The BEST festivals, music and events in June

Hello, summer. Festivals. Concerts. Music. Theater. All of these and more await … Here are some of the best things happening around Dayton in June.

1) DAYTON AIR SHOW

One of the region’s biggest events of the year, the Vectren Dayton Air Show, returns to the Dayton International Airport, 3800 Wright Dr., Vandalia, on Saturday and Sunday, June 23 and 24. The annual show, founded in 1975, features world-class aerobatic champions, military jets, live music and more.

U.S. Navy Blue Angels, Redline Airshows, Screamin’ Sasquatch jet Waco, Tora! Tora! Tora! And U.S. Army Golden Knights are featured. Announcers Danny Clisham and Rob Reider will be on hand to give live commentary on all the high-flying action.

Air show hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with featured shows from noon to 4:15 p.m. Cost: Gate tickets are $25 adults, $16 youth 6-11 and seniors 60 and older. Discounted advance tickets are available. Free for kids 5 and younger. Call 937-898-5901 or visit www.daytonairshow.com.

Greater Dayton Pride Weekend is back and it’s once again filled with unique events. The 42nd annual celebration, presented Friday through Sunday, June 1 through 3, begins with Affair on the Square with the Rubi Girls and a food truck rally at Courthouse Square, Third and Main streets, Dayton, at 5 p.m. Friday. Other activities include a parade and festival on Saturday and PGLAG 5K run/walk and the annual Spikes & Heels Kickball Tournament on Sunday. Festivities begin at noon Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday. Cost: Free. Visit www.daytonlgbtcenter.org.

2) DCDC

Courthouse Square, Main and Third streets, Dayton, is also the site of the next performance by Dayton Contemporary Dance Company. DCDC, with support from Wright State University and Synchrony Financial, presents “Street Beats,” a free concert at 5 p.m. Saturday, June 9. DCDC was founded by Jeraldyne Blunden in 1968. Today, the company is run by her daughter, artistic director Debbie Blunden-Diggs. Cost: Free. Visit www.dcdc.org.

3) THE CAPITOL STEPS

The Capitol Steps has been putting the mock into democracy since forming in Washington, D.C., in 1981. The faces have changes over the years but the troupe continues to be one of the nation’s most beloved practitioners of political satire. Along the way, the Capitol Steps has released more than 40 comedy albums, including 2017’s “Orange is the New Barack.” The Springfield Arts Council’s Summer Arts Festival presents the comedy group in concert at Turner Pavilion, Veteran’s Park, 250 Cliff Park Road, Springfield, at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 23. Cost: Free. Visit www.springfieldartscouncil.org.

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4) DISNEYANA EXPO

The Walt Disney Company was behind some of the most iconic animated characters of the 20th century, from Mickey and Minnie Mouse to Donald Duck, Goofy and Pluto. Items with their likenesses, from apparel and furniture to toys and figurines, have become highly collectible. The Dayton Plane Crazy Chapter of the Disneyana Fan Club caters to those collectors with the Dayton Disneyana Expo. The annual gathering of Disney devotees is presented at Hope Hotel and Richard C. Holbrooke Conference Center, 10823 Chidlaw Road, Dayton, on Saturday and Sunday, June 9 and 10. This year’s special guests are Mike and Patty Peraza. Gates open at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Cost: Adults $10 per day or $15 for two-day passes, free children 17 and younger with an adult. $35 for early bird admission. Visit www.daytondisneyana.org.

5) ALI SIDDIQ

Many inmates are hardened by time in prison. Ali Siddiq found a different path during his six years behind bars, where he survived through his knack for comedy. A decade later, he has established himself as a talented comedian and philanthropist. Siddiq brings his stand-up act to the Funny Bone Comedy Club, 88 Plum St., The Greene, Beavercreek, Friday through Sunday, June 8 through 10. Show times are 7:30 and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $17-$47. Call 937-429-LAFF (5233) or visit www.daytonfunnybone.com.

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6) OLIVER!

In the late 1950s, British composer Lionel Bart began writing the lyrics and book for a musical adaptation of a Charles Dickens classic. “Oliver!” premiered on London’s West End in 1960 and has remained an audience favorite since. The Springfield Arts Council’s Summer Arts Festival begins a new season with a Broadway in the Park presentation of “Oliver!” at Turner Pavilion, Veteran’s Park, 250 Cliff Park Road, Springfield, at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, June 14 through 16. Cost: Free. Visit www.springfieldartscouncil.org.

7) SHOPPING & INDULGENCE

WDAO-AM (1210) presents the Indulge Summer One-Stop Shopping & Indulgence Experience at the Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St., Dayton, from 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 2. This event, which features more than 60 small businesses, also offers wine from JW Wine Cellar, paint & sip, a silent auction, free massages and more. The Deron Bell Band performs in the V-Spot Lounge. Cost: Free. Call 937-416-3667 or visit www.daytonconventioncenter.com.

8) BREAKFAST WITH THE BEATLES

Breakfast with the Beatles has been a constant on the Fraze Pavilion schedule for nearly two decades. The early morning DJ party, presented by WTUE-FM (104.7), opens its 17th season at Lincoln Park Civic Commons, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sunday, June 17. It’s Mug Day so attendees can get a special Breakfast with the Beatles coffee mug. Cost: Free. Breakfast with the Beatles continues with Memorabilia Day on July 15 and Open Mic Day on August 26. Call 937-296-3300 or visit www.fraze.com.

9) TRACEY MACDONALD

Tracey MacDonald developed her comedy skills in her native Canada before turning her sites on the United States. Her breakthrough in America was hastened by her first-place finish on “Star Search” in 2003. MacDonald, who has appeared on “The Bob & Tom Show,” “Comics Unleashed” and “Gossip Queens,” performs at Wiley’s Comedy Joint, 101 Pine St., Dayton, on Friday and Saturday, June 15 and 16. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and 7:15 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Cost: $10. Call 937-224-5653 or visit www.wileyscomedy.com.

10) JEWISH CULTURAL FEST

Temple Israel, 130 Riverside Dr., Dayton, has a full day planned for the eighth annual Jewish Cultural Festival from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 10. The annual cultural event features educational programs, vendors, games, the Oy Vey 5k, live music, kosher craft beer and Jewish dishes. Performers include the Miami Valley Music Men, the Boxcar Suite and the Shimmy Cats. Cost: Free. Raffle tickets are available for chances on jewelry, gift cards, trips and more. Call 937-496-0500 or visit www.tidayton.org.

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11) KEEPING THE TRADITION POW WOW

June marks a major milestone for the Miami Valley Council for Native Americans, which is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its Keeping the Tradition Pow Wow. The annual event returns to SunWatch Indian Village and Archaeological Park, 2301 W. River Road, Dayton, on Saturday and Sunday, June 23 and 24. Pow Wow hours are noon to 8:30 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $8 adults, $6 seniors 60 and older and students 6 to 17. Weekend passes available. Dayton Society of Natural History Members admitted half price. Free for children 5 and younger. Call 937-268-8199 or visit www.sunwatch.org.

12) KETTERING BLOCK PARTY

Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering is getting ready to launch a new season of programming. This means concerts by Tony Bennett, Reba McEntire, Roger Daltrey, Dave Koz and other top names along with the return of signature events like the Kickin’ Chicken Wing Fest on July 14 and Spass Nach on June 20. The Fraze kicks off the season from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, June 11, with Kettering Block Party in Lincoln Park Civic Commons, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering. The annual event features live music, a volunteer celebration, free hot dog roast, bicycle helmet fittings and other activities. Cost: Free. Kettering Civic Band performs at 7 p.m. Call 937-296-3300 or visit www.fraze.com.

13) RAIL FESTIVAL

The majestic history of the locomotive is the central theme of the Rail Festival at Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton, on Saturday and Sunday, June 23 and 24. Dayton History and Carillon Park Rail and Steam Society present the 13th annual fest for railroad enthusiasts with model train displays, free miniature train rides, live steam engines, food and merchandise vendors. Festival hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 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. Call 937-293-2841 or visit www.railfestival.com.

14) BANANA SPLIT FEST

Wilmington, Ohio was once believed to be the birthplace of the banana split. While it appears that culinary breakthrough actually occurred in Pennsylvania a few years before Ohioan Ernest R. Hazard started serving up the treat, the town still celebrates the now classic dessert. The 24th annual Banana Split Festival, at Denver Williams Park, 1100 Rombach Ave., Wilmington, on Friday and Saturday, June 8 and 9, features craft vendors, food, rides, games, a car show, banana split eating contest and live music from Hadden Sayers Band, Passion, Blue Steel, Sawgrass and others. Festival hours are 4 to 10 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. Cost: Free. Visit www.bananasplitfestival.com.

15) SPASS NACH

Each spring, the City of Kettering celebrates its association with Steyr, Austria with Spass Nach, which translates to fun night. The Kettering Sister City Association presents the Austrian Festival in Lincoln Park, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering, at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 20. The Chardon Polka Band will perform traditional polkas, original songs and covers of songs by Justin Bieber, Lady Ga Ga and other pop acts. Beer will be available but glass steins are not permitted. Cost: Free. Call 937-296-3300 or visit www.fraze.com.

16) MIAMISBURG BICENTENNIAL

Mid-June marks a major anniversary for the City of Miamisburg, which is hosting a Bicentennial Celebration. The multi-day party, at Riverfront Park, 3 N. Miami Ave., Miamisburg, runs Saturday, June 16 through Saturday, June 23. The Bicentennial Celebration features live music, carnival rides, family entertainment, food trucks, craft vendors, kids’ activities and more. Country singer Ricky Skaggs performs on June 20. Cost: Free. Call 937-866-8999 or visit www.miamisburg200.org.

17) SIP OF SUMMER

During its Summer Arts Festival, the Springfield Arts Council programs musical acts, comedy, theater and special events like Sip of Summer. The Springfield Arts Council’s Summer Arts Festival presents the special wine and beer tasting at Turner Pavilion, Veteran’s Park, 250 Cliff Park Road, Springfield, at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 29 and 30. Cost: Free admission. Wine, beer and food are available for purchase. Visit www.springfieldartscouncil.org.

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18) ROCKNGREEN TOMATO FEST

Mid USA Credit Union presents the RocknGreen Tomato Festival at Riverfront Park, 3 N. Miami Ave., Miamisburg, on Friday, June 8. The eighth annual event features live music, food trucks, craft vendors, cornhole tourney, 5K, motorcycle run and kids’ activities. Night Magic opens up the music stage at noon, followed by the Drunk Uncles at 3 p.m. Elvis Presley tribute the Comeback Special headlines the day with a 7:30 p.m. set. Festival hours are noon to 11 p.m. Cost: Free. Visit www.rockngreentomato.com.

19) SLIDERS, SIDES & SUDS

Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering, is known for long-running signature events like Spass Nach on June 20 and the Kickin’ Chicken Wing Fest on July 14. However, the outdoor venue is also open to new events such as Sliders, Sides & Suds, which returns for a second year to Lincoln Park Civic Commons, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering, at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 16. The Hathaways perform at 3 p.m. followed by the Exploit Band at 5:30 p.m. and Brother Believe Me at 8 p.m. Cost: Free. Call 937-296-3300 or visit www.fraze.com.

20) KIDSFEST

The Springfield Arts Council’s Summer Arts Festival features plenty of events designed for the entire family. However, on one day, Sunday, June 17, the annual arts celebration is all about the youngsters. While most of the Summer Arts Festival events are held in Veteran’s Park, KidsFest is presented at Springfield Museum of Art, 107 Cliff Park Road, Springfield. The event begins at 4 p.m. Cost: Free. Visit www.springfieldartscouncil.org.

21) ALISON KRAUSS

Alison Krauss has covered a lot of stylistic ground in recent years between albums with her band Union Station and side projects like “Raising Sand” with former Led Zeppelin vocalist Robert Plant. One thing the singer hadn’t done since 1999 was release a solo album. That changed in 2017, with the release of her album, “Windy City.” Krauss returns to the area for a concert at Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 15. Cost: $40 lawn & terrace in advance, $45 day of show. Call 937-296-3300 or visit www.fraze.com.

22) STILLS & COLLINS

Stephen Stills and Judy Collins both have long, storied careers in music. While they had once been friends, lovers and musical compatriots, the two singer-songwriters had never collaborated on a major project together. They finally made that happen in 2017 with the album, “Stills & Collins,” which revisits their relationship and career through song. Stills and Collins a currently supporting the release with a series of concerts, including a performance at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, at 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 11. Cost: Tickets start at $38. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

23) KENNY G & THE TENORS

This year marks 45 years since Kenny G started his musical career as a member of Barry White’s Love Unlimited Orchestra at age 17. He spent the next decade honing his craft with a number of groups before going solo in the early 1980s. Today, he is one of the most successful artists in his field. Kenny G returns to area with the Tenors for a concert at Rose Music Center, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights, at 8 p.m. Thursday, June 28. Doors open at 7 p.m. Cost: $23.50-$78. Call 937-228-2323 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

24) TONY BENNETT

Tony Bennett is a true musical wonder. At 91, he is still touring and out-singing artists in any age group. The legendary singer, who released his debut album in 1952, won a Grammy Award in January for his latest album, “Tony Bennett Celebrates 90.” Bennett brings his summer tour to Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering, at 8 p.m. Thursday, June 21. Cost: $46 lawn & terrace in advance, $51 day of show. Call 937-296-3300 or visit www.fraze.com.

25) THE MONKEES

While the Monkees have reunited frequently over the years, Michael Nesmith has rarely been involved. Surprisingly for many fans, he is back on the road this summer alongside Micky Dolenz singing songs by the Monkees. The set features the band's '60s hits along with songs from the 2016 comeback album, "Good Times!" The enduring pop-rock group performs at Rose Music Center, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights, at 8 p.m. Friday, June 15. Doors open at 7 p.m. Cost: $23.50-$56. Call 937-228-2323 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

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26) RICKY SKAGGS

Ricky Skaggs is one of the most respected performers in modern bluegrass. That’s not surprising since he studied with pioneering musicians Bill Monroe and Dr. Ralph Stanley. In March, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame alongside Dottie West and Johnny Gimble. Skaggs performs at Riverfront Park, 3 N. Miami Ave., Miamisburg, on Wednesday, June 20. The country singer is headlining Miamisburg’s Bicentennial Celebration, which runs June 16 through 23. Cost: Free. Call 937-866-8999 or visit www.miamisburg200.org.

27) BLACK VIOLIN

Classically trained musicians are discouraged from veering from the written source material but that tactic held little interest for Wil B. and Kev Marcus of Black Violin. Since forming in 2004, the duo has been mixing classical with hip-hop, pop and other styles. Black Violin, currently on the Classical Boom Tour, performs at Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 28. Wil B. and Kev Marcus will be joined by members of the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. Cost: $30 adults, $20 young adults 13-20, $10 12 and younger. Call 937-296-3300 or visit www.fraze.com.

28) MICHAEL W. SMITH

When contemporary Christian star Michael W. Smith began his solo career in the early 1980s, he was one of the few artists focused on creating original, faith-based music that appealed to both religious and secular audiences. Today, he remains one of the most successful artists in the genre. Smith, whose latest album, “A Million Lights,” was released in February, performs at Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 30. Matthew West will also perform. Cost: $35 lawn & terrace, $50 plaza & orchestra in advance. All ticket prices increase $5 day of show. Call 937-296-3300 or visit www.fraze.com.

29) SOUND SCULPTURE CONCERTS

Michael Bashaw and the Theater of Sound ensemble had such a great response to last summer’s Sound Sculpture Concerts, the local group has added an extra day this year. Theater of Sound presents an encore engagement at Dayton Theatre Guild’s Caryl D. Philips TheatreScape, 430 Wayne Ave., Dayton, Friday through Sunday, June 8 through 10. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. The concert features Bashaw and his wife Sandy, with John Taylor and Erich Reith, who will play traditional instruments along with unique sound sculptures inspired by handheld thumb pianos. Doors open 30 minutes before show time. Cost: $22. Call 937-278-5993 or visit www.daytontheatreguild.org.

30) DAYTON JAZZ FEST

Each summer, the City of Dayton presents three free downtown festivals. For the second year, the one-day concerts are presented at RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E. Monument Ave, Dayton. First up is the Dayton Jazz Festival from 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday, June 10. The lineup includes the Johnson Treatment, the Next Phaze, Anthony “Saxtone” Arrington, Chango, JT Fredrick & Saxgroove and Robert Sanae. The festival also has vendors selling food, beer, merchandise and more. Cost: Free. The city-sponsored series of free festivals continues with Dayton Blues Festival on Sunday, July 15 and the Dayton Reggae Festival on Sunday, Sept. 2. Call 937-333-8400.

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