5 Miami Valley events you should check out this weekend

Oktoberfest will return to the grounds of the Dayton Art Institute this year. The three-day event — celebrating its 50th year — will be held Sept. 24-26. TOM GILLIAM / STAFF PHOTO

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Oktoberfest will return to the grounds of the Dayton Art Institute this year. The three-day event — celebrating its 50th year — will be held Sept. 24-26. TOM GILLIAM / STAFF PHOTO

Now that fall has officially arrived in the Miami Valley, many events are paying tribute to the best parts of the season.

A few of the area’s most beloved festivals — the Tipp City Mum Festival and Dayton Art Institute’s Oktoberfest — are set to ring in the new season this weekend. Ahead, we detail a few events that can help you celebrate the first weekend of fall.

🍁🍂Tipp City Mum Festival

The annual Mum Festival brings crowds and colorful mums to Tipp City and its City Park. Contributed photo.

icon to expand image

When: Sept. 24-26

Where: City Park and other locations throughout downtown Tipp City

Details: The 62nd annual festival is the perfect place to stock up on gorgeous fall mums, orange and white pumpkins, and fall gourds from local vendors. Tipp City is known as the “Mum Capital of the World” after all. Aside from plenty of mum offerings, the Tipp City Mum Festival also hosts a car show, 5K, parade and other entertainment.

More info: tippmumfestival.org

🍁🍂Lebanon Feast & Fall-y

When: Saturday, Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Where: Mulberry Street Plaza near E. Mulberry and N. Mechanic Streets in downtown Lebanon

Details: This year’s event will feature food trucks, a wine garden, custom charcuterie boards, live music and a unique blend of vendors selling custom products with a fall theme. Also expect a family fun zone sponsored by the Lebanon Food Pantry with art, games, crafts, a community mural, and activities for families of all sizes.

More info: mainstreetlebanon.org/event-info/feast-and-fall-y

🍁🍂Dayton Art Institute Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest will return to the grounds of the Dayton Art Institute this year. The three-day event — celebrating its 50th year — will be held Sept. 24-26. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

icon to expand image

When: Sept. 24-26

Where: 456 Belmonte Park N., Dayton

Details: This 50th anniversary celebration of German culture and food will take place over the course of the weekend. The beloved event features German-inspired food, beer, wine, live entertainment, vendors and other unique treats.

More info: www.daytonartinstitute.org/upcoming-events/special-events/oktoberfest

🍁🍂Wright State University’s Festival of Flight

The second annual Festival of Flight, a free family festival hosted by Wright State University, will be held Saturday, Sept. 25. The new community event will have something for everyone including flyovers, live entertainment, beer and food trucks. DAVID MOODIE / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Credit: Tom Gilliam

icon to expand image

Credit: Tom Gilliam

When: Saturday, Sept. 25 from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Where: Lot 1 at Wright State University in Fairborn

Details: Wright State University is preparing to celebrate the area’s rich aviation history with its second annual Festival of Flight. The event will be chock full of hands-on aviation-related activities, live entertainment, food vendors and more.

Those who are especially interested in the area’s aviation history will get a kick out of the world premiere of “A Journey Through the Birthplace of Aviation,” followed by a panel of National Aviation Heritage Area members. Michelle Rouch will also be at the event, signing copies of her new book, “Astronaut Al Travels to the Moon.” To get a glimpse of where the Wright brothers built and practiced their flyers, the National Park Service will offer guided tours of Huffman Prairie. Hands-on activities will also be available at the Innovation and Education Hangar and MacAir Aero Club Formation Flying Group will do flyovers throughout the event.

More info: festivalofflight.org

🍁🍂National Alpaca Farm Days

When: Saturday, Sept. 25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 26 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Holdfast Alpaca Farms, 12026 Lower Valley Pike, Bethel Township

Details: Holdfast Alpaca Farms will be holding its 15th annual National Alpaca Farm Days. Guests will be able to meet the alpacas, go on hayrides, get their faces painted and enjoy the food truck and other vendors.

More info: www.facebook.com/hiltyfarms

About the Author