Dayton Restaurant Week 2026 Is Here,
Art in the City, Greene County Fair,
and What's Happening Now.

We are closing out July and heading into a packed first week of August, and there is a lot to get out and do across the Dayton area. Dayton Restaurant Week is in full swing through August 2, Art in the City takes over downtown this Saturday, the Greene County Fair opens in Xenia, and Boro Fest is bringing family fun to Springboro. Here is everything you need to know for the next few days and the weeks ahead.

I always tell my clients that the best way to get to know a community is to experience it. Events like these are the perfect opportunity to explore a neighborhood, try a new restaurant, and see what makes the Dayton area such a great place to live.

Dayton Summer Restaurant Week: Still Going Through August 2

Dayton Summer Restaurant Week is happening right now through Sunday, August 2. Organized by the Miami Valley Restaurant Association, this is one of the best food events of the year, with 30-plus participating restaurants across the region offering three-course prix fixe menus at discounted prices.

The pricing follows a fun $XX.26 theme, with most meals falling between $20.26 and $40.26 for a full three-course experience. And for every meal served, $1 is donated to local charities including the MVRA Education Foundation and SICSA Pet Adoption and Wellness Center.

Some of the participating restaurants I would highlight include All The Best Delicatessen on Far Hills Avenue offering a three-course menu from $20.26, Amber Rose on Valley Street for Eastern European comfort food at $25.26 and $30.26, and El Meson in its stunning historic church setting for $30.26. Carvers Steaks & Chops offers tiers from $20.26 to $40.26, while Dublin Pub ranges from $20.26 to $35.26 for a taste of Ireland in the Oregon District.

For lighter pricing, Hickory River Smokehouse and All The Best both come in at $20.26. For a splurge, Figlio at $35.26 and Chop House at $35.26 deliver high-end dining at a fraction of the usual cost.

Other notable participants include Agave & Rye (Centerville, Liberty Center, and Troy), Archer's Tavern (Centerville and Kettering), Chappy's Social House, Dewberry 1850, Crooked Handle Brewing Co., Lucky Star Brewery & Cantina, SOB Steakhouse, and many more. Full menus are posted on dineoutdayton.com.

If you have not made it out yet, there is still time this weekend. Restaurant Week is one of those events that reminds me how strong the Dayton food scene has become.

This Weekend: August 1-2

Art in the City — Saturday, August 1

Art in the City returns to downtown Dayton this Saturday, August 1, with live performances, art demonstrations, vendor booths, and creative activities throughout the day. It is a free, family-friendly celebration of the arts that brings energy and creativity to the downtown streets. If you have not been before, it is a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon exploring the city center.

Boro Fest — Saturday, August 1 in Springboro

Springboro is hosting Boro Fest on August 1 with live music, bounce houses, kids' activities, free face painting, and food trucks. It is the kind of community event that makes Springboro such a popular choice for families. If you are considering a move to southern Warren County, this is a great chance to see the community in action.

Greene County Fair — August 2-8 in Xenia

The Greene County Fair opens Sunday, August 2 at the fairgrounds in Xenia and runs through August 8. Rides, livestock shows, grandstand entertainment, 4-H exhibitions, and classic county fair food. It is a week-long tradition that draws families from every corner of the county. If you have kids, the livestock barns and midway are always a hit. The fair runs through the entire first week of August, so there is plenty of time to plan a visit.

St. John the Evangelist Family Festival

Running Friday July 31 through Sunday August 2, the St. John the Evangelist Family Festival is a weekend of food, games, rides, and family entertainment. A great option if you are looking for something close to home after work on Friday or want to cap off the weekend on Sunday.

New Spots Worth Checking Out

Level Up Pinball Bar in Beavercreek

I recently learned about Level Up Pinball Bar on Seajay Drive in Beavercreek, and it sounds like a lot of fun. Located right next to Wild Axe Throwing, Level Up features 30-plus modern and classic coinless pinball machines including Stern titles like James Bond 007, Metallica Remastered, and Venom, plus 30-plus arcade games, skeeball, and claw machines. It is open daily from 1 PM, with late hours until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Whether you are looking for a date night idea or something to do with the family, it is a unique addition to Beavercreek's entertainment scene.

Toasted Brunch Bar + Cafe Expanding to Vandalia

After a successful opening near The Greene in Beavercreek on Valentine's Day 2026, Toasted Brunch Bar + Cafe is planning a second location in Vandalia at 352 East National Road. The Beavercreek location has been packed since opening day, and the Vandalia location will bring the same creative brunch menu, coffee program, and warm atmosphere to the northern suburbs. This is great news for Vandalia residents who have been wanting more dining variety close to home.

Panda Express Under Construction in Beavercreek

Construction continues at the former PNC Bank site at 2761 Fairfield Commons near the Mall at Fairfield Commons. The new Panda Express will feature a drive-thru and about 50 parking spaces. No official opening date has been announced, but the work is moving forward and it will be a convenient option for shoppers and residents in the Fairfield Commons area.

Looking Ahead: Mid-August Events

The second weekend of August is one of the busiest of the summer. Here is what is on the horizon.

Centerville Party in the Park returns August 14 from 5-9 PM at Stubbs Park Amphitheater with free live music and food trucks. The Bellbrook Lions Club SummerFest runs August 14-15 at the old Sugarcreek School with carnival rides and family entertainment. The Germanfest Picnic is August 14-16 at the Dayton Liederkranz, a three-day celebration of German heritage with authentic food, live music, and dancing. And the Fairborn Sweet Corn Festival on August 15-16 offers 130-plus craft vendors, corn-eating contests, and live entertainment with free admission.

Later in the month, the Trans Am Cruise-In brings classic car enthusiasts to downtown Tipp City on August 24 from 5-9 PM. Springboro ARTFest on Main returns August 29 with a juried fine arts festival showcasing local and regional artists. And the Kettering Block Party on August 19 offers free hot dogs and ice cream at Lincoln Park and Fraze Pavilion from 6-8 PM.

Why This Matters for Homebuyers and Sellers

I share these updates because the health of a community shows up in its restaurants, its events, and its public spaces. When I work with buyers who are relocating to the area, one of the first questions I get is about the local food scene and what there is to do on weekends. Being able to point to Restaurant Week, Art in the City, the Greene County Fair, Boro Fest, and a new pinball bar in Beavercreek tells a story about a region that has energy, variety, and community pride.

For sellers, events like these give you a story to tell about your neighborhood and your community. The fact that Springboro hosts Boro Fest and Bellbrook has SummerFest and Beavercreek has Level Up Pinball Bar and Centerville has Party in the Park -- these are the details that make a community feel like home to the right buyer.

If you are thinking about buying or selling and want to understand how the area is evolving, I would be glad to sit down and talk through it. In the meantime, get out there and enjoy Restaurant Week while it lasts.