Mark your calendars for a year brimming with celestial wonders, sporting excitement, artistic brilliance, captivating theatrical experiences, and aviation milestones. Dayton is set to unfold a tapestry of incredible moments that promise to captivate your senses and leave you with lasting memories. Here are just five events to consider attending this year:
Witness the Intensity of the NCAA® First Four® Tournament
March is right around the corner and that means basketball madness returns! UD Arena will once again host the opening games of the 2024 NCAA® Division I Men's Basketball Championship, featuring the First Four® with four first-round matchups scheduled for March 19 and 20. Each night will feature two games, and the victors of each match will progress along the journey to the Final Four®. Rest assured, these games will unfold in front of enthusiastic, capacity where the atmosphere is consistently electric!
There's no denying that Dayton is a basketball mecca. Buy your tickets now before they sell out!
Experience the Total Solar Eclipse
Grab a chair or blanket and bask in the expansive sky views as the moon gracefully aligns with the sun, casting a mesmerizing Total Solar Eclipse on April 8! The path of totality for the 2024 Great North American Eclipse spans from Mexico to Canada, crossing 14 states. In Dayton, witness 2 minutes and 43 seconds of total darkness starting at 3:09 p.m. The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force has graciously opened up their grounds as the primary viewing location.
This extraordinary event marks Ohio's first total solar eclipse since 1806—don't miss this historic celestial phenomenon! Food trucks and entertainment are to be announced at a later date. Stay tuned for more updates as the event draws closer! You won't want to miss this historic celestial phenomenon.
Feel the Rhythm of WGI Sport of the Arts
Get ready for a spectacular showcase of talent as WGI Sport of the Arts, the world's leading organization in producing indoor color guard, percussion, and winds competitions, descends upon Dayton from April 11-13 for their highly anticipated World Championships.
Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of winter guard, a captivating sport that seamlessly blends the art of flags, sabers, mock rifles, and other equipment with expressive dance and interpretive movement. While most color guards hail from schools and universities, independent organizations, linked more to geographical locations or drum corps, add an extra layer of diversity to this extraordinary event. Witness this pinnacle of creativity by purchasing your tickets now!
The Lion King Roars Back
Experience the magic of Disney's THE LION KING presented by Dayton Live as it returns triumphantly to Dayton at the Schuster Center, May 1-12! Watch in awe as the Serengeti comes to life with giraffes strutting, birds swooping, and gazelles leaping. Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist, accompanied by soaring music that transports you to the heart of this Broadway spectacular.
Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, THE LION KING is a breathtaking journey crafted by an imaginative creative team. Director Julie Taymor, choreographer Garth Fagan, and music by Elton John and Tim Rice weave a tale of hope and adventure against a backdrop of stunning visuals. Over 100 million people worldwide have been captivated by the visual artistry, unforgettable music, and theatrical storytelling of this beloved production. Be one of the next 100 million by getting your tickets now!
Witness the Thrill of 50 Years Soaring
An aviation extravaganza is set to take place in 2024 as the CenterPoint® Energy Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger marks its 50th year of thrilling audiences in the birthplace of aviation – Dayton, Ohio! This will be a truly unforgettable experience featuring the iconic U.S. Navy Blue Angels, headlining an incredible lineup of jaw-dropping performers and aircraft displays. This special air show, June 22-23, promises excitement for fans of all ages, complete with delicious food and entertainment.
With limited seating that tends to sell out fast, secure your spot early for one of the biggest and most historic air shows in Dayton's rich aviation legacy. Don't forget about the Vandalia-Butler Chamber of Commerce Air Show Parade, typically held the Friday prior to the air show.
As we embark on this thrilling journey through an array of spectacular events, it's clear that Dayton is set to make 2024 a year to remember. So, whether you're a sports fanatic, astronomy enthusiast, performing arts lover, or aviation buff, there's something extraordinary waiting for you. As we gear up for these phenomenal events, be sure to secure your tickets early, mark your calendars, and join us in making memories that will last a lifetime. From the courts to the skies, Dayton is where unforgettable experiences take flight. For more events throughout the year visit our calendar!
