The possibilities are endless. There are tons of things to do just about every weekend. But here are 10 events in 2016 worth getting on your calendars now. And stick with us every week for the best offerings each week, each month.
Happy new year, Dayton!
1. “DISNEY’S THE LION KING”
This Tony Award-winning stage adaptation of the Disney hit film about a young lion cub’s journey to king is perfect for all-ages. What makes the stage version so special in addition to the heartwarming story and beloved music is the stunning scenery and costumes. Splurge a little and get an aisle seat in the front orchestra section. Costumed animals are known to walk right through the audience.
June 7 to July 3, 2016 | Schuster Performing Arts Center, Dayton
Tickets start at $35 (plus service fees).
More info: www.ticketcenterstage.com | Call 937-228-3640
2. BIG-NAME CONCERT ACTS
Whether you’re a little bit country, a little bit pop/rock or a little bit hip-hop, there is something for everyone at Dayton’s music venues in 2016. Country Concert ‘16 at Hickory Hill Lakes will feature Dierks Bentley, Sam Hunt, Big & Rich, Cassadee Pope, Thomas Rhett, Eric Church and more. Jake Owen will bring his country rock fun hits and ballads to Fraze Pavilion in Kettering on June 24. Brantley Gilbert will take over the Nutter Center with his Black Out Tour on Feb. 19. Fall Out Boy is coming to the Nutter Center on March 9. More summer concert announcements coming soon.
Country Concert ‘16
July 7, 8 9, 2016 | Hickory Hill Lakes, Fort Loramie
Tickets start at $79 and are available single day, two days and three days, plus plenty of upgrades.
More info: www.countryconcert.com | Call 937-295-3000
Jake Owen
June 24, 2016, 7:30 p.m. | Fraze Pavilion, Kettering
Tickets: $30 on the lawn and terrace and $45 for the orchestra.
More info: www.fraze.com | Call 937-296-3300
Brantley Gilbert
Feb. 19, 2016, 7 p.m. | Wright State University Nutter Center
Tickets: $39.75 General Admission Pit and $39.75 or $34.75 Reserved Seating (plus applicable fees)
More info: www.nuttercenter.com | Call 800-745-3000
Lil Wayne
Feb. 26, 2016, 7:30 p.m. | Wright State University Nutter Center
Tickets: $39.75, $59.75, $69.50 & $99.50
More info: www.nuttercenter.com | Call 800-745-3000
Fall Out Boy
March 9, 2016, 7 p.m. | Wright State University Nutter Center
Tickets: $32.50, $45 and $59.50
More info: www.nuttercenter.com | Call 800-745-3000
4. LEWIS BLACK WITH HUMAN RACE
You already know Lewis Black: comedian. But this year you will meet Lewis Black: playwright. This famous comedian's play, "One Slight Hitch," will be presented by Dayton's Human Race Theatre Company April 7-24.
April 7-24, 2016 | The Loft Theatre, 126 N. Main St., Dayton
Tickets: Tickets will go on sale Feb. 1. Order by calling Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or in person at the Schuster Center box office
More info: humanracetheatre.org | 937-228-3630
5. BEST OF BROADWAY II WITH HUMAN RACE
There are tons of arts events happening all year, from theater, to dance, to music and more. Here is one that is a little different: The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and the Human Race Theatre Company will team up in a special collaboration with the orchestra and Human Race vocalists to present hit Broadway tunes in the “Best of Broadway.” This is a rare chance to see two of Dayton’s finest arts groups on stage together.
May 13-14, 2016 | Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton
Tickets: $27-78.
More info: daytonperformingarts.org | (888) 228-3630
6. DAYTON DRAGONS SEASON
It’s hard to believe, but this year will be the Dragons’ 17th season. Dragons games are usually packed and a fun way to spend a spring or summer afternoon or evening. Dayton’s minor league team will open at home on Saturday, April 9. There will be 70 home games, so you have plenty of opportunities until Sept. 2 to soak up the family fun, much on good eats, drink some craft beer and maybe even take a selfie with Heater and Gem if you’re so lucky.
April to September 2016 | Fifth Third Field, 220 N. Patterson Blvd., Dayton
Tickets: Packages and individual ticket option
More info: DaytonDragons.com | 937-228-2287
7. FESTIVAL SEASON
There’s no better way to experience the sights, sounds and tastes of Dayton-area communities than during festival season. The main festival season officially kicks off right around Memorial Day and runs through the end of October. We have festivals dedicated to food — Troy Strawberry Fest (first weekend in June), Dayton Greek Fest (September), Preble County Pork Festival (September), Ohio Sauerkraut Festival (October), Bacon Fest (August) to name a few), to culture (Dayton Celtic Fest, World A’Fair, Ohio Renaissance) — and to music, film and the arts.
8. BEER-CENTRIC EVENTS
It’s no secret Dayton is becoming a craft beer mecca. On a weekly basis, you’ll discover all kinds of fun tappings, special events, beer releases and more at each of Dayton’s craft breweries as well as the many bars with a vast craft beer selection. There are also several signature events and festivals throughout the year based on beer. Just to name a few: Dayton Art Institute’s Oktoberfest (last weekend in September; splurge and go to the Friday night preview if you can.); AleFest (late August); the Great American Beer Tasting at Fifth-Third Field (early August); Jungle Jim’s International Beer Festival (June).
9. FUN FOR A CAUSE
Dayton puts on some pretty special black-tie gala events throughout the year. Most non-profits and charities have signature events that support their group. Some of the signature events in the first half of the year include the Dayton Art Institute’s Art Ball (June), the Wright State ArtsGala (April), Artemis Gala (March) and CHA-CHA benefiting Dayton Children’s (May). Other top galas include Heart to Heart benefiting Kettering Medical Center’s cardiovascular programs, the White Out Cancer Gala, the Opera Ball and Dayton Heart Ball.
10. DAYTON VECTREN AIR SHOW
It’s a Dayton tradition and signature event honoring the region’s rich aviation heritage. This year, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels will headline the air show, taking place June 18-19.
Every month, we will bring you a roundup of the month’s top events. Our monthly events roundup runs the last Friday of every month right here in GO! We’ll also bring you special guides throughout the year for festivals, fireworks, St. Patrick’s Day events, Halloween events, holiday events and more.
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