5 Things To Do Thanksgiving Weekend

Once Thanksgiving is over (and you’re stuffed like the proverbial Thanksgiving turkey), you and any holiday guests need to get out of the house … but what to do with the rest of your Thanksgiving weekend? We’ve got your guide to some of the best things to do over the long holiday weekend!

You can zip over to our previous blog posts to get all the details on the Dayton Holiday Festival’s kickoff this Friday, November 25 and how to see some of the best holiday lights in Ohio, as well as some unique Dayton holiday shopping inspiration.

We’ve also pulled together a quick list of 5 things to do around Dayton this weekend:

1. Check out the Rike’s Holiday Windows

The Rike’s Holiday Windows, on display in the Wintergarden of the Schuster Center, recreate the longtime Dayton tradition of the animated holiday displays that appeared in the windows of the former downtown Dayton Rike’s department store. The Rike’s Holiday Windows are available for viewing daily, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (closed November 24 for Thanksgiving). For more information and a complete holiday schedule, visit Dayton Live’s website. Photos courtesy Dayton Live

2. See Legally Blonde – The Musical at the Schuster Center

While you’re at the Schuster Center to See the Rike’s Holiday Windows, you might also want to take in a Broadway show! Legally Blonde – The Musical is currently at the Schuster Center through this Sunday, November 27, as part of Dayton Live’s Premier Health Broadway in Dayton series. Based on the beloved movie, it takes you from the sorority house to the halls of justice with Broadway’s brightest new heroine and, of course, her Chihuahua, Bruiser. Performance times and ticket information can be found at Dayton Live’s website.

3. Explore the miniature art of Joe Fig at Dayton Art Institute

Artist Joe Fig recreates artists studios and art galleries … in miniature! From the paint-splattered barn of Jackson Pollock to the minimalist studio of Barnett Newman, Fig explores the process of making art, the working lives of artists, and the spaces where they work, in exacting detail. This limited-time exhibition is on display through January 15. Bring canned goods to donate to the DAI’s food drive, and you can get $3 off an Adult/Senior admission OR a free Youth (ages 7-17) admission! The DAI’s website has more information about the exhibition and the food drive.

4. Take in the ‘Last Waltz’ concert at Dayton Masonic Center

For music lovers, the concert event Such a Night: The Last Waltz Live returns this Friday, November 25, following a two-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic. The popular locally produced show, recreating The Band’s famous farewell performance on Thanksgiving Day 1976, takes place at the Dayton Masonic Center. The Dayton Masonic Live website has more information about tickets. Photo by Jennifer Taylor

5. Go skating at RiverScape

November 25-27 marks the opening weekend for the MetroParks Ice Rink–the region’s largest outdoor ice rink–at RiverScape MetroPark in downtown Dayton. The rink has something for everyone: beginners’ lessons, open skating, broomball and curling, not to mention hot chocolate and music. Ice skating is a great way to experience the outdoors during the cooler weather and provides a winter tradition for Miami Valley families looking for something fun to do together. Visit the Five Rivers MetroParks website for more information. Photo courtesy Five Rivers MetroParks

We’ve given you a fabulous holiday weekend menu–now make your selections and get out to enjoy everything the Dayton region has to offer! If you’re on Instagram, be sure to post pics of your adventures and tag them with #DiscoverDayton … we might feature your photos on our website and Instagram page (give us a follow @daytoncvb while you’re at it)!

Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at the Dayton Convention & Visitors Bureau!

For more information on things to do in Dayton, contact the Dayton Convention & Visitors Bureau at 937-226-8211 (Monday-Friday) or download the free Visit Dayton App from Google Play or the Apple Store. Be in the Know on All Things Dayton!