Celebrate the long weekend with one of these local events
Labor Day weekend is just around the corner, providing us with a long weekend of fun before fall sets in. Those wanting to go out to celebrate will find no shortage of unique and fun events throughout the weekend. We found nine that will be fun for everyone in the family.
AlterFest
Sept. 2-4. F 7 p.m.-1 a.m., Sa noon-midnight, Su 1 p.m.-midnight
Archbishop Alter High School, 940 E David Road, Kettering
Free
AlterFest returns with carnival rides, games, live music and more.
The Fair at New Boston
Sept. 3-4. Sa 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Su 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
George Rogers Clark Park, 930 S Tecumseh Road, Springfield
Presale tickets: Adults 12+ $8.50, children 6-11 $3. Day of tickets: Adults 12+ $10, active military veterans and first responders $8, children 6-11 $5. Children 5 and under free.
Step back in time to meet early Ohio settlers. The weekend features an opening parade, period entertainment, artisan booths and food.
River Blast
Sept. 3, starts at 6 p.m.
Riverfront Park, 3 N Miami Ave., Miamisburg
Free
Enjoy an evening of free music and fireworks. My Girl Friday will play ’80s pop and alternative rock until the fireworks show at 9:05 p.m.
Dayton Mac and Cheese Fest
Sept. 3, 4-8 p.m.
Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. Fourth St., Dayton
Free
Try mac and cheese (and mac-and-cheese-inspired) dishes from a dozen local restaurants.
Antique Fire Apparatus Show, Deeds Carillon Concert & Train Run
Sept. 3, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Carillon Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton
Apparatus show included with park admission, Trains ride $1 per rider, concert free
Make a day of it at Carillon Park thanks to three different events. First, explore more than 40 antique fire apparatuses thanks to the Miami Valley Antique Fire Apparatus Association. Between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., you can take a ride on the park’s train. And end the day with a free Deeds Carillon concert.
Ohio Renaissance Festival
Sept. 3-5, 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
10542 E. state Route 73, Waynesville
Adults 13+ $28, children 5-12 $10, children under 5 free
The Ohio Renaissance Festival kicks off its 33rd season this Labor Day weekend. Expect unique shows and plenty of crafts and food.
Kettering Holiday at Home
Sept. 3-5, Sa 6-11 p.m., Su-M 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Multiple locations in Kettering
Price Varies
This family-friendly festival celebrates the dog days of summer. The festival features multiple events, including a Saturday night gala, an auto show, 5K run and walk and more.
City of Dayton Reggae Festival
Sept. 4, 1-9 p.m.
Levitt Pavilion, 134 S. Main St., Dayton
Free
Multiple reggae bands will take the stage Sunday, Sept. 4. Local food vendors will also be on site.
