๐Ÿ’Ž Happy Memo-ween! (Issue #61)

PLUS: Trains, planes, and table-top games

Good Morning,

Welcome to another issue of our Community Memo. Every week, we share fun things to do around town.

Maybe itโ€™s just me, but October flew by faster than a bat out of Draculaโ€™s jacket. By some sorcery, today is already Halloween, and itโ€™s also Beggarsโ€™ Night for many communities in the Miami Valley.

Hopefully, trick-or-treaters can haul in some sweets before the rain hitsโ€ฆ or Iโ€™ll be left eating a lot of candy. And I donโ€™t need the sugar rush because Iโ€™m already buzzing with excitement over our next announcement.

But more on that tomorrow morning (stay tuned ๐Ÿ‘€) โ€” weโ€™ve got events to get to.

Letโ€™s get to it!

A MESSAGE FROM ICODE CENTERVILLE

๐Ÿฅ‹ STEM Belts Start Tomorrow

Looking for a place to help your curious kid develop their STEM skills after school in a structured way? iCode can help.

Starting tomorrow, kids from ages 6 and up can join iCodeโ€™s instructor-led Signature Belt Program. And they wonโ€™t just sit in front of a screen and hope they succeed โ€” iCode gamifies their learning and success!

Like martial arts, students progress through challenge-based belts as they master technical and creative skills like coding and robotics. All while building lifelong soft skills in critical thinking, collaboration, and resiliency.

But unlike martial arts, they donโ€™t have to start from scratch. Placement is based on their age, interest, and ability. Here are just a few belts available:

  • Foundation: Basic Game Development

  • White: Robotics & Programming

  • Gray: Programming in Minecraft & Roblox

Explore all the belts and available spots here. And of course, by booking a free trial class, your kid can try iCode before you buy to make sure itโ€™s a perfect fit!

โšก WEEKEND WEATHER

Friday

59ยฐ ๐ŸŒก๏ธ 39ยฐ | โ˜€๏ธ | โ˜” 0% | ๐Ÿ’จ 8 mph

Saturday

65ยฐ ๐ŸŒก๏ธ 45ยฐ | โ›…๏ธ | โ˜” 0% | ๐Ÿ’จ 5 mph

Sunday

67ยฐ ๐ŸŒก๏ธ 60ยฐ | โ˜๏ธ | โ˜” 5% | ๐Ÿ’จ 7 mph

๐Ÿ“… EVENTS

๐ŸŽ„ Winter Fest

๐Ÿ“… Sat, Nov 9: 5 - 8 pm (Add to Cal)
๐Ÿ“ Austin Landing, Miamisburg
๐Ÿ’ฐ Free

Join the Miami Valley Restaurant Association in kicking off the holiday season!

Listen to live music from local talent and grab some grub from local food trucks. Run the gambit of wintery activities like ice skating, mechanical snowboarding, snow throws, and more. Meet Santa and his giant sleigh, perfect for family photos.

See the parade procession get moving at 6:30, followed by the tree lighting around 7:45. And end the evening with a bang at 8 pm. As fireworks join the Christmas tree in lighting up the night sky. Learn more here.

๐Ÿ”ฌ STEM For All

๐Ÿ“… Sat, Nov 2: 9 am (Add to Cal)
๐Ÿ“ Boonshoft Museum, Dayton
๐Ÿ’ฐ Free

This free science festival offers an exciting day of learning and fun for the whole family. Gain access to special exhibitions, captivating Space Theater shows, and engaging public programming. Don't miss out on this educational adventure for the scientists in your family, both big and small! Learn more here.

 

๐ŸŽ Handmade Holiday Craft Show

๐Ÿ“… Sat, Nov 2: 9 am - 3 pm (Add to Cal)
๐Ÿ“ Bellbrook High School
๐Ÿ’ฐ Free

Begin your holiday shopping spree at Bellbrookโ€™s annual holiday craft show. With over 70 local vendors, youโ€™ll find many handmade goods to gift this holiday season. And if all that browsing works up your appetite, food trucks will be available with yummy delights. Learn more here.

 

๐Ÿš‚ Dayton Train Show

๐Ÿ“… Sat, Nov 2: 11 am - 5 pm (Add to Cal)
๐Ÿ“… Sun, Nov 3: 11 am - 4 pm (Add to Cal)
๐Ÿ“ Mont Co Fairgrounds, Dayton
๐Ÿ’ฐ Adults: $8
๐Ÿ’ฐ 12 & Under: Free

All aboard to Daytonโ€™s 48th train show! Revel in over 20 model railroad displays and memorabilia. Experience hands-on demos guided by some of the nationโ€™s best modelers.

This event is a vibrant marketplace filled with vendors selling models, tools, and even custom modeling services for the biggest of enthusiasts. Learn more here.

 

๐ŸŒŸ Star City Sparkle

๐Ÿ“… Sat, Nov 2: 12 pm (Add to Cal)
๐Ÿ“ Downtown Miamisburg
๐Ÿ’ฐ Free

Explore shops in downtown Miamisburg while collecting stickers as you go! Check in with participating merchants like Blue Bison Trading Co., Monocles Comics and Coffee, and The Village Wick to fill your Star City Sparkle Passport.

Complete eight stops for a chance to win the raffle basket, drawn at 9 pm at Jayne's on Main. Learn more here.

 

๐Ÿ’€ Dia De Muertos Festival

๐Ÿ“… Sat, Nov 2: 12 - 5 pm (Add to Cal)
๐Ÿ“ Dayton Metro Library - Downtown Branch
๐Ÿ’ฐ Free

Experience a vibrant Dia De Muertos celebration at the Dayton Metro Library. Walk through beautifully crafted altars, add names to the Community Tree of Life, and honor loved ones.

Catrina face painting starts at noon, followed by a lively parade through the library at 2 pm. The event will wrap up with performances by Orgullo Mexicano and Troupe Roja, bringing cultural tradition to life. Learn more here.

 

๐Ÿบ Halloween Bar Crawl

๐Ÿ“… Sat, Nov 2: 4 pm - 12 am (Add to Cal)
๐Ÿ“ Downtown Dayton
๐Ÿ’ฐ Groups (4+): $20 / ticket
๐Ÿ’ฐ Single: $25

Join one of Dayton's most spirited crawls. Don your Halloween best and visit some of downtown's best bars with exclusive specials.

Tickets include 2-3 free drinks, waived cover charges at the venues, a custom badge, and access to the after-party. Prices increase as the event approaches, so grab the best discount by getting yours today.

 

๐Ÿ›ฉ๏ธ After Dark: Bombers & Brews

๐Ÿ“… Sat, Nov 2: 6 - 10 pm (Add to Cal)
๐Ÿ“ Air Force Museum, Dayton
๐Ÿ’ฐ $40

Support the Air Force Museum with an unforgettable night at Bombers & Brews. Dance to live music by Flashback, tour open aircraft, and see unique WWII artifacts.

With hors dโ€™oeuvres, a cash bar, and a Brig Gen Robin Olds-inspired mustache contest, itโ€™s the perfect evening for history buffs and classic rock fans alike. Get your ticket here.

 

๐ŸŽ Montgomery Co Fruit School

๐Ÿ“… Thu, Nov 7: 9 am - 2 pm (Add to Cal)
๐Ÿ“ Cox Arboretum, Dayton
๐Ÿ’ฐ Master Gardener: $25
๐Ÿ’ฐ๏ธ Public: $35

Learn all about fruit gardening from seed to stem with OSU educators. Topics include container gardening, soil testing, apple growing, and more.

Breakfast and lunch are provided for this half-day seminar, sponsored by the Greater Montgomery County Master Gardener Association. It's a great way for gardeners to spend the day growing their knowledge. Register by Nov. 4th to secure your spot here.

 

๐ŸŽฒ AcadeCon 2024

๐Ÿ“… Fri, Nov 8: 8 am - 11 pm (Add to Cal)
๐Ÿ“… Sat, Nov 9: 8 am - 11 pm (Add to Cal)
๐Ÿ“… Sun, Nov 10: 8 am - 6 pm (Add to Cal)
๐Ÿ“ Dayton Convention Center, Dayton
๐Ÿ’ฐ $15 - $65

Gather your gaming gang for a weekend packed with tabletop fun! Now in its 12th year, this convention unites gamers under the motto: "Gaming with friends, old and new!"

Sign up to demo new games or score a discounted pass by hosting. Organized by The RPG Academy, itโ€™s a celebration of gaming culture brimming with laughs, connections, and endless games. Get your badge here.

 

๐Ÿฆ‰ Owl Fest

๐Ÿ“… Fri, Nov 8: 6 - 9 pm (Add to Cal)
๐Ÿ“… Sat, Nov 9: 7 - 10 pm (Add to Cal)
๐Ÿ“ Caesar Creek Lake Visitor Center, Waynesville
๐Ÿ’ฐ Free

Swoop into this owl-centric weekend at Caesar Creek State Park! Friday features an Owl Box workshop ($35/kit) and a storytelling of Owl Moon. Saturday offers live owl flights and insights into owl conservation.

Both nights conclude with bird banding and stargazing. No telescope? No problem โ€” theyโ€™ll provide one! Learn more here.

 

โ™ฅ๏ธ Black Jack for Breast Wishes

๐Ÿ“… Fri, Nov 8: 6 - 10 pm (Add to Cal)
๐Ÿ“ The Brightside, Dayton
๐Ÿ’ฐ General: $60
๐Ÿ’ฐ VIP: $100

Looking for some good play for a great cause? Head to Bright Side for an evening of Black Jack, Poker, and Roulette, all supporting Breast Wishes โ€” a local nonprofit granting spa days, yoga retreats, and more to women battling breast cancer.

Kick-off with a drink ticket and gaming chips, then play for raffle prizes, including a trip to Aruba! Enjoy heavy hors dโ€™oeuvres, desserts, and a full bar to keep you fueled all night. Get your ticket here.

 

โ›ณ Oregon District Barstool

๐Ÿ“… Sat, Nov 9: 11 am - 5:30 pm (Add to Cal)
๐Ÿ“ Oregon District
๐Ÿ’ฐ Foursome: $160

Tee off at Dayton's mini-golf challenge, where 10 iconic bars transform into quirky putting greens! Enjoy a playful putt-putt adventure through the Oregon District, club in hand, for a day of lighthearted competition.

Proceeds benefit United Rehabilitation Services of Greater Dayton, supporting individuals of all ages with disabilities. Swing into action and support a great cause with your friends. Get your group pass here.

๐ŸŽ—๏ธ CHARITY OF THE MONTH

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Honoring those whoโ€™ve served

Capt. Zach Hollingsworth, Freedom Whiskeyโ€™s Fearless Founder

Freedom Whiskey Veterans Day Celebration

๐Ÿ“… Sat, Nov 16: 6 - 11 pm (Add to Cal)
๐Ÿ“ Miamisburg Moose Lodge
๐Ÿ’ฐ Admission: $50

Join Freedom Whiskey in celebrating and supporting those who've served our country this Veterans Day. Now in its 7th year, this event offers good food, great whiskey, and most importantly, an opportunity to give back.

As you can imagine, I hear about a lot of events. This has by far been one of the most recommended, and for good reason. 

Every year, they pick a veteran to honor and charities to support with the proceeds raised from this event. Just last year, over $45k was raised for Blue Skies for the Good Guys and Gals โ€” from this single event.

And with your help, they can make an even bigger impact in 2024. 

This year theyโ€™re supporting Hunters Helping Heroes AND sponsoring a veteran to go through the Save A Warrior program (which literally saves lives).

So, how can you get involved?

  1. Buy tickets: If you can make the date, get your tickets and get them soon. There are only a few tickets left, and will likely sell out soon.

  2. Donate dollars: If you canโ€™t attend but can contribute, then donate. Any amount is useful and every dollar helps.

  3. Donate items: Raffling gift baskets is a big hit, so if you have cool items to donate, email [email protected] and [email protected] to coordinate. Items must be secured by Nov 1st.

  4. Sponsor: If your business sponsors local events, allocate some budget to this. Packages range from $500 to $5,000. Each level includes tickets, recognition, and, of course, a bottle of whiskey.

Serving others is deep in Freedom Whiskey's DNA. It was put there by the company's late founder, Capt. Zach Hollingsworth, and has been carried on by his family and team since his passing 3 years ago. 

Join them in honoring his spirit of service and supporting our veterans. Click the button below to get your tickets, donate, and sponsor this amazing event!

๐ŸŽถLIVE MUSIC

This Friday

Doug Hart | Crooked Handle - Boro | 6:30 pm | Free

Luke Wiggins | Bock Family Brewing | 7 pm | Free

Ben & Pete | Jayne's On Main | 7:30 pm | Free

The Weekend Effect | Phone Booth Lounge | 8 pm | Free

Vicious Cycle | The Barrel | 8 pm | Free

Cellar Dwellar & More | Yellow Cab Tavern | 8 pm | $10

Nasty Bingo | Hidden Gem Music Club | 8 pm | $5

Bourbon Road Band | Good Time Charlie's | 8:30 pm | Free

 

This Saturday

Garrett Toth | Bock Family Brewing | 7 pm | Free

Jesse Keith Whitley | Good Time Charlie's | 7 pm | Free

Matt Scholp | Jayne's On Main | 7:30 pm | Free

Wild Front Tears | Phone Booth Lounge | 8 pm | Free

Timestamp | The Barrel | 8 pm | Free

Black Water Voodoo | Hidden Gem Music Club | 8 pm | $5

Sam Hill & The Pickers | Brick Tap & Tavern | 8:30 pm | Free

The Flat Out Band | Courtyard Lounge | 9 pm | $5

 

Upcoming

Amp'd Out, Fusion, and MUSAE | Fairmont High School | Fri, Nov 8: 7:30 pm | $20

Eleventh Hour and MUSAE | Fairmont High School | Sat, Nov 9: 7 pm | $25

The Piano Guys | Schuster Center | Fri, Nov 15: 7:30 pm | $50+

Dayton Philharmonic Junior Strings & Youth Strings Fall Concert | Roger Glass Center For The Arts | Sun, Nov 17: 2:30 pm | $18+

๐ŸŽญ๏ธLIVE THEATRE

Shows Running Now

The Sugar Witch | Beavercreek Community Theatre | Oct 25 - Nov 03 | $18+

Broadway By Request | Schuster Center | Nov 02 - Nov 02 | $6+

 

Upcoming Shows

The Magical Lamp of Aladdin | Rosewood Arts Center | Nov 08 - Nov 17 | $7

Almost, Maine | Dayton Playhouse | Nov 15 - Nov 24 | $18+

Legally Blonde: The Musical | Springboro Community Theatre | Nov 15 - Nov 24 | $18+

๐Ÿ˜‚LIVE COMEDY

This Weekend

Friday Night Improv | Black Box Improv Theater | Oct 25 - Nov 29 | $17

Saturday Night Improv | Black Box Improv Theater | Oct 26 - Nov 30 | $17

Erica Rhodes | Dayton Funny Bone | Nov 01 - Nov 02 | $20

Beth Stelling | Victoria Theatre | Nov 02 | $41+

 

Upcoming Shows

Aida Rodriguez | Dayton Funny Bone | Nov 08 - Nov 09 | $22

Mike Birbiglia | Victoria Theatre | Nov 22 | $59+

๐Ÿ™ THANKS FOR READING

Thatโ€™s all for today! Please tell us how you liked todayโ€™s newsletter and any feedback using the poll below.

See you next Thursday,

โ€” Max

Disclosure: Some of the content/links featured in this newsletter may be sponsored by our partners, or affiliate links where we may earn a small commission should you sign up or purchase through them. Sponsored or affiliate content/links are indicated with an asterisk (*) or a disclosure that a specific partner sponsors the section.