13 ways you can get glammed up and give back in the Dayton area this year

Credit: E.L. Hubbard

Credit: E.L. Hubbard

We’re already almost a third of the way through 2018 and Dayton events keep zooming past. That’s why it’s important to get these glamorous Dayton gala dates on your calendar now so that you don’t miss them. While these events are a great opportunity to dress up, see and be seen, the best part is that these events benefit great causes. 

>> Want more things to do? Visit Dayton.com's event calendar

Beginning as early as February, the Gem City is alive with festive functions that dazzle attendees with eye-popping food and decor, music, and excellent opportunities to meet impactful people in the Dayton community. 
Details are still emerging on a few of these events, so be sure to check back regularly as our list is updated.

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✨ Bourbon & Bubbles at DAI

This event is the perfect opportunity to celebrate spring with an artsy cocktail party in the beautiful setting of The Dayton Art Institute’s Shaw Gothic Cloister and Great Hall. All proceeds will benefit the Dayton Art Institute.

WHEN: 7-10 p.m. Friday, April 20

WHERE: The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton

TICKETS: $60 member tickets, $75 non-member tickets

INFO: Facebook

✨ Opera Ball 2018 

Fittingly, the theme of this year's Opera Ball is Singin' in the Rain, as the evening will take place in the new Dayton Metro Main Library. The library's central piece of art, Fractal Rain, will certainly create an enchanted ambiance for guests to make plenty of beautiful memories. Attendees will enjoy a culinary feast as the Bob Gray Orchestra returns with their "unbeatable dance sounds."

WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 28

WHERE: Dayton Metro Library, 215 E 3rd St., Dayton

INFO: operaguildofdayton.org

✨ Fleurs de Fete at Carillon Park 

The original “party in the park,” this is the event to shake off any leftover winter-blues you might have lingering come May. Guests are able to sample over 400 wine tastings as well as delicious dishes from dozens of local restaurants.

WHEN: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, May 20

WHERE: Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd, Dayton

TICKETS: $70 in advanced, $75 at the door

INFO: daytonhistory.org

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✨ Dayton Art Institute Art Ball 

Dayton’s premiere black-tie gala, the Art Ball is guaranteed to be an elegant evening with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and an exquisite dinner served right inside the galleries of the Art Institute. Live music, an open bar and more will follow dinner.

WHEN: Saturday, June 9, 2018

WHERE: The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton

INFO: daytonartinstitute.org

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✨ 2018 Dayton Heart Ball 

More than 400 people are expected to attend this year’s Heart Ball as the region’s most influential people come together to celebrate the accomplishments of those who have made an extraordinary difference in the cardiovascular health and lives of those in our community.

WHEN: Saturday, March 24, 2018

WHERE: Sinclair Conference Center, 444 W Third St., Dayton

INFO: ahadayton.ejoinme.org

✨ Boonshoft Bash 2018 

The Boonshoft Museum wants you to join them for a night that will “light up your imagination.” The black-tie optional evening kicks-off on the red carpet before guests are led into a “glittering” experience of the museum while enjoying signature cocktails, delicious hors d’oeuvres, a seated dinner and a night of dancing away to the band This Side Up -- a local favorite.

WHEN: Saturday, September 8, 2018

WHERE: Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, 2600 Deweese Pkwy, Dayton

INFO: boonshoft.com

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✨ Bike MS: Dayton 2018 

This one-day cycling fundraising event is perfect for bikers of all skill level, as multiple route options are available -- all "well supported with fully-stocked rest stops every 10-15 miles, a great lunch stop and safety provided by medical personnel," according to the event page. All funds raised for the event will benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Society Ohio Valley Chapter. The organization's mission is to "mobilize people and resources so that everyone affected by MS can live their best lives as we stop MS in its tracks, restore what has been lost and end MS forever." So if you're looking for a more active way to give back in 2018, now's the time to start whipping your legs into powerful pedaling shape!

WHEN: Sunday, September 9, 2018

WHERE: Eastwood MetroPark, 1385 Harshman Rd., Dayton

FUNDRAISING MINIMUM: $125

INFO: nationalmssociety.org

✨ Oktoberfest at The Dayton Art Institute 

Oktoberfest is the DAI’s biggest fundraiser of the year -- and for good reason. The two-day beer and food extravaganza boasts a variety of domestic and international craft beers, rare food finds, artisans from far and wide, two stages for Live music, kid-friendly art activities and much more.

WHEN: September 22 & 23, 2018

WHERE: The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton

INFO: http://www.ohio.org/events/oktoberfest-0 

✨ Walk of Fame Luncheon 

Esteemed Dayton honorees are celebrated at this annual luncheon. “Since 1996, over 160 outstanding individuals and groups and their contributions to the Miami Valley have been memorialized at the September event and with granite stones on West Third Street in Dayton,” according to the Walk of Fame’s event page.

WHEN: September 2018; exact date to be announced

WHERE: Sinclair Conference Center, 444 W Third St., Dayton

INFO: Facebook

✨ GloGala for Epilepsy 

Benefitting the Epilepsy Foundation Greater Dayton Region, this illuminated party has many opportunities to get involved. More information is to come about this event.

WHEN: 5-10 p.m. Saturday, November 10, 2018

WHERE: The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton

INFO: Facebook

✨ Brew Ha-Ha 

Established in 2011, "Dayton's old school beer festival" is an annual fundraiser for the Montessori School of Dayton. "Although each year has seen tremendous growth, we are committed to maintaining the event as a premier boutique beer tasting, where residents of our community can come to mingle, try regional and local beers, and learn more about the school and about craft beer," according to Brew Ha-Ha's event page.

WHEN: Saturday, January 27, 2018

WHERE: Montessori School of Dayton, 2900 Acosta St., Kettering

TICKETS: $42 general admission, $52 for VIP

INFO: brewhahadayton.com

✨ The New Year’s Eve Grand Ball 

Say goodbye to 2018 in 1860s style at the Heritage Commission Corporation of South Charleston’s annual New Year’s Eve Grand Ball as you dance into the new year at this Civil War-themed social.

WHEN: December 31, 2018

WHERE: Location to be announced

INFO: Facebook

✨ Nauti Nite 

This is the night to pull out your bluest of blue cocktail attire you never thought you’d get a chance to wear and spend an evening among the animals for a great cause. The 13th annual Nauti Nite will once again feature food and drink from more than 20 vendors, exotic animal encounters, live entertainment and much more. “Each year community members, business leaders and socialites enjoy a wonderful evening in support of ocean conservation,” according to past year’s event pages.

WHEN: 2018 date to be announced

WHERE: Newport Aquarium, 1 Dave Cowens Dr., Newport, KY

INFO: newportaquarium.com

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