Dayton937

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

Archives for August 2025

Grand Opening Beavercreek Dunkin!

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The grand opening will be 9 to 11 am Aug. 26. The first 100 Dunkin’ Rewards Members in line at 9 a.m. will get free coffee every day for 100 days.

Customers will also get the chance to win Dunkin’ swag and meet the mascot. There will be a ribbon cutting and check presentation to Feed the Creek at 10 a.m.

This location does not have a drive-thru.

Hops in the Hangar

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A Craft Beer Event that really takes Flight!

Hops in the Hangar will feature a wide selection of beer from breweries big and small and showcases a variety of aircraft. Professional skydivers jumping overhead will create an experience few will forget. The evening will be packed with beers, planes, food trucks, music and more.

Sample 4oz pours of great craft beer from 30 breweries with over 90 beers to choose from. All attendees must be 21 years of age or older. There will be Food Trucks on-site offering a variety of tasty options for purchase. Mingle around historic, vintage and modern aircraft and take some awesome photos.

The unique location allows for outdoor enjoyment with the hangar doors being wide open and also provide cover for shade and weather. This event is rain or shine….but has a 100% chance of beer and fun. All attendees must be 21 years of age and over (including Designated “Flyers”).

Tattoo Fest Dayton features over 100 World Renowned Tattoo Artists

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Tattoo Fest Dayton is here for a weekend of tattoo artists all coming together to tattoo the public and celebrate the art of tattooing! The Festival will host over 125 tattoo artists and vendors exhibiting their work and competing in contests with over 20 categories. Competitions will be for healed tattoos as well as competitions each day for tattoos done at the Festival.

Tattoo Fest Dayton is excited to add a new chapter to the legacy of the art and tattoo culture of Dayton, while celebrating some of the best local tattooers, as well as bringing returning and new artists to showcase the amazing city.

The organizers  believe that everyone deserves to experience the incredible artistry and vibrant culture of the tattoo community. To make this possible and to celebrate with all of you, they’ve decided to make admission to Tattoo Fest Dayton completely FREE for all three days.


Nationally and Internationally recognized tattoo artists will be set up for the public to browse and collect tattoos! Reality tattoo stars from some of your favorite tattoo reality television shows will be on hand tattooing and able to be seen working their craft live, in front of attendees of the festival. Artists have already started booking in advance, but plenty will be accepting walk up tattoos. To find your perfect artist, go to https://daytontattoofestival.com/artists/attending-artists/. Do it quickly before they are booked solid for the entire weekend.

They will also be hosting the Worst Tattoo Competition, sponsored by Removery – the World’s Largest Tattoo Removal Company. A free to enter competition, attendees can show off bad or regrettable tattoos they have, with the winner receiving a free removal package from Removery, who has over 150 locations in the United States, Canada, and Australia.


The Festival also features vendors ranging from oddities to clothing and makers of all kinds. This event is open to the public and family friendly.

Tattoo Fest has organized events in over 20 cities across the United States in our first four years, and has 13 total Festivals scheduled for this year. Tattoo Fest Dayton is presented by Tattoo Fest and the Explorer Tattoo Conference – the world’s largest educational tattoo conference.

Dayton Tatoo Fest

Dayton Convention Center
119 E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402-2405
Friday: 12PM – 10PM
Saturday: 11AM – 10PM
Sunday: 11AM – 7PM

McCoy on Movies: Honey Don’t

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Margaret Qualley shines in a dark, LGTBQIA+ dark comedy
that’s not as bright as her performance

Don’t have time to read a full, detailed movie review? Been meaning to talk about a movie for a while but just haven’t gotten around to telling a friend? Have no fear – get caught up with Quick Hits!

“Take notes … I’m the best thing about this film and you
know it.” Honey O’Donahue (Margaret Qualley) investigates
in a scene from Ethan Coen’s HONEY DON’T! Credit:

 

Karen Kuehn © 2025 Focus Features LLC. All Rights Reserved.
HONEY DON’T! 
 
There are exactly two reasons to see HONEY DON’T, the second installment of Ethan Coen’s “lesbian b-movie trilogy” written alongside his lesbian, non-traditional partner Tricia Cooke: (1) To watch Margaret Qualley, who stars as a queer, Bakersfield, CA-private eye that’s more masculine 1925 than she is 2025 in her demeanor, own every scene she’s in and (2) the gratuitous surely to some and likely not gratuitous enough to others nudity and sex crammed into the film’s 90 minute run-time. (Those who cheered the removal of the Pulse Nightclub crosswalk in Florida need not buy a ticket for reasons that should now be overtly obvious.
Moral objections to seeing LGTBQIA+ characters on screen – along with possibly the most corrupt preacher of the year in Chris Evans as drug dealing, murdering, fornicating church leader Drew Devlin – notwithstanding, HONEY DON’T finds Qualley outperforming the thin-yet-familiar material she is given to work with at every turn. That’s not to suggest that the other actors don’t bring their best to their roles as much it is to say what they were given to work with is b-movie pulp at best and sometimes, not in the best way. The film is far better, however, than the first installment in the Coen/Cooke three-pack, the long-forgotten, ostensibly goofy Drive-Away Dolls, but it’s staying power – outside of those who long to stare at star actors naked and/or REALLY enjoy ALL Coen brothers films (not just the hits) – is minor. Charlie Day adds a few laughs as a clueless detective, there are the standard schlubby/mysterious foreign Coen characters and quirky violence leading to a climax … But Bound, this is not.
So, if you’re wondering if you should put HONEY DON’T on your honey-do list, the answer is … Maybe – if you have 90 minutes to kill or just want to see an actress make honey out of a rather spent hive of a story that could have delivered so much more.
 

RATING (OUT OF FOUR BUCKETS OF POPCORN): 2 1/2 of 4

 

 

 

Candlelight: A Tribute to Adele

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Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Dayton. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Adele at Dayton Masonic Center under the gentle glow of candlelight.

Tentative Program

  • Hello
  • Rumour Has It
  • Make You Feel My Love
  • Water Under the Bridge
  • Oh My God
  • Someone Like You
  • Send My Love (To Your New Lover)
  • Chasing Pavements
  • Skyfall
  • When We Were Young
  • Set Fire to the Rain
  • Easy On Me
  • Rolling in the Deep

Performers

  • Listeso String Quartet

Hardee’s Rolls Out Summer Sips and Spicy Value Deals

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Hardee’s new Sweet Cherry Shake and Sweet Cherry Lemonade

Summer never has to end with Hardee’s® new limited-time cherry-inspired menu items: the Sweet Cherry Shake and Sweet Cherry Lemonade. Crafted to deliver bold cherry flavor, these refreshing beverages elevate any meal with a taste experience worth remembering. The Sweet Cherry Shake and Sweet Cherry Lemonade are available now through October 21.

The Sweet Cherry Lemonade blends Hardee’s new and improved handcrafted lemonade with a vibrant splash of cherry flavor for a crisp, refreshing finish. A swirl of ruby-red cherry flavor meets creamy hand-scooped vanilla ice cream in the Sweet Cherry Shake that is a worthy treat for guests’ Instagram feeds and tastebuds.

“We’re excited to introduce this standout flavor to our menu,” said Sarah Breymaier, vice president of brand marketing at Hardee’s. “Cherry is trending among consumers – in fact, searches for ‘cherry flavor’ are up 20% in the last month. With these new menu items, we are giving guests what they want and offering our unique take. These beverages are all about making the last days of summer tastier, more vibrant and truly memorable – turning everyday moments into flavorful, indulgent experiences.”

To extend the summer goodness, Hardee’s is also upgrading and bringing back the Original Bag. The value deal will now include the new Spicy Chicken Sandwich, and for $6.99*, guests can choose between two hearty options including the Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Double Cheeseburger, Sliced Ham and Swiss on a toasted bun, or Hand-Breaded Chicken Tender Wrap (ranch, honey mustard, or spicy), served with small fries and a small drink. Original Bag is available now through October 21.

New Lunch Option Downtown

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There’s a new lunch spot downtown. Bistecca, located inside Hotel Ardent  is now open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11 am – 1:30 pm.

The lunch menu features items like Smoked Salmon Bruschetta, Tuscan Chicken Salad Croissant, a Tuscan Burger, and flavorful salads and soup. You can take a peek at the menu here.

Bistecca

137 N. Main Street,
Dayton, OH 45402
937.637.0465
Breakfast
Weekday
(Mon-Fri): 6:30am – 10:30am
Brunch
Saturday & Sunday: 7:00am – 1:30pm
Lunch
Monday – Friday: 11:00am – 1:30pm
Negroni Hour
(Mon-Sat): 4:30pm – 6:30pm (bar only)
Dinner
Weekday (Sun-Thurs): 4:30pm – 10:00pm
Weekend (Fri & Sat): 4:30pm – 11:00pm

Reservations can be made online.

Noodles & Company Combo Duo Meals starting at $9.95

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Noodles & Company has launched a duo meal that offers guests a small entrée and a side starting at $9.95. Whether it’s an early lunch, afternoon refuel or evening meal, you can Duo on your own schedule. Choose any small Noodle or Mac bowl with Duo-sized protein + Side for a bundled price.

Small Entree Choices include:

Creamy Cheddar Mac
Rigatoni Roni With Parmesan Chicken
Buttery Parmesan Noodles
Pad Thia
Crispy Bacon Chicken Alfredo
Buffalo Chicken Ranch Mac
Pulled Pork BBQ Mac
Japanese Pan Noodles
Basil Pesto Cavatappi
Spicy Korean Steak Noodles
Spaghetti & Meatballs
Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scamp
Pasta Fresca
Roasted Garlic Cream Tortelloni
Chipotle Chicken Cavatappi
Bulgogi Steak Mac & Cheese

Side Choices Include:

Caesar Salad
Garden Salad
Chicken Noodle Soup
Lemon Parmesan Broccoli
3 Piece Potsticker
Baguetts
3 piece Cheesy Garlic Bread

Noodles & Company

Austin Landing

3400 Rigby Road
Miamisburg, OH 45342

The Greene

11 Greene Blvd
Beavercreek, OH 45432

 

10:30 AM to 10:00 PM

Dayton At Work and Play: Duohome

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I find that stores run by artists tend to be interesting places, so after dropping my art off at the Springfield Museum of Art I visited Duohome (149 W Jefferson St, Springfield, OH).
I first visited the building back in 2016 to tour the art studio of Vicki Rulli and her husband Tom Heaphey. They bought an old industrial building in Springfield and then opened Itinerant Studio. It is a production art studio that sells art to designers, hotels and boutiques all over the world. Their work is beautiful. The black & white photo shows Tom and Vicki back in 2016.
During the pandemic the couple started renovating areas of the building that hadn’t been used. Two years ago, they opened Duohome. Vicki was there and I asked her to describe the store and how it came about.
“We’ve been selling to the design trade since 2008 with showrooms in New York, High Point and Atlanta. The brands we’re selling here have been our friends and colleagues, people selling alongside us at the same shows. We think of this as a “Lifestyle Store” and it’s modeled after how we live our own life.”
“Every single product that comes into DUO HOME must follow our “Four Goods”. They must be made by a good company that treats their employees well, have intentional and good design, be made with good materials, and have a good story to tell.”
Then Vicki started telling me some of the good stories of some of her products – about the employee-owned Ohio furniture company and the third-generation Danish company and others. I was reminded of my friend London Coe who sells chocolate from all over the world. If I ask about a chocolate bar, she can tell me about the person who made it and how it was made and the history of chocolate in that part of the world.
So, when you’re headed to Springfield to see the members’ show at the Springfield Museum of Art, check out Duohome and let Vicki show you some good products with good stories.

Culture Work Hosts Martini Competition Inspired by Local Artists

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Culture Works, the United Arts Fund and Local Arts Agency that serves Dayton, Montgomery County, and the seven-county surrounding area, is holding their annual Artini fundraiser on August 21, 2025 in the Dayton Arcade.

“Artini is my favorite Culture Works event,” says Director of Engagement, Curtis Bowman. “The collaboration between local artists and bartenders is really unique, and the art inspired drinks offer such an array of tastes and visual appeal—-I’m glad I don’t have to pick the winner!”

Winners of the art inspired mixology competition are chosen by ticketed guests, who sip, savor and vote for their favorites. The event also features music from the Deron Bell Trio, savory bites from Speakeasy Miso, and art for sale. 

Last year’s champion, Hayden from Stella Bleu Bistro is partnering with Lori Daugherty. According to Hayden, “Lori is always a breath of fresh air to work with. Just like her paintings, the spunky, unique, and vibrant vibe she brings is unmatched—and quite frankly, perfect to match my cocktails with! I’m looking so forward to pairing my art in mixology with hers for another great year at Artini!”

Other pairings include: Julie Riley with Fifth Street Brew Pub; Amy Williams with Whisperz Speakeasy; Jes McMillan with The Silos; Brian Mathus with Coco’s; Samantha Mang with Mercenary Bartenders; CaymanK with Wheat Penny; Rodney Veal with De’Lish; Jen Perkins with The Garden Grille & Bar at the Hilton Garden Inn in the Dayton Arcade; Jon Daugherty with Bistecca in the Ardent Hotel; and Erin Smith Glenn with West Social Tap.

Culture Works Artini is August 21, 2025 at the Dayton Arcade Rotunda, 35 W 4th St, Dayton, OH 45402. Tickets are $55.00 General Admission, $65.00 VIP.

McCoy on Movies: Highest 2 Lowest

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Denzel Washington takes a musical journey to explore a man’s
morality, legacy in Spike Lee’s latest

Don’t have time to read a full, detailed movie review? Been meaning to talk about a movie for a while but just haven’t gotten around to telling a friend? Have no fear – get caught up with Quick Hits!

 
HIGHEST 2 LOWEST 
 
“I’ll just throw on a Yankees cap and no one will know I’m Denzel Washington … At best,
they’ll think I’m just Mariano Rivera …”  David King (Denzel Washington) takes a
very compromising ride in a scene from Spike Lee’s HIGHEST 2 LOWEST. © 2025 A24.

All Rights Reserved.

 

 
What is the price of fame and success? Can you retain the love of what brought you fame when the demands of your industry make it so much easier to copy and paste what’s popular versus striving for something original and true? What is the common thread between someone who wants to achieve the high life and someone who simply needs the opportunity to achieve it? 
 
While these are the central themes in Spike Lee’s modern take of the 1963 Akira Kurosawa film High and Low, the only question a potential movie goer needs to ask is the following: How much do you feel like diving into a tale as old as time that featuring a fresh coat of digital paint for the modern world? As music mogul David King, the man with “the best ears in the business,” Denzel Washington still knows how to take command of a scene, even when it may not be that compelling. 
 
Then again, Spike Lee throws in all his trademark love letter to New York elements well to advance the story of King, forced to decide between his money and saving the life of Kyle (Elijah Wright), the son of his chauffeur, Alan (Jeffrey Wright). The film’s best sequences occur hen using music – the famed Puerto Rican Day parade accentuated by the sounds of the Eddie Palmieri Salsa Orchestra as a backdrop for a key sequence, an intense lyrical back-and-forth between King and aspiring rapper Yung Felon (A$AP Rocky) – sticking with the film’s exploration of what type of a man King is: Will he be one that that values money and his legacy more than doing what is right .. Or can he do what is right at the risk of everything he has worked so hard to achieve going up in flames? While not exactly a perfect journey, it is one audiences (especially longstanding Washington fans) are more likely to enjoy than not.
 
RATING (OUT OF FOUR BUCKETS OF POPCORN):
 

 

KFC Brings Back Potato Wedges & Hot Wings

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The Hot & Spicy Wings, back for the first time in nearly two years, feature a spicy marinade with double hand-breading in KFC’s signature Extra Crispy flour. “Wedge-lovers, we heard you — and we agree it’s been five long years without wedges. But the wait is over,” KFC U.S. president Catherine Tan-Gillespie said in a statement. “This isn’t just a nostalgic nod. It’s an example of how we’re turning feedback into action as we chart our Kentucky Fried Comeback, broadband-wide rally to give people more reasons to fall in love with us all over again.”

Customers can order wedges on their own, substitute any side for wedges, or try them as part of a new six-piece wings-and-wedges combo that comes with a medium drink. 

KFC is also offering other deals for the back-to-school and football season:

  • $3.99 KFC Chicken Sandwich**: An Extra Crispy™ chicken breast filet on a toasted brioche bun, topped with pickles and the Colonel’s real mayo or spicy mayo (deal available starting Aug. 18).
  • $20 Wings & Wedges Fan Favorites Box***: Weeknight dinners just got easier—10 Hot & Spicy Wings, 12 KFC Chicken Nuggets, Potato Wedges, four biscuits and four dipping sauces, offering something for everyone in the family (deal available starting Aug. 18).
  • 20 Wings for $20****: Your game day group meal unlocked—starting Sept. 4 enjoy 20 Hot & Spicy Wings and four dipping sauces of your choice for just $20 (a KFC digital exclusive offer).
  • $10 Tuesdays*****: KFC’s popular deal continues—your choice of eight pieces of classic fried chicken or eight Original Recipe® Tenders for just $10 on Tuesday.

Download the KFC app and sign up for KFC Rewards****** to stay up to date on all offers and start to earn points on KFC orders to unlock free fried chicken—and don’t sleep on your chance to get wings and wedges at KFC, available at KFCs nationwide while supplies last.

KFC’s “comeback” campaign was launched in July. As part of the campaign, the chain offered free buckets of chicken for digital orders while soliciting feedback on how “to reclaim our rightful place in the fried chicken game we started,” Tan-Gillespie said.

“The Colonel would not be happy about our market share, and we’re serious about reminding America exactly who we are: the game changer with a relentless pursuit of the best fried chicken. We won’t smile until our customers do,” she said in a statement.

KFC had a tough 2024, with sales down 5.2%, according to Technomic data. The chain was leapfrogged by Raising Cane’s in the process, which grew sales by 32% year-over-year, while rivals Popeyes and Chick-fil-A grew sales by nearly 4% and 5.4%, respectively.  KFC’s same-store sales declined less in the first quarter of 2025, down just 1%.

Sunset at the Market

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Sunset at the Market series on the third Thursday of each month from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. This Market event provides guests with special evening shopping hours, dinner opportunities, entertainment, demos, tastings, and community engagement. DORA beverages are welcome

Miamisburg Triathalon

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The Miamisburg Triathlon is a great way to close out your summer. The bike and run are both flat, fast courses. It’s a 2.5 mile canoe, followed by a 5k run and concludes with a 10 mile bike. Participants can race with a partner or as a solo, either way you’ll have something to brag about when you finish. All finishers get a custom medal and a great post-race spread.

 

2 Person Team Entry includes the canoe rental, life vests and paddles.  Solo participants either bring your own kayak or paddleboard or make arrangements with Barefoot Canoe 937-698-4351 to have one brought for you on race day.  We have a limit of 50 entry spots for 2-person teams.  Solo spots are unlimited.

Rob Thomas: The All Night Days Tour at The Rose

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Multi-platinum singer-songwriter Rob Thomas is set to return to the stage this summer for a highly anticipated solo tour: “The All Night Days Tour.” This extensive 25-date North American run marks his first full tour since Matchbox Twenty’s wildly successful “Slow Dream Tour” in 2023-2024 and first solo headlining tour since 2019’s “Chip Tooth Tour.” The solo trek will bring Thomas’ signature vocals and acclaimed songwriting to Huber Heights, OH for a performance at Rose Music Center on Monday, August 18. A Great Big World will provide support for all dates.

Thomas said, “I’m gearing up for ‘The All Night Days Tour’ at the end of this summer! After such amazing Matchbox shows in 2023 and 2024, it’s so great to revisit the solo catalog and share them with everyone! It’s also a great way to celebrate my new album, All Night Days, and the 20th anniversary of my first solo album, …Something To Be!”

Graeter’s Ice Cream Releases Final Summer Bonus Flavor!

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Graeter’s Ice Cream, America’s oldest family-owned and operated craft ice cream maker, wraps up its summer of nostalgic indulgence with the release today of its sixth and final limited-time Bake Shop Bonus Flavor: Caramel Pecan Cheesecake.

 

Rich, creamy mascarpone ice cream meets buttery praline pecans, gooey caramel truffles, and soft cheesecake pieces for a flavor that’s equal parts crunchy, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth indulgent. Every bite brings the perfect balance of caramel sweetness, nutty crunch, and cheesecake richness.

Caramel Pecan Cheesecake is now available by the scoop and in pints at all 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.