30 festivals in June: Strawberries, banana splits, sliders and more

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

Hello, June. Festival season is in full swing. Spend your weekends enjoying some of the best festivals the Dayton region has to offer.

VALLEY VINEYARDS WINE & BEER FESTIVAL: June 1-2, Friday, 5-11 p.m. and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at Valley Vineyards, 2276 East U.S. 22 and 3, Morrow. Live music, wine and beer tasting, and delicious food from all over Warren County. Ride/watch the hot air balloon from Bella Balloons, offering tethered rides and a beautiful night glow at dusk. $5 parking fee; no overnight parking. For more information, call 513-899-2485 or visit www.valleyvineyards.com/events.html.

AFFAIR ON THE SQUARE: June 1, 5 to 10 p.m. at Courthouse Square, Third and Main streets, Dayton. Features performances by the Dayton Gay Men's Chorus and the Rubi Girls. Followed by the .5K Bar Crawl — ticket required. Free.

This year’s Dayton PRIDE Festival and Parade happen June 2, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Courthouse Square downtown, celebrating the diversity of the LGBTQ culture in Dayton. FILE PHOTO

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DAYTON PRIDE FESTIVAL & PARADE: June 2, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Courthouse Square, Third and Main streets, downtown Dayton. The annual Pride Festival celebrates the diversity of the LGBTQ culture in Dayton. The Dayton PRIDE 2018 Parade begins at Cooper Park and kicks off at noon. Exposition at Courthouse Square hosted by Miss National Comedy Queen, Amanda Suue and Sky Black. Includes a special group performance in memory of the legendary Misty Knight. There will be PRIDE activities all weekend long. Free. Dayton Gay Men's Chorus PRIDE Concert is $20-$25 per person. For more information, visit daytonlgbtcenter.org/?page_id=1813.

THE LIGHTS FEST: June 2, at Ohio Renaissance Fairgrounds, 10542 E. Ohio 73, Waynesville. The Lights Fest will begin at nightfall as thousands of friends and families gather to listen to live music, fill up on food trucks and light up life by sharing personal wishes, dreams and goals. At the perfect moment everyone ignites their personalized sky lanterns with Tiki torches and lets them take flight. Cost: $35-$75; General Admission seating for children 16 and under free with adult purchase. For more information, visit thelightsfest.com/event/dayton/.

BRADFORD OHIO RAILROAD MUSEUM FESTIVAL: June 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bradford Railroad Museum, 200 N. Miami Ave., Bradford. A celebration of Bradford's railroad history with children's train rides, games, boxcar building and more. Visit the museum and see our new interactive exhibits and learn local, state and national railroad history. Adults $5; kids are free. For more information, call 937-552-2196 or visit www.bradfordrrmuseum.org/.

TROY STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL: June 2-3, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at Downtown Troy and Great Miami River Levee, Downtown Troy and Great Miami River Levee, Troy. Troy Strawberry Festival Parade, 10k classic run, arts & craft vendors, food, eEntertainment, kid's activities, Strawberry Pageants, pie-eating contests and more. The festival is a major fund-raising event for many of the area's civic and charitable groups.As many as 100,000 people come to Troy to take part. Free. For more information, visit gostrawberries.com/.



Strawberry pie is always a hot seller at the Troy Strawberry Festival. (CONTRIBUTED)

Credit: HANDOUT

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Credit: HANDOUT

FARMSTEAD CHEESE FESTIVAL: June 4-9, All day at Young's Jersey Dairy, 6880 Springfield-Xenia Road, Yellow Springs. Sample Young's Farmstead Cheese and register for their free cheese production tours. Plus unlimited wristbands all week. Prices vary for different daily events. For more information, call 937-325-0629 or visit youngsdairy.com/youngs-farmstead-cheese-festival/.

ST. HELEN SPRING FESTIVAL: June 8-10, 6:30-11 p.m. Friday, 1-11 p.m. Saturday, 12-9 p.m. Sunday at St. Helen Parish, 605 Granville Place, Dayton. Family fun all weekend with rides for the kids, food, flea market, beer garden and more. Free. For more information, call 937-254-6233.

VERSAILLES POULTRY DAYS: June 8-10, 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at downtown Versailles, 459 S. Center St., Versailles. Annual community festival to celebrate poultry. Includes three days of activities, including the Grand Parade at 11 a.m. Saturday, and the Antique Car Parade at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.; Ultimate Frisbee Tournament, Miss Chick and Little Miss Poultry Days Contests, kids' rides and games for all ages, vendor area, flower show and other family friendly events. Free. For more information, visit www.versaillespoultrydays.com/.

ST. CHRISTOPHER PARISH SUMMER FESTIVAL: June 8-10, Starts at 6 p.m. on Friday, 1 p.m. on Saturday and noon on Sunday at St. Christopher Parish, 435 East National Road, Vandalia. Church festival with carnival rides, beer tent, and good prices in the food tent, Bingo and more. Cotton, Common Thread, and Flashback performing. Free.

ROCK 'N' GREEN TOMATO FESTIVAL: June 8-9, 5 to 11 p.m. Friday & 12 to 11 p.m. Saturday at Riverfront Park, 3 N. Miami Ave., Miamisburg. The Eighth Annual Rock 'n' Green Tomato Festival, sponsored by MidUSA Credit Union, is sure to be a hit for the entire family. Events and entertainment performed live outside in Riverfront Park next to Ron's Pizza in Downtown Miamisburg. Come join in for a day filled with food, vendors, contests, a Cornhole Tournament and free live rock 'n' roll throughout the day. Free. For more information, visit www.rockngreentomato.com.

BANANA SPLIT FESTIVAL: June 8-9, Noon to 10 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday at 1326 Fife Ave., Wilmington. The Banana Split Festival features good old-fashioned fun with games and rides for everyone, crafts and collectibles, free concerts, continuous entertainment, a classic car cruise-in and car show, unique food booths, a banana split eating contest and of course the "make your own" banana split booth. Free. For more information, visit bananasplitfestival.com/.

There’s always plenty of fun stuff to see at Yellow Springs Street Fair. CONTRIBUTED

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YELLOW SPRINGS STREET FAIR: June 9, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Downtown Yellow Springs, 101 Dayton St., Yellow Springs. All day festival featuring entertainment, street performers, fine arts and crafts, clothing, jewelry, fair trade items, unique gifts and more. Free. For more information, call 937-776-2686.

WAYNESVILLE SECOND SATURDAY STREET FAIRE: June 9, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at downtown Waynesville, 97 S. Main St., Waynesville. Festival includes artists booths where artists, crafters and authors display and sell their creations. Over 40 artisans will feature everything from woodworking to fiber arts. Local entertainers will perform in the Main St. Gazebo and other locations around town. Free.

CAESAR FORD SUMMER FEST: June 9, Noon to 9 p.m. at Caesar Ford Park, 520 S. Stringtown Road, Xenia. Featuring food, craft and informational vendors, a bounce house and a car show beginning at noon. The first 150 guests to visit the Greene County Parks & Trails booth will receive a free event t-shirt (sizes limited). At 7 p.m., the amphitheater will be alive with bluegrass music as we welcome the Cleverly's with special guest Rock Island Plow Company. The night will end with a Rozzi's fireworks display. Cost: Free.

RIVER FESTIVAL: June 9, 1 to 4 p.m. at Bellbrock Park, 57 N. Main St., Bellbrook. Celebrate the wonderful waterways in the Miami Valley, especially the Scenic Little Miami River watershed. More than a dozen local organizations work to help promote the environment, a free catered picnic by Fresh Thyme Farmers Market and music by local group Spill the Wine. This river-themed event is meant for all ages. Raffles will be available throughout event to help continue funding future river cleanup efforts. Free.

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will be back this year for Vectren Dayton Air Show held at the Dayton International Airport,   June 23-24, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. GREG LYNCH / STAFF

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COMMUNITY EVENT OFFERING SHOPPING, ARTISAN CRAFTS, FOOD AND COUNTRY MUSIC: June 9, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at Downtown Lebanon. Community event offering shopping, artisan Crafts, food and country music. Free.

DAYTON JAZZ FESTIVAL: June 10, 1 to 9 p.m. at RiverScape MetroPark, 111 E. Monument Ave., Dayton. Featuring live jazz vocalists and artists, food and merchandise vendors. Bring blankets or event seats, but no tents, pets or outside food or beverages please. Free. For more information, call 937-333-8400 or visit www.downtowndayton.org/things-to-do/.

JEWISH CULTURAL FESTIVAL: June 10, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Temple Israel, 130 Riverside Dr., Dayton. Music, food, games, education, an Israeli-themed petting zoo and more.. Cost: Free. For more information, call 937-496-0050 or visit tidayton.org/festival/.

KETTERING BLOCK PARTY: June 11, 6 to 8 p.m. at Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering. Learn more about City of Kettering departments and services, enjoy free entertainment on the Fraze stage and meet your friends and neighbors in Lincoln Park and find out why "Kettering Is Home." Gather information at booths and interactive displays throughout Lincoln Park showcasing City of Kettering Police, Fire, Planning, Streets, Engineering, Economic Development, Volunteer, and Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts departments. Free. For more information, call 937-296-3300 or visit fraze.com.

SUMMER ARTS FESTIVAL: June 14-July 21, 8 p.m. at Veterans Park, 250 Cliff Park Road, Springfield. Admission-free summer concerts, music and theater. Free. Donations accepted.

CELTIC FEST OHIO: June 15-17, 6-10 p.m. Friday, 12 to 11 p.m. Saturday, 12 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Ohio Renaissance Fairgrounds, 10542 E. Ohio 73, Waynesville. Enjoy a wide variety of food items from traditional Scottish, Irish and English to American fare; 100 arts and crafts shops. $10 daily admission; Children under 12 are free; weekend passes available. For more information, visit www.celticfestohio.com/.

JUNGLE JIM'S INTERNATIONAL BEER FEST: June 15-16, 7:30 p.m. Friday & Saturday at Jungle Jim's International Market, 5440 Dixie Hwy., Fairfield. Over 400 beers from more than 100 different breweries. Guests will have the chance to try imported and local beers, along with craft brews and hard cider. General admission tickets are $45 (Increasing to $55 on June 1), Early admission $55 (Increasing to $65 on June 1), and non-drinker tickets are $25. For more information, call 513-674-6000 or visit junglejims.com.

SLIDERS, SIDES & SUDS FESTIVAL: June 16, 3 to 10 p.m. at Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering. Festival celebrating mini sandwiches and amazing sides; live music on the Lincoln Park Stage. Free. For more information, call 937-296-3300 or visit fraze.com/.

ARTFEST ON MAIN: June 16, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Historic Springboro Business District, 330 S. Main St., Springboro. Fine arts festival featuring artisans, musicians, youth art display, children's activities, food trucks and more. Free. For more information, visit www.artfestonmain.com/.

SPASS NACHT: June 20, 5:30-9:30 p.m. at Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering. In honor of Kettering's sister city, Steyr, Austria — celebrating Spass Nacht (translation: Fun Night). Authentic food, beverages, polka music and more. Free. For more information, call 937-296-3300 or visit fraze.com/.

FESTIVAL ON THE HILL: June 22-23, 5-11 p.m. Friday and 3-11 p.m. Saturday at Dayton Masonic Center, 525 W. Riverview Ave., Dayton. The festival will commence at 5 p.m., Friday, with two days of entertainment and music. This location offers easy access and ample parking for summer fun, food and music. Festivalgoers will enjoy open seating on the expansive front lawn, where every seat provides outstanding views of the large main stage and the downtown Dayton skyline. Adult General Admission: $7 Active military, law enforcement and first responders: $5 Youth under 12 years of age are admitted free with an adult admission. For more information, visit festivalonthehill.org/.

Dayton History and Carillon Park Rail and Steam Society present the Rail Festival at Carillon Historical Park. CONTRIBUTED

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RAIL FESTIVAL: June 23-24, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Carillon Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton. Live steam engines, model train displays, historical exhibits, free train rides, food and merchandise vendors. $8 Adults, $7 Seniors, $5 Children 3-17, free for children under 3. For more information, call 937-293-2841 or visit www.daytonhistory.org/events/special-events/carillon-park-rail-festival/.

VECTREN DAYTON AIR SHOW: June 23-24, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at Dayton International Airport, 3800 Wright Dr., Vandalia. A weekend packed with heart-pounding air performances and family-friendly activities. See the U.S. Navy Blue Angels along with a lineup of performers and aircraft displays and so much more. Adults/$19 in advance, $25 at gate; Seniors and Youth ages 6-11/$13 in advance, $16 at gate; Kids 5 and under are Free.

BARK IN THE BURG: June 30, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Miamisburg Community Park, 550 S. First St., Miamisburg. A festival for dogs and the people they own (formerly the Canine Carnival) featuring businesses and organizations specializing in pet health and wellness services. Dog contests, dog races and off leash play zone also available. All dogs must be at least 6 months old, wear current ID tags and are up-to-date on all shots. Free. For more information, visit exploremiamisburg.com/canine-carnival/.

STAR SPANGLED HEIGHTS: June 30, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Thomas A. Cloud Park, 4707 Brandt Pike, Huber Heights. Independence Day Celebration featuring a parade, family activities, food trucks, music and fireworks show. Free.

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