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

Dayton Music

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

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!”

Murder Junkies at Cosmo Joe’s

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From the depths of non conformity. The Murder Junkies is an American punk rock band, best known for having been GG Allin’s final backing band from 1993 to 1999. After GG’s death, the band has continued to perform songs from Allin’s back catalog as well as original material.

You don’t know what to expect but expect the unexpected.

Dayton Porchfest is back on August 16th

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Dayton Porchfest. Photo by Libby Ballengee

Getting that sinking feeling that the summer is over? Not so fast! We have one of the biggest music festival events of the year happening on Saturday, August 16th: Dayton Porchfest.

“Dayton Porchfest celebrates the breadth and depth of the Dayton music scene, while the porch and backyard venues allow the performers and the audience to deeply engage,” organizer Peter Benkendorf shared with us. “The diversity of the line-up means there is something for everyone. Throw in some food trucks, a beer garden and a family-friendly environment, all wrapped up in the charm of the St. Anne’s Hill Historic District, and you have all the makings for one of Dayton’s most popular summer events.”

Dayton Porchfest was founded in 2017, inspired by the original Porchfest, which was started in 2007 in Ithaca, NY and Larchmere Porchfest in Cleveland, which began in 2009. Today there are over 200 Porchfests throughout the United States and Canada, with Dayton being the 94th to join this growing movement.

Dayton has a rich musical history and active music scene that continues today. Dayton Porchfest is committed to reflecting that diversity in its selection of musical artists, from funk and blues to indie rock and jazz, classical and country, to bluegrass and old-timey music with deep Appalachian traditions here. The festival also celebrates the ethnic diversity of the region, a reflection of our “Welcome Dayton” spirit that has contributed to a significant influx of immigrants and refugees over the past decade.

Dayton Porchfest is an initiative of The Collaboratory, a civic innovation lab that moves ideas to action. The Collaboratory provides infrastructure for people and organizations to collaboratively develop community initiatives that generate new economic, civic and creative opportunities and value. The result is a healthier, more thriving region. All proceeds from Dayton Porchfest go to support the work of The Collaboratory.

Event Details:

When: Saturday, August 16, 2025, 12:15 – 6:45 PM
Where: St. Anne’s Hill Historic District, Dayton, Ohio
Cost: Free and family-friendly

Schedule:

  • 12:15 – 12:45 PM: Pre-Porch Kick-Off with T.R.S.S. Drum Corps
  • 1:00 – 6:45 PM: Main event – “If this porch is rockin’ then please come a knockin'”
  • 7:00 – 9:00 PM: Afterfest at Levitt Pavilion Dayton
  • 7:00 – 10:00 PM: Music at Fifth Street Brewpub

Tips for attending:

  • Bring water and stay hydrated
  • While the streets are tree-lined, you can bring shade with you with a hat and/or sunglasses
  • This is a walking event, so please wear comfortable shoes
  • Please bring cash to tip the performers

For more information and to view the interactive map of participating porches, visit www.daytonporchfest.org.

Springfield Jazz and Blues Festival

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Two days of Jazz & Blues on Two Stages — 18 acts

FREE

Friday, August 8th, 2025 beginning at 4:00 PM

Saturday, August 9th, 2025 beginning at 2:30 PM

Join us, along with Springfield native and award-winning artist John Legend, in supporting the Springfield Jazz and Blues Festival. Building on a long and storied music tradition, Springfield, OH is proud to present the region’s most exciting summer event.

What you’ll experience:

  • Award-winning jazz and blues artists
  • Two stages within walking distance
  • Locally-brewed beer from Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company
  • Crowd-favorite food trucks
  • Historic neighborhoods and architecture
  • Late night jams at the State Theater

 

 

The Deans List/Lyzrd/MoneyManMitch

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Get ready for a night of awesome music at Blind Bob’s! Join us for performances by The Deans List, Lyzrd, and MoneyManMitch. It’s going to be a night to remember with great beats and vibes. Don’t miss out on this epic event!

Industrial Strength Bluegrass Summer Festival

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The Industrial Strength Bluegrass Summer Festival is a three-day music celebration, highlighting the best of bluegrass, folk, and Americana. Hosted at Clifton Opera House in Xenia, this festival is a must-attend event for music enthusiasts, musicians, and fans of traditional Appalachian sounds.

Featuring world-class bluegrass artists and legendary performers, the festival lineup includes instrumental showcases, jam sessions, and performances from local and national talent. Guests can participate in interactive bluegrass workshops, where musicians teach banjo, fiddle, guitar, and mandolin techniques in hands-on demonstrations.

In addition to the music, attendees can enjoy food trucks offering Southern-inspired cuisine, including smoked brisket, fried green tomatoes, cornbread, and sweet tea. Visitors can also browse craft booths selling handmade instruments, folk art, and country-style home décor.

The festival culminates with an open jam session, inviting musicians of all skill levels to join in and play alongside bluegrass greats. With its rich musical history and welcoming atmosphere, the Industrial Strength Bluegrass Festival is a true celebration of Appalachian culture.

What To Do There:

  • Listen to live bluegrass performances from top artists.
  • Participate in banjo, mandolin, and fiddle workshops.
  • Enjoy Southern-style food and drinks.
  • Explore artisan booths selling handmade goods and instruments.
  • Experience an open jam session with fellow musicians.

What People Like About It:

  • The incredible lineup of bluegrass and folk artists.
  • The opportunity to learn from musicians in interactive workshops.
  • The friendly and welcoming festival atmosphere.
  • The delicious Southern-style food offerings.
  • The community-driven jam sessions.

A Free Night of Music with Parrots of the Caribbean at RiverScape

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Join us under the pavilion as the RiverScape Summer Music Series features A Tribute to Jimmy Buffet with Parrots of the Caribbean! Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy this FREE live concert, while taking in a spectacular sunset over the Great Miami River. The RiverScape Cafe will be open selling food and drinks along with alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and cocktails, for those 21 and over.

Parrots of the Caribbean is a high-energy, original show putting the ROCK in Tropical-Rock, featuring our “Salute to Jimmy Buffett!”, along with fan-favorite originals, & stage-show antics! Acclaimed as the #1 Jimmy Buffett Tribute!

EMO Night with Flicker // Fade

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Get ready to scream your favorite lyrics and relive your Warped Tour days—EMO NIGHT is coming to Dayton! Featuring a full live performance by Flicker//Fade, this high-energy night will bring you the best of Emo, Pop-Punk, and nostalgic anthems from the golden era of angst.

Whether you’re a former scene kid or just discovering the genre, this is your night to sing, jump, and feel everything. Black eyeliner optional—but encouraged.

📅 Thursday, July 10, 2025
📍 The Brightside – 905 E 3rd St, Dayton
🕖 Doors at 7 PM

🎟 Tickets:

$17 in advance
$20 at the door
🎫 Advance tickets available here: https://www.thebrightsidedayton.com/event-details/emo-night-with-flicker-fade
👥 All ages welcome (under 18 requires adult supervision)

Chicago Plays The Rose

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Multi-Grammy award winning, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Chicago will return to Huber Heights, OH for a performance at Rose Music Center

Hailed as one of the “most important bands in music since the dawn of the rock and roll era”, the legendary rock and roll band with horns, Chicago, came in as the highest charting American band in Billboard Magazine’s Top 125 Artists Of All Time. Chicago is the first American rock band to chart Top 40 albums in six consecutive decades.

Blues Fest at Levitt Pavilion

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Join us this year as we celebrate the Blues Fest, part of the Amplified Series sponsored by the City of Dayton. 

Doug Hart at the Blues Fest at Levitt Pavilion DaytonDoug Hart: Doug Hart, a Dayton, OH native, discovered his passion for music early, starting with the trumpet and later teaching himself guitar. Influenced by iconic bands like Van Halen and Led Zeppelin, Doug formed his first band post-high school and eventually immersed himself in blues, inspired by legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan. In 1998, he founded the Doug Hart Band (DHB), which has become a staple in the southwest Ohio blues scene, competing in the International Blues Challenge and performing at renowned venues such as Buddy Guy’s Legends and B.B. King’s in Memphis. Doug released his debut album “Reckless Life” in 2005, with a follow-up in progress. The current DHB lineup includes Rob Thaxton on bass and Craig Comer on drums, promising a dynamic blues/rock experience.

Shaun Booker Dammit Band Blues Fest Levitt Pavilion Dayton

Shaun Booker Dammit Band: Shaun Booker, a Columbus, Ohio-based singer/songwriter and international recording artist, draws inspiration from her spiritual and blues roots. Known as “The Empress of Beale Street,” she has been inducted into The Columbus Blues Hall of Fame and won the 2023 Columbus Blues Challenge. Her band, The Shaun Booker Dammit Band, was a top 5 finalist at the 2024 International Blues Challenge, promising to captivate audiences with their soulful blues performances.

Anthony Gomes Blues Fest Levitt Pavilion DaytonAnthony Gomes: Anthony Gomes, a Canadian vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, and producer, electrifies blues and rock with his powerful performances. Known for his fret-burning guitar skills, he has topped the Billboard Blues Chart, earned endorsements from legends like B.B. King, and performed globally. His latest album, “High Voltage Blues,” showcases his unique blend of blues and rock. Gomes has shared the stage with icons such as Buddy Guy and Joe Bonamassa, and his music continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Oh Yes, Oh Yes, Oh Yes….This is the “CHICAGO” You Were Hoping For!

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Let’s face it, CHICAGO is a mainstay of Broadway shows… and TheatreLab Dayton is bringing you the CHICAGO you are hoping for. Punchy, funny, poignant, and true to the script….they are giving you the energy you need! Giving us a minute of their time, Mackensie King (Director) and Abby Kress (Roxie) sat down to talk about the upcoming stage staple.

937: Hi ladies, thank you for taking some time with us. I can tell you, from the outset, I love CHICAGO, but in its intended form, not the contemporary, less showy versions. I understand; you’re intentionally bringing it back to the Chicago we love. How did all of this come to pass?

MK: We really wanted to embrace the vaudeville spirit at the heart of the show. It plays with the classic ‘show within a show’ trope, and we’re intentionally breaking the fourth wall to invite the audience right into the fantasy unfolding on stage. The script itself has plenty of humor, but this cast has taken it to another level — they’re truly leaning into the comedy and delivering some big, belly laughs. And then there’s the choreography: Gage Wayne has created some absolutely stunning numbers. I think audiences will be tapping their feet and wishing they could jump up there and join in.

AK: This is a beloved musical by many so I hope audiences walk out having that classic Chicago itch scratched. I also hope they can identify the similarities this heightened, vaudevillian world has with the current political and social scenes we experience today.

937: Abby, I know Roxie is a beloved and coveted role….how are you feeling about it? And congratulations to you!

AK: Roxie is a dream role to take on, and challenging for sure. Physically of course, as the entire show is driven by song and dance numbers. Unlike other leading ladies, Roxie’s redeeming qualities are not heavily apparent in the script, that’s Chicago! As an actor, this poses another challenge to justify her choices throughout the show in order to deliver an authentic performance in the heightened world we’ve created.

937: Awesome….so ecited to see it. With that in mind, Mackensie, this season for TheatreLab has been interesting. How does CHICAGO fall into the theme?

MK: Reflecting on this season, one theme shines through: the powerful act of reclaiming one’s story. Chicago slots seamlessly into that narrative—giving center stage to women who not only find their voices but boldly rewrite the script. I’m always drawn to stories led by deeply flawed, complex characters. They invite us to see the world through their lens, challenging our assumptions and stirring empathy. Because really—who among us is perfect?

937: You have elevated those stories for sure this season. LIZZIE, FULL MONTY….people making their place in the world!! Ladies, what are you hoping people leave that theater feeling, or thinking?

AK: This show has a beautiful combination of TheatreLab veterans and fresh new faces! This cast is dynamic, talented, and so eager to entertain you. Chicago is the 2nd longest running show on Broadway, gripping audiences for over 25 years for a good reason. We are so excited to put a Dayton touch on a renowned favorite!

MK: She’s right….and beyond that, Now more than ever, we’re seeing just how much media — and our level of media literacy — shapes the way we view the world. With this piece, I really wanted to remind people that things aren’t always what they seem. Just because something is beautifully worded doesn’t mean it’s truthful. Art has always been one of the most powerful mirrors of our time, and I think it’s essential to dig deeper and find meaning, even in the material we think we already know.

937: Wow….what a great way to wrap this all together. Break many legs, and best to all of you! For more details:

https://www.simpletix.com/e/chicago-tickets-214975

The show runs

  • June 26 – 29, 2025. 
  • The Beautiful Northmont Community Auditorium, 4916 National RoadClayton, Ohio 45315