Here are more than 50 things to do from now through mid-September that are close to home or worth the guide
JUNE FESTIVALS, SPECIAL EVENTS
June 1: Kettering Block Party: The Kettering Civic Band performs at this annual season opening event at Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering. 6 p.m. Free. 937-296-3300 or www.fraze.com.
June 2-5: Nelsonville Music Festival: Randy Newman, Gillian Welch, Gary Clark Jr., Courtney Barnett and others performers. Robbins Crossing at Hocking College, 3301 Hocking Parkway, Nelsonville. $50 one-day pass Thursday and Sunday, $75 one-day pass Friday and Saturday. $140-$350 weekend passes. www.nelsonvillefest.org.
June 3: DP&L Summer in the City: Downtown Dayton Partnership and Dayton Visual Arts Center co-present this event with pop-up galleries, art demonstrations and hands-on activities. Third and Main streets, Dayton. 5-9 p.m. Free. 937-224-1518 or www.downtowndayton.org.
June 3: Dayton Podfest: Meet some of the people behind local podcasts Bottom of the Bottle, Gem City Podcast, Uncommon Geek, Completely Straight and the Learning Leaders Show with Ryan Hawk, who will present live programs. The "Old" Yellow Cab Bldg., 700 E. Fourth St., Dayton. 6 p.m. Cost: $5. 937-203-8175 or www.yellowcabtavern.com.
June 3-5: Bunbury Music Festival: The Killers, Florence + the Machine, Deadmaus, Mudcrutch, Tears for Fears, Ice Cube and others perform. Sawyer Point, 705 E. Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati. 1 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. $89 per day. Multi-day passes are sold out. www.bunburyfestival.com.
June 5: Lunafest: The fundraising event features short films examining the lives of women in Cuba, Iran, the Philippines and Dayton. The Neon, 130 E. Fifth St., Dayton. 3 p.m. $10 adults, $5 students. Proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Fund and Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region. 937-222-SHOW (7469) or www.neonmovies.com.
June 10-12: St. Christopher Festival: The annual event features games, rides, live music, craft beer, a community garage sale and more. St. Christopher Catholic Church, 435 E. National Road, Vandalia. 6 p.m. to midnight Friday, 1 p.m. to midnight Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Free. 937-898-3542.
June 11: Lebanon Country Music Festival: 90 Proof Twang, Phillip Fox Band, Kentucky Myle and others perform. 31 E. Mulberry St., Lebanon. 11 a.m. Free. 513-228-2322 or www.lebanoncountrymusicfest.com.
June 11: Boulevard Bash: The Food Truck Festival also features music from the Avalons, Mama Drama, Shadow Life and Southern Rock Superstars. Fraze Pavilion, Kettering. 3 p.m. Free.
June 11: Summer Arts Festival: The annual event kicks off with this 50th Anniversary Reception. Turner Pavilion, Veteran's Park, 250 Cliff Park Road, Springfield. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free. www.springfieldartscouncil.org.
June 11 & 12: Dayton Disneyana Expo: The Dayton Plane Crazy Chapter of the Disneyana Fan Club presents its annual gathering of Disney collectors with special guests Tom Nabbe, Jim Hill and Margaret Kerry. Holiday Inn, 2800 Presidential Drive, Fairborn. 1 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Adults $10 per day or $15 for two-day pass, free children 17 and younger with an adult. $25 early bird admission. www.daytondisneyana.org.
June 12: Dayton Jazz Festival: Local acts perform in the opener of the annual four-event series. Dave Hall Plaza Park, Main and Fourth streets, Dayton. 1 p.m. Free. 937-333-8400 or www.downtowndayton.org.
June 15: Spass Nacht: The annual Austrian festival features live music from the Schnapps Band. Fraze Pavilion, Kettering. 5:30 p.m. Free.
June 16-18: BBQ and Beer Blast: Springfield Summer Arts Festival presents this annual event. Turner Pavilion, Veteran's Park, Springfield. 5 p.m. Rumours: The Fleetwood Mac Tribute at 8 p.m. Thursday, The Capitol Steps presents political satire at 8 p.m. Friday and Resurrection: A Journey Tribute at 8 p.m. Saturday. Free.
June 17 & 18: Jungle Jim's International Beerfest: This annual event features more than 400 sample beers from more than 100 breweries, including craft beers from local producers and national and international companies. The Oscar Event Center at Jungle Jim's International Market, 5440 Dixie Hwy., Fairfield. 7-10:30 p.m. $45-$55, $20 non-drinkers. 513-674-6000 or www.junglejims.com.
June 23-25: Spirit Song 2016: The Midwest's largest contemporary Christian concert series features Casting Crowns, Toby Mac, Kari Jobe and more than a dozen other acts. Timberwolf Amphitheatre, 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason. $31.99-$149.99. Tickets for Spirit Song also include admission to Kings Island and Soak City. Seating is reserved. Ticketmaster.
June 24-26: Festival on the Hill: John King, Eric Jerardi Band, Dulahan, Corndrinkers, Acarya, Spungewurthy, Alexis Gomez, Dirty Deeds X-Treme, Chris Mulcahy and the Celtic Academy of Irish Dance. Dayton Masonic Center, 525 W. Riverview Ave., Dayton, Friday through Sunday. 5 p.m. Friday, noon Saturday and Sunday. Cost: $6 general admission, $5 active police, military, fire, EMS with current ID, free kids younger than 12. www.festivalonthehill.org.
June 25: Blues, Brews and Barbecue: Blues Fest 2016 features Ronnie Baker Brooks, Ellie Lee & Blues Fury and Jay Jesse Johnson. Fraze Pavilion, Kettering. 4 p.m. Free.
June 25 & 26: Rail Festival: Dayton History and Carillon Park Rail and Steam Society present the 11th annual fest for railroad enthusiasts with model train displays, free miniature train rides, live steam engines, food and merchandise vendors. Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. $8 adults (18-59), $7 seniors (60 and older), $5 children (3-17) and free children younger than 3 and Dayton History members. 937-293-2841 or www.railfestival.com.
June 25 & 26: Keeping the Tradition Pow Wow: The Miami Valley Council for Native Americans presents the 28th annual event. SunWatch Indian Village and Archaeological Park, 2301 W. River Road, Dayton. Noon to 8:30 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. $8 adults, $6 seniors and students 6 to 16. Weekend passes available. Dayton Society of Natural History Members admitted half price and free for children 5 and younger. 937-268-8199 or www.sunwatch.org.
JULY FESTIVALS, SPECIAL EVENTS
July 4: The 43rd annual Centerville-Washington Township Americana Festival: A parade, street fair, 5K run, fireworks and more are presented in various spots in downtown Centerville near Main and Franklin streets. 5K begins at 7:30 a.m., street fair at 9:30 a.m., parade at 10 a.m., fireworks at 10 p.m. Free. 937-433-5898 or www.americanafestival.org.
July 4: Red, White and Boonshoft: The annual star spangled science celebration features educational shows, entertainment, indoor fireworks in the planetarium, face painting and more. Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, 2600 Dewesse Pkwy., Dayton. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $14.50 adults, $12.50 seniors 60 and older, $11.50 children 3-17, free for museum members and children younger than 3. 937-278-6076 or www.boonshoftmuseum.org.
July 7-9: The 36th annual Country Concert at Hickory Hills Lake: Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Big & Rich, Kacey Musgraves and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band are among this year's performers. Hickory Hills Lakes, 7103 Ohio 55, Fort Loramie. 3 p.m. Thursday, 5 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. Saturday. $99-$652. 937-295-3000 or www.countryconcert.com.
July 8 and 9: Sip of Summer Beer & Wine Tasting: Springfield Summer Arts Festival presents this annual event. Turner Pavilion, Veteran's Park, Springfield. 5 p.m. Singer-Songwriter Griffin House at 8 p.m. Friday and Arrival: The Music of ABBA from Sweden at 8 p.m. Saturday. Free.
July 9: Kickin' Chicken Wing Fest: Miami Valley Restaurant Association presents the annual festival featuring food from more than 10 area restaurants and music from local bands. Fraze Pavilion, Kettering. 3 p.m. Free.
July 10: KidsFest: Springfield Summer Arts Festival presents this special event at the Springfield Museum of Art/ Springfield Center for the Arts at Wittenberg. Turner Pavilion, Veteran's Park, Springfield. Noon to 5 p.m. Free.
July 16: Swamp Romp: The festival features performances by Lisa Haley & the Zydekats, Robin Lacy and Hot Magnolias and Cajun dishes from area food vendors. Fraze Pavilion, Kettering. 4 p.m. Free.
July 17: Dayton Blues Festival: The annual event features local and regional talent. Dave Hall Plaza Park, Dayton. 1 p.m. Free.
July 22 and 23: Southwind Music Festival: The annual multi-band event returns to Zane Shawnee Caverns, 7092 State Route 540, Bellefontaine, Friday and Saturday. Gates open at 4 p.m. Friday, music begins at 4 p.m. Cost: $30 in advance, $35 at the gate. $25 for primitive camping, additional charges for electric and water. More info: 937-592-9592.
July 22-24: FutureFest: The 26th annual festival of new plays features six productions, including "The Griots" and "Memories of the Game." Dayton Playhouse, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton. 937-424-8477 or www.daytonplayhouse.org.
July 23: Rock 'n' Green Tomato Festival: Riverfront Park, Miamisburg. Noon to 11 p.m. www.rockngreentomato.com.
July 29 & 30: Miami Valley Music Fest: The annual event combines music, art and charity. Troy Eagles Campground, 2252 Troy-Urbana Road, Troy. Friday and Saturday. www.miamivalleymusicfest.com.
AUGUST FESTIVALS, SPECIAL EVENTS
Aug. 4-6: The Werk Out Music & Arts Festival: Dayton's the Werks hosts its 7th annual blowout featuring STS9, Lettuce, Greensky Bluegrass, Dopapod, Twiddle and others. Legend Valley, 7585 Kindle Road, Thornville. Gates open noon Thursday. Music begins at 4 p.m. $119.95 festival pass and $259.95 VIP pass. www.thewerkoutfestival.com.
Aug. 6: Lebanon Blues Festival: Lil Ed & the Blues Imperials, the Jay Jesse Johnson Band, Cheryl Renee, the Doug Hart Band and others perform. Historic Downtown Lebanon, 47 E. Mulberry St., Lebanon. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. The festival also features food vendors, beer garden, car show and the Red Hot Blues Run online. Free. 513-588-0321 or www.lebanonbluesfestival.org.
Aug. 6: Great American Beer Tasting: The 9th annual event hits Fifth Third Field, 220 N. Patterson Blvd, Dayton. 2-6 p.m. $30 in advance, $40 day of the event. Entry includes 20 samples from more than 100 options, souvenir sampling glass and raffle ticket. $5 designated driver tickets. 937-228-2287 or www.daytondragons.com.
Aug. 7: Polish Summer Fest: Food, beverages, dancing and live music Duane Malinowski and his polka band. Polish Picnic Grounds, 3690 Needmore Road, Dayton. Gates open 3 p.m. Music 5-9 p.m. $4 per carload. No coolers permitted. 937-222-8092.
Aug. 14: Art on the Commons: Rosewood Arts Centre and Kettering Arts Council co-present the 28th annual event. Lincoln Park Civic Commons, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering. 11 a.m. Free.
Aug. 20: Hispanic Heritage Festival: The 15th annual festival features Latin music, food and more. RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E. Monument Ave., Dayton. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Free. www.pacodayton.org.
Aug. 20 & 21: Fairborn Sweet Corn Festival: The 35th annual event features children's entertainment, food vendors and specialty dealers. Community Park, 691 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Road, Fairborn. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Free. www.fairbornsweetcornfestival.org.
Aug. 21: Dayton Rock Festival: The second annual event, part of the city's four-concert series, returns to Dave Hall Plaza Park, Dayton. 1 p.m. Free.
Aug. 21: Bacon Fest: The annual event features bacon dishes from a variety of vendors and live music by Flashback Band, the Fries and the Michael Christopher Band. Fraze Pavilion, Kettering. 3 p.m. Free.
Aug. 27: Dayton African American Cultural Festival: This family-friendly event is designed to bring the richness of the African-American experience to the community through culture, education and music. Island Park, 101 E. Helena St., Dayton. Noon to 8 p.m. Free. 937-475-2707 or www.daacf.com.
Aug. 28: Taste of All Things Oregon: Miami Valley Restaurant Association presents this annual street party. Oregon District, E. Fifth Street, Dayton. 1-7 p.m. www.dineoutdayton.com.
Aug. 28: GospelFest: Kettering Health Network presents the third annual event featuring headliners Sidewalk Prophets with local and regional openers. Fraze Pavilion, Kettering. 3 p.m. Free.
SEPTEMBER FESTIVALS, SPECIAL EVENTS
Sept. 1: The Taste: The 30th anniversary food event returns to Fraze Pavilion, Kettering. 6 p.m. $25 in advance, $30 day of event. $10 children younger than 10.
Sept. 2 & 3: Ladyfest Dayton: The celebration of women in art and music featuring Dirty Socialites, Good English, Jasper the Colossal, Moria and more than two dozen others. The "Old" Yellow Cab Building, 700 E. Fourth St., Dayton. A portion of the proceeds benefit Dayton YWCA Women's Shelter. www.ladyfestdayton.org.
Sept. 3 & 4: The Fair at New Boston: Journey back in time to get a glimpse of life as it was 200 years ago through historical recreations and battles. George Rogers Clark Park, 936 S. Tecumseh Road, Springfield. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Advance tickets $8 adults, $3 children 6-11. Gate prices $10 adults. $7 active military with ID, $3 children 6-11, free for ages 5 and younger. 937-882-9216 or www.fairatnewboston.org.
Sept. 9: Dayton Reggae Festival: The long-running event closes the annual four-concert series. Dave Hall Plaza Park, Dayton. 1 p.m. Free.
Sept. 9-11: The Italian Fall Festa: The annual event returns with food, entertainment and more. Bella Villa Hall, 2625 County Line Road, Kettering. 6-11 p.m. Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday and noon-8 p.m. Sunday. Free. Meatball Madness 5K run 10 a.m. Sunday. 937-258-3600 or www.italianfallfesta.com.
Sept. 10 & 11: Beavercreek Popcorn Festival: The annual street fair offers more than 200 booths featuring crafts, food and plenty of popcorn-related treats. Dayton-Xenia Road, between Fairfield and Meadow Bridge, Beavercreek. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Free. 937-602-CORN or www.beavercreekpopcornfestival.org.
Sept. 17: Miami Valley BrewGrass Festival: The all-day festival features a variety of local and regional acts. Riverfront Park, Miamisburg. 11 a.m. $15 in advance, $20 day of show.
Sept. 18: Polish Fall Festival: Food, beverages, dancing and live music Duane Malinowski and his polka band. Polish Picnic Grounds, 3690 Needmore Road, Dayton. Gates open 1 p.m. Music 3-7 p.m. $4 per carload. No coolers permitted. 937-222-8092.
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