This July is lined up with various summer festivals and events for you and your family to enjoy in the summer sun! Check out real estate in Dayton and View the largest and most accurate selection of real estate in Ohio by HER, REALTORS® >

1. Lights in Flight

While fireworks can be shown in almost every community, the “Lights in Flight” display above downtown and the Great Miami River is one you won’t want to miss. This festival includes food, beverages, music and children’s activities ending in fireworks at 10 p.m. all for free admission on July 3rd. You can find more information on this event at Riverscape MetroPark here.

2. Celtic Fest

Several performing artists will be entertaining this year’s festival including fan favorite Gaelic Storm, Scythian, The Elders, Socks in the Frying Pan, We Banjo 3, Skippers Alley, and The Fitzgeralds. Attend the free festival and be immersed in that rich traditions of the Celtic folk. The festival is held July 28th-30th.  

3. Dayton Blues Festival

This free event takes place Sunday, July 16th from 1 p.m. - 9 p.m at the Riverscape MetroPark. Bring your blankets and chairs to enjoy an evening of soulful music, food, and beverages. Due to the popularity of the festival, patrons are asked to keep pets and tents at home!

4. First Friday Street Party

The first Friday of every month in Dayton begins with a bang. Running from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at various locations downtown, there is plenty to explore to kick start your weekend. The variety of entertainment options include street performances, outdoor concerts, art demonstrations, retail shops, and even roaming entertainers in the streets of downtown. On Friday, July 7th, there will be performances by local musical groups Zane and The Sway and Hey There Morgan. Check out their Facebook page for more details.

5. The Ohio Challenge Balloon Festival in Middletown

This festival includes outdoor concerts, food vendors, arts & crafts and carnival rides. The dates are Friday, July 21st to Saturday July 22nd from 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Every year, families look forward to the Night Balloon Glow which is a magical display beginning at dusk. You can even take a hot air balloon ride during the event. All you have to do is contact Bella Balloons for a once in a lifetime experience for you and your family!

6. Ohio Jeep Fest

The 1st annual Jeep Fest is held at beautiful Ross County Fairgrounds for $25 a night. Bring your jeep or camper to spend the night at the fairgrounds and enjoy fun filled events Friday, July 7th - Sunday, July 9th.

7. Berry Blast Festival

Craving strawberry shortcakes, raspberry turnovers, and pie by-the-slice? Berry Blast Festival is a delicious family fun event running July 1st - 2nd and features homemade dessert, hayrides, barnyard animals, bounce house, and face painting. Visit their website for more information on this event.

8. Garlic Fest in Beavercreek

Not a sweets person? Visit the Garlic Fest for delicious garlic eats with multiple food trucks for July 21st. On the 22nd, the festival will even hold a free cooking demo by some of Dayton’s culinary superstars. There will also be live music and eating contests!

9. Springsfest at the John Bryan Community Center

Who doesn’t enjoy music and craft beer on a summer day? Springsfest is packed with street fairs, food trucks and locally brewed craft beer from July 8th - July 9th. It’s not too late to get your early bird pass of $25 before prices rise!

10. Country Concert

This event is approximately 50 minutes outside of Dayton located at Fort Loramie but it’s labeled one of the ‘Best Music and Camping Festival in the USA.’  Beginning Thursday, July 6th and ending Saturday, July 8th, this is a 3-day music and camping festival you won’t want to miss! Country stars like Florida Georgia Line, Brett Eldredge, Dan + Shay, Old Dominion, Blake Shelton, and so much more will be performing! Check out the full lineup here.