Eat, sip, enjoy! More than 30 festivals in August

CANOEGRASS: Aug. 2-5, Starts at 4 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday; Gates open at 9:30 a.m. Saturday & Sunday at Masters Outdoor Retreat, Just minutes west of Interstate 75 in Houston. Featuring camping, live music (bluegrass, Americana, roots), floating stage for Tube Jam, canoe and kayak trips with live music, canoe jousting, giant slip and slide, rope swing, community campfires and more. Canoegrass is a playing-in-the-water, laughing-with-friends kind of bluegrass festival and campout. The banks of our private lake will come alive with entertainment. Tickets: $85 through July 30; $95 (July 31 - Aug. 2); $100 at the gate. For more information, visit www.canoegrass.com.

ART IN THE CITY: Aug. 3, 5-10 p.m. at various locations in and around downtown Dayton. Encounter live performances, art-making stations, vividly decorated city blocks, patio parties and other fun activities from 5-9 p.m. throughout downtown. Visit mini pop-up gallery exhibits placed in downtown businesses as part of a special two-week juried art show. Curated by the Dayton Visual Arts Center, the show kicks off during the Art in the City event on Aug. 3 through Aug. 17. Online voting is available Aug. 3-17 at Dayton.com. Cost: Free. For more information, visit www.downtowndayton.org.

BLUEGRASS & BREW FESTIVAL: Aug. 3, 4-10:30 p.m. 103 W. Main St., Fairborn. Festival featuring music from three bluegrass bands, food from 14 local food trucks, family-friendly activities, and a beer garden flowing with craft and domestic brews. New this year: wine offerings from the Caesar Creek Vineyard. Cost: Free. For more information, visit www.bluegrassandbrew.com.

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ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST FAMILY FESTIVAL: Aug. 3-5, at St. John the Evangelist, 9080 Cincinnati Dayton Road, West Chester Twp. Annual summer festival featuring food, live music, games, classic festival thrill rides and more fun for the entire family. Cost: Free. For more information, visit www.st.johnwc.org.

ART IN THE PARK — CHILDREN'S ART ADVENTURE: Aug. 4, 12-8 p.m. at City Park, 35 Parkwood Dr., Tipp City. Join in for a celebration of the arts — visual, musical and culinary. Artist displays and demos, including children's interactive art booths. Food trucks on site. Music all day. Cost: Free. For more information, visit www.tippcityartscouncil.com.

Credit: Contributed

Credit: Contributed

LEBANON BLUES FESTIVAL: Aug. 4, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. in historic downtown Lebanon. Blues bands, food and a deluxe beer garden. Cost: Free. For more information, call 513-588-0321.

THE SUNFLOWER FESTIVAL: Aug. 4, 12 to 8 p.m. at Stanley Jones Park, 198 S. Clayton Road, New Lebanon. Food truck rally, live entertainment, fishing derby, 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, pony parties, farmers market and more. Cost: Free. For more information, visit www.newlebanonoh.com.

BRITISH CAR DAY AT EASTWOOD METROPARK: Aug. 4, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Eastwood MetroPark, 1385 Harshman Road, Dayton. Annual all British Car Show, displaying over 300 British cars and motorcycles. Also, vendors and swap meet, with a full service concession stand, children's activities. Show held rain or shine. Cost: Free. For more information, visit DaytonBCD@gmail.com.

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ANNUAL VINTAGE TRUCK SHOW AT YOUNGS: Aug. 4, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Young's Jersey Dairy, 6880 Springfield-Xenia Road, Yellow Springs. Annual Vintage Truck Show featuring over 100 antique trucks from all over the country. The event runs rain or shine. Cost: Free. For more information, call 937-325-0629 or visit youngsdairy.com.

PEACH DAZE FESTIVAL: Aug. 4-5, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Hidden Valley Fruit Farm, 5474 N. Ohio 48, Lebanon. Homegrown peaches and peach dishes, bounce house, train ride, barn yard, craft and food vendors. Cost: Free parking and admission. For more information, visit www.hiddenvalleyorchards.com/.

POLISH SUMMER FEST: Aug. 5, 2-8 p.m.; doors open at 2 p.m. at Polish Picnic Grounds, 3690 Needmore Road, Dayton. Featuring homemade Polish sausage on the grill, along with cabbage rolls, pierogi, cabbage and noodles in the outdoor kitchen. Polish artifacts and desserts will also be available. Duane Malinowski and his polka band from Toledo will perform from 4 to 8 p.m. No coolers, please. Cost: $4 per carload. For more information, call 937-222-8092.

TASTE OF THE GREENE: Aug. 9, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at The Greene, 4452 Buckeye Lane, Beavercreek. See what new flavors and old favorites The Greene has to offer while listening to live music. Cost: Free. For more information, call 937-490-4990 or visit www.thegreene.com.

RUNWAY FEST & FIREWORKS: Aug. 10, 6-10 p.m. at Dayton-Wright Brothers Airport, 10550 N. Springboro Pike, Miamisburg. Music, food, fireworks, inflatables, Wright B Flyer; fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Visitors may bring lawn chairs or blankets. No coolers, pets, alcoholic beverages or outside food or beverages are allowed. Parking is available at the airport at 11160 N. Springboro Pike. Please park at the airport. For safety reasons, guests should not attempt to park off-site and walk across this extremely busy intersection. Cost: Free. For more information, call 937-454-8200.

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GERMANFEST PICNIC 2018: Aug. 10-12, 5-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at RiverScape MetroPark, 111 E. Monument Ave., Dayton. Celebrate the 35th Germanfest Picnic and German culture with food, drink, music, crafts and an appreciation of its history. Polka Mass at 10 a.m. Sunday; 5K and 10K Walk and Run. Cost: Free. For more information, call 937-429-9251 or visit www.daytongermanclub.org.

BELLWETHER MUSIC FESTIVAL: Aug. 10-11, All day Friday and Saturday at Ohio Renaissance Festival, 10542 E. Ohio 73, Waynesville. A two-day, two-stage alternative music festival with camping featuring MGMT, The Flaming Lips, Local Natives, Dr. Dog, Whitney, more acts to be announced. Cost: Prices vary. For more information, visit www.renfestival.com.

ST. LEONARD BOOMERFEST: Aug. 11, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at St. Leonard Franciscan Living Community, 8100 Clyo Road, Centerville. BoomerFest is an all-day music and entertainment festival that celebrates the Baby Boomer generation. Enjoy craft beer, live music, commercial and craft vendors and specialty food trucks, a free kids' area and a classic car cruise-in. As part of the entertainment line-up, the Ohio State Alumni Marching Band performing in the afternoon and The Fries will headline the show in the evening. Comedian Kent Rader will also be performing along with other Boomer bands. Cost: Free. For more information, call 937-433-0480 or visit www.homeishere.org.

FESTIVAL OF THE VINE: Aug. 11, 3 p.m. at Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering. Fine wine and cool live jazz. Sorry, pets and coolers are not allowed. Cost: Free. For more information, call 937-296-3300 or visit www.fraze@ketteringoh.org.

ENGLEWOOD ARTS FESTIVAL: Aug. 11-12, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday at Centennial Park, Union Road, Englewood. Enjoy arts and crafts, food and live entertainment. Festivities begin with the 5k race at 8 a.m. on Saturday, followed immediately by the Festival Parade which runs down Union Boulevard from Wenger Road to Centennial Park. Artisan and food vendor booths open at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. on Sunday. Free parking and admission. Cost: Free. For more information, call 937-836-5106 or visit www.englewood.oh.us.

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WAYNESVILLE SECOND SATURDAY STREET FAIRE: Aug. 11-Sept. 8, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the second Saturday in June, July, August and September at Waynesville, 97 S. Main St., Waynesville. Waynesville will host its annual Second Saturday Street Faire on Main Street in the historical village (between Miami Street and North Street). The event will include over 40 artisans, live local music and dance, live art demonstrations, free kids art booth, face painting and art contest. Food trucks and farmer's market. Cost: Free. For more information, visit www.waynesvilleshops.com.

ART ON THE LAWN IN YELLOW SPRINGS: Aug. 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Village Artisans, 100 Corry St., Yellow Springs. Outdoor festival of art, food and music. Approximately 100 artists will gather under the shade trees in the heart of Yellow Springs to show and sell their wares. Both new and returning artists will display a variety of jewelry, papercraft, paintings, drawings, photography, caricatures, candles, garden and yard art, ceramics, glass, pressed flowers, fiber art, leather accessories, scarves and more. Food vendors and music complement the outstanding artwork. Cost: Free. For more information, call 937-767-1209.

Credit: Peter Wine

Credit: Peter Wine

DOWN THE RIVER, DOWN A BEER: Aug. 12, 3-10 p.m. at Lock Nine Riverfront Park, 125 E. Water St., Piqua. Craft beer tastings and river activities to benefit and promote river corridor stewardship along the Great Miami River near Piqua. Cost: $30/advance, $35/at the gate; $5 for designated drivers. For more information, call 937-778-2051.

ART ON THE COMMONS 2018: Aug. 12, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering. Presented by Rosewood Arts Centre, back for its 30th year, the festival features fine arts and crafts by over 100 artists from all over the U.S. Artwork for display and sale includes ceramics, digital art, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal and stone, mixed media, painting, photography, wood and works on paper creation. Also, live entertainment and interactive art activities. Cost: Free. For more information, call 937-296-3300 or visit www.fraze@ketteringoh.org.

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BELLBROOK LIONS CLUB FESTIVAL: Aug. 16-18, 6-11 p.m. Thursday, 6-11 p.m. Friday, 4-11 p.m. Saturday at Old Sugarcreek Elementary School grounds, Bellbrook. Food, gaming for adults and children, Lions Brew Tent featuring craft beers from several Dayton area craft breweries and at the conclusion of the festival Saturday night they will draw names of the winners of over $10,000 in prizes. Cost: Free. For more information, visit www.bellbrooklions.org.

CARLISLE RAILROAD DAYS FESTIVAL: Aug. 17-18, 4-10 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday at CBA Baseball Fields on Fairfiew Drive, Carlisle. Railroad Days is an annual, end of summer, celebration for the Village of Carlisle. Held on the third weekend in August each year. Cost: Free. For more information, visit http://abrown02.wix.com/carlislerailroaddays.»»Your guide to Dayton's top spots for wings

DAYTON AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL FESTIVAL: Aug. 18-19, 12-8 p.m. Saturday, 12-6 p.m. Sunday at Dayton Island Metro Park on Saturday; Courthouse Square on Sunday, 101 Helena St., Dayton; corner of Third and Main, Dayton. Family event, bring the richness of the African American experience to Dayton through culture, education and music. Featuring African drumming, gospel, jazz, R&B, blues, hip hop, dancers, live performances and more. Cost: Free. For more information, call 937-475-2707 or visit peaceambassadorsdayton@gmail.com.

FAIRBORN SWEET CORN FESTIVAL: Aug. 18-19, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at Fairborn Community Park, 691 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Road. Family oriented event featuring approximately 180 handmade arts and crafts booths and food vendors. Also, activities for children, including pony rides, the Big Bounce, and free entertainment. Pets are allowed, but should be kept on a leash and owners must clean up after their pets. Cost: Free. For more information, visit http://www.fairbornsweetcornfestival.org/index.html.

FESTIVAL OF NATIONS: Aug. 18, 2 to 8 p.m. at Great Miami River Levee, Troy. Celebrating nations and cultures from around the world through interactive booths/displays, food, dance, music, story-telling and arts and crafts. Cost: Free. For more information, visit @FestivalOfNationsTroyOH.

GOSPELFEST AT THE FRAZE: Aug. 19, 3 to 9 p.m. at Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering. Annual GospelFest featuring Natalie Grant and local/regional groups performing for approximately 20 minutes each. Food will be available for purchase at the venue. Cost: Free. For more information, call 937-296-3300 or visit www.fraze@ketteringoh.org.

BACON FEST: Aug. 19, 3-9 p.m. at Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering. An event commemorating pork's best side with concoctions such as bacon funnel cakes, bacon tacos, candies bacon and bacon wrapped chicken wings. Cost: Free. For more information, call 937-296-3300 or visit www.fraze@ketteringoh.org.

CLIFTON GEORGE MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL: Aug. 24-25, 4-11 p.m. Friday & 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday at Village of Clifton, 5 S. Clay St., Clifton. Family festival in the historic village of Clifton alongside the Clifton Gorge featuring vendors and artisans, kids' activity area, cruise-in, live music and more. Cost: Free. For more information, visit www.villageofclifton.com/festivals.

THE LEBANESE FESTIVAL: Aug. 24-26, 6-11 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday at St. Ignatius of Antioch Maronite Catholic Church, 5915 Springboro Pike, Dayton. Middle Eastern dancing, entertainment, cultural displays, craft booths, amusement rides and more. Cost: Free. For more information, visit @TheLebaneseFestival.

ALEFEST DAYTON: Aug. 25, 4-7 p.m. at Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St., Dayton. Annual craft beer festival showcasing over 400 fine beer styles of the world; there will also be a wine garden, live entertainment, local food trucks & vendors, retail sales of wearables, silent auction and raffle. Cost: General Admission $45-$65; discounts for advance tickets. For more information, visit www.daytonconventioncenter.com/.

WHIRLED TOP FESTIVAL: Aug. 25, 5-8 p.m. at Riverfront Park, 3 N. Miami Ave., Miamisburg. Historic activity held in historic downtown Miamisburg where children and adults perform amazing tricks and spin gigantic tops. Cost: Free. For more information, visit exploremiamisburg.com/explore-riverfront-park/.

THE OHIO VALLEY INDIGENOUS MUSIC FESTIVAL: Aug. 25-26, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at Patricia Allyn Park, 7256 Ohio 48, Springboro. Live, award-winning music featuring Native American flutes and folk singers. Relax under a large shaded performance tent with chairs, professional stage, sound and lights. Cost: Free. For more information, visit @TheOhioValleyIndigenousMusicFestival.

FULTON FARM SWEET CORN FESTIVAL: Aug. 25-26, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at Fulton Farms, 2393 Ohio 202, Troy. Free family-friendly event. Enjoy live entertainment, local craft vendors, food trucks, a children's play area, fresh produce, corn roast, farm animals, and much more. Games and contests will keep the fun going throughout the day, while you play, eat and shop locally. Cost: Free. For more information, call 937-335-6983.

DAYTON PORCHFEST: Aug. 25, 1:30 to 7 p.m. at St. Anne's Hill, Dayton. Taking place in the historic St. Anne's Hill neighborhood, just east of downtown, Dayton Porchfest celebrates our rich and diverse music scene, with musicians and bands covering funk and blues to indie rock and jazz, classical and country, to bluegrass and old timey that has deep Appalachian roots here. Also celebrating the ethnic diversity of the region, a reflection of the "Welcome Dayton" spirit that has contributed to a significant influx of immigrants and refugees over the past decade. Cost: Free.

THE TASTE FESTIVAL: Aug. 30, 6-9 p.m. at Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering. Presented by the Kettering-Moraine-Oakwood Chamber of Commerce, The Taste offers food samplings from more than 30 restaurants. Cost: Adults/$25 in advance, $30 day of event; Children under 10 are $10 at the door. For more information, visit www.fraze@ketteringoh.org.

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