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Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

Archives for December 2024

Dayton Battle of the Bands 2025 Schedule Announced

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The schedule for the 2025 Dayton Battle of the Bands has been announced! This is a fantastic chance to explore up-and-coming local talent and original music from the Dayton region. This year’s event series features 26 bands over 6 weeks, culminating in a grand finale featuring the top 6 acts.

The 2025 Dayton Battle of the Bands schedule

The annual series kicks off on January 16, 2025, at The Brightside Music & Event Venue, located at 905 E Third St. The playoff rounds run every Thursday through February 20th (keeping February 27th as a possible snow date). The finale will take place on Saturday, March 8th. Each week is dedicated to a different genre from: Alt / Rock, Singer-Songwriter, Hip Hop, Metal / Punk, Americana / Bluegrass, and Funk / Reggae.

This venue has become a favorite among music enthusiasts, offering plenty of free parking, superb acoustics, a friendly ambiance, and attentive staff. Although it hosts numerous private events, showcasing local artists remains a top priority.

“We receive so many requests from local bands wanting to perform here, making it quite a challenge to accommodate them all in our hectic schedule,” said Music Booker Libby Ballengee. “The Dayton Battle of the Bands is an excellent opportunity for us to showcase these new bands and consider them for larger shows throughout the year.”

Arrianna Holiday performing at The Brightside
Photo by Jordan Freshour

The organizers aim to elevate these bands in their musical careers. Every band is provided with professional photography for promotional purposes and garners significant local social media exposure. Additionally, they receive valuable industry feedback from their partners at ConcertArchives.org. Additionally, other music venues and festivals in Dayton, including Levitt Pavilion, Oregon Express, and HoliDayton, attend the Dayton Battle of the Bands to discover talent for their own lineups.

“While it’s termed a battle, we see it as a beautifully collaborative music series,” stated Carli Dixon, co-owner of The Brightside. “We are part of the local musical ecosphere and strive to continue uplifting local musicians.”

Finalists enjoy a plethora of rewards, such as a live music video produced by Sound Valley Dayton, pizzas for band practices from Dayton Pizza Factory, and a cash prize from The Brightside, along with other benefits. The winner of the Dayton Battle of the Bands will receive an EP recording session at Dayton Sound Studios, a performance spot in Levitt Pavilion’s summer 2025 lineup, 50 personalized t-shirts from Little Monster Printing, and $1000 from The Brightside, among other prizes to be announced.

Through December 7th, series passes are on sale for just $50 for all 6 weeks of competition and the finale. This saves $25 off the regular pre-sale price and $60 off the regular at-door rate for the entire series.You can purchose those at this link: https://www.venuepilot.co/events/dayton-battle-of-the-bands-full-series-2025-03-08-the-brightside-music-event-venue-dayton-70fc21/orders/new

Event Organizer, Libby Ballengee Photo by Jordan Freshour

Dayton Battle of the Bands is made possible by a partnership between The Brightside, Venus Child Productions and Sound Valley Dayton. This all female-run festival of local music is one that you will not want to miss!

Visit the Dayton Battle of the Bands website for tickets and details: https://www.daytonbattleofthebands.com/

Nominations Open for MetroParks’ OUTstanding Teacher Awards

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Five Rivers MetroParks is accepting nominations for its ninth annual OUTstanding Teacher Awards. New this year and in recognition of the importance of early learning, separate categories have been created for early childhood and K-12 educators. Nominations are due Jan. 31, 2025.

2024 OUTstanding Teacher Awards – Jessie Muhleman (Leader) and Southdale Elementary Students

A winner will be selected from each of the following categories:

  • Early Childhood (minimum three years of experience): This award is open to teachers working in Early Childhood Education programs licensed in Ohio that are operating in Montgomery County or neighboring counties.
  • K-12 Classroom Teachers: Open to any classroom educator in public, private or Montessori in Montgomery County or neighboring counties, teaching any subject matter at any grade level (kindergarten through high school).
  • Rising Star (less than 10 years of teaching experience)
  • Leader (10 to 20 years of teaching experience)
  • Lifetime Achievement (more than 20 years of teaching experience)

“We are so pleased that the important work of early childhood educators will be considered and recognized through the Five Rivers MetroParks’ OUTstanding Teacher Award moving forward,” said Meredith Florkey, a representative from Miami Valley Leave No Child Inside. “This effort supports the years of work in the preschool, childcare and family-childcare industry that shares the importance of the first few years of life when most of the brain is developed.”

Awardees will be announced this spring. Winning teachers will also receive an awards package containing:

Funded through the James M. Cox Jr. Arboretum Foundation, the awards are for teachers providing students with outdoor, environmental experiences that inspire an interest in and positive attitudes about nature.

Anyone can nominate a teacher by writing a short essay or producing a video (less than five minutes in length) that provides examples from each of the following practices:

  • Educator exhibits positive attitudes toward nature and the outdoors
  • Educator uses outdoor spaces for teaching
  • Takes students outdoors regularly in all seasons to play and learn
  • Enhances and promotes the use of the schoolyard and greenspace for learning
  • Educator weaves nature into the classroom curriculum
  • Educator motivates staff, faculty and parent involvement in the outdoors
  • Educator dedicates time beyond the school day to promote nature engagement and learning
  • Educator engages students in environmentally-friendly practices

Additionally, award submissions should include two photos of the teacher that capture the great work he/she is doing getting kids outside and bringing nature into the curriculum and classroom.

Teachers can self-nominate. Nominations can be submitted by completing an online form and either posting a video to YouTube or uploading the written essay. Judging criteria and submission information can be found online at metroparks.org/outstanding. Videos do not have to be professionally produced, as the content of the message is what will be judged. Please be as specific as possible in your nomination, so judges have a clear understanding of the amazing work and the impact of your award nominee.

Community volunteers with a background in outdoor education will judge the awards. Five Rivers MetroParks employees and board members of the James M. Cox Jr. Foundation, Wegerzyn Gardens Foundation and Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation and their immediate families are not eligible.

Last year’s OUTstanding Teacher Award recipients were Molly Horne, Rising Star educator from Tippecanoe High School; Jessie Muhleman, Leader educator from Southdale Elementary; and Tracy Kuehn, Lifetime Achievement educator from Driscoll Elementary.

 

Rotary Club of Miamisburg’s 64th Annual Pancake Day

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Join Us for Pancake Day 2024

The Rotary Club of Miamisburg’s 64th Annual Pancake Day is back. Arrive hungry on Saturday, December 7, from 7:00 a.m. to noon at Miamisburg High School.  Club President Carolyn Kilpatrick and Past-president Fund Raising Chairman Rich Gulling invite local businesses and community members to come together for a morning filled with delicious pancakes in the spirit of giving back.

Bring your family and friends to enjoy pancakes, sausage links, apple sauce, orange juice, milk, coffee, and tea.  Santa Claus will be on hand to visit with children.  Tickets are available from any Miamisburg Rotarian or at the door for $6.00.  Children five years old and under eat FREE.

Every bite helps make a difference right here in Miamisburg.  Join a favorite community tradition in the high school commons.  Pancake Day is a fun social event and an excellent time to visit and catch up with friends.

Almost 65 years ago, the Rotary Club of Miamisburg created a fundraiser involving and benefitting the community.  Through the collaborative efforts of Hubert “Hubie” Fields and Dr. Glen Brandon, both past-presidents of the club, Rotary’s Pancake Day was born.

Through the efforts of our Rotarians, families, friends, and the Miamisburg High School Rotary Interact Club, this event is one of our largest fundraisers.  Proceeds support organizations including the Dr. Glen Brandon and the HV Bear scholarship funds, the Children’s Performing Arts, American Legion Boys State, American Legion Auxiliary Girls State, Blessings in a Bag, the Miamisburg Historical Society, Helping Hands Food Pantry, Club Impact at the Miamisburg Youth Center, and YMCA Youth Programs, among others.

Thank you to all who attend and help support Rotary’s work. We hope to see you there.

National Cookie Day deals to save you some dough

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Sweeten up your day with these discounts and freebies.

Chocolate chip, sugar, gingerbread, oh my! With so many cookie varieties to choose from, the options can feel overwhelming at times, but only in the best possible way.

On Dec. 4, cookie lovers will unite for National Cookie Day, and many brands are baking up freebies and discounts to celebrate. Craving a treat? Here are a bunch of deals to satiate your sweet tooth.

Cheryl’s Cookies

Cheryl’s Cookies customers can take advantage of the following deals on Dec. 4 using the code HNCD: $20 off $60+, $30 off $80+ and $50 on $150+.

Circle K

On National Cookie Day, Circle K customers can get a free freshly baked cookie in the chain’s app. The single-use offer is valid at participating locations in the U.S. while supplies last and can’t be combined with other deals.

Dunkin’

Just in time for National Cookie Day, Dunkin’ rewards members can get a $3 medium hot or iced signature latte between Dec. 3 — 9. The chain has cookie-inspired flavors ranging from Cookie Butter Cold Brew to Holiday Cookie Signature Latte.

Additionally, Dunkin’ is also debuting its first holiday cookie, aka the Decorated Shortbread Cookie, in stores nationwide on Dec. 4.

GourmetGiftBaskets.com

GourmetGiftBaskets.com is offering TODAY.com readers 20% off cookie gifts using the code COOKIETODAY through Dec. 31.

Great American Cookies

Great American Cookies customers can enjoy a buy-one, get-one-free deal on the company’s Cookie Cake slices.

Insomnia Cookies

On Dec. 4, Insomnia Cookies rewards members can get a free Classic cookie and a $1 Deluxe cookie in-store (no purchase required). The offer is also valid online with an in-app pickup or delivery order. For delivery orders, there’s a minimum purchase required.

Jimmy John’s

Through Dec. 8, Jimmy John’s and Oreo are donating a portion of the proceeds of the limited-edition Jimmy John’s Chocolate Peppermint Cookies to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (through the Jimmy John’s Foundation).

Kroger

Kroger customers who buy any 12-count Bakery Fresh Cookies using their loyalty card through Dec. 10 can get two free Bakery Fresh Hot Cocoa Cookies.

Subway

Through Dec. 4, cookie fanatics who visit SubwayCookieClub.com can enter for the opportunity to join the Subway Cookie Club. Up to 10,000 winners will then get a free cookie coupon every day in their MVP Rewards account between Dec. 9 — 31.

Additionally, Subway customers can get a free Footlong Cookie through DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub in the coming days:

  • DoorDash: Free Footlong Cookie with every $20 DoorDash order on Dec. 4 and Dec. 6 — 8. DashPass members will get early access to the deal between Dec. 2 — 5 and will only need to spend $15 to score the Footlong Cookie.
  • Uber Eats: Free Double Chocolate Peppermint Footlong Cookie with each Uber Eats $20 order between Dec. 2 — 8. UberOne members will only need to spend $15 to score the freebie.
  • Grubhub: Grubhub+ members will score a free Footlong Cookie between Dec. 4 — 10 with each $15 Grubhub order. Grubhub users can get the freebie with every $20 purchase during the promotional period.

Arby’s Releases Limited-Edition Holiday Merchandise

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Did you hear? Arby’s has the meats… and the merch. The holiday season is upon us, and Arby’s is celebrating by unveiling new holiday swag available exclusively at ArbysShop.com. The new collection features matching PJs and the highly anticipated Seasons Meatings Glassware – which is available for purchase starting today.

Peep the entire collection below:

Matching Christmas Pajamas : When just loving Arby’s isn’t enough, show it off head-to-toe with the new PJ set for the whole family. These hooded PJs not only have a zipper, but a festive Arby’s pattern as well. They come in a variety of sizes – some for adults, teens, and pups (adorable)!

Seasons Meatings Glassware: The exclusive glassware will complement any and all dining occasions. With a retro-style design, these glasses are like those vintage Arby’s holiday glasses in your grandma’s cabinet, minus the dust. Perfect for eggnog and holiday cocktails!

Smokehouse Wrapping Paper : Make your gift-giving a lot tastier with this extremely meaty smoke-scented wrapping paper. That’s right – Arby’s put a meat print on gift wrap. It looks (and smells!) good enough to eat, but please don’t do that.

Christmas Tree Meat Skirt : Lay your presents on the tastiest tree skirt this holiday season with a Meat Mountain-inspired design – it’s the ultimate surprise under the tree!

Festive Inflatables : Add the perfect touch to your holiday decorations with a giant inflatable Beef ‘n Cheddar combo. If you’ve ever wanted a giant Beef ‘n Cheddar and Curlies in your front yard, the brand-new Arby’s inflatable is for you. This decoration stands at 5 feet x 6 feet and is sure to make everyone on your block jealous (and hungry).

Arby’s Bowling Bag:  You don’t have to be a bowler to use this bag. You just have to have stuff.

Are you feeling the holiday spirit yet? Shop now at ArbysShop.com for the complete collection of clothing and accessories.

The McRib Is Back…For Now

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McDonald’s iconic barbecue sandwich — the McRib — officially returns to participating restaurants nationwide on Tuesday.

Dec. 3 was slated to be the first day the sandwich returned but some restaurants started serving the McRib early.

The McRib is made out of ground pork that is shaped into a patty that is shaped like a rack of ribs and then it is tossed with a house barbecue sauce, otherwise known as McRib sauce.

Then, the McRib patty is topped with slivered onions and pickles, subsequently cushioned between two buns.

Order yours in the McDonald’s app for pickup or delivery before it’s gone.^ The McRib has 520 calories.

 McDonald’s has taken time off from releasing the McRib nationwide over the years.

  • The McRib was not available at restaurants nationwide last year, and the chain called 2022 the sandwich’s “farewell tour.”
  • When it returned in 2020, the chain said it was the first time since 2012 that it was available at restaurants nationwide.

 

Sugar Plum Tea is a Family Favorite Holiday Tradition

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The Dayton Ballet Barre‘s annual Sugar Plum Tea is a tea party before the matinee performance of The Nutcracker by the Dayton Ballet. Children, parents, and grandparents alike enjoy this wonderful holiday tradition! It takes place in the beautiful Dayton Woman’s Club, exquisitely decorated for the season and within walking distance of the Schuster Center.

The ticket includes tea party foods: cute sandwiches, fruit, and desserts, with hot beverages including hot chocolate, tea, and coffee. Children get to participate in a short dance class from the Sugar Plum Fairy and a reading of The Nutcracker under the Christmas Tree – both are perfect for taking photos of your little loved one and prepping them for the performance.

“We love hosting this every year, and helping make beloved childhood memories,” organizer Libby Ballengee shared with us. “Even if you’re little ones are too small to attend the performance itself, this is a fun way to introduce them to The Nutcracker tradition.”

Please note – this event/ ticket does not include a ticket to the Dayton Ballet performance. Those are purchased separately through DaytonLive.org

How to Go?
Sugar Plum Tea at Dayton Woman’s Club – 225 North Ludlow Street in Dayton
Sunday, December 22, 2024
Doors open at 12 p.m. (due to event set-up, we cannot let patrons in earlier than noon)
Event 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. (Dayton Ballet performance starts at 2:30 pm across the street – needs separate ticket)
$25 per ticket (all attendees – adults & children – need a ticket): www.ticketsource.us/dayton-ballet-barre

Rubi Girls Honored with Ohio Historical Marker

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The RubiGirls have been honored with an Ohio Historical Marker at their iconic Rubi Clubhouse, becoming the third recipient of an LGBT-related marker in the state. This historic recognition celebrates their incredible contributions to Ohio’s LGBTQ+ community, blending entertainment with advocacy to make a lasting impact.

The RubiGirls’ legacy of raising funds for important causes and promoting inclusivity has left an indelible mark on Ohio’s history.

Nine girls have performed for over 40 years, using 492 wigs to help raise over $3 million dollars which they then grant to hundreds of local nonprofits.

Catch them next hosting a night of trivia at The Dayton Art Institute on Thursday, December 19th from 6-8pm


$150 includes team admission, four drink tickets, a holiday snack basket and a private table.  Teams are limited to four people and MUST preregister by December 16 to attend. The winning team will receive four tickets to the DAI’s newest signature event, “Curated,” a craft cocktail party happening on April 3, 2025.
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Christmas with The Tenors

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Hailing from Canada, international vocal group The Tenors have been thrilling audiences around the world with their impeccable singing for over 15 years. Their distinct operatic pop sound, four powerful voices strong, re-imagines iconic hits and blends classical music, contemporary pop, rock, folk, and inspired originals. The Tenors celebrate Christmas at the APAC with outstanding harmonies and undeniable charm!

Popeyes Value Deals for December

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Popeyes is serving two big deals for December. From a meal for the family to a Midday Mardi Gras Happy Hour, there is a food option for everyone .

The Festive Family Box is a great option for hungry groups or someone who wants a little extra food in the house. Included in this meal deal are the following items: four pieces of Bone-In Signature Chicken, four Tenders, four regular sides, and four warm Buttermilk Biscuits. Priced at just $20, it is a big savings.

More importantly, the food bundle allows guests to customize their order. With four sides, everyone can have their favorite choice. From red beans and rice to mashed potatoes, there is an order for every preference.

For guests who prefer to enjoy a little treat whenever the mood hits, the new Midday Mardi Gras Happy Hour lets the good times roll. Available from Monday to Wednesday, from 2 till 4 pm, Popeyes Reward Members can enjoy special, exclusive offers.

Priced at $2, $3, and $5, these specials include Cajun Fries, Chocolate Chip Biscuits and even Mac and Cheese for just $2. Frozen lemonade is $3. Also, a 3-piece tender or 2-pice signature chicken is just $5. Rewards Members will find the deals on Popeyes.com or the Popeyes app.

Chicken Salad Chick Pop Up

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Chicken Salad Chick, which will be opening a store at Cornerstone of Centerville in 2025, will be hosting a pop-up pick up on Friday, Dec 6th from 4-6pm.
They will be offering  Quick Chicks- your favorite flavor of chicken salad in an easy grab and go container! A small serves 2-3 and a large serves 4-5. A Quick Chick will stay fresh in refrigeration for 4-5 days.

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Order Quick Chicks online at https://shorturl.at/2UMmg by Wednesday, December 4th at 4PM. *Make sure to put “Centerville” in the Special Instructions and select pickup time as ASAP! Orders will be processed via the Anderson Township location only, to be delivered and picked up at the Centerville location.
Pick up at our NEW Centerville location at 5264 Cornerstone North Blvd, Centerville, OH 45440 on Friday, December 6th from 4-6PM.