We're welcoming 2026 in a big way - mark your calendars for a year brimming with sporting excitement, artistic brilliance, captivating theatrical experiences, aviation milestones, and other fantastic events. Dayton is set to unfold a tapestry of incredible moments that promise to captivate your senses and leave you with lasting memories. We've compiled a bucket list of 26 big things to look forward to in 2026!
1. See Top High School Stars at Beacon Orthopaedics Flyin' to the Hoop
Dayton is known as a basketball mecca, and January kicks off our list of 26 things for 2026 with some of the best and brightest high school hoops stars, at the annual Beacon Orthopaedics Flyin' to the Hoop High Basketball Invitational, held over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend at Kettering's Trent Arena.
2. Experience March Madness at the NCAA® First Four® Tournament
March is right around the corner and that means even more basketball excitement with the return of March Madness! UD Arena will once again host the opening games of the NCAA® Division I Men's Basketball Championship, featuring the First Four® with four first-round matchups scheduled for March 17 & 18. Each night will feature two games, and the victors of each match will progress along the journey to the Final Four®. These games will unfold in front of enthusiastic, capacity crowds where the atmosphere is consistently electric! There's no denying that Dayton is a basketball mecca. Buy your tickets now before they sell out!
3. Feel the Rhythm of WGI Sport of the Arts
Get ready for a spectacular showcase of talent as WGI Sport of the Arts, the world's leading organization in producing indoor color guard, percussion, and winds competitions, descends upon Dayton over two weekends in April, 9-11 (Color Guard) and 16-19 (Percussion and Winds), for their highly anticipated World Championships. It is called the Sport of the Arts because it brings music to life through performance in a competitive format. Even with over 45 years of history, the sport continues to evolve and grow. Witness one of Dayton's largest annual events for yourself - purchase your tickets now!
4. Thrill to the U.S. Navy Blue Angels at the CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show
An aviation extravaganza is set to take place as the CenterPoint® Energy Dayton Air Show, presented by Kroger shares another year of thrilling audiences in the birthplace of aviation - Dayton, Ohio! This will be a truly unforgettable experience featuring the iconic U.S. Navy Blue Angels, headlining an incredible lineup of jaw-dropping performers and aircraft displays. This air show, June 13-14, promises excitement for fans of all ages, complete with delicious food and entertainment. With limited seating that tends to sell out fast, secure your spot early for one of the biggest and most historic air shows in Dayton's rich aviation legacy.
5. See Unique Aircraft at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™
Speaking of aircraft ... any Dayton bucket list wouldn't be complete without a trip to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force! With 19 acres and over 350 aerospace vehicles on display, it's easy to feel a little overwhelmed by the museum's scope and size. So we've broken it down for you, with a quick list of 5 must-see airplanes at the museum - all have unique histories and can only be seen in Dayton, Ohio! Best of all ... the museum is FREE!
6. Celebrate the Arts at a Performance of Les Miserables
Witness the Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon from acclaimed producer Cameron Mackintosh at the Schuster Center in downtown Dayton, February 3-8. Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, Les Miserables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. This epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history, earning it the title "the world's most popular musical!"
7. Double Your Dose of "March Madness" with High School Basketball State Championships at UD Arena
We said Dayton is a basketball mecca and we meant it! In addition to the NCAA® First Four®, the month of March also sees UD Arena play host to the Ohio High School Athletic Association Girls and Boys basketball state championships. The girls take the court March 12-14, while the boys play for state titles March 19-22. It makes for a thrilling month of basketball at UD Arena!
8. Enjoy a Day Out at the Ballpark with the Dayton Dragons
Get your tickets and join the Dayton Dragons, the High-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, for the start of their 26th season. The Dragons home opener is April 7, and the fun continues through September 6. A perennial Dayton favorite, the Dragons are among the most popular teams in minor league baseball. They finished the 2025 season with the third highest attendance average among the 120 teams across all levels of Minor League Baseball. Day Air Ballpark, located in downtown Dayton's vibrant Water Street District, offers fun for the whole family.
9. Take in a Free Concert at Levitt Pavilion
Listen to live music on the lawn on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer in downtown Dayton at the Levitt Pavilion. This free outdoor concert venue offers a wide range of musical styles and performers, with a season running from June through early September. Look for their season announcement concert in early May. Dayton is home to several other outdoor concert venues, including the Fraze Pavilion, Rose Music Center at The Heights, and the pavilion at RiverScape MetroPark - watch our summer concerts blog for season updates as they are announced.
10. Hear the Music of David Bowie Like You've Never Heard it Before
What better way to celebrate the genre-bending genius of David Bowie than with the combination of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and a killer rock band? The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance (Dayton's unique arts organization that combines the Dayton Philharmonic, Dayton Ballet and Dayton Opera) brings all this together with Changes: A Symphonic Tribute to the Music of David Bowie, February 28 at the Schuster Center. From glam to soul, funk to art rock, Changes captures the chameleonic magic of Bowie’s music with dazzling orchestral color, epic vocals, and theatrical flair.
11. Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice ...
Don't miss the hilarious stage musical Beetlejuice, based on the hit Tim Burton movie of the same name ... just don't say his name three times! He earned his stripes on Broadway, now the ghost-with-the-most is coming to Dayton's Schuster Center, June 23-28. While you're at it, be sure to check out the many other fantastic arts performances presented by Dayton Live, as well as performances by Dayton's many outstanding arts organizations.
12. Take Part in 'America 250' Celebrations Throughout Montgomery County
The United States celebrates its 250th birthday in 2026, and the Dayton area will take part, with a variety of special events, celebrations and things to do. The America 250-Ohio Commission has already unveiled several statewide history trails connected to the America 250 celebrations. Dayton and Montgomery County are featured on the Ohio Air & Space Trail, Ohio Creativity Trail, Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail, and Ohio Innovation Trail. Locally, Montgomery County has launched a page highlighting celebrations around the area, and watch for more information here on the Destination Dayton website.
13. Attend the Centerville-Washington Township Americana Festival
Ohio's largest annual Fourth of July festival will definitely be joining the America 250 celebrations. This year's Americana Festival promises to be a highlight of the summer, kicking off the celebration on Friday, July 3, with a breathtaking fireworks display! On Saturday, July 4, the festivities continue with a thrilling 5K Run, a dazzling Parade, an Arts & Crafts Street Fair showcasing local talent, Live Entertainment to keep the energy high, an Auto Show for car enthusiasts, and a tempting array of food concessions to satisfy every craving.
14. Earn a Wilbear Wright Aviator Teddy Bear
Learn about Dayton's aviation heritage and get an adorable "Wilbear Wright" teddy bear in the process! You could earn your very own Wilbear by visiting sites on the Dayton Aviation Trail. Tour a minimum of 8 of the 17 amazing aviation sites listed in the Aviation Trail passport brochure. Receive a stamp in the passport at the one required site, the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center, plus a minimum of 7 of the remaining sites to qualify for your FREE Wilbear Wright aviator teddy bear. You can get your passport brochure at the Destination Dayton offices, attractions on the trail, or by downloading and printing the digital brochure.
15. See Spectacular Quilts at the Dayton Art Institute
The Dayton Art Institute just announced its 2026 special exhibitions, and a highlight of their season will be Wall Power! Spectacular Quilts from the American Folk Art Museum, on view from October 17 through January 10, 2027. Traditionally created mostly by women, quilts often feature bold compositions of color, geometry and design that command space and defy expectations. The exhibition showcases quilts as monumental works of art and spans the mid-nineteenth to late twentieth centuries. It features striking examples by Amish communities, African American makers and others whose work laid the foundation for generations of quiltmakers to come. While you're there, be sure to check out the DAI's magnificent permanent collection, as well as other focus exhibitions.
16. Experience Old-Fashioned Fun at the Montgomery County Fair
County Fairs are still alive and well! From thrilling rides and live entertainment to livestock shows, demolition derbies, and delicious fair food, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Montgomery County Fair, taking place July 14-19.The Montgomery County Fairgrounds and Event Center is also a great place to book your next meeting or event!
17. Take the Five Rivers MetroParks Trails Challenge
Are you ready to take on new trails and explore Destination Dayton's many outdoor amenities? The Five Rivers MetroParks Trails Challenge, presented by Huffy, is packed with hiking, walking, cycling, paddling and mountain biking adventures. Explore a variety of trails — on your own schedule — for a chance to win prizes. Trail logs are automatically tracked in the MetroParks mobile app. A website submission form is also available for those not using the mobile app. Follow the link above to the MetroParks website for all the details.
18. Attend the United Irish of Dayton Celtic Festival
The annual United Irish of Dayton Celtic Festival - one of Dayton's largest and most popular outdoor festivals - returns July 24-26. A downtown Dayton tradition since 2002, this free festival attracts more than 90,000 attendees to RiverScape MetroPark. Saturate your senses in the sights, sounds and tastes of Celtic heritage, as you delight in the enchanting melodies of traditional Celtic music, witness captivating dance performances, and savor authentic culinary delights. The festival features headliner bands and several regional performers on various stages, in addition to cultural exhibits and food and merchandise vendors. The Dayton Celtic Festival also serves as the unofficial kick-off to the late summer/early fall festival season in Dayton
19. Immerse Yourself in Art in the City
Discover visual and performing art experiences in downtown Dayton with live performances, hands-on and interactive activities, tours, demonstrations, Juried Art Show, art vendors and more. This annual celebration of the arts takes place August 1 and is free to attend. Watch for more about it at the Downtown Dayton Partnership's website in the coming months.
20. Meet Feather & Stone at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
Come face to face with the life-size (and incredibly lifelike) wooly Mammoths "Feather" and "Stone" when you enter the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery (Mammoth selfie, anyone?). They're part of a recently unveiled lobby renovation and new ice age exhibit at this popular destination for families. The two-floor museum features a wealth of hands-on experiences and activities for kids of all ages, as well as the Discovery Zoo (accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums), where you can see meerkats, otters, a sloth and even naked mole rats (plus many other cool and amazing animals)!
21. Take a Selfie with the Aullwood Trolls
Speaking of selfies, Aullwood Audubon offers another great setup for spectacular selfies! Aullwood is proud to host Bo, Bodil and Bibbi - three giant wooden troll sculptures, by internationally renowned artist Thomas Dambo, that have become a popular attraction for photo opportunities. Make plans for a visit (or return) visit, and take your best troll selfie! Be sure to tag us with #DestinationDayton when you post your pics. “The Troll That Hatched an Egg” is one of only a few Dambo-created exhibitions in the United States and Puerto Rico.
22. Surf the Great Miami River
You don't have to go to Daytona to ride the wild surf ... you can catch a wave right here in Dayton, on the Great Miami River! Surf Dayton can teach you to surf on the water features created on the Great Miami River in downtown Dayton. Its mission is to spread the joy the of being on the water and grow the sport of river surfing and paddle boarding with quality instruction and sharing the stoke! We bring a surf culture vibe to our landlocked surf community and spread the importance of clean water and environmental values.
23. See Classic Cars at the Dayton Concours d'Elegance
Set within the picturesque confines of Carillon Historical Park, Dayton's annual Concours d'Elegance is the Midwest’s premier classic & antique automobile and motorcycle show. The invitational event brings 200 of the finest historical cars and motorcycles from the early 1900s through the 1960s together inside the grounds of the 65-acre historical park. The 2026 event is slated for September 20, with an exclusive Preview Party on September 19.
24. Get Adventurous at the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience
From the outdoor curious to the seasoned enthusiast, the free Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience, presented by Huffy, offers two days of outdoor activities, live entertainment, competitions and more. This dynamic event, hosted by Five Rivers MetroParks, takes place on October 3-4 at Eastwood MetroPark. The extraordinary festival originated in 2005 and has since flourished into an annual gathering that brings over 20,000 outdoor enthusiasts to the heart of Dayton, Ohio—the "Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Midwest."
25. Run the Air Force Marathon
Get your running shows on and take part in the 30th Air Force Marathon, held at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base on September 18-19. More than 13,000 participants take part in a variety of races and events over two days. Race weekend features a marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and Tailwind Trot 1K Kids’ Run, as well as a three-person marathon relay and two Fly! Fight! Win! Challenge Series where runners can earn a fourth medal after completing the 5K, 10K, and half marathon or marathon in one weekend. Other events include a two-day Health & Fitness Expo, Breakfast of Champions, Gourmet Pasta Dinner, Finish Line Festival, and After Party.
26. Ride the Carillon Park Railroad
This nearly mile-long, 3-foot narrow-gauge railway, located at Carillon Historical Park, features a replica 1851 locomotive that carries up to 120 guests on a narrated tour around Carillon Historical Park’s exhibits. Make a day of it and explore the 65 acres of exhibits at this open air history museum, which includes the Wright Brothers National Museum, home to the original Wright Flyer III. Recharge with a bite to eat at Culp's Cafe or Carillon Brewing Company.
BONUS PICK: Light Up Your Holiday Season
We've just wrapped up the holiday season, but we all know how fast time flies! You can plan to close out 2026 with what have become three must-see holiday traditions in Montgomery County: the Dayton Dragons' Deck the Diamond, A Carillon Christmas at Carillon Historical Park and the Woodland Lights in Washington Township.
Deck the Diamond
Feel the holiday spirit with a brilliant display of more than 1.1 million holiday lights inside Day Air Ballpark. Watch live performances, shop for holiday gifts at the Merry Market and enjoy treats and hot beverages. Deck the Diamond opens in mid-November and runs through early January.
A Carillon Christmas
Since 2015, Dayton History has transformed the Deeds Carillon at Carillon Historical Park into a 200-foot-tall Tree of Light for its annual A Carillon Christmas celebration. Visible for miles, the Tree of Light has quickly become a Dayton tradition, and will be lit from November 24 through December 30.
Woodland Lights
Stroll a half-mile paved path of festive light displays or relax on a scenic train ride or horse-drawn carriage and experience the views. Bring children to meet Santa in the log cabin, as well as other costumed characters along the path on select nights. Woodland Lights will be open November 20 through December 30.
So there you have it - it's clear that Dayton is set to make 2026 a year to remember. Whether you're a sports fanatic, performing arts lover, or aviation buff, there's something extraordinary waiting for you. For more events throughout the year be sure to visit our calendar of events.
All this activity will likely work up an appetite, so be sure to check out our restaurant page for dining options, and you can quench your thirst along the Dayton Ale Trail.
You'll also want to request a FREE Destination Dayton Visitors Guide and download the FREE Destination Dayton App for more about things to see and do in Dayton. For more information about Destination Dayton and the services it offers, explore our website or give us a call at 800-221-8235.
