2018 gave us more new ways to have fun in Dayton

Here is a look back at some of our favorite new choices for fun.

Levitt Pavilion 

Thousands grabbed a blanket or lawn chair this year and headed to the Levitt Pavilion, Dayton’s newest outdoor music venue.

Rising national stars and hometown favorites performed during the inaugural season of free concerts including Gina Chavez, who kicked off the season.

A variety of musicians played a range of music including jazz, rock, blues, folk, R&B, country, pop, world and children’s music.

Dancing and food trucks were also part of the community fun.

PNC Arts Annex 

The PNC Arts Annex, Dayton’s new space for art and creativity, opened in November.

The multi-use performance and event space, 10 N. Ludlow Street in downtown Dayton, has a 200-seat theater with movable risers and flexible seating, gallery space and studios for classes and workshops.

The annex will host educational programs for youth and adults and national touring artists.

“The key is we want it to be a space where people can come up with their own ideas to create art in this community,” said Ty Sutton, president and CEO of the Victoria Theatre Association.

Wright Brothers National Museum 

Dayton History announced on Aug. 31 at its home at Carillon Historical Park that its John W. Berry Sr. Wright Brothers Aviation Center is now the Wright Brothers National Museum — with an official national designation.

To earn the “National Museum” designation, an institution incorporated within National Parks system, is no overnight deal. It actually takes years of Congressional workings to secure the title. Brady Kress, president and CEO of Dayton History, helped lead the journey to National Museum from the very beginning.

“It’s huge ... We know Congress and the executive branch and the federal government agrees with us — that as a private, non-profit museum, we are the national site to learn this history, this heritage. It’s pretty cool,” Kress said.

Brethren Tower 

A new observation tower, the Brethren Tower, opened at Carillon Historical Park in the fall.

The tower also helped restore a piece of Dayton history to the skyline. It is topped by the historic Callahan Clock, also known as the Gem City Clock.

Climb the 120 steps to the top of the tower to see sweeping view of the Great Miami River and downtown Dayton.

The Brightside Music and Event Venue and The Market at the Park 

After more than a year of elbow grease, owners Carli and Hamilton Dixon opened the Brightside Music and Event Venue, 905 E. Third St., opened in October.

“There is a void to fill,” Carli Dixon said. “There are music shows that should be happening in Dayton and they are not. They are too big for a bar or too small for the Schuster Center or Victoria (Theatre.)”

The new venue has been the scene of concerts, weddings and recently a popular PechaKucka Dayton evening.

Another creative space, The Market at the Park, 221 Crane St. in Dayton, also opened this year.

“We wanted to encourage everyone to come and interact ,” said owner Mike Bisig when the venue opened in October, “inviting out musicians, artists, photographers, DJs and anyone else who wants to build on the creative spirit of what we’re trying to do.”

Aqua Adventures at Land of Illusion

This summer Land of Illusion in Middletown transformed from scream park into a new aquatic park.

It’s a short drive to Aqua Adventures, 8762 Thomas Rd. in Middletown, which features water slides, inflatable obstacles, a full bar, patio seating and a (real) sandy beach nestled on a bright blue reservoir.

There are also sand volleyball courts, corn hole, ping pong and a giant sandbox on the site. Paddle boats and board are available for rent.

Land of Illusion offers haunted attractions in the fall and a drive-through lights display during the holiday season.