Dayton937

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

Archives for October 2025

Free Over 50 Fitness Class

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Be part of Roderer Shoe Center first-ever Over 50 Fitness class with Altered Gym! 🎉
Join us for a fun, supportive workout designed specifically for individuals over 50. 💪
This bodyweight resistance training class focuses on improving balance, maintaining strength, and increasing overall capacity, helping you stay active and confident in your movement at any age.
Whether you’re new to exercise or looking to enhance your fitness routine, this class offers the perfect mix of challenge and encouragement.

Jazz Jam at Wholly Grounds

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Join Wholly Grounds  for their monthly jazz jam this Sunday with  Kelli Campbell, host and vocals, Moses Mabarak, keys, Connor Smith, bass and Noah Ramirez on drums. This is an open jam for all levels. $10 Cover.

Last Weekend for Ella Mae’s Broaster Hut in Trotwood

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Leiland and Melanie Woods originally opened Ella Mae’s Broaster Hut as a food truck in 2023. In February of 2025 they opened Consumer Square in Trotwood.  They’ve become well known for their broasted chicken, fish and pork chops with sides of fresh-cut potato wedges, green beans, fried cabbage, bourbon baked beans, and macaroni and cheese.  Broasted chicken uses the trademarked Broaster Pressure Fryer that combines deep frying with pressure cooking to create a crispy outside and a very juicy inside.
But a big change is coming. Ella Maes Broaster Hut will soon have a new name and a new location.
This weekend will be their last at their 5519 Salem Ave location.  They invite you all to attend their closing weekend “Fish Fry” today & Saturday, while supplies last! Come say goodbye and have some extra fish on them.

Road Trip: Halloween Funk-Rock Extravaganza: Ernie Johnson From Detroit & Subterranean Take Over The State Theater

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Get ready for a freaky Friday night as The State Theater transforms into a heavy funk-rock-jazz dance party on Halloween, featuring Cincinnati’s Ernie Johnson From Detroit and Dayton’s own Subterranean. With costumes encouraged and special performances by The Gorgeous Ghost Demon Dancers from Troupe Roja, this promises to be one of the most electrifying Halloween events in the region.

Ernie Johnson From Detroit has built a reputation for delivering explosive live performances that blend funk, afrobeat, and jazz with ’70s psychedelia and hard rock. The Cincinnati-based big band is known for creating what they call “a hypnotic, danceable sound that is both accessible and boundary pushing at the same time.” Their shows center on intense, spontaneous improvisation combined with sophisticated compositions that live inside the groove. They have the ability to transform any venue into an infectious dance party has made them one of the most sought-after acts in the regional music scene.

Subterranean. Photo by Jimmy Cummings

Complementing the headliners is Subterranean, a fearless jam rock quartet from Dayton that has been lighting up stages for over 15 years. With their sound rooted in rock, funk, jazz, and blues, Subterranean brings what they describe as “improvisation with intent.” The band’s lineup features Chris Coalt on guitar and vocals, Stephen Buttree on keys, saxophone and vocals, Chuckie Love on bass and vocals, and Rob Brockman on drums and vocals. Subterranean’s live performances are characterized by edgy improvisation burning at full throttle, ignited by infectious grooves and powerful, passionate delivery.

Adding to the spectacle, The Gorgeous Ghost Demon Dancers from Troupe Roja will provide visual entertainment throughout the night. With costumes strongly encouraged, attendees are invited to embrace the Halloween spirit while dancing to some of the most innovative music Ohio has to offer.

The State Theater, a historic landmark known for its stunning Art Deco architecture, provides the perfect backdrop for this fusion of musical genres and Halloween festivities. The venue’s intimate setting allows audiences to fully experience the chemistry and creativity that both bands bring to the stage.

For fans of jam bands, funk, and high-energy live music, this Halloween double bill represents a can’t-miss opportunity to experience two of Ohio’s most dynamic acts in one unforgettable night. Whether you’re there for the spontaneous improvisation, the infectious grooves, or just to dance in costume, this show promises to deliver an experience that goes well beyond the typical Halloween party!

HOW TO GO?

Date: Halloween Night, October 31, 2025
Venue: The State Theater, Springfield, OH
Doors: 7:00 PM
Show: 8:00 PM
Tickets: $15 Advance / $20 Door – https://www.springfieldstatetheater.com/event-details-registration/halloween-heavy-funk-rock-jazz-jam-dance-party-w-ernie-johnson-from-detroit-and-subterranean

Dayton Cheese Fest Food Truck Rally

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Join us for a ton of incredible cheese dishes and more all from some amazing food trucks at The Brightside on Sunday, Nov 2nd from 11am to 6pm!

Our beer garden patio indoor seating at The Brightside will be open for everyone to hang out in during the festival. With tons of vendors serving Cheese and thematic items in addition to their standard menu favorites, this will be a foodie event that you will not want to miss!

DAYTON CHEESE FEST

Nov 2nd – 11am to 6pm

The Brightside, 905 E. 3rd St. Dayton, OH 45402

Entry is always FREE to our family friendly food festivals!

daytonfoodtruckrallies.com

Vendors:

Wheel fresh pizza

Ma Dukes Street Food

Cruisin Cuisine

The Food Pitt

Barking Burger

MamaBear’s Mac

Dunkers And Beans

Sweets & Meats BBQ

The Little Bear

El Diablo Grill

Freakin’ Rican

Tortilla

The Lumpia Queen

Schmidts

I Heart Ice Cream

Childers’ Chimney Cakes

Jars by Jas

Billy Gold Bubble Tea

Fifty5 Rivers

*Please note: Food truck lineup is subject to change

YWCA’s Women of Influence Awards is Back

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For more than 25 years, the YWCA’s Women of Influence Awards have honored our communities female leaders who use their voices, vision to make a lasting impact in the community. In a release, YWCA stated honorees exemplify the organization’s mission to “eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.”

“This event helps highlight YWCA’s goal to help women break the glass ceiling,” said Teresa Sanders, YWCA Dayton Interim CEO. “We can’t wait to honor these remarkable women and tell their stories, while also highlighting the lifesaving services that YWCA Dayton has provided for women and children in our community for more than 150 years. The YWCA is in a time of growth and rebuilding, and we need the support of our community to serve the women and children who walk through our doors every day – seeking shelter, security, and a safe place to land.”

The 2026 honorees are:

  • Debbie Blunden Diggs – CEO and artistic director, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company
  • Myla Cardona Jones – CEO, Brunner Literacy Center
  • Robyn Lightcap – Executive director, Preschool Promise
  • Heather Salazar – President and CEO, Pink Ribbon Good
  • Lisa Wagner – Executive director, Levitt Pavilion Dayton

Betsy B. Whitney

The YWCA Dayton is proud to announce the renaming of its most prestigious honor to The Betsy B. Whitney Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of its longest-serving champion. Betsy Whitney’s dedication to the organization is unparalleled, spanning over 65 years and including 50 continuous years on the Board of Directors, culminating in more than 80,000 hours of service. Her leadership proved foundational to the YWCA’s mission: she was a driving force behind the organization becoming the second in the country to open a shelter for battered women, and she personally inspired the creation of the annual Women of Influence Luncheon, the major event where this very award is bestowed. This permanent designation ensures that all future recipients will be measured by the exceptional standard of service, tenacity, and commitment to gender and racial equality that Betsy Whitney set for the entire community.

Vicki Giambrone

Vicki Giambrone– Partner, CBD Advisors, will be the recipient of the 2026 Betsy Whitney Lifetime Achievement Award.

For over 23 years, she served as the vice president for strategic partnerships and business development for Dayton Children’s Hospital. She managed the hospital’s highly successful business development efforts and strategic partnerships. She developed the nationally recognized public affairs and advocacy program; developed the referral physician program and community outreach efforts and as well as leading marketing, strategic planning and Foundation Services. She is a very active community advocate and has served on many boards over the past 30 years. Currently she serves as a member of the Board of Trustees for Pink Ribbon Girls and Greene Inc and as a board member for two private corporations. In addition, Vicki serves the City of Beavercreek as an elected official to the City Council and was selected by Governor John Kasich to serve on his Executive Workforce Task Force Board.  She has earned Fellow status in the American College of Healthcare Executives and is board certified in health care administration; and earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Dayton.

Rachel Jessup

Rachel Jessup, YWCA Dayton board chair

“We would like to thank YWCA Dayton’s Board of Directors, led by Chair Rachel Jessup, the Y staff led by Teresa Sanders and our incredible community stakeholders for working tirelessly to bring this beloved event back,” Earl and Broughton said in a joint statement. “This celebration means so much – to this community and to us personally. We hope you’ll join us in honoring these extraordinary women, whose leadership and impact truly embody what it means to be Women of Influence in our community.”

The YWCA Dayton will honor the 2026 Women of Influence and Betsy B. Whitney Lifetime Achievement Honorees on March 12, 2026, from 11:30 am-1:00 pm at the Dayton Convention Center.  Tickets can be purchased online here.

BCT brings ‘Let the Right One in’ to life this weekend!

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Beavercreek Community Theatre is celebrating the spooky season with ‘Let the Right One In.’ This weekend is the final chance to see the production which is directed by Chris Harmon. Here is what he shared with us about this coming-of-age story.
937: Why did you choose ‘Let the Right One in’ this Halloween season? 
It’s a different take on both classic vampire lore, and coming-of-age stories. As a director, it presents as a new challenge to stage in a compelling, and accessable way.
937: What does this production promise for the audience? 
The assembled score is comprised of a lot of early 80’s punk, and new wave music. The cast had a chance to offer a lot of input into this aspect of the production so it’s very collaborative in that sense. In terms of atmosphere, the space is really transformed into a stark Scandinavian vibe by the set, and  experimental — and at times avant-garde lighting design. And it’s a vampire story, so of course there’s blood! Lots of it. At one point nearly half a gallon of blood in three seconds! Which is to say nothing of the actors who have invested considerable time into not only their craft but some exceedingly quick and clever set transitions.
937: Is it like the film?
Yes, and no. Yes in that the essence of the main character’s vulnerability and frankness is definitely present. No, in the sense that we don’t have a lake on stage that a body is discovered in.
937: What do you hope the audience walks away feeling? 
I hope they feel that they have experienced something new in the theatre. I want them to feel exhilarated by an unconventional script. I definitely want them to question if this is a love story about Oskar and Eli, or is it not a love story.
937:  Who makes up this strong cast?
The two leads, Karter Hoffman as Oskar, and Sophia Harvey as Eli are fantastic in their roles. They are supported by an incredible ensemble which includes Everett Green, Jamie McQuinn, TJ Montgomery, Sasha Kozlova, Steven Mongelli, Grayson Thompson, Kobe Smith, and Maren Wasser.
Janet Powell has designed some really delightful 80’s Northern Europe costumes. Becky Howard’s design for props is exquisitely detailed. Both Michael Cardoza, and Nick Vanderpool have crafted some amazing very special, and surprising blood effects. Alex Kancler’s sound design is crazy compelling. Angelé Price-Maddah has been a fantastic assistant director. Kayla Graham is fight and intimacy coordinator – her work is incredibly essential to the piece.  Andrew Darr’s lighting design is mysterious and vibrant.  And my set design…well, it’s okay.
Tickets and Times: This Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets at bctheatre.org 
Anything You’d like to add? Yes. Lady Cardoza is a fabulous producer.

937: I’m sure our readers are as intrigued as I am. Make sure you catch the show at BCT this weekend! Thanks Chris!

Gem City Provisions: Meat and Cheese Masterpieces

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A business that creates charcuterie boards is all about turning food into art — blending creativity, flavor, and presentation into edible experiences. These businesses curate beautiful assortments of meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and other gourmet bites, often styled on wooden boards or trays for any occasion — from intimate date nights to large-scale corporate events. Bridget Robinson, who bartends at McDiggers and O’Leary’s, recently  launched Gem City Provisions. 

She can create customized boards, offering themed boards (like brunch, dessert, or seasonal) and catering to dietary preferences such as vegetarian, keto, or gluten-free. The artistry is just as important as the ingredients — think handcrafted cheeses, locally sourced honey, artisan crackers, and a pop of color from fresh herbs or edible flowers.

From intimate birthdays and casual weeknight dinners to large corporate events, Bridget provides beautifully curated boards that bring people together.

From rich cheeses to unique cured meats, seasonal fruits, fresh nuts, and local honey, every ingredient is chosen to create a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Whether selling ready-made boxes for pickup, delivering grazing tables for weddings, this  charcuterie entrepreneur is redefining how we snack, celebrate, and share food.

Gem City Provisions offers: 

  • Custom Charcuterie Boards – Tailored to fit any occasion or dietary preference.
  • Party Platters & Catering – Perfect for weddings, corporate events, and large gatherings.
  • Small Batch Local Products – We source only the finest, locally-sourced ingredients to make each board a delicious work of art.
  • Perfect for any Occasion, Big or Small: Whether it’s a Monday afternoon treat, a milestone birthday, or a large corporate function, we’ve got you covered.

Call 937-657-8446 or Email to book your board!

[email protected]

Lily’s Owner Asks Community For Support

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Emily Mendenhall

I have been wrestling the last week with how to approach what we’re facing here, and trying to keep a brave face on and to find some way to not resort to what in a way feels like begging at this point as I know so many people are struggling and so many small businesses are struggling right now and this isn’t our first call to action post– but what was a threat code orange situation has become (with a large piece of equipment going down and needing replaced) code red, so here we are.

We deeply want to keep on keeping on, to show up for our community, and to offer all staff hours, but we have to have the funds to do that. We’ve made some tough decisions already over the last couple months with further belt tightening enacted daily, but we very much need your support for the next 2-3 weeks to bridge us over to holiday season.
We have a great roster of weekly specials. We understand things are tough for folks at home as well, and are offering discounts and incentives to join us. Wednesday you can enjoy a caesar salad with fries and a Belle of Dayton martini for just $19! Tuesdays its Burger and a Pint night with burgers for $12 and a pint making for a full meal for $15. Happy Hour pricing on drinks and Bao buns runs Tuesday-Friday 430pm-630pm. Our menu highlights many snack options for under $10 to be able to enjoy various items without a big price tag.
We are rolling out a week of Pumpkin specials this week hoping to honor a favorite ingredient this Halloween season (typically a very slow week for us with trick or treat and parties) and will have pumpkin drink specials including pumpkin espresso martinis and pumpkin cold brew. These are offered nightly starting Wednesday 10/29-Sunday 11/2 from 430pm on with drink specials and pie specials at Brunch Friday, Saturday and Sunday
We also signed up to be a location to collect food for the The Foodbank, Inc. over the next several weeks and would welcome you to stop in to donate and maybe grab a quick snack or beverage while doing so.
I’m sharing this ultimately because in the end, it’s not about my pride or really anything other than being transparent and not allowing us to be one of the places that shuttered our doors only to have so many people saying “I wish we would have known.” I owe it to our staff to try to keep things going, and I owe it to our community to be real and let you all know. If we’ve reached the time where the business is no longer feasible, I’m at peace with that as well and will be the first to thank everyone for all the good meals and good times. We’ll do our best to give folks notice to use gift cards and staff for work and to help place staff. I’ve always said we won’t just up and close up over night like so many places seem to do. Right now we’re not quite at that point, but this is more or less the final card I have to play.
If you can’t make it in to spend and support that way, please always remember likes and shares and kind reviews help a lot and are 100% free. if you can make it in, reservations help us with planning and can be made online at https://www.exploretock.com/lilys or by calling 937-723-7637 though walk ins are always welcome too (sometimes there may just be a wait or less staff).
Thank you all for taking the time to read and for the support over the years and we hope to see you even its just to pop your head in and offer a kind word.
With Gratitude,
Emily and the Lily’s Crew
Tues- Thrus 4:30 – 9pm
Fri 11am – 2pm, 4:30- 10pm
Sat 10am – 3pm, 4:30- 10pm
Sun 10am – 3pm 4:30- 9pm

Miamisburg Eatery to Relocate to Englewood

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Chef Darion Lewis, owner of More Than A Apron LLC, has decided after 3 years in Miamisburg to move his business north to Englewood.

Here’s his facebook post explaining the decision:
“This will be the hardest post I would ever make!
Tuesday and Wednesday of this week will be the last days we are going to operate in the Miamisburg location, I’m so sad cause I want to be in Miamisburg, at least downtown or by the mall, but I’ve done so much to keep it busy but we are literally too far for a lot of people, we have done good for 3 years being in a place that most people don’t last. My employees and I worked so hard to keep people coming in with great food and good service but it’s time to move on!

beef birra tacos

I still have a food truck and I will be back for the spring fest in Miamisburg, I want to thank everyone out there, from other local businesses to city officials, schools and locals, I appreciate all the love and support!

Our new location will be in englewood on north main and I will give more details this week when we officially start next Monday, we will have the Same menu, just a little smaller but pizza will added to the menu and I’m thinking salmon pizza as well!

I love everyone who’s ever supported me, drove 35 to an hour just to taste my food, but look at this way, im not closing and im close to a lot of people who want me up north!
Please don’t comment and try to say did this and that, this is a business decision, me and my team work hard and we have to eat too, we are stressed and we worked so hard everyday get more people in, we get tha we are far out and now we are changing it for you all, so come out and help us go out with a bang!”

Mamacitas New Owners Take Over November 1st.

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Mammacitas Cantina owner Jorge Moreira posted this tonight on Facebook:
“To our cherished Mamacitas customers,
The time has come for a new chapter. We have officially sold our location contract to new owners, and starting this Saturday, November 1st, the restaurant will be under new management. Over the next couple of weeks, the space will slowly transition into a brand-new concept—one that reflects their vision while building on the energy and community you helped create.
Before that change begins, we want to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts—for your loyalty, your energy, and the joy you’ve brought through our doors. It’s been an adventure full of ups, downs, and beautiful learning curves as we built a brand rooted in the love of Latin culture, its authentic recipes, and its core values: the importance of family, friendship, and celebration.
Together, we created something special—a brand we can truly be proud of. One that honored tradition, welcomed community, and brought people together over great food and unforgettable nights.
We hope you’ll join us this evening for one last night together. Whether you stop by for a bite, grab a drink, or just want to soak in the vibe for a little while—we’d love to see you.
And don’t miss our FINAL PARTY:
Our Halloween Party kicks off TONIGHT at 10PM and runs until 2:30AM.
Costumes, cocktails, music, and memories—let’s send Mamacitas off in style.
Muchas gracias por todo.
With love,
— Mamacitas Cantina Management”
📍 1060 Patterson Road, Dayton, OH 45420
📞 937-640-3189o

Jimmy John’s Picklewich- A Big Dill?

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The lineup includes “the debut of Pickle Ranch, the return of Pickle Jimmy Chips, and the introduction of the ultimate pickle lover’s dream: the Triple Pickle,” the chain announced.

When it comes to pricing, a Picklewich starts at $7.59, Pickle Ranch starts at 69 cents, and the Pickle Jimmy Chips start at $1.99.

Last Day Set for Taco Street at W. Social Tap & Table

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Taco Street Co. founder Anthony Thomas has announced he’ll be closing down his place at the W. Social Tap & Table  after 3 years of doing business there.

Taco Street started as a food truck on 2018, had a spot in the food court at Fairfield Commons in , which he shut down to open up in the food hall in 2022.  This Saturday will be the last day to enjoy tacos, nachos, quesadilla’s and birria ramen at the food hall.

In writing about this upcoming change Thomas says,  “I also want to take a moment to recognize my friend and mentor, Larry Dillin, the visionary behind West Social Tap & Table and Cornerstone, where XO Burger, Saoka Leaf + Vine, and Haymarket Deli is building its new home. His guidance, leadership, and belief in my vision have played a major role in helping me take this next step. I’m grateful for his support and for the opportunity to continue growing within the spaces he’s built for entrepreneurs like myself.”

But Thomas isn’t done with business in Wright Dunbar, yet.   His next project XO Burger: Vibez + Cocktails is under construction across the street at 1171 W 3rd St, just across the street and down the block.  Thomas says, “it’s two businesses in one…. a creative burger concept upstairs and a speakeasy lounge downstairs that will bring a whole new energy and experience to the city. If you know me, you know I’m all about creating spaces that have a vibe… places that feel good, look good, and make people want to stay a little longer.  XO Burger will be no different.”

artist rendering of Speakeasy at XO

As for the W. Social Tap & Table, Thomas shares a hibachi restaurant will be taking his spot, a cheese steak business will be opening in the space formerly occupied by Ms. Jade and you can expect broasted chicken and pork chops being served up in the former The Lumpia Queen spot.

Long John Silver’s Unveils Its Newest Catch

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Long John Silver’s, the brand famous for hand-battered fish and golden shrimp, recently made waves with an unexpected announcement: a fresh logo look that puts its chicken at the forefront. Now, the  brand is expanding its chicken lineup with a brand-new crispy treasure, Chicken Wraps!

Made with Long John Silver’s signature hand-battered Chicken Planks®, the wraps feature fresh coleslaw, Crumblies, and a choice of Baja or Sweet Chili Sauce, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. It’s a bold new flavor adventure that blends comfort, convenience, and crave-worthy crunch.

“As one of the newest members of the crew, I have been blown away by the depth and deliciousness of the menu at LJS! The team told me chicken has always been one of Long John Silver’s best-kept secrets, and they were right!” said Laura Ellis, chief marketing officer at Long John Silver’s. “I couldn’t be more excited to help share news of our new Limited Time Offer. The new Chicken Wraps take what our guests already love — our crispy, juicy Chicken Planks — and make them even better by wrapping them up with bold new flavors. It’s a fresh, flavorful way to show just how versatile and craveable our chicken really is.”

Long John Silver’s is expanding its side options with a limited-time dish: Mac and Cheese with Crumblies. This tasty side features cavatappi noodles tossed in a rich and creamy white cheese sauce, and then topped with Crumblies for an added crunch.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Is back for a Limited Time
The legendary Red Velvet Cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory Bakery is back just in time for the holidays. This fan-favorite dessert features red velvet cake topped with creamy, classic cheesecake, layered with rich cream cheese icing and whipped cream.

Screenshot

Guests can discover these new spoils by setting sail to their nearest Long John Silver’s. Skip the line and order ahead online at ljsilvers.com or by using the mobile app, available on iOS App Store and Google Play. And be sure to join the Seacret Society reward program for access to exclusive offers, digital rewards, and surprise member-only drops!

Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really

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Bouncing between horror and humor, Kate Hamill’s adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic novel is a thrilling play that questions who the true monsters are. No damsels in distress, no romanticized villains – just a gleeful stake through the heart!

OCTOBER 29 – NOVEMBER 9, 2025 at the Loft Theatre

HOT GHOUL HALLOWEEN at BootyMix

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