1) WAGNER SUBARU OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE
Kayaking, mountain biking and rock climbing are just some of the activities programmed to get folks off the sofa and out of the house to visit Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience. The popular event, returning to Eastwood MetroPark, 1385 Harshman Road in Dayton, on Oct. 5 and 6, also features competitions, professional demos, hands-on activities, an exhibitor village craft beer garden and live music from Daniel Dye, Nasty Bingo, Amber Hargett and others. Outdoor Experience hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Cost: Free. Call 937-275-7275 or visit www.outdoorx.org.
2) MASQUERAGE
"Push Play" is the theme of this year's Masquerage at The 804 Bldg., 804 E. Monument Ave., Dayton, at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19. The Rubi Girls will be celebrating gaming culture, including video games, cosplay, board games, with a throwback '80s vibe during this annual costume party for a cause. Cost: $65 general admission, $150 for Red Ribbon Lounge. Proceeds benefit Equitas Health and supports HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. Visit www.masquerage.org.
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3) LGBT FILM FEST
The Neon, 130 E. Fifth St., Dayton, is the site of the Dayton LGBT Film Festival. The 14th annual event, which runs Thursday through Sunday, Oct. 10 through 13, features "Gay Chorus Deep South," "Circus of Books," "Scream, Queen! My Nightmare on Elm Street," "Straight Up," Top Drawer Shorts and more. Cost: Festival passes are $65. Single show tickets are available. Call 937-222-8452 or visit www.daytonlgbt.com.
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
4) ARTS, BEATS AND EATS
Dayton Art Institute celebrates its 100th birthday with "Arts, Beats and Eats." The community festival and open house, at Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N., Dayton, on Sunday, Oct. 6, features Zoot Theatre Company's puppet petting zoo, live music from Kick-n-Flava, Shakedown and Hey There Morgan, food trucks and museum admission. "Arts, Beats and Eats" hours are noon to 7 p.m. Cost: Free. Call 937-223-5277 or visit www.daytonartinstitute.org.
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5) CULTURAL ARTS & BOOK FEST
Sally Fingerett, the author of "Stories from a Life Long Student of the Crazy," is the featured writer in the opening night of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton's Cultural Arts & Book Festival. Fingerett is at Wiley's Comedy Club, 101 Pine St., Dayton, at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24. Cost: $12 in advance, $18 at the door. Other programs in the series include Matthew Goodman on Nov. 6, Myla Goldberg on Dec. 11 and Lev Golinkin on Jan. 19. Call 937-610-1555 or visit www.jewishdayton.org.
6) TEDXDAYTON
A diverse selection of speakers will be sharing their experiences during TedXDayton at Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton, from 12:15 to 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11. This year's lineup includes financial coach Estelle Gibson, bitcoin advocate Jad Mubaslat, singer-songwriter Anna Baugham and hardwood expert Criswell Davis. Doors open at 11:45 a.m. Cost: $20 students, $50 attendees, $100 patron and $250 legacy patron. Visit www.tedxdayton.com.
7) MAKER & MUSE
"Maker & Muse: Women and Early 20th-century Art Jewelry" opens at Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N., Dayton, on Saturday, Oct. 26. The new exhibition focuses on pieces from the 1880s to the 1930s from France, Germany, America and the United Kingdom. Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $15 adults, $10 seniors 60 and older and active military, $5 students 18 and older with ID and youth ages 7-17. Free for DAI members and children 6 and younger. "Maker & Muse" is on display through January 19. Call 937-223-4ART (4278) or visit www.daytonartinstitute.org.
8) CREATIVES & COCKTAILS
Dayton Society of Artists hosts Come As You Art at The Brightside, 905 E. Third St., Suite B, Dayton, from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11. This Creatives & Cocktails fundraiser offers hors d'oeuvres, a pop-up gallery, raffle and live music from Ohio Brass & Electric. Costumes and other artistic attire is encouraged but not required. Cost: $35 DSA members, $40 nonmembers. Call 937-410-0450 or visit www.thebrightsidedayton.com.
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
9) ALE-O-WEEN
Attention craft beer aficionados: Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St., Dayton is hosting Ale-O-Ween from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19. The Ohio Craft Beer Association's fourth annual fall event features seasonal beers and other options from more than 40 craft brewers. Cost: General admission tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door. Early entry at 5 p.m. is $50 in advance, $60 at the door. Designated driver tickets are $15. Music provided by the AmpFibians and Team Void. Visit http://ohiocraftbeer.org/ale-o-ween.
10) HORRORAMA
Englewood Cinema, 320 National Road, Englewood closed its doors in 2015, but a local ownership group purchased it recently. One of the first special events at the newly renovated movie theater is Horrorama Dayton at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19. The all-night viewing party will have screenings of "King Kong Vs. Godzilla," "Army of Darkness," "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" and other classic horror flicks. Visit www.facebook.com/horroramadayton.
11) ROSEWOOD ART
Oxford-based painter Robert Mullinex will be showing his work in a new solo show alongside the mixed media and installations of Ashley Jude Jonas of Dayton at Rosewood Arts Centre, 2655 Olson Drive, Kettering. Both exhibitions open in Rosewood Gallery on Monday, Oct. 14. An artist reception is scheduled for Oct. 20 from 2 to 4 p.m. Rosewood Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Cost: Free. These exhibitions are on display through November 15. Call 937-296-0294 or visit www.playkettering.org.
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
12) DIA DE MUERTOS
One of the highlights each year at Dia de Muertos is the parade. However, the local Day of the Dead celebration on Sunday, Oct. 20, offers much more. The festivities begin with a pre-party at 2 p.m., followed by the parade at 4 pm. The procession begins near Fifth and Jefferson streets and proceeds through the Oregon District to St. Anne's Hill. The parade ends at Missing Peace Arts Space, 234 S. Dutoit St., Dayton, which is hosting an after-party from 5 to 8 p.m. Cost: Free. Call 937-241-4353 or visit www.missingpeaceart.org.
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
13) HAUNTFEST ON FIFTH
Hauntfest on 5th is about to celebrate its 34th year. Costumed revelers will take over the Oregon District for a night filled with fun, drinks and costume contests. Must be 18 to enter and 21 to drink. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, in the Oregon District along East Fifth Street in Dayton. Cost is $10 in advance or $15 at the gate. Tickets will be available on Oct. 1.
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14) STODDARD AVENUE PUMPKIN GLOW
One of Dayton’s most beloved traditions continues on the hill behind the Greek Orthodox Church in the historic Grafton Hill neighborhood. The family-friendly event features more than 1,000 intricately carved jack-o’-lanterns carved by volunteers. 6-10 p.m. Oct. 28-29, 2019 along Stoddard Avenue in Dayton.
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🎉FIVE CAN’T MISS FESTIVALS
Credit: DAVID MOODIE/CONTRIBUTED
Credit: DAVID MOODIE/CONTRIBUTED
1) YELLOW SPRINGS STREET FAIR
Yellow Springs Street Fair and Music and Beer Fest returns to downtown Yellow Springs on Saturday, Oct. 12. The autumn edition of the twice-yearly event features street performers, live music, a beer garden and more than 200 vendors selling food, arts & crafts, apparel and other items. Musical acts include the Nautical Theme, Jojo Stella, Les Groby, Mojo Power and other acts. Street Fair hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Festival hours are noon to 7 p.m. Cost: Free. Offsite parking with free shuttle service at Yellow Springs High School and Young's Jersey Dairy. Call 937-767-2686 or visit www.yellowspringsohio.org.
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
2) OHIO SAUERKRAUT FEST
Ohio Sauerkraut Festival, one of the region's longest-running small town street parties, returns to North Main Street in Waynesville, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 12 and 13. The 50th annual craft event features more than 460 vendors, live music and plenty of unique sauerkraut dishes. Festival hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Cost: Free. Musical acts include Fin Tan, Streetwise, Counting Skeletons and TimeStamp. Call 513-897-8855 or visit www.sauerkrautfestival.com.
3) CHOCOLATE FEST
One Giant Leap, a tribute to the 50th anniversary of the first NASA moon landing, is the theme of the Chocolate Festival. Faith and Friends Radio hosts the 17th annual event at Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 645 Infirmary Road, Dayton, on Saturday, Oct. 5. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: Free. Chocolatiers, arts & crafts vendors, food trucks, games, a chocolate recipe contest and live music. Gospel big band singer Dave Boyer performs alongside local singers. Call 937-233-2484 or visit www.faithandfriendsradio.com.
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
4) SPRING VALLEY POTATO FEST
Spring Valley Potato Festival returns on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 5 and 6. The 42nd annual event features contests, games, live music, arts & crafts vendors, farmers market and the 21st annual 5K Tater-Trot. Musical acts include Jim McCutcheon, 3 Road Junction, Big Martha and Shakertown. Festival hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Cost: Free. Call 937-862-5250 or visit www.springvalleyoh.com.
5) OKTOBERFEST
Liederkranz-Turner, Dayton's oldest German organization, hosts Oktoberfest at Dayton Liederkranz-Turner, 1400 E. Fifth St., Dayton, on Saturday, Oct. 19. The annual event, which runs from 5 to 11 p.m., features food, beverages and live German party music from the Trans Am Euro Mutts. Cost: $5. Free for Dayton German Club members with card, military and students with ID. Call 937-223-9013 or visit www.daytongermanclub.org.
🎭ON STAGE
1) ONCE ON THIS ISLAND
"Once on This Island: The Musical" is based on Rosa Guy's 1985 novel, "My Love, My Love." The 1990 play features book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty. Victoria Theatre Association presents the Premier Health Broadway Season production at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, Tuesday through Sunday, Oct. 22 through 27. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $26 to $89. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
2) DAYTON BALLET
The work of Penny Saunders and three other female choreographers make up Dayton Ballet's "Phantom Dances." This repertory program is presented at Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton, Thursday through Sunday, Oct. 24 through 27. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $15 to $83. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
3) DCDC
Dayton Contemporary Dance Company pays tribute to acclaimed choreographer Donald Byrd with "A Byrd's Eye View." This concert, at Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton, on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 5 and 6, features Byrd's pieces "Harriet Tubman Remix" and "The Geography of the Cotton Field." Show times are 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $28 to $48. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
4) THE CAKE
A sweetshop owner is forced to face long-held beliefs when she is asked to bake a cake for a same-sex wedding. That's the setup for Bekah Brunstetter's "The Cake," opening at Loft Theatre, 126 N. Main St., Dayton, on Thursday, Oct. 31. Show times are 8 p.m. Thursday, through Saturday, 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday, and 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. Cost: $16 to $42. "The Cake" is presented by Human Race Theatre Company through November 17. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
5) DECISION HEIGHT
In her play, "Decision Height," Meredith Dayna Levy delivers a story about female empowerment through the interaction between pilots in the Women Airforce Service during the second World War. Dayton Theatre Guild presents this play in the Caryl D. Philips TheatreScape, 430 Wayne Ave., Dayton, on Friday, Oct. 11. 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. "Decision Height" runs through Sunday, Oct. 27. Call 937-278-5993 or visit www.daytontheatreguild.org.
6) A NEW BRAIN
William Finn drew from his own medical emergency for "A New Brain," his musical about the healing power of art. Finn wrote the music and lyrics and cowrote the book with James Lapine. The play, which opened Off-Broadway in 1998, is presented at PNC Arts Annex, 46 W. Second St., Dayton, Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 17 through 19. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with a 2 p.m. Saturday matinee. Cost: $30 adults, $27 seniors 60 & older and military with ID, $18 students with ID. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
🎤CONCERTS
1) MERCYME
This year marked the 25th anniversary of contemporary Christian act MercyMe forming in Oklahoma. Today, the group is one of the genre's most revered acts with eight Dove Awards, six gold albums and one double platinum release. MercyMe's ninth studio album, "Lifer," was released in 2017. The group brings its Imagine Nation Tour to the Nutter Center, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy., Fairborn, at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24. Crowder and Micah Tyler are also on the bill. Cost: $23 to $150. Call 937-775-3498 or visit www.nuttercenter.com.
Credit: Chip Somodevilla
Credit: Chip Somodevilla
2) LYLE LOVETT
It has been seven years since the release of Lyle Lovett's 11th studio album, "Release Me," but the lack of a new release isn't keeping the Texas native off the road. Lovett is currently on tour with his Acoustic Group. Universal 1 Credit Union's VIC 150 Music Series presents the band in concert at Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton, at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18. Cost: $52 to $109. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
3) AMJAD ALI KHAN
Amjad Ali Khan was born into a musical family so it isn't surprising he followed that tradition when he began performing in the 1960s. The Indian classical sarod player went on to have an award-winning career. Ali Khan joins the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra for a concert at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11. Cost: $16 to $66. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
4) BEETHOVEN & TCHAIKOVSKY
The Dayton Philharmonic continues its new Titans Season with "Beethoven's 5th and Tchaikovsky." The Masterworks Series Concert is presented at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 4 and 5. The program includes Pyotr Tchaikovsky's "Piano Concert No. 1" and "Symphony No. 5" by Ludwig van Beethoven. Cost: $12 to $66. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
5) CONCERT FOR A CURE
Premier Physician Network and Mix 107.7 present Concert for a Cure at Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St., Dayton, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16. The annual benefit show features acoustic performances by Rayne Johnson, Steven Puth, John K, Parachute and Stranger. Doors open at 6 p.m. Cost: $30 to $50. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
6) TOM KEIFER
Many music writers still want to rehash the past, but as the frontman for heavy metal band Cinderella but Tom Keifer is focused on the present. For the Pennsylvania native, that means solo dates and a new album, "Rise," which was released by Cleopatra Records on Sept. 13. Keifer performs with special guest Liliac at BMI Speedway, 791 E. Main St., Versailles, at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12. Doors open at 5 p.m. Cost: $25 in advance, $35 at the door. Call 937-526-9547 or visit www.bmikarts.com.
7) JESSE COOK
While he is marketed as a nuevo flamenco musician, Jesse Cook can't be lumped into one category. He has been a musical adventurer since he launched his career in Canada in the mid-'90s and continued his sonic experimentation on his 2017 album, "Beyond Borders." Universal 1 Credit Union's VIC 150 Music Series presents Cook at Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton, at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12. Cost: $29 to $49. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
8) BEN WENDEL
Jazz saxophonist Ben Wendel drew inspiration from classical composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky to create "The Seasons." The work is comprised of 12 original pieces dedicated to 12 musicians he admires. Ben Wendel's Seasons Group performs at University of Dayton, Sears Recital Hall, Jesse Philips Humanities Center, 300 College Park, Dayton, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17. Cost: Free for UD students, $18 general admission, $15 seniors and UD alumni, $10 UD employees and retirees, $5 students younger than 18. Call 937-229-2545 or https://udayton.edu.
9) DIXON’S VIOLIN
Don't expect a traditional string music concert when Dixon's Violin takes the stage. The visionary musician has showcased his live, looped performances on Ted.com and in concert halls and outdoor events like Electric Forest and Burning Man. Dixon's Violin performs with opener Dance Furiously at The Brightside, 905 E. Third St., Suite B, Dayton, at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18. Cost: $12 in advance. $15 day of show. Call 937-410-0450 or visit www.thebrightsidedayton.com.
10) MONROEVILLE
Monroeville is not your grandpa's bluegrass group. While the Tennessee-based act uses traditional instruments, the musical results are far from conventional. Monroeville returns to the area to perform with the Kettering Orchestra at Fairmont High School, 3301 Shroyer Road, Kettering, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16. Cost: $10. Call 937-499-1640 or visit www.ketteringschools.org.
11) PHILHARMONSTER
Adam Glaser's "March of the Little Goblins" and "Parade of the Ewoks" by John Williams are just two of the pieces featured in the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra's annual Halloween concert. When the DPO presents PhilharMonster at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, the program will also have the local premiere of "VIRUS/This Is Not Going to End Well" by composer Michael Schelle. Cost: $22. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
12) ENSEMBLE HEINAVANKER
Since forming in Estonia in 1996, Ensemble Heinavanker has traveled the globe performing folk songs from its country along with contemporary sacred music from Arvo Pärt. Ensemble Heinavanker performs at the University of Dayton, Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, 300 College Park, Dayton, at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23. Cost: Free for UD students, $18 general admission, $15 seniors and UD alumni, $10 UD employees and retirees, $5 students younger than 18. Call 937-229-2545 or https://udayton.edu.
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