Destination Dayton: Discover the Unexpected

Have you ever taken a quick drive and ended up somewhere way cooler than you expected? That’s Dayton, Ohio! Just a short road trip from anywhere in Ohio (or the Midwest), and suddenly — boom — you're in a city bursting with music, flavor, world-changing history and adventure you didn’t even know you were craving.

We’re serving up the kind of summer that surprises you in the best ways, with outdoor concerts that move you, attractions that wow you and events that won’t quit.

Festivals, Food, and Fun 
Every weekend is a celebration in Dayton: The CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show on June 21 and 22, the Dayton Celtic Festival July 25 through 27, and the Bacon Fest on Aug. 2 (Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like and better.) are just a few of the fun events happening around the city. We’ve got parades, craft brews and artisans serving up summer magic. Click here to check-out our summer Calendar of Events and plan a trip to enjoy any or all of Dayton’s amazing summer festivals and events!

Outdoor Concerts That Rock
Enjoy live music or dancing under the stars? Dayton’s outdoor concerts set the vibe all summer long. Sprinkle in food trucks, local brews and a refreshing breeze, and it’s basically a summer playlist you can’t beat. Check out the free lawn concerts (46 in total) at the Levitt Pavilion in downtown Dayton. The Rose Music Center at the Heights (located right off of I-70) features a 4,200-seat full covered outdoor amphitheater and plans to host top-name acts from May through September. The Fraze Pavilion’s 4,300-seat outdoor amphitheater hosts popular music artists all summer long, from the Counting Crows to The Beach Boys.

Parks, Trails and Recreation Worth Packing Your Sneakers and Bikes For
Dayton is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Bike the nation’s largest network of paved trails! Hang ten at Surf Dayton! Hike through Five Rivers MetroParks’ 16,000 acres of parkland, skate the Rob Dyrdek Skate Park, and paddle the Great Miami River. Spoiler alert: The views are postcard-worthy!

Plan Like a Pro
Want to have Dayton at your fingertips? Download the free Destination Dayton app. It’s your all-access pass to real-time events, attractions, outdoor recreation and hidden gems. Think: calendar of everything, insider tips, and spontaneous “let’s-go-here-next” moments, all in your pocket 24/7.

Register now to win a Free Dayton Air Show 2026 Getaway Package! 
Next summer’s already shaping up to be legendary thanks to the 2026 CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show Getaway Package. That’s front-row flight action with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and more, free lodging and experiences that’ll have you soaring. Register today! Contest open through 11:59 p.m. Sept. 14, 2025.

So this summer, don’t just drive somewhere, arrive somewhere. Head to Destination Dayton!

Arrive curious. Leave with stories and amazing memories! Because the best discoveries? They’re often just a short drive away.

We’re not just a destination. We’re your next obsession. See you this summer!