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COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE
This list covers a range of events, for people who enjoy a range of entertainment options.
About this listing
This calendar is compiled by contributing writer Don Thrasher. This feature is published on the last Friday of each month.
Event organizers are welcome to email event information (for possible inclusion in the next month’s Active Dayton monthly calendar) to donaldthrasher8@aol.com. Emails should include a publishable phone number or website address and must be sent by the 15th of the month. The message subject line should say “consider for monthly calendar.”
July 2
Beer Tasting: Mike Schwartz of Belmont Party Supply presents this monthly beer tasting at the Trolley Stop, 530 E. Fifth St., Dayton. 7 p.m. $20. 937-461-1101 or www.trolleystopdayton.com.
Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band: The former Beatle performs with Steve Lukather, Todd Rundgren, Gregg Rolie and others. Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering. 8 p.m. SOLD OUT. 937-296-3300 or www.fraze.com.
Ultrasphinx: The Akron band performs with local bands Oh Condor, Dinosaurus and Arms Race. Canal Public House, 308 E. First St., Dayton. 9 p.m. $5. 937-461-9343 or www.canalpublichouse.com.
July 3
Dayton Independence Day Fireworks: An evening of live music, children’s games and activities, food and beer vendors and more leads up the grand finale fireworks display. RiverScape MetroPark, 111 E. Monument Ave., Dayton. 5 p.m. Fireworks at 10 p.m. Free. 937-333-8400 or www.daytonohio.gov.
Rock-N-Boom Independence Day Celebration: Fireworks and live performances by Neil Sedaka and Blood Sweat & Tears featuring Bo Bice. Delco Park, 1700 Delco Park Dr., Kettering. 6-10 p.m. Free. No alcohol, pets, sparklers or outside fireworks permitted. 937-296-2400 or www.ketteringoh.org.
Old Fashioned Country Fireworks: The City of Springfield and Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks present the annual fireworks display at the Clark County Fairgrounds, 4401 S. Charleston Pike, Springfield. 6 p.m. Free. 937-328-PARK (7275).
Red, Art & Blue: Dayton Art Institute presents a members-only party, which includes an exclusive view of the downtown Independence Day fireworks display. DAI, 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton. 8 p.m. $25 adults, $15 youth 17 and younger. Reservations required and attendance limited to 300. 937-223-5277 or www.daytonartinstitute.org.
July 3-4
Star Spangled Boom: The City of Moraine presents its annual Independence Day Fireworks, which features amusement rides, live performances, amateur talent shows and more. Wax Park, 3800 Main St., Moraine. 6 p.m. Thursday and 4 p.m. Friday. Fireworks at 10 p.m. Friday. Free. 937-535-1000 or www.ci.moraine.oh.us.
July 4
The 41st annual Americana Festival: Each Independence Day, Centerville-Washington Twp. presents this events featuring a parade, 5K run, auto show, fireworks and other attractions in various spots in downtown Centerville near Main and Franklin streets. 5K begins at 7:30 a.m., street fair, 10:30 a.m., parade at 10 a.m., fireworks at 10 p.m. Free. 937-433-5898 or www.americanafestival.org.
The 49th annual 4th of July Car Show and Swap Meet: This event showcases antiques, classics, trucks, street rods and street machines manufactured through 1988. Greene County Fairgrounds, 120 Fairground Road, Xenia. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. $10 car registration, $2 spectators, free kids 16 and younger with adult. www.greenecarclub.com.
Red, White and Boonshoft: The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, 2600 Dewesse Pkwy., Dayton presents its Star Spangled Science Celebration. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $13 adults, $11 seniors 60 and older, $10 children 3-16, free for museum members and children younger than 3. 937-275-7431 or www.boonshoftmuseum.org.
July 4-6: “Rebel Without a Cause”: The 2014 Cool Films series begins with this James Dean classic. Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton. 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. $6 per screening, or $35 for 10-ticket passbook. Cool Films runs weekends through Aug. 31. Other films in the series include “Pillow Talk” (July 11-13), “M*A*S*H” (July 18-20), “The Goonies” (July 25-27), “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” (August 8-10) and “Groundhog Day” (Aug. 22-24). 937-228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com.
July 5
18th annual Antique Fire Apparatus Show: Fire-related flea market vendors, the Germantown Firefighters Association lunch stand and a display of about 35 antique fire apparatus are just some of the attractions at this popular event. Veterans Memorial Park, North Walnut Street, Germantown. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: Free. 937-572-6265 or www.MVAFAA.org .
Yonder Mountain String Band: The modern roots band performs with opener Railroad Earth. Lifestyle Communities Pavilion, Columbus. 7 p.m. $25. Ticketmaster.
Local band showcase: The 1984 Draft, Paige & the Bel Airs, Bribing Senators and Loveless perform at Blind Bob’s, 430 E. Fifth St., Dayton. 10 p.m. $5. 937-938-6405 or www.blindbobs.com.
Will C & F.A.M.I.L.Y.: The popular local group performs at Peach’s Grill, 104 Xenia Ave., Yellow Springs. 10 p.m. Free. 937-767-4850 or www.peachsgrill.com.
July 6
The 4th annual Cruise-In: Show off your car and enjoy a free picnic lunch with fresh grilled burgers, hot dogs and traditional side dishes. Zion Lutheran Church parking lot, 5550 Munger Road, Dayton. 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: free. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. Contemporary worship offered but not required at 10:30 a.m. in the outdoor chapel. 937-434-9422 or www.zionelc.org.
James & Moore: The local duo headlines the City of Beavercreek Summer Concert Series. Dominick Lofino Park, 640 Grange Hall Road, Beavercreek. 7 p.m. Free. 937-427-5514 or www.ci.beavercreek.oh.us.
Earth, Wind & Fire: The classic funk/R&B group performs at Fraze Pavilion. 7:30 p.m. $41 lawn/terrace in advance, $46 lawn/terrace day of show.
July 7-Aug. 25
“Reunion Reckoning”: Mayhem & Mystery Dinner Theater presents this new original whodunit set at gypsy reunion. The Spaghetti Warehouse, 36 W. Fifth St., Dayton. 7 p.m. Mondays, with a special Friday show on June 20. $25.95 per person for dinner and show. Tax and gratuity not included. Reservations required. 937-461-3913 and www.mayhemmystery.com.
July 9
Plasma Il Duo: The group performs with Christina Condon (flute), Aaron Young (vocals) and Joe Severyn (piano) in this Twilight Concert in Dayton Art Institute’s NCR Renaissance Auditorium. 7 p.m. $8 nonmembers and free for museum members and youth/children 17 and younger. Group rates are available.
Dave Matthews Band: In concert at Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati. 7 p.m. $37-$71.50. 513-232-6220. or www.riverbend.org.
July 9-30
Summer Clay Workshop: Learn clay hand building skills while sculpting animals, plaques and more. Rosewood Arts Center, 2655 Olson Dr., Kettering. 6-7 p.m. Wednesdays. Preregistration required. $42 Kettering residents/$55 nonresidents. 937-296-0294 or www.ketteringoh.org.
July 10
“Muppet Treasure Island”: The 2014 Cool Films Family Films series begins with this 1996 film. Victoria Theatre. 10 a.m. $3. The Family Films series runs Thursdays through July 31. Other films in the series include “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” (July 17), “The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again” (July 24) and “Bedknobs and Broomsticks” (July 31). Ticket Center Stage.
Wine and Yoga: The unique program features moderate yoga for all levels with a sampling of wines. Schuster Center’s Wintergarden, 1 W. Second St., Dayton. 6:30 to 8 p.m. $20. Must be 21 or older. 937-228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com.
July 10-12
Country Concert at Hickory Hill Lakes: The 34th annual festival features Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Brantley Gilbert and Florida Georgia Line and others. Hickory Hill Lakes, 7103 Ohio 55, Fort Laramie. 3 p.m. Thursday, 4 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday. $99-$359. 937-295-3000 or www.countryconcert.com.
July 10-20
“Once On This Island”: Epiphany Players presents a Caribbean musical journey from the 1990 Broadway show from the creators of “Ragtime” and “Seussical.” Epiphany Lutheran Church, 6430 Far Hills Ave., Centerville. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $15 adults, $10 Seniors and children. 937-433-1449 or www.epiphanydayton.org.
July 11
Yellow Cab Food Truck Rally: The new monthly series launches with variety of food options, craft beer selections and live music. Yellow Cab Bldg., 700 E. Fourth St., Dayton. 5-10 p.m. 937-203-8175 or
The 23rd annual Open Members Show: Check out the latest work from DVAC members during this opening reception. Dayton Visual Arts Center, 118 N. Jefferson St., Dayton. 5-8 p.m. Free. The exhibition runs through August 16. 937-224-3822 or www.daytonvisualarts.org.
Mojoflo: The Columbus soul band returns to town for Five Rivers Metro Park Concert Series at Riverscape MetroPark. 7:30pm. Free.
Mel Waiters: The Southern soul singer, who had a Dayton show canceled in December due to snow, returns to Gilly’s, 132 S. Jefferson St., Dayton. 7 and 10 p.m. $20. 937-228-8414 or www.gillysjazz.com.
July 11-13
Bunbury Music Festival: The alternative music fest returns with Flaming Lips, Fall Out Boy, Empire of the Sun and Heartless Bastards. Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove, 705 E. Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati. 2 p.m. daily. $65 per day, $145 three-day pass. www.bunburyfestival.com.
Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon Competition and Festival: Hot-air balloon races, professional skydivers, music, a classic car show, arts and craft, food, and balloon, airplane and helicopter rides. The festival in Smith Park in downtown Middletown and the competition at Middletown Regional Airport (the Hot Air Balloon Competition). 4 to 10:30 p.m. $4 adults or $10 per vehicle, which includes parking, admission for all occupants and a free shuttle service. Free children 12 and young. Special rates available for buses and RVs. www.ohiochallenge.com
July 12
Mud Volleyball for Epilepsy: Team compete in competitive and non-competitive categories in the 24th installment of this popular annual fundraiser presented by the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio. Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton. 7 a.m. $350 per team through June 30, $400 July 1-11. 937-233-2500 or www.daytonmud.com.
Miamisburg Triathlon: Participants in this event will participate in 2.5 mile canoe trip, 5k run and 11 mile bike ride. Riverfront Park, 3 N. Miami Ave., Miamisburg. 8 a.m. Cost: $45/solo, $100/2-person team. Registration deadline is 10 a.m. Friday, July 11. 937-866-8999 or www.speedy-feet.com.
Dayton Jazz & Soul Festival: Con Funk Shun performs with The System and the Stone City Band Revue playing the songs of Rick James. Montgomery County Fairground, 1043 S. Main St., Dayton. 3 p.m. $20 in advance general admission, $30 day of show. $30 VIP in advance, $40 day of show. www.eventbrite.com.
Blue Jeans Beach Ball: This annual wine tasting and dinner is a fundraiser for brain tumor research at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. University of Dayton, Room M2265, 1700 Place (the former NCR World Headquarters). 5 p.m. wine tasting, 7 p.m. dinner. $85 for wine tasting and dinner, $50 for dinner. 937-304-3384 or www.hopeitsabeachthing.com.
July 12-13
“Artists in the Gardens”: The Women’s Association of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra presents its 21st annual garden tour. 1-5 p.m. $15 in advance, $20 day of tour. All proceeds benefit the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. 937-325-8100 or www.springfieldsym.org.
July 13
The Dayton Area Harp Ensemble: The local group opens its summer season with a program featuring everything from classical compositions and Broadway show tunes to Walt Disney classics. South Park United Methodist Church, 140 Stonemill Road, Dayton. 3 p.m. Free. E-mail tstrobhar@aol.com.
Frank Svet: The local band headlines the $5 Dare to Polka Dance event at American Czechoslovakian Club, 922 Valley St,, Dayton. 3-7 p.m. $5 per person, includes beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks. Food available. For reservations call Mary Chidester 937-287-4275 or Dan Metzger 937-890-2367. www.accdayton.com.
Terrance Simien: The modern zydeco master returns for an early show at The Trolley Stop, 530 E. Fifth St., Dayton. 4-8 p.m. $12. 937-461-1101 or www.trolleystopdayton.com.
REPLAY America: The Ultimate 80s Festival features The Go-Go’s, Patty Smyth of Scandal, Martha Davis & The Motels and others. Fraze Pavilion. 7:30 p.m. $35 lawn/terrace in advance, $40 lawn/terrace day of show. $50 side orchestra (sections A&D), $60 center orchestra (sections B&C). $145 VIP experience.
July 14-19
The Warren County Fair: Tractor and truck pull, rodeo, demolition derby, harness racing and other grandstand events, carnival rides, 4-H Fair and food vendors are just some of the attractions. Warren County Fairgrounds, 665 N. Broadway, Lebanon. 4-11 p.m. Monday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. $5 per person 9 and older Monday through Wednesday, $8 per person 9 and older Thursday through Saturday. Free children 8 and younger. $25 season passes. 513-932-2636 or www.warrencountyfairohio.org.
July 16
Twilight Concert: The music series presents Ryu-Kyung Kim, Kevin Nordstrom, Daniel Zehringer and Eric Knorr in concert in Dayton Art Institute’s NCR Renaissance Auditorium. 7 p.m. $8 non-members and free for museum members and youth/children 17 and younger. Group rates are available.
The Sensations: The Hump Day Happenings Concert series presents the show band from Lexington, Ky. Riverfront Park, Miamisburg. 7 p.m. Free. Concessions available. Bring blankets and lawn chairs.
July 18
Game Night in the Dome: Join the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery’s astronomy quiz master for an evening of games and trivia. Carly D. Philips Space Theater, 2600 Dewesse Pkwy., Dayton. 8 p.m. $7 nonmembers, $5 members. 937-275-7431 or www.boonshoftmuseum.org.
The Signature: A Poetic Medley: The seventh season continues with “Poetic Soul Fusion” featuring poets Sunni Patterson and J. Ivy, vocalist Renee Dion and music from guest house band Playhouse. The Loft Theatre, 126 N. Main St., Dayton. 9 p.m. Doors open at 8:45 p.m. $20. 937-228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com.
Matter of Planets: The Columbus-based sci-fi-flavored post-metal band performs with Mangrenade, Mess of Owls and others. Blind Bob’s. 10 p.m. $5.
July 18-20
Old Case Files: Dayton History presents the historical courtroom drama series at Old Court House, 7 N. Main St., Dayton. 7:30-9 p.m. Price tba. Also offered July 25-27 and August 1-3. 937-293-2841 or www.daytonhistory.org.
July 18-25
Clark County Fair: Truck pull, truck tug-o-war, demolition derby, tractor pull, cheerleading show and more are featured in this annual event. Clark County Fairgrounds, 4401 S. Charleston Pike, Springfield. 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. $6 general admission, $3 parking, $16 all-day ride pass. 937-323-3090 or www.clarkcoag.com.
July 19
“The Toxic Avenger”: The 2014 Cool Films Reel Late series begins with this low-budget horror film from 1986. Victoria Theatre. 10:30 p.m. $6. The Reel Late series runs select Saturdays through Aug. 23. Other films in the series include “The Big Lebowski” (Aug. 9) and “Psycho” (Aug. 23). 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com
Subway Dragons 5k at Fifth Third Field: The Dayton Dragons are once again partnering with Subway the fifth annual event, which features the third consecutive appearance by the sandwich chain’s spokesman Jared Fogle. Fifth Third Field, 200 N. Patterson Blvd., Dayton. 9 a.m. The race concludes with a post-race party outside the stadium gates. Pre-registration at www.daytondragons.com/subwaydragons5k.
Summer Extravaganza: The Dayton Woman’s Club presents its annual fundraiser featuring appetizers, cash bar, silent auction, open house tour and a live performance from the NRLC Choir. Dayton Woman’s Club, 225 N. Ludlow St., Dayton. 3-5 p.m. Free but $10 suggested donation. 937-228-1124 or www.thedaytonwomansclub.com.
Little Big Town: The country group performs with opener Chris Stapleton. Fraze Pavilion. 7:30 p.m. $35 terrace in advance, $40 terrace day of show.
July 20
The 12th Car Show: Stillwater Center Families and Friends presents this annual fundraiser for Montgomery County residents with severe disabilities. Stillwater Center, 8100 N. Main St., Dayton. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free for spectators, $10 per vehicle for participants. 937-890-0646 or www.mcohio.org/services.
Dayton Blues Festival: The popular downtown festival returns to Dave Hall Plaza Park, Fourth and Jefferson streets, Dayton. Music begins 1 p.m. Free. 937-333-8400 or www.downtowndayton.org.
Duane Malinowski Band: The Toledo group presents and event of popular polkas, waltzes and more. American Czechoslovakian Club. 3-7 p.m. $14 per person, includes beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks. Food available.
Neutral Milk Hotel: The reformed indie darlings perform in concert with opener Circulatory System. Lifestyle Communities Pavilion, Columbus. 6 p.m. $30.50. Ticketmaster.
New Mountain Heritage: The City of Beavercreek Summer Concert Series presents the local bluegrass group in concert. Dominick Lofino Park, 640 Grange Hall Road, Beavercreek. 7 p.m. Free. 937-427-5514 or www.ci.beavercreek.oh.us.
Maxwell: The R&B singer performs at Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St., Columbus. 7:30 p.m. $39.50-$79.50. 937-228-2323 or www.ticketmaster.com.
July 21
Kippi: The Italian rock band performs with Chicago-based Transmonte and local band Hyrokkin. Canal Public House. 9 p.m. $5.
July 21-Aug. 15
Davis/Ballard exhibitions: Solo shows by painter Margaret Davis of Ann Arbor, Mich., and collage artist Austin Ballard of Charlotte, N.C. Rosewood Arts Center Gallery. Free.
July 23-Aug. 3
The Ohio State Fair: The 161st fair returns to the Ohio Expo Center, 717 E. 17th St., Columbus. 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, except Aug. 8 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. $10 adults (13-59), $8 youth (5-12) and seniors (60 and older) and free children younger than 5. $1 per ride coupon, $23 for ride-all-day wristbands. 614-644-3247 or www.ohiostatefair.com.
July 24
Boyz II Men: Celeste Center, 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus. 7 p.m. $23. 937-228-2323 or www.ticketmaster.com.
July 25
“Pirate & Princess Adventure”: Disney Junior Live! presents this family show. Nutter Center, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Fairborn. 1, 4, 7 p.m. $20 and $28, $45 VIP and $60 front row. 937-775-4789 or www.nuttercenter.com.
Lady Antebellum: The country group performs with opener Joe Nichols. Celeste Center, Columbus. 7 p.m. $45-$60. Ticketmaster.
’90s Reloaded: Local show promoter Louie Wood Jr. presents his annual multi-band tribute to the music of the 1990s. Gilly’s. 7 p.m. $7.
Sick Puppies: The hard rock trio from Australia, a former X-Fest favorite, performs at JD Legends, 65 Millard Dr., Franklin. 7 p.m. $22.50. 937-746-4950 or www.jdlegends.com
Tino: The local rapper celebrates the release of his new album, “Forget Me Not,” at Peach’s Grill. 10 p.m. Free.
July 25-26
Macy’s Music Festival: Charlie Wilson, New Edition, Robin Thicke, Ne-Yo and Chaka Khan are just some of the acts on this two-day bill. Paul Brown Stadium, 1 Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati. $45-$85. Ticketmaster.
July 25-27
Dayton Celtic Festival: The United Irish of Dayton present the 13th annual event featuring Gaelic Storm, Scythian, Socks in the Frying Pan and more. RiverScape MetroPark, 111 E. Monument Ave., Dayton. 6-11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Free. 937-372-9788 or www.unitedirishofdayton.org.
FutureFest 2014: The celebrated local festival features new plays from an national group of rising talent. Dayton Playhouse, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton. “The Paymaster” by M.J. Feely of Woodland Hills, Calif., at 8 p.m. Friday, “The Killing Jar” by Jennifer Lynne Roberts of Alameda, Calif. at 10 a.m. Saturday, “Wash, Dry, Fold” by Nedra Pezold Roberts of Atlanta, Ga. at 3 p.m. Saturday, “The Humanist” by Kuros Charney of New York, N.Y. at 8 p.m. Saturday, “Masterwork” by M.J. Feely at 10 a.m. Sunday and “Sugarhill” by Linda Ramsay-Detherage of Commerce, Mich. at 3 p.m. Sunday. $95 weekend passes. 937-424-8477 or www.daytonplayhouse.org.
July 26
TK Hausfeld Ride for Life: This annual event in memory of Tom and Kacie Hausfeld is an annual fundraiser for The Life Resource Centre, 425 N. Findlay St., Dayton. 8 a.m. Proceeds benefit the Centre’s Stork’s Nest emergency baby pantry, parenting classes and community outreach. 937-461-3625 or www.daytonlife.org.
Molly Hatchet: The veteran Southern rock act performs in concert at BMI Speedway, 791 E. Main St., Versailles. 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. 937-526-9547 or www.blog.bmikarts.com/blog.
“The Tempest”: Bespoke Theatre presents the William Shakespeare classic on the lawn of Rosewood Arts Center. 7 pm. Free.
Lynyrd Skynyrd: The enduring Southern rockers perform with openers Drake White and The Big Fire. Fraze Pavilion. 7:30 p.m. $46 lawn/terrace in advance, $51 lawn/terrace day of show. $61 side orchestra (sections A&D), $71 center orchestra (sections B&C).
Michael Bublé: The Grammy-winning singer performs in concert. Schottenstein Center, Columbus. 8 p.m. $54.50-$99.50. Ticketmaster.
July 27
Jurassic 5: The reformed hip-hop group brings its Word of Mouth Reunion Tour to Lifestyle Communities Pavilion, Columbus. 6 p.m. $25. Dilated Peoples and The Beat Junkies will also perform. Ticketmaster.
July 29
The Beach Boys and America: A double shot of classic pop-rock in concert. Celeste Center, Columbus. 7:30 p.m. $30. Ticketmaster.
July 30
The Burning River Winds: Twilight Concert series presents the group in concert Tyler Shepard and David Sievers. Dayton Art Institute’s NCR Renaissance Auditorium. 7 p.m. $8 nonmembers and free for museum members and youth/children 17 and younger. Group rates are available.
July 31
Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul performs in concert. Celeste Center, Columbus. 7 p.m. $35. Ticketmaster.
Big Band Night: The Bob Gray Orchestra performs at Riverscape MetroPark. 7:30. Free.
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