One of the Dayton area’s biggest annual festivals, taking up FOUR days. This one has it all: rides, games, food and live music. You can also take part in the “world’s biggest heads-or-tails” game. Don’t pass up the chicken dinner.
WHEN: Friday, Aug. 31, 7-11 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 1, noon-11 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 2, 1-11 p.m.; Monday, Sept. 3, noon-5 p.m.
WHERE: Alter High School, 940 E. David Road, Kettering.
COST: Free.
INFO: https://alterhs.org/boosters/alterfest/
FAIR AT NEW BOSTON
This event takes you back to the late 1700s, telling the story of Revlutionary War hero George Rogers Clark, complete with re-enactments, horses and canons.
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 1 and Sunday, Sept. 2, 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. Military active duty discount with ID.
INFO: www.fairatnewboston.org
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.
WHEN: Sept. 1 to Oct. 28, 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 $60 for adults.
INFO: 513-897-7000 ext. 244 or www.renfestival.com
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 an “under the big top” theme for this year’s event, with a parade, crafts, children’s games, food trucks and more.
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 2 and Monday, Sept. 3
WHERE: Kettering Government Center and Fraze Pavilion.
COST: Free
INFO: www.holidayathome.org
DOLLAR DAYS AT KINGS ISLAND
Kings Island amusement park is offering Dollar Days this Labor Day weekend. Guests visiting the park can enjoy a multitude of concessions for just $1. A select number of games will also be available for $1.
WHEN: Aug. 31 to Sept. 3 (Friday: 5-10 p.m.)
WHERE: Kings Island, 300 Kings Island Drive, Mason
INFO: (513) 754-5700 | www.visitkingsisland.com
THE BEACH WATERPARK
The waterpark is offering $1 concessions including hot dogs, pizza, soft drinks and ice cream.
WHEN: Friday, Aug. 31, through Monday, Sept. 3
WHERE: The Beach Waterpark, 2590 Waterpark Drive, Mason
INFO: (513) 657-3573 | www.thebeachwaterpark.com
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, Sept. 1 through Monday, Sept. 3, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
WHERE: Covington Community Park, 1 S. High St., Covington
COST: Free
INFO: Official Website
RIVER BLAST
This annual bash offers family activities, a giant inflatable play zone, concessionaires, music all capped off with a fireworks display.
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 1, 6-9 p.m.
WHERE: Riverfront Park, 3 N. Miami Ave., Miamisburg
COST: Free
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.
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 2, 1-8 p.m.
WHERE: Riverscape MetroPark, 111 Monument Ave., 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. 31-Sept. 3WHERE: 6880 Springfield-Xenia Road, Yellow SpringsINFO: 937-325-0629 | Website | FacebookLAND OF ILLUSION LABOR DAY WEEKENDThe 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 Saturday, there will be a concert by Craig Campbell and fireworks to celebrate. It’s their biggest bash of the year.WHEN: Friday, Aug. 31 and Saturday, Sept. 1. 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, MiddletownCOST: Friday admission to Haunted Nights is $19.99 ($14.99 online). Saturday admission to Haunted Nights and the Craig Campbell concert is $29.99 ($24.99 online). Aqua Adventures tickets are separate and cost $24.99 for adults ($19.99 online) or $21.99 for children 10 and younger ($16.99 online).INFO: Website | Facebook
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