Dayton937

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

Active Living

Discover Rowing

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The Greater Dayton Rowing Association invites you to discover how rowing can boost your fun and fitness.  Get introduced to the boats, oars, and basic body mechanics.  Learn how to get in a boat safely, and get on the water in a team boat.  Whether you are interested in recreational rowing or competition, this is an excellent introductory opportunity.

Experienced scullers and sweep rowers are welcome.  Come down to the river and get back in the boat!  We have membership discounts for summer-only college students, young adults, and the military.

Pre-registration is required.  This event is for adults ages 18 years and older.

Be ready to row!  Rowing is a water sport, and swimming skills are required.  Wear close-fitting shorts and shirt, plus socks; and bring a water bottle.

For registration and more information, email us:  [email protected]

Join the 2023 GREAT Float on the Great Miami River!

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Calling all paddlers! Everyone is invited to the 2023 GREAT Float – a celebration of the Great Miami River. This is a 5-mile paddle in Miami County with over 100 participants in canoes, kayaks, and other human-powered craft. This event is hosted by the Great Miami Riverway, the City of Troy, and Miami County Visitors and Convention Bureau.The GREAT Float is scheduled for Thursday, June 29 from 2 to 5 pm. Paddlers will also enjoy an after-party at Treasure Island in Troy

Paddlers will park at Treasure Island, ride a shuttle bus to Farrington Reserve, and float down the Great Miami River to Troy.

The after-party features optional gourmet boxed dinners from Smith’s Boathouse to be ready after the paddle.

Registration is required. Participants can rent a kayak, paddle and life jacket for $50, or bring your own kayak or canoe for $15. Transportation is included.

For more information and registration: https://protix.cityspark.com/e/2023-great-float-troy.   Registration deadline is June 14th..

Running with Pride 5K

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8th Annual Running with Pride 5K Run/Walk
Sunday June 4th, 2023
Registration – 7:30am
Race Start – 9:00am
Eastwood MetroPark
1385 Harshman Rd
Dayton, OH. 45404
Early Registration – $30 until May 1st
**T-SHIRTS AND MEDALS GUARANTEED THROUGH 5/1!**
May 2nd through Race Day – $35
(No guarantee of t-shirt or participation medal)
Chip Timing & Online Results Provided By Can’t Stop Running Co.
Proceeds to Benefit – PFLAG Dayton
For more information, visit the PFLAG Dayton Facebook Page or website at www.pflagdayton.org
Register at: https://runsignup.com/…/Dayton/RunningwithPride5kRunWalk 

Twin Valley Trail Challenge

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Join MetroParks this  Saturday, June 3, 2023 to pick your challenge from 1 to 28.7 miles!
Are you up to the challenge? Compete only against yourself. They don’t post results or track results by any category. The idea is to enjoy the beauty of the Twin Valley Trail and our local parks without having to race against others. The Classic Challenge is completing the entire 28.7 mile Twin Valley Trail in one day. Hikes begin in Germantown MetroPark at the Twin Valley Welcome Center. Check in at the start of your hike. You will receive trail maps and an info sheet with routes, helpful information and the number to call for the shuttle. Bring some friends and hike in a group! Make some friends when you get there!
They will have marked routes where you can hike from 1 to 28.7 miles all on the Twin Valley Trail. All routes will be in Germantown MetroPark, Twin Creek MetroPark and on the TVT Connector Trail. The Twin Valley Trail is marked with an icon of a hiker. Follow the hiker icon on wooden posts. Pay attention at intersections to ensure you are taking the correct path. Grab a map at the start to help you stay on the route. There will be additional signs for this event to help keep you on the correct trails.
Expect a variety of terrain, including steep hills, open meadows, wooded footpaths and mud. The TVT Connector Trail includes some road walking and paved bike trail walking.
Participants can navigate the Twin Valley Trail (TVT) on the Five Rivers MetroParks mobile app powered by OuterSpatial.
This event is FREE and open to the public thanks to sponsorship from Dayton Hikers.
Download, complete and sign this registration form. Bring it with you and drop it off at the Registration Area (located at the Twin Valley Welcome Center) starting at 5:30 AM. Blank registration forms will also be available at the Registration Area.
Along the hiking routes they will have snack and water stations. These stations are a great opportunity to rest, re-fuel and re-hydrate before tackling your next segment.
There is no set end time for the TVT Challenge. Shuttle service ends at 8 PM. Sunset is at 8:30 PM, and dark is at 9 PM. The parks and trails officially close at 10 PM. It is advised that you finish your hike by 8 PM.Participants must finish by park closing (10 PM). It is advised that you finish your hike by 8 PM.
The Twin Valley Trail Challenge is FREE to the public and for all ages.
Learn more: https://www.metroparks.org/twin-valley-trail-challenge/

Free Swerk Class with MVP Dance Fit

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SWERK (Sweat, Work, Twerk) combines current HipHop style dance moves with lower body toning exercises to bring you one Booty-licious bod. A true “lift your booty, love your body” experience. Beyonces welcome. No previous dance experience necessary, just come MOVE and have FUN. We can’t wait to SWERK with you!

It’s Opening Weekend For Aqua Adventures

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The only thing better than a sandy beach on a hot summer day is a sandy beach with a giant inflatable water park on a hot summer day.  Land of Illusion’s Aqua Adventures in Middletown offers a large sandy beach, a massive 65 piece inflatable obstacle course, a gigantic water slides that stands at 36 feet tall. Everyone that gets in the water has to wear a lifejacket that fits. There are no exceptions to this rule and even if you are just putting your feet in the water a lifejacket has to be worn.

On Monday, May 29th (Memorial Day), get FREE admission ticket for all active and retired members of the Military. Just bring your valid Military ID.

Not a vet?  Use promo code ‘MEM23’  at checkout to save $5 off any ticket

New for 2023 are Corcl Boats. The Corcl is a durable, low-maintenance, double-hulled, extremely buoyant, polyethylene boat that will provide hours of entertainment as you paddle around, spin or progress through balance challenges.

THE JOY OF PADDLEBOARDING

As a sport, paddleboarding offers the same level of challenge and satisfaction that comes from learning a brand new game. You’re likely to fail a few times before you get the hang of it, but it’s all part of the experience. Taking a few spills into the water only makes you that much more determined to get it right. Learning together with your friends and family is a fantastic way to bond as you encourage one another to get back up and carry on.

Land of Illusion introduces the all-new Kids Wibit Zone. Now adventurers under 43″ can enjoy all of the extreme action of the original Wibit course in a zone all their own (life vests included).

Fun and challenging for all ages, the Wibit Adventure Zone inflatable obstacle course offers a healthy way to play and keep cool all summer long. Come challenge friends and family to test their strength and agility on this wet and wild playground. The obstacles include:

  • Rope Climbs – Race to the top and don’t let your grip slip!
  • Banked Curve – Test your speed and balance as you race around the turn!
  • Half Pipe – Slip and slide to victory, using your body as a boogie board!
  • Monkey Bars – A classic playground game with a watery twist!
  • Balance Beam –  Watch your step or take a swim!

When the competition heats up, slide, bounce or flip right into the water to cool down. Every trip through the course is a unique experience that can be enjoyed again and again.

Need some time out of the water? Check out Gameworks.  Play a leisurely game of cornhole after visiting the Sandy Cove & Aqua Lounge which serves Pepsi products, chicken salads, cheeseburgers, finger foods, and restaurant foods like Lee’s Chicken and Cassano’s Pizza!
  Get competitive and challenge your friends to a volleyball tournament. Compete against your friends and try out new tricks in a fast-paced ping pong game. Just don’t let the ball hit the net or fall off the table!

Land of Illusion

8762 Thomas Road
Middletown, OH 45042

Hours:

Mon – Thurs 11am – 5pm

Fri- Sun 11am – 7pm
Season ticket holder enjoy a 10:30 admission
Tickets:

Mon – Thurs Adult $18.99, ages 3-7  or 62+ $14.99
Fri – Sun Adult $23.99, ages 3-7  or 62+ $19.99
Cabana Rental $49.99
Aqua Parking $7

AQUA ADVENTURES-FAMILY 4 ISLAND PASS
includes Unlimited  Admission to Aqua Adventures, Free Parking, Priority Entrance, 10% off Food, 10% Non Alcoholic Drinks,  10% off Merchandise, and Bring one friend per pass for 50% off.    $335.99

Lockers are available for a $10 rental/day. Ask about Military discounts

Young’s Cheddar Challenge Features a Milkshake Stop

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Our herd of runners and walkers will enjoy a scenic course on the farmland around Young’s Jersey Dairy, including a loop in the Young’s Christmas Tree Farm and a path through our original barn built in 1869. This 3.1 mile run is suited for runners and walkers at all levels.

Young’s Cheddar Challenge 5K on June 10 features a milkshake stop along the course!

All participants will receive a t-shirt and all finishers receive a medal!

This event benefits: Alzheimer’s Association, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, South Community, Inc. and United Rehabilitation Services

Mudlick Tap House Float

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Join Mudlick Tap House, MadTree Brewing, and Taiters Kayak Solutions for a guided kayaking tour! The evening is the perfect time to sit back, relax, and watch the sunset over the Gem city! Enjoy paddling by the light of the setting sun and experience the urban landscape from Eastwood MetroPark to Riverscape River Run!
No paddling experience or equipment required.
Kayak rental will be available or you are welcome to bring your own!
❝𝐊𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐊 𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐒 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐋𝐈𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐃!❞
𝗞𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗸 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 & 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: $5𝟱
Includes rental, lifejacket, paddle and shuttle service to launch point
𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 & 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 $𝟮5
The shuttle leaves from Mudlick Tap House at 5:30pm. Boats can be dropped at the launch point as early as 4:30pm. Taiters Kayak Solutions will be there as a security measure to watch over equipment. They will also help you with any unloading. You are welcome to park near the takeout point and head over to the Tap House for a pre-float pint before boarding the shuttle at 5:30 to head back up to launch at 6pm!
The float will be for a duration of approximately 90 minutes!
After the float, everyone is welcome to head back to the Tap House for an evening pint and a bite to eat! (Not included in ticket price)

BootyMix Fitness

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BootyMix is a mixture of booty-centric experiences that make you feel alive and give you the confidence to take back your life through community, movement, and music. You’ll leave class with a better sense of self worth and honor your body for what it can do. Your mind will be refreshed so you can walk out into the world with a new perspective and confidence to chase those big dreams

A Walk in the ‘GARDEN’ for TheatreLab.

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Mackensie King Directs ‘Secret Garden.’

You all know how much I love these interviews with local leaders in the arts. This time around, I was thrilled to catch up with Mackensie King of TheatreLab Dayton. They are bringing the classic ‘The Secret Garden’ to life at the Victoria this weekend. As a former elementary school teacher, I cant ell you, the story alone is magic. My interview with Mackensie went something like this.

JS: Hi Mackensie! How exciting to see ‘The Secret Garden’ coming to life here is Dayton. What made you choose this story?

MK: Well, first of all…hi Josh! Thanks for highlighting the arts in Dayton!! The Secret Garden is a story that transcends generations. It’s still taught in schools around the world and there is something so incredibly special about putting up something that is familiar to so many. And I mean the score… who doesn’t love a classical musical with sweeping Melodies?

JS: Right….if you haven’t heard the music folks…WOW! Just gorgeous! And although it is a world-renowned tale, let people know what the story is about.

MK: Ok. The musical is like the book but it strays from that path. It follows Mary Lennox, after suddenly losing her parents. She is taken to live with her uncle who’s wife also passed, and we watch this family deal with grief and learning to love and live again.

JS: And even though it has that sad overtone, there is so much to love about the characters and their hope fiiled plight! What do you feel people can expect from your production?

‘Secret Garden’ comes to Victoria.

MK: To start the music is stunning. All of the actors on stage have stunning voices and these tunes will stick with you. This show while classical, has the feel of a spectacle because of the large sets, incredible light and remarkable costumes.

JS: I know folks who truly think this musical is one of the greatest, ever….yet, so many folks have not seen it. It’s magical!

MK: It really is!

JS: So, tell us about you. Your involvement in the arts!

MK: Well let’s see I’m a Libra who loves reading… but seriously- I’ve been with TheatreLab since it’s inception in a multitude of different roles, but I am the current Artistic Director. I’ve directed many shows for TheatreLab, while also taking the stage whenever I get the chance!

JS: I think all theater people should try their hand at each and every part. I know you can sing young lady!! So, what is it that pulls you toward directing?

MK: I love the collaboration it allows. You really get to sit with the actors and come to know them through the process. Then we can take those things and apply them to the show so that the show has everyone’s prints all over it. I love when it comes together and I can sit back and see each persons ideas grow together into a beautiful final product!

JS: Yes, it’s all about the final product, and what folks walk away feeling. What do you hope people take from ‘The Secret Garden?‘

MK: After experiencing the loss of one of my best friends this year, this show has helped me look at grief in a completely new light. I hope the audience can take away that no matter how dark things can seem, there is hope. That we as humans can all at our core understand loss at some point and that if we talk about our sadness with others, we will feel a little less alone.

Classic Tale comes to Life this Weekend.

JS: That is the magic of live theater…feeling like you are part of something that can change you for the better!! What’s next at TL?

MK: We have a busy summer filled with classes, camps and more! Then in September, we will be right back at the Victoria Theatre with ‘The Producers!’

JS: GET OUT!!! I love ‘The Producers!’ I know you are all busy, busy with this weekend’s performances….anything else you want to add?

MK: Support local theatre!

JS: Bravo to that and ‘BREAK THEM LEGS!’ Thanks for meeting me Mackensie! And to see the show? What do folks need to know?

MK: The show runs May 12-13th at The Victoria Theatre. Ticket prices start as low as 18 dollars and can be found at theatrelabdayton.org.

JS: Thanks again!!

 

The inaugural Museum Mile

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Register now for the inaugural Museum Mile on May 11th, 2023. This event will feature an open race women’s elite and men’s elite race. Athletes can go as fast as they can or fast as they want. Beginning at the Memorial Park just outside the National Museum of the United States Air Force, this family-friendly one mile course winds throughout the grounds of the museum before finishing under the wing tips of historic aircraft at the Air Park.

All registered participants will receive a race bib. All finishers will receive a limited edition Inaugural Museum Mile 16 oz. pint glass and finish line refreshments. Finisher certificates will be available to download after the race.

CLICK HERE for more information and to register by May 11th.

Goat Yoga is Back!

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Enjoy the serenity of Secret Eden with our one hour easy flow yoga practice (all levels) as our herd of Pygmy and Nigerian Dwarf goats and kids meander among you under a cover of pine and catalpa trees. The yoga pasture overlooks a large pond filled with water lilies and lotus. Following yoga enjoy a short hike around the pond with the goats. Plan to arrive a half hour early to sign in and spend time taking selfies and meeting the herd. Practice having goats on your back.

Party with a PURRR-pose!

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Get Your Tickets!

There is nothing like a party where you can putt, dance and even get a psychic reading all in one stop! SICSA‘s Inaugural ‘PURRR‘ event is getting readied….and I had the joy of sitting down with Angie Tapogna (SICSA’s Director of Community Engagement) to get the ‘scoop’ on the big shindig! It went something like this…..

JS: ANGIE!! So good to see you! I can tell you, the cat’s out of the bag when it comes to the word about ‘PURRR!’ But, please let the readers know…what is the idea behind ‘PURRR?’

AT: Thanks Josh, so excited to share that Purrr is an opportunity for SICSA to raise funds for and highlight our feline friends.  In 2022, we cared for and placed more than 1,300 cats and kittens.  Beyond this, we provided thousands of public cats with spay and neuter surgeries. Now, with “Kitten Season” once again in full swing, we are focused on ensuring nursing mother cats and their litters can grow into healthy, adoptable cats.  The funds from Purrr help us to provide the specialized care these tiny babies need to survive.  When you support SICSA by attending Purrr, you allow us to provide kitten formula to orphaned litters, spay mother cats after their kittens are weaned, vaccinate the entire family, and so much more.  This is truly a party with a Purrrpose!

JS: Wow….the need is real. Hearing about the little kitties in the area obviously pulls at peoples’ heart strings. What can people expect from the PURRR event?

AT: People can try their hand at golf and putt to win top shelf wine and liquor, socialize at the bourbon and cigar bar, listen to the live jazz band, cuddle with kittens, bid on exclusive silent auction items, have a private session with a Pet Communicator, learn some new moves from professional ballroom dancers, dance the night away to a live DJ and music, and grab a group picture at the photo booth to commemorate the evening!  There will be a catered dinner and an open bar!

JS: OPEN BAR! Ummmhmmmm,…sounds PURRRfect! I know you are all working so hard on this event. And you have some great ‘moments’ planned throughout the evening. What can you tell us about that?

      Hip Party for the Kitties!

AT: Well, Josh, to kind of elaborate, there will be more than 30 silent auction items to bid on that include trips, concert tickets, sports tickets, fine wine and rare alcohol, fine dining, casual dining, and more.

JS: 30+ Items….wowzer! And anytime there are trips….I’m bidding!

AT: Yep,  the event will feature 60s Ultra Lounge Music with a live Jazz Band as well as a DJ and an open dance floor.  Professional ballroom dancers will perform a fun 60s cocktail style dance.

JS: Ultra Lounge….loving that Cool Cat vibe….

AT: Right and we’ll have a hole-in-one putting green for people to putt their way to winning top shelf wine and liquor.  And we’ll also have a Pet Communicator providing private sessions with guests who may want to get to know their pet better, or prepare their pet for changes, or to resolve a pet’s behavioral issues. And of course, we’ll have cuddle sessions with kittens for those who want to snuggle up to a fur baby or two.

JS: Not sure I want to know what my pet thinks of me….ha ha! That sounds so fun! Now, the details….you have my attention, and you know, curiosity will kill this cat…When, Where…etc….

AT: Of course, of course….PURRR is on Saturday, May 20, 2023, 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Moraine Country Club, 4075 Southern Blvd., Dayton, OH 45429.  Cost is $200 per person which includes a catered dinner and open bar.  The dress code is cocktail party. **TICKETS….CLICK THIS LINK….https://www.sicsa.org/purrr/

Join the Cool Cats at PURRR!

JS: Seriously….just sounds like a hit already! I know SICSA is so beloved in the area. May is busy….what if I can’t attend (I’ll be there by the way), but I want to support the organization?

AT: I am so thrilled you asked me that! SICSA has succeeded because of the generous support of the community.  We are always welcoming new volunteers and fosters to help us in our mission.  And of course, we are always grateful for donations that help us feed and care for animals looking for loving homes and help us rescue animals in need.

JS: Angie….you are the cat’s pajamas! So good to talk with you. I am wishing you all the luck at PURRR! Anything else you want to add?

AT: Yes! Actually….people do not have to attend Purrr to bid on our fabulous silent auction items.  They will be live on our website on May 18, 2023, at www.sicsa.org.

JS: GREAT!! Again….all the success! Thanks Angie.  One more time…***Tickets: https://www.sicsa.org/purrr/

Here’s a fun promo link…click and enjoy! https://youtu.be/Ti-USpyzG-M

 

 

 

Free Fitness Classes at Riverscape

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Cost can’t be your excuse on why you are not taking exercise classes this May.   RiverScape MetroPark has nearly doubled its free fitness offerings featuring high impact group workouts, mindfully-focused programs and dance fitness. Free fitness classes include Fitness in the Park’s yoga and Zumba classes, which presented by Kettering Health Network with additional support from McGohan Brabender. May’s fitness full fitness schedule is listed below:

ZUMBA IN THE PARK with Fit n Fruitful Wellness: 10 to 11 am

  • Saturday, May 13

YOGA IN THE PARK with Speakeasy Yoga: 10 to 11 am

  • Saturday, May 20

Amanda Miller

BOOTYMIX FITNESS with Amanda Miller : 6 to 7 pm

  • Monday, May 1
  • Monday, May 8
  • Monday, May 15
  • Monday, May 22

BOOTCAMP with The Unit: 6 to 7:30 pm

  • Monday, May 1 & Wednesday, May 3
  • Monday, May 8 & Wednesday, May 10
  • Monday, May 15 & Wednesday, May 17
  • Monday, May 22 & Wednesday, May 23
  • Monday, May 29 & Wednesday, May 31

TAI CHI & QIGONG with Immortal Tree Qigong: 6 to 7 pm

  • Tuesday, May 2
  • Tuesday, May 9
  • Tuesday, May 16
  • Tuesday, May 23
  • Tuesday, May 30

Rachel Pavkov, owner MVP Dance Fit

SWERK with MVP Dance Fit: 6 to 7 pm

  • Wednesday, May 3
  • Wednesday, May 17
  • Wednesday, May 24
  • Wednesday, May 31

INNERGIZE with Kelly Gibson: 6 to 7 pm

  • Wednesday, May 10

BootyMix Fitness Free at RiverScape

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BootyMix is a mixture of booty-centric experiences that make you feel alive and give you the confidence to take back your life through community, movement, and music. You’ll leave class with a better sense of self worth and honor your body for what it can do. Your mind will be refreshed so you can walk out into the world with a new perspective and confidence to chase those big dreams

Join The Trail Runners Group

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oin Up and Running trail leaders as you enjoy running on natural trails. This running group is for experienced runners and includes meadows, trails and hills. Meet at the Normandy Entrance (501 Normandy Ridge Rd.) of Grant Park or the Smith Entrance (2230 E. Centerville Station Rd.) of Bill Yeck Park. Please check online schedule for dates and locations for each week. Sign up once for the entire year!
There is no registration deadline for this program. Join anytime!
If running group is canceled due to inclement weather, Up and Running will post a notification on social media.