Things to do in Dayton Ohio
Wondering what to do this weekend? Dayton Local has the most comprehensive list of local events, concerts, festivals, and other activities in Dayton. If you're looking for places to go and fun things to do in Dayton and around the Miami Valley, we've always got plenty of suggestions!
Dayton Events Calendar
Upcoming Featured events around Dayton
INVINCIBLE: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson
Join us for an unforgettable evening with Invincible: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson at the Arbogast Performing Arts Center on Oct 24 at 7 PM. As part of our Signature Series, this exciting event promises great talent!
Dayton Fall Harvest Festival 2026
Join a day of family fun at the Fall Harvest Festival, hosted by the City of Dayton Department of Recreation—combining a traditional fall festival with a trunk-or-treat experience.
Chocolate Festival
Free, family-friendly chocolate festival at the Greene County Expo Center, Green County Fairgrounds. Visit professional chocolatiers, enjoy entertainment, food trucks, local craft and food vendors, a free Kids Zone and more!
Covering the Vote: Reporting on the 2026 Elections
Join us for a panel discussion on election reporting, the state of play in Ohio, and what’s at stake this November.
Jimmy Leach Jazztet at Hidden Gem
Join trumpeter and vocalist Jimmy Leach and the Jimmy Leach Jazztet for an evening of great live jazz at The Hidden Gem Music Club in Dayton. The Jazztet brings together some of Dayton and Cincinnati's best musicians.
WPAFB Pumpkin Chuck -2026
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE Annual Pumpkin Chuck! Watch in awe as pumpkins soar through the sky, thanks to some seriously cool science! Entrance at the Spinning Road gate on Airway.
OPE! Murder Mystery: A Killer Halloween
Someone is dead. Five suspects are hiding secrets. And somewhere inside On Par Entertainment, a killer is waiting to be uncovered. Can you find the murderer before they get away with it?
Pumpkin Glow
Follow the trails of Caesar Ford Park October 21–24, 2026 and be mesmerized by the hundreds of hand-painted pumpkins in black light-reflective paint! Bring a blacklight flashlight, or borrow one for the walk.
Small Scale Train Rides at Carillon Park Railroad
Take a ride on the mini-railroad at Carillon Park with the Carillon Park Rail & Steam Society.
Fall Farm Fest at Lost Creek Reserve
Annual Fall Farm Fest with corn maze and corn shooter, music, hayrides, games, farm animals and more.
Enon Apple Butter Festival
Enjoy the pleasant aroma of cooking apples, spices, and wood smoke at the festival where everything still revolves around apple butter!
Fall Spirits: Tito’s Tasting at Wild Axe Throwing
Fall Spirits at Wild Axe: 1 hour of axe throwing and four cocktails for $50 plus fees. Thursday, November 5, 7–9 PM. Ages 21+. Only 25 tickets!
Places to go around Dayton
Things to do around Dayton
Missing Peace Art Space
Special exhibitions on the themes of peace will be offered throughout the year.
Kings Island
Amusement park located in Mason OH has more than 80 world-class rides and attractions that are perfect for thrill seekers of all ages.
Fox Hollow Rodeo
We are a local Rodeo located between Cincinnati and Dayton Ohio in Waynesville Ohio. Fox Hollow Rodeo offers bull riding for all skill levels from beginner to Jackpot, calf riding, barrel racing, and mutton bustin (sheep riding)for the kids!
Cardinal Hill Recreation Club
Are you tired of the kids saying I'm bored every summer? Check us out! We offer a private, family-friendly membership pool, picnic tables, concession stand and much more!
Great Wolf Lodge
America's Largest Family of Indoor Waterparks - a great family getaway for all ages, located in Mason Ohio close to Kings Island.
Glen Helen Nature Preserve
Glen Helen is a 1,000-acre nature preserve of woods, waterways, prairies, and fields, laced with 25 miles of trails.
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
The world's largest and oldest military aviation museum, located in Dayton Ohio.
HartMan Rock Garden
The Hartman Rock Garden is one of the nation's most intriguing and revered works of in situ folk art, an outsider art phenomena where self-taught artists construct fascinating worlds out of concrete, metal, stone, and whatever else they can find.
Curious Creations Macrame
I’m the macrame babe behind Curious Creations Macrame. I make all types of fiber art from large scale wall hangings to jewelry to practical home products. I also teach fiber art classes at local businesses in Dayton
Air Time Ballooning
Provides sunrise and sunset hot air balloon ride flight adventures in the Dayton and Cincinnati areas seven days a week, customized to you and your occasion.
North River Alpacas
We are an alpaca farm located in Greene County; we raise alpacas for their beautiful fleece which is made into apparel. Our farm welcomes visitors. Call us!
Dayton Hikers
The Dayton Hikers (DaytonHikers.Org) group is a community of people who enjoy hiking and backpacking. Live To Hike - Hike To Live!
Treats by Tressa
We host fun, hands-on cake decorating classes for all ages and skill levels, helping you create edible masterpieces.
BMI Indoor Speedway
BMI Speedway is so much more than basic race track. The unique structure is equipped to become a must-see entertainment destination in west central Ohio.
Cinemark at The Greene + IMAX
Stadium seating, unobstructed viewing utilizing 18-inch risers, remarkable 48 inches between rows for maximum legroom and ease of motion.
Twin Creek MetroPark
A world of serenity awaits with panoramic views and miles of hiking and equestrian trails. Only 20 minutes from Dayton, the park enables users to hike, fish, picnic, and many other exciting adventures.
Cox Arboretum
This beautiful 189-acre facility is a special place for visitors to escape among trees, shrubs, specialty gardens, mature forests, and prairies.
Kingdom Sports Center
Kingdom Sports Center is a 60,000 square foot, state of the art sports complex. We have 3 pristine basketball courts, a beautiful indoor soccer field!
YMCA of Greater Dayton
The Kleptz YMCA is proudly serving Englewood and surrounding communities and is committed to providing excellence in both programming and membership.
Black Box Improv Theater
The Black Box Improv Theater is a long form improv theater located downtown Dayton in The Cannery Building on Third Street.
