Events & Entertainment

Step back in time to 16th century England at one of Ohio's most beloved annual traditions! The Ohio Renaissance Festival features costumed characters, thrilling medieval jousting, giant turkey legs, artisan shops, and a different theme every weekend. About 45 minutes from Dayton, it's a must-do family adventure, kids and adults alike will be completely transported.

Free outdoor concert at Levitt Pavilion Dayton (Main & Fifth, downtown). Bring a blanket, grab food from the trucks. 7pm start unless otherwise noted on the venue site.

One of the region's most unique fall festivals: live entertainment, arts & crafts, food vendors, and endless varieties of popcorn. Free and family-friendly.

Celebrate Ohio's agricultural heritage at the Clinton County Corn Festival, a three-day extravaganza honoring one of the region's biggest industries. Enjoy corn-inspired foods, live entertainment, vendors, and small-town Ohio charm at its finest. Wilmington is just a short drive from Dayton and the surrounding WPAFB area, making this a great weekend outing.

Free outdoor concert at Levitt Pavilion Dayton (Main & Fifth, downtown). Bring a blanket, grab food from the trucks. 7pm start unless otherwise noted on the venue site. Corrected 2026-08-28: the artist name was listed as Joanne Taylor Shaw. Levitt Pavilion's own September schedule lists her as Joanne Shaw Taylor.

Two of the best tribute acts in the country, Tequila Sunrise (Eagles tribute) and Petty City (Tom Petty tribute), close out Fraze Pavilion's summer season with a spectacular night of classic rock. Featuring special guest Paul Sidoti (John Mayer's guitarist), this is a top-notch tribute concert experience that rivals the real thing!

A vibrant free celebration of cultures from around the world right here in Huber Heights, just minutes from WPAFB. Enjoy international food, music, dance, and art at the Eichelberger Amphitheater. A wonderful opportunity for military families to connect with the diverse community that makes the Dayton area so special.

Free outdoor concert at Levitt Pavilion Dayton (Main & Fifth, downtown). Bring a blanket, grab food from the trucks. 7pm start unless otherwise noted on the venue site.

Free outdoor concert at Levitt Pavilion Dayton (Main & Fifth, downtown). Headlining act TBA, check levittdayton.org for updates.

The 30th Annual U.S. Air Force Marathon returns to Wright-Patterson AFB, one of the most prestigious military-themed races in the country! Choose from the full marathon, half marathon, 10K, or 5K. This event holds special meaning for the military community and welcomes runners of all levels. Register early, it sells out every year!

The largest natural fiber festival in the area returns to the iconic Young's Jersey Dairy in Yellow Springs! Browse and shop over 100 vendors from across several states selling wool, yarn, fiber arts, and handcrafted goods. Free admission makes this a low-key, unique outing: and you're already at Young's, so ice cream is basically mandatory.

One of Ohio's premier automotive elegance competitions: stunning classic, vintage, and collector cars judged on the beautiful grounds of Carillon Historical Park. Preview party Saturday evening, main event Sunday. A sophisticated and genuinely impressive event.

A massive night of classic hard rock at the Rose Music Center with Dokken, the legendary Lita Ford, and Lynch Mob on the same stage. If you love 80s rock, this triple-headliner is an absolute dream, and the covered outdoor amphitheater setting makes it even better. Grab tickets before they're gone!

The final Amplified Series event of the season goes out in style with the Levitt Jazz Fest! The Lao Tizer Band featuring American Idol alum Elliot Yamin headlines alongside the Nasty Nati Brass Band and Saxtone Arrington. This free outdoor jazz celebration is the perfect way to welcome fall: great music, great community, no cover charge.

Free outdoor concert at Levitt Pavilion Dayton (Main & Fifth, downtown). Bring a blanket, grab food from the trucks. 7pm start unless otherwise noted on the venue site.

One of Ohio's premier Oktoberfest events: authentic German food, imported beers on the museum's stunning terrace, live oompah music, and stein-holding contests.

A massive throwback funk lineup featuring Morris Day & The Time, The Ohio Players (Dayton's own!), The Original Lakeside, and Con Funk Shun. Dayton is the birthplace of funk, this hometown celebration at the Rose is a fitting introduction to the city's legendary musical heritage.

Free outdoor adventure festival at Eastwood MetroPark: kayaking demos, archery, rock climbing, nature hikes, live entertainment, and activities for all ages.

The beloved love story comes to life on the Schuster stage for a 6-night Broadway run. Beautiful music, stunning staging, and a story that will leave you in tears.

One of the region's favorite fall festivals: pumpkins, hayrides, carnival rides, live music, and fall food in a charming downtown setting.

The fall edition of Yellow Springs' beloved bi-annual street fair: artisan vendors, food, and live music with the colors of autumn as the perfect backdrop.

Beloved harvest festival in charming Tipp City: apple butter making demos, arts & crafts, live music, and fall treats on historic Main Street.

Thousands gather in the Oregon District for Dayton's wildly popular Halloween street event. Epic costumes, great bars, live music, and organized chaos.

Southwest Ohio German heritage runs deep, and the Dayton Liederkranz-Turner Oktoberfest brings authentic German food, live music, and beer to the club East Fifth Street home. It is a welcoming, family friendly taste of local culture and a relaxed way for newcomers to meet Daytonians.

The beloved mystery board game comes to life on the Schuster Center stage! CLUE: The Musical is a hilarious whodunit with an ever-changing ending: the killer is randomly chosen each performance, so every show is different. Perfect for date nights or a fun outing with older kids; a great way to experience world-class Broadway touring shows right here in Dayton.