Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More
Ever wanted to be a true Dayton insider and ambassador? Now’s your chance. This FREE program is your passport to becoming a proud Tourism Ambassador for Dayton and Montgomery County.
💡 Learn how tourism powers our community
📍 Discover hidden gems & major attractions
🤝 Gain skills to welcome visitors with confidence
🏅 Earn a certificate, ambassador pin & Wilbear keychain!
By completing this tourism academy, you’ll earn a certificate and receive the official Destination Dayton Tourism Ambassador pin and a Wilbear keychain, and you will gain valuable insights into Destination Dayton, the destination marketing organization or DMO for Dayton and Montgomery County.It’s all done online and takes about two hours. Sign up here.
You’ll learn how Destination Dayton promotes Dayton and Montgomery County, driving economic development, job creation, and cultural exchange, all while promoting community amenities. This knowledge will empower you to contribute positively to the well-being and growth of our community.
You’ll discover the positive impacts of tourism and understand how visitors contribute to the well-being and growth of our community. You’ll gain in-depth knowledge about Dayton and Montgomery County attractions including, hidden gems, enabling you to address visitor inquiries confidently.
You’ll also develop skills to actively engage with and assist visitors, ensuring they have an unforgettable experience.
Your participation will foster community pride and help create a positive image of Dayton and Montgomery County for all who visit.
Destination Dayton’s objectives include:
While we proudly work with organizations throughout Montgomery County including the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Dayton Convention Center, Destination Dayton is an independent organization governed by its own Board of Trustees. The Destination Dayton Board is made up of community and business leaders from throughout Montgomery County, who work tirelessly to support and advance the organization’s mission of promoting Destination Dayton.
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As members of this vibrant community, we have the unique opportunity to leave a lasting impression on every visitor who comes our way. Whether they’re here for business, pleasure, or just passing through, it is our collective responsibility to ensure they experience the best of Dayton and Montgomery County. Our local hospitality isn’t just about being friendly; it’s about making everyone feel at home.
We are ambassadors of our community’s legacy—from the Wright brothers who taught the world to fly to the countless artists and innovators who continue to shape our cultural landscape. Every interaction is a chance to demonstrate the values we cherish: community, kindness, and an unwavering spirit of welcome.
Let us engage actively with our visitors. Offer help, share your favorite local spots, and maybe tell a story or two about what makes Dayton and Montgomery County special to you. These personal touches make all the difference.
Let’s make sure that when visitors leave, they carry with them not just memories, but a lasting impression of the warmth and spirit of Dayton and Montgomery County. An impression so compelling, it beckons them to return.
Centerville’s Mudlick Tap House has rolled out a new lunch menu is all about bold flavors and scratch-made comfort. Available Tuesday- Friday from 11am – 3pm, they’ve even created a lighter cocktails made just for lunchtime because bubbles and bacon were meant to be friends. And if you’ve got a favorite item from their regular menu, don’t worry- it will still be available during lunch hours.
If you’re heading there, take a moment to join their loyalty program, “The Pour Decisions Club.” You’ll earn rewards every time you sip, savor, and celebrate:
🍽️ 1 Point per $1 spent on qualifying purchases
🥂 2 Points per $1 spent on lunch (Tues–Thu, 11 AM–3 PM)
🎉 75 Bonus points when you join
🎂 $10 Birthday reward to celebrate your day
✨ Exclusive access to member-only events & special releases
Here’s the new Lunch Features Menu:
Cavatappi tossed with grilled chicken breast, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, wilted kale, and quartered artichoke hearts in a white wine cream sauce. Finished with grated Parmesan and Romano cheese and served with grilled baguette.
Crisp bacon, arugula, tomato, and a fried egg on grilled ciabatta, served with a side of Blue Plate mayo and Saratoga chips.
Our signature chicken salad is a blend of chicken breast and thigh with shallot, celery, Blue Plate mayo, Dijon, and curry layered with Arcadian greens on a full butter croissant with Saratoga chips.
A shareable plate of hummus, tzatziki, Kalamata olives, feta, sliced cucumber, and red bell pepper strips, served with warm pita wedges.
Two house-made pink salmon patties blended with onion, pepper, panko, Dijon, Worcestershire, and Crystal hot sauce. Served on potato slider buns with Arcadian greens and remoulade with Saratoga chips.
Peach purée, Aperol, lemon, prosecco, soda.
Bright, bubbly, and just sweet enough; the perfect excuse to linger over lunch.
Rosé, strawberry purée, lemon, soda.
Delicate, floral, and refreshingly pink; like a midday toast to yourself.
Tequila blanco, fresh grapefruit, agave, soda.
Zesty and uplifting with a clean finish; sunshine in a glass.
Cucumber, basil, lime, honey, soda.
Crisp, cooling, and spa-day smooth. Refreshment in its most elegant form.
Strawberry, mint, lime, ginger beer.
Bright, bubbly, and a little sassy; proof that fun doesn’t need the buzz.
Mudlick Tap House
110 W Franklin St
Washington Township, OH 45458
(937) 895-4066
Tuesday – Saturday, 11 AM–10 PM
Sunday 11 AM – 9 PM
What started as a one-off DJ set on a Tuesday night has blossomed into one of our most coveted recurring events. We’re thrilled to celebrate three years of George sharing his favorite music with all of us. Join us as he spins an all-vinyl set of Jazz Night With George Balog’s greatest hits.
Film Dayton member and Dayton native Paul Stelzer, who co-founded The Hashtag Comedy Company in Columbus, will lead these workshops. Paul has performed improv comedy since 2012. For the past 10 years, Paul has taught “Introduction to Improv” classes. He’ll be leading two FREE improv comedy workshops this week in Dayton. If you’ve ever wanted to try improv comedy, this is YOUR chance! It’s all happening at the FilmDayton offices located inside the Dayton Mall. Here are the two dates/times:
““Pizza Hut is giving fans a reason to look forward to Wednesdays with its revamped Wing Wednesday® platform. The program kicks off with a new deal designed to hook you up with 20 Lil’ Wings for $10. To celebrate the new midweek declaration that Wednesdays should be a Wingsday, Pizza Hut drops a new campaign: Wingfluencer. Leaning into corporate culture and the slump many Americans report midweek, Pizza Hut’s Wingfluencer program is designed to drop some joy, laughs and wingspiration to get through the week.
The middle of the week is tough and a bit lackluster, but office lunches, snack breaks and dinner plans don’t have to be with Pizza Hut’s new Lil’ Wings. Lil’ Wings are snackable, crispy, fried wings tossed in your favorite sauce or rub. Whether working through lunch or unwinding after hours, Pizza Hut is making Wednesdays better starting today through November 5 at participating locations.
“We wanted to give fans a reason to look forward to the middle of the week,” said Melissa Friebe, Chief Marketing Officer at Pizza Hut. “With amazing, craveable wings at an unbeatable deal, Wing Wednesday is our way of inviting people to try just how good Lil’ Wings are and enjoy a little midweek flavor boost they know Pizza Hut for.”
Pizza Hut’s new Wingfluencer, Brian Flatsworth, leverages corporate culture lingo to lend humorous corporate advice in videos and social commentary on LinkedIn. The Wingfluencer will start dropping “pro tips” on how wing lovers can maximize the return on lunches with Lil’ Wings this week.
For more information about Pizza Hut and to explore the brand’s offerings, visit www.pizzahut.com and follow the brand on social media on Facebook,X,Instagram,TikTok andYouTube.
For years, ALDI has offered the lowest per-person price on a Thanksgiving meal compared to nationwide retailers. This year, the country’s fastest-growing grocer continues that tradition by offering a Thanksgiving feast for prices even lower than last year’s. For just $40*, shoppers can build a full spread for 10 with the Thanksgiving favorites they love – including the turkey and ingredients for nine crowd-pleasing sides.
“The ALDI commitment to low prices is unwavering and I am thrilled that we are able to offer an even more affordable holiday meal than last year,” said Atty McGrath, CEO, ALDI U.S. “Saving our shoppers money is our mission every day— but is especially important during the holidays when they need it most.”
For $4 per person —less than a pumpkin spice latte – ALDI shoppers can purchase all the items needed to fill their tables. This includes 21 total products and ingredients to dish out a 14-pound turkey, rolls, cranberry sauce, mac and cheese, stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole and pumpkin pie. Items that are part of the meal are purchased individually and marked on shelf. No coupons or memberships needed.
The savings couldn’t come at a better time. Recent consumer price reports show staples like fruits, vegetables, and meats are more expensive than last year, contributing to higher grocery prices overall **. Lowering its already low prices for the Thanksgiving season is just one more way ALDI helps shoppers save. In fact, a family of four can save up to $4,000 a year when they shop ALDI***, from everyday meals to holiday spreads.
“Thanksgiving is the biggest food holiday of the year, and ALDI is proud to lead the industry once again on price,” said Scott Patton CCO, ALDI U.S. “Price leadership is part of our DNA, and the holidays are when our commitment to value really shines. We believe families shouldn’t have to make trade-offs to feed everyone, especially at Thanksgiving.”
Shoppers can build their ALDI Thanksgiving feast by heading to their local ALDI store, ordering online for curbside pickup or placing an order through grocery delivery partners including Instacart, Uber Eats, and DoorDash beginning October 15 through December 24****. No matter how they shop, families can count on ALDI to make holiday hosting simple, convenient, and affordable.
Download a copy of the shopping list here.(opens in a new tab)
Dayton has an amazing theatre scene with some excellent actors. I was lucky enough to catch up with one of the best, Matt Meier! He is part of the dynamic cast of ‘Dial M for Murder!’ at the Theatre Guild!
937: Hi Matt! So, so good to see you! Tell me…Why was ‘Dial M of Murder’ chosen for the Theatre Guild this year?
MM: Each year, a committee reads dozens of scripts and assembles the complete season, balancing all sorts of factors. The Guild is known for doing shows that are often new to Dayton audiences, and while many people might remember the Hitchcock film, the region hasn’t seen a stage production of it for a long time. It’s a riviting script, written by Frederick Knott in the 1950s, and still holds up nearly 75 years later! Who doesn’t love a good crime thriller?
937: Listen, I am addicted to ‘Investigation Discovery Channel’, soooooo…..Anyway, what can the audience expect from this production?
MM: Director David Shough brings his rich artistic vision to every production he leads. ‘Dial M’ features a beautiful art deco-inspired set by Red Newman, fabulous midcentury costumes by N. Lynn Brown, dramatic lighting, and a jazzy underscore that masterfully builds suspense.
937: Sounds like theatrical perfection! What is a brief plot line you can share with us about the story?
MM: A cunning husband. A flawless plan. One fatal call. In this razor-sharp, midcentury mind game of deadly charm, calculated lies, and impetuous greed, the plot to commit the perfect murder begins to unravel. What follows is a taut and twisted Hitchcockian thriller—where life and death hang on the line.
937: Hitchcock truly was/is a master. Love how these stories endure, on and off stage & screen! What are you hoping people walk away feeling with this show?
MM: This show is just fun! You’ll find yourself rooting for the bad guy and also hoping he gets caught in his web of lies. It will keep you guessing til the very end!
937: And I know the Guild has stellar casts….
MM: Oh yes….in this production we have Cora Ceipek as Margot Wendice, Jared Mola as Max Halliday, Matt Meier as Tony Wendice, Danny Lipps as Captain Lesgate, Jim Walker as Inspector Hubbard and Frank Maranje as Thompson.
937: A fantastic group indeed!! I know this is the last weekend. If we want to catch the show, can you give us dates and times?
MM: Yes, sadly this is the final weekend — Friday, Oct 24 at 8pm; Saturday, Oct 25 at 5pm; Sunday, Oct 26 at 3pm.
937: I have such respect for the Theatre Guild thanks for sharing this with us Matt. Any parting words?
MM: Dayton is fortunate to have such a strong theatre scene, and we invite you to be part of it! Tickets are available online at DaytonTheatreGuild.org.
937: THANKS MATT!!!!
MM: Thank YOU, Josh!!
Big Boy Restaurant Group has made the difficult decision to discontinue operations in the Cincinnati and Dayton markets.
Minnesota born Jake Montanye recently took over as the executive chef of Dozo. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, Montanye has worked in fine dining becoming an expert in the art of sushi.
He shows off his skill Tuesday through Saturday at Dozo, located in the rear of Tender Mercy in dowtown Dayton. A refreshed menu allows guest to order “a la carte” or Omakase style featuring “The Tour” for folks that want to go all in, and grab a seat at the counter and enjoy guided journey through flavor, tradition, and technique — elevated with curated sake and wine pairing options.
What is your favorite ingredient to cook with?
I don’t really have one single ingredient—I like to use seasonal ingredients. I’ve been having a lot of fun going to Dayton’s weekend farmers markets and using the farmers’ produce.
What ingredient do you dread?
In the sushi world, I really dread working with quail eggs (uzura). They’re very delicate, and the yolks often break. Outside of sushi, I tend to stay away from baking.
What’s your favorite dish to make?
I really enjoy making sushi and pizza—though never together, haha.
What’s your favorite pig out food?
Indian food. I love all the spices and flavors. I can make a bowl of lentils disappear in no time.
What restaurant, other than your own do you like to dine at in the Miami Valley?
I had to ask my coworkers what the Miami Valley was (sorry, I’ve only been in Ohio for three months). From the handful of places I’ve tried, Kung Fu Noodle is the one I’m most excited to go back to. It’s a little Chinese noodle shop in Kettering that hand-makes their noodles.
What’s your best advice for home chefs?
Taste while you’re cooking. Some people strictly follow recipes, which is fine, but I like to treat them as a foundation. I’ll adjust or “color outside the lines” a little if I think it will make the dish better.
If you could invite any 4 guests to a dinner party who would they be and why?
Honestly, getting four of my industry friends together for a dinner party would make my day. Living far apart and never having the same days off makes it tough.
Who do you look up to in the industry and why?
This was probably the hardest question for me. A single name didn’t come to mind. For me, inspiration comes from coworkers—bouncing ideas back and forth until we land on something exciting to share with the public.
What do you do in the Miami Valley on a day off?
On a day off, I like to take my dog to one of the dog parks and then try a new restaurant.
Share a kitchen disaster, lucky break or other interesting story:
I often get asked what got me into sushi. In high school, I had a crush on a girl who was really into anime and Japanese culture. To impress her, I asked my local sushi place to teach me how to make sushi. I ended up working there for a couple of weeks free of charge. Things didn’t work out between the two of us—but hey, at least I picked up a skill that’s stuck with me.
Covered Wagon Farm Market
607 N Main St
Englewood, OH 45322
The Flavor House at 111 W. First. St in June of 2021 by partners Demetrius Wright and Joey Williams, offering comfort and Caribbean cuisine. In February of 2023 they opened the Flavor House Event Center at 312 N. Patterson. In Jan of 2025 they closed the First St location and began serving lunch from their Event Center. And now they’ve taken over the former Table 33 space at 130 W. Second Street and Flavor House will have a soft opening for lunch this Monday – Wednesday serving from 11am – 2:30pm. See the lunch menu below:
In social media they’ve teased “Same bold flavor. Fresh new vibe featuring “The classics you love. Elevated for the new era.”
Chef John Hawkins
In a special influencers preview on Friday night we were welcomed by front of the House Manager Dana and co-owners Demitrius and Joey with an Apple ginger fizz mocktail and some history on Flavor House. We dined in the special event space.
Then we were treated to a small taste of the menu by Chef John Hawkins that included Flavor House Rolls, Southern Fried Okra with a lemon pepper seasoning, creamy collard greens dip with house made pita chips, their amazing gumbo, a cajun fried shrimp and fish basket, rasta pasta – served w fries and chicken fontaine – Grilled chicken breast, portobello mushrooms, onions, peppers, with a parmesan cream sauce over garlic mashed potatoes.
We finished the meal off with a smooth and creamy sweet potato cheesecake that was decadently rich, washed down with one of their house cocktails, the Love TK- Hennessy, strawberry, lime and cane sugar.
On Thursday, Oct 23rd they’ll open for their first public dinner service and here’s a preview of the dinner menu:
Flavor House
111 W First St.
Dayton, OH 45402
937-999-4047
Soft Opening Hours:
Lunch Only: Oct 20–22 | 11AM–2:30PM
Lunch + Dinner: Oct 23–26
• Lunch: 11AM–2:30PM
• Dinner: Thurs 4–9PM | Fri–Sat 4–10PM
Closed Sundays
Ellis Paul doesn’t just write songs; he’s a guitar-toting storyteller who captures the human condition and details the hopes, loves, and losses of those he observes, transforming their stories into luminous pieces of music that reach deep into your soul. Much like the artists who have inspired him, from Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and Paul Simon to the singer-songwriter he most admires, Woody Guthrie, Paul combines deeply personal experiences with social issues to create provocative works that feel both timely and timeless. Born and raised in Maine, Paul attended Boston College on a track scholarship and became a regular on the city’s open-mic circuit in the evenings. After winning a Boston Acoustic Underground songwriter competition, he caught the attention of folk legend Bill Morrissey, who produced his indie album “Say Something” in 1993. This led to a seven-album contract with Rounder Records and the release of “Stories” in 1994.
His songs have appeared in several blockbuster films (Me, Myself, and Irene; Shallow Hal, Hall Pass) and have been covered by award-winning country artists (Sugarland, Kristian Bush, Jack Ingram). Through a steady succession of his own albums — a remarkable 23 releases so far – and a constant touring presence around the world, Paul’s audience has grown into a loyal legion of fans. Along the way, he has picked up an impressive number of awards, including the prestigious Kerrville New Folk Award, 15 Boston Music Awards, an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Maine, the 2019 International Acoustic Music Awards Artist of the Year, and most recently, his album, The Storyteller’s Suitcase, was named the 2019 NERFA Album of the Year.
His new album “55” touches on the importance of gratitude in a tough era marked by the pandemic and divided political stances on his own label, Rosella Records.
Get ready for the most epic workout ever – goat yoga! Join us at The Greene for a hilarious session of downward-facing goat and laughing our stress away. Don’t worry, kids under 12 are only $5! Bring your mat and water bottle, and please wear a shirt that covers your back (for your own comfort). Goat yoga will take place in center square! Register now at www.goatcountryllc.com! Children under 13 must be with a participating parent.
Cup Noodles® has something for you to be extra thankful for this year: Say goodbye to dry – Cup Noodles® Turkey Dinner and Cup Noodles® Pumpkin Pie are putting “moist” on the table this Thanksgiving and turning America’s most cringe-worthy word into this season’s biggest compliment.
No more overcooked turkey, parched pumpkin pie crusts, or dry conversations. These new seasonal flavors offer everything you love about the Thanksgiving meal and solves the one thing you do not; dryness. Perfectly seasoned, ready in minutes – dare we say it? – deliciously moist. “Moist” may be recognized as one of the most divisive words in the English language, but it’s also what saves a Thanksgiving feast from falling flat.
From savory herbs and rich turkey seasonings to pumpkin pie bliss – this is holiday nostalgia served in five minutes flat.
“We all know nothing can dampen the holiday spirit quicker than a dry Thanksgiving meal – whether it’s the food or boring dinner table conversation,” said Priscila Stanton, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Nissin Foods USA. “With Cup Noodles Turkey Dinner and Pumpkin Pie, we’re delivering the full Thanksgiving experience – from main course to dessert – in minutes with the moist, slurpable goodness our fans crave.”
Turkey Dinner and Pumpkin Pie continue the Cup Noodles legacy of delicious flavor innovation. From our summer fling with Dill Pickle to the viral sensation of Campfire S’mores, this latest flavor innovation pushes the boundaries of what noodles can be to bring fans the festive, bold flavors they love.
Throughout the season, Cup Noodles’ social channels will be tapping into holiday food debates, avoiding “dry” family dinner conversations with juicy hot takes, and creating share-worthy meme and video posts – all while celebrating these bold new flavors that deliver the most slurpable Thanksgiving yet.
This flavor duo is exclusive to Walmart locations nationwide and on Walmart.com (Turkey Dinner and Pumpkin Pie) available for $1.18 a cup. Like all good things about the holidays, they’re only here for a limited time!
