Renowned as the birthplace of aviation, Dayton lies in the western part of Ohio. Also famously called Gem City, it is home to a large collection of aircraft displays—from the early 1900s era to a space shuttle exhibit at National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Visitors can admire Carillon Historical Park that features planes made by the Wright brothers, antique trains, and 19th-century buildings. Besides this, Dayton is quite popular for its many festivals—be it about celebrating the Celtic culture, the German culture, or strawberries or hosting a hot-air balloon festival. Dayton pretty much covers every kind of celebration. And if you are heading to this eclectic city, here are some of the popular festivals in Dayton, Ohio.
1. Troy Strawberry Festival
Make your way to this incredible family-friendly festival in Ohio that features an awesome tradition and tasty delights. This popular gathering is usually held in June and boasts over 200 crafts and art exhibitors, fun activities for kids, nonstop entertainment happening on two stages, and many, many more. Visitors can also enjoy tasting an array of mouthwatering strawberry treats. And the location along Great Miami River acts as a cherry on top, where you can be entertained by the festival vibe along with great music.
Troy Strawberry Festival
Address: 154 W Staunton Rd, Troy, OH 45373
Website: Troy Strawberry Festival
Takes place: June
Price: Free
2. Vectren Dayton Air Show
Enjoy a weekend filled with fun, laughter, and loads of activities. Escape into a beautiful world where you can watch the skies where pilots do what they do best with their aircraft. And when you are not looking at the skies, enjoy exploring an expansive range of aircraft displays. And if you are coming to the event with the family, head to Vectren Kids’ Hangar, where the little ones can have a fun-filled time indulging in a variety of activities—where the winners of certain activities can enjoy a free flight tour.
Vectren Dayton Air Show
Address: 3800 Wright Dr, Ste A, Vandalia, OH 45377
Website: Vectren Dayton Air Show
Takes place: July
Price: 37 USD
3. Dayton Celtic Festival
Celebrate Celtic magic at Dayton Celtic Festival. This is an annual event that gives you a beautiful insight into the traditional Celtic heritage and amplifies your senses with sounds and sights. One of the fun things people love about this festival is Celtic music. This three-day affair features live music from some of the most amazing Celtic musicians, showcasing their beautiful music tales. Besides this, the festivities also has an array of delicious bites, kilts, and beers.
Dayton Celtic Festival
Address: 4156 Dayton Xenia Rd, Beavercreek, OH 45432
Website: Dayton Celtic Festival
Takes place: July
Price: Free
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4. The Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon Festival
There is a time of the year when people of Ohio come together to witness 30 participants partaking in a fun hot-air balloon competition. The contestants join to win the most desired Ohio Challenge Trophy to enter the nationals. Visitors attending this one-of-a-kind event get to see car shows, night balloons that glow after sunset, outdoor concerts, fireworks, food vendors, carnival rides, and arts and crafts centers.
The Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon Festival
Address: Smith Park Path, Middletown, OH 45042
Website: The Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon Festival
Takes place: July
Price: 5 USD
5. Dayton Greek Festival
Opa! Celebrate Greek tradition by exploring Greek music, culture, and some of the best delicacies at this three-day annual event taking place every September. While attending the festival, relish the ouzo slushies, tsureki, craft beers, moussaka, baklava, dolmades, pastitsio, and so many more. Along with these, the festival also features live music, one-of-a-kind boutique products, dance performances, and cooking demonstrations. Finally, you can take a tour of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.
Dayton Greek Festival
Address: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 500 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH 45405
Website: Dayton Greek Festival
Takes place: September
Price: 0 - 2 USD
6. Dayton Heritage Festival [Last event in 2019]
Celebrate an unforgettable Memorial Day weekend at Dayton Heritage Festival with some old-school patriotic activities. While at the festival, explore a variety of buildings and exhibits, and celebrate the unique history of Dayton through costumed interpreters, special events, and more. Adorned in patriotic decorations and held at Carillon Historical Park, this venue welcomes thousands of visitors every year. Expect historical demonstrations, Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra performances, merriment, miniature train rides, and more.
Dayton Heritage Festival
Address: 1000 Carillon Blvd, Dayton, OH 45409
Website: Dayton Heritage Festival
Takes place: May
Price: 12 USD
7. Centerville Americana Festival and Fireworks
Posted by Americana Festival on Friday, 5 July 2019
A city in Ohio, Dayton is flourishing with a plethora of activities for friends and families to indulge in on Independence Day. Renowned as the best place to celebrate Fourth of July, this festival kicks off the show with a 5km (3.1 mi) run, followed by the parade. Along with these, visitors can find a plethora of food booths, over 300 exhibitors, a car show, and a street fair. There is also a section where inflatable elements and carnival-style games can keep the kids entertained for hours. The festival boasts plenty of entertainment for the adults too. Perhaps in part because of its famous fireworks show, this event attracts over 70,000 to 80,000 visitors every year.
Centerville Americana Festival and Fireworks
Address: 27 N Main St, Centerville, OH 45459
Website: Centerville Americana Festival and Fireworks
Takes place: July
8. Hispanic Heritage Festival
Hispanic Heritage Festival! 11am-11pm #festivalfreshpopcornig #pacodayton #hispanicheritagefestival #daytoninspires #daytonlocal #daytonstrong
Posted by Festival Fresh Popcorn on Saturday, 14 September 2019
The season of autumn brings in the best time to celebrate with the Hispanic community. Kick off the season with some food and entertainment, good music, the Dayton Hispanic Heritage Parade, and a whole lot of shopping galore. PACO Latino’s Hispanic Heritage Festival is organized to educate the community of Dayton about Hispanic culture, heritage, and tradition. This festival hosts a series of activities that feel like a party for everyone involved. An array of attractions await you—a parade, live musical performances, dance shows, food and drinks, and plenty more.
Hispanic Heritage Festival
Address: Riverscape Metropark, 111 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH 45402
Website: Hispanic Heritage Festival
Takes place: September
Price: Free
9. A World A’Fair Dayton International Festival
Memories of 2017. Czech dancers, all together on stage.
Posted by A World A'Fair on Tuesday, 15 May 2018
The annual World A'Fair Dayton International Festival is a tender, friendly, and culturally beautiful atmosphere not just for the adults but also for the kids. World A'Fair is a lively festival that features booths from over 30 organizations representing over 50 countries. This three-day happening comprises entertainment, food and drinks, education, and musical performances from international, national, and local groups.
A World A’Fair Dayton International Festival
Address: Dayton Convention Center, 22 E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402
Website: A World A’Fair Dayton International Festival
Takes place: May
Price: 8 USD
10. Dayton Germanfest Picnic
Posted by Germanfest Picnic in Dayton on Saturday, 17 August 2019
Enter the German world of Ohio with tasty food and have a glimpse into excellent traditions. Loved by the local people, this three-day annual festival has grown enormously in the last 35 years. With goals of preserving the heritage, culture, and traditions of Germany, this event features a plethora of German beers and Bavarian noms, along with pretzels, apple cake, polka chicken dance, and so many more. There is also a 50-50 raffle that takes place every day during the celebration.
Dayton Germanfest Picnic
Address: Riverscape Metropark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH 45402
Website: Dayton Germanfest Picnic
Takes place: August
Price: Free
Fun times await you in Dayton, Ohio
There are a plethora of celebrations and festivals happening in the charming city of Dayton. No matter when you visit, you will get a chance to experience a range of gatherings along with the locals and other folks from across the globe. This list should help you track the different festivals held every month.
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