Spring has sprung! May brings all sorts of joy and renewal to our lives. May flowers, Mother’s Day celebrations, May the 4th for all us Star Wars-loving fans, getting outside, (school ending – eek! Get those Summer Camps registered for ASAP!!!) and so much more comes with this month. We’ve got our top 12 picks (plus, a couple bonuses!) for the May 2023 edition of our Dayton Dozen family-friendly events around Greater Dayton.
KENT RADER AT WILEY'S COMEDY CLUB! [FOR THE GROWN-UPS]
Kent Rader will be at Wiley’s Comedy Club in May 2023 on the 19th at 8pm and the 20th at 7:15pm. Kent is the winner of the Branson Comedy Festival and the star of the Baby Boomer Comedy, Clean, Stand-up Comedy for People Born Before Seatbelts. Kent’s show is an experience you won’t want to end and, because it’s CLEAN, stand-up comedy, no one will leave feeling like they need a shower. Kent’s show explores careers (answering the question of how Kent went from accounting to comedy), technological changes, growing older, marriage, fatherhood, and now being a grandfather (AKA Papa Kent). The best review may have come from his Uncle Don who proclaimed, “Well, he’s no Larry to Cable Guy.”
This is the perfect date night – or girls night – out!
“Kent is hilarious, and I CANNOT wait to see this show at Wiley’s! It is going to be a perfect, and much-needed, date night for the hubby and me!” – Courtney Snow, DMC Owner
BONUS :: Kent is offering a FREE copy of his stress reduction book, Let It Go, Just Let It Go: A Guide to Reducing Stress, to any Dayton Moms reader that buys a ticket (just make sure to email us showing proof of your ticket purchase, and we’ll connect you with Kent for your free book)!
YMCA HEALTHY KIDS DAY [FOR THE KIDS]
Join the YMCA of Greater Dayton for Healthy Kids Day in May 2023 on the 13th from 12pm–4pm to celebrate at Riverscape. This event is a national initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids.
The Y will be hosting kids fitness classes, line dancing, sports skills clinics, arts and crafts, and other enrichment activities, as well as games from Camp Kern. A Fun Run will allow families to compete in a friendly race. Additionally, prizes and giveaways will be handed out to all of the participants.
The event is FREE and open to the public and will be a great time for your kids to get outside and play!! Mark your calendars for May 13th. It’s time to have some fun in the sun!
BLOOM :: AN EVENT FOR NEW & EXPECTING MOMS [FOR THE MAMAS]
Our annual Bloom event is back! This FREE virtual event is happening May 20, 2023 from 1-3pm on Facebook. There are amazing prizes and giveaways, along with incredible resources and presenters for all the things new moms need.
Learn more, and register for FREE with the button below.
1. May the 4th Be with You
Thursday, May 4 5pm-7
Wegerzyn Gardens
FREE family fun with an obstacle course, scavenger hunt and hike. Costumes welcome!
2. Where are Oakley and Owlexander?
Friday, May 5- Friday, June 2
Various Centerville Washington Parks
Register to receive clues in your email box for which park Oakley and Owlexander are hanging out. Snap a picture to post on their FB page each week to enter their Hide-And-Seek grand prize.
3. A World A’Fair
Friday, May 5- Sunday, May 7
Greene County Expo, 120 Fairgrounds Road
Returning after a three year break at a new venue, check the website for updated information as the date grows closer.
4. Art on the Playground
Saturday, May 6 11am-3
Habitat Environmental Center
Free, hands-on activities abound at this yearly kids art festival. Held rain or shine with free parking at Southdale Elementary.
5. Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party
Saturday & Sunday May 6 & 7
WSU Nutter Center
Three performances of Hot Wheels Monster Truck competitions and battles in the dark.
6. Pride Rocks with the National Conference for Community & Justice of Greater Dayton
Saturday, May 13 11am-3
Levitt Pavilion, 134 S Main St, Dayton
Join in painting Pride themed rocks and suicide prevention messaging. Enjoy food trucks, vendors and music. Free and open to everyone.
7. Superhero Donut Run
Saturday, May 20 9am
Centerville High School
5k, 10k and fun run to benefit Special Wishes of Dayton and Southwest Ohio. New this year is a new event in October with a medal connecting this event, Villain Race. Register together and save $5.
8. Summer Concert Series with The Greene
Saturday, May 20 6pm-9
Center Court, The Greene
First event of this year’s Summer Concert Series, Bourbon Road Band. Free family event of upbeat Old/New Country and Southern/Classic Rock.
9. Centerville Merchant Market
Sunday, May 21 12pm-5
Stubbs Park
Food trucks, area small business, and live entertainment hosted by Heart of Centerville Washington Township.
10. Passport to Metro Parks with Five Rivers Metro Parks
Friday, May 26 6-9pm
RiverScape MetroPark
Music, food trucks and free family activities accompany this preview of fun in the Dayton area. Included are upcoming festivals, recreational, educational, conservation and volunteer opportunities.
11. Heritage Day with the Dayton Philharmonic and Dayton History
Sunday, May 28 12-7pm
Carillon Historical Park
Celebrating Dayton history through interpreters, demonstrations, and special events. 6pm Carillon Park Band performance with the culmination of the Dayton Philharmonic at 7pm.
12. Kettering Block Party
Wednesday, May 31 6-8pm
Fraze Pavilion
Free and open to the public, come check out Kettering Departments and Services. Performance by Civic Band at 7.
