5 top picks for downtown summer fun

The Fountain of Lights at RiverScape MetroPark came on this morning without any hitches.

One of the largest in the entire world, the fountain will operate daily through Labor Day, running 8 minutes each hour and coming on 4 minutes before the top of the hour. The fountain will operate from 6:56 a.m. to 9:54 p.m.

You can watch a whopping 2,500 gallons of water shoot through the fountain each minute it’s on. The MetroPark has replaced the antiquated lights with a new system that will display rotating colors after sunset.

It’s one of the great things to see at the downtown park this summer, but hardly the only thing. The splash pad, known at the Interactive Fountain, will start up at 11 a.m. Saturday. The snack bar and bike rental hub will also open.

Here are five other highlights at RiverScape and along the Great Miami River:

FOOD TRUCKS LUNCHES

Have lunch and listen to live acoustic music, Monday through Saturday. Food trucks are scheduled for most days, opening for lunch at 11:30 a.m. For the food truck schedule, click here.

FITNESS IN THE PARK

On most Saturdays through Aug. 13., enjoy free fitness classes at the RiverScape Pavilion from 10-11 a.m. Wear comfortable attire for working out and bring water. The classes alternate between Zumba and yoga. For the schedule, click here.

BIG BAND NIGHTS

Bring a lawn chair and comfortable shoes for swing dancing. The concerts are held every other Thursday from 7:30-9:30 p.m., and will feature Bob Gray Orchestra, Tom Daugherty Orchestra, Dayton Jazz Orchestra, Barry Campbell and his Big Band with vocalist Elaina McCormick, and The Kim Kelly Orchestra. For the schedule, click here.

UNITED IRISH OF DAYTON CELTIC FESTIVAL

The 15th annual Celtic festival will be held Saturday, July 30, from noon to 11 p.m. Four stages will offer international, national and regional musical acts. There will food and craft vendors, whiskey tastings and activities for the family. For more info, click here.

DAYTON LIGHTS IN FLIGHT FIREWORKS

The City of Dayton's annual Independence Day fireworks display will be held Sunday, July 3. A multi-cultural festival begins at 1 p.m. Fireworks will begin at 10 p.m. RiverScape is a great place for enjoying the fireworks. For more info, click here.

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