Mark your calendars for a year brimming with sporting excitement, artistic brilliance, captivating theatrical experiences, and aviation milestones. Dayton is set to unfold a tapestry of incredible moments that promise to captivate your senses and leave you with lasting memories. Here are just five events to consider attending this year:
Cinderella Takes the Stage
Experience the magic of CINDERELLA presented by Dayton Performing Arts Alliance as it returns triumphantly to Dayton at the Schuster Center, February 14-16! Watch as Cinderella dreams of escaping her harsh life as a scullery maid to her cruel stepsisters. With a little magic from her Fairy Godmother, a charming prince, and a touch of help, she gets a chance to experience the fairy tale life she’s always wished for!
Choreographed by Artistic Director Brandon Ragland to Prokofiev’s sparkling score, CINDERELLA is sure to be a royal ball. The Dayton Ballet encourages you to buy your tickets early!
Fly Away to Neverland With Peter Pan
Did we mention how much we love having Broadway in Dayton? Better yet, Peter Pan, a timeless musical has captivated audiences for nearly 70 years and it comes to the Schuster Center, February 26 through March 2! In Dayton Live's thrilling new adaptation by playwright Larissa FastHorse, Peter and his sidekick Tinker Bell whisk the Darling children away on a journey to Neverland, full of excitement and unforgettable songs like “I’m Flying” and “Neverland.”
This is a must-see for the whole family—prepare to be Hooked! Grab your tickets on the Dayton Live website!
Witness the Intensity of the NCAA® First Four® Tournament
March is right around the corner and that means basketball madness returns! UD Arena will once again host the opening games of the 2025 NCAA® Division I Men's Basketball Championship, featuring the First Four® with four first-round matchups scheduled for March 18 and 19. Each night will feature two games, and the victors of each match will progress along the journey to the Final Four®. Rest assured, these games will unfold in front of enthusiastic, capacity crowds where the atmosphere is consistently electric!
There's no denying that Dayton is a basketball mecca. Buy your tickets now before they sell out!
Feel the Rhythm of WGI Sport of the Arts
Get ready for a spectacular showcase of talent as WGI Sport of the Arts, the world's leading organization in producing indoor color guard, percussion, and winds competitions, descends upon Dayton from April 3-5 and 10-13 for their highly anticipated World Championships.
Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of winter guard, a captivating sport that seamlessly blends the art of flags, sabers, mock rifles, and other equipment with expressive dance and interpretive movement. While most color guards hail from schools and universities, independent organizations, linked more to geographical locations or drum corps, add an extra layer of diversity to this extraordinary event. Witness this pinnacle of creativity by purchasing your tickets now!
Witness the Thrill of the Thunderbirds Back in Dayton
An aviation extravaganza is set to take place in 2025 as the CenterPoint® Energy Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger shares another year of thrilling audiences in the birthplace of aviation – Dayton, Ohio! This will be a truly unforgettable experience featuring the iconic U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, headlining an incredible lineup of jaw-dropping performers and aircraft displays. This air show, June 21-22, promises excitement for fans of all ages, complete with delicious food and entertainment.
With limited seating that tends to sell out fast, secure your spot early for one of the biggest and most historic air shows in Dayton's rich aviation legacy. Don't forget about the Vandalia-Butler Chamber of Commerce Air Show Parade, typically held the Friday prior to the air show. AND this year, a new twist is set to unfold: The Vandalia Flight Fest, a free community event presented in partnership with the City of Vandalia, taking place on the evening of June 21 from 6-10 p.m. at the Vandalia Recreation Center.
As we embark on this thrilling journey through an array of spectacular events, it's clear that Dayton is set to make 2025 a year to remember. So, whether you're a sports fanatic, performing arts lover, or aviation buff, there's something extraordinary waiting for you. As we gear up for these phenomenal events, be sure to secure your tickets early, mark your calendars, and join us in making memories that will last a lifetime. From the courts to the skies, Dayton is where unforgettable experiences take flight. For more events throughout the year visit our calendar!
---
Be sure to request a FREE Destination Dayton Visitors Guide and download the FREE Destination Dayton App for more about things to see and do in Dayton. For more information about Destination Dayton and the services it offers, explore our website or call 800-221-8235.
