Dayton937

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

Archives for May 2025

Who’s Bad Concert Opens Stubbs Park

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It’s going to be an exciting opening night at Stubbs Park for the Summer Concert Series presented by Cincinnati Children’s and St. Leonard with Who’s Bad this Sunday, June 1.
PARKING INFORMATION: All traffic must enter from West Spring Valley Road at the concert entrance and follow directions from event staff.
Primary Parking – Lot A: All guests will be directed to park here first.
Secondary Parking – Lot B: Once Lot A is full, vehicles will be directed to Lot B.
Overflow Parking – Lot E: If needed, overflow parking will be available in Lot E utilizing the gravel drive from Spring Valley Pike.
Accessible Parking: Spaces are available near the amphitheater for vehicles with valid placards. Overflow accessible parking is available in Lot B. An accessible shuttle will be available for guests to ride to-and-from Lot B to the amphitheater.
RTA Shuttle Service: A shuttle will run from Centerville Seventh-Day Adventist Church (456 W. Spring Valley) to the concert area for your convenience for those needing accessibility from 6:00 – 9:30 p.m.

All concerts are free. Food trucks and beer sales will be available for guests to enjoy. Friday night Party in the Park events begin at 5:30 p.m. and feature The Heart of Centerville and Washington Township’s vendor village with more than 30 local vendors and kids’ activities ahead of the 7:00 p.m. concert

Passport to MetroParks- For A Taste of What’s Happening All Summer

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Bring your family to RiverScape MetroPark for Passport to MetroParks tonight! Representatives from the Dayton Celtic Festival, Hispanic Heritage Festival and Dayton African American Cultural Festival will be on site with activities, information about the festivals and more.

Throughout the event, guests can visit more than a dozen booths hosting games and activities that feature the upcoming festivals and a variety of the recreation, education, conservation and volunteer programs Five Rivers MetroParks offers. Activities include:

Meet MetroParks’ rangers and live wildlife ambassadors. Learn more about upcoming programs, events and things to do in each MetroPark and at the 2nd Street Market. Ask MetroParks staff and volunteer experts questions about nature, recreation activities, youth programs and more.

Participants will earn a stamp in their event passport for each activity they complete. Those who earn one stamp in each of five categories will be entered to win prizes including a Huffy bike and scooters, and MetroParks program vouchers.

From 7:30 to 9 p.m., enjoy local funk fusion band Freakquency on the main stage under the RiverScape pavilion.

Grab a bite from Christian Bros Meat Company, El Meson, McNasty’s, Sweet P’s Handcrafted Ice Pops and Yummy Gyro.

 

2025 Class of Dayton Walk of Fame Revealed

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In a city known for taking flight, five more legendary names are landing in history. For nearly 30 years, the Dayton Region Walk of Fame has etched the names of inventors, artists, civic leaders, and cultural icons into the sidewalks of Dayton’s historic Wright-Dunbar District. Now, five new names are joining the legacy.

2025 Inductees:

Rob Lowe – Raised right here in Dayton, Rob Lowe’s journey from local kid to Hollywood icon is a story of talent and perseverance. From The Outsiders to The West Wing, his career spans generations—and his roots in Dayton remind us that the biggest stars shine brightest when they never forget where they came from.

Vic Cassano Sr. – The king of Dayton-style pizza. With a thin crust, square-cut slice, and entrepreneurial spirit, Vic Cassano turned a grocery store side hustle into a regional empire. Cassano’s Pizza King became the taste of a city and the foundation of a family legacy.

The Original Lakeside – Born and raised in Dayton, The Original Lakeside brought a unique funk and soul sound to the nation that still echoes today. With their hit “Fantastic Voyage,” they captured the spirit of an era—and their vibrant energy, infectious grooves, and style continue to inspire fans and musicians alike.

The Levin Family – Rooted in a courageous journey from Eastern Europe to Dayton, the Levins transformed hardship into hope. Sam Levin, founder of the Levin Family Foundation, helped build a lasting legacy—one that continues today through family members like Karen Lorenz-Levin and Ryan Levin. Together, they uplift underserved communities across Montgomery County.

Jenell Ross – Breaking barriers and building legacy, Jenell Ross is the only second-generation African-American woman auto dealer in the country. As President of Bob Ross Auto Group and a passionate breast cancer advocate, she continues to accelerate change in Dayton and across the industry.

More Than a Sidewalk: A Living Landmark

Stretching down West Third Street in the heart of the Wright-Dunbar District, the Dayton Region Walk of Fame isn’t just a list of names—it’s a walking tour through Dayton’s legacy of invention, artistry, resilience, and heart. From the Wright Brothers and Paul Dunbar to local trailblazers and national legends, it’s a place where past meets present, and where every brick tells a story.

Whether you’re a lifelong Daytonian or just discovering the Gem City for the first time, the Walk of Fame is a reminder that greatness isn’t always found in flashing lights—it’s often right beneath your feet. The 2025 honorees will be formally recognized during a ceremony this fall. But why wait? Ttake a stroll. Snap a photo. Learn something new. And walk where they walked.

Shakespeare in the Heights presents Much Ado About Nothing

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Shakespeare in the Heights features flappers and gangsters in its second annual production as part of the Huber Heights Parks summer arts series. This adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic comedy, Much Ado About Nothing, is set in Chicago of the roaring twenties with Don Pedro, who has recently come out on top after a mafia power struggle between himself and his brother. The story follows the whirlwind love story of young Hero, the daughter of one of the Don’s trusted lieutenants, and Claudio, an up-and-coming young mobster, as well as their fiery cousins Benedick and Beatrice who revel in treading the fine line between love and hate as they explore their relationship. Passions fly, treachery abounds, and comedy ensues with the interference of the Don’s villainous brother, John, and the bumbling beat cop, Dogberry.

Directed by Zoey Knapp, assistant directed by Andrew Hunt, produced by David Meadows and Jene Shaw, stage managed by Mary Carlson, scenic design by Hannah Baker. The cast includes: Keslina Luoma (Beatrice), Caleb Floyd (Benedick), Andy Crawford, Molly Kelly, Tamar Fishbein, Christy Barker, John Wysong, David Meadows, Wayne Wolfe, Leif Walters, Melanie Brown, Don Smith, Chris Petree, Xander Magill.

 

Texas Roadhouse Early Dine Menu

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Texas Roadhouse Early Dine Menu available Monday-Thursday from 3-6 pm  and Friday and Saturday from 11am – 2pm. Early dining within Texas Roadhouse allows guests to enjoy that delicious meal and price compared to dining at the off-peak hours of the restaurant.

 

Early Dine Menu:

6 oz. USDA Choice Sirloin Steak Cooked to order, served with two sides. 460 $10.99
Country Fried Sirloin Breaded and deep-fried sirloin steak with country gravy. 1170 $10.99
Grilled BBQ Chicken Marinated grilled chicken breast. 300 $10.99
Herb Crusted Chicken Chicken breast with a flavorful herb crust. 420 $10.99
Country Fried Chicken Classic breaded and fried chicken. 770 $10.99
Chicken Critters Dinner Tender chicken critters. 520 $10.99
Pulled Pork Dinner Slow-cooked pulled pork. 890 $10.99
Grilled Pork Chops (Single) Juicy grilled pork chops. 730 $10.99
Chicken Caesar Salad Romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing. 1100 $10.99
Grilled Chicken Salad Grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, Parmesan cheese. 810 $10.99
Chicken Critter Salad Salad with chicken critters.

Texas Roadhouse Locations:

Fairborn 

2600 Colonel Glenn Highway Fairborn, OH 45324
Huber Heights 

5611 Merily Way Huber Heights, OH 45424
Troy 

1809 Towne Park Drive Troy, OH 45373
Springfield 

1750 N. Bechtle Avenue Springfield, OH 45504

The Community’s Voice: DATV at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly

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Dayton Public Access Television (DATV), The Community’s Voice, was once again at the forefront of civic engagement during the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, held in Dayton, Ohio, from May 22 to May 26.
From the opening ceremony—featuring Dayton Mayor Jeffery Mims Jr., Representative Mike Turner (lead organizer of the Assembly’s visit), and NATO Parliamentary Assembly Secretary General, Mark Rutte—the event kicked off with a press conference at 3:00 p.m. on May 22. Local, national, and international dignitaries gathered to mark the beginning of this historic summit.

Fox News picked up DATV’s live feed from the Dayton dialogue at the University of Dayton and broadcast it live around the world!!

Throughout the Assembly weekend, DATV played a vital role in documenting the proceedings. Our crews were stationed at all four event venues: the Schuster Center, the Victoria Theatre, CareSource, and the Roger Glass Center at the University of Dayton. Morning and afternoon sessions were recorded at each site, creating a valuable archive of this milestone event for the City of Dayton.
Led by Dale Grow, the team at the Roger Glass Center not only recorded sessions but also livestreamed them via DATV’s Facebook page. These streams were picked up and broadcast by major news outlets including the Atlantic Council, the Associated Press, CNN, CNET, Fox News, and stations across Europe, including in Brussels and Belgium.
DATV—Dayton’s Community Voice—spoke loudly and clearly, not just to our local community, but to the world.
We celebrate and uplift the voices of our community: artists, activists, storytellers, and everyday citizens who make Dayton such an extraordinary place. DATV is more than a TV station—it is a platform for hope, a megaphone for change, and a canvas for creativity.
We invite you to take part in the story, a gift to give, or a voice that deserves to be heard, we’re here to help amplify it. Be part of the voice. Be part of The Community’s Voice.

Celebrate National Hamburger Day with These Restaurant Deals

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If you didn’t get your fix of burgers during Memorial Day weekend, you’re in luck because National Hamburger Day is Wednesday, May 28 and celebrates the juicy, flame-grilled meal staple that reminds us all of the long, sunny days of summer.Americans eat an estimated 50 billion burgers. The average U.S consumer eat 26 burgers per year from restaurants, drive-throughs and other food service operations, according to Circana, based on research from the 12 months ending March 2025.

To celebrate National Hamburger Day, many restaurants are cooking up some tantalizing deals. Below, we’re sharing some that our tempting our taste buds:

Red Robin

Red Robin Royalty members who buy a burger and a drink during the month of May will automatically be entered into a contest for the chance to win free burgers for the whole year. Only 12 people will be selected to win.

The Root Beer Stande

Burger King

Members of the chain’s Royal Perks program can receive a free hamburger with a purchase of $1 or more. Loyalty members can also score a hamburger for 125 crowns — half the usual reward cost of 250 crowns — through the end of the month.

Deals must be activated through the Burger King app.

Sonic Drive-In

Get half-price Cheeseburgers when you order in the Sonic app on Tuesday, May 27, after 5 p.m. Also available after 5 p.m. through the end of the month – half price shakes in the app.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse

Classic Cheeseburger Pizookie Meal Deal for $13: Comes with a cheeseburger, lettuce, tomatoes, dill pickles, burger sauce, fries and a personal Pizookie. You can also get their Classic Cheeseburger Bundle starting at $45: Comes with four cheeseburgers, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, salad and chips or fries.

Wendy’s

Now through June 1, customers can get a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger for 1 cent with any Wendy’s purchase. The offer can be redeemed on the Wendy’s app. New deals will be added to the app beyond June 1 as part of the company’s 100 Days of Savings.

 

Dairy Queen

Cooling down with a Blizzard may be DQ’s bread and butter, but their burgers have a following all their own.

That’s why Dairy Queen is offering an extended deal from May 26 through June 1. To celebrate National Hamburger Day, rewards members can get a second Signature Stackburger for 99 cents when they buy one at regular price. This is available through the DQ Mobile App.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Known for its wings, the restaurant chain also offers burgers. In honor of National Hamburger Day, customers can score a half-price All-American Cheeseburger, Triple Bacon Cheeseburger, or other burger by using the code GOBURGER when ordering takeout or delivery. The offer is not valid for customers dining at Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants.

 

Rally’s

From May 27 to May 29, get The Cheese Double combo for $3.

Perkins


For National Hamburger Month in May, the restaurant chain has added to the menu The Great American Burger Trio – a cheeseburger, fries, and pie – for $9.99. Also, you can join the Perkins e-Club loyalty program and get 20% off your next visit.

Smashburger

If the siren call of smashburgers gets you through the door every time, rejoice: Smashburger has a special deal for National Hamburger Day. For one day only, on May 28, the chain is offering all burgers for just $5.28, no minimum purchase required. To take advantage of the deal, use code JUST528 at checkout for delivery or online orders, or visit a location in person.

$7.99 Lunch Specials at Centerville Eatery

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Here’s what’s on the menu:
Monday – Lunch BLT
Bacon, lettuce, tomato & mayo. 390-550 calories

Tuesday – Classic Turkey
Roasted Turkey, lettuce, tomato & mayo. 420-580 calories
 Wednesday – Mediterranean Veg Out
Hummus or cream cheese, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, green pepper & red onion. 370-620 calories
Thursday – Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken breast, mayo, lettuce & tomato.   450-610 caloreis

Friday – Ham & Cheddar
Ham, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato & mayo. 490-650 calories

Stop by and enjoy a fresh, satisfying lunch—because great food should come at a great price!

My Favorite Muffin

175 E Alex Bell Road
Centerville, OH 45459

937-434-2535

Free Yoga in the Park

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Fun and effective workouts under the pavilion

Harness your strength, enhance your mobility, and create a deeper connection with yourself. Join Tori of Speakeasy Yoga for a dynamic physical yoga practice that will guide you through a breath focused flow that is both empowering and meditative. New to yoga? Not to worry. This class has something for all levels, and a variety of variations are offered throughout so you can find the most benefit for your time on the mat, and in turn feel your best off of it, too!

Wear comfortable clothes and don’t forget to bring your own mat, water bottle, and towels.

Check metroparks.org/fitnessinthepark for the specific class schedule.

Weather Dependent. No registration required. All ages welcome.

Free Smoothie for National Flip Flop Day

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On Wednesday, May 28, Tropical Smoothie Cafe invites smoothie lovers nationwide to kick off summer and celebrate its annual National Flip Flop Day. Guests that come into a participating Tropical Smoothie Cafe location from 2 to 7 p.m. wearing flip flops will receive a refreshing 12 oz. Sunrise Sunset Smoothie for free*. No purchase is required – just flip flops and summer vibes.

National Flip Flop Day has become a beloved summer tradition and the unofficial start to smoothie season. The holiday sets the tone for the summer months ahead, inviting guests to sit back, relax and sip a while.

This year’s featured beverage is a fan favorite smoothie – the Sunrise Sunset Smoothie – a bold, tropical blend of orange juice, mango, pineapple and strawberries, crafted to deliver the feeling of a mini beachside getaway no matter where you’re based.

“We love giving our guests a reason to pause and enjoy a refreshing taste of the tropics to kick off their summer season,” said Deborah von Kutzleben, Chief Marketing Officer of Tropical Smoothie Café, LLC. “National Flip Flop Day is all about creating experiences that celebrate the joy, fun, and flavor our current guests have come to know and love at Tropical Smoothie Cafe and introduce new guests to Tropic Time.”

 

*One free 12 oz. Sunrise Sunset Smoothie per guest on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 2 to 7 p.m. in-cafe at participating locations only. Free smoothie will be applied to lowest priced 12 oz. Sunrise Sunset Smoothie ordered. No modifications. While supplies last.

Burger King® Introduces New Menu Inspired By The How to Train Your Dragon Film

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Calling all Dragon Trainers! Burger King® – in co-promotion with the new live-action How to Train Your Dragon film from Universal Pictures – invites Guests to take a trip to the Isle of Berk with four dragon-inspired takes on fan-favorite menu items. Available starting Tuesday, May 27, the new lineup was developed to help BK and How to Train Your Dragon fans alike celebrate the release of the new film, which soars into theaters on Friday, June 13.

As home of the flame-grilled Whopper®, Burger King is no stranger to fire and reimagining America’s most iconic burger. That’s why BK is inviting Guests to take their tastebuds on a bold and flavorful journey with adventurous new menu offerings, including:

  • Dragon Flame-Grilled Whopper – The star of the show features a 1/4 lb* of flame-grilled beef served on a red-and-orange-marbled bun colored with natural spices and vegetables, topped with American cheese, crispy bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, pickles, ketchup and mayo.
  • Fiery Dragon Mozzarella Fries – In addition to bringing the flame, BK is bringing the heat with Fiery Dragon Mozzarella Fries, featuring melty mozzarella cheese, peppers and Fiery Calabrian chili pepper-breading for the perfect fiery snack served in a one-of-a-kind Toothless-inspired carton.
  • Soaring Strawberry Lemonade – Soar to new heights and quench your thirst for adventure with the all-new Soaring Strawberry Lemonade, made with real fruit juice**.
  • Viking’s Chocolate Sundae – Finish the adventure with Viking’s Chocolate Sundae, a delicious sweet treat featuring a vanilla soft-serve with HERSHEY’S® chocolate syrup and black & green cookie crumbles.

“At BK, we love to bring partnerships to life that create an awesome experience for families. Our new collaboration with How to Train Your Dragon is going to be fun for both kids and kids at heart,” says Joel Yashinsky, Chief Marketing Officer, Burger King US&C. “Our team has created a delicious menu inspired by the beloved characters and themes of this exciting new movie that brings that experience to Burger King restaurants.”

Additionally, Burger King will launch “Night Fury Flight” – a game inspired by the new film and available exclusively in the BK app and web. From May 27 through July 15, Royal Perks members can play daily to receive exclusive offers and be entered for a chance to win sweepstake prizes, including digital AMC Theatres® gift cards and a grand prize trip for four to Universal Orlando Resort to experience the all-new How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk attraction.

Mudlick Tap House Is Asking For Support of Downtown Businesses

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As a local independent restaurant in downtown Dayton, we’ve always taken pride in being part of this community. But this past week—due to the NATO Summit—has been incredibly difficult. Road closures, parking restrictions, and limited access to downtown meant foot traffic disappeared, and like many small businesses around us, we felt the hit.

What made it even harder was the lack of communication and disregard from the City of Dayton. There was little effort to meaningfully include small businesses in the planning or to mitigate the disruption we would face. Decisions were made without us, even though we’ve been showing up for this city every day—paying taxes, employing local workers, and contributing to the culture, economy and vibrancy of the downtown landscape.
Independent restaurants and shops like ours are part of what makes Dayton special. If you’ve ever shared a meal with us, made memories here, or supported any small downtown businesses—this is the time to show your love. Come downtown. Dine, shop, and help lift up the places that give this city its heartbeat.
Thank you for being part of our story.
Jen & Forrest Williams

Dayton at Work And Play: Deepika Singh

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Conversation with Deepika Singh, co-owner (with her husband Jay) of Gulzar’s Indian Cuisine (across the street from the Dayton Dragons at 217 N. Patterson Blvd).

I love eating at Gulzar’s, and stopped in to check out the restaurant’s new space, which is adjacent to their old space. I asked Deepika how she came to be in the restaurant business.
“My husband Jay and I were both born in India and came here as children. When we married we decided to join Gulzar’s, Jay’s family business. The original Gulzar’s was started in Richmond, Indiana by my husband’s father. He named the restaurant Gulzar’s after his own father’s name. Now Jay’s older brother runs the restaurant in Richmond and we run this place in Dayton.”
“We opened downtown three years ago and are really happy with how well it’s gone. Some people who live or work downtown love Indian food and were glad to have us here. Others are new to this type of food but open to trying new things. We have a buffet for lunch every day so people can try all kinds of food and discover what they like the best.”
“When this space next to us opened up we decided to rent it and to give the restaurant a new look. As we designed this new space we asked our customers for ideas. Martin Pleiss, a customer who works at the Dayton Art Institute was a big help. The restaurant now seats 168, more than twice the seating they had before.”
“My husband and his father are the cooks here. You mentioned that you’ve enjoyed eating here, Bill. The dishes you ate were northern Indian food. In this new space we have a new menu. We’ve added some south Indian items you may want to try.”
I asked Deepika what she did before coming to Gulzar’s. “I was a teacher, and I loved it. I was born to be a teacher, and I feel like I still teach. Teaching is part of running a business.”

Jake Speed & The Freddies

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We are thrilled to welcome Jake Speed & The Freddies to The Brightside on Friday, May 30th! This fantastic Cincinnati-based band plays a mix of traditional & original folk, country blues, & ragtime tunes.

Known as the Woody Guthrie of Cincinnati, Jake Speed uses a traditional folksy delivery to compose timely and timeless songs that tell great stories with a bit of a lyrical edge. The band, built out of guitar, mandolin, fiddle, tenor guitar and upright bass (with hints of harmonica, kazoo, and washboard), has been hailed by CityBeat magazine as a “…a fixture of Cincinnati’s traditional Folk scene” since releasing its first of five albums, Queen City Rag, in 2002.

Story Slam Dayton

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This open mic event hosts some of Dayton’s best tellers. Storytellers are encouraged to prepare a five-minute story relating to the theme.
Tellers put their names in a hat, and 10 are drawn at random.
Bring a story, and bring a friend.
The best story of the night wins $50, 4 free tickets to a future slam, and a guaranteed spot in June’s Grand Slam
Our theme for May is “Chemistry
Doors open for seating at 6:30 PM, show starts at 7:00 PM.
The bar will be open, and there is a two-drink minimum. Tickets are $5.00 in advance and $10.00 at the door ( if available).
The venue does not sell food, you are welcome to bring snacks, if you clean up after yourself. 🙂
$5 Advance ticket sales end at 3:00 PM, the day of the event.