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

Archives for October 2025

The Prince Experience

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Step into a night of electrifying music, unforgettable style, and pure funk as Gabriel Sanchez and THE PRINCE EXPERIENCE brings the spirit, sound, and soul of Prince to life.
With passion, precision, and powerhouse energy, THE PRINCE EXPERIENCE honors the legacy of the Purple One by delivering all the iconic hits that defined a generation. For over a decade, this high-octane show has thrilled audiences nationwide—lighting up stages and filling dance floors with the magic of Prince’s music. Don’t miss your chance to celebrate the sound of a legend.
TICKETS: $35 SUPER | $30 PREMIUM | $25 RESERVED
SHOWTIME: 8PM
FREE PARKING | CONCESSIONS AVAILABLE
DOORS OPEN 1-HOUR BEFORE SHOWTIME

Businesses Offer freebies for Federal Workers During Shutdown

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Local businesses said they are starting to see the effects of the furloughs to base employees now more than ever and are doing their best to help those in need. Here’s a few of the places that are stepping up with help:

Neighborhood Nest Owner Amber Tipton  “realizes allergy families have it worse that the average family. During the government shut down we realize it will only get tougher the longer it goes on.

If you need some relief I want to help. WEEKLY, you can get Friday dinner, Saturday brunch and a $40 credit to use on product. This offer is open to Celiac & Allergy Families only. (Check out the day old freezer that’s 25% off to stretch that even further!). Amber says she’s been floored by the number of her regulars pitching in to support the furloughed workers, donating to support their program and even donating Kroger gift cards to be handed out.
Fairborn’s Blue Sky Coffee owners Elisa and Matthew Stevenson is welcoming all furloughed employees to stop by for a free cup of drip coffee to those affected. Located just across from Wright State University, they didn’t realize how many of their customers worked at the base, until they saw a 30% drop as the furloughs started.  They said they are seeing between 10 – 30 customers stop in daily for free coffee.

The Dayton Foodbank delivered 60 emergency food boxes to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base last week to support furloughed employees affected by the government shutdown. “Time will really tell, especially this week, what the response will be as we get closer to the potential for folks missing a paycheck,” said Lee Truesdale of Dayton Foodbank Inc.

Truesdale mentioned that it is too early to determine if there has been a significant increase in federal workers seeking help from the Foodbank due to the shutdown.

If you know of other deals, please share them in the comments below.

Maria Steals Your Heart in ‘Sound of Music’ at Schuster!

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The musical version of the beloved story has a way of exposing different views from the beloved characters. Much more so than the film. Facing the oncoming threat of fascism, the characters are faced with personal as well as worldly problems. Through it all, from opening to ovation, Cayleigh Capaldi (Maria Rainer) wins the evening with her naive, sweet, and humor-filled portrayal of the precocious lead. Of course, no cast works without the rough and sour Georg Von Trapp, played by Kevin Earley. His loving transformation is quite believable and endearing.
The kids are all strong and allow each other to have their moment. Haddie Mac as Brigiita is a standout with her many words of wisdom. There are no ‘weak players in this dynamite cast. Kate Loprest may be my favorite Baroness Elsa Schroeder, ever. (Drink in hand!)  And speaking of favorite versions, watch out for the performance by Christiane Noll.  Her, at times, fun-loving, and stalwart at others, portrayal of Mother Abbess is just so satisfying. Climb Every Mountain, at intermission, was a goose bumper!
Yes, the show packs what you remember….goat-herders, cuckoo clocks, and an occasional Nazi symbol. What this production is able to do is keep us buoyant and filled with optimism. It can, indeed, be a lesson for our world today.
Seeing the number of young people in the audience, their eyes filled with joy as they watched the kids break into song and dance. Seeing the number of adults, moved to tears by the love story that progresses so seamlessly through the plot. Seeing ‘The Sound of Music’ alive and well on stage. It took us away from a world of hurt into a world of hope!
For dates and times go to http://daytonlive.org

Culver’s Launches New Jalapeño Cheese Curds

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Culver’s new Jalapeño Cheese Curds will make their debut on the 10th  anniversary of National Cheese Curd Day (Oct. 15) and will be available in local restaurants until Oct. 31 or while supplies last. This bold twist on Culver’s classic Wisconsin Cheese Curds is made with bits of jalapeño and real cheddar cheese and fried to gooey, golden perfection – bringing just the right amount of heat to balance their crunchy outside and melty center.

Culver’s Jalapeño Cheese Curds

This is the second year in a row the national restaurant chain has introduced a limited-time-only Cheese Curd flavor on National Cheese Curd Day. In 2015, Culver’s founded the holiday to celebrate the beloved Midwest delicacy. Now in its 10th year, the holiday continues to encourage curd lovers across the country to embrace the unique and distinctly Wisconsin flavor of cheese curds.

“We’ve always believed cheese curds deserve their moment in the spotlight, and this year we’re turning up the heat,” said Kasey McDonald, Culver’s head of culinary. “Our Jalapeño Cheese Curds bring a new take to a Midwest classic. They’re crispy, melty and just spicy enough to keep you coming back for more.”

“Curdtoberfest is our way of saying, ‘Let’s celebrate cheese curds!’ by taking the spirit of Oktoberfest and adding our own Culver’s twist on the tradition,” said Emily Patterson, Culver’s VP of marketing. “It’s a month packed with cheesy goodness, Midwest pride and a lot of fun.”

10?’s with Platinum Chef Jay M. Jones

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Dayton native Jay Jones graduated from Meadowdale High School in 2002. At age 14 he began working in restaurants starting at Red Lobster at the salad station before moving up to the grill.  He  attended Cincinnati State and, in 2005, earned a degree in Culinary Arts Studies and Business Management/Hospitality.  Over time he has worked at a variety of restaurants locally, including Ryan’s Steakhouse, Ruby Tuesday, Carvers Steaks & Chops, The Cheesecake Factory, The Pub, and Bar Louie. In 2009, he launched Platinum Catering,  focusing first on fine dining and private dinners. He calls himself  a “production chef,” meaning he develops special menu items and uses creative techniques (e.g. saucing and glazing) to elevate dishes.  We asked him to take some time out of the kitchen to answer our 10 Chef questions:

What is your favorite ingredient to cook with?

Cumin yellow curry, kosher salt, restaurant style pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, liquid minced garlic, Cajun, blackened season, white pepper, Basil, rosemary, jerk. Romulan, Cinnamon, cinnamon maple, brown sugar, white sugar, vanilla extract, pineapple juice, mint leaf, thyme oregano, Italian seasoning blend, Olive oil abstract, six pepper season blend, lemon pepper, Alamo Zestful seasoning, Tabasco, Cayenne pepper, paprika, Sea salt Honey, syrup yellow mustard

What ingredient do you dread?

Some Fresh organic plants seasoning

What’s your favorite dish to make?

I do not have a favorite anymore but if I have to name something it will be my (Sweet potato cheesecake pie). That is one of my many items that I am famous for or my seafood creamy casserole trio

What’s your favorite pig out food?

Philly cheesesteak quesadilla, all types of quesadillas & smoke fried wings.

What restaurant, other than your own do you like to dine at in the Miami Valley? 

Bj’s bar and grillm Fleming’s, Cheesecake Factory Carvers Steakhouse and  J. Alexander’s

What’s your best advice for home chefs?

First, you have to be in love with what it is that you do and you also have to take in consideration that what you like may not be what everyone else like. So you have to study the art of food, the art art of culinary and the art of flavors and seasonings combinations and combos. Don’t be afraid to take advice. Don’t be afraid to do research and don’t be afraid to taste other foods. Clean your palate. Take your time. Don’t overthink it lightly. Seasoning your food and taste as you are cooking and preparing find your happy space like whatever you can get your drive from. Listen to music. Listen to something Inspirational whatever it takes for you to keep your groove so you can stay consistent and get your food done in a timely manner.

If you could invite any 4 guests to a dinner party who would they be and why? 

I will only invite people that I can benefit from that can help me grow in my business people that supports me. It means a lot to me and want to see me be successful. People that allow me to encourage more footsteps throughout the city of Dayton and through my career people that help set the tone and people who has every intentions on allow me to grow to my fullest potential that’s not necessary. Someone I can name because there’s so many people that I know that loves me. But I hope this answers your question.

Who do you look up to in the industry and why?

Jeff Huber. He has opened up restaurants for celebrities and also his own restaurant and private owned restaurant throughout the USA. He knows everything about the business. He has also helped write to him but for some restaurant specs that restaurants use till this day. Very smart, very intelligent, very patient and I look up to him for all his abilities. He is my main mentor.
•Second my grandmother, my aunt Rose & my mother Uncle Ricky. because they has always put in a lot of work to make sure the family eats no matter what’s going on, cooking and preparing food has never stopped them from making smiles and full bellies. I also had an opportunity to watch some of them cook in the kitchen as when I was young and I was always blown away how that square box make something so tasty. So flavorful so beautiful and my past should begin then.

What do you do in the Miami Valley on a day off? 

I spend a lot of time with my family taking care of my kids, making sure my house is in order. I spend time with my beautiful fiance because I get a lot of my energy and a lot of my ability and strength from her. I love on my oldest daughter because she was my first love and my first passion to be great. I spend time with my animals, my dogs. I also take time out to myself to reflect and to regroup and I also work on new recipes and think about food around the clock and always try to figure out how can I grow and be bigger than what I am now because it’s not enough and there’s so much more that I want to achieve.
This is more for catering. One day I had to cater for a wedding of 450 and it was a product that I had to make at the venue because I did not have time to finish it and everything hit the floor as soon as we pulled it out. The oven and I only had 2 hours to prepare it which calls for 4 and 1/2 hours for preparation. I sent three people to the three different stores. I cleaned up the mess. Everyone came back on time and I managed to get the food out just in time before it was time to eat.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s Dayton

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Now is the moment we’ve been waiting for. With new treatments emerging in the fight against Alzheimer’s and all other dementia, now is the time  for hope. Now is the time for action. Help us keep the momentum going in Greater Cincinnati at the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, the world’s largest fundraiser to fight the disease. Join us at alz.org/walk or text ALZWALK to 51555.

 

Raise awareness and funds. The Alzheimer’s Association® will provide coaching and tools to help you meet your fundraising goals. Raise $100 or more to receive the official Walk T-shirt. All funds raised benefit the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Long Shots 4th Annual Wine Festival!

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4th Annual Wine Festival! is back at Long Shots once again- Wednesday, October 15th at 5pm!
Tickets are available NOW (limited availability). Click here to purchase yours: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1628795042819?aff=oddtdtcreator
Here’s what your ticket includes:
🍇 Samples of up to 30 different wines
🥂 A welcome pour of bubbly to kick off the evening
🍷 A custom Long Shots wine glass- yours to use & take home
📦 All wines will be available to purchase by the bottle (buy 6+ and get 10% off!)
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, or just looking for a fun evening out with friends… This evening is all about great wine, good vibes, and fun company!
Mark your calendars & secure your tickets before they’re gone!
(You must be 21+ to participate. IDs will be required at check-in. No refunds available!)

Koji Burger Opens in the Fire Blocks

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Koji Burger started as a concept by Chefs Brendon Miller and Zackary Weiner. As co-owners of Jollity, they developed the idea during the 2022 Miami Valley Restaurant Association Winter Restaurant Week and have since launched it as a pop-up and now as

of Tues, Oct 14th it will be a standalone restaurant. Their mission is to serve elevated smash burgers using a unique aging process with koji, a Japanese ingredient. 

 

The burgers are made using “shio koji,” a Japanese marinade made from fermented koji, water, and salt. This process tenderizes the meat and adds a rich, umami flavor. There focus on craftsmanship—especially the in-house beef process—results in a burger that’s more flavorful, juicy, and fresh compared to what you’d find at most typical fast-casual burger restaurants.

Here’s a peek at the menu:

Sides include crispy spuds, fried brussels, onion rings, chopped salad and loaded spuds.There’s a grab and go cooler stocked with beer, sake, and some unique NA beverages and some coke products that’s available all day and the cocktail bar opens daily at 3pm. The lead bartender, Andrew, worked closely with Kelli Nikanowicz to develop a cocktail program that’s both approachable and affordable. Co-owner Zacary says, “our happy hour will look a little different from the standard one.  We’re on a mission to find some of the best whiskeys and bourbons we can source and sell them to our guests at cost. We’re kicking things off this week with Suntory’s The Yamazaki, but the selection will change as each bottle runs out.”

Koji Burger

127 E. Third Street
Dayton, OH 45402

Tues-Sat  11 AM – 8 PM

Dayton at Work & Play: Culp’s Cafe

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Several people had suggested we try the new menu at Culp’s Café, which is located at the entrance to Carillon Historical Park. Admission to the restaurant is FREE, so you don’t need to pay to enter the park to use the restaurant. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 3pm
My wife and I had lunch at the café and tried some of their new items. I had a shrimp and grits bowl, with lots of shrimp, fried green tomatoes, bacon and other good stuff. My wife had the bacon and fig jam sandwich. We each tasted both items and loved them. A woman overheard us talking about how happy we were with our meal and introduced herself. She was Carol Calzada and she told us that she and her husband were now operating Culp’s Café.

Jose and Carol Calzada, at Culp’s Cafe

Carol told me she and her husband came to the U.S. from Mexico when they were young children. They grew up in Chicago. She said her husband was the chef and had a long background in the industry, having cooked in restaurants around the U.S. and Europe. When they moved to Dayton with their four children, he worked at well-known restaurants like Anticoli’s and l’Auberge.

I came back to get a photo of Jose with his wife and learned a bit more about his background. He told me about the time he cooked for Julia Child, the writer and TV personality who brought French cooking to America.
“This happened at the start of my career” he told me. “I was the sous chef in a small French restaurant in Chicago. Julia Child called and reserved a table for eight. We prepared squab for her, even though it was not on our menu. At the conclusion of the meal Julia Child and the others at the table said they loved our food and we gave them a tour of our small kitchen. They must have also loved the wine we carried, because I remember their table of eight ordered ten bottles of wine.”
Even without wine, my wife and I loved Jose’s food at Culp’s Café. You should check it out.
at Historical Carillon Park
1000 Carillon Blvd

Panda Express Launching Crispy Sesame Shrimp & Beef

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Panda Express is delivering the ultimate mashup of flavors in its newest seasonal launch, Crispy Sesame Shrimp & Beef.  Crispy Sesame Shrimp & Beef is available nationwide for a limited time. This premium surf and turf duo combines two craveable proteins into one delectable, sesame-fueled bite.

Panda Express is shaking up its menu with its newest limited time offering: Crispy Sesame Shrimp & Beef. This new and adventurous entrée delivers a bold and flavorful American Chinese flavor fusion, combining two fan-favorites into one dish.

Crafted on the wok, the dish features succulent shrimp in a crunchy tempura batter and crispy beef strips, perfectly complemented by crisp veggies and a savory, subtly spicy umami sauce inspired by the classic Sichuan dish, Mouthwatering Chicken. The entrée takes the battered shrimp and beef fans know and love from the brand’s Honey Walnut Shrimp and Beijing Beef and gives them a bold new Panda spin—coated in punchy, aromatic flavors and packed with layered textures all in one serving.

Wednesdays are for the Wok: Play, Wok, Win! Earn & Redeem an exclusive Panda Rewards gift* Every Wok Wednesday

Panda Rewards members can learn how to cook like a Wok Star and unlock exclusive Panda Reward gifts* on the Panda app. With Wok Wednesdays, guests can:

Experience a fun & exciting game where players catch the special ingredients for Panda Express’ most craveable dishes, including the new Crispy Sesame Shrimp & Beef and wok-toss them to cook to perfection

Unlock exclusive reward offers for use on the same day

“With the introduction of Wok Wednesday, we are giving our guests a dynamic new way to connect with Panda Express,” said Nidhin Mattappally, Vice President of Digital Business and Guest Care at Panda Express. “This app-based game is designed to celebrate the art of wok cooking while providing Panda Rewards members with exclusive opportunities to earn and redeem rewards, enhancing the value of every visit.”

Run, don’t wok, to try this season’s newest comfort food craving.  Guests can rack up Panda Points towards their next bite by joining Panda Rewards, downloading the Panda Express app in the App store or on Google Play, and leveling up every week with Wok Wednesdays. For more details and to find a Panda Express near you, visit PandaExpress.com and pandaex.press/wok-wed, or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.

Mediterranean Restaurant Now Open in Centerville

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Sam pictured here with his wife Ruygul and their daughter.

Owner Selahattin “Sam” Kizilelma grew up in a family that owned many restaurants and hotels  in Istanbul, Turkey. He grew up in the restaurant, often doing the dishes, and learning to cook from his grandmother and aunts.

He came to the United States about 15 years, worked several jobs and none of them just felt right.  He missed the family business.  So about 8 years ago he started looking for a spot to open a restaurant.

He chose the former La Piñata in a Centerville strip center, since it was already equipped with a kitchen. After a major renovation, he’s added traditional Turkish decor and is now opening the doors for a soft opening.

 

Dining Room

The Anatolian Grill Mediterranean Cuisine is welcoming guests to try their kebabs,  pastas, plus chicken, lamb, beef and seafood menu items. He says each day he’s adding to the menu.

 

I started with a bowl of the Lentil soup which was served with fresh hot bread. Then I had the lamb chops, which came with 4 chops, rice and vegetables. The meat was incredible tender and cooked perfectly.

Then with true hospitality Sam insisted I try their special Cinnamon Baklava, with a cup of Turkish coffee, which is served with a piece of Turkish Delight- a traditional confection based on a gel of starch and powdered sugar.  Turkish coffee is known for its strong taste and is a significant part of social and cultural traditions in Turkey and the Middle East.  

Pictured here, their more traditional baklava with crushed pistachios.

Anatolian Grill Mediterranean Cuisine
1069 S. Main St
Centerville, OH 45458

Open daily 11am – 10pm

A lunch menu will be added soon.  A liquor license has been applied for and they are awaiting it from the state.

Be sure and visit and tell them DaytonDining sent you

Applebee’s Updates 2 for $25 Menu

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Applebee’s  2 for $25 deal is getting an upgrade with an all-new entrée. For a limited time, guests can enjoy the NEW Grilled Cheese Cheeseburger and NEW Chicken Parmesan Fettucine paired with an appetizer or two side salads for only $25!*

The NEW Grilled Cheese Cheeseburger features a juicy, all-beef patty, stacked with four slices of American cheese and sweet and savory jam on toasted Potato bread, giving guests a deliciously satisfying gooey cheese pull. The entrée is served with tomato basil soup for dipping.


In addition to the NEW Grilled Cheese Cheeseburger, limited-time entrees on the 2 for $25 menu include the NEW Chicken Parmesan Fettucine and Oriental Chicken Salad. Guests can enjoy their choice of two entrees with one of Applebee’s popular appetizers, such as Boneless Wings, Crunchy Onion Rings or Mozzarella Sticks, or two side salads for dine-in, To Go or delivery

 

For those that prefer to stick with appetizers, Applebee’s is adding NEW Crispy Pickle Fries to its NEW Ultimate Trio lineup. Served with Mexi-ranch for dipping, guests can enjoy crispy, golden pickle fries tossed in TAJÍN(r), and chile lime seasoning. The Ultimate Trio allows guests to build their own appetizer samplers by selecting three appetizers and mixing and matching them with three dipping sauces for just $14.99.* With a selection of 10 appetizers and 10 dipping sauces to choose from, there are more than 80,000 unique combinations that can be tailored to one’s liking. The Ultimate Trio can be enjoyed for dine-in, To Go and delivery just in time for the NFL Season.

 

“At Applebee’s, we’re providing more options of what our guests already love – our tasty appetizers and signature 2 for $25 deal,” said Michelle Chin, Chief Marketing Officer at Applebee’s. “Whether snacking solo or dining with a group, our NEW Crispy Pickle Fries and NEW Grilled Cheese Cheeseburger are sure to satisfy savory cravings for an unbeatable deal this fall.”

To find your local restaurant to dine in, visit Applebees.com/restaurants. To order Applebee’s To Go or delivery, visitApplebees.com or the Applebee’s mobile app (iOS, Google).

An Evening of Jazz, Bossa Nova, and Global Harmony at Joui Wine

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This Wednesday, Dayton music lovers are invited to experience something truly special: an intimate concert featuring the remarkable musical partnership of trombonist and vocalist Natalie Cressman and composer and guitarist Ian Faquini at Joui Wine. Presented by Venus Child Productions, the evening promises an evening of sophisticated jazz, Brazilian grooves, and enchanting vocals that will transport audiences across continents and musical traditions. Local singer and recent Berklee graduate Kammeron Frost opens up this special evening of live music.

Though calling Cressman and Faquini a duo understates the depth of their musical collaboration, their partnership represents something far more expansive. Hailing from San Francisco and Brasilia respectively, the two artists have cultivated a singular creative communion that draws from their shared love of the Brazilian songbook, jazz, Impressionism, and sophisticated pop songcraft.

What sets this duo apart is their fearless eclecticism. Their original compositions weave lyrics in Portuguese, French, and English into a rich tapestry of sounds that borrows from multiple stylistic traditions. Accompanied by the warm tones of acoustic guitar and trombone, their sumptuous two-part vocal harmonies create a richly orchestrated sound that belies the intimate duo format, seeming to emanate from a much larger ensemble.

Cressman, a trombonist, vocalist, and songwriter, brings sophisticated melodic sensibility to the ensemble, while Faquini’s composition and guitar work provide both harmonic depth and rhythmic vitality. Together, they’ve created a sound that feels both timeless and contemporary, sophisticated yet deeply soulful.

HOW TO GO?

Join Natalie Cressman and Ian Faquini for an evening of live music this Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at Joui Wine, located at 117 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., with the show running from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Tickets are available for $20 in advance or $25 at the door. This is an event for ages 21 and up.

To learn more about the artists, visit Natalie Cressman’s website

Dial ‘M’ for Murder at Dayton Theatre Guild

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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.

Dial ‘M’ for Murder is presented by arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection

Oct. 10–26, 2025