Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More
Owner Diane Spitzig was so excited to share that the bar is back open again and she’s done a bunch of hiring in the past week. Keith Milligan, who was most recently the Beverage Manager at the Marriott of UD has taken on the managment roll and is bringing three bartenders wih him. He’s got 25 years of bar experience and an extensive knowledge of bourbon.
Diane also wants to thank all the other bars that reached out to her and offered support as she basically had to restaff the business after Joe Head and Kelli Nikanowicz resigned. And while she said she in shock for a few days, she feels really good about the new crew.
The bar is currently open from 5 p.m. to 1 am Sunday through Thursday and 5 pm to 2 am Friday and Saturday. Once the staff becomed fully trained they will begin opening daily at 3pm.
18 South Jefferson St,
Dayton, OH 45402
📢 Exploring The Forgotten: An Urbex Exhibit 📢
🎨 Artist Reception For Bill Woody! 🎨
🗓 Saturday, March 1st | 🕒 4:00 – 6:00 PM (Artist Talk at 5:00 PM)
Step into the haunting beauty of abandoned places through the lens of Bill Woody in his latest Urban Exploration (Urbex) exhibit. His powerful images breathe life into forgotten spaces—capturing the mystique of Kirkbride asylums, the historic Dayton Arcade, Pittsburgh’s Rivers of Steel, Buffalo’s Silo City, and more.
📍 Sugarcreek Photography Gallery
📍 15b W. Franklin St., Bellbrook, OH
🌟 What to Expect:
🔹 Bill Woody’s stunning Urbex photography—where decay meets artistry
🔹 Ghostly figures & flowing dancers woven into abandoned grandeur
🔹 A chance to hear Bill’s captivating stories behind each location (Artist Talk at 5:00 PM)
🔹 Adult beverages & hors d’oeuvres to enjoy while mingling
🔹 Great conversation with fellow art lovers & the artist himself
🔹 Enter to win a free print! Drop your name in the hopper for a chance to take home a piece of the show
Beyond the visuals, Bill’s deep knowledge of these lost places—from asylums to Dayton’s hidden corners—makes his insights as compelling as his images. His passion for forgotten history brings these places back to life in a way that is both eerie and mesmerizing.
📢 Don’t miss this thought-provoking exhibit & artist talk! Tag a friend and experience the world of Urban Exploration through a masterful lens.
When it comes to Dayton Creatives, Rodney Veal is top of list. Along with a group of area artists, Veal has created EPIC, “ART Matters, Dayton Art and Design Symposium” to be held on February 28, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM at The Tank Theatre inside the historic Dayton Arcade.Renowned artists, architects, designers, city leaders, and creative visionaries will come together to explore opportunities for artists and the economic impact and importance art has at the intersections of innovation, culture, and community. Dayton Mayor Jeffrey J. Mims, Jr., will provide opening remarks, and closing remarks will be made by Dayton City Manager Shelley Dickstein. The keynote address “Empowering Creativity: Advancing Art and Design in Ohio” will be presented by Donna Collins, executive director of the Ohio Arts Council.
I was fortunate enough to catch up with Rodney Veal to get the lowdown on the event.
D9: Hi Rodney! Thanks for meeting me. Tell me how this event got its wings….and what exactly is the goal?
RV: Hi Josh! The Epic Committee came together just under a year ago, which we didn’t name ourselves right away. We all came together from a variety of professions, mostly creatives who had the crazy idea that we create events and activities to support the arts in a more organic and grassroots way. One of biggest goals was to help was to assist Dana L. Wiley galleries activate their spaces with events to help that convene artists and lovers of art.
D9: The spaces are beautiful in the gallery and the Arcade in general. I’m wondering why ‘Art Matters’ as the theme for the event?
RV: The theme for our upcoming Art and Design Symposium is “Art Matters” with a series individual presentations and group panel discussions that explore the various aspects of the arts and design world, from the Artistic Director of Dayton ballet, to architects and visual artists and even a philanthropist. All of them speaking about their experiences and how the arts have shaped their careers and indeed lives. The passion these individuals possess for their chosen careers is astonishing and we hope that people who attend will be inspired by what they hear and witness that day. Now more than ever the arts serve a powerful role in a fractured world and have the power to restore our collective humanity…. which would be another awesome outcome of the symposium.
D9: Definitely in a strange time relating to the Arts. Any work artists can create towards bridging the gap is so appreciated. What will people experience at the event?
RV: There will not be massive showing of artworks, but there will be an opportunity to hear from some of the most amazing artist and creatives who live in the Miami Valley. They will speak powerfully and from the heart about the personal impact the arts have and will continue to have on our world. And there will be even five person panel discussions about creating and painting spaces for creativity to thrive and flourish.
D9: Now that sounds cool!! And again, who are we likely to rub shoulders with at this event?
RV: We have people from all walks of life, artists , dancers, photographers, architects, interior designers. we are excited that the Executive Director of the Ohio Arts Council , Donna Collins will be our Keynote speaker for the day. Donna will share with us the state of the arts in our state. There is a lot to celebrate and be inspired by and we hope our panelists speakers will do just that.
D9: What a great choice for keynote!! So, I have to ask…why the name EPIC?
RV: The EPIC name is really an acronym for our core tenet, to educate, promote, inspire and connect; and we took a chance believing anyone can make a change and do something really quite amazing! Considering that none of us has ever planned a event of this size is a game-changer, but we dared to dream and we feel pretty cool about what we are doing in service of our love for the arts!
D9: Best to you Rodney….excited to be there!
And you can too: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/art-matters-dayton-art-and-design-symposium-tickets-1144784283609
Hawgies Way Corn Dog
Tasty Bacon’s is the new kids on the block running an Americana style food truck serving up fresh smash burgers, hand dipped corn dogs, and our loaded potatoes. A couple of their specialty items are the smack burger (a double party smack burger, loaded with our house made mac and cheese, millionaires bacon bits grilled onions and our specialty smash sauce) and our tasty way corn dog ( a 1/4 pound hand dipped corn dog butterflied and loaded with mac and cheese, millionaires bacon bits and chives)
They are from the Fairborn/ Beavercreek area but are starting to expand our reach onto other parts of the Dayton area.
Have a Gay Day is offering free laundry facilities to those in our community who need to do a load of wash completely free.
This facility serves as a convenient and accessible space for members of the community to do their laundry. To ensure a smooth and efficient process, we have implemented an appointment system, allowing individuals to schedule their laundry sessions.
One of the key highlights of this initiative is that the laundry service will be completely free of cost. We understand that laundry expenses can be a burden for some community members, and we want to alleviate that stress by providing this essential service without any charges. Each person will have the opportunity to do two loads of laundry during their scheduled appointment.
If you’re in the Dayton Ohio area and you need to do a load or two of laundry please sign up on our website for our free community laundry service https://haveagayday.org/community-laundry-room/
In addition to the free laundry service, Have A Gay Day is also committed to gathering personal care items specifically for the laundry. These items will include laundry supplies such as detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets. By providing these necessary supplies, we aim to ensure that everyone who uses our service has access to a well-equipped laundry experience.
We are thrilled to be able to offer this Community Laundry Room as a resource for our community. It’s our hope that this initiative will not only provide a practical solution to laundry needs but also foster a sense of support and unity within our community.
Note: This service is designed to help someone with essentials. Like washing clothing to be able to get to work or to school or to make it through an emergency situation. This is not designed to do a whole household of laundry. This service is designed for clothing, not bedding, heavy coats, pet toys, or any items that are not wearable day to day garments.
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No more than 12 pounds of laundry per load / please weigh
Please Check Your Pockets!
Detergent must be rated for a High Efficiency Washer please ask the front desk for a complimentary bottle.
Do not use powders, scent boosters
Please check washers and dryers before using them. We are not responsible for clothes damaged due to articles left by those before you.
Don’t overload the machines. Overloading machines with clothes as well as using too much detergent can damage the machines.
Be Clean. Keep the laundry room neat and clean of any spilled detergent or any mess. Keep clothes off the floor. Check to make sure you have all of your items before leaving.
Make sure you clean the lint trap after every use.
When leaving make sure the washer and dryer doors are kept open.
Be respectful.
If you need any help using the machines please ask.
Laundry Appointments are Once a Month.
Question: Do I need to bring my own detergent?
Answer: No, we will provide detergent.
Question: If I have someone bringing me can we each do a single load of laundry?
Answer: Your appointment allows you the use of two stackable washer and dryers. You may use them as you wish within the rules set. If you have a friend or family member that you wish to share your appointment with you may, but it will not add to the time of your appointment.
Question: What if I’m running late for my appointment?
Answer: We allow for 10 minutes to arrive beyond your appointment. If you’re not able to make it in time or no-show you will need to wait until the next month to re-schedule. Please remember laundry appointments are only once per month at this time.
Have A Gay Day Inc
1902 Needmore Road
Dayton OH. 45414
Every year just before Mardi Gras — also known as Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday, it’s a day of feasting before the Christian fast known as Lent. While Carnival and Fat Tuesday are celebrated in many different ways worldwide, one festivity, in particular, is especially delicious: Paczki (pronounced as “pohnch-kee) Day. The tradition is Polish, but it’s honored in many different communities.Paczki is the plural form of the word, while the singular form is paczek, which is pronounced “pohnch-eck”. Paczki are spherical, deep-fried balls of dough that are filled with jam, curd, or custard. Once fried to a golden brown, they are traditionally topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, covered in granulated sugar, or enrobed in a clear glaze and topped with diced orange peels.
The difference between paczki and donuts is the ingredients in their dough. Paczki uses an extra amount of enriching ingredients, yeast, grain alcohol, and high-gluten flour. Together, these create a richer-than-brioche dough, but far chewier with little to no crumbs. The use of grain alcohol creates a less oily product as well because the grain alcohol evaporates as it fries in the oil, which prevents excess oil absorption in the dough.
Additionally, many types of donuts use cake or pastry flour, smaller amounts of enriching ingredients, and baking soda or baking powder instead of yeast. Therefore, donuts are more crumbly and less rich-tasting than paczki.
Baker Benji’s in Old NorthDayton are offering the following:
Today, Bachman-Turner Overdrive, the legendary rock n’ roll band behind worldwide hits such as “Takin’ Care Of Business” and “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet”, announced a new run of US tour dates dubbed, Roll On Down The Highway 2025 Tour. Co-headlining with southern rock pioneers The Marshall Tucker Band, with the 70s/80s hitmakers Jefferson Starship as the special guest, the tour will stop in Huber Heights, OH for a performance atRose Music Center at The Heights on Saturday, July 26.
Last year, Randy Bachman revived BTO, and has continued to tour throughout 2024 with a run of US dates wrapping up next week. Led by Bachman, BTO’s latest lineup also includes his son Tal Bachman. With Randy’s legendary guitar and Tal’s contemporary flair, BTO forges ahead, blending their classic hits with a fresh energy that captivates audiences worldwide. The band will also be performing hits from The Guess Who, the iconic classic rock group which Bachman co-founded with Burton Cummings. The BTO legacy lives on, promising unforgettable performances and a continued impact on the ever-evolving rock landscape.
Bachman has become a legendary figure in the rock and roll world through his talents as a guitarist, songwriter, performer and producer. Bachman has earned over 120 gold and platinum album/singles awards around the world. His songwriting has garnered him the coveted #1 spot on radio playlists in over 20 countries and over the course of his career he has sold over 40 million records. Randy’s songs have been recorded by a broad range of artists and have been placed in dozens of TV shows, films and commercials. Impressively, his music has provided a veritable soundtrack of the last thirty years of popular music.
Founded in Spartanburg, SC over five decades ago, the 5x Gold, 3x Platinum-selling rock band The Marshall Tucker Band have sold millions of albums worldwide thanks to hits such as “Can’t You See,” “Heard It in a Love Song,” “Fire on the Mountain,” and “24 Hours At a Time.” CMT once named “Can’t You See” the #4 Greatest Southern Rock Song while Ultimate Classic Rock crowned it the #1 Southern Rock Song. Their self-titled debut album reigns as Gibson Guitar’s #5 Greatest Southern Rock Album of all time, and GRAMMY Magazine named the group’s logo as one of the most distinctive and iconic brands in music. In 2023, the MTB was awarded Pandora’s Billionaires Plaque, recognizing over one billion streams on the platform.
Tickets will go on sale to the public beginning at 10AM on Friday, February 28 at Ticketmaster.comand the Rose Music Center Box Office.
Each station will feature a different bottle of Los Vascos, a food pairing, and a wine expert to tell the story behind the bottle.
For those who love the cultural history behind the cuisine, our Executive Chef, Micheal Inferrera, will be on hand to discuss the evening’s menu with you. Add color and context to your tasting as you learn about Chile and the history of Los Vascos in South America.
Menu and Pairing:
Palta Reina
jumbo lump crab stuffed avocado, citrus remoulade
paired with Los Vascos Sauvignon Blanc
Churrasco
grilled skirt steak, charred long bean, smoked manchego, chimichurri
paired with Los Vascos Gran Reserva Syrah
Cazuela
braised cod, shrimp, squid, coconut and tomato broth
paired with Los Vascos Chardonnay
Humitas en chala
corn leaf, sweetcorn, and cheese
paired with Los Vascos Gran Reserva Carmenère
Pastel de Choclo dulce
ground dry aged beef, onions, chicken, olives, hard boiled egg, dough made of fresh corn
paired with Los Vascos Gran Reserva Cabernet Franc
Empanada de Chocolate
fried dark chocolate turnover
paired with Los Vascos Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
A cash bar will also be available for guests.
Four food vendors are now open at The Silos. Each operates out of a 20 foot shipping container located in a corner of the building. In the center you have a bar and lots of seating. I plan to sample food from each vendor, starting with KungFu BBQ.810 E. First
Dayton, OH 45402
Tuesday – Thursday 4-10 PM
Friday 4 PM – Midnight
Saturday 11 AM – Midnight
Sunday 11 AM – 7 PM
Join us for a throwdown at the hoedown with Scythian at The Brightside Music & Event Venue in Dayton! Prepare for pints, tunes, and a few jigs to get into the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day. This event promises to be a blast, so round up your friends and come on down for a great time.
Hang out with the band at the VIP Meet n’ Greet Happy Hour and get a FREE poster for the show along with GUARANTEED Premium Seating (space is limited and sells out every year). This weekend show will sell out so buy your tickets in advance and BE THERE!
HOW TO GO?
Friday, March 7, 2025
5pm – VIP Doors
6pm – General Admission Doors
General Admission $22 in advance
General Admission $27 at the door
VIP $60
Get advance tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/scythian-friday-at-the-brightside-in-dayton-tickets-952833609977
ALL AGES SHOW!
Ever wonder what it takes to prepare a stage for a show? Join us for BAGELS & BROADWAY, a unique opportunity for you to find out first-hand. Have a cup of coffee and a bagel – then watch the show’s crew and members of IATSE Local 66 set up the sights and sounds for PETER PAN!
Please note, this BAGELS & BROADWAY is on a Wednesday.
BAGELS & BROADWAY is free, but you must register.*
The Dayton Art Institute (DAI) is excited to announce a new signature event called Curated, presented by Thompson Hine, which will take place at the museum on Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 6–9 p.m. The event will offer guests the opportunity to sample a variety of handcrafted cocktails created by some of the region’s best bartenders while enjoying gourmet bites and tasty treats.
With a mission-based focus on art conservation, Curated was an event created to raise funds to preserve and protect an object from the DAI’s collection. Guests attending the event will have an opportunity to learn more about the DAI’s efforts to save the community’s art.
The inaugural event’s fundraising efforts will be dedicated to the conservation of a work donated to the museum by benefactor Julia Shaw Patterson Carnell, whose generosity and vision were crucial in the construction of the historic DAI. The artwork, created in the late 18th–early 19th century, is titled Contemplation on Manjushri’s Buddha Field and is a beautiful painting on fabric. The conservation process will repair tears in the fabric, stabilize loose paint on the artwork, stabilize the textile brand around the perimeter of the painting and ultimately allow for safer handling and display of the artwork.
Artist(s) unknown (China, Qing dynasty, 1644–1911), Contemplation on Manjushri’s Buddha Field, late 18th–early 19th century, pigments on cotton, 71 x 46 inches. Gift of Mrs. Harrie G. Carnell, 1944.155
“At the Dayton Art Institute, we are trusted stewards of the art, committed to caring for and preserving the priceless community treasures contained within the museum collection,” said DAI Director & President Michael R. Roediger. “Our newest signature event, Curated, allows guests to come together with a defined goal of saving a particular artwork while enjoying an entertaining evening of fine cocktails and great company.”
The fundraising event will feature 15 different cocktails created by local bartenders. Each guest attending will receive a punch card, allowing them to sample a selection of the drinks and enjoy small bites provided by Bernstein’s Fine Catering. Spirits featured in the drinks include Chopin (Vodka), Drumshanbo (Gin), El Mayor Blanco (Tequila), Flor de Cana (Rum) and George Remus (Bourbon).
The DAI is proud to work with a notable selection of local businesses for Curated, including The Bar Time, Bernstein’s Fine Catering, Club Oceano, Dewberry 1850, Hotel Versailles, Jimmie’s Ladder 11, Joui, Manna Uptown, The Reserve on Third, Smith’s Boathouse, Sueño, Tender Mercy, Tuty’s Bar and Grill, Whisperz Speakeasy and Wheat Penny. Each bartender participating will compete in two donate-to-vote competitions, awarding winners for the crowd-favorite cocktail of the evening and the most creative bar decorations. Winners will receive a prize basket from the DAI, as well as bragging rights. Additional fundraising efforts will include a silent auction, allowing guests to bid on a number of fantastic prizes.
Reservations are required to attend Curated, and attendance is limited. Tickets may be purchased on the DAI website beginning February 21, 2025. For more information, please go to daytonartinstitute.org/curated. The website serves as the go-to location for all information regarding the DAI’s Signature Events, including ticket information, schedules and more.
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Dayton-area businessman Bill Miller is back with a new coffee shop. If you’re plugged into the culture of the Miami Valley, you know that Miller and his coffee endeavours have been a mainstay in this region for years now. He’s recently opened his newest coffee shop, Miller’s Grind, at West Social Tap & Table at 1100 West Third Street. I recently caught up with Miller and chopped it up (pun intended) with him about his latest venture.
Who is Bill Miller Jr., and what do you do?
“My name is Bill Miller Jr, and I am a serial entrepreneur, family man and an amputee.”
You are very well known in Dayton. Talk to me about your origins and history with the city.
“I grew up in West Dayton. My parents instilled in me that hard work will take you far in life. After attending Colonel White High School, I left to take my talents to NKU. I moved back to Dayton, after a few years, I worked as a manager at various retail companies around the city. Working my way up the corporate ladder. I held some high-profile positions and brought that experience back to Dayton. Eventually, my family decided to take that experience and pour it into something that we all knew about… COFFEE!”
You’ve been an entrepreneur for years. Tell me about your past endeavors.
“That list is too long! My first business was in 1999, an ecommerce company called 911CdCare.com. My first coffee shop was called Wired Cyber Café in 2001. Recently, I have taught my children the ins and outs of entrepreneurship. Helping them to take the family coffee business to the next level. Millers Grind and Brews is a family business completely run by my Wife (Sarah Miller) and my three kids. (Bill3, Kiarra and Olivia).”
You are re-opening your coffee shop Miller’s Grind in a new location. What’s the story behind this?
“Miller’s Grind and Brews is returning to West Dayton with a fresh start! The story behind this location is rooted in the desire to bring our signature blend of community and great coffee back to the vibrant Wright Dunbar District. After a brief closure to focus on a healthier lifestyle and fine-tune the menu, we wanted to come back to the West Social Tap and Table and offer our loyal customers a better coffee experience in the Dayton region.”
What started your love of coffee?
“My parents started us on this coffee journey when I was young. From the first sip I fell in love with coffee. I’ve passed that love and knowledge to my children that they will pass to their children.”
What are your future plans with Miller’s Grind?
“Speaking with my children about the future, they want to expand into franchising. Opening franchising opportunities will allow other families to achieve generational wealth.”
If you have any advice for aspiring business owners in the Miami Valley, what would it be?
“Where do I start? Never tell a small-minded person your big idea. Those people are dream killers. Move in silence as much as possible. Don’t tell anyone anything! RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH.”
“You must take that leap of faith. It’s scary and the fear of failing will always be there. But if you don’t try, then you have already failed. We all fail, learn from it. I bet you won’t do it again.”
W. Social Tap & Table
1100 W Third St, Dayton
11am – 3pm Mon – Thurs
9am – 3pm Sat
