When: Until May 12th; 7:30 pm from Tuesday to Thursday, 8 pm on Fridays, 2 pm and 8 pm on Saturdays and 1 pm and 6:30 pm on Sundays.
Where: Schuster Center, 1 W. Second St., Dayton
Details: The visually stunning, critically acclaimed and Tony Award-winning show includes familiar songs like “Circle of Life,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and “Hakuna Matata.”
Cost: $44.50 to $175
More information: 937-228-3630 or daytonlive.org
2. First Friday
When: 5pm to 10pm, Friday, May 3
Where: Multiple locations in downtown Dayton
Details: This monthly art hop highlights downtown Dayton businesses and offers special deals on dining, shopping and entertainment.
Cost: Free
More information: Downtowndayton.org
3. A world’s fair
When: May 3rd to 5th; Friday from 5pm to 10pm, Saturday from 11am to 10pm and Sunday from 11am to 6pm
Where: Greene County Fairgrounds and Exposition Center: 120 Fairground Road, Xenia
Details: Visit booths representing more than 30 countries, including China, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Guam and more, to try their cuisine or experience their culture.
Cost: A day package costs $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and children. The three-day package costs $18 for adults and $12 for seniors and children. Parking is $5 (cash only)
More information: www.aworldafair.org
4. Party at the Plaza
When: 5:30pm to 7:30pm, Friday, May 3
Where: Day Air Stadium, 220 N. Patterson Blvd., Dayton
Details: The first Party at the Plaza event of the season, scheduled to take place before the Dayton Dragons face the West Michigan Whitecaps, is centered around the “Wild in Water Street District” theme, with a special appearance from Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live and Madison Mohawk Steel Drum Band. Additional family-friendly activities include inflatables, Dragons Green Team, Roofman, Pedal Wagon rides throughout the Water Street District, giveaways and more.
Cost: Free
More information: www.waterstreetdayton.com
Credit: HUMAN RACE THEATER COMPANY
Credit: HUMAN RACE THEATER COMPANY
5. “Unparalleled”
When: Until May 12th; 8pm from Thursday to Saturday, 2pm and 7pm on Sundays and 7pm on Tuesday and Wednesday
Where: Loft Theater, 126 N. Main St., Dayton
Details: Marya Spring Cordes deftly directs Human Race Theater Company’s excellent local premiere of Jiehae Park’s funny, bold and dark contemporary version of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” which examines the cutthroat world of high school during college admissions. Dinithi Fernando (M) and Palini Sunkara (L) present fantastic, groundbreaking portraits of scheming, outspoken siblings who will stop at nothing to claim their place at a prestigious college. In the final minutes of this fascinating experience, intentionally timed to broaden the Race beyond its core audience, Cordes, greatly assisted by lighting designer John Rensel, creates one of the most thrilling and jaw-dropping effects ever produced at the Loft.
Cost: $20 to $53
More information: 937-228-3630 or humanracetheatre.org
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
6. Peter Mulvey
When: 7pm, Friday, May 3
Where: Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. Fourth St., Dayton
Details: Dayton has been a regular tour stop for Peter Mulvey since the mid-1990s, when he was supporting early albums like “Brother Rabbit Speaks” (1992) and “Rapture” (1995). The Milwaukee singer-songwriter’s latest offering is “More Notes From Elsewhere,” a collection of live recordings released in January. A new single, “Comedian”, was released on March 29th. Tod Weidner and Rich Reuter will also perform on Friday. (Don Thrasher)
Cost: $15 in advance, $18 day of show
More information: 937-424-3870 or yellowcabtavern.com
7. Dayton Taco Festival
When: 5pm to 9pm, Saturday, May 4
Where: Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. Fourth St., Dayton
Details: Enjoy a variety of tacos, from traditional to modern, served by multiple vendors.
Cost: free entry
More information: yellowcabfoodtrucks.com/tacofest
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO BY TY GREENLEES
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO BY TY GREENLEES
8. Achilles loin
When: 8pm, Saturday, May 4th. Doors open at 7pm
Where: Hidden Gem Music Club, 507 Miamisburg Centerville Road, Centerville
Details: Achilles Tenderloin is the musical project of Richmond, Indiana folk blues musician Joe Augustin. Not only did he live in Dayton while attending Sinclair Community College, but he also recorded his last two albums in the Gem City. 2023’s “Tincture For Trouble” was recorded at Reel Love Recording Company with Patrick Himes. Achilles Tenderloin performs with Sadbox and Radar. (Don Thrasher)
Cost: $5
More information: 937-829-4874 or hiddengemdayton.com
9. Derby Day!
When: Noon to 6pm, Saturday, May 4
Where: 510 E. Fifth St. in the Oregon District of downtown Dayton
Details: The Oregon District Business Association presents the sixth annual Derby Day celebrated in conjunction with the Kentucky Derby. Highlights of this family-friendly event include the Dachsund Race starting at 2 p.m., a “Star Wars” costume contest at 3 p.m. and a hot dog eating contest at 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
More information: theoregondistrict.org
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
10. Dayton Music Club
When: 3pm on Sunday, May 5th
Where: Epiphany Lutheran Church, 6430 Far Hills Ave., Centerville
Details: The Dayton Music Club honors Youth Scholarship Awards recipients with its annual scholarship benefit recital. Performers include Kenneth Christman (viola’amore) with Sally Christman (piano) and Mary Jo Johnson (violin) and Gail Lilite (piano). Each year, DMC awards $10,000 in scholarships to students in grades 7-12. This year’s top three winners, Noah Hahn (flute), Vivian Chang (violin) and Mason Duan (piano), will also perform. (Don Thrasher)
Cost: Free. Donations will be accepted.
More information: 937-297-0463 or daytonmusicclub.org
