Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More
Back by popular demand: FREE Yoga classes with Fitness Under the Wings!
Class dates are: June 26, July 31, Aug. 28. All classes are from 4 – 5 p.m. in the museum’s 2nd building.
Space is limited, and advanced registration is requested to secure your spot. Click HERE for more information and to register. Walk-in yogis will be accepted on a space-available basis.
Free exercise mat for the first 5 participants each week.
This is a dog-friendly event; dogs must be fully vaccinated, on a leash, and be able to behave well around other dogs.
This year’s course will start inside the fairgrounds and use the paved, shaded, Creekside Trail across the road.
4 Paws for Ability trains and places service dogs with children and veterans with disabilities. The cost to train and place a service dog is $40,000 to $60,000. Fundraisers such as the 4 Paws 5K help us raise money to continue our mission!
On June 17-18, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife is hosting its annual free fishing days. It’s the only weekend of the year on which residents 16 and older can fish without a license. Anglers under 16 can fish for free year-round. During this weekend, Ohio residents can fish for free in any of Ohio’s public waters, including those of Lake Erie and the Ohio River. All other fishing regulations, size limits, and bag limits apply.
Head to RiverScape for Tai Chi and Qigong at the River. Each hour-long Tai Chi & Qigong session will start with breathing exercises, warm up, and gentle stretching.
You will then be guided through flowing movements mixed with short standing meditations. We will end with a slightly longer guided standing (or sitting) meditation. This should leave a few minutes to answer questions or discuss any insights.
Qigong doesn’t require any special skills (other than breathing) or equipment (other than your body).
Registration is now open for the 2023 GREAT Smallmouth Bass Fishing Challenge to be held on the Great Miami River from June 17 to August 13. This family-friendly event is a catch-and-release, virtual fishing tournament, where anglers use the I-Angler app to register and send in their catches. Prizes include cash, gear, and more!
The Great Miami River is Ohio’s best river for catching smallmouth bass, according to the number of smallmouth trophy-sized fish registered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resource (ODNR) Fish Ohio program.
“The largest smallmouth bass caught in the Great Miami River in the last five years measured out at 24.3 inches,” said Donnie Knight, Troy resident and biologist with the US Fish and Wildlife Service. “Smallmouth bass are plentiful in the Great Miami River from March through October, so it’s a great time to encourage anglers to get out on the water.”
“Last year, we had quite a few smallmouth bass caught that were 18” or greater,” said Barry Puskas, Chief of Engineering and Technical Services for the Miami Conservancy District, and an avid angler. “there’s plenty of healthy smallmouth bass out there for anglers.”
This year’s sponsors include the Molson Coors Beverage company, located in Trenton along the Great Miami River. Additional sponsors include the International Game Fishing Association (IGFA), ReelFlyRod of Bellbrook, Fisherman’s Headquarters, Hamilton Bait and Tackle, and Mad River Outfitters.
For complete rules and to register for the tournament, visit https://tinyurl.com/2022fishingchallenge
The Great Miami Riverway is more than just a river. This regional destination in southwest Ohio includes more than 99 miles of paved trails and connected communities where you can surf the river, cycle the bike trail, and find your way through charming downtowns.
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]
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.
For more information and registration: https://protix.cityspark.com/e/2023-great-float-troy. Registration deadline is June 14th..
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!
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.
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:
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.
Hours:
Mon – Thurs 11am – 5pm
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
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
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
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!!
