Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More
SEASON’S GREETINGS: A HOLIDAY CABARET is back for its fifth season! Performers Gina Handy and Philip Drennen, along with Deron Bell and his Merry Melody Makers, have created an unforgettable cabaret experience to celebrate the holidays. Relax with friends, laugh with family, grab a seasonal cocktail, and most importantly, “mail” your song requests to Santa! You never know what surprises are in store when the spirit of the holidays takes over!
Tickets
With almost 700 seats sold for the annual ‘Show Must Go On‘ at the historic Arcade, the RubiGirls again proved they are a force for good in the Dayton area. This year, the ‘Girls’ were deep into their ‘Best Season Ever‘ which was, in reality, their 41st year raising fun and funds. Within their 41st season, The Girls were able to benefit 110 local non-profits and charities, and provide scholarships to five graduating high school students in the area. It was, at the very least, a breakthrough year in terms of funds raised. ‘What we experienced was not what many non-profits felt this year. Our donations were sound and solid, and our shows were full at every turn. It is interesting to note that we have been able to find a path through tougher times. It seems that entertainment is truly craved in the area, and we do it with humor and parody. The laughs led to donations. Donations lead to helping as many as we can in the region.’ Says the ‘Mother Rubi’ herself, Dana Sintell. Along with Fonda Peters, the two have been here for every single season. ‘We have seen it all over the years. Right now, we are seeing a big increase in concern for charitable organizations! Being a pass-through organization, we have the ability to take those donations and easily disperse them to multiple organizations. People like knowing that a donation to us helps many!’ said Sintell.
Rubi Girls – The show Must Go On! – 2025
The history of the Girls is well-known in the area. A group of college friends started putting on shows on Rubicon Street (thus the name), and the shows found an audience quickly. From that attic (in a house since torn down,) the girls found their mission…fighting discrimination and HIV! ‘It took off around 1985. We were bringing laughter to some dark times. And we found our footing there! It exploded as the need for HIV dollars became an emergency.’ Dayton’s legendary drag troop was born.
With that, they have had the internal battles that were sure to follow a group of grown men doing shows for 41 years around the city, state, and even country. ‘We’ve had drama! But this season proved we still have the love and laughter people so desire.’ Their Best Season Ever drew to a close on 12/8 at the Dayton Art Institute with a fun-filled night of trivia. ‘We had the 3 old goats together. Dana was there, Fonda, too, and the beloved India Summer. We are the longest-lasting performers in the RubiFamily. We know how to play off of each other well. It was a great way to end the season. A packed house, a ton of laughs, and a new set of faces who left endeared to our mission.’
We had to ask the inevitable question…’If this is the Best Season Ever, what happens next season?’
‘Oh, we got that figured out! Next season is ‘Better Than The Best Season Ever!‘ Sintell quipped. ‘Listen, we have people out there who really are in need. We have to keep elevating what we bring to the city we love!!’
You can donate to the RubiGirls and follow their schedules at https://therubigirls.com/ Merchandise and sponsorships are available as well.
***The Girls are made up of local professionals that use their talent solely for fund-raising purposes.
If you are a nonprofit or know of a charity in need, have them reach out to the website and click the Grants on the website.
This season, Shakespeare gets a holly jolly twist! A Comedy of Errors—one of the Bard’s most hilarious plays of mistaken identity—gets reimagined in a winter wonderland where two pairs of twins find themselves tangled in festive mayhem.
When two Santas and their mischievous elf assistants arrive in the same mall without realizing their doubles are already there, chaos ensues! Mix-ups, misunderstandings, and merry confusion abound as gifts are misplaced, tempers flare, and holiday magic turns everything upside down.
Full of slapstick humor, sparkling wit, and a sprinkle of Christmas cheer, this yuletide Comedy of Errors is the perfect way to laugh your way through the holiday season.
Playing into the Dayton beloved pastime tradition of Rike’s window displays, we will also be featuring our own window displays. This is a play you won’t want to miss this holiday season.
Calling all Swifties! Get ready to dance through the Eras as The Taylor Party brings a Taylor Swift-inspired dance celebration to The Brightside Music & Event Venue on Friday, December 19th.
This enchanting evening promises a journey through all of Taylor Swift’s iconic Eras, from her country beginnings to her latest chart-topping hits. Whether you’re Team “Fearless,” “1989,” “folklore,” or riding the “Eras Tour” wave, this party is designed for fans to celebrate the music that’s become the soundtrack to their lives.
The Taylor Party isn’t just a concert—it’s an immersive experience where attendees are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Era-inspired outfits. Channel your inner “Reputation” era with sequins and attitude, go full “Lover” with pastels and butterflies, or embrace the cottagecore vibes of “folklore” and “evermore.” The fashion possibilities are as endless as Taylor’s catalog.
Doors open at 8 PM, with the dance party kicking off at 9 PM and running until midnight. DJs will be spinning Swift’s biggest hits all night long, giving fans plenty of time to sing along to every word and create unforgettable moments with fellow Swifties.
Event DetailsWhen: Friday, December 19, 2025
Doors: 8 PM
Show: 9 PM – 12 AM
Where: The Brightside Music & Event Venue, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton
Tickets: $20 in advance / $25 day of show
Age: 18+
Advance tickets are available now for $20, with day-of-show tickets priced at $25. Given the massive popularity of all things Taylor Swift right now, early ticket purchase is recommended to secure your spot at what’s sure to be one of the hottest dance parties of the holiday season.
The event is open to ages 18 and up, making it the perfect pre-holiday celebration for college students home for winter break and young professionals looking to end 2025 on a high note.
Located at 905 E 3rd St in downtown Dayton, The Brightside Music & Event Venue has become a go-to destination for unique entertainment experiences in the Miami Valley. The venue’s intimate atmosphere makes it ideal for themed dance parties where everyone can feel part of the celebration.
So grab your besties, pick your Era, and get ready to make some magic. As Taylor herself would say, “Long live all the magic we made!”
For tickets and more information, visit The Brightside’s website or social media channels. Don’t miss your chance to be part of The Taylor Party—after all, it’s been a long time coming, and we’re ready for it.
Are you attending The Taylor Party? Tag us in your Era-inspired outfit photos and use #TaylorPartyDayton to connect with other local Swifties!
On Saturday, December 6, and Sunday, December 7, 2025, the Dayton Art Institute (DAI) will welcome art lovers of all backgrounds to the museum, free of charge, for a special Art For All weekend.
Art for All reinforces the Dayton Art Institute’s commitment to accessibility by offering free general admission to all visitors. Guests can explore the collection galleries, as well as the current Special and Focus Exhibitions. This initiative is made possible with the generosity and vision of our dedicated sponsors: Presenting Sponsors Kate and Steve Hone; Sustaining Sponsors Ramona and Todd Vikan; and Director Level Sponsors Karen and Eric Spina.
The museum is open from 11 AM to 5 PM on Saturdays and noon to 5 PM on Sundays. Art for All weekend features two full days of festive programming for visitors of all ages. Guests can enjoy performances, hands-on artmaking, tours and family-friendly activities during their visit. Saturday highlights include a Holiday Concert by the Dayton Bach Society (12–12:30 PM), an artist talk with Sarah Richard (12:45 PM), rotating gallery tours and all-day experiences such as an Art Nouveau artmaking activity, a winter photo booth and a family scavenger hunt. Sunday continues the fun with additional gallery tours and all-day creative activities. 
In the spirit of the season, the DAI encourages all attendees who are able to bring a dry-good donation to support the Dayton Food Bank as we come together to celebrate art, community and generosity.
The Art for All dates were carefully selected to coincide with the major highlights in the DAI’s exhibition schedule, giving guests a chance to see all three of the DAI’s Special Exhibitions, including the current exhibition, The Triumph of Nature: Art Nouveau from the Chrysler Museum of Art (on view October 18, 2025–January 11, 2026).
Additional Exhibitions at the museum include Strange Worlds: Photographs by Jay Hoops (October 4, 2025–January 4, 2026), Captivating Clay: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection (April 13, 2024–January 3, 2027),Themes in Yoshitoshi’s 100 Aspects of the Moon: Love & Longing (October 25–January 25, 2026) and Engaged: Rings from around the World (November 8, 2025–April 19, 2026).
For more information about planning a visit, including current museum hours and updates, go to www.daytonartinstitute.org/visit or call 937-223-4ART (4278). Connect with the Dayton Art Institute on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for additional information, behind-the-scenes photos and videos, and exclusive offers.
‘Oh My God….that car was amazing!’ ‘The backdrops were eye-popping!’ ‘I loved the tongue-in-cheek musical numbers!’
‘Back to the Future’ at the Schuster, is a free-wheeling tribute to the beloved movie, and a lot more! Although the songs, which at times can feel a little bit karaoke, are full-on fun and silly, you often lose focus on a cast that is giving it their all throughout the romp. I couldn’t help but notice that folks were anxious in the first act to see the ‘legendary’ DeLorean and its magical entrance. Meanwhile, a story is being told for all of us as well. Through hi-tech staging…and reminders of days gone by (1985 was 40 years ago….WTF!)….we are thrown into a land of the McFly family which remains true to the form as created for the film. There are some fun, if not over-the-top, intros to each of the family members. Lucas Marty does a good job of maintaining the look and vibe for movie fans. Mike Bindemann‘s George is funky and endearing. Fisher Lane Stewart gives 110% to the Dave role, and Abbey Freidmann‘s Linda foots the bill. Perhaps the McFly to watch in this performance is Zan Berube‘s Lorraine. She seamlessly does it all…gives you the frump, the fabulous, and ‘freaky’ sides of the mom figure!
The energy picks up in the theatre when David Josefberg‘s take on Doc Brown, hits the stage. Throughout the show, he makes his moments, HIS MOMENTS! Also of note, Cartreze Tucker belting ‘Gotta Start Somewhere’ and the devilish performance by Nathaniel Hackmann as Biff. And yes, the car. The CAR! I didn’t want to like it…almost was dead-set on not liking it…just to be contrary. But the truth is, it’s pretty astounding to watch. Blended with backgrounds that look alive and real (the high school gym scene is a mind-trip!)…the car is, in its own way, another star of the show!
Advice…go into the theatre looking to have a good time. A fun, funny, fantastic frolic awaits….
that kids of all ages will enjoy!
Ticket info at http://daytonlive.org
The DGMC is ready to deck the halls for the holidays. Their annual concert, which has been a mainstay of the area for many years, promises another stellar performance. I was so excited to get to speak to member, Marc Driscoll about the upcoming event.
Marc: Let’s see….our small group ensemble Noteworthy is back and very excited to sing again! Director Kathy Clark wrote an original piece for the show that will leave toes a tapping. Also, there are opportunities to win raffle baskets filled with amazing prizes.
It’s a murder mystery whodunnit!!! Seasonal themed Mystery Dinner Theater shows with a delicious 3 course Italian Meal.
IIt’s Christmas time and The Wassail Warblers, a group of long-time friends and semi-committed amateur carolers, are making their annual rounds of holiday cheer. Armed with matching scarves, an curated setlist, and exactly one person who can actually sing, they’re determined to brighten their town with off-key classics and questionable choreography.
Midway through “Good King Wenceslas,” one of the carolers slips away. But when they’re still missing by dessert, the group begins to panic. Can you solve the mystery? Join us for holiday fun and see.
Join Mayhem & Mystery to find out!
MAYHEM & MYSTERY INTERACTIVE DINNER THEATRE
Dinner & Show only $39.95 (tax and gratuity not included)
Call 937-461-3913 for Reservation (Required)
Shows start at 7:00PM (Mondays)
Select Fridays & Saturdays
Please call to make reservations. 937-461-3913. Go to our website to see show details. www.thespaghettiwarehouse.com
THE WEDDING SINGER musical takes us back to a time when hair was big, greed was good, collars were up and a wedding singer might just be the coolest guy in the room. Based on the hit Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore movie, The Wedding Singer’s sparkling score does for the ’80s what Hairspray did for the ’60s. (Music by Matthew Sklar, Book by Chad Beguelin and Tim Herlihy with Lyrics by Chad Beguelin. Just say yes to the most romantic musical in twenty years!
Senior Lecturer and Director Jamie Cordes shared, “This is a fast-paced story with high energy choreography that will have the audience moving in their seats. Audiences will immediately be transported to the 80’s when they see the colorful, playful elements of the set. The score honors the exciting pop and rock music from the time. And who doesn’t love a romantic comedy?
The musical version of this story captures all of these elements while reminding us the good guy can get the girl.
The Wedding Singer showcases the triple theatre training our students receive. The show demands skillful singing, acting and dancing and this cast shines in all areas!”
Director is Jamie Cordes (last season’s director of CARRIE, THE MUSICAL), with Music Director Wade Russo, and Choreographer Ashley Pabst with Associate Choreographer Aidan Edwards. Lighting Design by Professor Matt Benjamin and Sound Design by James Dunlap, resident Sound Designer.
THE WEDDING SINGER runs Nov. 15th (8 pm), Nov. 16th (2 pm), Nov. 20th (7:30 pm), Nov. 21st. (8 pm), Nov. 22nd (2 pm and 8 pm), Nov. 23rd (2 pm) at Wright State University’s Creative Arts Center, in the FESTIVAL PLAYHOUSE.
THE WIZ returns “home” to stages across America in an all-new tour, direct from Broadway. The Baltimore Sun raves “Powerhouse performances. Stunning choreography. Visionary sets” and the Chicago Sun-Times proclaims THE WIZ is “An eye-popping and high-intensity revival!”
This groundbreaking twist on The Wizard Of Oz changed the face of Broadway – from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock, and ’70s funk to its stirring tale of Dorothy’s journey to find her place in a contemporary world.
With direction by Schele Williams (The Notebook, revival of Disney’s Aida), choreography by JaQuel Knight (Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies,” Black Is King), and additional material by Tony®-nominated and Emmy-nominated writer and TV host Amber Ruffin (“The Amber Ruffin Show,” “Late Night With Seth Meyers”), this dynamite infusion of ballet, jazz, and modern pop brings a whole new groove to easing on down the road. Everybody rejoice!
937: What made you put I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change first and foremost this season?I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change is one of those shows that feels like it was written with the audience sitting right there in the room with us. We wanted to bring Dayton something joyful to kick off the holiday season, something that lets you laugh at yourself, your dating history, your loved ones, and the absolute absurdity of trying to be a human in a relationship.
937: I will say, we need some of that today, for sure Philip. I know you are doing the show at your rehearsal space on Jefferson….Is the venue intentional for this show?
Very much so! The intimate space puts the audience right in the mix, which is exactly how this show works best. These scenes and songs feel like you’re listening in on your best friend’s group chat.
937: I;m aware of the dynamite group you have doing this ‘little’ show! A small but strong cast…tell us about this group of actors!
This cast is tiny but mighty. They’re quick, fearless performers with great comedic timing and the ability to pivot from belly laughs to emotional gut-punch in a blink. They sing, they act, they transform into dozens of characters over the course of the night and they make it look effortless.
937: Dayton has so much talent. Never cease to amaze. This show is always referred to as a crowd pleaser… why so?
Because everyone sees themselves somewhere in it. Whether you’re single, married, divorced, on the apps, whatever, the humor is universal And the audience leaves feeling lighter than when they came in. That’s a crowd pleaser to me!
937: You have such great energy about this show. Love that! TheatreLab loves to mix up its genres! What’s next?
We sure do. We love keeping Dayton on its toes. Next up is a new Dayton tradition, Merry QUIZmas, and then we switch gears to The Mystery of Edwin Drood in January.
937: That Merry QUIZmas thing is so fun. And it really has a warm and holiday’ish’ feel. Love it! When are performances, and how do I get tickets?
Performances for ILYYPNC are Thursday at 7:30pm, Friday & Saturday at 8pm, and Sunday at 2pm and it’s this weekend only. Tickets are limited (and going fast), so we recommend snagging them now at theatrelabdayton.org.
937: As always, thank you, Mr. Drennen, and the absolute best to all this weekend! Break you freaking legs!
Get ready for non-stop laughter as Dayton Playhouse presents Noises Off by Michael Frayn, directed by Allyson Jacob! Often called “the funniest farce ever written,” this backstage comedy is a fast-paced, door-slamming, perfectly-timed whirlwind of hilarity.
The show will run Fri – Sun, Nov 7-9 and again Nov 14 – 16. Friday and Saturday Shows are at 8pm and Sunday matinees start at 2pm. Tickets run $18-20 and can be purchased online.
Beavercreek Community Theatre is celebrating the spooky season with ‘Let the Right One In.’ This weekend is the final chance to see the production which is directed by Chris Harmon. Here is what he shared with us about this coming-of-age story.
937: Who makes up this strong cast?
Bouncing between horror and humor, Kate Hamill’s adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic novel is a thrilling play that questions who the true monsters are. No damsels in distress, no romanticized villains – just a gleeful stake through the heart!
OCTOBER 29 – NOVEMBER 9, 2025 at the Loft Theatre
Film Dayton member and Dayton native Paul Stelzer, who co-founded The Hashtag Comedy Company in Columbus, will lead these workshops. Paul has performed improv comedy since 2012. For the past 10 years, Paul has taught “Introduction to Improv” classes. He’ll be leading two FREE improv comedy workshops this week in Dayton. If you’ve ever wanted to try improv comedy, this is YOUR chance! It’s all happening at the FilmDayton offices located inside the Dayton Mall. Here are the two dates/times:
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