Aviation Hall of Fame induction
MidFirst balloon festival
You've been spotted: 2008 Air Show
City gets in party mood for big weekend events
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
DAYTON — During many weekends in and around downtown, the pigeons, squirrels and peregrine falcons pretty much have the place to themselves except for periodic bursts of activity from theater and churchgoers.
This won't be that kind of weekend.
Extras
Weather permitting, Dayton will morph into a bustling metropolitan center due to a convergence of sports, concert, festival and convention events that will attract thousands to Fifth Third Field, Courthouse Square, the Convention Center, Hara Arena, the Schuster Performing Arts Center, National Museum of the United States Air Force and points in between.
Events bringing tens of thousands of people to town are Hamvention, A World A'fair, Urban Nights and four Dayton Dragons games. Among other events that will draw a crowd are the Air Force Band of Flight's annual Glenn Miller concert, the Fleurs de Fete, African World Film Festival and a Dayton Philharmonic Concert and a play at the Victoria Theatre.
Some will cost you a few to several dollars. Others are free.
Otherwise, the only obstacle to joining the crowd will be patience. Getting to and from may take a little while longer than usual.
More than 20,000 people are expected at the world's largest ham radio gathering at Hara Arena, 1001 Shiloh Springs Road, Trotwood.
Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, May 16; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 17; 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, May 18.
Tickets are $25 > Learn more
The Cincinnati Reds' Class A farm team hosts the Great Lakes Loons (Los Angeles Dodgers) at Fifth Third Field, 220 N. Patterson Blvd., Dayton. The four-game series will draw about 32,000 fans.
Games are at 7 p.m. Friday, May 16; noon and 7 p.m. Saturday, May 17; and 2 p.m. Sunday
Seats are sold out, but $7 lawn tickets may be available. > Learn more
The family-friendly event is expected to attract up to 20,000 to more than 100 locations in and around downtown Dayton. There will be art displays, music, entertainment, food, drink, activities for kids, and tours of office space and housing from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 16.
Performances are free, but there's a $12 admission to the Designer Showhouse at the Dayton Woman's Club, 225 N. Ludlow St. > Learn more
The festival with food, dance, music, costumes and cultural exhibits from 27 nations lures about 20,000 each year to the Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St.
Hours are 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, May 16; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, May 17; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 18.
Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, $4 for youth ages 6-18 > Learn more
AFRICAN WORLD FILM FESTIVAL
Four African films, including the 2006 Academy Award winner "Tsotsi," will be presented Friday, May 16, through Sunday, May 18, at the Neon Movies, 130 E. Fifth St., Dayton.
Tickets are $6 per film.
The band's annual Glenn Miller concert is outdoors, so bring lawn chairs or blankets to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, six miles northeast of Dayton.
The free concert begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 17. > Learn more
The festival offers more than 300 wine tastings and food from more than 25 local restaurant and music at Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton.
The event begins at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 18.
Tickets are $65. > Learn more
Neal Gittleman conducts "Verdi's Requiem." at the Schuster Center, Second and North Main streets, Dayton.
The performance begins at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 17.
Tickets range from $10.50 from $39. > Learn more
The Human Race Theatre Company presents the Civil War-era musical "Shenandoah" at Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton.
Shows are at 8 p.m. Friday, May 16; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, May 17; 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 18.
Tickets range from $35 to $73. > Learn more
SPRINGFIELD ANTIQUE SHOW AND FLEA MARKET
A little farther from Dayton, tens of thousands will head to the Clark County Fairgrounds off Interstate 70 in Springfield. About 2,500 dealers will be at one of the biggest sales events in this part of the country.
Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Friday, May 16; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 17; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 18.
Admission is $5.
