Dayton937

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

RenFest

Renaissance Festival Returns for 9 Weekends

By

The moment you walk through the gates of the Ohio Renaissance Festival, the modern world seems to melt away. Instead of cars and concrete, you’ll find yourself strolling cobblestone lanes lined with timber-framed shops, the scent of roasting turkey legs drifting through the air.

Laughter echoes from a nearby stage as jesters perform clever tricks, while the thunder of hooves signals the start of a joust in the arena. Around every corner, artisans display hand-forged blades, delicate glasswork, and custom leather creations—each piece a reminder that craftsmanship is alive and well. Musicians wander the lanes with lutes and drums, inviting you to slow your pace and soak in the rhythm of another time.

What makes the festival special isn’t just its carefully built 16th-century village—it’s the energy of the people who fill it. Visitors arrive in elaborate gowns and shining armor, or just jeans and T-shirts, but all share a willingness to step outside the ordinary. For a day, you can eat like royalty, cheer for knights, trade jokes with a pirate, and disappear into a world that feels both far away and strangely familiar.

The Fest kicks off August 30, 2025  and runs through October 26, 2025 on – Saturdays, Sundays & Labor Day

Tickets:

  • ADULT DATE SPECIFIC TICKETS $32-35 (online) or IF AVAILABLE $35-38 (ticket booth)
  • Children $10 (ages 5-12) – Children tickets are NOT limited.
  • Children under 5 FREE

Must see Attractions: The Swordsmen, two itinerant gentlemen with sharp swords, quick reflexes and even quicker wits for an entertaining balance of comedy and the manly art of swordfighting. Death-defying, daring, dangerous, and dynamic, Ichabod Wainright will amaze and amuse you with the Wheel of Death. Theatre In The Ground (aka The Mudde Show) presents literary classics with a comedic twist performed in Ohio’s only Muditorium, where comedy meets Earth. The Kamikaze Fireflies feature dangerous feats and comedic stunts.

Test your skills in the gaming area, then visit the Tower of London Dungeon of Doom. Eat, drink, shop, enjoy the shows, ride human-powered rides, and visit with Royalty at the 2024 Ohio Renaissance Festival.

More than 150 world-class artisans display wares in this unique shoppers’ paradise. Master artisans demonstrate timeless arts of glassblowing, jewelry making, blacksmithing, stone carving, leather crafting, weaving and more.

Be Sure to enjoy Giant Turkey Legs, Steak-On-A-Stake, Barbecue, Wraps, Stuffed Spuds, Bread Bowl Stews, Pizza Parlor, Hearty Ales, Flavorful Wines, Delectable Desserts and Vegetarian selections offer even the most discriminating taste buds a true Taste of the Renaissance.

Special Dining Events you won’t want to miss:

Savor a 5-course dinner show featuring delectable starters, a diverse array of entrées, a heavenly dessert, PLUS a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, all complemented by a collectible tankard as a keepsake. Don’t miss out on this incredible dining experience!
One seating per festival day, 3:00 – 5:00 pm. Tickets run $85.99 ($80.00 + $5.99 fee), buy online.

5-Course Feast Royal Feast Menu

Starters: Fruit & Cheese Platter, Onion & Mushroom Bisque

Sides: Honey Roasted Carrots, Herb Roasted Potatoes

Main Courses: Beef, Poultry, and Pork

Desserts: Chef’s Selection

Beverages: A selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

 

Witches of Willy-Nilly Whiskey Tasting:
A Spirited Adventure at the Ohio Renaissance Festival!

Embark on a magical journey of whiskey, bourbon, and scotch with the enchanting Witches of Willy-Nilly. Sip, savor, and learn at this exclusive tasting event.
At the Tipsy Cauldron at 1 pm every festival day. $43.76 ($40.00 + $3.76 fee)

 A fun tasting event hosted by the Witches of Willy Nilly. Enjoy six premium tastes of spiritous beverages that rotate throughout the season.

 

Please arrive to the Tipsy Cauldron by 12:45pm to check in and get your seat. Tickets not checked in by 12:45pm are subject to be resold.  Must be 21 years of age. 

WINE TASTING

This unique experience invites you to savor a selection of fine wines, each chosen for its historical significance and exceptional quality. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious novice, our host will guide you through the rich tapestry of flavors, sharing stories of winemaking traditions from bygone eras. Raise your goblet and toast to an unforgettable journey through the vineyards of history!

Check-in at 3 pm at the Noble Nook.

The tasting will begin at 3:15 pm and last for about 45 minutes.

Price: $43.76 ($40 + 3.76) includes tastes of 5 savory wines (2 whites, 2 reds and 1 Rose) rotating throughout the season.

Ohio Renaissance Festival

10542 Ohio 73
Waynesville, Ohio 45068

I-75, exit 38 on State Route 73

Hours:
10:30am – 7:00pm

2024 Ohio Renaissance Festival Tickets Now On Sale!

By

The moment has arrived! Season Passes and Any Day Adult tickets for the Ohio Renaissance Festival are now on sale for the August 31 – October 27 RenFest season!
They are making some changes to the ticketing system for 2024 that you should be aware of before you buy:
🎟️DATED ADULT TICKETS: (available starting Monday, Jan 22) Our main adult ticket type for 2024 will be a dated ticket valid for a specified festival day. Tickets will be capped so purchasing a ticket in advance will guarantee entry into the festival for that day. Once capacity is reached, ticket booths and online sales will close.
🎟️ANY DAY ADULT: (available starting Monday, Jan 15) This ticket type will guarantee you entry into the festival for any one (1) day, even if that day is sold out. These ticket types are also cspped in terms of how many are available for thr season.
🎟️ SEASON PASS: (available starting Monday, Jan 15) Guaranteed admission every festival day, even on sold-out days. Season Passes are capped so get yours ASAP!
🎟️ CHILD TICKETS: (available starting Monday, Jan 22) Child tickets will be available both online and at our on-site ticket booth. Children’s tickets are not capped.
👉 DATE SPECIFIC PRICING: dated ticket prices for popular dates will be slightly higher.
👉 ONLINE VS ON-SITE TICKET PURCHASES: Dated adult tickets purchased at the on-site ticket booth will be priced $3 more than the online price. Child tickets will be priced $2 more than the online price.
👉 SPECIAL EVENT TICKET ADD-ONS: Special events such as the feast and NBPS will be available as an add-on when purchasing dated tickets so you can easily add excitement to your festival day!
👉 OUR MOTTO THIS YEAR: Secure your tickets online before you leave the house to guarantee entry into the festival! Waiting until you arrive at the festival to purchase tickets will leave you open to the risk of being turned away.
We hope this info helps you as you plan.
Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of medieval wonder, thrilling jousts, and unforgettable memories. Secure your key to the kingdom today and start counting down the days to your best festival experience yet!

RenFest Returns

By

The Ohio Renaissance Festival is set to open its gates once again on Sept 2nd for a season  that promises  a captivating journey back in time filled with unparalleled entertainment and excitement.Immerse yourself in a world of lively shows, tantalizing food & drink, and unique shops that transport you back in time to the days of knights and queens. Queen Elizabeth I presides over the festivities as dozens of Renaissance musicians, dancers, comedians, jugglers, sword-fighters, storytellers and hundreds of costumed performers entertain patrons of all ages on 17 stages in over 100 shows daily.

The Festival will  open on Labor Day and then every Saturday and Sunday through October 29th from 10:30am – 7:00pm, tickets run  $30 for adults and $10 for children from 5-12 years old with kids under 5 for free when you buy ahead online. Save another $2/adult ticket if you get your ticket before Sept 1st.   Tickets bought on site are a couple of dollars more.

Visitors will see a full day of entertainment including full-armored Jousting the way it was done over 400 years ago by real Knights in shining armor. Queen Elizabeth I presides over the festivities as dozens of Renaissance musicians, dancers, comedians, jugglers, sword-fighters, storytellers and hundreds of costumed performers entertain patrons of all ages on 17 stages in over 100 shows daily.

Step into the Past:

The Ohio Renaissance Festival is a cherished annual event that draws attendees from all walks of life to immerse themselves in the splendor of the 16th century. As visitors enter the festival grounds, they will be greeted by a world adorned with intricately designed period architecture, street performers, and a bustling marketplace reminiscent of a bygone era.

A World of Entertainment:

Prepare to be captivated by an array of performances that will leave you in awe. The Ohio Renaissance Festival proudly presents an unparalleled lineup of entertainment, including:

  • Combatant’s Keep: Witness brave knights engage in heart-pounding jousting matches that showcase their skill, courage, and chivalry. The thundering hooves, clashing lances, and suspenseful atmosphere will transport you to the heart of medieval competition.
  • Music and Minstrels: Let the melodic tunes of wandering minstrels whisk you away to a time of troubadours and courtly love. Enjoy live performances of period music, transporting you to a world of whimsy and romance.
  • Comedy and Improv: Laughter abounds as jesters and comedians take the stage to deliver side-splitting performances. With their witty banter and interactive humor, these entertainers are sure to have audiences of all ages in stitches.
  • Artisan Crafts: Explore the village marketplace, where skilled artisans and craftsmen showcase their wares. From hand-forged weaponry to intricate jewelry and pottery, you’ll find unique treasures that serve as timeless souvenirs of your Renaissance experience.

Delicious Fare:

Indulge in a feast fit for a king or queen as you savor delectable treats that capture the essence of the era. From turkey legs and hearty stews to sweet pastries and refreshing ales, the festival’s menus offer a delightful array of culinary delights.


Check out these special events you can add on to your adventure:

Royal Feast- Enjoy a 5-course meal including starters, multiple course entrée, a dessert PLUS alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and a keepsake tankard. One seating per festival day 3-5pm, $75

The Naught Bawdy Pub Show– An hour of the songs, jokes, and limericks that can’t be heard on the streets hosted by The Singing Sirens and emceed by the “ORIGINAL” drunken sailor, Axel the Sot, for ages 21 and over! Held at 5:30 each festival day, $30

Whiskey Witches of Willy-Nilly Tasting -enjoy 5 premium tastes of spiritous beverages at  the Tipsy Cauldron at 1pm each festival day. $35

Pub Crawl – Be guided on an interactive adventure filled with games, fun, trivia or dare, laughter, and long-lasting memories with friends new and old. 1:30 & 3:30 daily, $30

Ohio Renaissance Festival

Where history and fantasy collide!

10542 E State Route 73
Waynesville, OH 45068

513-897-7000

Group discounts are available for groups of 15 or more. Call (937) 805-9320 for details
or visit the group sales page.

 

7 Labor Day Festivals You’ll Want to Attend!

By

There’s no doubt the Miami Valley likes a festival and September is jam packed with them! It can truly be overwhelming trying to keep up with them, heck there are festivals for popcorn, shrimp, marigolds, vegan foods, mums, pretzels and apples  in Sept that we know of, not to mention celebrations of Greek, Italian and Hispanic culture. (Check out Dayton 937’s calendar to see them all.)  But let’s just take this one week at a time and look ahead to next weekend:

Kettering Holiday at Home: Saddle Up

Lincoln Park Commons

September 3- 5

Holiday at Home is an annual celebration in Kettering, Ohio. It is held the Sunday and Monday of Labor Day weekend. Activities include a 5K, Arts & Craft and Auto Shows, Children’s Activities, Parade, Entertainment and more! This years theme -Dog Days of Summer – is “dedicated to those in our community with four-legged family members and our local rescue partners who work tirelessly to ensure that all dogs and cats are placed in a loving home,”

Saturday

• 6 p.m.-11 p.m.: Gala, Dayton Country Club, Oakwood

Sunday and Monday

• 10 a.m.-6 p.m.: Arts and crafts, Fraze Pavilion, Kettering. Concessions available.

• 11 a.m.-6 p.m.: Children’s zone, next to the Christ United Methodist Church near Lincoln Park.

• Noon-5 p.m.: Auto show, Lincoln Park entrance.

• Noon-6 p.m.: Entertainment, Fraze Pavilion Archway and The Woods in Lincoln Park.

Monday

• 8 a.m.-2 p.m.: 5K run and kids’ fun run.

• 9:55 a.m.-noon: Parade, Far Hills Avenue (Ohio 48) from Stroop Road to Dorothy Lane. Far Hills will close from Shroyer Road to Dorothy from 2 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Fair at New Boston

George Rogers Clark Park  930 S. Tecumseh Road, Springfield

September 3 & 4  @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm     $8 – $10

Step 200 years back in time at the Annual Fair at New Boston! All of those that exhibit at the fair, including vendors and artisans will be in character, meaning they will interact with you as if you were an 18th Century visitor. They may even question that cell phone, or newfangled camera you might be carrying wondering exactly what it might do.

Enjoy music and period entertainments, sample hearty foods of the past and shop juried artisans and craftspeople.

AlterFest: Alter’s Family Fun Festival

Alter High School 940 East David Road Kettering, OH 45429
Friday, Sept 2nd –    7- midnight
REUNION CLASSES — 7-11PM
BANDS: 6:30pm Britches Down, 9pm The Bowl Cuts (Alumni Band!)
Saturday, Sept 3 –    noon – midnight 
BANDS: 6pm The Fries, 8:30pm  Spungewurthy
BLACKJACK & TEXAS HOLD’EM 6PM-12AM
Sunday, Sept 4,    1 – midnight
CORNHOLE TOURNEY — 2-5PM
BANDS: 6pm Five Story Plunge, 8:30pm Barely Able
AlterFest features fun for the whole family, rides and games for the kids, Blackjack, Texas Hold’em, Big 6 & Showdown for the adults, lots of great food and of course, a full line-up of the best bands in Dayton entertaining the masses.

Tippapalooza

Tipp City Eagles Park 3853 Hyattsville Road, Tipp City, OH

An annual music festival celebrating local music and benefiting charities in and around Tipp City, Ohio. held at the Tipp City Eagles’ Park.

Time: Gate opens at 5 p.m., the music starts at 5:30 p.m.

Admission: $10 per person at the gate.

Food & drinks: Picnicking is encouraged. Coolers allowed. Food and concessions will be available

.

River Blast

Riverfront Park
Saturday, Sept 4 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm  Fireworks 9:05pm

Enjoy an evening of fun for the whole family in Miamisburg. Enjoy entertainment, live music, FIREWORKS and more. Children’s entertainment includes giant inflatable play zone, face painting, crafts, caricature artists, puppet shows and games.

 Ren Fest Returns
September 3 – 5 10:30 am — 7:00 pm

This 35-acre permanent village has been authentically and historically re-created in the flavor of 16th Century England. Visitors will see a full day of entertainment including full-armored Jousting the way it was done over 400 years ago by real Knights in shining armor. Queen Elizabeth I presides over the festivities as dozens of Renaissance musicians, dancers, comedians, jugglers, sword-fighters, storytellers and hundreds of costumed performers entertain patrons of all ages on 17 stages in over 100 shows daily.

More than 150 world-class artisans display wares in this unique shoppers’ paradise. Master artisans demonstrate timeless arts of glassblowing, jewelry making, blacksmithing, stone carving, leather crafting, weaving and more.

Sign up for the Royal Feast to enjoy a 5-course meal plus alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and receive a commemorative mug or grab a ticket for the Pub Crawl or the Whiskey Witches of Willy-Nilly Spirits Tasting, and get tickets for the Naughty Bawdy Pub Show featuring the singing sirens.

Prepare Thyself for A Day-Long Adventure at RenFest!

By

RenFestForget your cares and step back in time to this 30-acre re-created 16th Century English village and enjoy over 400 years of fun in a single day! The Ohio Renaissance Festival offers something for everyone featuring nearly 100 shows daily on 11 stages, over 135 unique arts and crafts shops, hearty food and drink, games of skill and human-powered rides to amuse all ages.
Over 150 costumed characters welcome you to the village! Rub elbows with Royalty as you cheer your favorite knight to victory in the thrilling Full-armored Tournament Joust. Welcoming you to a festive day in the village are dueling swordsmen, rowdy pirates, nobles, peasants, and daring jugglers.
The sprawling landscape is dotted with hundreds of unique shops in the Medieval Marketplace featuring many one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted items. See time-honored crafts of glassblowing, stone carving, blacksmithing, leather tooling, boot making, and more demonstrated.

The air is filled with the scents and smells of the foods of the Renaissance period. Feast like Royalty on juicy, giant roasted turkey legs, fresh baked bread bowls overflowing with soups and stews, fish ‘n chips, steak-on-a-stake, succulent roasted corn on the cob and a wide variety of the finest ales and wines. There’s something for everyone’s taste buds!
Visitors of all ages will be amused by the games of skill and human-powered rides. Try your hand at archery and see if you’re a modern-day Robin Hood, or climb the castle tower and rescue the lovely damsel in distress.

  • Each of the eight weekends offers a different theme for patrons to enjoy. Some of the most popular are Time Travelers, Pirates, and Highland.
  • Find the most unique wares anywhere in the 30-acre marketplace. Pottery, leather goods, candles, jewelry, clothing, and so much more.
  • Games to challenge your skill, and thrilling human-powered rides for children of all ages.
  • A food lover’s paradise awaits with six pubs and food areas featuring all new menu selections to compliment the fan favorites like giant roasted turkey legs and bread bowl stews.

 

Ohio Renaissance Festival
P.O. Box 68
Harveysburg, OH 45032

Tickets at the Gate: 

Family & Friends Weekend – September 3, 4 & 5   10:30AM – 6:00PM

Adults (ages 13+) Buy One, Get One Free – $21.95

All kids 12 and under are FREE!

Saturday & Sunday Sept 10- Oct 23  10:30AM – 6:00PM

Adult (ages 13+) – $21.95

Child (ages 5-12) – $9.95

Seniors (ages 65+) – $19.95

Military/Police/Fire/EMS – $19.95

Adult Season Pass – $79.95

Avoid the wait at the ticket booth and purchase online at renfestival.com.

Coupons are available at United Dairy Farmers and Cincinnati and Dayton area Wendy’s locations. Coupons must be redeemed at the Gate. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step back in time over 400 years at the Ohio Renaissance Festival **Ticket Contest**

By 24 Comments

logoLive the legend in this authentically recreated 30-acre, 16th-century English village. Rub elbows with nobility and be entertained by hundreds of costumed performers in nearly 100 shows each day. Cheer your favorite knight to victory as he competes for the queen’s honor in the thrilling full-armored joust. The lanes are bustling with storytellers, strolling musicians, singers, dancers and villagers welcoming you to a festive day of living history. Feast like royalty on juicy roasted turkey legs, fresh-baked bread bowl stews, fish ‘n chips, steak-on-a-stake, and a variety of the finest beers and wines. The sprawling landscape is dotted with 12 stages and a unique open-air shopper’s marketplace with more than 130 merchants and demonstrating craftsmen. The many one-of-a-kind hand-crafted items make this a perfect place to shop for holiday gifts. Visitors of all ages will be amused by the games of skill and human-powered rides. Try your hand at archery and see if you’re a modern-day Robin Hood, or climb the castle tower and rescue the lovely damsel in distress.[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9rit-SRJk4′]

New this year!

Five pirate captains are competing for the ship and a Letter of Mark from Her Majesty but shhh! The Spanish cannot find out! Find out how the story unfolds as swords, rope swings, gunfire and comedy burst from the decks of the 65-foot pirate ship during the Pirate Comedy Stunt Show.

 Robyn Marks will amaze you with his cabinet magic tricks.

The Tartan Terrors are making special appearances for Irish and Highland Weekends. They will leave you in stitches with their unique blend of Celtic music a

Opening for the season  this Saturday,  Labor Day Weekend  has been deemed  Family & Friends Weekend.  Load up the car and bring the whole neighborhood! Adults are two for the price of one AND all kids 12 and under get in free! Request “two for one” at the Box Office to receive Royal savings Saturday, Sunday, and Labor Day!  Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children 5-12 years old.  You can also purchase a season pass for $100. The festival is open weekend through October 20th.  Check their website for more info or to purchase tickets online.

DaytonMostMetro is giving away a family four pack of tickets to one lucky winner who fills out the registration below.  For additional chances to win, please tell us in the comments below why you should win tickets!

The contest if over and congratulations to Laura Thornhill, our winner!