Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More
Enjoy the calmness of the woods in winter on the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. Hot chocolate and holiday treats will be available for those participating in the hike. This is a self-guided hike along a luminary-lit trail.
Well-mannered dogs on leash always welcome. For more information call (937) 562-6440.
December 20 is National Ugly Sweater Day! Join us for a fun run inspired by one of the most “fashionable” parts of the holiday season! Wear your ugliest sweater (or make one yourself!) and be ready to learn about some of the ugly “sweaters” we can find in the natural world. Vote on the “ugliest sweater” in nature to enter a raffle!
The 100-meter dash will begin promptly at 10:30 am. This is a Tools to Trek program.
This event is sponsored by Dayton Children’s Hospital.
FIRST-TIME REGISTRANTS: If you are a Centerville/Washington Township resident, please enter Dayton as your city when creating an account. The system WILL NOT recognize you as a resident if you enter Centerville or Washington Township as your city.
HO, HO, HO!
How many reindeer paws landed on the roof if all the deer showed up at your house? What is Cindy Who’s middle name? What is the longitude and latitude of the North Pole? Phew!!! You know them all??? Prizes await at the return of TheatreLab Dayton’s ‘Merry Quizmas 2.0!’ The popular sing-along and trivia night is set and ready to go, Tuesday Evening, Dec 17, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM!!
The night promises to be a fun one, as music fills the air, cookies fill your bellies and a trivia fills your brain! ‘We had such a positive response last year, we knew we had to bring this back. Similar to last time, we will have our little spread of food, hot chocolate and cookies, and of course, the space will be decorated in a fun and fanciful theme! If you like libations, yep, they will be there as well!’ says David Moyer, who can’t wait for the evening. ‘People love to sing holiday songs and get into the spirit!’
The event features Philip Drennen, TheatreLab’s Executive Director and Josh Stucky, Dayton’s Trivia Queen at the microphones. It is never a dull moment! Brennan Paulin tickles the ivories to keep music in the air! Some of the TheatreLab Company will perform as well!! ‘What makes the night so special is we all gather together and just enjoy an evening of fun! It’s a great kick-off for the holidays and, for trivia buffs, it’s a great way to show your smarts! Prizes are always a fun incentive!’ says Stucky. ‘Last year, one of winners said she planned to give her prize as a gift….so I guess it can be a shopping experience as well???’ he chuckles.
Although most of the trivia revolves around the season, there are Broadway Questions, Dayton trivia and more. The event takes places at the TheatreLab Dayton Studio, 116 North Jefferson St. 45402. Proceeds benefit TheatreLab’s ongoing goal of bringing amazing productions to the area. ALSO OF NOTE…THEATRELAB WILL ANNOUNCE THEIR SEASON AT THE EVENT!!! UH-OH!! 
The space is limited, and tickets are moving…so click below and join the holiday fun!!
Tickets:
https://www.simpletix.com/e/merry-quizmas-2-0-holiday-trivia-tickets-196032
Join us for the 2024 Arctic Dash at YMCA Camp Kern! (35 minutes from Dayton, 30 minutes from Cincinnati, 80 minutes from Columbus)
Saturday, December 7th • 10am
Family Wave at 12pm open to ages 7+
With 25+ challenges including military themed challenges, mud crawls, cable crossings, and more! This a great race for fun runners, beginners, and elite athletes alike, with multiple age categories for male and female runners. There are plenty of chances to win awesome prizes!
100% of proceeds go towards sending kids in need to camp in 2024!
ENTRY FEE INCLUDES:
• Parking
• Beverages & Snacks
• Warm water shower & rinse off area
• Arctic Dash T-Shirt and Medal*
*Guaranteed only if you register by November 17th
Offering a safe, family-friendly experience for skaters of all ages, theMetroParks Ice Rink will officially open on Friday, Nov. 29, at RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E. Monument Ave. The MetroParks Ice Rink – located under the RiverScape Pavilion – is the region’s largest outdoor ice rink, offering beautiful views of the Great Miami River.
Opening weekend hours for the MetroParks Ice Rink are:
New for 2024, special skating events in December allow visitors to get into the festive spirit with themes and music inspired by holiday features. Themed skates are each Friday through Feb. 28, from 7 to 10 p.m. December’s themes are:
In addition to themed skates, the MetroParks Ice Rink will have special holiday skating hours on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The rink will be closed on Christmas Day. Daily hours change throughout the season and can be found at metroparks.org/icerink.
Admission is $7 daily, and visitors can rent ice skates for $3. Children younger than 3 are free with a paying adult. There is no charge for those who are not skating.
Reduced admission and skate rentals are available for those who utilize SNAP/EBT benefits. Customers just need to present their SNAP/EBT card to receive a 50% discount, which is $3.50 admission and $1.50 skate rental. Reduced admission is available thanks to the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation’s Access to Nature financial assistance program.
Season passes to the MetroParks Ice Rink are available:
Additional offerings and amenities
Visitors can stay warm under the MSD Warming Zone. There is also a comfort tent available adjacent to the rink that provides skaters with a warm place to take a break from the winter weather.
Food and beverages will be available at the RiverScape Café. Alcoholic beverages – including a variety cozy cocktails, beer, and wine – also will be available at the RiverScape Café for customers 21 and older.
Because RiverScape MetroPark is included in the Downtown Dayton Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) footprint, people walking in the downtown area are welcome to visit the park with their beverages within the DORA boundary. Learn more about DORA and participating businesses – including RiverScape MetroPark – at www.downtowndayton.org/dora.
Skating lessons for children, teens and adults are held at the rink throughout the season and cover basic skills that provide the confidence skaters need to feel comfortable on the ice. The Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation’s Access to Nature financial assistance program also is available to cover a portion of the cost of skating lessons for qualifying families in Montgomery County. Learn more and apply atmetroparks.org/access.
The ice rink will also host select 2nd Street Market vendors for special shopping days during the holiday season. Holiday Mini Markets will be held on Saturdays Dec. 7, 14 and 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. Visit the comfort tent to shop artisan wares before or after a skating session. Visit metroparks.org/programs for a complete schedule.
MetroParks Money
MetroParks Money is an e-gift card program offered by Five Rivers MetroParks that gives you the flexibility to explore MetroParks’ outdoor experiences, including the MetroParks Ice Rink.
MetroParks Money allows you to support Five Rivers MetroParks and your favorite small businesses at the 2nd Street Market that provide jobs, tax dollars, contributions to our schools and non-profits, as well as the character that makes Dayton unique. Purchase MetroParks Money at metroparks.org/money.
For ice rink hours of operation and more information, visit metroparks.org/icerink.
The Whispering Christmas Jingle Jog 5k starts and finishes at the Eaton High School Wellness Center and takes runners through the 1-million light display at Fort St Clair State Park.
FEES (non –refundable):
$25 if registered by September 30.
$30 if registered October 1 through October 26.
$35 if registered after October 26.
Shirts are Guaranteed with all entries received through October 26. There is an option to Save $10 by selecting the No Shirt option.
Packet Pickup:
Early Packet Pickup – Tuesday, November 26, 2024 – Eaton High School Wellness Center- 6:00-8:00 p.m.
OR
Race Day – Wednesday, November 27, 2024 – Eaton High School Wellness Center – starting at 4:15 p.m.
Ohio weather is unpredictable. Race will continue in rain, sleet, snow. All fees are non-refundable. Please dress accordingly and run/walk at own risk.
Have you ever been curious about belly dancing but were afraid to try it? Now is your chance to find out how healthy your body can be as you move along with Josh. Join us in an inclusive environment that welcomes all, from first timer to expert. This class is beginner friendly, designed for all genders and is free.
We’ll finish our bird walks for the year looking for year-round residents, and winter birds like White-throated Sparrow and Brown Creeper. Bring your binoculars and dress for the weather. The walk is slow-paced, and mostly stays on the road surface, but sometimes does venture “off-trail” into the grass. All ages welcome. The tour will meet at the Eichelberger Plaza at the main gates of the cemetery.
Your nature guide will be Amanda Lawson, an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist.
All tours require a reservation and there is a suggested $5 donation. All donations support the Woodland Arboretum Foundation which focuses on the restoration, preservation, horticultural and educational projects needed to keep Woodland a cultural resource for Dayton and Ohio.
Come join us for a relaxing yoga session in a warehouse setting where you can donate whatever you can afford – no pressure, just good vibes!
Welcome to Donation Based Warehouse Yoga at MarYSoul Studios! Join us for an energizing and sensory aware yoga session in a unique warehouse setting surrounded by art. This in-person event offers a chance to practice yoga in an intimate and inspiring environment. Come as you are and bring your own mat.
Let’s flow, breathe, and find some zen together. Don’t miss out on this special opportunity to practice yoga in a cool warehouse space. See you on the mat!
This is a US Road Running Club Race and part of the US Road Running Race Series.
It is not required to be a club member to run with us.
Club members receive 50% off club races and a US Road Running shirt.
To join go to https://usroadrunning.com
Race Information
The race starts at 8:00 AM.
Packet pickup starts 30 minutes before the race and ends 10 minutes before the race starts.
All runners must register on RunSignup.
No on-site registration.
1M Course
https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/5893020202
The course is an out-and-back.
5K, 10K, & 15K Course
https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/5553169708
This course is an out-and-back.
5K does the course one time.
10K does the course two times.
15K does the course three times.
Half Marathon Course
https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/5527496245
This course is an out-and-back.
Half Marathon does the course four times.
Course Time Limit
3 hours and 30 minutes.
Finisher Medals
All finishers will receive a themed medal.
Best Costume
It is not required to wear a costume, but we do encourage it.
At the beginning of each race, we take a group photo.
The best costume will be awarded at the beginning race.
The raffle bikes will be presented after kids awards, so stick around!
Please be Courteous & Kind to Others
We will have runners/walkers of all abilities, including blind and deaf runners. Please be courteous to all participants & volunteers.
Extended!Through August 4 – $24 / $20
August 5 – August 31 – $28 / $24
September 1 – September 30 – $32 / $28
October 1 – October 21 – $36 / $32
October 22, race day – $40 all ages
Virtual – $35, registration deadline October 4
Sinclair Community College – Centerville
12:30pm – 6:00pm, Tuesday, October 22nd
Race Day Only!
Location: 5800 Clyo Road, Centerville, OH 45459
Parking
Please arrive no later than 6pm to secure a parking spot and entry to the event. Traffic will likely be heavy during this time.
Lots of parking at Sinclair! Please reserve the parking spaces closest to the building for those with limited mobility. Overflow available in the St. Francis church lot to the east of Sinclair. Carpool to make it even more fun!!
For the Beloved Human Race Theatre, what could be more fun than a little October mystery…and this time it’s not Mr. Watson and Sherlock Holmes…it’s Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson! KATE HAMILL’S MS. HOLMES & MS. WATSON – APT. 2B has been wowing Daytonians for a week now, and a few performances remain.
This spin through the orbit of the world’s most famous detective introduces us to female roommates Sherlock Holmes and Joan Watson. They’ve emerged from the pandemic fog as a deeply codependent and quasi-dysfunctional duo – solving mysteries, eating snacks and shaking off their pasts. But when they come face to face with a villain who seems to have all the answers? Hamill’s playful and theatrical style will deliver an unforgettable adventure chock full of heroism, friendship and, of course, the art of deduction.
“Bring your bestie, grab a snack and drink in the lobby, and settle in for an entertaining night,” notes Emily N. Wells, Artistic Director. “The twists and turns of this irreverent game keep you guessing to the very end.”
Guest Director Heather Wilson-Bowlby guides the powerhouse cast, featuring Shonita Joshi as Ms. Sherlock Holmes (Shipwrecked: An Entertainment!), Maggie Lou Rader as Ms. Joan Watson (Grounded, The Revolutionists), Kelly Mengelkoch as Mrs. Hudson and others (This is Tom Jones!, Deadline), and Matthew Sierra as Inspector Lestrade and others in his Human Race debut.
Joining Wilson-Bowlby on the production team are: Jeff Heater, Scenic Design; Diane D. Fairchild, Lighting Design; Janet G. Powell, Costume Design; emily c. porter, Sound Design; Lucia Thill, Associate Sound Design; Sarah Gomes, Props; Mark Tynan, Production Stage Manager; Danitza Piper, Assistant Stage Manager; Gina Cerimele-Mechley, Fight Director.
Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B will play in the Loft Theatre in downtown Dayton, with shows remaining on October 16 – 20, 2024. Tickets are on sale through the Dayton Live box office, 937-228-3630, or online at www.humanracetheatre.org
The Human Race Theatre Company continues its commitment to high quality theatre with access points for all with two special ticket initiatives: two sections of $20 seats available at any time through the box office, and ten $10 rush seats available 90 minutes before any performance.
Looking for something a little ‘EXTRA’…..how about…..
‘While We’re On The Subject’ on Sunday, October 20, 2 pm – Post-Show Discussion with the Cast
‘Parent’s Day Out ‘ on Sunday, October 20, 2 pm – Kids Separate Activities (5-12yo)
WANT MORE ABOUT EMILY, KAPPY AND THE HRTC? Click here for another exciting episode of ‘Dayton Drama Queens!’
