>> Ohio Sauerkraut Festival, Outdoor Experience join list of canceled festivals
So, to help you make the most of your summer, we have come up with a list, though not comprehensive, of some of the best events taking place all across the Miami Valley from now until late August.
🌞Germanfest Picnic Lite
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Though the original concept of the Germanfest Picnic has been canceled, organizers at the Dayton Liederkranz-Turner have planned an alternative form of the German celebration to satisfy both Germanfest enthusiasts and those who want to remain safe in the age of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Germanfest Picnic Lite will be taking place during the second week of August (certain details surrounding the German celebration have yet to be nailed down) at the Liederkranz facility, located at 1400 E. Fifth St. in St. Anne’s Hill.
Fortunately, much of the food and drink that has made the festival so beloved in the area will be available on site. In fact, the festival’s signature German potato salad and schnitzel will be available for carryout and to be eaten in areas set up around the club.
In addition to munching on German delicacies, visitors may be able to participate in a virtual mass, 5K and fashion show, though it is still not certain if these events will take place. Unfortunately, there will be no food trucks, vendors or bands due to health restrictions.
A full Germanfest Picnic is planned for Aug. 13-15, 2021.
When: The second week of August
Where: Dayton Liederkranz-Turner, 1400 E. Fifth St., Dayton
More info: Facebook
🌞Yellow Cab Food Truck Rallies
Yellow Cab food truck events are taking place this season six days a week. Be sure to stay tuned to the Yellow Cab Food Truck Rallies Facebook page to find out which food trucks will be on site each day.
Since there is plenty of outdoor space in front of the Yellow Cab Tavern in Dayton, it is easier to maintain proper social distancing while supporting local food trucks and businesses. Before heading to a Yellow Cab Food Truck Rally, be sure to read through the organization's coronavirus-related policies.
Aside from offering interesting and unique food dining options, Yellow Cab Food Truck Rallies are also hosting karaoke and other themed events.
When: 4-10 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, 4 p.m. to midnight on Friday, noon to midnight on Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday.
Where: Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. 4th St., Dayton
🍽️ Wing Week, Bacon Week and Summer Restaurant Week
Credit: Jessica Uttinger
Credit: Jessica Uttinger
In absence of some of the most loved food festivals of summer including Kickin’ Chicken Wing Fest and Bacon Fest, the Miami Valley Restaurant Association is hosting two special promotions this summer to keep the food love strong.
In June, the MVRA started partnering with local restaurants to put on monthly themed dining promotions. June 21-28 was Burger Week featuring different specialty burgers. Wing Week continues through July 18, which will try to channel the fun of the popular Kickin’ Chicken Wing Fest. Then Aug. 15-22 will be Bacon Week, featuring the one thing that makes everything taste better — bacon.
Summer Restaurant Week will take place July 19-26.
More info: Website
🌞BrickUniverse Dayton LEGO Fan Expo
The BrickUniverse Dayton LEGO Fan Expo will be returning to the Dayton Convention Center on Aug. 21 and 22. This event gives LEGO fans an unforgettable hands-on experience with attractions and activities meant to inspire, educate and entertain. The expo features an assortment of LEGO creations and building zones to allow visitors to unleash their own artistic genius.
Tickets to the event are $15 online and $18 at the door. Children two years old or younger are free. Visit BrickUniverse's website to purchase your tickets.
When: Saturday, Aug. 21 and Sunday, Aug. 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: The Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. 5th St. in Dayton
🌞7th Annual Fulton Farms Sweetcorn Festival
Fulton Farms in Troy is back with its 7th Annual Fulton Farms Sweetcorn Festival, taking place on Aug. 29 and 30. The farm festival features live entertainment, local craft vendors, food trucks, a children’s play area, fresh produce, a corn roast, farm animals and much more to celebrate the deliciousness of sweetcorn.
When: Saturday, Aug. 29 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 30 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Fulton Farms, 2393 S. State Route 202 in Troy
🌞Miami Valley Music Fest
Credit: Libby Ballengee
Credit: Libby Ballengee
This year, the Miami Valley Music Festival, an annual musical tradition in Troy, is still set to take place on Aug. 14-16. Though a lineup for the event has yet to be announced, it typically features prominent and fledgling musicians in the Miami Valley.
When: Friday, Aug. 14 through Sunday, Aug. 16
Where: 2252 Troy-Urbana Rd. in Troy
🌞Charm at the Farm
Missing flea markets yet? Charm at the Farm is here to scratch that vintage itch. Located in Lebanon, Charm at the Farm is an open air shopping market on a quaint 56-acre farm that features vintage goods and other items crafted by local vendors. Search through aisles of rustic gifts, furniture, home decor and food trucks - all in one place.
General admission tickets will be posted on Charm at the Farm’s website in the coming weeks.
When: Friday, Aug. 21 through Sunday, Aug. 23
Where: 4953 Bunnell Hill Rd., Lebanon
🌞All Ohio Balloon Fest
Credit: Patrick Strang
Credit: Patrick Strang
Middletown's popular Ohio Challenge balloon festival scheduled for July 17-18 has been canceled. But there is another hot air balloon event a short drive away. The All Ohio Balloon Fest brings in thousands of visitors each year, anxiously anticipating the chance to see the dozens of hot air balloons in attendance at the festival. Along with hot air balloon rides, the All Ohio Balloon Fest features national music entertainment (this year from The Beach Boys, The British Invasion, Maddie & Tae, Cliff Cody, Reaganomics, Saving Jane and BonJourney), food trucks, food trucks, kid’s activities, helicopter rides and plane rides.
This year, the event is set to take place from Aug. 13-15 and the proceeds of the event will benefit The Hope Center in Marysville.
Tickets for the event are $40 for the Aug. 13 date and $30 for the entire weekend. These tickets are available for purchase by visiting Eventbrite's website.
When: Thursday, Aug. 13 through Saturday, Aug. 15
Where: 15000 Weaver Rd., Marysville
🌞Fashion Meets Food Truck Rally
This year, local entrepreneur Tae Winston will be hosting the annual Fashion Meets Food Truck Rally, taking place on Sunday, Aug. 30 from 4-9 p.m. at the Welcome Stadium in Dayton. The title of the event gives away its purpose - to bring together the best of fashion and food in the Dayton area.
At this point, no confirmed vendors have been announced.
When: Sunday, Aug. 30 from 4-9 p.m.
Where: Welcome Stadium, 1601 S. Edwin C Moses Blvd., Dayton
More info: Facebook
🌞County fairs
The Montgomery County Fair, the Shelby County Fair and the Ohio State Fair have been canceled, but most county fairs are still moving forward with some changes this year, including limited events and social distancing protocols. Here is a list of local county fair dates:
- Warren County Fair: July 20-25
- Clark County Fair: July 25-29
- Butler County Junior Fair: July 25-31
- Preble County Fair: Aug. 1-8
- Greene County Fair: Aug. 4-8
- Champaign County Fair: Aug. 7-14
- Miami County Fair: Aug. 14-20
- Darke County Fair: Aug. 21-29
🎆Freedom Tour
A new event series this summer will combine fast-paced visual air artistry along with music, food and safe social distancing. The Freedom Tour 2020 will be held at several locations in the Dayton region beginning July 31. The tour is a drive-in, tailgate style event that provides a socially distanced layout with a uniquely designed atmosphere and skydiving performance. Proceeds from all locations on the tour will benefit local charities. Additional dates and locations will be announced in the coming weeks, but here are four scheduled so far.
- Friday, July 31, Clark Co. Fairgrounds
- Saturday, Aug. 8, Renaissance Park, Waynesville
- Saturday, Aug. 22, West Carrollton (100 E. Dixie Drive)
- Sunday, Sept. 6, North Pointe, West Chester –
- Events take place from 7-10 p.m.
- $35/car $50/SUV $150/RV*
- Pre-sale tickets only. No tickets sold at the entrance.
- Coolers Permitted.
- Drive-in, tailgate style. No more than 10 people per vehicle.
- Social Distancing and masks recommended.
- No refunds, please see rain dates and event policy.
- All proceeds go to the local charity at each location.
- For information and to purchase tickets go to www.TheFreedomTour2020.com.
🌞Dayton Pride
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Originally scheduled to happen on Friday, June 5, this annual celebration of the 1969 Stonewall Riots and LGBTQ pride is now set to take place virtually Aug. 22.
The Greater Dayton LGBT Center will be shifting its Aug. 22 celebration from in-person to online, with a televised and Facebook Live event from 1-3 p.m. According to organizers, this online celebration will be similar to the annual Pride State Show, which features local speakers and entertainment.
When: Saturday, Aug. 22
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