>>Dayton Bucket List: 100 things to do in Dayton in 2019
💎SIGNATURE EVENTS🌟
1) THE BOOK OF MORMON
The originally scheduled run of “The Book of Mormon” in Dayton in late May was postponed. However, there was no stopping the national tour of the Broadway hit. The Victoria Theatre Association’s Projects Unlimited Star Attraction Series presents the musical Wednesday, Aug. 28 through Sunday, Sept. 1.
“The Book of Mormon” opens at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, on Wednesday. Show times are 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, with 2 p.m. matinees Saturday and Sunday.
Not surprising for a show from the creators of the Comedy Central hit, "South Park," "The Book of Mormon" contains explicit language. Cost: $30-$123. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
2) AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL FEST
The 11th annual Dayton African American Cultural Festival is presented at Island MetroPark, 101 Helena St., Dayton, on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 17 and 18. The festival, which runs from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, features an African village, drumming, storytelling, visuals arts, authors, live music and more. The second part of the festival is the Gospel Explosion from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. 937-475-2707 or www.daacf.com.
3) SOULFULLY FUNKALICIOUS
Dayton Contemporary Dance Company is getting its groove on and the public is invited. The local dance company hosts "Soulfully Funkalicious: All White Party" at Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St., Dayton, at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24. The fundraiser is presented in conjunction with DCDC's 51st season and features a soul food buffet, dancing and music from the Dayton Funk All-Stars. Cost: $80 general ticket, $120 VIP. Call 937-228-3232 or visit www.dcdc.org.
4) GERMANFEST PICNIC
Oompa-pa bands, German beer, Bavarian-style food, a culture display, KidZone and a 5K are just some of the offerings at the Germanfest Picnic at RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E. Monument St., Dayton, Friday through Sunday, Aug. 9 through 11. The 36th annual event is hosted by Dayton Liederkranz Turner. New programming additions this year include a dachshund race and a Dress Your Dog Like a German contest. Germanfest hours are 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Cost: Free. Call 937-429-9251 or visit www.germanfestdayton.com.
5) THE TASTE
Who's hungry? That is one question that surely won't be bandied about following the conclusion of The Taste. The 33rd annual food event returns to Lincoln Park Civic Commons, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering, at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29. Participating local restaurants were not announced at press time. Cost: $25 in advance, $30 day of the event. Children younger than 10 are $10 at the door. Call 937-296-0294 or visit www.playkettering.org.
6) FILMICALLY PERFECT LIVE
"Filmically Perfect," the second live event of the Cool Films season, is presented at Victoria Theatre, Dayton, on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 16 and 17. Coen Brothers storyboard artist J. Todd Anderson will be joined by George Willeman, from the podcast, "Filmically Perfect." The co-hosts give their perspectives on "The Hudsucker Proxy" on Friday and "A Face in the Crowd" on Saturday. Cost: $7 per night. Cool Films passbooks are $39 and include 10 film passes and 10 passes for free popcorn and soda. The passes can be used in any combination across the series. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
7) ART ON THE COMMONS
Rosewood Arts Centre and the Kettering Arts Council join together once again to co-present Art on the Commons at Lincoln Park Civic Commons, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering, on Sunday, Aug. 11. The 31st annual juried display and sale, which features fine arts and handmade crafts from more than 100 artists, runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: Free. The art festival also features live music and food and drink vendors. Call 937-296-0294 or visit www.playkettering.org.
8) THE MUSICAL COMEDY MURDERS OF 1940
Dayton Theatre Guild begins its 2019-2020 season with John Bishop's "The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940." Doug Lloyd directs the play, which opens in the Caryl D. Philips TheatreScape, 430 Wayne Ave., Dayton, on Friday, Aug. 23. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday opening weekend, and 8 p.m. Friday, 5 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday the following weekends. Cost: $20 adults, $18 seniors and $13 students. Season tickets are available. "The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940" is presented through Sept. 8. Call 937-278-5993 or visit www.daytontheatreguild.org.
9) STEVE-O
Stephen Glover, better known as Steve-O, made his name as the wild man among wild men on MTV's "Jackass" series. While, he has expanded his resume beyond thrill-seeker to include acting and stand-up, anyone following him on Twitter knows he's still as wacky and reckless as ever. Steve-O is out on tour this summer with his comedy act, including shows at the Funny Bone Comedy Club, 88 Plum St., The Greene, Beavercreek, on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 16 and 17. Show times are 7:30 and 10 p.m. Cost: $25 to $50. Call 937-429-LAFF (5233) or visit www.daytonfunnybone.com.
10) HWD
HWD, which stands for Height x Width x Depth, is the annual juried sculpture exhibition opening at Rosewood Arts Centre, 2655 Olson Drive, Kettering, on Monday, Aug. 26. The show, which is on display through Oct. 4, features three-dimensional work by sculptors in any medium from Ohio and surrounding states. An artists' reception will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8. Call 937-296-0294 or visit www.playkettering.org.
11) BRITISH CAR DAY
MG Car Club SW Ohio Centre and Miami Valley Triumphs presents British Car Day at Eastwood MetroPark, 1385 Harshman Road, Dayton, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10. Austin-Healey, Triumph, MG, Jaguar and other British auto manufacturers will be featured in the 35th annual show. Cost: Admission is free for spectators. It's $18 to preregister a car and $20 day-of-show registration. Call 937-293-2819 or visit www.britishcardaydayton.com.
12) VICKI BARBOLAK
Vicki Barbolak made it to the Top 10 season of "America's Got Talent" before being bumped. However, she didn't waste time licking her wounds. The comedian capitalized on the prime-time exposure to raise her profile on the club scene. Barbolak performs at the Funny Bone Comedy Club, 88 Plum St., The Greene, Beavercreek, Friday through Sunday, Aug. 30 through Sept. 1. Show times are 7:30 and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $20 to $30. Call 937-429-LAFF (5233) or visit www.daytonfunnybone.com.
13) BACON FEST
There are a number of food events during the summer, but none are quite like Bacon Fest. The seventh annual celebration of the diverse, delectable item is presented by the Restaurant Raiders at Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering, at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17. Cost: Free. Musical acts are the George Barrie Band, Honey and Blue Band and Pandora Effect. Pets and coolers are not permitted. Call 937-296-3300 or visit www.fraze.com.
14) ON GOLDEN POND
"On Golden Pond," which opened on Broadway in 1979, explores the strained relationship between an aging father and his adult daughter. The 1981 Academy Award-winning film adaptation starred Henry Fonda and his real-life daughter, Jane. The play opens at La Comedia Dinner Theatre, 765 W. Central Ave., Springboro, on Thursday, Aug. 15. "On Golden Pond" is presented through Sept. 8. Show times are 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Sunday, 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Doors open two hours before show time. The buffet 75 minutes before show time. Cost: $61-$74 adults, $30 children 11 and younger. Call 937-746-4554 or visit www.lacomedia.com.
🍺BEER AND WINE EVENTS🍷
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
1) ALEFEST
AleFest, the long-running craft beer-tasting event, returns to Dayton Convention Center, Fifth St., Dayton, from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24. The 21st annual gathering of beer enthusiasts features national and international brands in addition to selections from local breweries. Cost: $45 in advance, $50 at the door. VIP $60 in advance, $65 at the door and includes early entry at 3 p.m. Each admission includes 20 craft beer samples, a commemorative tasting glass and sampling guide. A portion of the proceeds from the craft beer tasting benefits Alzheimer's Association, Dayton Area Rugby Club and local tornado relief. Visit www.alefest.com.
2) GREAT AMERICAN BEER TASTING
Heidelberg Distributing presents the 12th annual Great American Beer Tasting at Fifth Third Field, 220 N. Patterson Blvd., Dayton, from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17. Cost: $30 in advance, $40 day of the event. Entry includes 20 samples from more than 100 options, a souvenir sampling glass and one raffle ticket. $5 designated driver tickets. Call 937-228-2287 or visit www.daytondragons.com.
3) SUMMER WINE FEST
August is a big month for area beer drinkers, but wine lovers aren't being left out in the cold. Citilites Unwind Series celebrates the grape with its Summer Wine Festival in the Schuster Center's Wintergarden, Second and Main streets, Dayton, at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18. This event features more than 50 wines. Cost: $40. VIP $80. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
4) FESTIVAL OF THE VINE
Lincoln Park Civic Commons, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering is also serving as a gathering spot for wine lovers. The annual Festival of the Vine returns at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10. The wine tasting event also has live music featuring opener New Basics Brass Band followed by Fo/Mo/Deep and Hot Tonic. Cost: Free. Call 937-296-3300 or visit www.fraze.com.
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
5) BEER!
Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. Fourth St., Dayton, hosts the return of Beer! A Celebration of Dayton Brewing from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16. Participating local brewers won't be announced until the week before the event. Yellow Cab's monthly Food Truck Rally is the dining component for the celebration and, like most events at the venue, there will be live music. Cost: Free admission, $20 in advance for eight six-ounce pours and commemorative glasses. Individual six-ounce pours are $3 each the day of the tasting. Call 937-424-3870 or visit www.yellowcabtavern.com.
6) DOWN A BEER
Down a River, Down a Beer is a unique entry into the tasting game. The sixth annual Piqua Craft Beer Festival returns to 919 S. Main St., Piqua, on Saturday, Aug. 10. The event, which runs from 6 to 10 p.m., features 99 eclectic local and international brews, live music and River Fire Rings lighted at dusk. Cost: Advance tickets $30 in advance, $35 at the gate. Designated drivers pay $5. Call 937-773-8553.
🎤CONCERTS AND MUSIC FESTIVALS🎵
1) BRIAN WILSON
Brian Wilson was forced to delay a string of dates early in the summer, including the postponed June 18 concert at Rose Music Center, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights. The former Beach Boy is returning to the road with former band members Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin for "Pet Sounds: The Final Performances." The local stop at The Rose was rescheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13. Doors open at 6 p.m. Cost: $40 to $82. Call 937-228-2323 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Credit: Ethan Miller
Credit: Ethan Miller
2) LADY ANTEBELLUM
Lady Antebellum has been a hit-making machine since emerging on the country music scene in 2006. The group has scored nine number one singles and sold more than 18 million albums. Lady Antebellum performs at Rose Music Center, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights, at 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8. The chart-topping country act shares the stage with special guests Levi Hummon and Kylie Morgan. Doors open at 7 p.m. Cost: $63 to $103. Call 937-228-2323 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
3) HAPPY TOGETHER TOUR
Happy Together Tour, the Turtles' annual summer tour with a '60s flare, returns to Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering, at 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8. This year's bill features former Three Dog Night vocalist Chuck Negron, Gary Puckett & the Union Gap, the Cowsills, the Buckinghams and the Classic IV. $40 lawn & terrace in advance, $50 side orchestra and $60 plaza & center orchestra. All ticket prices increase $5 the day of show. Call 937-296-3300 or visit www.fraze.com.
4) HANCOCK & WASHINGTON
Two distinct generations of jazz musicians have joined forces this summer. At 79 years old, Herbie Hancock is a true elder statesman of the genre, while Kamasi Washington, though critically acclaimed, is still a rising force in jazz. The two musical titans present a co-headlining concert at Rose Music Center, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights, at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7. Cost: $23.50-$78. Call 937-228-2323 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
5) FOUR SEASONS
Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons, the act behind early '60s number one pop hits like "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry" and "Walk Like a Man," is back on the road this summer. The group performs at Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering, at 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9. Cost: $45 lawn & terrace, $75 side orchestra in advance. All ticket prices increase $5 the day of show. Call 937-296-3300 or visit www.fraze.com.
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
6) LAUREN DAIGLE
Lauren Daigle is amassing quite a trophy collection in a short time. She has won two Grammy Awards, a pair of Billboard Music awards and one American Music Awards that share space with a platinum-selling debut album and three gold singles. Daigle brings her Look Up Child World Tour to the Nutter Center, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy., Fairborn, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24. Cost: $25-$99.50. Call 937-775-4789 or visit www.nuttercenter.com.
7) LANG & GREY
Rose Music Center, 6800 Executive Blvd., 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights, has a number of solid co-headlining bills this summer. One highly-anticipated concert is the pairing of Jonny Lang and JJ Grey & Mofro at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9. The blues acts will share the stage with guest Marc Broussard. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Cost: $23.50 to $50. Call 937-228-2323 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
8) ROOFTOP BEATLES TRIBUTE
Last year, local musicians Nathan Peters and Patrick Himes got together with some of their musical friends for a unique tribute to the music of the Beatles. Come Together, the second annual rooftop concert, is presented at Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. Fourth St., Dayton, at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17. After the rooftop concert, Yellow Cab hosts an inside show with performances by Lioness, the New Old-Fashioned, Bribing Senators and Cherry Lee & the Hotrod Hounds. Cost: $7 in advance, $10 day of show. Doors open at 5 p.m. Call 937-424-3870 or visit www.yellowcabtavern.com.
9) VINCE GILL
Fans of country singer Vince Gill were surprised in 2017 when he announced he was joining the Eagles. While he has performed with the legendary classic rock act, he hasn't forsaken his own music. In fact, he's releasing his 15th studio album, "Okie," in August. Gill, currently on the road with special guest Jess Hughes, performs at Rose Music Center, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Cost: $40 to $72. Call 937-228-2323 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
10) TRACY LAWRENCE
Nearly 30 years into his country music career, Tracy Lawrence is still going strong. The singer behind number one country singles like "Alibis," "Sticks and Stones" and "Can't Break it to My Heart" is currently on the road, including a return to JD Legends, 65 Millard, Dr., Franklin, at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10. Nashville-based, area-native Thomas Mac opens the show. Cost: $25 to $125. Call 937-746-4950 or visit www.jdlegends.com.
11) JOHN BUTLER
John Butler Trio+ is currently on the road supporting the Australian musician's seventh studio album, "Home." Like previous collections, he explores folk, blues and roots rock but this time with a bigger emphasis on rhythm. Butler brings his group to Rose Music Center, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10. Cost: $23.50 to $49.50. Call 937-228-2323 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
12) BELLWETHER FEST
Renaissance Park, 10542 E. State Route 73, Waynesville, hosts the second annual Bellwether Music Festival on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 9 and 10. This year's lineup includes Beach House, Cold War Kids, Guided By Voices, Twin Shadow, Real Estate and others. Gates open at noon. Music starts at 2 p.m. Cost: $59 per day general admission, $99 for two-day general admission pass. VIP, camping, glamping and RV packages are available. The festival is rain or shine. Visit www.bellwetherfest.com.
13) MIAMI VALLEY MUSIC FEST
Terrapin Moon, the Ark Band, Scott Lee & the Whiskey River Boys, the Typical Johnsons and Controversy For Breakfast are among the diverse array of bands on the bill for Miami Valley Music Fest 2019. The 14th annual event returns to the Eagles Campground, 2252 Troy-Urbana Road, Troy, on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 9 and 10. Cost: $50 at the gate. Reserved camping is $75 before August 8. Car camping and VIP parking are $25. Visit www.miamivalleymusicfest.com.
14) PORCHFEST
Porchfest, from 1:30 to 6:45 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, is like no other music event in town. The Collaboratory presents the annual showcase of local music with an eclectic collection of acts performing on the porches of participating houses in St. Anne Hill's Historic District, off of East Fifth Street in Dayton. Performers include the Dayton Blues Society's 2019 Road to Memphis Blues Challenge winner Jimmy D. Rogers, acoustic duo Biscuits & Gravy, jazz act Berg Trio, Celtic group FinTan and the reggae-funk of G-Thang. Cost: Free. Call 937-802-0937 or visit www.daytonporchfest.org.
7) HOPEWELL MUSIC FEST
The Allman Betts Band, featuring Devon Allman and Duane Betts, the sons of two legendary Allman Brothers Band members, headlines the new Hopewell Music Festival. The inaugural event, at 2740 S. State Route 202, Troy, at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, also features performances by Alexis Gomez, Michael Locke & the Repeat Offenders, Joe Waters and others. Cost: General admission tickets are $40 in advance, $50 at the gate. VIP tickets are $85 in advance, $110 at the gate. Visit https://hopewellmusicfestival.com.
8) DAYTON FUNK FESTIVAL
The City of Dayton has hosted a series of free outdoors festivals for decades now. Surprisingly, for a place proud of the heritage of hometown musical innovators such as the Ohio Players and Zapp, there hasn't been one dedicated to funk. That has changed this year. The series of jazz, blues and reggae-focused events was expanded to include the Dayton Funk Festival, presented at Levitt Pavilion, South Main streets, between Fourth and Fifth streets, Dayton, on Sunday, Aug. 11. The Johnson Treatment kicks off the day at 1:15 p.m., followed by the LYD Band, Kick-n-Flava and Top Secret Band. The Deron Bell band closes the day with a 7:30 p.m. set. Cost: Free. Visit www.levittdayton.org.
9) SOUND VALLEY FEST
A mix of established and emerging local acts will share the stage during the Sound Valley Summer Music Festival at Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. Fourth St., Dayton, on Saturday, Aug. 31. The roster of performers includes the Nightbeast, the Boxcar Suite, Tino, the 1984 Draft and Salvadore Ross. Gates open at 4 p.m. Cost: $10 in advance, $15 at the gate. A portion of the proceeds will benefit SICSA Pet Adoption Center. Call 937-424-3870 or visit www.yellowcabtavern.com.
10) CLIFTON GORGE FEST
Arts & crafts, food vendors and live music are just a few of the attractions at the Clifton Gorge Music & Arts Festival. The event, near the Old Clifton Union School at North and Clay streets, Clifton, on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 23 and 24, also features the Soul Fire Tribe dancers, chainsaw carvers, kids' activity area and a Friday cruise-in. Festival hours are 4 to 11 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday. Musical acts include Spanish Tony Sanchez, Ohio Brass and Electric, Discarded Mischief and the Hoppers. Cost: Free. Call 937-342-2175 or visit www.villageofclifton.com.
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