Free ’80s concert this Friday at RiverScape MetroPark

The United Irish of Dayton Celtic Festival at RiverScape MetroPark in Dayton Friday through Sunday, July 28 through 30 features a headliners Gaelic Storm, Boxing Banjo, Socks in the Frying Pan, the Fitzgeralds, the Drowsy Lads, Doolin’ and Davy Holt.

Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The United Irish of Dayton Celtic Festival at RiverScape MetroPark in Dayton Friday through Sunday, July 28 through 30 features a headliners Gaelic Storm, Boxing Banjo, Socks in the Frying Pan, the Fitzgeralds, the Drowsy Lads, Doolin’ and Davy Holt.

The RiverScape MetroPark in Dayton is taking it old school with a 1980s-themed party this weekend.

Guests are invited to bring their neon outfits and biggest hair to this free event, featuring live music from the era of MTV and VHS. The party will be 5-9 p.m. Aug. 23.

The Dayton Beer 5K was held at RiverScape MetroPark in downtown Dayton on Saturday, June 3, 2023. A 1/4-mile walk was also featured. Attendees participated in a beer tasting from Dayton area breweries once they finished running or walking. Proceeds from the event went to benefit Hannah’s Treasure Chest. Did we spot you there? TOM GILLIAM/CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Credit: Tom Gilliam

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Credit: Tom Gilliam

Starting at 7 p.m., the band Retrobution will be performing covers of classic ‘80s songs from artists such as Duran Duran, The Cars and David Bowie. Their performance will last until 9 p.m.

“This is our second time hosting them [Retrobution] at RiverScape,” said Nick Borders, drector of business operations at the park. “We had a fantastic turn out last year.”

Before the band’s first RiverScape show, “There was kind of a longstanding tradition that we did not like to host cover bands within our concerts series,” Borders said.

This shift proved successful, as approximately 14,000 people showed interest in the event on social media last year.

The event will feature a number of other activities, including kayaking, where guests may boat in the Great Miami River, with fountains launching at the top of the hour.

Taiter's Kayak Solutions offers walk-up kayak rentals on select days throughout August - CONTRIBUTED

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RiverScape’s interactive fountain will also be active for guests, and additional lawn games will be set up.

The RiverScape Cafe will be open during the festivities, featuring foods such as flatbreads, snacks and desserts available for purchase. The event will also coincide with the park’s happy hour, where select alcoholic drinks will be half-price.

RiverScape Cafe has reopened for the summer season in downtown Dayton with quick lunch options, refreshments, snacks and more. NATALIE JONES/STAFF

Credit: Natalie Jones

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Credit: Natalie Jones

Supplementing the cafe, two food trucks, C’Est Cheese and El Diablo Grill, will be stationed at the event. Local bake shop Sweet P’s will also be selling desserts at the party.

Approximately 28,000 people are interested in this free, family-friendly event on Facebook alone, ssaid Borders.


How to go

What: ‘80s Party at Dayton RiverScape

When: 5-9 p.m. Aug. 23; live performance from Retrobution runs 7-9 p.m.

Location: RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E. Monument Ave, Dayton

More info: 937-275-PARK (7275) or metroparks.org

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