When: Feb. 7-9; 12-6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Sunday
Where: Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St., Dayton
Details: Jurassic Quest features realistic scenes, enormous dinosaurs, cute baby dinosaurs and lots of fun activities for kids of all ages.
Cost: $22-$36
More info: 937-333-4700 or daytonconventioncenter.com
2. First Friday
When: 5-10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7
Where: Throughout downtown Dayton
Details: Enjoy this monthly art hop featuring exhibit openings at the galleries, street performances, arts demonstrations, live music, dining and shopping specials, and more.
Cost: Free
More info: downtowndayton.org
3. “Chicago”
When: Through Feb. 9; 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: Schuster Center, 1 W. Second St., Dayton
Details: Bob Fosse, Fred Ebb and John Kander’s sexy, humorous and timely musical about the Windy City’s notorious 1920s murderesses — vaudeville star Velma Kelly (impressive understudy Eliza Levy) and chorus girl Roxie Hart (fun and flirtatious Ellie Roddy) — returns to Dayton with incredible finesse. In addition to Levy and Roddy, strong principals include suavely authoritative Connor Sullivan as Billy Flynn, earthy Illeanna “illy” Kirven as Matron “Mama” Morton, goofy Andrew Metzger as Amos Hart (“Mister Cellophane” oozes sincerity), and a superb D. Fillinger who, as reporter Mary Sunshine, brings refreshing nuances to the operatic “A Little Bit of Good,” one of the most underrated songs in the Kander and Ebb canon. Still, in many respects, Gregory Butler’s marvelous recreation of Ann Reinking’s Tony-winning and Fosse-inspired choreography, performed by a truly remarkable ensemble of scintillating dancers (Brad Weatherford’s dynamic Fred Casely is out of this world), is the real star of the show. If you want to see a Fosse master class in action, pay close attention to sizzling trio Roddy, Timothy Scott Brausch and Roberto Facchin inhabit “Me and My Baby” with phenomenal pizzazz.
Cost: $47-$185
More info: 937-228-3630 or daytonlive.org
Credit: submitted
Credit: submitted
4. “Nickel Boys”
When: Screenings vary
Where: The Neon, 130 E. Fifth St., Dayton
Details: Oscar nominated for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay, RaMell Ross’ exceptional, expressive drama about friendship, brutality and racism at Nickel Academy, a reformatory in Jim Crow-era Florida, features knockout central performances by Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson along with Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor’s beautifully heartfelt portrayal of a devoted grandmother hoping against all odds.
Cost: $6.50-$10.50
More info: 937-222-7469 or neonmovies.com
5. “The Minutes”
When: Through Feb. 16; 8 p.m. Fridays, 5 p.m. Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays
Where: Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Ave., Dayton
Details: Melissa Kerr Ertsgaard directs an excellent, relevant local premiere of Tracy Letts’ Tony and Pulitzer Prize-nominated comedy about city leaders coming to terms with their small town’s dark past. Her terrific ensemble includes Guild newcomer Brad Mattingly’s charismatic-turned-chilling Mayor Superba, Brandon Shockney’s endearingly inquisitive Mr. Peel, Guild newcomer Nicholas Beard’s courageous Mr. Carp, Richard Young’s persnickety Mr. Oldfield, and Guild newcomer Tyler Rowe’s imposing Mr. Assalone.
Cost: $13-$20
More info: 937-278-5993 or daytontheatreguild.org
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
6. Classic Albums Live Performs Queen: News of the World
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7
Where: Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton
Details: Hits to be performed include “We Will Rock You” and “It’s Late.”
Cost: $34-$46
More info: 937-228-3630 or daytonlive.org.
7. After Dark: “Swing the Night Away”
When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Where: National Museum of the United States Air Force, 1100 Spaatz St., Dayton
Details: Enjoy this third annual, nostalgic and adults-only evening featuring live music by Victory Canteen, A Tribute To The Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band as performed by The Tom Daugherty Orchestra. Michael Scoggins of Ohio Ballroom will give swing lessons from 6-6:30 and during band breaks as well. You can also view rarely seen artifacts and several World War II aircraft. Two rounds of trivia with prizes and two caricature artists are also part of the fun. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be provided, and there will be a selection of adult beverages to choose from at the cash bars.
Cost: $45
More info: https://airforcemuseum.centeredgeonline.com/movie/buyticketswithdate/113/02-08-2025.
8. Dayton Record Fair
When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 9
Where: Eudora Brewing Company, 3022 Wilmington Pike, Kettering
Details: This annual event offers thousands of new and used records, CDs, tapes and memorabilia.
Cost: Early bird admission (11 a.m.-12 p.m.): $5. General admission (12-5 p.m.): Free.
More info: facebook.com
Credit: RICK FLYNN PHOTOGRAPHY
Credit: RICK FLYNN PHOTOGRAPHY
9. Galentine’s Day Improv Show
When: Feb. 7-8; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Black Box Improv Theater, 518 E. 3rd St., Dayton
Details: Inspired by Amy Poehler’s character, Leslie Knope, on the sitcom “Parks & Recreation,” Galentine’s Day is a celebration of friendship and sisterhood. The Black Box show will feature only female-identifying performers and include audience interviews, a game show and a segment called “Groundhog’s Day.”
Cost: $20
More info: www.simpletix.com/e/galentines-day-2025-tickets-199287 or blackboximprov.com
10. Gem City Ballet Winter Repertory
When: Feb. 7-9; 8 p.m. Friday, 5 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: Stuart Sebastian Performance Space, 20 Commercial Way, Springboro
Details: The program will feature choreographer Adam Hundt’s new work “Imber,” a tribute in memory of Bess Saylor Imber (“Miss Bess”) who spent more than 50 years connected with Dayton Ballet.
Cost: $5-$15
More info: gemcityballet.org
About the Author
