Community

Easter Brunches Around Town

March 23, 2026 By Dayton937

There’s a particular kind of light on Easter morning—soft, hopeful, and just warm enough to hint that winter has finally loosened its grip. Church bells ring, pastel dresses appear, and somewhere in nearly every neighborhood, families are having the same conversation: Should we cook… or should we go out for brunch? More and more often, the answer is simple. We go out. ☀️🥂

Easter brunch has quietly become one of the most beloved dining traditions of the year. Part celebration, part convenience, and part social ritual, it’s a meal that perfectly captures the spirit of the holiday—fresh, festive, and meant to be shared.

Historically, Easter was always tied to food. After the long fasting season of Lent, the holiday marked a return to indulgence: eggs, ham, rich breads, and sweet pastries finally back on the table. Families gathered for elaborate meals that took hours to prepare. But as modern life sped up, so did our approach to holidays. Restaurants began offering brunch buffets and special menus that captured all those traditional flavors without requiring anyone to wake up at dawn to glaze a ham or whisk hollandaise sauce.

Restaurant	Hours & Ino	Phone #	Cost
El Meson	Brunch Buffet 11am – 2pmfeaturing a Spanish/Caribbean-inspired spread)	937. 859. 8229	$48 adults, 12 and under $23, 6 and under free
Hilton Garden Inn B’Creek	Seatings at 10am and noon breakfast favorites, along with sliced ham, lemon roasted chicken, au gratin potatoes	937.458.2650	Adults $32, Children $15
Dewberry 1850	Buffet Brunch	(937) 223-1000 ext 7855
Amber Rose	10:30am – 1:30pm	(937)-228-2511
Village Family Restaurant	Breakfast and Pictures with the Easter Bunny Sat, Mar 28 10 am to 12 pm	(513) 897-8835	$35
elé Cake Co. Bistro & Wine Bar	Buffet 9am -3pm mouthwatering spread of seasonal favorites, decadent desserts	937-384-2253 option 3!	$35 per person, $12 Kids under 10
Shaker Run Golf Club, Lebanon	Buffet 11am – 2:30pm made-to-order omelettes and carved prime rib & ham to shrimp cocktail, pastries, mac & cheese, and desserts,	(513) 727-0007	Adults: $39.95 Kids (3–10): $19.95
Wright-Patt Kittyhawk Lanes	Easter Breakfast and Bowl a breakfast buffet, bowling, an easter movie, mini easter baskets, door prizes and easter bunny photos!	937-257-7796	Adults are $34.95 Kids 15 and under are $19.95
Yankee Trace	Seatings begin at 10:00 a.m Breakfast favorites, Waffle Station \| Yankee salad \| Honey glazed Ham \| Carved Yankee Roast Beef with au jus and horseradish \| Shrimp Cocktail \| Glazed Salmon Duo bourbon and thai chili \| Twice baked potato \| Chicken Breast \| Rolls and Butter \| Assorted desserts		29.95 Adults \| 17.95 Children under 10 2 an
Engineers Club	10am – 1:30pm carved prime rib, honey glazed ham, stuffed chicken breast, all the breakfast staplesm french toast, Alfredo pasta, salads and a dessert station	rsvp to Darbie dschwieterman @engineersclub.org	$28.95 for adults, $13.95 for children ages 6-12, and free for children 5
Fleming’s	Saturday from 11 am, Sunday from 10 am Featured entrées include Sliced Tenderloin & French Onion Frittata, Shellfish Louie Salad, and various Surf & Turf combinations. Full dinner menu is available all day,	(937) 320-9548	2-course brunch menu starts at $38 per guest.
Ellie’s at Mill’s Park Hotel	11:30 AM & 2:30 PM Raspberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Honey Ham, Turkey Sausage, Bacon, Veggie Quiche Hashbrown Casserole Waffles, Fresh Fruit, Hot Cinnamon Rolls Hard Boiled Eggs	937-319-0402	$35
Smith’s Boathouse	10 AM – 2 PM Menu options include cinnamon roll french toast, crab cakes, grilled salmon, breakfast plate	(937) 335-3837	$15 – 45
Datyon Woman’s Club	Seatings at 11am, 12:15pmm 1:30pm Chicken & Waffles • Spiral-Sliced Glazed Ham • Scrambled Eggs, Bacon & Turkey Sausage • Sweet Cheese Crepes • *Potato Pancakes & Applesauc, Veggie Skewers • Deviled Egg Salad on Crostinis • Bananas Foster, Fruit and Yogurt Parfait • Selection of Pastries	(937) 228-1124	Adults: $30 $35 non-members Children ages 10 & under: $15 Children ages 5 & under: Free

What To Know For Reds Opening Day

March 22, 2026 By Dayton937

The Cincinnati Reds open the 2026 MLB season at home against the Boston Red Sox on Thursday, March 26th at 4:10pm at Great American Ball Park. This matchup marks the first time the Reds have ever opened a season against the Red Sox and features new manager Terry Francona facing his former team.

Key Info for Opening Day 2026:

Parade: The annual Findlay Market Opening Day Parade starts at 12:00 PM.
- Grand Marshal: Former Reds closer and current broadcaster Jeff “The Cowboy” Brantle
- Honorary Grand Marshal: Dr. Timothy Kremchek, the team’s longtime medical director.
- Route: The 1.4-mile route begins at Findlay Market on Race Street, travels south to 5th Street, turns east, and ends at the
  Taft Theatre
- Participants: Expect over 145 units, including 16 marching bands and 30 horses..
Weather: Sunny and warm with highs near F, but with a high UV index, requiring sunscreen
Game Time: Gates at Great American Ball Park open at 2:10 p.m., with pregame festivities starting at 3:30 p.m. and first pitch at 4:10 p.m..
Roster Moves: LHP Andrew Abbott will start. The roster includes a unique six-man starting rotation also featuring Chase Burns, Rhett Lowder, Brandon Williamson, Nick Lodolo, and Brady Singer.
Events: A block party runs from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Joe Nuxhall Way/Freedom Way.
Street Closures: Several street closures surrounding Findlay Market start at 8:00 AM, with downtown parade route closures starting at 11:15 AM.
TV/Streaming: The game will be broadcast for free on Fox 19 (WXIX-TV) in Cincinnati. Fans can also stream via Reds.TV on the MLB app.

Get a FREE Coney with any beverage purchase on March 26! Offer valid for dine‑in, drive‑thru, and carryout only.

Where to Pregame:

Reds Community Fund Charity Block Party: Held at The Banks
(Joe Nuxhall Way, Freedom Way, and Walnut St.) from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., featuring live music by Naked Karate Girls and DJ ETrayn.
Rally on the Square: Located at Fountain Square
from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with live entertainment and mascot appearances.
Washington Park

: Features family-friendly games, food trucks, and parade viewing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m..

Reds Official Site with Ticket info

Check out the scheduled giveaways for the season:

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Montgomery County’s Special Projects Grant Now Accepting Applications

March 20, 2026 By Dayton937

Arts and cultural organizations across Montgomery County have the opportunity to bring creative projects to life. Applications for the 2026–2027 Special Projects Grant opened today, March 20, with up to $275,000 in total funding available through the Montgomery County Arts & Cultural District.

Dayton Dance Initiative is a past recipient of Special Projects Grant funding

Administered by Venus Child Productions, the grant awards up to $15,000 per project to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and government agencies located in or primarily serving Montgomery County. This cycle features an extended 18-month project window running from July 2026 through December 2027, giving organizations more time and flexibility to plan and execute their work.

Eligible projects span six categories: Cultural Heritage, Cultural & Multi-Arts, Education, Literary Arts, Performing Arts, and Visual Arts. In a notable change from previous cycles, the Letter of Intent phase has been removed. Applicants now proceed directly to the full application.

“We want to make this process as accessible as possible,” said Libby Ballengee, Program Administrator at Venus Child Productions. “Whether you’re a first-time applicant or a returning grantee, the streamlined application and extended timeline are designed to support strong, thoughtful projects.”

Two free virtual information sessions are scheduled for prospective applicants:

Signature Educational Solutions

Both sessions will be recorded and posted online. New applicants are especially encouraged to attend.

The application deadline is Friday, May 1, 2026 at 4:00 PM EST.

Full program guidelines, FAQs, and the online application are available at specialprojectsgrant.com.

Arrive Safe St. Patrick’s Day Rides

March 16, 2026 By Dayton937

Montgomery County Prosecutor Mat Heck announced that his ArriveSafe Program will be active for this year’s St. Patrick;s Day holiday. With continued support from Heidelberg Distributing Company/Budweiser and Key-Ads of Dayton, program offers free Uber rides home for Montgomery County residents over the holiday.

Operating since 2007, Heck’s ArriveSafe Program has provided nearly 30,000 safe and sober rides home.

Prosecutor Heck noted that between 2019 and 2023, nearly 38% of all fatal traffic crashes over St. Patrick’s Day involved a drunk driver, and 70% of those fatalities involved a driver with a BAC double the legal limit.

ArriveSafe is offering a voucher for up to $20 off the cost of an Uber ride home from 6:00 am on Tuesday, March 17th, through 6 am on Wednesday, March 18th.

Prosecutor Heck said, “Our law enforcement partners will be out in full force on St. Patrick’s Day. They aren’t looking to ruin your fun – they’re looking to save your life and the lives of others sharing the road with you. This St. Patrick’s Day, use ArriveSafe. It’s free, it’s easy, and it’s the only responsible choice.”

Dayton’s Silent Disco Comes to The Arcade for St. Patrick’s Day

March 15, 2026 By Dayton937

A new kind of St. Patrick’s Day celebration is headed to downtown Dayton. On Tuesday, March 17, Level Up Productions and Channel 99.9 are teaming up to present St. Pat’s Silent Disco at The Dayton Arcade, bringing the popular headphone-based dance party format to the historic venue at 35 W. 4th Street.

Unlike a traditional concert or club night, a silent disco equips each attendee with wireless headphones that can tune into multiple music channels simultaneously broadcast by different DJs. The result is a room full of people dancing to entirely different songs — a surreal, festive experience that has become a hit at festivals and events nationwide.

This event will feature three color-coded channels. DJ KimL takes the green station with EDM, Sexbox spins throwback hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s on the blue station, and John Chapel brings modern music and hip hop on the red station. Attendees are encouraged to dress in green for the holiday and switch freely between channels throughout the night.

Doors open at 8:00 PM with music starting at 8:30 PM. Advance tickets are $20, rising to $25 at the door. A group discount of 20% is available for parties of 10 purchasing in presale. Discounted presale pricing closes at midnight on March 16.

The evening also includes a free pre-party at Lucho from 6:00 to 8:00 PM featuring DJ Breeze EZ, giving attendees a chance to kick off the St. Patrick’s Day festivities early before heading to the main event.

The show is 21 and over. Tickets and additional details are available at daytonsilentdisco.com.

Ohio Success Awards Accepting Nominations

March 15, 2026 By Dayton937

Ohio’s strength as a growing and thriving business center and land of opportunity is built upon its businesses, non-profits, and governmental organizations’ success along with the partnerships they form amongst each other to benefit communities.

Ohio Business Magazine presents the 8th Annual Ohio Success Awards, honoring the most successful and consistent organizations and leaders across our state. Winners will be recognized as a cover feature in a 2026 issue of Ohio Business Magazine and a following celebratory event.

DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS EXTENDED! March 22nd

Purpose
Ohio’s strength as a growing and thriving business center and land of opportunity is built upon its businesses, non-profits and governmental organizations’ success along with the partnerships they form amongst each other to benefit communities.The Ohio Success Awards will honor annually the most successful and consistent of these organizations and leaders across our state.

The Ohio Success Awards will recognize the accomplishments of:

Companies that have demonstrated growth both in revenue and employees, as well as having demonstrated involvement in their community and service in their industry
Non-profits that have made a significant impact upon the communities they serve
Governmental organizations that have created unique value or opportunities based upon their ingenuity, partnership, and perseverance
Leaders, amongst these from all above, that have demonstrated beyond comparison that their efforts have made lasting impact

The event will also serve as a forum for you to connect with other decision makers on the issues and objectives throughout the state.

Divisions
To reflect more clearly of Ohio’s business vitality, we welcome the participation of divisions of companies who are headquartered outside of Ohio if you can provide net revenue and employment figures originated within the state of Ohio.

Maple Madness Driving Tour

March 13, 2026 By Dayton937

The Ohio Maple Madness Driving Tour is free.

When: March 14 & 15, 2026 (Please note Amish farms are NOT open on Sunday)
Location: (Map It) Throughout Ohio
Email [email protected]
Web: click here

The Ohio Maple Madness Driving Tour: Maple syrup is Ohio’s first harvest of the year and the sweetest. Sugarhouses across Ohio open their doors and invite visitors to see firsthand how pure maple syrup is made. The March Maple Madness Driving Tour is a statewide event sponsored by the Ohio Maple Producers Association and Ohio’s syrup makers.

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Experienced syrup makers are on hand to answer questions during the free, drive-it-yourself tour. Some stops are small backyard ventures, while others are large commercial operations. SATURDAY ONLY – A few select Amish sugarhouses are welcoming guests. Maple syrup is made in only a small part of the entire world, and Ohio sits in the heart of that area. Bring the entire family, dress for the weather with boots and coats, spend a day in Ohio’s beautiful countryside and see how clear, sweet sap from the maple tree becomes golden, delicious maple syrup.

Experience March Madness in Dayton

March 13, 2026 By Guest Contributor

Fun Fact: UD Arena has hosted more NCAA® Tournaments than any other venue in the nation!

There’s no denying it, Dayton is a basketball mecca! March is here and that means basketball madness returns to Dayton. In 2026, Dayton will proudly welcome and host the NCAA® First Four® Tournament (March 17 & 18), the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Girls Basketball State Tournament (March 12-14) and the OHSAA Boys Basketball State Tournament (March 19-22), as well as community events coordinated by The Big Hoopla and held in conjunction with the NCAA® First Four® games.

Read on to learn more about all these exciting events and how you can be part of March Madness in Dayton!

NCAA® First Four®

The Dayton region is the Epicenter of College Basketball, and fans from around the country know that THE ROAD STARTS HERE™! March Madness is alive and well in Dayton – we look forward to welcoming the NCAA® First Four® Tournament back to UD Arena this year!

There will be two games in each session (night), on March 17 & 18, and the winners of each game will advance on the road to the Final Four®. We can guarantee the games will played in front of packed houses at UD Arena, where the energy is always electric!

Tuesday, March 17
Teams and time TBD

Wednesday, March 18
Teams and time TBD

Get your game tickets now, because the First Four® tournament will sell out!

The Big Hoopla

In Dayton, college basketball holds a special place in our hearts; get ready for the The Big Hoopla to return to Dayton in 2026. Since 2012, The Big Hoopla has showcased Dayton’s collaborative spirit, basketball unity and affinity for our military heroes serving locally and around the world. The First Four® NCAA® Basketball Tournament presents a tremendous opportunity to come together as a community, and as a country, to celebrate the great things that can be accomplished with teamwork, dedication, and a shared goal. Join in on the fun by participating in these community activities.

Hoopla 4 Miler

Here in Dayton, it’s about more than just basketball, it’s four full days of activities and the first of all those events is the Big Hoopla 4 Miler. On Selection Sunday, March 15, the day begins with a 4-mile run that starts and finishes near the Wright State University Student Union. The scenic course winds through Wright State’s Campus, offering beautiful views along the way, including the Biology Preserve and the Paul Laurence Dunbar Library.

All participants receive a super soft tech tee, a custom finisher medal, free race photos, and tons of post-race food. Registration is open now for $35, with prices increasing after February 28. The race kicks off at 10 a.m. The top three overall male and female runners will receive a CASH PRIZE, and the top three finishers in each age group will receive two (2) tickets to the NCAA First Four® at UD Arena on March 17 & 18, 2026. Register online for the race.

Hoopla STEM Challenge

Ready to learn and have fun – all for free?! Do your kids wanna shoot some hoops? On Sunday, March 15, bring your family to participate in a FREE basketball ‘hot shot’ and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education contest with prizes awarded for each shot made! The event is open to boys and girls grades K–8 and will take place at the Wright State University Nutter Center.

The event ties together the excitement and passion for college basketball to the power of STEM education. Regional and national partners will be on-site to engage students with hands-on science, technology, engineering and math demonstrations, as well as two fun, 45 minute shows with award-winning science entertainer Mister C and performances by Eric Energy. Registration is free and opens at 11 a.m. The Opening Ceremony and exhibits begin at 12 p.m., followed by the Hot Shot Finals at 4:30 p.m. before the event concludes at 5 p.m.

OHSAA Basketball State Tournaments

As if the NCAA® First Four® Tournament wasn’t exciting enough, Dayton, UD Arena, and Wright State Nutter Center will also host the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Girls and Boys Basketball State Tournaments in March! The state’s high school basketball elite will battle it out to see who will be named OHSAA Girls & Boys State Basketball Champion! Don’t miss the action.

2026 OHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament, March 12-14

Thursday, March 12 (State Semifinals)
Division III: 11 a.m. at Wright State Nutter Center
Division IV: 12 p.m. at UD Arena
Division VI: 5 p.m. at Wright State Nutter Center
Division I: 6 p.m. at UD Arena

Friday, March 13 (State Semifinals)
Division VII: 11 a.m. at Wright State Nutter Center
Division II: either 5 p.m. at Vandalia Butler or 6 p.m. at Wright State Nutter Center
Division V: either 5 p.m. at Wright State Nutter Center or 6 p.m. at Vandalia Butler

Friday, March 13 (State Championships)
Division IV: 12:30 p.m. at UD Arena
Division III: 3:45 p.m. at UD Arena
Division VI: 7 p.m. at UD Arena

Saturday, March 14 (State Championships)
Division VII: 10:45 a.m. at UD Arena
Division V: 2 p.m. at UD Arena
Division II: 5:15 p.m. at UD Arena
Division I: 8:30 p.m. at UD Arena
Girls Basketball all-session reserved semi-final tickets are $70 each, while all-session reserved finals tickets are $110 each. Single-session tickets for the Girls Basketball State Tournament are $18 for adults and $10 for students. Multi-session packages and premium seating online. Reserved seating is ONLY at University of Dayton Arena. Wright State Nutter Center is all General Admission seating. All tickets may be purchased at the OHSAA ticketing website.

2026 OHSAA Boys Basketball State Tournament, March 19-22

Thursday, March 19 (State Semifinals)
Division IV: 12 p.m. at Wright State Nutter Center
Division III: 6 p.m. at UD Arena

Friday, March 20 (State Semifinals)
Division V: 10:45 a.m. at UD Arena
Division VII: 12 p.m. at Wright State Nutter Center

Friday, March 20 (State Championships)
Division IV: 4:15 p.m. at UD Arena
Division III: 7:30 p.m. at UD Arena

Saturday, March 21 (State Semifinals)
Division II: 11 a.m. at Wright State Nutter Center
Division I: 5:30 p.m. at Wright State Nutter Center

Saturday, March 21 (State Championships)
Division V: 1 p.m. at UD Arena
Division VII: 4:15 p.m. at UD Arena

Sunday, March 22 (State Championships)
Division II: 12 p.m. at UD Arena
Division I: 3:15 p.m. at UD Arena

Boys Basketball all-session reserved semi-final tickets are $70 each, while all-session reserved finals tickets are $110 each. Single-session tickets for the Boys Basketball State Tournament are $18 for adults and $10 for students. Multi-session packages and premium seating online. Reserved seating is ONLY at University of Dayton Arena. Wright State Nutter Center is all General Admission seating. All tickets may be purchased at the OHSAA ticketing website.

All ticket prices include parking fees. The University of Dayton Arena is a cashless facility. Tailgating and overnight parking are not permitted.

By Destination Dayton

DPH’s ‘Glass Menagerie’ brings Fragile Dreams to the stage.

March 12, 2026 By Joshua Stucky

Photos by Kirsten Pribula | Kirsten Lynne Studios

In the day, when books were assigned, and great works were part of our literature, one story was read by thousands….. Tennessee Williams ‘The Glass Menagerie.’ The ‘memory play’ as it has been called, is a classic, and Dayton Playhouse is briunging it to the stage. I had the complete joy of talking with the show’s director Matt Meier, and one of its actors, Garrett Young.

937: Hi Garrett and Matt! Thanks for taking the time to highlight your upcoming production! Why did you choose ‘Glass Menagerie’

GY. I’ve loved the works of Tennessee Williams since I studied theatre in college. Opportunities to speak his beautiful prose don’t come along every day, so I jumped at the opportunity to audition and throw my hat in the ring.MM. I’ve also always loved Tennessee Williams, and when considering shows to possibly direct, Menagerie was my first instinct. The play has a beautiful simplicity on the surface and a rich undercurrent below.

Photos by Kirsten Pribula | Kirsten Lynne Studios

937: How will this production compare to book/others?

GY. Our production of “Menagerie” is, I think, a lot funnier than your run-of-the-mill production. We were very careful to find the levity in the beauty and heartbreak of this story that fans of Williams know so well. Matt also decided from the outset that we were going to play up a lot of the queer elements tucked away in some of the subtext, and I’m proud to say that we have a very gay Menagerie on our hands!

MM. It is very gay! During an interview later in life, Williams, who was gay, asked, “who will tell our stories?” I think he unknowingly did with his first major work. Menagerie is often seen as Laura’s story, and I wanted to see it from Tom’s perspective — what is the cost for a queer person to become themselves? The play itself is very expressionistic, giving each production its own unique dreamlike world with ample freedom to explore. It’s funny, it’s heartbreaking, it’s quirky, and it’s so damn beautiful.

937: A Gay Menagerie…LORD! Garrett, as an actor, what makes this role a challenge?

GY. I narrate a lot of the play, and that can feel kind of unnatural as an actor, so I’m definitely looking forward to having an audience to play off of!937: And Matt….as a director, why would you say this show is challenging?

MM. It was intimidating diving into this play. It’s been produced thousands of times in its 80+ year history. Many people have read or seen it, so why should they revisit it? Why is it relevant today? The challenging (and fun!) part of the process has been trying to answer these questions as a team.

937: What do you hope the audience takes away from this production?

GY. I think we can all relate to having to make difficult choices that might be best for our own journey, even if those choices hurt the ones we love. We all do the best we can with the circumstances we’re given to survive life’s toughest moments, but at the end of the day, we survive, and our story continues.

MM. I hope audiences can see their own families and sacrifices in these characters — the good, the bad, and the ugly. And I hope they talk about the show in the car or over a drink.

Photos by Kirsten Pribula | Kirsten Lynne Studios

937: No doubt about that…this story definitely leads to discussion. Anything else you would like to add for our readers?

GY. This is going to be such a dreamy, unforgettable production with an incredible cast and creative team. I think we could all use a little escape right about now, and The Glass Menagerie is the perfect remedy!

MM. Agreed. I’m so grateful to be a part of creating this production alongside a team of insanely talented artists. We’ve got a special production on our hands. Come see it!

937: Love you both…break some legs. Here is the info….

Dates: March 13–22, 2026.
Special Event: A 30-minute talkback session with the production team is scheduled for Sunday, March 15, 2026.
Partnership: The production features a partnership with the Greater Dayton LGBT Center.
Tickets: https://daytonplayhouse.thundertix.com/events

Boonshoft Museum Launches Kid-Friendly DAYTIME Laser Shows

March 10, 2026 By Lisa Grigsby

For the first time ever, the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is bringing its popular laser shows into the daytime with new kid-friendly themes designed especially for families.

Traditionally offered as evening programs for adults, the Boonshoft’s laser shows will now feature daytime performances during museum hours, making them accessible for children and families visiting during spring break and beyond. Held inside the museum’s planetarium, the immersive shows combine music with colorful laser light effects projected across the dome, creating a dynamic visual experience for audiences of all ages.

The new lineup features themes inspired by music and movies kids love, including:

Movie Magic – featuring music selections from Disney movies
Taylor Swift
K-Pop Demon Hunters
Galactic Odyssey – featuring space-themed songs

Each show runs approximately 30 minutes and is available as a $5 add-on to regular museum admission, making it an easy way for families to enhance their visit.

This marks the first time the Boonshoft Museum has offered laser shows specifically designed for kids and families and is scheduled during the day, expanding a long-running planetarium program that has traditionally been geared toward adult audiences.

Show Schedule:

Movie Magic – March 11, 12:00 p.m.
Taylor Swift – March 13, 12:00 p.m.
Movie Magic – March 14, 11:00 a.m.
K-Pop Demon Hunters – March 17, 12:00 p.m.
Galactic Odyssey – March 19, 12:00 p.m.
K-Pop Demon Hunters – March 21, 11:00 a.m.
Taylor Swift – March 25, 12:00 p.m.
Movie Magic – March 26, 12:00 p.m.
Taylor Swift – March 28, 11:00 a.m.
Galactic Odyssey – April 2, 12:00 p.m.
K-Pop Demon Hunters – April 3, 12:00 p.m.
Galactic Odyssey – April 4, 11:00 a.m.

Families looking for fun and affordable spring break activities can add the laser show to their museum visit while exploring the Boonshoft’s interactive exhibits, live animals, and science experiences.

Paid Leave Takes the Crown as Dayton Battle of the Bands Delivers Its Biggest Night Yet

March 10, 2026 By Dayton937

A sold-out Brightside ballroom, six fierce finalists, and a packed house that proved Dayton’s music scene is very much alive and loud.

If you weren’t at The Brightside’s Dayton Battle of the Bands Finale, you missed something special, and you probably heard about it from someone who was. The ballroom hit capacity, the energy was electric from the first chord to the last note, and somewhere in the crowd, a kid in the front row was watching a local band tear it up like it was the most important thing they’d ever seen. Maybe it was.

This year’s Battle of the Bands was a landmark. For the first time, all playoff rounds were held inside The Brightside’s ballroom and the finale sold out completely. Six bands, Catsteel, Good Soup, Obscured, Paid Leave, Tronee Threat, and Yuppie, brought everything they had to one of Dayton’s most beloved stages. The level of talent on display was a reminder that this city’s music scene is alive and well.

Paid Leave wins the 2026 Dayton Battle of the Bands. Photo by Victoria Swearingen

AND THE WINNER IS…

Paid Leave took home the top prize, with Good Soup earning runner-up honors and Yuppie finishing third. But ask anyone in that room and they’ll tell you all six bands showed up to win. The prize package for the champion is no joke: a headlining performance at Levitt Pavilion this summer, a recording session with Huge Face Productions, a merch package from Little Monster Printing, and $1,000 courtesy of The Brightside. That’s the kind of launchpad that can change a band’s trajectory.

THE AFTER PARTY (A FIRST)

This year also marked the first-ever Battle of the Bands After Party, hosted by Toxic Brew and headlined by past winner Freakquency. Because why let a legendary night end before it has to? Big thanks to title sponsors Tony & Pete’s and all the sponsors who helped make 2026’s Battle of the Bands the biggest one yet.

Dayton’s music scene has always punched above its weight. Events like Battle of the Bands are why, and if the next generation of fans crowding The Brightside’s ballroom is any indication, it’s not slowing down anytime soon.

Dayton at Work and Play: Carillon Park

March 9, 2026 By Bill Franz

Lots of historic artifacts have been moved to Carillon over the years. Hearing about new exhibits moving there always ,makes me glad because the organization seems well funded and well run. It makes me feel that whatever goes there will probably be available for our grandkids and great grandkids to see.

After the Oppenheimer movie came out, I gave some visiting relatives what I billed as an Oppenheimer tour of Dayton. Our last stop was the Mound Cold War Discovery Center in Miamisburg. I just read that the museum is being relocated to Carillon Historical Park

World War II ended with the explosion of two atom bombs, triggered by devices made in Dayton. But the Dayton scientific work continued after the war. In 1948 the work that was being done in rented facilities in Dayton and Oakwood was transferred to newly constructed buildings in Miamisburg set on 300 acres. This was the first US site designed and operated to manufacture atomic weapons components.

The building that was used for polonium purification was built underground, with 16 foot thick walls and roof. At the Mound, they made atomic weapons in buildings built to withstand atomic weapons.

The people at the Mound also used their skills in nuclear science to make products not tied to weapons. When Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon they left behind two instruments to record seismic “moonquakes.” Each of those instruments had a small radioisotopic heater designed and built at the Mound. The heaters kept the instruments warm enough to operate during the extreme cold of the lunar nights.

After the terrorist attacks on 9/11/2001 the decision was made to move atomic research to locations away from population centers. All Mound operations were moved to a facility in Idaho, and now the telling of the Mound story will move to Carillon.

St. Patrick’s Day Shennanigans

March 7, 2026 By Dayton937

St. Patrick’s Day became a huge party day mainly because of a mix of Irish history, immigration, and modern pub culture. Here are the main reasons.

The day commemorates Saint Patrick, who helped spread Christianity in Ireland in the 5th century. Originally it was a religious feast day with church services and family meals. Pubs and alcohol became central to the celebration

Ireland has a strong pub culture, and the holiday eventually became associated with gathering, music, and drinking—especially beer and Irish whiskey. Over time bars and cities leaned into it, turning it into one of the biggest drinking days of the year in the U.S.

It’s an easy holiday for everyone to join

Here’s a round up of celebrations in the Miami Valley. This is as work in progress, we’ll continue to add to it as we learn more.

Shamrock Social March 14th 7-11 upstairs at The Century Bar

Join us UPSTAIRS for a Shamrock Shindig filled with Celtic-inspired jazz, festive cocktails, Irish whiskey, and plenty of Guinness. We’ll have charcuterie, games, and puzzles to keep things lively—just bring your crew and your luck.

Your Ticket Includes:
– Live Jazz-Celtic Fusion – Charcuterie – Games

Tickets: $25 (plus fees)

Annual St. Patrick’s Day Bash at Peach’s Grill
Sat, March 14th at noon

104 Xenia Ave, Yellow Springs, OH, United States, Ohio 45387

Irish food, drink, music and dancing! Join us for our annual St. Patrick’s Day Bash! $5 cover all day! (cash or card)

Get ready to raise a green glass o’ beer – St. Patrick’s Day is at Miami Valley Sports Bar Sat, March 14th at 4pm

We’re going all out with flowing green beer, lucky shot specials, and plenty of party favors to keep the vibes high.

Hungry? The kitchen opens at 6:00 PM to fuel your festivities, and we’re keeping the energy going all night long until bar close. Grab your greenest gear and come party with us—it’s going to be a sham-rockin’ good time!

St. Patty’s Pot O’ Gold Party Sun, March 15th 2 – 8pm
Full Circle Brewgarden

We always love green – but who doesn’t love a little gold? Join us for a St. Patty’s day party filled with Irish music, food, fun, & of course – beer!

Get Lucky – each paying customer gets to draw a coin for the chance to win discounts or prizes! (while supplies last)

4pm – Bring a dish to our Monthly plant based potluck and celebrate with friends new & old! The theme this month of course is Irish food!

We’ll also have our brand new Irish Red Ale on tap – Slainte Mhath & Good Health to all!

Get your St Paddy’s fix a little early at Wandering Griffin!

Join us for FOUR DAYS of live music, family fun, themed trivia, and Irish-inspired food and drink features.
Plus a SPECIAL BEER RELEASE: Shamrock Shake Irish Cream Stout (while it lasts).

EVENT SCHEDULE:

Friday 3/13 | 7–10pm. Live Music: Dulahan

Saturday 3/14 | 7–10pm. Live Music: Father Son & Friends

Sunday 3/15 | 12–3pm. Family Day featuring live Irish dancers, plus crafts and games for kids

Monday 3/16 | 6:30–8:30pm. St Patrick’s Themed Trivia (3 rounds + prizes)
Round winners + overall winner receive gift cards

Food Features (All Weekend)
Jameson Whisky Glazed Wings • Luck O’ the Irish Pizza • Irish Grilled Cheese • and our Famous Fish & Chips

Drink Features (All Weekend)
Irish Griffin Red Ale • Dark Griffin Stout • Irish Car Bombs • plenty of Tullamore Dew + Jameson

Moe Harrigan’s TavernMarch 14,15 & 17
Live music, beer, Irish Whiskey, Food
Z93 Live Stream

Cover Charges :
March 14 : $10, March 15 : $10, March 17 : $15

A Few Of Our Featured St Paddy’s Drinks

Jell-O shots, St Patty’s Sangria, Horney Leprechaun Shots, Green & Orange Teas

Entertainment Schedule :

March 14th —
2pm-6pm : Dave’d & Confused, 7:30pm-10:30pm : Funky G

March 15th —
3pm-6pm : Father, Son, & Friends, 6pm-10:00 : Barely Able

March 17th (St. Paddy’s Day:)) —, 11:30am-2:00pm – Ashley Martin, :30pm-6:00pm – Velvet Crush
7pm-10pm – Party Punch

St Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl, ST, March 14th 4 – midnight

2-3 Drinks Or Shots Included With Ticket Purchase

No Cover At All Bars, Mid Party, & After Party

Crawl With US Stadium Party Cup and Bottle Opener Lanyard

Green & Gold Beads

Exclusive Drink Specials

Food Specials at Select Venues

Professional Photographers

Awesome After Party

Custom St Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl Badge With Vouchers

Access To Our Dayton Pub Crawl Map_______________________________________

For all the latest venue information, special offers, event details, and ticket purchases, be sure to visit our website! It’s your one-stop shop for everything you need to know.

www.crawlwith.us/dayton/stpattys

CHECK IN 4PM – 6PM

CRAWL LOCATIONS 4PM – 10PM

MID PARTY 7PM-9PM

AFTER PARTY 10PM – 12AM

㉑ ATTENDEES MUST BE 21+ ㉑

Start your day with kegs & eggs at 41 Grill! Doors open @9am on Tues, March 17th at 9am

101 W Main Street, Troy,

also at 571 Grill and Draft House

12389 Milton-Carlisle Rd., New Carlisle,

Wings Sports Bar and Grille Annual St Patrick’s Rocks

NEW BAND ADDED, RockUUp Kicks off the Party at Noon!

The 4th annual St. Patrick’s Rocks Party at Wing’s Vandalia. A Giant Stage Inside a Huge Heated Tent on Dayton’s Best Patio! Irish Food All Day! 7 Bands Playing All Day and Night! Year Three Was an Epic Party. Year Four is Set to be Even Bigger!

Doors Open at 11am! See the Bands and Times Below!!!

The Lineup!!
RockU Up – 12:00 – 1:15
Saint Hellion – 1:40 – 3:10
The Locals – 3:35 – 5:05
Big Mother – 5:30 – 7:00
Ithika – 7:25 – 8:55
Latter – 9:20 – 10:50
Liars For Hire – 11:15 – 1:00

Dublin Pub ST. PATRICK’S DAYTON – ITINERARY 2026
MARCH 16 (Monday) PRE PARTY
11am- Pub Opens for lunch & Tent opens at 4pm
4pm – 8pm – DJ Jay NIGRO music in tent

6pm- Dublin Pub ONE MILE RUN & “LONGEST MILE”
7:30 – 9p – LOVE BOMB opening
9:30pm to 11pm – STRANGER performing in tent

ADMISSION ON MARCH 16
ALL ADMISSIONS GOOD FOR TWO VENUES – $20 gets you into Dublin Pub Dayton and Dublin 7 at The Rose in Huber Heights

Option 1: $20 – admission for both March 16 & 17 – AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR ONLY

Option 2: $60 – The VIP Experience – ($80 value) includes: Admission for March 16th & 17th and includes Dublin 7 at The Rose on March 17.
– 6 tickets (food/drink) can be used both days – Tix only be used under tent or beer trucks.
– St. Patrick’s Day souvenir cup
– Must pick up VIP Experience Kit on March 16th from 4p. to 10p – Get your tickets and wristband, which is valid for admission on the 17th at both Dublin Pub & Dublin 7 at The Rose in Huber Heights.
VIP Tickets $60

Option 3: The Jameson 1 Mile Run (timed) & LONGEST MILE (not timed & includes 6 drinks at 6 bars), both races include admission. You will get a wristband with your race packet. Admission is good for both Dublin Pub & Dublin 7 at The Rose in Huber Heights.
Tickets for 1 Mile run: https://dublinpub.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=13076

MARCH 17 (Tuesday)
Cover: $20 (cash only) – Must have IDs and Must be 21
4:30am- Admission pre-check at Wayne Ave entrance
5:30am- OPEN (Breakfast & Guinness) – First 100ppl get free St. Patrick’s Day T-shirt.
5:30am- Mixx 107.7 Morning Show
7am to 10am- JAMESON’S FOLLY @ main stage tent
10am- FREE Shuttle Bus starts. Dub Pub to DUBLIN 7, Flanagan’s at UD, Dub Pub to Moe Harrigan’s Kettering
10:30am- CHERYL HARDY (Master of Ceremonies) Host St. Patrick’s Day
10:30am- Celtic Academy of Irish Dance @ main stage
11am- Cigars (George Karras) @ Wayne Ave beer garden
11am to 3pm- FIENDISH @ inside church stage
11am- MIAMI VALLEY PIPES & DRUMS @ main stage tent
12pm- Jameson Girls @ main stage tent
1pm- MCGOVERN IRISH DANCE @ main stage tent
2:30pm to 7:30pm- FATHER, SON & FRIENDS @ main stage tent
3:30pm to 7:30pm- UNTIL RUST, inside church stage
5:30pm- CELTIC ACADEMY OF IRISH DANCE (adults) @ main stage tent
6pm- Jay Tieber tribute to those who have passed featuring Shawn MacIntyre Hall @ Main stage tent
8pm – Irish Dancers
8:30pm- 9 CASTLE CLOSE @main stage tent
9pm to 1am-WHITE KNUCKLE WEEKEND @ inside church stage

Carmichael’s Pub St Patrick’s Day Breakfast Bash
6am – 11pm

Full plate with Potato’s O’Brien, scrambled eggs, choice of meat, a biscuit with gravy $10

THE FIRST ANNUAL Dublin 7 St. PatROCK’S Day at The Rose Music Center in Huber Heights. Brought to you by The Dublin Pub, WTUE, Huber Heights Chamber of Commerce and The Rose Music Center.
Featuring Live Music & Irish Dancers and live remotes from WTUE all day long.

10am Doors open with Live Irish music & WTUE St. PatROCK’S DAY live remote
10a DULAHAN (Irish)
12:30p Miami Valley Pipe & Drums
1:30p Dayton Highland Dancers
2p WILDCAT ROAD – Rock Covers
4:30p Irish Dancers
5p ROSE CITY RIOT (Irish)
6:15p HOMELAND (Celtic Rock)
7:30 Celtic Academy of Irish Dance
8p THE TEMPS (Rock Covers & IRISH)

– Free shuttle bus from Dublin 7 to Ohio’s Largest St. Patrick’s Day at The Dublin Pub in Dayton.
– Food trucks in The Rose concourse featuring Lumpia Queen, McNasty’s and Beach Brothers BBQ
– Indoor heated bathrooms at The Rose
– Massive, heated tent, just like the one at The Dublin Pub
– Private suites available for large groups includes catered food and drinks – contact Renee McClure for details: [email protected]
– FREE PARKING at The Rose
– One Admission gets you two venues with 15 bands, and 7 Irish Dance Performances.

Brought to you by The Dublin Pub, Dublin 7, WTUE St. PatROCK’S Day, and Beau Townsend Ford.

$20 – One Price gets you in two venues – Dublin 7 St. PatROCK’S Day at The Rose & Ohio’s Largest St. Patrick’s Day at The Dublin Pub in Dayton

Mr Boro’s Tavern Springboro

Join Us for Our 9th Annual St. Patty’s Day Bash!

March 17th – St. Patrick’s Day

Doors Open at 10AM

Live Music:
• Love Bomb | 12–2PM
• Uncle Rico | 3–6PM

Irish Menu ALL DAY!!
Come out for amazing food, killer music, cold drinks, swag, and prizes for Best Dressed—so wear your green!

Shuttle service running all day to and from:
Elsa’s • Crooked Handle • Eagles • Heathers Barrel • Warped Wing
It’s the biggest party of the year—don’t miss it!

*3rd Annual Springboro St. Patrick’s Day Celebration!*

Join us for a day full of fun, festivities, and fabulous food at our 2nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration!

**Location:** Crooked Handle- Boro
Tuesday, March 17

**Time:** 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Get ready to enjoy delicious **Drink Specials** and mouth-watering treats

**Live Music DJ** from 4:30-7:30

And of course, you can’t forget about **Green Beer**!

Mark your calendars and get ready for a day of **Shenanigans** and cheer!

St. Patrick’s Day at Heather’s

We’re turning it ALL the way up with A Vicious Cycle live and tearing the roof off.

High-energy music

Flowing drinks

Zero chill (in the best way)
If you like your St. Paddy’s loud, packed, and unforgettable—
This is where you wanna be.
Tag your crew & wear green

We’ll be Open 10am -6pm .. Music 12-4pm

Tuesday March 17th at Elsa’s Boro Cantina in Springboro

Music is from 6 to 9 PM Sláinte!!

Join us all ye Lad’s & Lassies

A local Springboro Restaurant & Bar, serving the famous Bad Juan Margaritas, burritos, wings, & more! Sláinte!!

Bellbrook Brewing Company

Tues, March 17th 2 – 9pm

Join us this St Patrick’s Day for a fun

filled day with special releases and NEW ST PADDY’s DAY MERCH (Arriving Soon). We’ll be releasing our Lucky One Irish Amber Ale and our Not Your Granny’s Apples fruited sour (who needs green beer!?).

St.Mack-Trick’s Day at Mack’s Tavern

We open at 11am with drink specials, St. Patrick’s swag, and more.

There will be fundraising for the Washington Township Professional Firefighters Local 3369.
They will be selling T-shirts, Jello shots, Raffle baskets and passing The Boot around, all monies go to their scholarship program. You know you love our Firefighters

so come out and support them on this fun filled day!

Tasty Bacon Food Truck has amazing food and will be out front at Mack’s to feed you drinking fuel!

Waterfall Shots are at 7pm!
If you don’t know what this is (I’m not sure how you don’t

)just Google- World Record Irish Car Bomb shots and see why You don’t want to miss out on being here for this!

Dwyer School of Irish Dance will perform at 5p and the Richens Timm Irish Dancers will perform at 6pm up by the Steel Tip Dart Boards. They will pass the hat to collect money to help get the kids to competition, so if you feel inclined throw in a few dollars to help them out.

There will be Girl Scout Troops selling cookies through out the day, you know you need some!

We are going to have a great time at Mack’s all day long and party into the night, so please join us on this glorious day of all things Irish!!

St. Patrick’s Day OPEN MIC at Latin Arepas Café!
Hosted by Hearts On Fire • Tuesday, March 17 • 6–9pm

Follow the music to the end of the rainbow—because this St. Paddy’s Day, the real treasure isn’t gold… it’s the voices, stories, and songs you bring to the mic.

Latin Arepas Café is serving up a night of shamrock‑shaking tunes, lucky vibes, and arepas so good they’ll make a leprechaun weep.

Broadcasting LIVE on MiddTown Music Radio

Bring your song. Bring your story. Bring your people.
Let’s make this St. Patty’s Day one you’ll never forget!

Latin Arepas Café, 85 W. Central Street, Springboro, Ohio

Join us for a sober St. Patrick’s Day party here at The Center on Tuesday, March 17 from 7-9pm- registration requested.Take a look at the night’s terrific timeline:

Finding Friends – The entire evening is all about creating a safe, sober, and celebratory space–together. So bring a friend, or come ready to make new ones!

Recovery Resources – First, grab some swag and connect with various community resources that help with addiction recovery.
Fabulous Food – Next, some nosh! Food, including vegan options, will be provided by PFLAG Dayton.

Delicious Demo – Supper and a show! Watch the talented crew from the Boozy Bartending Co. as they demonstrate the preparation of a fabulous mocktail. Enjoy samples while supplies last.

Terrific Trivia – Finally, put your brain to the test with some LGBTQIA+ focused trivia. Prizes available for select smarty-pants!

Sponsored in partnership with the Greater Dayton LBGT Center, PFLAG Dayton, and the Gatlyn Dame Group.

Happy St Patty’s Day at Good Time Charlie’s Mar 17th -9am – 1:30am

Come see us at GTC we will be open early at 9am, DJ Tracy at 1pm with Jameson free Jameson Swag and shot specials and then and live music with That One Party Band from 7pm-11pm then the jukebox will take us into the late night! See you here!

Black Water Voodoo and Irish Club of Dayton March 17th 5pm

Black Water Voodoo is bringing the Rock n’ Roll for St. Patrick’s Day!

Open To The Public.

Come join us as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the Irish Club of Dayton!

Doors open at 5pm, BWV plays from 6-9pm. $5 cover.

St Patty’s Day Party,
Tues,March 17th 6-9pm
Star City Brewing Company

319 S 2nd St, Miamisburg, OH, United States, Ohio 45342

No cover charge! All donations support the Miamisburg Historical Society.

Live music featuring The Paddywhackers & the El Meson food truck will be on site!

Tatoo & Body Piercing Expo

March 4, 2026 By Dayton937

Cyan Tattoo & Arts Expo was born from a simple but powerful vision: to create a tattoo convention in Dayton, Ohio that truly reflects the insane level of talent this city breathes. Dayton has long been home to some of the best tattoo artists in the country. People pushing boundaries, redefining styles, and building a culture that deserves to be seen. Your hosts Josh Wiley, Owner – Modified Skin Tattoo, Harley Wilson Owner – Andromeda Beaut & Matt Cavallaro, Craftsmen & Tattoo EnthusiastWe wanted more than just another convention, we wanted an experience built by artists, for artists, and for the people who appreciate what we do.

Your hosts

For three full days, nearly 150 of the most talented tattoo artists from across the country gather under one roof. Award winners. Industry leaders. Artists who have built their reputations through skill, dedication, and relentless work ethic.Top tattoo artists from around the world tattooing LIVE at the show. Dozens of Award-winning artists! Come get tattooed same-day will be on hand this March 6th – 8th at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds.

Piercing Booths – offering any style of piercing!

Vendors; including clothing & merch, custom art, a wide range of services from Marketing to Massage! Art supplies & more.

Tattoo Contests & an Awards show at the end of each day, our 3rd annual beard competition, a costume contest, temporary tattoos & kid-friendly activities, door prizes… and much more to be announced!

What started as a passion project quickly turned into a movement, thanks to the support of our incredible community. Each year, Cyan grows; more artists, more fans, more energy. The vibe is electric, the work is unreal, and the future is wide open. Cyan is a testament to what happens when artists come together to build something bigger than themselves. This is where it started, and we’re just getting warmed up.

Food Truck Line Up:

Lit Litty’s

C Marie’s Sweet Seductions

The Food Pitt

Billie Gold Bubble Tea

Cyan Tattoo & Arts Expo

Screenshot

Tickets:

single day pass $20
weekend pass $40

Friday: 12pm – 9pm

Saturday: 12pm – 9pm

Sunday: 12pm – 7pm

Dayton Street Snacks Opens Today at The Barrel House

March 4, 2026 By Dayton937

Ultimately, the chance to serve food permanently at The Barrel House lined up well with my vision of a more consistent food operation and that’s where we landed in late Aug 2025. We have just begun operating again at this location with plans to operate here all year long.

Dayton Street Eats is starting a new chapter, by opening their food truck at at The Barrel House tomorrow, March 4th and every Wednesday through Saturday, 11am to 11pm.

We’re going to start the Dayton Street Snacks – “Snack Party 2026” – off exactly how we left it last year. You know, let everyone get reacquainted with the classics:

Burgers, Brussels, Bacon, Mac n Cheeses, Grilled Cheeses, Chimichurri, Old Bae, Crab Cakes and Crab Rolls.

That is…before we expand the menu into a 12 page novelette, ala Cheesecake Factory…coming this spring…or heck…maybe even later this week.

Don’t forget to peruse the selections of cookies and more from our good friends at Bae’s Bakery while you’re there!

She’ll bake you a cake too if you feel like celebrating.

“While we have a ton of delicious options, all made from scratch and with local products when possible, including burgers, mac n cheese, grilled sandwiches, and more, my favorite items to cook are the daily and weekly specials. Coming up with and trying out new dishes keeps everything exciting for me. Customers love when new items come out every week too. Watch our social media because we’ll announce new specials on a whim if productions from the markets and stores pop up that look amazing and inspire me,” says Johnson.

Six Dayton Women Are Changing Everything — And YWCA Is Here for It

February 28, 2026 By LIbby Ballengee

The YWCA Dayton Women of Influence Awards Luncheon returns March 12, and this year’s honorees represent the very best of what our city has to offer.

This year, YWCA Dayton pauses to ask a simple but powerful question: who are the women making Dayton a better place? The answer shows up on March 12 at the Women of Influence Awards Luncheon, held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Dayton Convention Center.

Now in its 28th year, this is no small affair. More than 800 of the region’s leaders, influencers, and community champions fill the room, making it the single largest daytime nonprofit luncheon in the entire Miami Valley. If you’ve never been, this is the year to go.

Meet the 2026 Honorees

This year, six women from across the fields of business, education, health, and the performing arts will be recognized for the impact they’ve made not just in their industries, but in the fabric of Dayton itself.

Debbie Blunden Diggs, CEO and Artistic Director of the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, has spent her career keeping one of Dayton’s most celebrated cultural institutions alive and thriving.

Myla Cardona Jones, CEO of the Brunner Literacy Center, is doing the quiet, essential work of making sure Dayton’s residents have the literacy skills they need to build better lives.

Robyn Lightcap, Executive Director of Preschool Promise, is fighting for the city’s youngest kids, making sure quality early childhood education isn’t a privilege, but a promise.

Heather Salazar, President and CEO of Pink Ribbon Good, has built an organization that centers the real needs of those navigating breast cancer in our community.

Lisa Wagner, Executive Director of Levitt Pavilion Dayton, has turned a riverside stage into one of the most beloved free music experiences in the region.

Rounding out the class is Vicki Giambrone, Partner at CBD Advisors, who will receive the Betsy Whitney Lifetime Achievement Award, the evening’s highest honor, reserved for women whose contributions to Dayton span decades.

Why It Matters

The YWCA’s mission: eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, and dignity for all isn’t just a tagline. It’s what connects every woman on this list. As Interim CEO Teresa Sanders says, the luncheon exists to “help women break the glass ceiling.” Year after year, the honorees prove that ceiling doesn’t stand a chance.

Whether you’re coming to support a friend, connect with Dayton’s movers and shakers, or simply celebrate women who are doing the work — this is one of those events that leaves you feeling proud to call this city home.