37 Free Things to Do in July

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Enjoy our list of free things to do around Dayton this July! Summer seems like it is flying by but  Dayton has more in store! See what we found to do for free this month.

 

July 1

Zumba in the Park:

Come down to RiverScape move your workout outdoors and enjoy Zumba with Nashanda Moore. Please bring your own water bottle and towel or mat. No registration required for these free, all-ages workouts Afterward, stick around for live acoustic music and delicious food from the cafe.
Details: Riverscape Metro Park, 10:00- 11:00 am

Star Spangled Heights:

Celebrate Independence Day at the Thomas A. Cloud Park!  The free event will feature a parade, live music, a car show, a kids zone, and an incredible fireworks show.
Details: Thomas A. Cloud Park, 10:00 am- 10:00 pm

City of Greenville Community Firework Show

Pack blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks before you head to the Dark County Fairgrounds to see this annual firework show.
Details: Darke County Fairgrounds, 9:30 pm

July 2

Centerville Summer Concert Series:

Groove to the Airfare Band of Flight- a fourteen member ensemble that brings a little bit of everything to their performance.  Pack bug spray and lawn chairs!
Details: Stubbs Park, 7:00pm

A Grand Old Independence Day

Travel back to 1776 in celebration of Independence Day!  Carriage Hill will have games and contests inspired by Colonial America.
Details: Carriage Hill MetroPark, 12:00pm-5:00pm

July 3

City of Dayton’s Lights in Flight Fireworks Show and Festival

Start celebrating the Fourth of July a night early at the RiverScape MetroPark.  In addition to a spectacular firework show over the Miami River, the festival will include games, contests, and music.
Details: RiverScape MetroPark, 5:00pm-10:00pm.

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Dayton Lights in Flight

Old Fashioned Fireworks

Or celebrate at in the grandstands at the Clarke County Fairgrounds.  Live music kicks off at 7pm, and a firework show will follow.
Details: Clarke County Fairgrounds, 7:00pm-10:00pm.

July 4

City of Piqua Fourth Fest

The annual Fourth Fest is back and packed with activities.  The celebration will have face painting, balloon sculpting, rock climbing, and a COSI science exhibition- just to name a few of the activities.  The sunset will bring food trucks and live entertainment, so get ready for a whole day of fun.
Details: Fountain Park, 10:00am-10:00pm.

The Wettest Parade in Ohio (and Firework Show)

The city of Franklin pulls out all of the stops to make their Independence Day Parade unique- and very, very wet.  Firetrucks set up along the parade route are guaranteed to get you soaked.  After the parade, Franklin invites you to join them for food, fun, and entertainment before their firework show.
Details: Franklin Community Park, 10:00am and starting again at 6:00pm.

Monroe’s Light up the Sky!

Light up the Sky is an all day festival celebrating Independence Day.  The day kicks off with a parade, and then inflatables, crafts, and games fill up Monroe Community Park.  The festival finishes with a firework show.
Details: Monroe Community Park, 12:00pm-10:00pm.

City of Moraine Star Spangled Boom

Join the City of Moraine in celebration of Independence Day!  The Boom features amusement rides, crafts, games, live music, and a food truck rally.  The cherry on top, of course, is the firework extravaganza.
Details: Wax Park, 4:00pm-11:00pm

City of Beavercreek 4th of July Celebration

Gear up for a day full of celebration all over the city!  The festival features two activities just for kids- the Stars, Stripes, & Slides, and the Kids Zone Plaza.  Then, the party moves to Centennial Park for live music and a firework show.
Details: Location varies by activity, 12:00pm-10:00pm.

City of Kettering Go Fourth!

Go forth and celebrate Independence Day at Delco Park.  The festival will have tons of food, a family Play2Day zone, and a firework show.
Details: Delco Park, all day.

July 5

Wetland Escape

Put on some rain boots and get ready to be muddy because the Wetland Escape allows you and your tike to explore the diversity of the wetlands.  Ages 3-5.
Details: Carriage Hill MetroPark, 10:00am-11:00am.

July 6

Try Paddlesports

If you have ever wanted to try a paddle board, canoe, or kayak, now is your chance!  Eastwood MetroPark will have the instruction and equipment to make you a pro.  All ages welcome.
Details: Eastwood MetroPark, 4:00pm-7:00pm

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Paddling at Eastwood MetroPark

July 7

Kevin Sonnycalb Memorial Fireworks Festival

The Independence Day celebrations are not over yet!  This festival is most known for its contests- the fishing derbies, chalk contests, and bike parade.  The festival will also have live entertainment, food, and a firework show.
Details: Shawnee Park, 4:00pm-11:00pm.

Family Movie Night at The Greene

Bring the family together to watch Lego: Batman under the stars at the Plum Street Park.  Please bring a gently used or new book as a donation.
Details: Plum Street Park @ The Greene, movie begins at dusk.

July 8

Family Fishing Day

Experienced or not come down to Possum Creek MetroPark to have a fun day of fishing!  Bring your own tackle as bait and instruction is provided.  Limited gear available.
Details: Possum Creek MetroPark, 9:00am-12:00pm.

Yoga in the Park

Bring your little yogis-or just yourself- to the RiverScape MetroPark yoga class.  All ages are welcome.
Details: RiverScape MetroPark, 10:00am-11:00am.

Science Saturdays with Mister C

All budding scientists are invited to watch the experiments and demonstrations of Mister C.  This month’s theme is Awesome Air.  Designed for grades 2-6.
Details: Dayton Engineers Club, 9:00am-10:30am.

Kickin Chicken Wing Fest

The name says it all!  The fest is a must for chicken lovers, but there is enough entertainment and activity to keep everyone happy.
Details: Fraze Pavilion, 3:00pm-10:00pm

July 11

Creek Play

Step into a cool, refreshing creek with your tike and find creatures like crawdads, salamanders, and rainbow darters!  Registration requested but walk ins welcome.  Ages 3-5.

Details: Sugarcreek MetroPark, 10:00am-11:00am.

July 12

Picnic Play Date

Bring a picnic lunch and eat with new and old friends, then join us in some silly activities designed for little hands and big imaginations.  For kids ages 1-4 and their families. **$5 for non-residents
Details: Magee Park, 11:00am-12:00pm.

July 13

Library in the Park

Bring a blanket or chair, sit back and relax as a story is read by Winters Library staff.  After the story, you will get to participate in activities that go along with the story and bring it from page to real life!  Pre-registration and minimum of 10 required.  Ages 5-10.
Details: Bellbrook Park, 11:30am-12:30pm.

July 15

Creek Fun

Calling all kids ages 6-13 wanting to search for macroinvertebrates, rainbow darters, & crawdads while exploring the river! The program will also discuss water cleanliness and how kids can water clean.  Registration requested but not required/
Details: Sugarcreek MetroPark, 1:00pm-2:30pm.

Chip, Dip & Cheer Summer Festival

The ultimate festival for animal lovers!  Enjoy kid-friendly activities, live music, and special treats alongside your furry friend.  Pet services are not free.
Details: 10 Wilmington Ave, Dayton OH, 10:00am-2:00pm

Barnstorming Carnival

The Barnstorming Carnival sets out to celebrate the golden age of aviation.  The two day festival has antique planes, bounce houses, paper rocket classes, clowns, and more.
Details: Springfield- Beckley Municipal Airport, 8:00am-11:00pm Saturday and 8:00am-5:00pm Sunday.

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Barnstorming Carnival

Family Day: Newton in Space

Bring the family to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force to experience the demonstrations and activities inspired by space exploration.
Details: National Museum of U.S. Air Force, all day.

July 21

The Ohio Challenge

The Ohio Challenge itself is a hot air balloon contest, but the festival offers so much more.  Families can enjoy the car show, arts and crafts, the night balloon glow, and a firework show.
Details: Smith Park/ Middletown Regional Airport, 4:00pm-10:30pm Friday and 7:00am to 10:30pm Saturday.

July Free Fireworks Friday

If you aren’t tired of the fireworks yet, check out the show at the Dayton Raceway.  The event includes live music, food, and fireworks.
Details: Hollywood Gaming at the Dayton Raceway, 6:00pm-10:00pm.

July 22

Summer Moon Festival

This multiday festival has TONS of different activities like inflatables, laser light shows, corn hole tournaments, and more, so check the schedule before choosing a day to go.  This year astronaut Buzz Aldrin will visit the festival on Saturday.
Details: Armstrong Air and Space Museum, 4:00pm-10:00pm Friday, 7:00am-10:00am Saturday and 12:00pm-10:00pm Sunday.

Swamp Romp

This Louisiana inspired festival isn’t one to miss.  There will be amazing live music, bead trades, food, and more.
Details: Fraze Pavilion, starts at 4:00pm.

Free Movie Night at Austin Landing

Bring a blanket and a buddy to watch Moana under the stairs.  Before the movie starts there will be an obstacle course, giveaways, and trivia.
Details: Austin Landing, starts at 7:00pm.

July 26

Miamisburg Touch a Truck

See, touch, explore, and honk the horns of amazing trucks and vehicles.  Get ready to high five the brave drivers of these gigantic trucks.  Remember a camera!
Details: Riverfront Park, 12:30pm-2:30pm.

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Miamisburg Touch A Truck

Miami Valley Youth & Teen Talent Show

Come see tomorrow’s stars compete in this annual showcase! Youth from every community around the Miami Valley compete in preliminary tryouts for a spot in the finals. Don’t miss out on the best of new talent in the Miami Valley.
Details: Fraze Pavilion, starts at 7:00pm

July 28

Anne Oakley Festival

What was once a sidewalk sales event has blossomed into a weekend festival, full of unique activities.  The Anne Oakley Festival features historical tours, melodramas, a car show, and more.
Details: York Park, 9:00am-9:00pm Friday, 9:00am-9:00pm Saturday, and 9:00am-5:00pm Sunday.  

Dayton Celtic Festival

One of the most exciting cultural festivals is just around the corner.  This year’s activities include a Kilt Parade, 5K, Rainbow’s End Kid Zone, beverage tastings, live entertainment, and more.
Details: RiverScape MetroPark, 5:30pm-11:00pm Friday, 11:30am-11:00pm Saturday, and 9:00am-6:00pm Sunday.

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Dayton Celtic Festival

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