The community is invited to enjoy an entire month of free, family-friendly outdoor events and activities this July at RiverScape MetroPark, located at 237 E. Monument Ave. July is also National Parks & Recreation month, an opportunity for individuals and families to get outside and celebrate nature and outdoor recreation together.
Music @ Lunch: Grab food from a rotating selection of food trucks, enjoy live music and free WiFi. Hours are 11:30 am to 1:30 pm on Monday through Friday through Sept. 29.
Fitness in the Park: These free exercise sessions are held most Saturdays from 10 to 11 am. Participants should bring their own water bottles and towels or mats. Classes vary between Zumba and Yoga, and the class schedule can be found online at metroparks.org/RiverScape. Yoga sessions are sponsored by Bridge Credit Union.
R&B Hot Summer Music: On Friday, July 14, KICK-N-FLAVA takes the RiverScape Pavilion stage from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. Sponsored by Bridge Credit Union, R&B Hot Summer Music features the best local and nationally-known R&B acts.
Big Band Nights: The public is welcome to enjoy classic instruments, upbeat tunes and dancing during two Big Band Night performances in June.
- July 6, from 7:30 to 9:30 pm: The Kim Kelly Orchestra
- July 20, from 7:30 to 9:30 pm: Barry Campbell Big Band with vocalist Elaina McCormick
The RiverScape Summer Music series concerts are free and for all ages. During R&B Hot Summer Music and Big Band Nights, the Café will be open from 7 – 9:30 p.m., featuring Jeni’s Ice Cream and a variety of beverages and snacks. Concertgoers should bring a lawn chair for seating.
Make your calendar for future RiverScape Summer Music Series concert dates atwww.metroparks.org/RiverScape.
Festivals: There are a myriad of community festivals and activities at RiverScape MetroPark throughout the summer. The public is welcome to enjoy the following festival this July:
- Sun., July 16 (1 – 9 pm): Dayton Blues Festival
- Fri., July 28 (5:30-11 pm); Sat., July 29, 11:30 am to 11:00 pm); and Sun., July 30 (9 am to 6 pm): United Irish of Dayton Celtic Festival
RiverScape Rentals helps riders explore the Dayton region’s more than 300 miles of paved recreational trails—the nation’s largest paved trail network—with cruisers, road bikes, tandems and child attachments available for rent. Push bikes are also available for toddlers so they can learn to ride. RiverScape Rentals is open weekends through Labor Day, Saturday and Sunday, 9 am to 6 pm Visitmetroparks.org/riverscape-rentals for more information.
The Fountain Snack Bar offers ice cream and snacks through Labor Day weekend, 11 am to 6 pm, with extended hours during special evening events. Visit metroparks.org for additional information.
The Five Rivers Fountain of Lights and interactive fountain also will be open through Labor Day.
While enjoying summer activities at RiverScape MetroPark, visitors also are welcome to watch paddlers in the new RiverScape River Run. Those who are interested in experiencing the feature may grab their gear and enjoy the beautiful seven-mile paddle from Eastwood MetroPark on the Mad River, through downtown to the Carillon Historical Park and University of Dayton area.
