The best ways to celebrate Labor Day weekend in Dayton

Labor Day weekend tends to symbolize the end of summer as the air conditioners wind down and the pools start to close.

But the holiday weekend doesn't have to be a buzzkill because there is still so much to do.

Here’s a list of all the fun ways to spend your Labor Day weekend:

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

ALTER FEST

This is one of the Dayton area's biggest annual festivals, taking up three days and adding a new Music Fest this year. This event has it all: rides, games, food and live music. This year Ashley Martin, the Dave Matthews Tribute Band and U2 Decades will perform Sunday, Sept. 1.

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 30, 6 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, Aug. 31, noon-midnight. and Sunday, Sept. 1, 4 p.m. -midnight.

WHERE: Alter High School, 940 E. David Road, Kettering.

COST: Alter Family Fest is free.  Tickets for Alter Music Fest range from $10 - $50.

INFO: Website and Music Fest tickets

>> 10 reasons you don’t want to miss Alter Fest

FAIR AT NEW BOSTON

This event takes you back to the late 1700s, telling the story of Revolutionary War hero George Rogers Clark, complete with re-enactments, horses and canons. Music and period entertainment will also be part of the fun.

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 31 and Sunday, Sept. 1, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Rain or shine.

WHERE: George Rogers Clark Historical Park, 936 S. Tecumseh Road, Springfield.

COST: Admission $10 adults, $3 ages 6-11 and $7 with Military active duty ID.

INFO: Website

>> A new twist on this year’s Fair at New Boston

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

OHIO RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

Speaking of time traveling, this 30-acre village puts you in the thick of 16th Century England. Dozens of musicians, dancers, comedians, jugglers, sword-fighters, storytellers and hundreds of costumed performers entertain patrons of all ages on 12 stages in nearly 100 shows daily. But don’t forget to take in a joust while devouring a giant turkey leg.

New this year is a hypnotist, more acrobatic acts and a dancing pig.

WHEN: Aug. 31 to Oct. 27, Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day Monday, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

WHERE: 10542 E. Ohio 73, Waynesville.

COST: Single-day admission $23, ages 13 and up; $9.50, children 5-12; seniors $21; military/police/fire/EMS, $21. Season Pass $65 for adults. Discount online tickets are $19 of ordered before Saturday mornings at 9 a.m.

INFO: 513-897-7000 ext. 244 or Official Website

>>30 ways to celebrate the Renaissance Festival’s big 3-OH

Credit: CHUCK HAMLIN/STAFF

Credit: CHUCK HAMLIN/STAFF

KETTERING HOLIDAY AT HOME

Holiday at Home has grown from a small, neighborhood event in 1959 into one of Ohio’s largest weekend events. Organizers have gone with “Hits It Out of The Park” for this year’s theme. The parade starts at 9:55 Monday and crafts, children’s games, food trucks and more make up the fun-filled weekend.

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 31 - Sept. 2

WHERE: Kettering Government Center and Fraze Pavilion.

COST: Free

INFO: Official Website

THE BEACH WATERPARK

The waterpark is offering $1 concessions including hot dogs, pizza, soft drinks and ice cream.

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 31, through Monday, Sept. 2

WHERE: The Beach Waterpark, 2590 Waterpark Drive, Mason

INFO: (513) 657-3573 | Official Website

>>RELATED: 7 waterpark adventures close to Dayton

RIVER BLAST

This annual bash offers family activities, a giant inflatable play zone, concessions and music all capped off with a fireworks display.

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 31, 6-9 p.m.

WHERE: Riverfront Park, 3 N. Miami Ave., Miamisburg

COST: Free

INFO: Facebook

Credit: JAN UNDERWOOD

Credit: JAN UNDERWOOD

DAYTON REGGAE FESTIVAL

This is part of the Downtown Summer Music Series. Enjoy a day of music while relaxing on a blanket. There be food and merchandise vendors as well. No pets, outside food or beverages.

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 1, 1-8 p.m.

WHERE: Levitt Pavilion, 134 S. Main St., Dayton

COST: Free

YOUNG’S DAIRY LABOR DAY WEEKEND

Young's will be hosting a Labor Day Family Value Weekend. Purchase a wristband good for all day, unlimited family fun. Cost is $15 (ages 12 and over) $9 (ages 11 and younger). Wristbands can be purchased at The Dairy Store, The Golden Jersey Inn, The Marketplace, Udders and Putters, Cowvin’s Kiddie Corral, Cowvin’s Fast Slide and Cowvin’s Corny Bin and allows for unlimited Udders & Putters miniature golf, batting cages, driving range, Moovers & Shakers, Cowvin’s Fast Slide, Cowvin’s Kiddie Corral, Cowvin’s Corny Maze, and wagon rides on the farm.

WHEN: Aug. 30-Sept. 2

WHERE: 6880 Springfield-Xenia Road, Yellow Springs

INFO: 937-325-0629 |  Website

Credit: Contributed

Credit: Contributed

LAND OF ILLUSION LABOR DAY WEEKEND

The Land of Illusion is many things throughout the year. But on Labor Day Weekend, it’s all the things. It’s the last weekend of the season for Aqua Adventures Water Park and the opening weekend for its haunted attractions. On Friday, FreakFest 2019 will kick off with a concert with three bands and fireworks.

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 30 and Saturday, Aug. 31. Aqua Adventures open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Haunted Nights will be from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

WHERE: Land of Illusion, 8762 Thomas Road, Middletown

COST:  Aqua Adventures admission is $20.99 for children and $25.99 for adults. General admission for Haunt Nights ranges from $29.99 to $49.99.

INFO: Website

>> Why Land of Illusion is expanding outside the fright area

FREE CONCERT AT LEVITT PAVILION

The best things in life are free, right? Don’t miss a free concert this weekend at Dayton’s newest outdoor music venue. Gospel artist Tonya Baker will perform Saturday, Aug. 31 at 7 p.m.

>> Who’s playing at Levitt Pavilion this weekend?

>> How to make the most of your Levitt experience

DAYTON UNITED

Drawing Dayton Together- a Tattoo Pop-Up Parlor

Time: 3 p.m.- 11 p.m. Friday, August 30

Location: Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. 4th St., Dayton

More info: Facebook 

In Yellow Cab fashion, LIVE music will be going on all day as tattoo artists are onsite to help people remember those Dayton lost, as well as look forward to brighter Days ahead. There will also be local baked goods, food trucks and of course, cold drinks from Yellow Cab Tavern.

Entry is free and $50 Dayton tattoos will be given with all of the proceeds going to benefit The Dayton Foundation. Tattoo artists from Blue Byrd Tattoo, RocArt Tattoo and Cloak and Dagger Tattoo Studio will all be inking during the event.

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Sound Valley Summer Music Fest

Sound Valley Summer Music Festival 2019 is back for its second year from 4 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31 at the Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. Fourth St. in Dayton’s Oregon District. The festival will feature food trucks and music from a list of local pop, rock and alternative acts that include Nightbeast, Tino, The New Old Fashioned, The Typical Johnsons and more.

This year, a portion of the proceeds will go to the Dayton Foundation to assist victims of the Memorial Day tornadoes and the Oregon District shooting.

When: 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31

Where: Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. Fourth St. in Dayton's Oregon District

Cost: Admission is $10 in advance or $15 at doors. Advance tickets can be purchased here.

More info: soundvalleydayton.com

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Brunch! A Food Truck Rally & Dayton Market

The monthly Brunch! Food Truck Rally is back at Yellow Cab but this month, all truck fees for the month will go toward The Dayton Foundation. There will also be a special Dayton Market with free spaces for vendors selling to benefit The Dayton Foundation.

The Brunch! Rally is free entry.

Participating vendors:

-The Wicked Lobstah

-Chicky Chicky Waffle

-EAT

-Billie Gold Bubble Tea

-Sweets on the Street

When: 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Sunday, September 1

Where: Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. 4th St., Dayton

Cost: Free admission

More info: Facebook 

FORT ROWDY GATHERING

See what life was like in a small trading village in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Plenty of homemade foods, arts and crafts, authentic demonstrations, contests, games and entertainment will be available. There will also be activities for the kids and a free shuttle leaving from Covington High School.

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 31 through Monday, Sept. 2, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

WHERE: Covington Community Park, 1 S. High St., Covington

COST: Free

INFO: Facebook

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