{"id":2383457,"date":"2026-04-21T21:59:20","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T21:59:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2383457"},"modified":"2026-04-21T21:59:20","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T21:59:20","slug":"gem-city-living-local-comedy-festivals-music-and-more-events-to-keep-you-busy-in-may%f0%9f%98%8a","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/gem-city-living-local-comedy-festivals-music-and-more-events-to-keep-you-busy-in-may%f0%9f%98%8a\/","title":{"rendered":"Gem City Living | Local comedy, festivals, music and more events to keep you busy in May\ud83d\ude0a |"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Hello, readers!<\/p>\n

May is here and our wide-ranging guide to events happening across the Dayton region this month kicks off this week\u2019s Gem City Living newsletter.<\/p>\n

From the comedy of Nate Bargatze and Donnell Rawlings to Hamvention, Cheese Fest, Fleurs de Fete and the WWE Friday Night Smackdown, we\u2019ve got you covered. Click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Nate Bargatze poses in the press room during the 82nd Golden Globes on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo\/Chris Pizzello)<\/p>\n

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This week\u2019s edition also spotlights A World A\u2019Fair, the Brick City Mural Festival, the Blind Rage Weekend punk festival, Rosewood Arts Gallery and a variety of shows to see in May at area theatres.<\/p>\n

Let us know what you think. If you have thoughts, feedback or news tips, please email me at Russell.Florence@coxinc.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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\u00f0\u009f\u009b\u00bcAround Town: Things to do in Dayton this weekend<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Gem City Rollergirls, Demented Damsel, Hostile Hellion, Painbow Dash and Princess Troublegum, during a match.<\/p>\n

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A roller derby, a classic murder mystery, comic books, plants, a food truck festival and a celebration that will certainly appeal to \u201cStar Wars\u201d devotees are among top events this weekend. Click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u00f0\u009f\u008c\u008dAround Town: A World A\u2019Fair returns with food, drinks from more than 25 countries<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The 52nd A World A\u2019Fair takes place this weekend in Xenia celebrating various cultures around the globe. There will be food, drink and entertainment representing more than 25 countries. Click here.<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00f0\u009f\u008e\u00adDayton arts and culture news: \u2018Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,\u2019 Dayton Ballet spring concert among shows to see across Dayton region in May<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Expelliarmus! In addition to catching \u201cHarry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets\u201d at the Schuster Center on a giant screen with a live orchestra, noteworthy shows in May include Dayton Ballet\u2019s spring concert and Dayton Theatre Guild\u2019s local premiere of a Pulitzer Prize-winning play. Click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u00f0\u009f\u008e\u00b6Music: Singer with ties to Dayton region makes \u2018American Idol\u2019 Top 12<\/strong><\/p>\n

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This image released by Disney shows contestant Slater Nalley during auditions for the singing competition series “American Idol” in Nashville, Tenn. (Eric McCandless\/Disney via AP)<\/p>\n

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Country singer Slater Nalley, an Atlanta native with roots in Troy, has now advanced to the Top 10 on Season 23 of \u201cAmerican Idol.\u201d Honestly, I wouldn\u2019t be surprised if he lands in the Top 3. \u201cIdol\u201d continues to prove that country is king although gospel has certainly changed the game this season. Click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u00f0\u009f\u008e\u00adDayton arts and culture news: Human Race Theatre season, Kettering children\u2019s choir and UD theater<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Read more about the Human Race Theatre Company\u2019s 40th anniversary season centered on the theme of family and the University of Dayton\u2019s spring opera production featuring yours truly. Click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u00f0\u009f\u008e\u00b6Music: Two-day punk festival has more than 20 bands on two stages at Yellow Cab<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Blind Rage Records is gearing up for its fifth annual punk festival at Yellow Cab Tavern. More than 20 bands will be featured at this year\u2019s Blind Rage Weekend. Click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u0098\u0080\u00ef\u00b8\u008fAround Town: Dayton summer festivals guide: May to September 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The calendar says spring but it\u2019s time to start thinking about those popular summer festivals that\u2019ll be coming around the bend soon with live music, a variety of food, vendors and more. Click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u00f0\u009f\u008c\u00b2Outdoors: Popular columnist Bill Felker reflects on nature, aging and love of writing as he retires<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Nature columnist Bill Felker of Yellow Springs has written for regional and national publications. He is best known in the Dayton region for writing and recording \u201cPoor Will\u2019s Almanack.\u201d Read more about his career and the joy that comes from seeing beauty in the world around him. Click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u00f0\u009f\u008e\u00a8Around Town: Appreciating street art and its creators is goal of downtown Dayton festival this weekend<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The fourth annual Brick City Mural and Arts Festival returns this weekend featuring more than 80 artists, live music, multiple vendors, interactive art, nighttime lighted art installations and more. Click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u00f0\u009f\u008e\u00b6Music: Primetime Blues Band and Westside Players serve up blues for free at Oregon Express<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The Primetime Blues Band, along with the Westside Players featuring Gary \u201cGuitar\u201d Williams, will perform a free concert Saturday at Oregon Express with a mix of original blues, R&B, rock and jazz. Click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u00ad\u0090Community Gems: Nominate someone who is making a difference<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The Dayton Daily News Community Gems initiative highlights people who give their time and effort to improve the lives of their neighbors and community. Do you know someone like this in your community? Follow this link to nominate them<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u00f0\u009f\u0095\u008a\u00ef\u00b8\u008fVisual Arts: Peace Museum to host WWII anniversary event featuring British codebreaker\u2019s nephew<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Sir Dermot Turing, nephew of legendary British mathematician and World War II codebreaker Alan Turing, will speak at the Dayton International Peace Museum May 8 in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe Day), marking the end of World War II in Europe. Click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u00f0\u009f\u008c\u008dAround Town: Personal journeys of mental health, adventure will be shared with Dayton Live audiences<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Three speakers with backgrounds ranging from conservation to science are heading to the Victoria Theatre next season to discuss their careers including overcoming adversity and battling mental health. Click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u00f0\u009f\u0096\u00bc\u00ef\u00b8\u008fVisual arts: Bold, contemplative exhibit at Kettering\u2019s Rosewood Arts Center implores you to look closely<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhispers in the Breeze,\u201d photographs by Cleveland-based artist Yiyun Chen, and \u201cIn the Farthest Reaches,\u201d large scale pastels by Texas artists Ghislaine and Lando Fremaux-Valdez are on display through May 24 at Kettering\u2019s Rosewood Arts Center. Click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u00f0\u009f\u009b\u00b8Around Town: UFO festival organizers want Fairborn to become \u2018midwest Roswell\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Abstract UFO (Unidentified flying object) – 3d rendered image of UFO with magnetic field around it. Science Fiction image concept. Photorealistic style. Aliens flying machine levitation.<\/p>\n

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UFO experts and speakers will gather June 6-8 in Fairborn. There\u2019s also going to be a free costume contest at the Little Art Theatre in Yellow Springs. Click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u00f0\u009f\u008e\u00a2Worth the Drive: Cedar Point opens this weekend: Newest coaster not yet ready, but one that was closed is opening<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Sandusky amusement park Cedar Point will open for the 2025 season this weekend. Take a look at what\u2019s in store, including a few changes and updates. Click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u00f0\u009f\u0093\u00b7Photos: The 45th annual Bellbrook Sugar Maple Festival, Look inside Hawthorn Hill, the famous home of the Wright family and Halfway to Halloween Fest at Yellow Cab Tavern<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The 45th annual Bellbrook Sugar Maple Festival<\/a> took place April 25-27.<\/p>\n

Dayton History and the Oakwood Historical Society hosted Wright at Home<\/a> at Hawthorn Hill in Oakwood April 26.<\/p>\n

HorrorShock Records hosted the first Halfway to Halloween Fest<\/a> at Yellow Cab Tavern in downtown Dayton April 26.<\/p>\n

\u00f0\u009f\u0096\u00bc\u00ef\u00b8\u008fICYMI: Dayton Art Institute reveals 2025 Art Ball details<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The Dayton Art Institute\u2019s black-tie Art Ball fundraising gala will take place June 14 with interactive performances, cocktails, specialty martinis, gourmet hors d\u2019oeuvres, dinner and more. Click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

CONNECT WITH ME<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thanks for taking the time to read this newsletter. I encourage you to keep in touch. Share story tips or feedback about this newsletter by emailing me at Russell.Florence@coxinc.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\u2018 The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n

\u2018 Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.daytondailynews.com \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Hello, readers! May is here and our wide-ranging guide to events happening across the Dayton region this month kicks off this week\u2019s Gem City Living newsletter. From the comedy of Nate Bargatze and Donnell Rawlings to Hamvention, Cheese Fest, Fleurs de Fete and the WWE Friday Night Smackdown, we\u2019ve got you covered. Click here. Nate […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2383458,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[25179],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2383457","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-music"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Gem-City-Living-Local-comedy-festivals-music-and-more.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2383457","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2383457"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2383457\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2383459,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2383457\/revisions\/2383459"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2383458"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2383457"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2383457"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2383457"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}