💎 Derby Day, Taco May and... Lightsabers? (Issue #35)
May The 4th Be With You!
Max Carone
May 02, 2024
Good Morning,
And welcome to another issue of Miami Valley Memo. Every week, we share events and shows curated for the Miami Valley.
With Derby Day, May the 4th, and Cinco de Mayo all falling on this weekend, it’s sure to be an interesting intersection of event and party themes. Let’s just hope this weekend's rain either goes away or at least happens only overnight!
Let’s get to the good stuff!
— Max
⚡ WEEKEND WEATHER
Friday
76° 🌡️ 61° | 🌧️ | ☔ 80% | 💨 10 mph
Saturday
78° 🌡️ 59° | 🌧️ | ☔ 50% | 💨 7 mph
Sunday
78° 🌡️ 58° | 🌧️ | ☔ 40% | 💨 8 mph
📅 EVENTS
🎨 First Friday Art Hop
📅 Friday: 5 - 9 pm
📍 Front Street Art, Downtown Dayton
💰 Free
Dive into the creative heart of Dayton’s Arts District with a visit to Front Street! Explore studios, galleries, and boutiques, and meet over 250 artists, creatives, and curators.
Thinking about what you’ll eat? Treat your taste buds to a range of delicious options from Kool Beanz Cafe. And enjoy live music in the courtyard from Finnigan-Denson Incident.
Front Street is a family and pet-friendly space with free admission and parking. Learn more.
🛒 Outdoor Market Opening
📅 Saturday & Sunday: 9 am - 3 pm
📍 2nd Street Market, Downtown Dayton
💰 Free
Join 2nd Street Market in welcoming their outdoor vendors for the season! See a vibrant array of local growers and artisans, offering seasonal produce, specialty foods, and handmade items.
You can find them on the north side of the market. They'll be showing their wares starting this weekend through October. Learn more.
💐 Wegerzyn May Fair Plant Sale
📅 Saturday: 9 am - 3 pm | Sunday: 11 am - 3 pm
📍 2nd Street Market, Downtown Dayton
💰 Free
Discover the perfect addition to your garden this weekend with Wegerzyn Gardens at 2nd Street Market. Browse a diverse selection of annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, herbs, and vegetables.
Proceeds from this plant sale help fund Wegerzyn's special projects and programs. Support their work and find your green-spiration at the pavilion on the east end of the market! Learn more.
🏇 Derby Day!
📅 Saturday: 12 - 6 pm
📍 The Oregon District, Downtown Dayton
💰 Free
Celebrate opening day for the Kentucky Derby in The Oregon District. While there won't be any horses, you can watch wiener-dogs race. Though we’re told there will not be any tiny jockeys riding them... apparently, they've gone on strike.
And since it's May 4th, expect to see a wide range of attire. One of the only events where you'll see some folks donning their Derby best and others showing their fandom in the Star Wars costume contest.
Enjoy special deals from the local bars with some proceeds going to the Humane Society. It's a festive day filled with unique events and a great way to support a local animal charity. Learn more.
🌮 Dayton Taco Fest
📅 Saturday: 5 - 9 pm
📍 Yellow Cab Tavern, Downtown Dayton
💰 Free
Celebrate Cinco De Mayo at Yellow Cab Tavern's taco-themed food truck rally. Sample and savor tons of tacos from traditional styles to modern twists. All prepared and served by amazing local food trucks.
This is their 11th year putting on family-friendly events like this for foodies. Treat your taste buds and see who is participating here.
🥳 Star Wars Costume Party
📅 Saturday: 7 pm
📍 On Par Entertainment, Beavercreek
💰 Free
In the spirit of "May the 4th", a galaxy far, far away is coming to the Miami Valley! Throw on your favorite character's costume and join for an evening of intergalactic fun.
Are your friends also fans? Gather up the gang as groups that make a complete ensemble are guaranteed a prize. Beyond the costume party, you can enjoy their usual games, grub, and drinks. Where else could you watch a Wookie play some darts? Only at On Par! Learn more.
🚗 Gears and Beers
📅 Sunday: 11 am
📍 Loose Ends Brewing, Centerville
💰 Free
Are you an auto aficionado who also appreciates craft beer? Gears and Beers might just be exactly how you're looking to spend this Sunday.
This family-friendly car cruise-in showcases everything from vintage classics to modern machines. Enjoy brunch specials to start your day and refreshing drinks while you explore.
It's a perfect blend of community, cars, and craftsmanship. Come on out for a fun-filled Sunday with craft pours where engines roar and spirits soar! Learn more.
⛳ Centerville Rotary Golf Outing
📅 Sat, May 10th: 7 am
📍 Yankee Trace, Centerville
💰 Golfer: $125 | Foursome: $500
Calling all avid golfers! Join the Rotary Club of Centerville to put your game to the test while supporting local students on their higher education quest.
This golf outing funds college and trade school scholarships for 2024's graduating seniors in the Centerville/Washington Twp area. Breakfast runs from 7 - 7:40, with the tournament teeing off at 7:50. Lunch and prizes will be served after golf. Register here before May 9th.
🛍️ The City Mercantile
📅 Fri, May 10th - Sat, May 11th: 10 am - 5 pm
📍 Montgomery Co. Fairgrounds, Dayton
💰 Gate Admission: Friday: $12 | Saturday: $8 | Kids (12 & under): Free
Delve into the charm of the past meshed with modern style this Mother's Day weekend. This vintage market offers a unique selection of curated vintage home decor. You'll find boutique treasures and plants perfect for gifting others or yourself (don't worry, we won't tell).
Enjoy the backdrop of live music while browsing indoor and outdoor booths filled with unique finds. Engage in DIY demonstrations along with Make and Take craft classes. Bring your appetite as they'll have plenty of food trucks ready to delight.
Make the Mother’s Day weekend extra special with Early Access Passes, including a swag bag, sponsor discounts, drink pass, and a TCM event tee. Available online only, get yours here!
💜 Relay For Life Food Truck Rally
📅 Sat, May 11th: 5 - 11 pm
📍 Centerville High School, Centerville
💰 Free
Join Relay for Life for a fundraiser fueling their fight against cancer. Treat yourself to delights from Tops Best Food Truck and Frios Gourmet Pops. Enjoy music and fun activities like caricature drawing and walking laps.
Come night, see the sky light up with luminarias to support survivors and honor lost loved ones. The first 50 pre-registered survivors will receive a free meal and more. Sign up, donate, or put together a team to participate here.
🛍️ Centerville Merchant Market
📅 Sun, May 19th: 12 - 5 pm
📍 St. Leonard’s Lawn, Centerville
💰 Free
See St. Leonard's Lawn transformed into an upscale market at Centerville's 3rd annual Merchant Market! Browse 150 vendors offering art, antiques, clothing, and more. Enjoy live music, food trucks, and family activities spread across the scenic lawn.
Every attendee can enter a free raffle to win select prizes from vendors valued at more than $2,000. The first 200 arrivals will get exclusive tote bags. These are high-quality bags you'll actually want to keep using — not a cheap giveaway.
As one of the largest spring events in Centerville, it's sure to be a party. And as proud members of the group behind it, the Heart of Centerville and Washington Township, we'd love to see you there! Learn more here.
🎩 Art Ball
📅 Sat, Jun 8th: 7 pm
📍 Dayton Art Institute, Downtown Dayton
💰 $400+
Step into elegance at the Art Ball, Miami Valley's top social event for over six decades. Savor cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, then enjoy a sit-down dinner throughout the museum. Explore special areas like The Hale Cloister and The Moonlight Lounge with its stunning city views.
Live music, dancing, and open bars with specialty drinks await to enhance your evening. Featuring this early as there are only 600 spots and they'll likely go quickly. If this is up your alley, secure your seat today.
Events marked with an asterisk (*) in the “featured” section have been sponsored by our advertising or affiliate partners. Have an event you’d like to promote? Reply and let us know!
🎶 LIVE MUSIC
Friday
Peter Mulvey Live | Yellow Cab Tavern | 6pm | Advance: $15, Doors: $18
Elaina Arthur & Friends | Bock Family Brewing | 7pm | Free
Matt Scholp | Jayne's On Main | 7pm | Free
Burress Brothers | The Barrel | 8pm | Free
Black Sabbath & Danzing Tribute | Hidden Gem Music Club | 8pm | Advance: $15, Doors: $20
Spungewurthy | Phone Booth Lounge | 8pm | Free
Snarls, Jess Lamb & The Factory | The Brightside | 8pm | Advance: $20, Doors: $25
The Scott Hisey Band | Good Time Charlie's | 8:30pm | Free
Saturday
Rockin With The Times | Bock Family Brewing | 7pm | Free
Ben & Pete | Jayne's On Main | 7:30pm | Free
Barely Able | Mr. Boro's Tavern | 8pm | Free
Jim Lauderdale - Cab Grass Concert | Yellow Cab Tavern | 8pm | Advance: $20, Doors: $25
Sadbox, RADAR, Achilles Tenderloin | Hidden Gem Music Club | 8pm | $5
Ghost Train | Phone Booth Lounge | 8pm | Free
Full Band | The Brick Tap & Tavern | 8:30pm | Free
Heath + Mac McDaniel & Gary + Jake Roberts | Good Time Charlie's | 8:30pm | Free
Wilder | Courtyard Lounge | 9pm | $5
🎭️ LIVE THEATRE
Friday
West Side Story | La Comedia Dinner Theatre | 12:30pm & 7:30pm | $70+
Disney Pixar Finding Nemo Jr. | Town Hall Theatre | 7pm | $16
Peerless | The Loft Theatre | 8pm | $20+
Disney's The Lion King | Schuster Center | 8pm | $45+
Saturday
Disney's The Lion King | Schuster Center | 2pm & 8pm | $45+
Dayton Ballet School: Down The Yellow Brick Road | Victoria Theatre | 2:30pm | $7+
Disney Pixar Finding Nemo Jr. | Town Hall Theatre | 3pm | $16
West Side Story | La Comedia Dinner Theatre | 7:30pm | $70+
Peerless | The Loft Theatre | 8pm | $20+
Sunday
West Side Story | La Comedia Dinner Theatre | 12:30pm & 7:30pm | $70+
Disney's The Lion King | Schuster Center | 1pm & 6:30pm | $45+
Peerless | The Loft Theatre | 2pm | $20+
Disney Pixar Finding Nemo Jr. | Town Hall Theatre | 3pm | $16
😂 LIVE COMEDY
Friday
Cocoa Brown | Dayton Funny Bone | 7:30pm | $20
Comedian A-Train | Wileys Comedy Club | 8pm | $20
Saturday
Cocoa Brown | Dayton Funny Bone | 6:30pm & 9pm | $20
🙏 THANKS!
That’s all for today. Thank you for reading this week’s memo!
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Hope you have a great weekend, and we look forward to seeing you next Thursday!
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Disclosure: Some of the events and other links featured in this newsletter may be sponsored by our advertising partners, or affiliate links where we may earn a small commission should you sign up or purchase through them. Any sponsored or affiliate links will be clearly indicated with an asterisk (*) or a disclosure that the section is sponsored by a specific partner.