Looking for something to do? Downtown Dayton will be the site for art exhibitions, cultural festivals, night life and more this summer.
City Life, a public art exhibit, is returning to downtown Dayton with a sculpture walk by J. Seward Johnson. This year’s exhibit features a 25-foot bronze statue of King Lear at Courthouse Square. A total of 15 life-size statues are on display throughout downtown until August 14.
The Celtic Festival is this summer’s longest festival, lasting from Friday, July 24 until Sunday, July 26. Gaelic Storm headlines the festival again this year. The Michelob Blues Festival is on Sunday, July 29, and the Michelob Dayton Reggae Festival is on August 30.
The Victoria Theatre’s 2009 Ultra Cool Film Series features 13 classic Hollywood movies every weekend in July and August. Movies include “White Christmas,” “An American in Paris,” “American Graffiti” and more. The series culminates in a “Phantom of the Opera” weekend showcasing the 1925 silent film starring Lon Chaney, the 1943 movie starring Claude Rains and the 2005 musical starring Gerard Butler. Tickets are $4.75 for a single viewing or $24 for a 10-ticket pass.
Want to catch a Dragon’s game? The Dayton Dragons play 31 home games between July 1 and August 30. Ticket prices range from $7 for lawn seats to $15 for box and field level seats.
There are a variety of clubs in downtown Dayton. Wiley’s Comedy Club features comedians from across the country. Six nightclubs offer DJs, dance floors and other activities. Several area bars feature live bands throughout the week. The 88 Club and Gregory’s Piano Bar each feature live piano music in the evening.
Want to get outdoors? There are 19 MetroParks in the greater Dayton region, including RiverScape MetroPark in the heart of downtown. Laser, Light and Music Shows will be featured most weeknights beginning at 10 p.m. Other MetroParks feature cycling, fishing, mountain biking, camping and more.
Who said there is nothing to do downtown?
Downtown Dayton Summer Activities
Need more information? Find what you’re looking for here.
Downtown Dayton Night Life Directory
http://www.downtowndayton.org
City Life 2009 Exhibit Guide
http://www.downtowndayton.org/pdfs/Citylife09Brochure-webR.pdf
Dayton Celtic Festival
Friday, July 24 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Saturday, July 25 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday, July 26 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
http://www.unitedirishofdayton.org/festival
Michelob Blues Festival
Sunday, July 29
1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
http://daytonrecreationandyou.com
Michelob Dayton Reggae Festival
Sunday, August 30
1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
http://daytonrecreationandyou.com
Victoria Theatre’s 2009 Ultra Cool Film Series
Every weekend in July and August
Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m.
Sundays at 3:00 p.m.
www.victoriatheatre.com
Dayton Dragons website
http://www.daytondragons.com
Five Rivers Metroparks
http://www.metroparks.org