Summertime in Dayton is full of live music, festivals, sports, and fun every weekend. Once the cool weather kicks in and outdoor venues close for the season, you may find yourself wondering where to go this fall and winter for fun times. One place that shines brightly through the cooler months is The Brightside Music & Event Venue, a beautifully renovated warehouse space in downtown Dayton, at the crossroads of East 3rd St and Keowee St.
The Brightside is a popular spot for weddings and private events all year long. However, in the fall, the venue picks up where the outdoor venues leave off, hosting live music, dance, and charity events. They’re rapidly adding events to their calendar, but for now, here are a few “don’t miss” events coming up. Tickets and further information can be found at thebrightsidedayton.com
Phillip Phillips performs at Concert for a Cure
1. October Fun Fundraising Events
October at The Brightside is focused on giving back, with two fabulous fundraisers. On Wednesday, October 18th, MIX 107.7 is hosting Concert for a Cure, which benefits The Noble Circle Project, an organization that supports women with cancer. The line-up features four very popular musical artists: Phillip Phillips, Sarah Reeves, Abby Holliday, and Michael Williams. You’ll be singing along to their radio hits while supporting a worthy cause!
On Thursday, October 19th, The Brightside hosts the Global Water Consortium’s annual fundraiser and celebration. The organization’s mission is to bring self-sustaining clean water to indigenous communities worldwide. Your ticket gets you food catered by Rich Taste, live music from BJSR, a soulful local musician, while directly supporting GWC’s projects.
Blues Night with Eric Jerardi & Noah Wootherspoon
2. Must See Live Music Events
If you’re a music fan, The Brightside is a fabulous place to experience concerts. The venue is known for its amazing sound system, free on-site parking, beautiful atmosphere, and comfortable accommodations. The Brightside has two music rooms, an intimate smaller room called the Vod-Vil Bar, and a large ballroom for bigger concerts.
Many Daytonians miss Gilly’s, a beloved jazz and blues club downtown. If you’re one of those people, you won’t want to miss a very special jazz show featuring Crabswithoutlegs, a young, up-and-coming 9-piece jazz band on November 9th. Blues fans will be happy to hear that Eric Jerardi and Noah Wootherspoon are back on the big stage on November 15th.
Rock and jam band fans are excited to be back for special holiday shows this fall. The Werks are hosting their annual Werksgiving concert on November 22nd, and Ekoostik Hookah are back on December 15th, and the annual HoliDayton rock festival is set for December 16th. More concerts to be announced soon!
For all the Taylor Swift fans out there, The Taylor Party makes its debut at The Brightside. The DJ party is a big dance party all to Taylor’s favorite tunes. You can join in the party on December 8th.
Dayton Dinner Theater shows fun, cult favorite films like Goonies
3. Dayton Dinner Theater
Dayton Dinner Theater is the brainchild of John Bouchavales, who has run DDT at various venues around town for the last several years. He’s found a home for DDT at The Brightside, where he hosts a season of cult-favorite films in a festive group setting. Between themed food and drinks, live music, costume contests, and trivia – it’s a great way to have fun with friends during the winter. Films featured this season include Barbie, Star Wars, Goonies, A Christmas Vacation, and several more. The season kicks off in November and runs through March. More information can be found at daytondinnertheater.com or The Brightside’s website.
Crabswithoutlegs performs at Dayton Battle of the Bands (Photo by Jordan Lynn Freshour)
4. Dayton Battle of the Bands
In January, the venue’s signature musical series, The Dayton Battle of the Bands, launches its fourth season. Although it is billed as a competition, the series is a vehicle to highlight emerging musical talent in the Dayton area. Fans love attending the Thursday evening playoff rounds featuring four local bands or musical acts. The series starts on January 18, 2024. The entire series crescendos to a big finale concert on March 9, 2024.
