20 things to add to your July calendar

SIGNATURE EVENTS 

1) NAPOLEON DYNAMITE  

Each summer, Victoria Theatre Association hosts its popular Cool Films Series, which programs classic and contemporary movies at Victoria Theatre. This season features a twist with two screenings paired with personal appearances at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton. The Cool Films Series 2019 begins with "Napoleon Dynamite" and a conversation with the film's stars Jon Heder, Efren Ramirez and Jon Gries at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 12. Cost: $40 or $150 for VIP tickets, which includes a meet and greet with the film's stars. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

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2) FUTUREFEST 

July is just around the corner and for Dayton Playhouse that means it's time once again for FutureFest. The 29th annual festival of new plays, at Dayton Playhouse, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton, Friday through Sunday, July 19 through 21, features six productions. This year's finalists are "The Princess at Midnight," "Drone," "Which Way the Wind Blows," "On the Horizon," "Fall with Me" and "Men Overboard." Show times are 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m., 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday. $20 per show. Call 937-424-8477 or visit www.daytonplayhouse.org.

3) GLOW  

"Glow," the 28th annual DP&L Foundation Open Members' Show, is next up at The Contemporary (formerly Dayton Visual Arts Center), 118 N. Jefferson St., Dayton. The new exhibition features paintings, photographs, sculpture and other media. Jurors for the show include Mary Gray and Joel Whitaker. The Contemporary hosts A Gallery Talk from 6 to 8 p.m. August 2. "Glow" is on display through Wednesday, Aug. 10. Visit www.thecontemporarydayton.org.

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4) OLD CASE FILES 

With its annual Old Case Files, Dayton History gets an opportunity to revisit a dramatic and controversial local murder. The historical courtroom drama series presents a re-enactment of a trial at the Old Court House, 7 N. Main St., Dayton, Friday through Sunday, July 26 through 28. Old Case Files is presented at 7:30p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday. The courtroom drama is also offered Aug. 2 through 4 and Aug. 9 through 11. Cost: $12 Dayton History members, $15 nonmembers. Call 937-293-2841 or visit www.daytonhistory.org.

5) HITCHCOCK MARATHON 

The Cool Films Series 2019 presents an Alfred Hitchcock Marathon at Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton, on Sunday, July 14. "Suspicion" opens the day at 11 a.m., followed by "Dial M for Murder" at 2 p.m., "Strangers on a Train" at 5 p.m. and "North by Northwest" at 8 p.m. Cost: $39 passbooks includes 10 film passes and 10 passes for free popcorn and soda. The passes can be used in any combination across the series. Single tickets are $7. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

6) KICKIN’ CHICKEN WING FEST 

Miami Valley Restaurant Association is once again partnering with Fraze Pavilion for the popular Kickin' Chicken Wing Fest. The event, at Lincoln Park Civic Commons, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering, at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 13, features local food purveyors and live music from the Magnums, Rock This Way and Southbound. Cost: Free. Pets and coolers are not permitted. Call 937-296-3300 or visit www.fraze.com.

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7) SING-ALONG NIGHT  

In its second year of operation, the staff at Levitt Pavilion, South Main streets, between Fourth and Fifth streets, Dayton, is still looking for unique ways to engage the public. In addition to presenting a wide variety of musical styles over the summer, the outdoor venue is hosting its first Family Movie Night Sing-Along on Sunday, July 21. The featured film is the 2017 big screen musical, "The Greatest Showman," starring Hugh Jackman. The screening begins at dusk. Cost: Free. Visit www.levittdayton.org.

JULY FESTIVALS

1) THE OHIO CHALLENGE BALLOON FESTIVAL

Hot air balloon competition, live music, carnival, car show, skydiving demonstrations, balloon glow, fireworks and more. July 19-20, 4 to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Smith Park, Middletown Regional Airport, Middletown Regional Airport, Middletown. Cost: Various parking and activity pricing; see website for full details. For more information, visit ohiochallenge.com or www.flybellaballoons.com.

2) SUMMER MOON FESTIVAL

Celebrate the anniversary of Apollo 11, the first manned lunar landing; enjoy inflatable activities, science demonstrations, face painting, aeronautics activities, mini golf, a kids trivia competition, the Lima Area Concert Band, animals from the Toledo Zoo, and the Run to the Moon races (speedy-feet.com). July 19-21, Events start at 7 a.m. Saturday and Sunday at Armstrong Air & Space Museum, 500 Apollo Drive, Wapakoneta. Free. For more information, call 419-738-8811 or visit https://armstrongmuseum.org.

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3) ANNIE OAKLEY DAYS FESTIVAL

July 26-28, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Darke County Fairgrounds, 800 Sweitzer St., Greenville. Featuring shooting contests, a car show, fast draw competitions, melodramas, historical tours, a pilgrimage to Annie’s grave, special displays at Garst Museum, a Saturday parade, antique market and concessions. Free. For more information, call 937-548-5044 or visit www.darkecountyfair.com.

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JULY MUSIC FESTIVALS 

1) COUNTRY CONCERT 

Country Concert at Hickory Hills Lake always books some of the biggest names in the genre. This year is no exception but the organizer's thought outside the box with headliners Kid Rock and Chris Stapleton. The 39th annual festival at Hickory Hills Lakes, 7103 State Route 66, Ft. Loramie, on Thursday through Saturday, July 11-13, also features more traditional country offerings such as Thomas Rhett, Kip More and Gary Allan. Gates open at 3 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and noon Saturday. Cost: $115 Thursday, $121 Friday and $136 Saturday. Three-day passes start at $262. Special packages available. Call 937-295-3000 or visit www.countryconcert.com.

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2) DAYTON CELTIC FEST 

Dayton Celtic Festival, one of the summer's most anticipated downtown music festivals, returns to RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E. Monument St., Dayton, Friday through Sunday, July 26 through 28. This year's headliners include Gaelic Storm, Scythian, Rory Makem and Socks in the Frying Pan. Festival hours are 5:30 to 11 p.m. Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Cost: Free. Visit www.daytoncelticfestival.com.

3) DAYTON BLUES FEST 

There have been a number of changes to the City of Dayton’s summer music festivals, including the addition of a new funk music event in August and the series’ move to Levitt Pavilion, South Main streets, between Fourth and Fifth streets, Dayton. Next on the schedule is the Dayton Blues Festival at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 14. The lineup was not announced at press time. No tents, umbrellas, coolers or pets allowed. Cost: Free. Call 937-333-8400.

JULY CONCERTS 

1) SUGARLAND 

After 10 years together, Sugarland went on hiatus in 2012. Jennifer Nettles took maternity leave and she and bandmate Kristian Bush each released solo records. The country act returned in 2017 without missing beat. Sugarland, on the road supporting its 2018 album, "Bigger," performs at Rose Music Center, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights, at 8 p.m. Friday, July 19. Doors open at 7 p.m. $23.50-$118. Limited tickets remain. Call 937-228-2323 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

2) SARAH MCLACHLAN 

With nine albums to her credit, Sarah McLachlan has built up large catalog of hits and deep cuts. These and other songs are getting the orchestral treatment during the singer's summer tour. McLachlan, whose ninth studio album, "Wonderland," was released in 2016, performs at Rose Music Center, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights, at 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 30. Doors open at 7 p.m. Cost: $23.50-$83. Call 937-228-2323 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

3) WHEELS OF SOUL 

Each summer, Tedeschi Trucks Band heads out on an annual tour and invites some of his musical friends along for the ride. When Wheels of Soul 2019 pulls into Rose Music Center, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights, at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 20, the husband-and-wife-led group will be joined by special guests Blackberry Smoke and Shovels & Rope. Doors open at 6 p.m. Cost: $51-$148. Call 937-228-2323 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

4) CHARLIE WILSON  

Unlike many members of successful funk acts, Charlie Wilson made the transition from group member to solo artist. The R&B singer continues to record and tour and has worked with contemporary artist like Kanye West and Bruno Mars. Wilson, who was nominated for a 2018 Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance, performs at Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 20. Cost: $49 lawn & terrace, $69 side orchestra, $79 plaza & center orchestra. All tickets increase $5 on day of the show. Call 937-296-3300 or visit www.fraze.com.

5) SOCKS IN THE FRYING PAN  

For the past several years, the Gem City has been a regular tour stop for Socks in the Frying Pan. The group is returning to the area for Dayton Celtic Festival at RiverScape MetroPark Friday through Sunday, July 26 through 28. Socks in the Frying Pan is coming to town a little earlier this summer for a concert at Levitt Pavilion, South Main streets, between Fourth and Fifth streets, Dayton, at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 25. Cost: Free. Visit www.levittdayton.org.

6) CASSADEE POPE  

Cassadee Pope started her career as the lead singer of pop-punk act Hey Monday. However, she transitioned to country and went on to win the third season of "The Voice" in 2012. Pope, who released her second solo album, "Stages," in February performs at Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway, 777 Hollywood Blvd., Dayton, at 9 p.m. Saturday, July 20. Doors open at 6 p.m. and opening acts start at 6:30 p.m. You must be 21 to attend. Cost: $10. Call 844-225-7057 or visit www.hollywooddaytonraceway.com.

7) LEE & HORNSBY 

It seems like package tours are bigger than ever this concert season and Rose Music Center, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights is hosting its fair share before the weather turns. Next up at the outdoor amphitheater is a co-headlining bill at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 16 featuring Amos Lee and Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Cost: $23.50-$60. Call 937-228-2323 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.