Published July 5, 2022
Dayton Celtic Fest returns, free summer events continue at RiverScape this July
Heads up! This article was published 2 years ago.
Summer continues with one of Dayton’s favorite festivals, hosted at RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E. Monument Ave. in downtown Dayton.
The United Irish of Dayton Celtic Festival returns to RiverScape MetroPark with nearly three days of international and national musical acts; food and drinks; family activities and much more. The United Irish Dayton Celtic Festival’s hours are:
- Friday, July 29, from 5:30 to 11 p.m.
- Saturday, July 30, from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Sunday, July 31, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Learn more about the United Irish Celtic Festival at www.daytoncelticfestival.com. This even is free and for all ages.
Live music continues with three free concerts this July as part of the Summer Music Series. Concerts are on Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. Dates are:
- July 7: Central Jazz Big Band
- July 14: Authorized Personnel
- July 21: Bohemian Funk
Attendees should bring a chair. No registration is required for these concerts.
Taiters Kayak Solutions will offer walk-up rentals from under the Patterson Road bridge (west end of RiverScape MetroPark). Rentals will be offered on Thursdays from 4 to 8 p.m. through September. Participants will be required to wear a life jacket, which will be provided. Learn more about kayak rentals at metroparks.org.
Additionally, MetroParks will offer paddling programs in the downtown Dayton area throughout the summer.
Qualifying Montgomery County families who may need financial assistance with MetroParks’ paddling and other fee-based programs can apply for the Access to Nature financial assistance program, funded by the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation. Families can receive up to $200 per year to participate in MetroParks’ programs, shelter and campsite rentals, and camps. Learn more and apply at metroparks.org/access.
Fitness in the Park continues with free, all-levels classes held under the RiverScape pavilion. Classes are from 10 to 11 a.m. on select Saturdays. June Fitness in the Park dates are:
- July 9: Zumba in the Park with Fit N Fruitful Wellness
- July 16 and July 23: Yoga in the Park with Speakeasy Yoga
Free community fitness programs continue in June:
- Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m.: Bootcamp with The Unit
- Tuesdays, July 5, 12 and 19 from 6 to 7 p.m.: Tai Chi & Qigong by the River with Immortal Tree Qigong
- Tuesday, July 26, from 6 to 7 p.m.: Booty Mix with The Ninth Beat
Participants should bring their own mat, towel and reusable water bottle to Fitness in the Park and community fitness classes. Registration is not required.
Each Wednesday, RiverScape MetroPark will host Music@Lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The public is invited to bring their lunch or purchase lunch at the RiverScape Café and enjoy it outside along the Great Miami River. Visit metroparks.org/riverscape for the schedule of live music performers.
The Fountain Snack Bar is open through Labor Day weekend and offers snacks and cool treats, such as ice cream and drinks. Hours of operation are:
- Tuesdays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Additionally, The RiverScape Café offers lunch items, snacks and drinks from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Tuesdays through Fridays. RiverScape Café also is open during special events, such as the Summer Music Series concerts.
The interactive fountains and Five Rivers Fountain of Lights will operate from Memorial Day, May 30, to Labor Day, Sept. 5. The Five Rivers Fountain of Lights operates for 10-minute intervals at the top of the hour during the weekdays from 7:55 a.m. to 10:05 p.m. and during weekends from 10:55 a.m. to 10:05 p.m. While swimming is not permitted in MetroParks’ locations, the public is invited to splash in the interactive fountains daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Summer Music Series is sponsored by AARP and supported by Kettering Health
