Celebrate summer with these Dayton-area festivals

Summer in Dayton is in full swing—and so is the region’s summer event calendar. From the world-famous Dayton Air Show to a food festival that’s all about garlic, late July is chock-full of events celebrating local history, food and culture. 

The Ohio Challenge  
July 21-22 
Hot air balloon festival. $5 per adult, 12 and under free. Parking $15. 2301 Wedekind Dr, Middletown.

GarlicFest 
July 22 
Food festival that celebrates garlic. Noon-8 p.m. Free. Courthouse Square, downtown Dayton.

Dayton Air Show 
July 22-23 
Air show headlined by The Thunderbirds. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. $21-$35, free children 5 and under. Vandalia.  

Brookville Community Picnic 
July 27-29 
Community festival with music, fishing derby and more. Th 3-9 p.m., F noon-10 p.m., Sa 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Golden Gate Park, 545 Upper Lewisburg Salem Rd, Brookville.  

St. Ann Parish Festival 
July 28-29 
Church festival with music, food and games. 6-11:30 p.m. Free. St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 3028 Pleasant Ave, Hamilton.  

Annie Oakley Festival 
July 28-30 
Family festival honoring sharpshooter Annie Oakley. F-Sa 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Su 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Darke County Fairgrounds, 800 Sweitzer St, Greenville. 

Dayton Celtic Fest 
July 28-30 
Celtic music and heritage festival. F 5:30-11 p.m., Sa 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m., Su 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. RiverScape MetroPark, 111 E. Monument Ave., Dayton. 

GreekFest 
July 29 
Greek church festival with food, church tours and music. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. 2500 Grand Ave, Middletown.

The Gathering at Garst 
July 29-30 
Festival with craftsmen, historical reenactments, food and spirits. Sa 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Su 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 205 N Broadway, Greenville. 937-548-5250