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Come downtown for the festivals, stay for the bars
It’s a jam-packed weekend in Dayton. Friday, May 14 is the twice-annual celebration of all things Downtown Dayton - Urban Nights. The FilmDayton Festival runs Friday-Sunday at the Neon Movies and Gilly’s. Hamvention amateur radio convention will take over Hara Arena. And the 37th annual International Festival, A World A’Fair brings music, food and cultural exhibits to the Dayton Convention Center.
If all the action makes you thirsty, here are some suggestions for bars to check out a hop, skip or a short drive from the weekend’s festivities.
Urban Nights, all over downtown Dayton
J-Alan’s
If you’re hanging at Courthouse Square or the satellite stages along Jefferson, J-Alan’s patio is just a short walk and a great place to take a load off. Jam band Terrapin Moon will be playing classic rock tunes starting at 10 p.m.
Where: J-Alans, 121 N. Ludlow St., Dayton, (937) 222-4811
When: 10 p.m., Friday, May 14
The bite: $3 cover charge, free for those with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base ID.
Club Vex
Also a short walk from the downtown stages of Urban Nights, Club Vex will be hosting an art show in conjunction with the event. Fridays are their weekly Night of SYN event with DJs Kris, Matt Freeman, and Infidel-icious spinning Goth, Industrial and more.
Where: Club Vex, 101 S. St. Clair St., Dayton
When: 9 p.m., Friday, May 14
The bite: Cover charge, 18 and up welcome
The 88 Club
If you make your way to the Riverscape stage during Urban Nights, you’ll be right around the corner from this lounge bar. Stop in for a drink on the patio during their Off the Hook Happy Hour. Specials include $2 domestic beers, $3 imported beer, and $3 well cocktails.
Where: The 88 Club, 219 N. Patterson Blvd., Dayton
When: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, May 14
The bite: No cover
The Oregon District: FilmDayton, World A’Fair, and Urban Nights are all within walking distance from the arts district.
SideBar
The new location just opened last week in the former Pacchia location, and if the weekend’s crowds were any indication, SideBar is the new place to see and be seen in Dayton. Dress to impress and enjoy a classic cocktail in the trendy, candlelit space, or people watch the district on the patio facing Fifth Street.
Where: SideBar, 410 E. Fifth St., Dayton
When: 4 p.m. to 1:30 a.m daily
The bite: No cover charge
Hamvention, Hara Arena
Boston’s Bistro and Pub
If you head up to Trotwood for the annual amateur radio convention you’ll be a short drive from Boston’s, and their huge craft and import beer selection. Bring the family dog along on Saturday for their Bark Park in the Bier Garten. All you need is your favorite pooch, a water dish, and leash. They’ll have special biers for you and treats for your dog.
Where: Boston’s Bistro and Pub, 7500 N. Main St., Dayton
When: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, May 15
The bite: No cover charge
Permalink | Comments (7) | Post your comment | Categories: Best Bets, Events
Comments
By Dwntwn Consumer
May 14, 2010 10:04 AM | Link to this
Hey It’s great in Dayton…None of those instances took place downtown…You posted addresses, do you not have mapquest. I am hoping this city which I moved to 8 years ago is in rcovery and I am happy to see my city providing community interaction and here you are knocking it. Or is just because you have no one to attend with…stay home and liten to your police blotter while my wife and I have a wonderful evening in Dayton.
By Jackie Layne
May 14, 2010 12:43 PM | Link to this
Why wasn’t there any mention of Urban Nights in the Wright-Dunbar district?
By Knitmom
May 14, 2010 12:57 PM | Link to this
Dear “It’s Great in Dayton”. I agree with “Don in Beavercreek” & “Dwntwn Consumer”. I am 47 and have lived in 3 different areas of Dayton since I was 5. Though the incidents that you kindly listed in your post did happen, they didn’t happen in the areas of Dayton that I happened to live in. I live in a very nice, neighborly community in North Dayton and have never been exposed to any kind of violence. Just like with any big city, you are going to have concentrated areas where there is going to be more crime. But that does not speak for the whole city. Dayton has a lot to offer culturally and is full of wonderful people. I am proud to call Dayton my home.
By Wine Enthusiast
May 14, 2010 1:16 PM | Link to this
Public Service Announcement: The Wine Gallery and Café has moved from 3rd and Wayne to Main and Monument. The Urban Nights maps show the correct location on the map, but the restaurant list shows the old address. Check out the Wine Gallery’s great new location at Main and Monument. Plenty of parking next to the building.
By RedHdLass
May 14, 2010 3:54 PM | Link to this
When downtown please go to Carmen’s deli at 110 North Main Street (the building is 2nd&Main but the Deli entrance is off of 2nd St.) and support a fantastic local…great desserts and fresh food and one of the most friendly business owners ever! They are staying open late tonight!
By daryl
May 14, 2010 5:33 PM | Link to this
im going to adobe gilas cause i gotta work
By filmy porno
May 28, 2010 11:13 AM | Link to this
Great article, great job! I’ve just added to my bookmark list. I’ll back for sure