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Make New Friends: Beauty Boost Dayton Brings Friend Speed Dating to The Brightside

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No awkward silences. No pressure. Just good people and good vibes.

Let’s be honest — making friends as an adult is harder than it should be. Beauty Boost Dayton gets it, and they’re doing something about it.

On Wednesday, March 11th, The Brightside plays host to one of the most refreshingly fun concepts to hit Dayton’s social scene: a friend speed dating night designed to help women in the city actually connect — without the cringe. Presented by Beauty Boost Dayton, the community that has been bringing women together through wellness, fitness, and empowerment events across the Miami Valley for years, this one is all about building real friendships in a low-pressure, high-energy atmosphere.

The night kicks off at 6:30 PM with open mingling, Friend Bingo, and a series of experience stations to ease you into the room. At 7:00 PM, the main event begins — structured “friend speed dating” with conversation prompts to keep things flowing naturally. From there, an empowerment speaker (or a hands-on craft experience) takes the stage at 7:30 PM, before the evening wraps at 8:30 PM with new connections made and good energy to carry home.

Whether you’re new to Dayton, looking to expand your circle, or just ready for a night out with intention, this is the event for you.

Wednesday, March 11th

6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

The Brightside, 905 E. 3rd Street, Dayton

Tickets: $25 | FREE with Beauty Boost membership

‘Golden Age’ of Radio Live at Beavercreek CT!

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Community Theaters in the area are providing some amazing and unique performances lately. This time, it’s Beavercreek Community Theatre! Saul Caplan, who is directing this production, talked with me about ‘Beaver Transceiver Radio Theatre!’

937: Hi, Saul. It is so exciting to hear you are bringing an old-time radio show to life in Beavercreek!! Why did you choose to do this type of show in particular?

Saul: I didn’t really choose this show; it chose me. About a year ago, Matt Owens and Chris Harmon from Beavercreek Community Theatre approached me with the idea of doing an evening of old-time radio shows. What they DIDN’T know was that my car radio was permanently set to XM 148 – Radio Classics, and so their idea appealed to me immediately! We then started a months-long process of reading and listening to shows and scripts to put together what we think is going to be a good, fun evening.
937:  I feel like all you participate in is FUN and GOOD! I have had the pleasure of acting with you in ‘Cabaret’, one of my favorite shows ever! Tell me Saul, do you prefer directing to acting?
Saul:  These days, it’s about 50/50. There are still some really good bucket roles out there I haven’t gotten a chance to do yet, but if all I do from here on out is direct, I’ll be very happy.
937: Understood, but you are an icon on the stage! So, what are you hoping the audience gets from this production?
Saul:  Two things, really. We hope the older audience members will get a sense of nostalgia for some of the shows and characters they might remember, and we hope the younger folks will get a glimpse of an old style of entertainment. “Theatre of the Mind” as it was called.
937: Love that you are reviving this kind of entertainment. It’s classic stuff!! Since it’s radio…what can we expect to see within the show itself?
Saul: Actors standing at microphones, holding their scripts. A sound engineer creating some (not all) live sound effects, a live organist providing music, and other actors sitting around, reading and playing cards and waiting for their cues.
937: Love the authenticity!! People will love this.  What are the days/times for this production?
Saul: Friday-Sunday March 6-8; 13-15
937:  For tickets, go to www.bctheatre.org (NOT .com!) Saul, thanks for taking time to talk with me. I am sure you will have a captive audience!
Saul: Well, please come, and please give us your feedback. We’ve been making this up as we go along, and we’d really like to know what you thought.

 

Dayton Has a Music Scene. Battle of the Bands Is Proving It.

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The Bruins performing at Dayton Battle of the Bands at The Brightside

Six local bands battle for the crown at The Brightside on March 7, and the whole city’s invited.

If you’ve spent any time in Dayton’s music scene lately, you’ve probably felt it, something is happening here. New artists are finding audiences. Bands that used to play for twenty people are playing for two hundred. The 2026 Dayton Battle of the Bands didn’t cause all of that, but it’s been a pretty good mirror for it.

Six weeks. Twenty-seven bands. Hundreds of people showing up on weeknights to hear original music from artists they’d never heard of before. And now, on Saturday, March 7 at The Brightside Music & Event Venue, it all comes down to one night.

The six acts advancing to the Finale each won their respective genre night, earning their spot in front of a live crowd that voted with their applause and their feet. The bands include: Obscured, Catsteel, Tronee Threat, Good Soup, Yuppie, and Paid Leave.

Libby Ballengee has been running Venus Child Productions and booking at The Brightside long enough to know what a good scene looks like and what it takes to build one.

“Battle of the Bands isn’t just a competition, it’s an engine for growth,” she says. “Over six weeks, dozens of bands built professional skills, captured images and video, and put themselves in front of bookers, festival organizers, and audiences who are actively engaged in Dayton’s creative economy. That’s real ecosystem building.”

sheller performing at The Dayton Battle of the Bands Finale

Of the 27 acts that competed this season, every single one walked away with something stage time, exposure, connections, content. The six in the Finale just happen to be the ones still standing.

The Finale is a general admission, all-ages show at The Brightside, one of Dayton’s best rooms for live music. Doors open at 6:00 PM, music starts at 7:00 PM, and the night runs until 11:00 PM. Every ticket ($15 advance / $20 day-of) comes with one vote toward the championship, so you’re not just watching, you’re part of the decision.

New this year, you can pre-order sandwiches from Tony & Pete’s with your ticket for pickup at the venue. Because good music tastes better on a full stomach.

The winner walks away with a $1,000 cash prize, a professional EP recording session at Huge Face Productions, a custom merchandise package from Little Monster Printing, and a performance slot at Levitt Pavilion Dayton’s summer concert series, one of the most visible stages in the city.

Every finalist receives $250 cash, a live music video from Sound Valley with audio mastering from Huge Face Productions and Dayton Sound Studios, a merchandise discount from Little Monster Printing, and gift cards from Music Go Round and Dayton Pizza Factory. Not bad for a Tuesday night out.

The Details: Dayton Battle of the Bands Finale

Saturday, March 7, 2026

The Brightside Music & Event Venue

905 E. Third St., Dayton, OH 45402

Doors 6:00 PM | Show 7:00 PM | All Ages

Tickets: $15 advance / $20 day of show

https://tickets.venuepilot.com/e/dayton-battle-of-the-bands-2026-finale-2026-03-07-the-brightside-music-event-venue-dayton-b892e6

daytonbattleofthebands.com  |  thebrightsidedayton.com

The 2026 Dayton Battle of the Bands is presented by The Brightside in partnership with Venus Child Productions and Sound Valley.

Celebrate America250 in Miami County, Ohio

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Ohio is marking a once-in-a-generation milestone in 2026, the 250th anniversary of the United States, done Ohio Style, and Miami County is proudly part of the celebration. The statewide America 250-Ohio initiative brings together history, culture, community events, trails, and stories that help explain Ohio’s central role in America’s journey from a collection of colonies to a modern nation.

If you’re a local history buff, an adventure seeker, or just looking for inspiration for your next road trip, Miami County’s America 250 offerings are rich with experiences that connect the past to the present. From aviation, canal heritage, local distilleries, and historic farms, there’s something for everyone to explore.

Discover the Trails to Tales in Miami County

One of the most meaningful ways to celebrate America 250 is through Ohio’s Trails and Tales programs, which weave together places and stories across the state.

Ohio Air & Space Trail

Ohio’s aviation legacy, from the Wright Brothers’ first flights to pioneering aircraft design and space exploration, is celebrated at more than 30 stops across the state. Miami County’s own WACO Learning Center & Air Museum in Troy is featured on this trail, inviting both history lovers and families to step inside the story of flight.

Lake Erie to the Ohio River Trail

This expansive trail highlights Ohio’s historic waterways and canal systems, which were critical to westward expansion and commerce in early America, and extends into Miami County, with multiple stops along the way. Five local destinations along this trail include Johnston Farm & Indian Agency, Indian Creek Distillery, Lock 9 Park in Piqua, Lock 12 in Troy, and Lock 15 in Tipp City. Each offers a peek into life along the Miami & Erie Canal and the ways water transportation shaped Ohio’s growth.

Along the way, visitors can enjoy scenic trails, interpretive signage, remnants of canals, and places to picnic or stroll with family, all while learning about the vital role Ohio’s waterways played in connecting the young nation.

Miami County History Pass

Make your visit to the area even more history-filled with the Miami County History Pass, which ties many of these trail stops together into an interactive experience. Sign up on your phone, check in at participating locations around Troy, Piqua, Tipp City, Covington, and West Milton, and earn prizes as you explore.

Some Historic Stops to Celebrate America 250 in Miami County

WACO Learning Center & Air Museum

Step back into the era of barnstorming biplanes and remarkable aviation feats. The WACO Air Museum honors the legacy of the world’s largest producer of biplanes in the 1920s, and you can even take flight on a historic biplane ride, a bucket-list experience for aviation fans and adventurers!

Pro tip: Book your flight ahead of time; the time of year and weather will affect your ride.

Johnston Farm & Indian Agency

Explore the roots of Miami County’s early settlers and Native American history at the Johnston Farm site, which transports visitors to life in the 1800s. Plan to spend a good amount of time here; you’ll want to explore the museum and take a ride on the canal boat.

Pro tip: Bring mosquito spray for your canal boat ride; these feisty friends like to say hello.

Indian Creek Distillery

Raise a glass to history at this award-winning distillery that celebrates local craftsmanship and community. The story here is quite fascinating; ask about the prohibition history! This stop is a perfect place to relax after a day of exploring.

Lock 9 Park in Piqua & Canal Landmarks

Take a walk along the Great Miami River, enjoy shaded picnic areas, and imagine the tugboats and canal boats that once moved goods along Ohio’s historic waterways. Pausing to listen to the quiet parts of history along the waterway is a unique way to connect with the past.

Bradford Railroad Museum

Just a short drive away, railroad history fans will love a visit to the Bradford Railroad Museum in the heart of the Miami Valley. This small-town gem does a beautiful job of preserving the story of railroading and its important role in shaping transportation across the nation. Inside, you’ll find three levels of thoughtfully curated exhibits that are easy to explore and packed with interesting details. You will see operational signals, learn about life on the rails through the Hobo Exhibit, and discover how the railroad supported the country during wartime. There are a nostalgic dining car exhibit, railroad watches and China on display, and even an interactive telegraph that lets you try your hand at sending a message.

Pro-tip: Kids will love the play area and hands-on puzzles, and everyone can snap a memory at the photo kiosk before browsing the museum gift shop.

America 250 Events & Community Moments

Miami County’s America 250 celebrations include a growing list of community events throughout 2026, from genealogy programs and Ohio Goes to the Movies film nights to history talks and family-friendly activities. Keep an eye on the local calendar as new events are added throughout the year.

Mark your calendar for an epic event, June 6, 2026, during the Strawberry Festival, where the two headliners will be performing for FREE in conjunction with Troy celebrating America 250- Ohio style.

Pro-tip: Save the events tab for future reference for upcoming activities

A Year to Remember

America 250-Ohio is about more than anniversary celebrations; it’s about the Miami County connection. It encourages Ohioans and visitors to reflect on the people and places that helped shape the nation, to walk the trails where history happened, and to enjoy community gatherings that celebrate heritage and shared values.

Grab your walking shoes, hop on your bike, or plan a weekend getaway to Miami County. With historic stops, trail adventures, thoughtful exhibits, and joyful events, there’s no better time to make new memories while honoring the first 250 years of America.

Home & Design Show

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The Home Show offers guests a complete experience including inspiration for home improvement, discovery of new products and services, expert advice and guidance, and great deals and promotions.

If you’re a homeowner or future homeowner looking for helpful advice, solutions, and new products for creative ideas with new builds, renovations, and decorating projects, save the date and secure your RSVP today!

Saturday, March 7th: 10:30am – 4pm

Sunday, March 8th: 10:30am – 3pm

Top of the Market Banquet Center

32 Webster St, Dayton, OH 45402

What to Expect:

✨ Inspiration for Home Improvement

🛋️ Discovering New Products & Services

🛠️ Expert Advice & Guidance

💰 Great Deals & Promotions

🎤 Informative Seminars

🎟️ Exciting Raffles & Giveaways

Mv Meals Named PDAC Priority

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The project
appears on the official PDAC Priority List which was released last week.
This designation elevates Miami Valley Meals’ expansion plans as a top regional capital priority
as the organization seeks state investment to support a larger facility that will increase prepared
meal production for neighbors experiencing food insecurity.
Founded in 2020, Miami Valley Meals operates under a clear mission: “Chefs transforming
donated food into nutritious meals.
” Since its inception, the chef-led nonprofit has rescued
and repurposed donated food into more than 1.2 million meals.
In 2025 alone, Miami Valley Meals partnered with 69 nonprofit organizations across more
than 27 zip codes, distributing approximately 4,000 nutritious, prepared meals each week.
Yet demand continues to exceed current capacity. The organization’s current kitchen cannot
accommodate the additional cold storage, prep lines, or logistics infrastructure needed to meet
growing community needs, and a waitlist of partner agencies remains.
The proposed expansion would support renovation or new construction of a larger facility to:
●
Increase meal production and storage capacity
●
Improve food recovery logistics and donation intake
●
Strengthen regional food resilience
●
Support nonprofit partners providing wraparound services
Planned features include expanded walk-in freezer space, a larger chef-led prep kitchen,
improved loading and distribution areas, and infrastructure designed for sustainable growth. The
expanded facility would also allow Miami Valley Meals to explore a training kitchen model and
shared-use space that could house or partner with another mission-aligned food access
organization — strengthening the region’s coordinated response to food insecurity.
“This recognition affirms the work our team and partners do every day,
” said Amanda DeLotelle,
Executive Director and Co-Founder.
“We’ve transformed more than a million meals in a space
that has truly carried us as far as it can. The need keeps growing, and our kitchen can’t stretch
any further. Being named a PDAC Priority Project validates that it’s time to build the
infrastructure our community deserves.
”
Nearly 1 in 7 residents in Montgomery County experience food insecurity. Unlike traditional
food distribution models that provide ingredients, Miami Valley Meals donates fully prepared,
chef-crafted meals, removing barriers such as time, equipment, and cooking capacity. Meals are
distributed through food pantries, shelters, recovery centers, health clinics, senior programs,
churches, and social service agencies — allowing partners to focus on housing stability,
healthcare, education, and case management.
The PDAC priority designation strengthens Miami Valley Meals’ request for state capital
investment and signals broad regional support for the project’s long-term community impact.
For more information about Miami Valley Meals or to learn how to support the Kitchen
Expansion & Relocation Project, visit miamivalleymeals.org.
For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact:
Amanda DeLotelle
Executive Director, Miami Valley Meals
Email: [email protected]
About Miami Valley Meals
Miami Valley Meals is an essential collaborator in the fight for a more food-secure future. Gu

Laughter With Purpose: Comedy That Cares Brings Fundraising and Fun to Dayton

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Dayton’s comedy scene is teaming up with community care this March at Comedy That Cares, a fundraiser blending stand-up, art, music, and local vibes for a good cause. Hosted by Coats for a Cure, this event raises support for the nonprofit’s mission of providing warm clothing and essential care items to patients served by Miami Valley hospitals.

Set for Friday, March 6, 2026, at K12 Gallery and TEJAS, Comedy That Cares invites guests to kick off the weekend with a night full of laughs that make an impact. Doors open early — giving plenty of time to enjoy a DJ spinning tunes, browse local vendors, and connect with community members before comedy takes center stage.

The evening features a lineup of local comedians, anchored by host Leyla Ingells, who bring their best jokes and sharpest observations to the mic. With reserved seats included in ticket purchases, every laugh directly contributes to Coats for a Cure’s efforts in ensuring patients across the region have access to warm layers when they need them most.

Attendees are welcome to bring their own beverages (BYOB) and settle in for a mix of humor, community energy, and creative expression in a casual, welcoming atmosphere.

Events like Comedy That Cares are more than entertainment — they’re an invitation to make meaning out of a night out. Whether you’re there for the punchlines, the local art, or the sense of togetherness, the evening promises to be one where the good times support a clear purpose.

HOW TO GO

Comedy That Cares
📍 K12 Gallery and TEJAS – 341 S Jefferson Street, Dayton, OH
📅 Friday, March 6, 2026
🕕 Doors open at 6:00 PM; show runs into the evening
🎟️ Tickets with reserved seats + donation via the Coats for a Cure website

Proceeds support Coats for a Cure’s outreach providing warm clothing and care essentials to patients throughout the Miami Valley.

Joui Wine Goes Underground with “Gin & Sin” Speakeasy Pop-Up

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Dayton, it’s time to step back into the shadows.

Joui Wine is turning down the lights and turning up the heat for its first-ever Gin & Sin: A Speakeasy Pop-Up, a late-night Prohibition-era party designed for those who prefer their cocktails strong and their secrets stronger.

Beginning at 10:00 PM, this isn’t your standard walk-through-the-front-door affair. Entry details will be shared the day of the event, and yes — a password will be required. Consider it part of the fun. Discretion is strongly encouraged.

Once inside, guests will find themselves immersed in a moody, jazz-soaked atmosphere where the spirit of the 1920s comes roaring back to life.

Expect:
• Prohibition-era cocktail specials crafted for the occasion
• Sultry performances by Gem City Burlesque
• Live jazz from Ayn Swann and The High Standards
• A dance floor ready for the Charleston, Fox Trot, Shimmy — and maybe even a modern-day Twerk

This isn’t just a party. It’s participatory theatre with a splash of bootleg bravado.

Guests are encouraged to lean all the way in on the aesthetic: flapper fringe, Gatsby glamour, vintage sparkle, pinstripes, suspenders, gangster chic, or full bootlegger elegance. The crowd becomes part of the spectacle, and the more dramatic the entrance, the better.

With intimate lighting, clandestine vibes, and a soundtrack built for late-night revelry, Gin & Sin promises a stylish escape from the ordinary.

Tickets are limited, and if history has taught us anything, the best nights tend to be the ones whispered about afterward.

Grab a ticket, secure the password, and prepare to slip into the shadows.

HOW TO GO

Gin & Sin: A Speakeasy Pop-Up
📍 Joui Wine – Dayton, Ohio
🕙 10:00 PM (Late Night Affair)
🎟 Password required for entry
🔗 Tickets available online

Guests will receive special day-of instructions on how to gain entry.

Dress to impress. Arrive ready to dance. Leave with stories worth whispering.

INNOVAtheatre Brings For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf to Dayton This February

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Dayton’s artistic pulse is set to thrum with poetry, movement, and powerful truth-telling as INNOVAtheatre presents For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf, the iconic “choreopoem” by celebrated playwright Ntozake Shange. This landmark piece of American theatre arrives at the Edward A. Dixon Gallery in downtown Dayton for a limited run February 20-22, 2026, offering audiences an intimate, unfiltered exploration of Black womanhood.

Originally premiering in 1976 and coined a choreopoem — blending poetry, dance, music, and drama — Shange’s work follows seven women through interwoven monologues that traverse love, trauma, resilience, reclamation, and sisterhood. Each performer embodies a color of the rainbow, using vivid language and evocative movement to bring their stories to life. Themes in the piece are rich and deeply human, confronting issues from abandonment and violence to joy and collective healing.

INNOVAtheatre’s production features a mature, sophisticated ensemble that promises to honor the emotional depth and narrative courage of Shange’s vision. Performed within the evocative space of the Edward A. Dixon Gallery — itself hosting Resilience, a Black History Month art exhibit — this staging invites audiences into an immersive experience that blurs the line between gallery and stage.

Performances run:

  • Friday, Feb. 20 at 8 p.m.

  • Saturday, Feb. 21 at 8 p.m.

  • Sunday, Feb. 22 at 3 p.m.

Tickets are available now, with general admission offered on a first-come, first-seated basis. Patrons are encouraged to be mindful that the production contains mature themes, including discussions of mental health, domestic violence, loss, and strong language, and is recommended for ages 16 and up.

This presentation not only honors a seminal work in American theatre but also underscores Dayton’s commitment to bold storytelling and inclusive cultural programming. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Shange’s choreopoem or experiencing it for the first time, this production is poised to leave a lasting impression long after the final bow.

The History Boys

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Wright State Theatre presents Alan Bennett’s Tony Award winning THE HISTORY BOYS, opening on February 20thand running through March 1st in the Festival Playhouse.
 
 In THE HISTORY BOYS, you will meet an unruly bunch of bright, funny sixth-form (senior) boys in a British boarding and their vastly different educators.   Playwright Alan Bennett raises – with gentle wit and pitch-perfect command of character – not only universal questions about the nature of history and how it is taught but also questions about the purpose of education today. Following a sold out run in London, The History Boys premiered on Broadway in April 2006 taking the Tony Award as Best Play of the Season.
 
Wright State Theatre’s production of THE HISTORY BOYS is being directed by Guest Director, Jason Podplesky. Jason was last seen on Dayton’s stages this Fall in The Human Race Theatre’s production of Jake Lockwood’s DAD’S PLACE.
 
Scenic Design by Scenic Design Faculty Brian Seckford, Lighting Design by student designer Levi Fravel, Costume Design by student designer Wrynn Boucher and Sound Design by James Dunlap, resident Sound Designer.
 
THE HISTORY BOYS runs Feb. 20th (8 pm), Feb. 21st (8 pm), Feb. 22nd  (2 pm), Feb. 27th (8:00 pm), Feb. 28th  (2 & 8 pm), March 1 (2 pm) at Wright State University’s Creative Arts Center, in the FESTIVAL PLAYHOUSE.
 
Tickets can be purchased at:
www.wright.edu/theatre
(937) 775-2500 

Dayton Ballet presents Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty

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Join the Dayton Ballet for an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages, THE SLEEPING BEAUTY unfolds like a beautiful dream – where good triumphs over evil, love breaks a curse, and music and dancing transport you to a world of fantasy. You’ve seen the movie, but the ballet is an immersive experience for the senses boasting lush scenery, gorgeous recognizable music, and dazzling dancing.

How to Go?
Friday, Feb 20, 7:30PM – Buy Tickets
Saturday, Feb 21, 7:30PM – Buy Tickets
Sunday, Feb 22, 2:30PM – Buy Tickets
At the Schuster Center

5K Beer Fun Run Hits Loose Ends Brewing in Centerville This Valentine’s Weekend

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5K Beer Fun Run Hits Loose Ends Brewing in Centerville This Valentine’s Weekend

Trade the roses for running shoes and raise a pint at the finish line. 🍻🏃‍♀️

On Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 11AM, the 2026 Ohio Brewery Running Series makes its way to Loose Ends Brewing for a 5K Beer Fun Run/Walk that blends fitness, fresh air, and craft beer into one lively community event.

This 5K-ish course starts and ends at the Centerville taproom, taking participants through the surrounding streets for a scenic, heart-pumping loop before returning to celebrate. Whether you’re a seasoned runner chasing miles or just looking for a fun walk with friends, this event is designed for all paces and personalities.

What You Get

All registered participants receive:

  • 🍺 One craft brew at the finish line from Loose Ends Brewing

  • 🎁 A seasonal swag item from the Brewery Running Series

  • 🎟 Entry into prize giveaways including Brewery Running Series merch and beer to take home

  • 🎶 Access to post-run festivities featuring live music, games, and partner activations

Because let’s be honest, crossing a finish line tastes better when it comes with a cold pint.

Run for Fun. Drink Local. Give Back.

The Ohio Brewery Running Series isn’t just about logging miles. The mission is simple: be active, have fun, and give back. To date, the series has raised over $500,000 for nonprofit organizations. This event continues that tradition, with 10% of proceeds donated to a local nonprofit chosen by Loose Ends Brewing.

So every step you take supports local community work. That’s cardio with a cause.

Limited Spots Available

Registration is capped to match the size of the taproom, and these events often sell out. If you want to celebrate Valentine’s Day with good vibes, good beer, and good company, sign up sooner rather than later.

Grab your friends, lace up your shoes, and meet at Loose Ends Brewing on February 14th at 11AM for a run that ends exactly where you want it to — at the bar.

Cheers to miles and malts. 🍺✨

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/5k-beer-run-x-loose-ends-brewing-2026-ohio-brewery-running-series-tickets-1979257996949

SCYTHIAN Returns to The Brightside to Kick Off St. Patrick’s Season in High Gear

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If you like your Celtic music turned all the way up, circle Friday, March 6 on your calendar.

Internationally touring Celtic rock band Scythian is bringing their electric live show back to The Brightside Music & Event Venue, and Dayton better be ready. Known for their relentless energy, tight musicianship, and infectious stage presence, Scythian doesn’t just play a show — they ignite one.

This isn’t your sit-in-your-seat kind of concert. Expect a high-octane fusion of Celtic traditions, folk influences, and rock intensity that feels tailor-made for kicking off St. Patrick’s season. If you’ve seen them before, you already know: the room won’t stay still for long. If you haven’t, prepare to be converted.

Upgrade Your Night: VIP Meet & Greet

Want to make it extra special? Upgrade to the VIP Experience and join the band for a pre-show Meet n’ Greet Happy Hour. VIP includes:

• Early entry
• Meet & greet with Scythian
• Guaranteed premium seating
• A more intimate start to the evening

It’s a great option for longtime fans or anyone who wants to make this a full celebration.

Whether you’re Irish by heritage or Irish for the night, this is the kind of show that shakes the winter off your boots and gets the whole city leaning toward spring. Grab your crew, grab your tickets early, and get ready to shamrock The Brightside. 🍀🔥

How to Go

📅 Friday, March 6, 2026
📍 The Brightside, Dayton

5:00 PM – VIP Doors
6:00 PM – General Admission Doors

🎟 General Admission:
$20 in advance
$27 day of show

🎟 VIP:
$60

🎶 All Ages Show (Chaperone required for guests under 16)

Advance tickets are available now:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/scythian-at-the-brightside-in-dayton-tickets-1977307467864

Valentine Date Ideas for Food Lovers

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FOOD & WINE PAIRING: Culp’s Cafe – February 13 @ 5:30 pm
Love is in the air, and we’ve got the perfect date night or besties’ night planned just for you! After a successful first ever wine and dinner pairing in December, we’re back. And due to overwhelming demand, we’ve added an extra night. Chef José and our sommelier Kristopher have curated a stellar menu of thoughtfully paired courses designed to impress, indulge, and delight . Whether you’re celebrating love, friendship, or simply looking for the perfect excuse to sip wine and eat beautifully, this is an evening you won’t want to miss.

SUSHI: Dozo / Tender Mercy – Tuesday Feb 10th through Saturday Feb 14th

Join Dozo during the week of Valentine’s Day for an exclusive, elevated rendition of Dozo: The Tour. DOZO is inside the beautiful underground bar, Tender Mercy, in downtown Dayton. This limited-seating Omakase experience features 7 curated courses including sushi, seasonal appetizers, soup, and dessert—crafted specially for Valentine’s Week. These intimate seatings will be offered twice during the week and three times on both Friday and Saturday, giving guests multiple opportunities to enjoy a rare, up-close experience with Chef Jake and the Dozo culinary team. This Valentine’s Week Tour highlights a number of off-menu chef’s selections not available during standard table reservations or from the à la carte menu. Each seating is intentionally small to maximize interaction, showcase premium ingredients, and deliver a truly personal Omakase journey. Guests may also enhance their experience with an optional wine and sake pairing, curated to complement each course. Guests must be 21 or older.

CHARCUTERIE: Full Circle Brewgarden –

We have the perfect way to celebrate this Valentine’s Day with that special person in your life… with a great spread of sweet & savory deliciousness from BB Charcuterie! We’ll have all the great drinks you need while they take care of dinner & desert! Full Circle Brewgarden 346 Union Blvd, Englewood, OH, United States

Waynesville Valentine’s Chocolate Walk  –
 
Grab your Valentine and spend the afternoon wandering downtown Waynesville. Participating shops will be offering delicious chocolate samples provided by our very own local Waynesville Candy Shoppe, with each location featuring a different decadent treat while supplies last. Make a day of it by strolling Main Street, shopping local, sharing sweet treats, and enjoying the charm of a small town Valentine’s Day. It’s the perfect way to spend a Valentine’s Day afternoon exploring the shops and treats in the heart of downtown Waynesville. Valentine’s Chocolate Walk ❤️  Free Event. Rain or shine.
 
 
 

JD Simo + Luther Dickinson Bring a Power-Trio Blues Revival to The Brightside

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Two of the most electrifying forces in modern roots music are joining up for a rare trio performance in Dayton this spring — and it’s the kind of show that doesn’t come around often.

Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars, The Black Crowes) and JD Simo (Chris Isaak, Jack White, Beyoncé) hit The Brightside on Sunday, May 17 with powerhouse drummer Adam Abrashoff for a soul-shaking, roots-infused blues experience that’s equal parts greasy, hypnotic, and wide open.

Dickinson, a four-time Grammy nominee, is currently celebrating the 25th anniversary of North Mississippi Allstarsalongside a brand-new album — continuing his long-standing mission to push Hill Country blues forward without sanding down its edges. His playing is deep in tradition but restless by nature, built for groove and exploration.

Simo, meanwhile, has built a career on fearless reinvention. In addition to touring with Chris Isaak, he’s collaborated with artists ranging from Jack White to Beyoncé and recently played a major creative role on the upcoming Bruce Springsteen biopic Deliver Me from Nowhere, directed by Scott Cooper (Crazy Heart). Simo worked closely with Springsteen and Cooper, supervised the music script, coached lead actor Jeremy Allen White (The Bear), and contributed extensively to the film’s score and soundtrack — a testament to how deeply trusted his musical instincts are.

Together, their chemistry is undeniable. Their collaborative album Do The Rump! has been making serious waves, with the lead single “Come On” hitting #1 on SiriusXM Bluesville. The sound is raw and thrillingly alive — Hill Country trance meets psych-soul meets electrified jam, played without a safety net.

These trio shows are rare. The music is dirty. And the live experience is the point.

Local favorites Strange Ranger open the night, setting the tone before the main event takes over the room.

HOW TO GO:
📍 The Brightside — 905 E Third St, Dayton
📅 Sunday, May 17, 2026
🕕 Doors: 6:00 PM | Show: 7:00 PM
🎟 $20 GA advance | $25 day of show
🪑 Standing show — seating not guaranteed
🍾 Limited reserved tables available
👶 All ages welcome

Get tickets here: https://tickets.venuepilot.com/e/jd-simo-luther-dickinson-2026-05-17-the-brightside-music-event-venue-dayton-d36fb4

This is one of those shows you feel more than you watch. Catch it live.

Roots, Rhythm, and Relief: Bob Marley Bash Comes to Dayton’s Brightside

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Dayton’s live-music scene turns toward unity and purpose this February as Bob Marley’s legacy takes center stage at The Brightside Music and Event Venue. On Friday, February 6, music lovers and community builders will gather for the Bob Marley Bash: Music, Unity & Jamaica Relief, a night of reggae-infused performance and collective celebration.

The show features a lineup of artists whose sounds span reggae fusion, high-energy grooves, and community flavor. Luv Locz Experiment brings live reggae fusion rooted in soul and rhythm, blending Caribbean funk with uplifting vibes. Da Squad adds spirited energy and flavor to the night’s flow, while DJ YMS keeps the party moving with selections from three Wheels of Steel.

More than a concert, this birthday bash honors Marley’s message of love, resistance, and togetherness. Organizers are using the night to support Jamaica Relief, a fundraising effort for families affected by Hurricane Melissa, with donations and proceeds benefiting the cause.

Hosted with intention and community at its heart, the Bob Marley Bash invites Dayton audiences to move their bodies, lift their spirits, and connect through music that has inspired generations across the globe.

How to GO?

Location: The Brightside Music & Event Venue

Date: February 6

Time: Doors open at 7:00 PM

For tickets and more details, visit thebrightsidedayton.com