When: Aug. 11-13; 5-11 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday
Where: Dayton Liederkranz Turner German Club, 1400 E. Fifth St., Dayton
Details: The 40th anniversary of the Germanfest Picnic will include schnitzel dinners, brats, metts, German potato salad, sauerkraut and strudel. German beer and spirits will also be available. There will be a Polka Mass on Sunday at 10 a.m.
Cost: Free
More info: www.germanfestdayton.com
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
2. ‘Toussaint Louverture, A Negro History Drama’
When: Aug. 12-13; 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: PNC Arts Annex, 46 W. Second St., Dayton
Details: Trotwood-based company Theatre MADE, founded and produced by Joyce Barnes, presents a staged reading of this story of the Haitian War for Independence, as depicted in Col. Charles Young’s Shakespearean-level drama. The play is billed as “the greatest story in Black world history that you’ve never heard.” University of Dayton professor Michelle Hayford directs. Shaun Diggs stars in the title role. Featured artist Benjamin Baugham will create an original work during the performance for auction afterward. “I want Dayton to come out and be a part of this history-making event,” said Barnes. “I want people to see how the Haitian War for Independence had an impact in the 18th century, an impact that continues today... If all you know about Haiti is what you hear in the news, you don’t know Haiti.”
Cost: $21
More info: www.daytonlive.org
3. Community art festivals
When: Vandalia Artful Adventure Day: Saturday, Aug 12 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Englewood Art Festival: Saturday, Aug. 12 from 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 13 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Art on the Commons: Sunday, Aug. 13 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Vandalia Art Park, 256 E. Alkaline Springs, Rd., Vandalia; Centennial Park, 321 Union Blvd., Englewood; Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering
Details: This trio of family-friendly art gatherings features an assortment of art vendors, food and much more.
Cost: Free
More info: https://vandaliaohio.org/; https://www.englewood.oh.us/237/Englewood-Festival; https://fraze.com/
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
4. Dave Koz
When: Saturday, Aug. 12 at 8 p.m.
Where: Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering
Details: This year marks 10 years since Dave Koz launched his first Summer Horns Tour. The jazz saxophonist’s annual outing with other brass players takes its name from his Grammy-nominated album “Summer Horns” (2013). He is on the road this season with the rebranded Dave Koz & Friends Tour featuring special guests Candy Dulfer and Eric Darius. (Don Thrasher)
Cost: $35.50 lawn & terrace, $55.50 side orchestra, $65.50 plaza and center orchestra. Ticket prices increase $5 day of show.
More info: 937-296-3300 or www.fraze.com
5. Potatoes N’Such: Dayton Potato Festival
When: Saturday, Aug. 12 from 12-8 p.m.
Where: Oak and Ivy Park, 803 Anderson Goodrich Ct., Dayton
Details: The third annual festival will feature potato dishes, craft vendors and live performances.
Cost: Free
More info: www.facebook.com/DaytonPotatoFestival
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
6. Dayton Funk Festival
When: Sunday, Aug. 13 from 1-9 p.m.
Where: Levitt Pavilion, 134 S. Main St., Dayton
Details: The city of Dayton’s Department of Recreation presents the annual Dayton Funk Festival as part of its Downtown Dayton Summer Music Series. This year’s lineup is Day 10, Skin Tight Nation, the Swagg Band, Top Secret and the Deron Bell Band. The emcee for the event is disc jockey Stan “The Man” Brooks from the Soul of Dayton 98.7-FM. (Don Thrasher)
Cost: Free
More info: 937-333-8400 or daytonohio.gov
7. Great American Beer Tasting
When: Saturday, August 12 from 2-6 p.m.
Where: Day Air Ballpark, 220 N. Patterson Blvd., Dayton
Details: Sample over 100 different beers, ciders and seltzers from national breweries as well as local breweries in the Dayton area.
Cost: Tickets are $50. Each beer tasting ticket provides 20, 4oz samples, a raffle ticket for high end prizes, a souvenir pint glass with 4oz and 8oz pour lines, access to activities and games on the field and more. Designated driver tickets are $10 and provide a 2023 souvenir pint glass, five, 4oz samples of non-alcoholic beverages at the event, and a voucher for a complimentary soda or water. Fans can purchase tickets online at bit.ly/3L7CW0b. Gates will open at 1:30 p.m. with ID checks starting at 12:30 p.m.
More info: www.heidelbergdistributing.com
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
8. Springfield Jazz & Blues Festival
When: Friday and Saturday, Aug. 11 and 12
Where: Mother’s Stewart’s Brewing, 102 W. Columbia St., Springfield
Details: Springfield Kiwanas with support from John Legend presents the second annual event featuring Marquise Knox, Brianna Thomas, Catherine Russell with the Springfield Symphony Jazz Orchestra, Pharez Whitted and the Aaron Diehl Trio. Music begins at 4 p.m. Friday with the Champion City Trio and 2:30 pm. Saturday with the Connor Smith Trio. There are stages at Mother Stewart’s and National Road Commons Park. (Don Thrasher)
Cost: Free
More info: www.springfieldjazzbluesfest.com
9. St. Brigid Parish Festival
When: Aug. 11-13; 6-10 p.m. Friday; 4-10 p.m. Saturday; Noon-4 p.m. Sunday
Where: St. Brigid Parish, 312 Fairground Road, Xenia
Details: Enjoy food, kids and adult games, live music, craft fair, flea market, a 5K run/walk, and a grand raffle.
Cost: Free
More info: 937-372-3193 or www.stbrigidxenia.org
10. BoomerFest
When: Saturday, Aug. 12 from Noon-10 p.m.
Where: St. Leonard CHI Living Communities, 8100 Clyo Road, Centerville
Details: This festival features food trucks, a selection of craft beers and a classic car cruise-in.
Cost: Free
More info: 937-432-6549 or www.chilivingcommunities.org
About the Author
