Stress not, because there is nothing better than the gift of a fun experience and quality time with your friends and loves.
We offer you these 10 entertainment gift ideas. From concert and theater tickets, to museum memberships and more, here are 10 ideas — compiled with some help from some of Dayton’s premier arts and entertainment organizations — to help you finish your holiday shopping stress-free.
1. Cirque Du Soleil ‘CORTEO’
Credit: Cirque Du Soleil
Credit: Cirque Du Soleil
Corteo, the “most enchanting” Cirque du Soleil production, is now touring in North America and is scheduled for a limited, seven-show run at the Wright State University Nutter Center from May 8-12, 2019. Tickets are now on sale through Ticketmaster.
More info: Website
2. COUNTRY CONCERT TICKETS
Country Concert is definitely one of the region’s biggest parties and traditions and 2019 is going to be no exception. Every year, this small town a little less than an hour’s drive from Dayton hosts some of the biggest names in country music in a three-day music, camping and drinking fest. The 2019 music festival includes Kid Rock, Chris Stapleton and more of the biggest stars in country music. Tickets sell out for this event every year. So this is a great Christmas gift to buy for the country fan on your list.
There are plenty of ticket option. Currently, a 3-day entrance pass is $209 for general admission. Check the website for all the ticket pricing options.
More info: Website
3. Tickets to Buckeye Country Superfest
“The King of Country” said he played his last Ohio show in 2014. Now George Strait is making his return to headline Buckeye Country Superfest in 2019. Strait and Blake Shelton will headline the June 8 concert at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. Tickets start under $50, plus applicable service fees. VIP ticket packages are also now on sale. Visit the
for more information and to purchase tickets.
More info: Website
4. Tickets to Madea’s Farewell tour
Comedy icon "Madea" will be hanging up her wig in 2019. However, not before she gives the nation, including the Wright State University Nutter Center, one last laugh. Filmmaker and comedian Tyler Perry has announced a second round of dates for Tyler Perry's "Madea's Farewell Play Tour." On that list is a show at the Nutter Center on Tuesday, April 9. Tickets are now on sale through ticketmaster.com and range in price from $48, $68, $78, $88 and $113. Children 2 and older need a ticket for entry.
More info: Website
5. GIFT OF THE ARTS
If you haven't before, visit
to see the wealth of options that are out there to explore. There's something for everyone— opera, ballets, family shows, musicals and so much more. It's a one-stop shop with a viable option for just about anyone you know. There are ticket options, as well as passes and memberships. Visit the website for all the details on upcoming performances.
Tickets: Single-ticket prices vary by show and a wide variety of ticket packages are available. Visit daytonperformingarts.org to research.
More info: Website | Call (888) 228-3630
6. HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS
It's a Dayton New Year's Eve tradition that's a perfect gift for family fun. The ball-spinning, slam-dunking, back-flipping, hilariously entertaining Globetrotters return to town for the team's annual New Year's Eve game at the Nutter Center at 2 p.m. Dec. 31.
This year, “before the game, take part in a once-in-a-lifetime experience with your family where you have an opportunity to spend time on the court with the Globetrotters — shooting, trying out ball tricks and getting autographs and photos! The unique 30-minute pre-show, Magic Pass ($22), will create memories of a lifetime. The Magic Pass event will take place from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m.,” according to Wright State University.
Tickets: $28+
More info: Website | Call 937-775-4789
7. KINGS ISLAND PASSES
Unlimited visits all summer, plus weekends late spring and early fall. That means more coaster rides and soaking adventures than you can possibly imagine. This is a perfect gift for the whole family or for teens you wouldn’t mind dropping off for the day with friends.
There is a special deal happening now through Dec. 31— if you purchase a 2019 Gold Pass before the deadline, you can pay just $18 at check-out, followed by eight payments of $10.50. (Or $102 total.)
“Enjoy Unlimited Visits and Free Parking to Kings Island every public operating day in 2018 AND 2019, including Soak City Water Park, Halloween Haunt and WinterFest. Best of all, your Gold Pass includes exclusive discounts, early park access, and more in 2019!”
More info: Website
8. GIFT CARDS FOR FUN NIGHTS
Give the gift of a night of fun, with flexibility. Consider gift cards to some of Dayton's top "fun" destinations like Scene75 for gaming, bouncing, putt-putt, go-karts and more, Sky Zone for hours of jumping for joy or RiverScape for outdoor ice skating. None will disappoint and make great gifts for just about all ages. You can buy in whatever dollar amounts you would like. Season passes for RiverScape Ice Rink are $40 for individuals and $75 for families of up to five (includes ice skate rentals) and can be purchased online. Gift certificates are available in any dollar amount only at the rink rental window.
More info: Scene 75 gift cards | Sky Zone Dayton | Riverscape Ice Rink
9. MUSEUM MEMBERSHIPS
This is truly the gift that keeps on giving. Support some of the Dayton-area’s most important treasures while giving a gift that gives your loved ones something fun to experience year-round.
The Dayton Art Institute (starting at $50), Boonshoft Museum of Discovery (starting at $40), Dayton History (starting at $40) and The Contemporary Dayton, formerly the Dayton Visual Arts Center (starting at $50), are just a few of many examples. Research some of your favorite destinations and inquire about their membership packages.
More info: Dayton Art Institute | Boonshoft Museum of Discovery | Dayton History | DVAC