We guarantee everyone will discover something new to love about this town.
Here are 50 ideas for things to experience in the new year:
- Walking brewery tour. Start at the Fifth Street Brewpub and walk down Fifth to the Oregon, you can then hit Toxic, Warped Wing, Barrell House and the new Dayton Beer Company. The best part of the tour is you can stumble to all five breweries in just under a mile.
- Get out and paddle. The Miami Valley has plenty to offer when it comes to water festivities. When sunny skies arrive, grab some friends and enjoy the thrill of canoeing, kayaking and rafting (and check out our guide to paddling for tips on where to go). Be sure to check out the new improvements in store at the Mad River Run at Eastwood Metropark.
- Check out the Yellow Cab. The ever-so-popular Yellow Cab Tavern in Dayton is home to lots of great events, food trucks, live music, craft beer, night markets and more. They are famous for off-the-beaten path fun. Get the latest upcoming event info on their Facebook page.
- Carillon Historical Park. Ride the Dayton Carousel of Innovation, experience pioneer history, tour the Patterson Homestead, drink fresh-brewed craft beer and enjoy German-style hearty fare. Experience the new and improved Tree of Light when it returns next holiday season.
- View Dayton from the Woodland Cemetery. Aside from visiting the famous Daytonians who are buried here, Woodland offers a view like no other. Lookout Columbarium stands at the highest point in the city and is the ultimate spot for sightseers, lovers and lunch breaks.
- Experience the local music scene. We have tons of talented local bands. Not sure where to go? You can never fail with Canal Public House for starters.
- Hike the Gorge. The prettiest 2-mile stretch of the Little Miami State and National Scenic River, east of John Bryan State Park, is a must-do summer adventure. It's the perfect example of post-glacial canyon cutting and offers the most rad views for hikers.
- Hit the Great Miami River trail. Are you ready for an adventure? With 75 miles of trails, it's the ultimate spot for runners, skaters or cyclists. The trail winds through downtown Dayton, Riverscape, museums and several monuments.
- The Celtic Festival. This is the festival of festivals and it should be on everyone's list of events to attend. Experience the luck of the Irish and immerse your senses in the rich Celtic heritage.
- Discover some of the Dayton's finest communities. Spend some time in a community you may not know too well. Some of the area's most charming communities worth the drive include Yellow Springs and Lebanon. Great shopping, great eats!
- Eat Dayton-made food. Eat all Dayton made food for a day. Who doesn't enjoy Mikesells potato chips, Esther Price Chocolates and Marions Piazza? Here's a list of "Dayton classic" foods to make it easier for you!
- Get your climb on at Urban Krag. When that adventurous spirit strikes, you know where to head. The indoor rock climbing wall is designed to test your strength, provide a safe atmosphere and brings families together with a fun activity.
- Shop Local. Spend one full day shopping only local. Yes, you heard that right. And yes, you can do it. Looking for food? There are plenty of farmers markets and food trucks in the area. There are also plenty of unique local shops offering one-of-a-kind finds.
- Experience the arts. It's no secret that Dayton has one of the best arts/cultural scenes for a town of its size. Experience it for yourself. If you like theater, check out a Human Race production or a big-ticket show at the Schuster Center or Victoria Theatre (celebrating 150 years in 2016). If you like dance, check out the Dayton Ballet or DCDC. Music? The Dayton Philharmonic has shows for just about every musical preference. If you've never seen the Opera, do it in 2016. Prefer the visual arts? Familiarize yourself with DVAC.
- 3rd on Third. Check out some of the area's hottest vendors at this outdoor market that runs from April through October.
- Check out some sweet planes. The National Museum of the United States Air Force has some pretty badass planes that you'll want to see with your own eyes. Grab the family for an all-day airplane extravaganza. And don't miss the annual Dayton Vectren Air Show in June with high-flying entertainment including the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.
- Climb burial mounds. One of the largest conical Native American burial mounds is located right here in Dayton. The Miamisburg Mound State Memorial is an exciting way to learn about the great Adena culture.
- Eat local. Dayton has some pretty darn delicious food destinations. Make a vow to try somewhere new or try something new off the menu at one of your go-to spots. If you aren't sure where to go, visit the Miami Valley Restaurant Association's web site to learn more about our network of local dining. Still not sure? There is no better time to try someplace new than Restaurant Week (one in winter, one in the summer). You'll get great deals. If you can, try the sneak preview event before each and sample foods from a bunch of places in one stop. During the summer, food events like Taste of the Greene, Taste of All Things Oregon, Taste of Miami Valley and The Taste (Fraze Pavilion) won't disappoint.
- Riverscape Inventor's Walk. Admire Daytonian inventions by strolling down the green-and-white towers at Patterson Boulevard Canal Parkway.
- Enjoy a Buckeye milkshake from Young's Jersey Dairy. Enjoy the most delicious milkshake in the history of milkshakes while hanging out with farm animals. Find more tasty frozen treats here.
- Get to know downtown. Downtown Dayton is a great place to live, work or play. Downtown is home to the city's top arts/cultural destinations. You'll find more than 50 restaurants, more than 30 bars/clubs, a ballpark known for routinely selling out home games, plus tons of museums and galleries. The best way to experience downtown is at the monthly showcase event, First Fridays, held the first Friday of the month. During the summer, Summer in the City will return with a series of special events including a housing tour, adventure race, arts showcase and more.
- Shop at 2nd Street Market. Visit your local growers, bakers, artisans and culinary specialists at the one and only 2nd Street Market. If you're lucky, you may even hear live music.
- Freedom's Call. This is a free family celebration with events galore! The day will be jam-packed with special displays, featured performers, flyovers, live bands, food vendors and fireworks. It's a rare chance for anyone to get access to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
- Experience the Garden Station. This fantastic urban space has everything from community garden plots and upcycled public art to events for the whole family, such as concerts, festivals, markets, movies and more.
- Visit the Dayton International Peace Museum. Kids will fall in love with the Children's Room that's decked out with games and instruments. Not a kid? No worries. Stop by and tour the exhibits, recline on cozy couches and curl up with a good book.
- See the Wright Brothers' Bicycle Shop. Whether you're visiting Dayton or a local Daytonian, you have to add the Wright Cycle Company Complex as a point of interest.
- Check out the Packard Museum. Dedicated to extravagant, gleaming masterpieces of transportation.
- Go see the Nutcracker. It's a Dayton holiday tradition. If you missed it this year, don't repeat that mistake. The Dayton Ballet, with support from the Dayton Philharmonic, puts a Dayton spin on a classic. While you're there, browse the historic old Rike's Department Store windows that are housed in the Schuster Center lobby during the holiday season.
- Be a kid again at the Boonshoft. No matter your age, the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is going to steal your heart. Check out animals up close, watch an array of laser shows, see yourself in a heat image camera and take part in presentations.
- Hit up all the MetroParks. With 19 MetroParks in the Dayton area, this could keep you pretty busy all summer. Pack a picnic and take a hike. Need some inspiration? Here are more than 20 ways to experience all our MetroParks have to offer.
- Get your noms at local food trucks. Ever wonder if you could eat food only from food trucks for an entire day? It's cool, we made it easy for you. Check out our food truck guide to find your favorite, make a new discovery or to find out where they'll be.
- Catch some national acts at our local music centers. Enjoy outdoor summer concerts at the Fraze Pavilion or the Rose Music Center. A few shows have been announced, including Jake Owen at the Fraze, with many more announcements coming soon.
- Travel back in time at Sunwatch Indian Village. Step back in time to about 800 years ago and see how the Fort Ancient Indians lived. You'll get to see reconstructed structures and villages, found artifacts and more.
- Drink margaritas! Grab your friends and refresh your thirst with Bad Juan Margaritas from Elsa's. Or check out a new spot. Find some of our favorites here: 5 best places to find margaritas.
- Go camping. Spend a relaxing day getting back to basics with family and friends. Camp, fish and enjoy the great outdoors. Don't forget to make s'mores.
- Don't miss the county fairs and festivals. Summer and fall will offer plenty of opportunities for festival fun. Support your local county fair and immerse yourself in funnel cakes, livestock shows and the heat of the summer. Experience life in our smaller towns with festivals like the Ohio Sauerkraut Festival, the Troy Strawberry Festival and more.
- Spend some time in a local art gallery. Dayton's art scene is vibrant and constantly moving. Take some time to see an exhibit at the Dayton Art Institute, Dayton Visual Arts Center or any other galleries in the area. If you are willing to splurge, go to DVAC's art auction and support a local artist and start or grow your personal art collection.
- Butterfly house: The butterfly house at Cox Arboretum is one of our favorite places. After you visit it, you'll see why.
- Catch a Dayton Dragons game. America would not be America (and summer would not be summer) without its favorite pastime. Whether you're a sports nut or not, there's plenty for everyone to enjoy at a Dragons game. Here's a guide to making the most of it. Don't forget to have your picture taken with Heater and Gem!
- Hit the Aviation Trail. Whether you're a Wright Brothers fanatic or a full-on aviation enthusiast, this is something you'll want to check out. Make sure you check out the Parachute Museum!
- Enjoy a pint of local craft beer. Beer lovers, rejoice! Check out this guide to the area's hottest breweries.
- Go get brunch. Indulge on a weekend with a fantastic meal and some boozy drinks (Bloody Mary, anyone?) at one of our fantastic local restaurants. A must-read: 10 of the best brunch spots in Dayton.
- Shop at local farmers markets. Support your local growers and get the freshest food and products from one of the area's top farmer markets. It's win-win, really.
- Go old-time at the drive-in. Take the family to see a double feature at one of the area's retro drive-in movie theatres in Fairborn or Brookville.
- Go kayaking. Rent a kayak at Riverscape and paddle out to the fountains, or check out other great places to paddle (and what to know before you go).
- Take a bike tour of Dayton. Rent a bike from Link Dayton and tour the downtown Dayton area.
- Challenge your friends. Head to Scene75 and challenge your friends in video-game contest, laser tag, mini-golf, go-karts, bumper cars, and mini-bowling.
- Take a mini road trip. The possibilities are endless. Check out THE famous Yellow Spring, or head underground to the Ohio Caverns. Zipline at Camp Kern or see the Devil's Bathtub at Hocking Hills. Plan your trip with 7 must-see sights in driving distance of Dayton.
- Visit the Little Art Theatre. Moviegoers of all ages can find something to love about this tiny, independently-owned and run theatre. A staple of the Yellow Springs community, it has just about every genre you can imagine, as well as special events.
- Spend a day in the Oregon District. Whether you're looking for a place to eat, shop or hang out with friends, the Oregon District is the place to go. Grab a cocktail from a locally-owned restaurant or enjoy a local craft beer at Toxic or Lucky's. Look for vintage goods at Clash Consignment or Feathers, check out records at Omega Music or find a new hat at BRIM. Seriously, the list goes on.
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