when: Sunday, May 26th, 12pm – 7pm
where: Carillon Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton
detail: Enjoy watching skilled artisans and craftsmen at work, showcasing traditional trades such as woodworking, historical cooking, bread baking and printing.
Fee: $14 adults. $12 seniors. $10 children. Free for children 2 and under. Free for Dayton History members.
More info: 937-293-2841 or DaytonHistory.org
2. Dayton Pizza Fest
when: Saturday, May 25th, 5pm – 9pm
where: Yellow Cab Barn, 700 E. Fourth St., Dayton
detail: Numerous food trucks and stands will be serving up plenty of pizza and pizza-inspired dishes, and the beer garden patio will add to the fun.
Fee: free entrance.
More info: 937-424-3870 or Yellow Cab Tavern
3. Cheese Festival
when: Saturday, May 25th, 6pm – 10pm
where: Austin Landing, 10050 Innovation Drive, Miamisburg
detail: Join the Miami Valley Restaurant Association for their official summer kickoff event at Austin Landing for a delicious foodie festival complete with live entertainment and a beer garden.
Fee: free
More info: Austinland
4. Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay
when: Saturday, May 25th, 8:30pm
where: Dayton Masonic Center, 525 W. Riverview Ave.
detail: The Grammy Award-winning band’s music resonates throughout the candlelit, live, multi-sensory musical experience.
Fee: $33
More info: 937-224-9795 or Dayton Mathematics Center
Credit: Photo provided
Credit: Photo provided
5. Indiecraft
when: Friday and Saturday, May 24-25, 6:30 p.m.
where: Mother Stewart’s Brewery, 102 W. Columbia St.; National Road Commons Park, 50 W. Main St.; State Theatre, 19 S. Fountain Ave., Springfield
detail: IndieCraft is a free, two-day music festival held at three locations in Springfield: Mother Stewart, National Road Commons Park, and the State Theatre. National acts include Tommy Stinson, Bridget Calls Me Baby, and Lydia Loveless. Local acts include K. Carter, Salvador Ross, Joe Waters Band, and Clubs Without Legs. (Don Thrasher)
Fee: free
More info: Indiecraft
6. “Dayton Skyscrapers” Opening Reception
when: Sunday, May 26th, 2pm-4pm
where: Ebonnia Gallery, 1135 W. Third St., Dayton
detail: “Dayton Skyscrapers” highlights the work of local and regional African-American visual artists as metaphors for those who stand tall in their fields. This year’s featured artists include Emmy Award-winning comedian Katt Williams (Atlanta), Dayton NAACP Chapter President and Image Award winner Derrick L. Forward, Judge Mia Wortham Spells, Paul Laurence Dunbar historian and scholar Laverne Sy and Bethel Baptist Church Pastor Xavier L. Johnson.
Fee: free
More info: 937-223-2290 or Source:
Credit: Goodness | Rachel Rockman
Credit: Goodness | Rachel Rockman
7. Shannon Clark & The Sugar
when: Friday, May 24
where: The Brightside, 905 E. Third St., Dayton
detail: Shannon Clark & The Sugar are currently supporting two incredible albums. The Greenville-based Americana band worked with Grammy-winning producer Mark Howard (Bob Dylan, U2) on their debut album, Marks on the Wall (2021). Their follow-up, This Old World (2023), was recorded with Justin Weaver (The Chicks, The Judds) at Welcome to 1979 Recording Studios in Nashville. The American Landscape will also be performing on Friday. (Don Thrasher)
Fee: Advance tickets: $15
More info: 937-410-0450 or Source
8. Memorial Day at Young’s Jersey Daily
when: Thursday, May 23rd, 3pm – 10pm, Friday, May 24th, 12pm – 11pm, Saturday, May 25th, 12pm – 11pm, Sunday, May 26th, 12pm – 10pm, Monday, May 27th, 12pm – 10pm
where: Young’s Jersey Daily, 6880 Springfield-Xenia Road, Yellow Springs
detail: Throughout the weekend there will be carnival rides and other fun activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Fee: $1.25 per ticket. 20 tickets for $20. All-day passes for $25.
More info: 937-325-0629 or Young’s Daily
Credit: Photo provided
Credit: Photo provided
9. Authorized Personnel
when: Friday, May 24th, 8pm
where: Oregon Express, 336 E. Fifth St., Dayton
detail: New owners Brandon and Laura Zeller vowed to bring back live music when they bought the Oregon-area pizza tavern in late 2023. They made good on that promise by bringing in musicians from a variety of genres. That theme of diversity is a perfect fit for Authorized Personnel, who put on a free show on Fridays. The Dayton group specializes in a variety of soul music, incorporating styles such as blues, funk, reggae, jazz and rock. (Don Thrasher)
Fee: free
More info: 937-223-9205 or Oregon Express Dayton
10. “Wildcat”
when: May 24-26, Friday-Sunday 12:10pm, 2:30pm, 5pm, 7:30pm
where: The Neon, 130 E. Fifth St., Dayton
detail: Neon will be screening Ethan Hawke’s independent film “Wildcat,” beginning Memorial Day weekend. The film is based on the life and short stories of Flannery O’Connor and is produced by Dayton native Kari O’Reilly. To be shot in Louisville in January and February 2023 and starring Hawke’s daughter Maya, “Wildcat” follows the literary icon as he struggles to write his first novel. Cincinnati-based actress Christine Dye will play the Duchess, and the cast also includes Laura Linney, Liam Neeson, Steve Zahn and Vincent D’Onofrio. Dye and Reilly will also participate in a Q&A following the screening at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Dye will appear in person and Reilly via Zoom.
Fee: $8.50 – $10.50
More info: Neon Movie
