What better time than now to celebrate some of Dayton’s best festivals?
We asked Daytonians to vote for their favorite local festival in Dayton.com’s Best of 2018 contest.
>> Complete list of Best of Dayton winners
The competition was fierce in this category, with so many amazing festivals from spring to fall to love. But these were the three that rose to the top in people’s hearts (and bellies):
WINNER: Dayton Art Institute Oktoberfest
The Dayton region has plenty of Oktoberfest celebrations. But the people of Dayton voted the Dayton Art Institute’s three-day celebration of Oktoberfest the top. It’s been a tradition for more than 70 years. Oktoberfest takes place on the grounds of the museum and is the museum's largest annual fundraiser. Beer, brats, food trucks, live music, arts and crafts combine for one of Dayton’s biggest parties of the year. Highlights include the two-day festival on Saturday and Sunday, a Lederhosen lunch kickoff celebration on Friday and an exclusive Friday night ticketed preview party.
>> PHOTOS: Dayton Art Institute Oktoberfest 2018
Want to go?
456 Belmonte Park N., Dayton | Website | Facebook
This year's festival dates: Sept. 27-29, 2019
SECOND PLACE: Dayton Celtic Festival
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
The incredible Celtic music is the big draw (in addition to the beer), but this signature Dayton summer festival has something for everyone. Presented by United Irish of Dayton at RiverScape MetroPark, The free festival features workshops, vendors, food, beer, children’s activities, a Celtic breakfast and a Gaelic Mass.
>> PHOTOS: Dayton Celtic Festival 2018
Want to go?
237 E. Monument Ave., Dayton | Website | Facebook
This year's festival dates: July 26-28, 2019
THIRD PLACE: Yellow Springs Street Fair
One of the best things about this festival, other than the fact it’s in the charming village of Yellow Springs, is that you get to experience it twice a year. The Street Fair takes place in summer and fall and features music, belly dancing, food, beer and vendors who sell handmade wares and crafts. You never know who or what you might see.
>> PHOTOS: Yellow Springs Street Fair summer 2018
Want to go?
Downtown Yellow Springs | Website | Facebook
This year's festival dates: June 8 and Oct. 12, 2019
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