Spongebob, Christmas lights and 30 more fun things to do in November

There’s lots of fun to be had in November. Start planning now.

SIGNATURE EVENTS

1) DISNEY ON ICE

Princesses like Ariel and Cinderella are just two of the cartoon characters brought to life in "Disney on Ice presents Dream Big." Other pieces feature Disney protagonists from "Coco," "Frozen," "Aladdin," "Tangled" and other animated favorites. "Disney on Ice presents Dream Big" at the Nutter Center, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy., Fairborn, Friday through Sunday, Nov. 1 through 3. Show times are 7 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $15-$65. Call 937-775-4789 or visit www.nuttercenter.com.

2) CULTURAL ARTS & BOOK FEST

The Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton's Cultural Arts & Book Festival began in October with the first event in several months of programming. The festival continues with Matthew Goodman, the author of "The City Game: Triumph, Scandal, and a Legendary Basketball Team," at Carillon Brewing Co., 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6. Cost: $5 in advance, $8 at the door. Other programs in the series include Marra Gad on Nov. 20, Myla Goldberg on Dec. 11 and Lev Golinkin on Jan. 19. Call 937-610-1555 or visit www.jewishdayton.org.

3) DAYTON TRAIN SHOW

November is National Model Railroad Month and Miami Valley Division 3, MCR of the National Model Railroad Association celebrates that distinction each year with the Dayton Train Show. The 44th annual event is presented at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 645 Infirmary Road, Dayton, on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 2 and 3. Train show hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The model expo features hundreds of vendors. Cost: $8 adults, free children 12 and younger with paid adult. Parking is free. Visit www.daytontrainshow.com.

4) SESAME STREET LIVE

Ain't no party like a Big Bird party because a Big Bird party don't stop. Or something like that. The lovable yellow star of television will be joined by Elmo, Grover, Cookie Monster and other Muppet characters for "Sesame Street Live! Let's Party!" The touring show is presented at the Nutter Center, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy., Fairborn, on Wednesday, Nov. 27. Show times are 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Cost: $20-$68. Doors open an hour before each performance. Call 937-775-4789 or visit www.nuttercenter.com.

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

5) BARSTOOL OPEN

Autumn is in full swing and that means time again for the Barstool Open hosted by United Rehabilitation Services of Greater Dayton. The annual fundraiser, at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, is a nine-hole, nine-bar indoor miniature golf tournament through Crafted & Cured, The Troll Pub at the Wheelhouse, Blind Bob's, Wiley's Comedy Club and other bars in the Historic Oregon District, Dayton. Cost: $140 per four-person team. Proceeds benefit United Rehabilitation Services' mission to serve children and adults with disabilities. Visit www.ursdayton.org.

>> PHOTOS: Did we spot you at the Oregon District Barstool Open?

6) MUTTVILLE COMIX

Johnny Peers honed his stage craft as a clown for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus before striking out with his own show. Since 1972, he has traveled the world with his comedy dog act, the Muttville Comix. Victoria Theatre Association presents Johnny Peers & the Muttville Comix in a Family Series program at Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton, on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 9 and 10. Show times are 1 and 4 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. sensory friendly show Sunday. $17 Saturday. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

7) MONSTER JAM

Raminator driven by Mark Hall, David Olfert in Megalodon and Grave Digger driven by Krysten Anderson are just a few of the colorfully named vehicles scheduled for the next local stop of the Monster Jam. The high-octane motorsport show roars back into the Nutter Center, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy., Fairborn, on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 23 and 24. Show times are 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday, and 1 p.m. Sunday. Doors open one hour before event time. Drivers are subject to change. Cost: Tickets start at $18. Call 937-775-4789 or visit www.nuttercenter.com.

8) ACE METAPHOR

Dayton native Ace Metaphor is a poet and motivational speaker, currently presenting seminars around the country on what he dubbed a Self-Love & Poetry Tour. Metaphor brings his "The Don't Waste My Time Tour" to town for an intimate homecoming engagement at PNC Arts Annex, 46 W. Second St., Dayton, at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2. Cost: $44.99 general admission, VIP $84.88. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

9) DAYTON REGIONAL SCIENCE FEST

Local businesses and organizations and museum professionals have joined together once again to host the Dayton Regional Science Festival. The annual event, at Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, 2600 Dewesse Pkwy., Dayton, on Saturday, Nov. 16, features the best in STEM with hands-on activities, displays and presentations. Science Fest hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: Free. Call 937-275-7431 or visit www.boonshoftmuseum.org.

10) REE DRUMMOND

Ree Drummond has no shortage of outlets. She is a bestselling author, blogger and host of the long running Food Network series, "The Pioneer Woman." Her latest book is "The Pioneer Woman Cooks: The New Frontier." The Oklahoma native also hits the road for live shows, which is bringing her town. "An Evening with Ree Drummond" is presented at Victoria Theatre, Dayton, at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21. Cost: $31. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

🎄HOLIDAY EVENTS

Credit: Jim Noelker / Staff

Credit: Jim Noelker / Staff

1) DAYTON HOLIDAY FEST

The 47th annual Dayton Holiday Festival launches the local yuletide season at Courthouse Square, Third and Main streets, Dayton, at 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29. The downtown Christmas event features the Grande Illumination tree lighting, Dayton Children's Parade Spectacular in Lights, horse-drawn wagon rides, live entertainment and more. Dayton Holiday Festival also marks the opening of the downtown holiday staples The Tikes Shoppe, Wintergarden Wonderland and Virginia Kettering's Holiday Train Display. Cost: Free. Call 937-224-1518 or visit www.downtowndayton.org.

>> 7 of our favorite holiday traditions

2) RINGING IN THE HOLIDAYS

Dayton History is getting into the spirit of the season with Ringing in the Holidays. The annual event at Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton, on Saturday, Nov. 23, features gourmet hors d'oeuvres, desserts, specialty cocktails, live music, a silent auction and the annual Dayton' Most Delicious Dessert contest. Ringing in the Holidays runs from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Cost: $75 members, $85 non-members. Call 937-293-2841 or visit www.daytonhistory.org.

Credit: Bob Carey

Credit: Bob Carey

3) TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA

Trans-Siberian Orchestra is out on its annual holiday tour and like previous years it features a revamped show. This season the group is bringing "The All-New Christmas Eve and Other Stories" to the Nutter Center, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy., Fairborn, on Saturday, Nov. 30. Show times are 3 and 8 p.m. Cost: $49.50 to $79.50. There is an eight-ticket limit on sales. Call 937-775-4789 or visit www.nuttercenter.com.

4) HOLIDAY GIFT GALLERY

Work from more than 80 local and regional artists will be for sale during the annual Holiday Gift Gallery at The Contemporary (formerly Dayton Visual Arts Center), 118 N. Jefferson St., Dayton, beginning Thursday, Nov. 14. Cost: Free. The Holiday Gift Gallery is open through Saturday, Dec. 21. Gallery hours at 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, with extended hours to 8 p.m. on Thursday and the first Friday of each month. Call 937-224-3822 or visit www.thecontemporarydayton.org.

5) CHORAL VESPERS

The Westminster Choir presents "Choral Vespers: A Festival of Hymns." The program, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 125 N. Wilkinson St., Dayton, at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, features Oakwood Brass, Knox Choir, Westminster Ringers and other groups. Cost: A freewill offering will be accepted. Reservations are required for the 5:15 p.m. Harvest Dinner. Call 937-223-7285 or visit www.westminsterdayton.org.

🎭BEST IN THEATER

1) THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL

Victoria Theatre Association's Premier Health Broadway Season is taking audiences on a song-filled trip to the wild underwater world of Bikini Bottom with "The SpongeBob Musical." The Tony Award-nominated musical features original songs by John Legend, the Flaming Lips and Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith. The Ohio premiere of the touring show opens at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $26-$99. "The SpongeBob Musical" is presented through Sunday Nov. 24. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

2) NARNIA

While it is billed simply as "Narnia," the touring musical is actually an adaptation of C.S. Lewis' "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." That story is the first in the writer's seven-book fantasy series, "The Chronicles of Narnia." This production has book by Jules Tasca, music by Thomas Tierney and lyrics by Ted Drachman. "Narnia" is presented at Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton, on Saturday and Sunday Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. Show times are 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 1 and 7 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $20-$50. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

3) TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

Aaron Sorkin has written a lot of original plays in his career, but he recently decided to adapt Harper Lee's 1960 novel, "To Kill A Mockingbird." The play, which opened on Broadway in December 2018, is being presented in Dayton less than a year later. Tim Rezash directs the local mounting, which opens at Dayton Playhouse, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton, on Friday, Nov. 1. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $20 adults, $18 seniors, students and military. "To Kill A Mockingbird" runs weekends through Sunday, Nov. 17. Call 937-424-8477 or visit www.daytonplayhouse.org.

4) MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL

Four very different women share their experiences with hot flashes, sex, memory loss and more during a lingerie sale. That's the set up for "Menopause The Musical," Jeanie Linders' jukebox featuring classic songs from the '60s, '70s and '80s. "Menopause The Musical" is presented at Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton, at 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 2 and 3. Cost: $38-$63. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

5) ICEBERGS

Los Angeles in November is the setting for "Icebergs," Alena Smith's new play about young professionals navigating filmmaking and adult responsibilities. Dayton Theatre Guild production opens in The Caryl D. Philips TheatreScape, 430 Wayne Ave., Dayton, on Friday, Nov. 29. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday opening weekend, and 8 p.m. Friday, 5 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday the following weekends. $20 adults, $18 seniors and $13 students. Season tickets are available. "Icebergs" is presented weekends through Dec. 15. Call 937-278-5993 or visit www.daytontheatreguild.org.

6) UP CLOSE WITH DCDC

In December, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company is presenting the concerts, "In the Spirit of … Abundant Blessings." In advance of those performances, the company is inviting the public in for an open rehearsal with the participating dancers and choreographers. "Up Close and Personal #2" is at DCDC Studios, 840 Germantown St., Dayton, at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 22. Cost: $20. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

7) HUMAN RACE TABLE READ

For his powerful look at the realities of war, "If All the Sky Were Paper," playwright Andrew Carroll went directly to the sources. He drew from real letters written by soldiers during the American Revolution and more recent emails from men and women stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Human Race Theatre Company presents a table reading of "If All the Sky Were Paper" at Loft Theatre, 126 N. Main St., Dayton, at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11. Cost: $20. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

8) INTO THE WOODS

Wright State University Theatre is revisiting a stage classic with "Into the Woods." The musical featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine opens in WSU's Festival Playhouse, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy., Fairborn, on Friday, Nov. 22. Show times are 7 p.m. Thursday, and 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with 2 p.m. matinees Saturday and Sunday. "Into the Woods" is presented through Sunday, Dec. 8. Call 937-775-2500 or visit www.wright.edu.

9) ELF THE MUSICAL

The exploits of Buddy drives the action in "Elf the Musical, which is based on the 2003 Will Ferrell film. A dinner theater production of the musical opens at La Comedia Dinner Theatre, 765 W. Central Ave., Springboro, on Thursday, Nov. 7. Show times are 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Arrive 90 minutes to two hours before show time. Cost: $61-$74 adults, $30 children 11 and younger. "Elf the Musical" is presented through Dec. 31. Call 937-746-4554 or visit www.lacomedia.com.

10) UD DANCE ENSEMBLE

The University of Dayton Dance Ensemble is presenting "The Yearnin' Heart Longs," an original play about revenge, redemption and revival in the Wild West. The program is presented in UD's Black Box Theatre, Fitz Hall, Dayton, on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 22 and 23. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Cost: $12 general admission, $8 UD students, faculty and staff. Call 937-229-3950 or visit udayton.edu.

🎵15 November concerts

1) BLACK VIOLIN

Black Violin has been kicking against musical convention since Wil B and Kev Marcus began their sonic excursion through classical, hip-hop and other styles in 2004. The duo releases its fourth album, "Take the Stairs," in November. Black Violin returns to town for a Projects Unlimited Star Attraction concert at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5. Cost: $28-$51. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

Credit: Jason Kempin

Credit: Jason Kempin

2) JUSTIN MOORE

It has been a decade since country singer Justin Moore scored his first number one hit with the singe, "Small Town USA." He went on to release seven more chart-toppers, including "The Ones That Didn't Make It Back Home" in September. Moore brings his Late Nights and Longnecks Tour to Hobart Arena, 255 Adams St., Troy, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15. Doors open at 7 p.m. Special guests Granger Smith and Justin Adams will also perform. Cost: $51.75. Call 937-339-2911 or visit www.hobartarena.com.

3) DAYTON OPERA

"La Boheme" is one of the most beloved works in the history of opera. The four-act program, which premiered in 1896, has libretto in Italian by Luigi Illicia and Giuseppe Giacosa and music composed by Giacomo Puccini. Dayton Opera presents "La Boheme" at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, on Friday and Sunday, Nov. 15 and 17. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $30-$98. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

4) DEL MCCOURY

Del McCoury is one of the elder statesmen of bluegrass. The Pennsylvania native, who started his career with Bill Monroe in 1963, has been named Entertainer of the Year nine times by the International Bluegrass Music Association. The Del McCoury Band performs with special guest opener the Tillers at Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N., Dayton, at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22. Doors open at 6 p.m. Cost: $55-$95. Call 937-223-4ART (4278) or visit www.daytonartinstitute.org.

5) DAYTON PHILHARMONIC

As theater composers, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II co-wrote some of the most memorable songs in what is now called The Great American Songbook. Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra is revisiting classics like "My Favorite Things," "Some Enchanted Evening" and "People Say We're in Love" during "Something Wonderful: The Songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein." The SuperPops Series concert, at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1 and 2, features host Oscar Hammerstein III and guest vocalists Rob Gallagher, Teri Hansen and Sean MacLaughlin. Cost: $24-$82. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

Credit: Contributed

Credit: Contributed

6) CHRIS TOMLIN

Christian artist Chris Tomlin has been taking his music and message to the people for more than two decades. Along the way, he has released 10 albums and scored a dozen No. 1 hits. The winner of 23 Dove Awards presents An Evening of Worship with special guest Pat Barrett at Hobart Arena, 255 Adams St., Troy, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Cost: $19.50-$75. Call 937-339-2911 or visit www.hobartarena.com.

7) ABBEY ROAD LIVE

Classic Albums Live is coming to town with three different shows during this season of Universal 1 Credit Union's VIC150 Music Series. First up from the Canadian music collective is the Beatles' "Abbey Road" at Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8. Cost: $25-$36. Other upcoming concerts from Classic Albums are Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" on February 28 and "Led Zeppelin II" on May 29. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

8) SYMPHONIC ELO

The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra is putting a symphonic spin on the songs of Electric Light Orchestra during its next Rockin' Orchestra Series concert. The DPO will be joined by frequent collaborators Jeans N' Classics for "Strange Magic: The Music of ELO" at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8. Cost: $24-$82. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

9) SOUTHERN OHIO FEST

Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers, recently named Entertainer of the Year at the International Bluegrass Music Association Awards, hosts the autumn installment of Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival. The twice-yearly event returns to Roberts Convention Centre, 123 Gano Road, Wilmington, on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 8 and 9. Performers include Doyle Lawson & the Seldom Scene, Becky Buller, Jeff Parker & Company and Ralph Stanley II & the Clinch Mountain Boys. Doors open at 10 a.m. each day and music begins at noon. $35-$65 in advance, $40-$70 at the door. Call 800-965-9324 or visit www.somusicfest.com.

10) BLUE NOTE RECORDS LIVE

Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane and Wynton Marsalis are just a few big names that recorded for Blue Note Records. However, the company has never simply focused on the past. The legendary jazz label is marking a major milestone with its 80th Birthday Celebration tour and fittingly it is focused on the present. The show, co-titled "The State of Jazz 2019," features Kandace Springs, James Carter Organ Trio and James Francies. The tour makes a stop at Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12. Cost: $29-$49. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

11) BLUE OYSTER CULT

If you didn't realize Blue Oyster Cult was still touring, you're not alone. In fact, the hard rock act that formed in 1967 is still active with core members Buck Dharma and Eric Bloom. The group signed a deal with Frontiers Music SRL over the summer and is currently working on a new album set for release in 2020. Blue Oyster Cult is returning to the area for a concert with special guest Blind Date at BMI Speedway, 791 E. Main St., Versailles, at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9. Doors open at 5 p.m. Cost: $25 in advance, $35 at the door. Call 937-526-9547 or visit www.bmikarts.com.

12) A CAPPELLA FEST

This time each year, talented high school and college a cappella groups converge on Fairmont High School in Kettering for Kettering National A Cappella Festival. The annual event is the largest of its kind in the United States. Most of the activities are limited to participating singers, but the event does feature public concerts at Trent Arena, 3301 Shroyer Road, Kettering, on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 8 and 9. Stiletta and Top 8 perform with student groups at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Fusion and Eleventh Hour open for headliner Rockapella at 7 p.m. Saturday. Cost: $15 Friday, $20 Saturday. Call 937-499-2647 or visit www.acafest.org.

13) JULIEN LABRO

As a virtuoso accordionist, Julien Labro has established his own little classical music niche. This has him in demand as a soloist and band leader. Julien Labro and the Chamber Collective presents "100 Years of Piazzolla," an ArtsLive program, at the University of Dayton, Sears Recital Hall, Jesse Philips Humanities Center, 300 College Park, Dayton, at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3. Cost: $18 general admission, $15 UD alumni and seniors, $10 UD employees and retirees, $5 youth and non-UD student up to age 18. Call 937-229-2787 or visit go.udayton.edu/artslive.

14) LAST WALTZ LIVE

Such a Night: The Last Waltz Live was originally envisioned as a one-time recreation of the famous star-studded final concert by the Band and the corresponding documentary by Martin Scorsese. The local tribute featuring Dayton music luminaries quickly became an annual affair. Such a Night returns to Dayton Art Institute's Mimi and Stuart Rose Auditorium, 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton, at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, Nov. 27 and 29. Doors open at 7 p.m. More than two dozen local musicians will take the stage once again to Benefit WYSO and DAI. Cost: $30 and $35. Call 937-223-5277 or visit www.daytonartinstitute.org.

15) ME LA AMARGATES TU

ArtsLive continues its eclectic programming with Me La Amargates Tu. The Sephardic music ensemble, which formed in The Netherlands, features members from Argentina, Israel and other countries. Me La Amargates Tu performs in concert in University of Dayton, Sears Recital Hall, Jesse Philips Humanities Center, 300 College Park, Dayton, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12. Cost: $18 general admission, $15 UD alumni and seniors, $10 UD employees and retirees, $5 youth and non-UD student up to age 18. 937-229-2787 or go.udayton.edu/artslive.

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