Dayton937

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

Archives for July 2025

Bacon Fest at The Fraze

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Free and open to the public, savor the flavor of breakfast’s favorite side item – the greatest food on planet Earth – BACON. Whether you’re in the crispy bacon or chewy bacon camp, you’ll love this summer festival.The 12th annual Bacon Fest will allow you to sample local restaurants and food trucks as they showcase all of the many ways you can “baconate” your mealLive Music in the Park
While you’re enjoying the food, enjoy some free live music on the Lincoln Park stage with these great bands:
W

4:00 PM: The Wet Bandits are the most unique and entertaining ’90s party band, bringing pop, rock, hip-hop, and country. The Wet Bandits are bringing you all the tunes that’ll get you singing and dancing.

Amy Newhart

6:00 PM Amy Newhart Band – Amy is wildfire fun on stage with her contagious energy and smile. She considers her sound modern honky tonk. She wants her songs to make you laugh, smile, dance and occasionally wipe a tear from your eye.

The Big Badd

8:00 PM The Big Badd – Formed in 2016, our full ensemble features multiple vocalists, a trio of horns, and a stellar rhythm section. The Big Badd blends pop, rock, funk, and jazz influences.

Participating Restaurants & Food Trucks

Enjoy food and treats with bacon-inspired dishes from these local restaurants and food trucks:

1776 Grill
Amber Rose Restaurant
Batter Up Funnel Cakes
Dawghouse
Dayton Barbecue Company
Eddie’s Roasted Corn
El Meson
Frios Gourmet Pops
Home Cooked Vibes
Lilia’s Outside Cafe
Little Boijon Asian Cuisine
Louisiana Passion Catering
Sweetumms
Tasty Bacon’s
Whit’s Frozen Custard

* All restaurants, food trucks/trailers, and vendors are subject to change without notification.

Ohio Sales Tax Holiday Aug 1 – 14

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This year’s Ohio Sales Tax Holiday runs from Aug. 1-14, giving you the opportunity to purchase qualifying items in-store and online without paying state sales tax.

If you’re looking to save some extra money, the Ohio Sales Tax Holiday is back once again for 2025, allowing shoppers “to make qualifying purchases both in-store and online without paying state sales tax.”

“The timing of this year’s sales tax holiday not only supports families preparing for back-to-school, but also provides relief on other important household needs,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said in a press release earlier this year.

So what’s included and exempt during Ohio’s 2025 Sales Tax Holiday?

“Almost all tangible personal property priced at $500 or less is tax-free,” according to Gov. DeWine’s office.

Need examples? Here’s a list from the Ohio Department of Taxation of some items that will be tax-free during this period:

  • Electronics: Computers, televisions and other gadgets
  • Clothing: Any apparel items
  • Books: All types, including novels and textbooks
  • Home goods: Furniture, kitchenware and home décor
  • Plants: Indoor and outdoor plants
  • Sporting goods: Equipment and apparel for sports
  • Food and beverages: Dine-in food, dietary supplements and soft drinks

“Many other items will also be exempt from sales tax during this period,” according to the Ohio Department of Taxation.

WHAT ITEMS ARE EXCLUDED?

The following items will still be taxed during the Sales Tax Holiday:

  • Watercraft or outboard motors
  • Motor vehicles
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Tobacco products
  • Vapor products
  • Items containing marijuana

WHAT ABOUT ONLINE SHOPPING?

Yes! Qualifying items purchased online will also be tax-free.

Here’s how the Ohio Department of Taxation explains it:

“Qualified items sold to consumers by mail, telephone, e-mail or internet shall qualify for the sales tax exemption if the consumer orders and pays for the item and the retailer accepts the order during the exemption period for immediate shipment, even if delivery is made after the exemption period.”

Shipping and Handling

  • If all items in a shipment qualify as eligible items and the sales price for each is within the sales tax holiday price threshold, the shipping and handling charges are not taxable.
  • If the shipment includes exempt items and taxable items, the seller should allocate the shipping and handling charges by a percentage based on the total price of the taxable items to the total price of all the items in the shipment. The retailer must charge tax on the portion of the shipping and handling charges allocated to the taxable items in the shipment.

CAN A STORE / SELLER CHOOSE NOT TO PARTICIPATE?

No. The states says the sales tax holiday is set by law “and vendors must comply.”

WHAT’S THE $500 PRICE LIMIT?

Items selling for $500 or less will be tax-free.

“If an item sells for more than $500, tax is due on the entire selling price,” according to the Ohio Department of Taxation.

WHAT ABOUT EXCHANGES AND RETURNS?

Here are the three points you need to know from the Ohio Department of Taxation:

  • If a consumer buys an eligible item during the sales tax holiday and later exchanges it for the same item, the retailer should not charge sales tax even if the exchange is made after the end of the sales tax holiday.
  • If a consumer buys an eligible item during the sales tax holiday and returns the item after the tax holiday period for credit on the purchase of a different item, the retailer must charge sales tax on the sale of the newly purchased item, even if it would have been eligible for the exemption during the sales tax holiday.
  • If a consumer buys an eligible item before the holiday period but returns the item during the sales tax holiday period and receives credit on the purchase of a different item of eligible property, no sales tax is due on the sale of the new item. The retailer must provide the consumer credit for both the purchase price and sales tax paid on the item being returned.

HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

The Ohio Department of Taxation answers 31 total questions regarding the Sales Tax Holiday HERE.

Biggby Coffee Now Open in Troy

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Husband and wife chiropractors Juan and Whitney Fernandez have opened a new Biggby Coffee franchise at 817 Arthur Road in Troy. The Michigan based company opened it’s original location in East Lansing in 1995 and this store marks the 430th location.  Besides an array of coffee drinks, grab-and-go snacks and “bragel” sandwiches, donut holes, muffins will be available at the shop.

Opening specials happening this the week include:

  • Wednesday, July 30: Any hot or iced 16 oz. specialty beverage is $1.99
  • Thursday, July 31: $1 from every drink sold will be donated to Isaiah’s Place Foster Care

The official ribbon cutting for the  coffee shop will be Friday, Aug. 1  at 9:30am.. Free swag will be handed out, while supplies last, to those that purchase a specialty beverage.

Biggby Coffee
817 Arthur Rd.
Troy, OH 45373

Mon – Sat 6am – 8pm
Sun 7am – 8m

The Troy location is open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday with a drive-thru and walk-up window. Customers can place orders online. DoorDash is coming soon.

Starbucks Brings Back Raspberry Drinks

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Raspberry fans, rejoice! Starbucks is bringing the sweet and juicy taste of raspberry back in the U.S. for a limited time starting July 29. And fans can experience it in a whole new way with the new Raspberry Cream Cold Brew.

The longtime fan-favorite flavor can be enjoyed as a delicious customization* for a variety of Starbucks beverages and fans can experience it in a whole new way with the new Raspberry Cream Cold Brew. But just like a summer breeze, it won’t last long!

Danielle Paris worked in the Starbucks development kitchen to create this new version of raspberry syrup for its nationwide launch. The new version has the same flavor that customers remember, now with a rich sangria color made from fruits and vegetables.

“For me, raspberry is bright and refreshing, with a wonderful aroma and that sweet/tart flavor that evokes summertime,” she said. “I think it will be a fun way to customize our beverages.”

photo courtesy of Markie_Devo

The team created a new raspberry signature beverage, Raspberry Cream Cold Brew. The rich and refreshing beverage features a frothy layer of raspberry cream cold foam that complements the smooth and bold Starbucks® Cold Brew, sweetened with vanilla syrup.

“The notes of raspberry in our  cold foam perfectly balances the smooth, cocoa flavors of our cold brew, making it a vibrant, flavorful pairing,” Paris said.

Here are a few favorite customizations*.

White Chocolate Mocha with Raspberry Syrup: The juicy raspberry flavors paired with rich and creamy espresso and white chocolate sauce come together for an elegant beverage. Available hot and iced.

Strawberry Acai Refresher with Raspberry Syrup: Sweet strawberry flavors with passionfruit and açaí notes get a rich boost from raspberry syrup, shaken with ice and real strawberry pieces.

Iced Green Tea with Raspberry Syrup: A refreshing combination of raspberry and iced green tea blended with mint, lemongrass and lemon verbena.

*Customizing any beverage with raspberry syrup may incur an additional charge.

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.

National Chicken Wing Day Deals

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Buffalo Wild Wings National Chicken Wing Day deal

Buffalo Wild Wings is giving customers six free wings (boneless or traditional) with an order of $10 or more. You can get the deal when you dine in or when you order online or in the Buffalo Wild Wings App using promo code FREEWINGS. Among your options: the Honey Garlic sauce, which has become part of the permanent menu.

Popeyes: National Chicken Wing Day deals

Popeyes has three ways you can extend your National Chicken Wing Day festivities. Through Sunday, Aug. 3, when you order in stores, with any purchase of a 6-piece Bone-In Wings, you can get a free 6-piece order free.

Members of the Popeyes Rewards loyalty program get a free 6-piece order of Spicy Bone-In Wings with any wings order online or in the Popeyes app. (Redeem the deal in the Offers tab; account registration required. Prices higher on delivery orders.)

You can also get a buy one, get one free deal on 6-piece orders of bone-in or boneless wings when you order from delivery services DoorDash or Uber Eats. (At participating restaurants; offer good until Aug. 4 at 2:59 a.m. ET.)

Popeyes' deals for National Chicken Wing Day include BOGO 6-piece Bone-In Wings, offer good through Aug. 3.

Wingstop’s National Chicken Wing Day deal

The chicken wing restaurant has a National Chicken Wing Day deal on July 29 – five free wings with a qualifying chicken purchase use code FREEWINGS.

 

  • 7-Eleven: Members of the 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards loyalty programs have a pair of BOGO deals on July 29 – buy an 8-piece order of Boneless Wings and get eight free, or buy five Bone-in Wings and get five free. Also, when you buy two Red Bull drinks, you get five bone-in wings for free. (Offers good at at participating 7-Eleven, Speedway and Stripes stores nationwide.)
  • Applebee’s: The restaurant chain has an online deal for National Chicken Wing Day on July 29. When you buy one to-go order of Boneless Wings or Classic Bone-In Wings you get another free. Orders must be placed through the Applebee’s website or mobile app. (Offer is limited to one redemption per transaction; third-party delivery apps do not qualify.)
  • City BBQ: National Chicken Wing Day specials on the restaurant chain’s smoked wings include six wings starting at $8.99, 12 wings for $16.99, or 18 wings for $24.99, all seasoned with City BBQ’s signature rub and smoked to perfection over local hickory wood.
  • Hooters: When you buy 10 wings on July 29, you get 10 more free of any style. Offer good for dine-in only.
  • Twin Peaks: Buy six wings and get another six free on July 29. Deal is for dine-in only and good on any style of wings excluding Smoked & Grilled.

Dayton at Work and Play: Tony & Pete’s

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Visit to Tony & Pete’s (129 East Third)
This sandwich shop opened in 2022, but this was our first visit. I decided I wanted to try it when I heard that their business was growing so fast that they had rented the shop next door. They’ll bake bread and do some of their prep work and their catering work there while customers continue to order and eat at the original shop.
I ordered their Stretto’s spicy salami sandwich featuring salami, parmesan, arugula, spicy spread and Calabrian honey. My wife chose Turkey Pesto, which has turkey, mozzarella, house pesto, roasted red peppers and arugula. The sandwiches were delicious and large – more than we could finish. We decided that next time we’d split one sandwich and then walk to Val’s Bakery for a dessert.
There’s quite a bit of seating inside, but we chose the patio and watched a steady stream of customers enter. In addition to the sandwiches, they have salads and a few grocery items.

I read that Tony & Pete’s was started by a husband-and-wife team that met at Wright State. Like many of us they worked part-time during college. By the time they graduated they had moved up to food service management positions and decided to stay in that industry. They worked in well-known restaurants in Cincinnati, in New York and finally in Chicago. When the pandemic hit they moved back to Dayton and started planning their own business here.

The business has been growing rapidly, and Tony & Pete’s says they may soon be expanding to new locations.

McCoy on Movies: FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS

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Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), Sue Storm (Vanessa
Kirby), Reed Richard (Pedro Pascal) and Johnny Storm
(Joseph Quinn) prepare for the moment in
FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS.
© 2025 Disney. All Rights Reserved.

FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS

You have to give Marvel Studios credit. For with there already being four – yes, FOUR – Fantastic Four films in existence (in case you didn’t know, there’s a 1994 B-movie that predates all the turn of the century versions and it’s … yeah), bringing Marvel’s first family to life has never been an easy challenge. This isn’t even factoring in supposed “super hero fatigue” coupled with the rise in Internet chatter about “woke” superheroes. (While the film mostly avoided the latter, some were miffed that Pedro ‘I’m now starring in EVERYTHING’ Pascal is taking up the mantle of Reed Richards, a.k.a. Mr. Fantastic.)
 
In the case of FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS, director Matt Shakman has delivered what is easily the best take on the heroic quartet – in this case, taking place on Earth 818 and not the main 616 where we “live” in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Whereas Pascal is able to capture the genius-yet-socially-awkward-but-underlying-caring nature of Richards greatly, Kirby makes Sue Storm’s dedication to both Reed and the concept of family integral to both the team and the overall story. Quinn captures Storm’s hotheaded (pun intended) nature, but balances it with an intelligence previous versions haven’t often shown. The most intriguing individual may be Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s portrayal of Ben Grimm a.k.a. The Thing, which focuses on all the elements of humanity his character tries to maintain despite his physical stature.
 
Now, how this iteration of the Four eventually make their collective way to Earth 616 remains a mystery, one which is only intensified by one of the two post-credit scenes following the film’s conclusion. But in the meantime, FIRST STEPS takes significant ones at re-establish the importance of the Fantastic Four along with their potential for the next phase of the MCU.
 
For longstanding fans of the comic book quartet, that’s a fantastic prospect to look forward to in the future.
RATING:

 

 

Local Court Offers Fee Reduction Week

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Dayton Municipal Court and the Clerk of Court’s Office will offer a 50% discount on eligible court fees, fines, and costs during Fee Reduction Weeks, scheduled for August 4 to August 15, 2025. This discount applies to most court-related financial obligations, excluding certain fees like those related to OVI, photo enforcement, parking tickets, and others. 

  • Dates: August 4 – August 15, 2025. 
  • Discount: 50% off eligible fees, fines, and costs. 
  • Eligibility: Must pay the reduced fees in full during the designated period. 
  • Payment Options: Payments can be made online at PayMyFine.org or in person at the Dayton Municipal Court. During the Fee Reduction Weeks, the reduced fees must be paid in full to qualify for the discount; payment plans are generally not included in this program.
  • Excluded Fees: OVI-related fees, photo enforcement fees, parking tickets, filing fees, restitution, and probation fees. 
The Fee Reduction Weeks are intended to help individuals with outstanding court debt to pay off their obligations and get a fresh start, according to the Clerk of Court’s Office. 
The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) also offers payment plans for reinstatement fees, which may require court approval or have specific eligibility criteria, including insurance requirements and minimum payment amounts.
This program, part of the Reinstatement Fee Debt Reduction and Amnesty Program, helps drivers who have met all other reinstatement requirements but are still burdened by outstanding fees. 
Here are the key requirements to qualify for the BMV payment plan:
  • Owe at least $150 in reinstatement fees: The payment plan is specifically for individuals with a significant amount of outstanding reinstatement fees.
  • Met all other reinstatement requirements: You must have completed all other requirements to reinstate your license, such as serving your suspension period, completing any required remedial courses, or providing proof of insurance, except for paying the fees themselves.
  • Show current proof of insurance: You will need to provide valid documentation of your car insurance.
  • Not currently under suspension or have pending suspensions: Your driving privileges should not be suspended at the time of application, nor should you have any pending suspensions that would affect your ability to drive.
  • Not currently on a court-ordered payment plan: If you are already on a payment plan established by a court for your reinstatement fees, you won’t be eligible for the BMV payment plan. 
You can find more information about these plans on the Ohio BMV website

Gotha Handbell Choir Concert

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The Handbell Choir of St. Augustine Lutheran Church in Gotha, Germany embarks on its sixth tour in Ohio, ending with a concert at Epiphany on SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, at 7 p.m. in the Far Hills Sanctuary.

This ensemble was founded in 1987 through the efforts of Epiphany Lutheran in Dayton and Pastor Larry Hoffsis and his wife Cindy, who travelled to West Germany and brought sets of bells through the Iron Curtain. The current choir consists of 15 youth and adults, ringing five+ octaves of handbells.

This concert is free and open to the public with a free-will offering accepted. Invite your friends and family!

The Deans List/Lyzrd/MoneyManMitch

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Get ready for a night of awesome music at Blind Bob’s! Join us for performances by The Deans List, Lyzrd, and MoneyManMitch. It’s going to be a night to remember with great beats and vibes. Don’t miss out on this epic event!

Graeter’s Final Bonus Flavor is Now Available

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Graeter’s Ice Cream, America’s oldest family-owned and operated craft ice cream maker, is continuing its summer of sweet nostalgia with the debut of its fifth limited-time Bake Shop Bonus Flavor: Minty Brownie.

This refreshing yet indulgent flavor is the ideal sweet treat for beating the heat. With a creamy mint ice cream base and decadent, chewy brownie chunks, Minty Brownie combines the comforting taste of a homemade dessert with a cool summer twist.

Minty Brownie is now available by the scoop and in pints at Graeter’s scoop shops. Pints are available online for nationwide shipping at Graeters.com.

The Bake Shop Collection is Graeter’s homage to summertime nostalgia and oven-fresh baked goods featuring six flavors – all handcrafted in ultra-small batches using the brand’s signature “French Pot” method. Each limited-time flavor is announced and celebrated across Graeter’s scoop shops, online store, mobile app and social media. Once a flavor is gone, it’s retired for the year, so fans are encouraged to try it while it lasts. Stay tuned to Graeter’s social media channels or join the Graeter’s email list for future flavor announcements.

Big Yummm Burger Deal for $9.99 at Red Robin

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 Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc. is dishing out a new combo meal for burger lovers that is stacked and packed with value – the Big Yummm Burger Deal for just $9.99*. The YUMMM-iest deal in town features a Red’s Double Tavern Burger, choice of Bottomless Side and Bottomless Beverage for less than ten bucks, available for dine-in all day, every day at participating Red Robin restaurants.

“We don’t need to complicate this – today’s diners want great food and a great dining experience without having to dive deep into their pockets, and that’s exactly what our Big Yummm Burger Deal delivers,” said Dave Pace, president and CEO of Red Robin. “For just $9.99, guests can enjoy true value at Red Robin – including a hot, juicy, hand-smashed double patty burger, an abundant bottomless side and beverage, and great, full-service hospitality in a fun atmosphere, all for less than what many concepts charge at the drive-thru window.”

The deal includes a Red’s Double Tavern Burger, featuring two burger patties expertly smashed and seared on flattop grills then topped with Red’s Secret Tavern Sauce™, American cheese, lettuce and fresh tomato piled on a toasted sesame bun. For their Bottomless Side, guests can choose from Red Robin’s famous Steak Fries, Side House or Everything Caesar Salad, Steamed Broccoli or Yukon Chips, plus a Bottomless Soda, Lemonade or Iced Tea.

Guests will also have the option to upgrade their meal with a variety of options like Bottomless Specialty Lemonades, Chocolate, Vanilla or Strawberry Milkshakes, Bottomless Root Beer Floats, premium sides like Garlic Parmesan Fries and Sweet Potato Fries, and add-ons for their burger, for an additional price.

Red Robin’s Big Yummm Burger Deal is available at participating restaurants nationwide, starting this week. To redeem, guests can let their server know that they want the Big Yummm Burger Deal. To learn more, visit redrobin.com/the-big-yummm.

Miami Valley Red Robin Locations:

6404 Miller Lane,
Dayton, OH 45414

11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

2671 Fairfield Commons,
Beavercreek, OH 45431

11:00 AM – 9:30 PM

Flatwater Float at Possum Creek MetroPark

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Enjoy paddling on a lake. You will receive an overview of paddle strokes to help you with maneuverability and then you will spend the majority of the time exploring on your own. All paddling equipment is provided. This class is designed for anyone wanting to get more comfortable in a kayak while being exposed to the fundamentals of boat control. Weather Dependent.

ages 14 and up

Yellow Springs Film Fest Kickoff to Feature Kevin Nealon

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The Yellow Springs Film Festival is a celebration of creativity, connection and innovative performances exhibiting narrative and documentary feature films, shorts of all genres, stand up comedy and live music. The festival takes place annually, the first weekend in October.  Announcement of their kick off party for the 3rd annual  festival has revealed stand up comedian Kevin Nealon will be their special guest.

Nealon is an Emmy and SAG-nominated actor and comedian who sets himself apart from other comedic performers with his unique sense of humor, dry wit and likable demeanor. Nealon is best known for his nine-year stint as a cast member of NBC’s Saturday Night Live, and received critical acclaim for his role in the hit Showtime series Weeds. Kevin currently produces and hosts his digital series Hiking with Kevin, and tours his stand-up globally. He will be releasing his latest book, I Exaggerate: My Brushes with Fame (Abrams), on October 25, 2022. Part art book, part memoir — the book is full of original full-color caricatures Kevin has created along with funny, endearing personal essays about his famous friends. Past guests include Michael Keaton, Jimmy Kimmel, Lin Manuel-Miranda, Cheryl Hines, Ray Romano, Al Franken, Hilary Swank, Kumail Nanjiani, Kate Beckinsale, Conan O’Brien, Adam Sandler, and more.

As one of the longest running cast members on NBC’s Saturday Night Live (1986-1995), Nealon created some of the show’s most memorable characters, including ‘The Subliminal Man’ and ‘Hans and Franz.’ Nealon’s recurring role as an anchor on ‘Weekend Update’ helped make the sketch a show staple. In 1988, he earned an Emmy nomination as part of the SNL writing team.

Each year YSFF gives a $3,000 prize through the Julia Reichert Award to an emerging female documentary filmmaker. In addition each year the festival provides a free educational seminar open to the public and partners with Wavelength Productions to showcase a program of short films directed by female or non-binary BIPOC filmmakers. 

The kickoff is Friday, October 3 · 5 – 6:30pm at the Foundry Theater at Antioch College.  Tickets can be purchased online for $40. Announcements of films to be screened and special events still to come.