many scenarios were never seen before.  Cassano’s was instrumental in the development of what we know today as franchising laws.  This allowed Cassano’s to steadily grow in the 50’s and 60’s.

Heart Shaped Pizza option in February

— SECRET 6:  Vic Cassano’s company was the first to ever freeze dough on a large scale.  He experimented with recipes and developed a full Italian menu.

— Owners of the local iconic pizza places like Marion’s Pizza and Ron’s Pizza, originally had affiliations with Cassano’s.

— In the 60’s and 70’s,  Cassano’s added affiliated restaurants like Sandy’s Hamburgers and London Bobby’s Fish and Chips.  They now had over 100 stores in total.  They served pizza on a cardboard slate, and “to go” orders were slid into bags and crumpled at one end, while leaving a”puff” in the bag, so not to damage the pizza or its toppings.

Unforgettable Tour of the Dough Plant – and Dough Samples !!

 — Here comes THE BIG CHEESE: In the early 80’s Cassano’s introduced their masterpiece pizza, the Big Cheese Pizza.  This was their deluxe pizza with double the cheese on top.  This became a menu staple and you can still order the Big Cheese “Vic’s Way” (with black olives) or “Mom’s Way” (with green olives).   During this time, Cassano’s started serving their “to go” and delivery pizzas in boxes.

—  In 1986, Vic Cassano sold the business.  A year later Mom Donisi passed away.  As the family saw their former business struggle in other people’s hands, so Vic Jr. decided to buy it back in 1989.  It was a short hiatus and the pizza business atmosphere was saturated with saturated with national and local companies.  To say it was extremely competitive is an understatement.

Side view of a legendary Cassano’s Pizza in the making

— With Vic Cassano Jr. at the helm, the 90’s were the start of a new, efficient direction of cutting waste and streamlining the business.  It worked.

— Vic Cassano Sr passed away in 2002, at the time his son kept rebuilding the brand and would expand operations at the dough plant.

Sheeted Pizza Crusts, stacked and ready to be packaged

— The amazing strides and improvements in efficiency, allowed more investment in equipment.  A centralized call center was finished in 2003.  Vic Cassano Jr. had turned the corner and was working on bringing back some nostalgia back to Cassano’s like the Pizza King logo, the London Bobby Fish and Chips and more.  In, 2010, Vic Jr. unexpectedly passed away.  To his credit, he had prepared his children Lora, Chip (aka Vic the 3rd), and Chris over the past decades to take on the new leadership role.  They did just that, carrying on the vision of their father and adding even more to the legendary name.

An up close look at the one and only BIG CHEESE PIZZA !

— Today, under the management of the third generation Lora Cassano-Hammons, Vic Cassano III, and Chris Cassano, there are almost 40 pizza shops and over 600 employees.

— Product developments included bringing back “Pizza Packs to go” and a new “Home Edition” Frozen Pizza line found in stores and available to be shipped nationwide.   The Stroop Rd. location has gone back to carry the “London Bobby Fish and Chips” meals again.

London Bobby’s Fish and Chips available at the Stroop Rd. Cassano’s

— About 3 years ago, The Cassano’s Cares Foundation  was set up.  It is the charitable arm of Cassano’s set up in memory of Vic Cassano Jr.  Their purpose is to give back to local charities and organizations.  Memorable events included an evening with Pete Rose and a Corvette giveaway.  There is also an annual golf outing to support the foundation as well.  There is even a Vic Cassano Health Center on Edwin C Moses Blvd.

— In June 2016, almost 63 years to the day after the first pizza was sold, the Ohio Historical Connection declared the Cassano’s Stroop Rd. office a historical site.  Now your Food Adventures on Stroop Rd, can be truly historical !

 

Now, let’s go from modern history to secrets inside the Dough Plant …..

These two flour silos hold 75,000 pounds of flour… EACH !

INSIDE THE DOUGH PLANT:

— SECRET 7:  The dough plant, located at 1700 East Stroop Rd.  produces approximately 50,000 – 70,0000 pounds of dough daily.  Only about 20 percent of that is for Cassano’s restaurants.  The remaining 80 percent is sold to other food establishments.

— SECRET 8:  The plant uses 30,000 pounds of flour each day.  The facility is equipped with 2 huge flour silos that each hold 75,000 pounds of flour.  WOW,  this place would make Willy Wonka proud.

Caroline “Mom” Donisi. Her recipe from Italy was the spark

— SECRET 9:  The plant has a capacity to produce about 8,000 pounds of dough in an hour.  Depending on the size, that can equate to 100-200 dough balls per minute during the morning shift.  In the afternoon shift, the plant switches gears to produce pizza crusts from 6 inches to 18 inches in diameter.  The crusts are shrink wrapped to prevent breakage and boxed and loaded into a freezer or  refrigerated delivery trucks.

The Chopped Steak Sub

— SECRET 10: The dough recipe has been tweaked slightly over the past 20 years.  When making pizzas these days they even “tack” the dough with a docker to control bubbling of the dough.  Remember those bubbles in the 70’s and 80’s on Cassano’s pies ?  You don’t see those anymore.

All this talk about dough has us a bit hungry.. may Food Adventures suggest some “Must Eats” from our decades of devouring Dayton’s original thin crust pizza?  CASSANOS !

Cassano’s Headquarters is named a Historical Site, June 3rd 2016

MUST EATS:

— THE BIG CHEESE “VIC’S WAY”:  Mounds of cheese, Pepperoni, Sausage, Mushrooms, Onions and Red & Green Peppers, Black Olives and more cheese!  This is it.  This is the Cadillac of the Cassano’s menu.  So good, it will make you sleepy afterwards.  A flavorful, filling, and unforgettable pie.  As Vic used to say.. “It’s one heck of a pizza!”

— THE CLUB CASSINI: Ham, Pepperoni, Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Provolone Cheese and Italian dressing on a Mediterranean flat bread bun.  This was a great

Packaged Dough, ready for the freezer

surprise and has such a meaty and creamy, delicious flavor.  This is an unknown menu gem.

— PEPPERONI PIZZA WITH EXTRA SAUCE:  The Big Ragu has been using this trick since 1986.  He suggests you always order your Cassano’s pepperoni pizzas with extra sauce. They take their time and spend a little more time on your pizza.

— THE CHOPPED STEAK SUB:  Get your messy groove on with this Steak patty, topped Provolone Cheese, Pizza Sauce,  dripping with Mushroom Gravy, sprinkled with Onions and Banana Peppers.

Dough off the conveyor belt

— THE 30 INCH PARTY PIZZA:  Get it, you only live once.  Perfect for parties – birthday or super bowl.  $100 gets you a deluxe and 80 bucks gets you a one topping pizza pie.   This humongous pizza is a party in a box…. a pretty big box.

We are honored to be able to take a behind the scenes view at the Cassano’s pizza and dough plant.   The factory employees and management are always friendly and

Top it with sauce and you got something going….

accommodating.  Thank you for letting us see the legendary Dayton magic firsthand.  Congratulations to the Cassano family on all of their accomplishments.  They are a great family and we are lucky to consider them friends.  We are excited to see what the future holds for this Dayton original.

Honorable Mention: The Spaghetti Dinner:  Sometimes we just crave the simple pasta and sauce combo.  So pure, so peasant, so good….

Don’t forget to check out our weekly Food Adventure feature articles on MostMetro. com

For daily Food Adventure updates, hit us up on Facebook and LIKE US HERE….

Pizza Kings and the Hit King – Pete Rose

1970’s pic of Mario Andretti with the famous pizza pie in a bag – old school

Now available frozen – cooked 80% for you to finish cooking at home

Frozen Dough ready to go

Chip has given us a few tours of the plant,.

Stroop Rd Headquarters

Part of the Cassanos Call Center

Chicken Parm

Trimmed dough gets recylced

Sheet Pizza Dough

Dough cutters

Sauce it up

Compressing the Dough to crust thickness

Look at those pallets

True dat

Hungry Jax’s kids were Cassano kids for a day !

THE BIG CHEESE – VICS STYLE

Dough balls

Pepperoni pie

Chip, PIzza King and Chris Cassano

Pizza with Pete Rose

London Bobby Fish and Chips Dinner

Did you know Cassanos has hand tossed pizza ?

Our friend Mike explaining the dough process

sealed !

Shrunk wrapped to prevent breakage

All those pizza crusts …..

The Big Cheese is the way to go …

Cassanos ships these all over the USA

Into the freezer

The Pizza King, Lora Cassano and Big Ragu !

Chip talking about the automated processes of the plant

Ravioli app

Dough coming through

Cassanos – always testing the dough

A pepperoni Cassini – Ragu loves them….

Filed Under: Dayton Dining, Food Adventures, The Featured Articles Tagged With: 30 inch, big cheese, Big Ragu, caroline, Cassano, Cassano's, cassini, chef house, chip, Chris, crust, Dayton, Donisi, dough, food adventurees, food advenure, frozen, frozen pizza, historical, hoagie, hungry jax, Icon, klegendary, legend, Lora, mom, ohio, Party, pepperoni, pie, pizza, plant, site, steak, stroop, sub, thin crust, vic cassano, vic jr

THE BAD JUAN: A Dayton Legend

May 5, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Outside of the Kettering Elsa’s

Hey Gringo, looking to tie one on during Cinco De Mayo? Then take a sip of a true Food Adventure in a glass. Oh yes, the legendary Bad Juan margarita served exclusively at Elsa’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantinas around town.

Whether on the rocks or frozen, salt or no-salt, every Daytonian has a “Bad Juan” story about themselves or a friend. Hungry Jax, Chef House and The Big Ragu are no different. We have had to push stumbling pals into backseats of cars, or help lift some drunky pants ladies into the back of an SUV after a couple of these drinks. We have felt the wrath of Juan ourselves, having numb lips and the buzz that suddenly creeps up on you with this devilish drink.

Let’s be candid, Bad Juans are a Dayton icon. This badass drink even has its own website, badjuan.com. Here is some more on the man, the myth, the legend.. BAD JUAN !

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Since 1981, Bad Juans have been served frozen or on the rocks. They also come in a few flavor variations, but the original Bad Juan remains the most popular.

—Elsa’s has various locations in Centerville, Kettering and Dayton

A Bad Juan on the Rocks: The Legend

— Rumors have swirled about the ingredients. People have been trying to figure out the recipe for years. Food Adventures  may have some inside scoop on the recipe, and although we can’t post it here, we can give you some info. Our inside source tells us that the Bad Juan is made up of only 3 secret ingredients: Triple Sec, Tequila and Lime Juice. We cannot tell you the brands used or the amounts. We can, however, confirm that Mountain Dew is NOT an ingredient, so lets finally put that rumor to bed.

— We believe the secret to the great taste is not only in the ingredients, but in the preparation. The Bad Juan’s are constantly mixed in those plastic, see-through drink machines you are used to seeing at convenient stores or food counters. The thorough mixing of ingredients in these machines blend the drink into that perfect drunken mixture.

— Elsa’s does limit the amount of Bad Juans that a customer can consume (usually 2 or 3 depending on your server). However, urban legends and tall tales have surfaced about people drinking a couple mini pitchers of Bad Juans, or somehow downing a half dozen of them unbeknownst to their waiter or waitress.

— You can even buy Bad Juans in the store, bottled.  Yes, by the bottle in liquor  and grocery stores from as far away as Covington, Kentucky’s famous Party Source. The bottled drink is 21 percent alcohol, or 42 proof.  We believe that the in-house version mixed at the restaurants is a little higher than that. Heidelberg Distributors stats confirm that Bad Juans hold the all-time distributor record for the fastest selling new product.

Time for a breakdown of the baddest drink to grace the Gem City… here is our patented.. “Must Drinks”

 

MUST DRINKS:

— BAD JUAN on THE ROCKS: Simple, pure and lethal. This is for the heavy hitters who like to get down to business and gulp ’em down. They are however served with a tiny straw and a lime wedge for those who like to sip these slowly and savor the experience.

— FROZEN BAD JUAN: The chilled, traditional version of the legend are just as strong as the ones on the rocks. Served with a lime, it is curiously tasty when the mixture begins to melt. If you drink these too fast, beware of ‘brain freeze’ or a condition known as drunky pants.

— STRAWBERRY FROZEN BAD JUAN: Not big on tequila or margaritas? This flavored Bad Juan masks the alcohol taste, and is probably our favorite version of the iconic drink. Give it a try, we bet you like it! It is also available on the rocks for you purists.

— BLUE JUAN: This holiday season is a good time to give one of these a try. You may have a blue Christmas without it. It has a great taste and is available on the rocks only.

Honorable Mention: The Raspberry Bad Juan, the Watermelon Bad Juan and the calorie conscious “Skinny Juan”

 

THE BIG JUAN DEBATE: FROZEN OR ON THE ROCKS???

Miami Valley residents have long debated whether Bad Juans are better frozen or on the rocks. For the most part, guys tend to have them on the rocks, while girls seem to prefer the frozen margaritas. But we say…. hell, try them all and get a designated driver.

 

DO YOU HAVE A GOOD BAD JUAN STORY?? PLEASE COMMENT BELOW!

Have an opinion on Bad Juan? Be heard and post it below !

After more than 30 years Elsa’s is still having fun, and this drink is “Still the Juan.”

ARE YOU A DAYTON FOODIE ?? Then “like” FOOD ADVENTURES on Facebook by clicking HERE !! 6500 fans can’t be wrong !

Blue Juan and a Frozen Bad Juan

The Myth, the Legend – want Juan ?

Watermelon Margarita with all the trimmings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This will spin your mind – Tequila, Lime Juice and Triple Sec

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The usual suspects

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blue Juan – hello, lover

Bad Juans make people crazy !

Frozen Strawberry Bad Juan – it is the only way the come…

Saleted or unsalted rim ?

 

Filed Under: Dayton Dining, Food Adventures Tagged With: bad juan, Big Ragu, Centerville, chef house, DaytonDining, Drunk, Elsa's, frozen, hungry jax, Kettering, legend, Margarita, margaritas, on the rocks, recipe

The Bad Juan: A Dayton Legend

December 26, 2013 By Dayton937 5 Comments

The man, the myth the legend ...

Click to enlarge: Mr. Bad Juan

Hey Gringo, looking to tie one on during the holidays?  Then take a sip of a true Food Adventure in a glass.  Oh yes, the legendary Bad Juan margarita served exclusively at Elsa’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantinas around town.  Whether on the rocks or frozen, salt or no-salt, every Daytonian has a “Bad Juan” story about themselves or a friend.  The Food Adventures Crew are no different.  We have had to push stumbling pals into backseats of cars, or help lift some hotties into the back of an SUV after a couple of these drinks.  We have felt the wrath of Juan ourselves, having numb lips and the buzz that suddenly creeps up on you with this devilish drink.

Let’s be candid, Bad Juans are a Dayton icon.  This badass drink even has its own website, badjuan.com.   Here is some more on the man, the myth, the legend.. BAD JUAN !

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Since 1981, Bad Juans have been served frozen or on the rocks.  They also come in a few flavor variations, but the original Bad Juan remains the most popular.

Outside the Kettering location

Elsa’s has various locations in Centerville, Kettering and Dayton

— Rumors have swirled about the ingredients.  People have been trying to figure out the recipe for years.  Food Adventures believes they have some inside scoop on the recipe, and although we can’t post it here, we can give you some info.   Our inside source tells us that the Bad Juan is made up of only 3 secret ingredients: Triple Sec, Tequila and Lime Juice.  We cannot tell you the brands used or the amounts.  We can, however, confirm that Mountain Dew is NOT an ingredient, so lets finally put that rumor to bed.

— We believe the secret to the great taste is not only in the ingredients, but in the preparation.  The Bad Juan’s are constantly mixed in those plastic, see-through drink machines you are used to seeing at convenient stores or food counters.  The thorough mixing of ingredients in these machines blend the drink into that perfect drunken mixture.

— Elsa’s does limit the amount of Bad Juans that a customer can consume (usually 2 or 3 depending on your server).  However, urban legends and tall tales have surfaced about people drinking a couple mini pitchers of Bad Juans, or somehow downing a half dozen of them unbeknownst to their waiter or waitress.

— You can even buy them by the bottle in liquor stores from as far away as Covington, Kentucky’s famous Party Source store.  The bottled drink is 21 percent alcohol, or 42 proof.  We believe that the in-house version mixed at the restaurants is a little higher than that.  Heidelberg Distributors stats confirm that Bad Juans hold the all-time distributor record for the fastest selling new product.

Blue Juan !

Blue Juan – Tasty Twist on an Iconic Drink

 

MUST DRINKS:

— BAD JUAN on THE ROCKS:  Simple, pure and lethal.  This is for the heavy hitters who like to get down to business and gulp ’em down.  They are however served with a tiny straw and a lime wedge for those who like to sip these slowly and savor the experience.

— FROZEN BAD JUAN: The chilled, traditional version of the legend are just as strong as the ones on the rocks.  Served with a lime, it is curiously tasty when the mixture begins to melt.  If you drink these too fast, beware of  ‘brain freeze’  or a condition known as drunky pants.

— STRAWBERRY FROZEN BAD JUAN:  Not big on tequila or margaritas?  This flavored Bad Juan masks the alcohol taste, and is probably our favorite version of the iconic drink.  Give it a try, we bet you like it!  It is also available on the rocks for you purists.

Strawberry margarita

Strawberry Frozen Bad Juan – Delicious !

— BLUE JUAN: This holiday season is a good time to give one of these a try.  You may have a blue Christmas without it.  It has a great taste and is available on the rocks only.

 Honorable Mention: The Raspberry Bad Juan, the Watermelon Bad Juan and the calorie conscious “Skinny Juan”

Miami Valley residents have long debated whether Bad Juans are better frozen or on the rocks.  For the most part, guys tend to have them on the rocks, while girls seem to prefer the frozen margaritas.  But we say…. hell, try them all and get a designated driver.

DO YOU HAVE A GOD BAD JUAN STORY??  PLEASE COMMENT BELOW!  Have an opinion on Bad Juan?  Be heard and post it below !

After more than 30 years Elsa’s is still having fun, and this drink is “Still the Juan.”

ARE YOU A DAYTON FOODIE ??  Then “like” FOOD ADVENTURES on Facebook by clicking HERE !!  Over 2200 fans can’t be wrong !

Don’t forget to browse our photo album below for some incredible pics of Dayton’s legendary drink !

[flagallery gid=73]

 

Filed Under: Food Adventures, The Featured Articles Tagged With: #daytonfood, #daytonfoodies, bad juan, Big Ragu, blue juan, bottle, chips, Dayton, DaytonDining, Elsa's, Food Adventure, Food Adventures, frozen, how to make a bad juan, Icon, ingredients, legend, lime juice, Margarita, margaritas, Mexican, mountain dew, on the rocks, other juan, recipe, salsa, secret, strawberry, tacos, Tequila, The Big Ragu, the other juan, triple sec, wings

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11:30 am
Dayton Children's South

Sisters: A Cyanotype Series by Suzi Hyden

12:00 pm
Dayton Society of Artists - DSA

PEACE TALKS: DSA’s Spring Juried Exhibition

12:00 pm
Dayton Society of Artists - DSA

Cousins Maine Lobster

2:00 pm
Goldie’s Soft Serve

Xenia Food Truck Rallies- 10 trucks

4:00 pm
Xenia Food Truck Rally

The Little’s Grill Gourmet Burgers

4:00 pm
Bellbrook Brewing Co

Cruise In at the Roadhouse

4:00 pm
Rip Rap Roadhouse

‘Think Freedom’ Art Installation

5:00 pm
Dayton Arcade
+ 11 More
All Day

Helistorm 2025

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

Yellow Springs Farmers Market

8:00 am
John Bryan Community Center

St. Annes Hill Trash ‘N Treasure

8:00 am
St Anne's Hill

What the Taco?!

8:00 am
Slingin Mud Off-Road and Performance

Downtown Franklin Farmers Market

8:30 am
Franklin Farmers Market

Greene County Farmers Market

9:00 am
Beavercreek Farmers Market

Yoga in the Park

10:00 am
RiverScape MetroPark

Farmers Market at The Heights

10:00 am
Eichelberger Amphitheater

The Grazing Ground Market

10:00 am
The Grazing Ground

City of Moraine 60th Anniversary Festival

10:00 am
Wax Park

Library Card Day at the Dayton Art Institute

11:00 am
Dayton Art Institute

Sisters: A Cyanotype Series by Suzi Hyden

12:00 pm
Dayton Society of Artists - DSA

PEACE TALKS: DSA’s Spring Juried Exhibition

12:00 pm
Dayton Society of Artists - DSA

Beginner Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga

2:00 pm
RiverScape MetroPark

Afternoon Tea

2:00 pm
Manna Uptown

Wanna Be Tacos

4:00 pm
Bellbrook Brewing Co
+ 16 More
All Day

Helistorm 2025

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

The Grazing Ground Market

10:00 am
The Grazing Ground

Pints and Puppies Yoga

10:30 am
Warped Wing Brewing Company

‘Think Freedom’ Yoga at the Dayton Arcade

12:00 pm
Dayton Arcade

BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY

3:00 pm
Dayton Theatre Guild

Farm Day: Annual Gathering, Meeting, & Farm Walk

4:00 pm

The Lumpia Queen

4:00 pm
Stubbs Park

Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience

7:00 pm
Stubbs Park

Bevercreek Free Summer Concert Series

7:00 pm
Dominick Lofino Park

Star City Free Concert Series

7:00 pm
Riverfront Park

Shakespeare in the Heights presents Much Ado About Nothing

7:00 pm
Eichelberger Amphitheater

Dayton Poetry Slam

7:30 pm
yellow cab tavern

Sunday Funday Karaoke

9:00 pm
The Barrel
+ 5 More

Week of Events

Mon 26

Tue 27

Wed 28

Thu 29

Fri 30

Sat 31

Sun 1

May 26

Kings Island Military Days

Recurring

Kings Island Military Days

Recurring
May 26 Recurring

Kings Island Military Days

Free admission during the Memorial Day holiday weekend May 23 - 26, 2025 Join us as we say thank you...

Free
May 26

Western Ohio Watercolor Society’s Spring Fine Art Show”

Recurring

Western Ohio Watercolor Society’s Spring Fine Art Show”

Recurring
May 26 Recurring

Western Ohio Watercolor Society’s Spring Fine Art Show”

This art show features work from award-winning watercolor artists in the Dayton area.  The exhibit is currently on display through...

Free
May 29

Helistorm 2025

Helistorm 2025

May 29

Helistorm 2025

Watch about 100 RC helicopter pilots chop up the skies in one of the biggest RC aviation events of the...

May 30

Helistorm 2025

Recurring

Helistorm 2025

Recurring
May 30 Recurring

Helistorm 2025

Watch about 100 RC helicopter pilots chop up the skies in one of the biggest RC aviation events of the...

May 31

Helistorm 2025

Recurring

Helistorm 2025

Recurring
May 31 Recurring

Helistorm 2025

Watch about 100 RC helicopter pilots chop up the skies in one of the biggest RC aviation events of the...

June 1

Helistorm 2025

Recurring

Helistorm 2025

Recurring
June 1 Recurring

Helistorm 2025

Watch about 100 RC helicopter pilots chop up the skies in one of the biggest RC aviation events of the...

8:00 am - 10:00 am

Rolling Dutchman Donut Truck

May 26 @ 8:00 am - 10:00 am

Rolling Dutchman Donut Truck

Rolling Dutchman Donut Truck powered by Der Dutchman

8:30 am - 5:00 pm

The Memorial Day 5K & Mini March

May 26 @ 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

The Memorial Day 5K & Mini March

Join Dayton Track Club and Key Sports in hosting their annual 5k and FREE "Mini March!" All 5k participants receive...

Free – $35
8:45 am - 9:30 am

Franklin Memorial Day Parade

May 26 @ 8:45 am - 9:30 am

Franklin Memorial Day Parade

We have once again been invited to participate in the City of Franklin Memorial Day Parade on May 26th. This...

8:45 am - 1:00 pm

Memorial Day Ceremony

May 26 @ 8:45 am - 1:00 pm

Memorial Day Ceremony

Join us in Veterans Memorial Park as we honor past and present veterans through a parade and ceremony. See below...

9:00 am

Centerville Memorial Day Ceremony

May 26 @ 9:00 am

Centerville Memorial Day Ceremony

In commemoration of Memorial Day, the City of Centerville will honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to...

Free
11:00 am

Dayton VA Celebration

May 26 @ 11:00 am

Dayton VA Celebration

VA is proud to host public Memorial Day commemoration ceremonies at more than 130 of our national cemeteries this Memorial...

11:00 am - 8:00 pm Recurring

Taste of Cincinnati

May 26 @ 11:00 am - 8:00 pm Recurring

Taste of Cincinnati

Taste is back and bigger than ever for 2025! Admission is FREE, so come experience the new as well as...

11:00 am - 9:00 pm Recurring

$1 Oysters

May 26 @ 11:00 am - 9:00 pm Recurring

$1 Oysters

all day monday oysters are just $1 when ordered in increments of 6 valid in the bar or at tables

+ 10 More
12:00 pm - 8:00 pm Recurring

Schmidt’s Sausage Truck

May 27 @ 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm Recurring

Schmidt’s Sausage Truck

2:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Bargain Tuesday: $6.50 Movie Day

May 27 @ 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
4:00 pm Recurring

Half Price Wine every Tuesday

May 27 @ 4:00 pm Recurring

Half Price Wine every Tuesday

We're pouring amazing boutique wines from independent winemakers around the world, join us for a glass at half price any...

5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

‘Think Freedom’ Art Installation

May 27 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

‘Think Freedom’ Art Installation

🎨 Experience 'Think Freedom' at the Dayton Arcade! We're thrilled to announce a series of public programs surrounding the Think...

Free
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Bluefin Tuna Live Cutting Event

May 27 @ 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Bluefin Tuna Live Cutting Event

$150
6:00 pm

Cigar Lovers Tasting menu

May 27 @ 6:00 pm

Cigar Lovers Tasting menu

There is still time to make reservations- email Amanda today amanda@dubpub.com

7:00 pm - 9:45 pm

Progressive Euchre Tournament

May 27 @ 7:00 pm - 9:45 pm

Progressive Euchre Tournament

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

8:00 pm - 11:00 pm Recurring

Open Mic Night

May 27 @ 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm Recurring

Open Mic Night

Get ready for your weekly refill of music during Tuesday Open Mic Night at Peach's Grill with host Kyleen Downes....

+ 1 More
9:45 am - 3:00 pm Recurring

ILLYS Fire Pizza

May 28 @ 9:45 am - 3:00 pm Recurring

ILLYS Fire Pizza

We are a mobile wood fired pizza company that specialize in turkey products such as Turkey pepperoni, Italian Turkey sausage,...

10:30 am - 11:30 am Recurring

Preschool Storytime with Chef Lester

May 28 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am Recurring

Preschool Storytime with Chef Lester

Join us for stories, songs, and other fun learning activities designed to develop the language, literacy, and social skills your...

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Beginner’s Pilates

May 28 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Beginner’s Pilates

In this Pilates class you will learn basic Pilates principles, how to change your posture to improve pain syndromes, strengthen...

Free
2:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Free Smoothie Day

May 28 @ 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Free Smoothie Day

TropicalSmoothieCafe.com/national-flip-flop-day. *One free 12 oz. Sunrise Sunset Smoothie per guest on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 2 to 7 p.m. in-cafe...

Free
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Fairborn Farmers Market

May 28 @ 4:00 pm - 7:00 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
4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Generation Dayton: Dayton’s Expansive Impact Panel: May 2025

May 28 @ 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Generation Dayton: Dayton’s Expansive Impact Panel: May 2025

From hosting the NATO Parliamentary Assembly to inventing the pop tab, and powered flight, Dayton has long been a city...

Free
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Recurring

‘Think Freedom’ Art Installation

May 28 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Recurring

‘Think Freedom’ Art Installation

🎨 Experience 'Think Freedom' at the Dayton Arcade! We're thrilled to announce a series of public programs surrounding the Think...

Free
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Recurring

Beckers SMASH-tastic Burgers

May 28 @ 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...

+ 10 More
10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Topped and Loaded

May 29 @ 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Topped and Loaded

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Easy Origami Paper Crafts

May 29 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Easy Origami Paper Crafts

Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding. Origami comes in many different forms and is often shaped as animals....

4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Lebanon Farmers Market

May 29 @ 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...

4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Hunger*Days*Food*Truck*Rally- 7 trucks

May 29 @ 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Hunger*Days*Food*Truck*Rally- 7 trucks

The irresistible sweet and savory smell is upon us… it’s food truck season again! Come out every Thursdays from April-October...

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Thursday Night Wine Tastings at Meridien

May 29 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Thursday Night Wine Tastings at Meridien

Our reps choose a handful of great wines every week for tasting.  Purchase individual tastes or a flight.  If you...

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Grapes & Groves

May 29 @ 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...

5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Recurring

‘Think Freedom’ Art Installation

May 29 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Recurring

‘Think Freedom’ Art Installation

🎨 Experience 'Think Freedom' at the Dayton Arcade! We're thrilled to announce a series of public programs surrounding the Think...

Free
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Thai 1 On

May 29 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Thai 1 On

+ 7 More
8:30 am - 9:30 am Recurring

Ronald McDonald House Breakfast Briefing

May 30 @ 8:30 am - 9:30 am Recurring

Ronald McDonald House Breakfast Briefing

Come tour our brand new Ronald McDonald House, hear stories from the heart, and learn how you can get involved...

Free
10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Grand Opening Krazy Markdowns

May 30 @ 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Grand Opening Krazy Markdowns

Krazy Markdowns is located at 31 W Whipp Road and is having their grand opening May 30th. At Krazy Markdown,...

11:30 am - 1:30 pm

ShowDogs HotDogs

May 30 @ 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

ShowDogs HotDogs

American Choice of Relish, Onion, Mustard and Ketchup $4.00 The German Kraut, Onions, Mustard $5.00 Memphis Bacon, BBQ Sauce, Cheese,...

12:00 pm - 5:00 pm Recurring

Sisters: A Cyanotype Series by Suzi Hyden

May 30 @ 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm Recurring

Sisters: A Cyanotype Series by Suzi Hyden

The Dayton Society of Artists is pleased to present Sisters, a cyanotype series by our member Suzi Hyden. This show...

Free
12:00 pm - 5:00 pm Recurring

PEACE TALKS: DSA’s Spring Juried Exhibition

May 30 @ 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm Recurring

PEACE TALKS: DSA’s Spring Juried Exhibition

The Dayton Society of Artists (DSA) proudly presents PEACE TALKS, our annual spring juried exhibition. This timely exhibition reflects on Dayton’s...

Free
2:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Cousins Maine Lobster

May 30 @ 2:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Cousins Maine Lobster

4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Xenia Food Truck Rallies- 10 trucks

May 30 @ 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Xenia Food Truck Rallies- 10 trucks

Grab family, friends, picnic blanket, or chair and join Xenia Food Truck Rallies every Friday from 4-8PM for a variety...

4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

The Little’s Grill Gourmet Burgers

May 30 @ 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

The Little’s Grill Gourmet Burgers

 We serve, gourmet burgers along with hand battered pork tenderloin sandwiches, and chicken strips. We cut four different types of...

+ 11 More
8:00 am - 12:00 pm Recurring

Yellow Springs Farmers Market

May 31 @ 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 - 2:00 pm

St. Annes Hill Trash ‘N Treasure

May 31 @ 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

St. Annes Hill Trash ‘N Treasure

SAVE THE DATE! Annual St. Annes Hill Trash 'N Treasure May 31st! More details to come soon! Mark your calendars!

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

What the Taco?!

May 31 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

What the Taco?!

Chipotle Chicken Taco GRILLED CHICKEN, SHREDDED LETTUCE, PICO DE GALLO, CILANTRO SOUR CREAM & MONTEREY JACK $10.00 Ground Beef Taco...

8:30 am - 12:00 pm Recurring

Downtown Franklin Farmers Market

May 31 @ 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 - 1:00 pm Recurring

Greene County Farmers Market

May 31 @ 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...

10:00 am - 11:00 am

Yoga in the Park

May 31 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Yoga in the Park

Fun and effective workouts under the pavilion Harness your strength, enhance your mobility, and create a deeper connection with yourself....

Free
10:00 am - 2:00 pm Recurring

Farmers Market at The Heights

May 31 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Recurring

Farmers Market at The Heights

Join us for the Farmers Market at The Heights Saturdays 10a-2pm. All products are either homemade or homegrown or support...

10:00 am - 2:00 pm Recurring

The Grazing Ground Market

May 31 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Recurring

The Grazing Ground Market

Welcome to The Grazing Ground Market, your local destination for farm-fresh eggs, seasonal produce, and handcrafted items. We take pride...

+ 16 More
10:00 am - 2:00 pm Recurring

The Grazing Ground Market

June 1 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Recurring

The Grazing Ground Market

Welcome to The Grazing Ground Market, your local destination for farm-fresh eggs, seasonal produce, and handcrafted items. We take pride...

10:30 am - 11:30 am

Pints and Puppies Yoga

June 1 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Pints and Puppies Yoga

Join SICSA for Pints and Puppies Yoga at Warped Wing Brewing Company on Sunday, June 1st from 10:30AM to 11:30AM!...

$28.52
12:00 pm - 1:15 pm

‘Think Freedom’ Yoga at the Dayton Arcade

June 1 @ 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm

‘Think Freedom’ Yoga at the Dayton Arcade

🎨Flow with 'Think Freedom' at the Dayton Arcade! We're thrilled to announce a series of public programs surrounding the 'Think...

Free
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Recurring

BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY

June 1 @ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Recurring

BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY

This play won the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, the 2015 New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play,...

$18 – $25
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Farm Day: Annual Gathering, Meeting, & Farm Walk

June 1 @ 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Farm Day: Annual Gathering, Meeting, & Farm Walk

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Clean Ohio! We will visit a property along Massie's Creek that was protected because of...

Free
4:00 pm - 9:30 pm

The Lumpia Queen

June 1 @ 4:00 pm - 9:30 pm

The Lumpia Queen

Chicken Pancit w/1 Lumpia The Signature Dish of Philippines! Made with Boneless and Skinless Chicken Thighs, Fresh Vegetabl... $10.00 Chicken...

7:00 pm

Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience

June 1 @ 7:00 pm

Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience

All concerts are free. Food trucks and beer sales will be available for guests to enjoy. Friday night Party in the...

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Bevercreek Free Summer Concert Series

June 1 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Bevercreek Free Summer Concert Series

The concerts run Sunday evenings June and July from 7 to 8 p.m. at Dominick Lofino Park. 2025 Summer Concert...

Free
+ 5 More
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