💎 MLK Day Weekend (Issue #70)
Your Local Weekend Planner
Max Carone
January 16, 2025
Good Morning,
Welcome to another issue of our Community Memo where we share fun things to do around town every week (and occasionally some history).
Next Monday, January 20th, is Martin Luther King Jr. Day and yesterday, January 15th, was his birthday. Were he alive today he’d be 96.
While many know his famous speeches like “I Have A Dream” at the March on Washington, fewer may know that Dr. King also spoke in the Miami Valley on three occasions.
In 1958 he spoke at Central State, and then in 1964, he spoke at UD and Antioch College (Coretta Scott King's alma mater). Dayton Daily News wrote a piece detailing those visits last year that’s worth checking out.
Something else that’s timely and worth checking out is The King Center’s resource on MLK’s philosophy. Dr. King’s ideas of love, peace, and justice are ones we should strive to live by everyday, and this weekend feels like a perfect time to remind ourselves of them.
Hope you have a great long weekend, stay warm, and get out to enjoy some of these events and shows we’ve pulled together for you.
Alrighty, let’s get to it!
⚡ WEEKEND WEATHER
Friday
38° 🌡️ 34° | 🌤️ | ❄️ 10% | 💨 10 mph
Saturday
37° 🌡️ 17° | 🌨️ | ❄️ 80% | 💨 12 mph
Sunday
19° 🌡️ 0° | ☁️ | ❄️ 20% | 💨 15 mph
📅 EVENTS
🏀 Flyin’ To The Hoop
📅 Fri, Jan 17: 5:30 pm (Add To Cal)
📅 Sat, Jan 18: 10:30 am (Add To Cal)
📅 Sun, Jan 19: 10:30 am (Add To Cal)
📅 Mon, Jan 20: 10:30 am (Add To Cal)
📍 Trent Arena, Kettering
💰 Weekend Pass: $65
💰 Single Day Pass: $10-$35
Experience top-tier high school basketball in the Miami Valley! This nationally-ranked showcase is now in its 21st year. Annually, it attracts over 20,000 fans, 100+ national media members, and countless college coaches.
Watch teams from local, state, and national levels battle it out on the court. It's a basketball enthusiast's dream, promising intense matchups and unforgettable athletic prowess. Don't miss this high-energy, high-skill event! View the schedule and get tickets here.
🪴🍺 Plants and Beer
📅 Sat, Jan 18: 11 am - 4 pm (Add To Cal)
📍 Loose Ends Brewing, Centerville
💰 Free
Greenery meets the brewery this weekend with the start of Loose Ends' Plants and Beer series! Browse through 13 vendors showcasing a wide range of houseplants, plant accessories, and décor.
Learn plant-care tips and enter the rare plant raffle (winners announced in April). Buy and enjoy Loose Ends' finest brews and bites. This free event is perfect for plant enthusiasts and beer fans alike. Learn more here.
🕊️ MLK Memorial March
📅 Mon, Jan 20: 10 am (Add To Cal)
📍 Near Drew Health Center, Dayton
💰 Free
Honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by joining a march for equality and justice. This march will start near Drew Health Center at 1323 W. Third Street, then proceed down Third Street, ending at Sinclair.
An event for reflection, unity, and community — a meaningful way to celebrate Dr. King's enduring impact. Learn more here.
👀 Winter Restaurant Week Sneak Peak
📅 Wed, Jan 22: 6:30 - 9 pm (Add To Cal)
📍 The Steam Plant, Dayton
💰 General (Advance): $45
💰 General (Day Of): $55
💰 VIP: $65
Savor multiple local flavors in one exciting evening. Sample offerings from 10 renowned restaurants, including Amber Rose, Coco's Bistro, and Manna Uptown previewing their Winter Restaurant Week menus.
General admission includes tastings from each restaurant, while VIP tickets offer early entry at 6 pm and two complimentary drinks. Get your tickets here.
🗝️ Battle of Codes in WWII
📅 Sat, Jan 23: 7 - 8:30 pm (Add To Cal)
📍 Wright Memorial Library, Oakwood
💰 Free
Uncover the secrets of WWII cryptology with the National Cryptologic Museum. Learn how the U.S. protected its communications and how Dayton’s Joe Desch and NCR helped crack enemy codes.
This live-streamed presentation explores the hidden stories behind wartime intelligence and the Gem City's contributions. Learn more here.
⚾ Sports Cards & Memorabilla Show
📅 Fri, Jan 24: 3 - 8 pm (Add To Cal)
📅 Sat, Jan 25: 10 am - 8 pm (Add To Cal)
📍 Dayton Mall
💰 Free
Join your fellow memorabilia manics and card collectors at the Dayton Mall to buy, sell, and trade! Explore a variety of singles, wax, and supplies from top dealers. While you're there, grab a bite from the food court and knock out your other shopping.
Interested in vending? Learn more about this event and how to become a vendor here.
🖋️ Night Of Poe
📅 Sat, Jan 25: 12 - 8 pm (Add To Cal)
📍 Downtown Waynesville
💰 Free
Immerse yourself in the world of Edgar Allan Poe with themed activities in the heart of Waynesville. Meet Poe, compete in costume contests, and join a lantern scavenger hunt. Enjoy trivia, a paint-and-sip, and an indie bookshop.
While rocking your dreary best, don’t miss the Gathering of the Ravens photo op at the gazebo! Learn more here.
🍺 Cold and Crafted
📅 Sat, Jan 25: 12 - 4 pm (Add To Cal)
📍 Bock Family Brewing, Washington Twp.
💰 $35
Experience a curated selection of winter ales from over 16 Miami Valley breweries. Each ticket offers a cozy setting to savor 20 four-ounce samples in a specialty tasting glass. You'll have the option to purchase additional samples for $1.50 each.
This beer festival is limited to 150 tickets. So, if sipping artisanal brews is your jam, be sure to get your tickets while you can.
🧺 Annual CSA Fair
📅 Sat, Jan 26: 11 am - 3 pm (Add To Cal)
📍 2nd St Market, Dayton
💰 Free
Support local farmers and eat fresh with in-season foods at this Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Fair. Meet growers, explore their farm offerings, and discover what goes into a CSA box.
Plus, pick up gardening tips, seeds, and resources from Five Rivers MetroParks educators. Early-season produce will also be available, learn more here.
🎶LIVE MUSIC
This Friday
Benny Hill | Crooked Handle - Boro | 6:30 pm | Free
Garrett Toth | Bock Family Brewing | 7 pm | Free
The Milo’s | Jayne's On Main | 7:30 pm | Free
The Distance | Phone Booth Lounge | 8 pm | Free
Buckshot Ridge | The Barrel | 8 pm | Free
Crabs Without Legs and Basura | Hidden Gem Music Club | 8 pm | $10
LOCO | Brick Tap & Tavern | 8:30 pm | Free
Southern Savior Boys | Good Time Charlie's | 8:30 pm | Free
Nautical Theme, Luke Hummel, and Evan Miller | Yellow Cab Tavern | 9 pm | $5
This Saturday
Bret Wagner Benefit Show | Hidden Gem Music Club | 5 pm | $15
Gary David Reece | Bock Family Brewing | 7 pm | Free
Gerlach & Clemons | Jayne's On Main | 7:30 pm | Free
White Knuckle Weekend | Phone Booth Lounge | 8 pm | Free
Cryin’ Out LOUD | Brick Tap & Tavern | 8 pm | Free
Steve Falearos Project | The Barrel | 8 pm | Free
Blackwater Voodoo | Courtyard Lounge | 9 pm | $5
Addison Johnson ft. Dan Wallace | Good Time Charlie's | 9 pm | Free
This Sunday
Dayton Jazz Orchestra | Hidden Gem Music Club | 6:30 pm | $10
🎭️LIVE THEATRE
Shows Running Now
Ghost: The Musical | La Comedia Theatre | Jan 10 - Feb 09 | $70+
Six | Schuster Center | Jan 14 - Jan 19 | $67+
Die Mommie Die! | Beavercreek Community Theatre | Jan 17 - Jan 26 | $18+
Snow White and the Seven Endings | Town Hall Theatre | Jan 17 - Jan 19 | $9
Upcoming Shows
Avenue Q | Dayton Playhouse | Jan 24 - Feb 09 | $18+
😂LIVE COMEDY
This Weekend
Pete Lee | Dayton Funny Bone | Jan 17 - Jan 19 | $24
Upcoming Shows
Alfred Kainga | Dayton Funny Bone | Jan 24 - Jan 25 | $22
Nate Bargatze | Nutter Center | May 14 | $39+
🙏 THANKS
That’s all for today! Please tell us how you liked today’s newsletter and any feedback using the poll below.
See you next Thursday,
— Max
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