Updated September 22nd, 2024

MetroParks Monthly: Programs & Events for October

PROGRAMS

Active Outdoors

Youth & Family

Adult Nature Exploration

Earth Friendly Living

For Everyone

  • Paint-A-Park: Oct. 13 – 2 to 5 p.m. at Twin Creek MetroPark

GET OUT & EXPLORE YOUR METROPARKS

For more than 60 years, Five Rivers MetroParks has been connecting people with nature by providing clean, safe outdoor spaces that support the public’s physical, emotional and mental health. You can learn more about exploring your MetroParks and get involved by:

MetroParks on the Ballot

Five Rivers MetroParks has an issue on the November 5th ballot. It is a 1-mill, 10-year operating levy. By law, Five Rivers MetroParks cannot advocate for this issue. An independent campaign committee, Five Rivers MetroParks Levy Committee, has formed to do this. To contact the campaign committee, you can visit their website at VoteForFiveRivers.org or email them at info@voteforfiverivers.org.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience is Oct. 5 & 6

The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experiencea Five Rivers MetroParks event – invites visitors to explore the active side of Dayton with two days of outdoor adventure that celebrates Dayton as the Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Midwest. The free festival is held at Eastwood MetroPark (park side), 1385 Harshman Rd. in Dayton, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6. Admission and parking are free.

Try a variety of outdoor recreation activities, from paddling to ziplining, in addition to learning something new at the Outdoor School. Watch the pros take flight on BMX bikes and compete on the water during the new Kayak cross and slalom.

Enjoy live music, food, drinks and contests – festivalgoers can even enjoy free camping all weekend.

The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience is presented by Huffy. Additional support is provided by Great Lakes Brewing Co., Fifty West Brewing Company, Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission’s Rideshare Program,  Subaru of America, Best Breed, Care Center,  DaylightBrand, Kayak Coffee, Perrigo Nutritionals, City Barbeque, Key-Ads and WYSO

Fall Family Adventure

It’s time to celebrate the many ways nature changes during the harvest season during Fall Family Adventure on Oct. 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. This free, family-friendly event features games, crafts, face painting and a marshmallow roast. A storyteller will be on site, along with MetroParks’ animal ambassadors.

Related  Festive events, opportunities to shop local at the 2nd Street Market this season

Fall Family Adventure is sponsored in part by the Wegerzyn Gardens Foundation.

October at the 2nd Street Market

The 2nd Street Market is hosting many October events that celebrate all-things fall and spooky season, including its annual Native Plant Sale, Pumpkin Decorating and Trick or Treat at the Market.

Sunset at the Market returns on Oct. 10, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. for an evening of dining and shopping, in addition to a fall dessert tasting, cooking demonstrations, live music and much more.

Also beginning in fall, the Market hosts Community Fitness at the Market and special vendor programs. Learn more about the Market’s October programs and events.

Make a Difference Day

Enjoy a picturesque fall morning in the parks and lend a helping hand during MetroParks’ annual fall day of service: Make a Difference Day. On Oct. 26, from 9 a.m. to noon, volunteers of all ages can pitch in to help MetroParks staff with 18 projects, from litter removal to prairie planting. Sign up as an individual, family or team by visiting MetroParks Get Connected volunteer site.

Make a Difference Day is sponsored by Montgomery County Environmental Services/Keep Montgomery County Beautiful, QEI Engineers, Inc. and ServeOhio.

Fall at RiverScape MetroPark

It may be a wrap for most summer activities, but RiverScape MetroPark remains a destination for entertainment and physical wellness throughout the year. Enjoy free community fitness under the RiverScape pavilion in addition to Tuesday evening programming.

Before MetroParks invites you to lace up your skates, visitors can savor the fall with friends during RiverScape Café hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 9 p.m. (happy hours are from 5 to 7 p.m.)

Stay up-to-date on all RiverScape MetroPark’s happenings on Facebook.

MONTHLY MUST-DOS IN YOUR METROPARKS

Find fall leaves: Check out the latest issue of ParkWays to see a guide of the best native trees to spot this season, which includes leaf color, shapes and more. Additionally, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources has information on a fall color forecast for Ohio.

Bird is the word: Check out MetroParks’ newest birding page to help you get outside and make the best of this year’s fall bird migration.

Fall on the farm: Visit the Historical Farm at Carriage Hill MetroPark to discover what autumn traditions were common in the late 1800s. From turning turnips into “stingy jacks” to bygone recipes.

SUSTAINABILITY TIP: Fall is for planting! Don’t put your gardening tools away just yet. Native trees and shrubs thrive when planted in the fall because they’ve adapted to our climate, and cooler temperatures are excellent for root growth. Learn more.

OCTOBER CHALLENGE: Submit your Trails Challenge Trails Log! There’s still time to check off a few more trails before the 2024 MetroParks Trails Challenge ends on Oct. 31. Remember, you can complete as many trails as you want on your own time and at your own pace for a chance to win awesome prizes. Learn more and submit your Trail Log.

The MetroParks Trail Challenge is presented by Huffy with additional sponsorship from Dayton Children’s, Wright State University and Miller Valentine Construction.

Please note: Programs and events with limited capacity may fill quickly; however, in some cases waitlists are available. Please contact 937-275-PARK to inquire about being placed on a waitlist. Additionally, programs may be cancelled due to a variety of reasons – including weather conditions – please visit our online calendar to check the status of a program or event before attending.

 

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