Happy Tuesday Daytonians!

Thanks for spending another week with The Gem, where good times aren’t hard to find. Let’s take a look at what we’ll be covering in this edition…

• Did You Know: Dayton’s Biggest Fall Festival

• Hidden Gems: Agnes, Giovanni’s, Rip Rap Roadhouse

• Local Events: 9/16 – 9/23

• Computer Love: Joby Joins White House Push for Flying Taxis

• Money: Beavercreek Scores $97M Air Force Contract

• Sports: Burrow to Have Toe Surgery, Xenia’s Michalski 9th at Worlds steeplechase, Flyer Invitational: UD vs Wright State

— Tom

Did you know?

Dayton’s Biggest Fall Festival, Oktoberfest, Has Fueled the Art Institute Since 1971 🎨

Oktoberfest at the Dayton Art Institute is back September 26–28, 2025, bringing one of the city’s favorite fall traditions. The three day festival kicks off with Friday’s Lederhosen Lunch and Preview Party, then continues all weekend with live music, artisan vendors, a food court, and the famous beer stein holding contest. Families can enjoy special kids’ activities during FamilyFest, while adults can sample German beer and wine.

Tickets range from $12–15 for adults ($20–25 for a weekend pass), with discounts for seniors, youth, and free admission for children under 6. More than just a party, Oktoberfest has been a Dayton tradition since 1971 and is one of the Art Institute’s biggest fundraisers, helping support exhibits and community programs.

Click here for more info

Hidden Gems

Caribbean Jerk & Coco Bread—Agnes, Oregon District 🍗

Agnes brings island warmth to the Oregon District, blending fast casual comfort with family legacy. Inside the corner space at 613 E. 5th St., aromas of allspice and char drift from jerk chicken bowls over rice & peas, rich oxtails, and creamy Rasta Pasta, while coco bread sandwiches promise soft, buttery bites.

The name honors Mrs. Agnes—born in Grenada, seasoned in Trinidad whose recipes inspire today’s wholesome, budget friendly menu. Sip a brown sugar lemonade, catch the hum of conversation, and enjoy late-night hours that keep the block glowing. Authentic Caribbean, Dayton soul.

Check them out on Facebook

Fairborn’s Red-Sauce Classic Since 1953 🍤

At 215 W. Main St., Giovanni’s hums with warm booths, clinking glasses, and the garlic-sweet perfume of pies sliding from the oven. A hometown staple since 1953, it’s where birthdays, teams, and Tuesdays all land. Thin-crust specialty pizzas share space with bubbling baked pastas and old-school subs, while seasonal one offs like the beloved stuffed Vidalia onion spark chatter.

The recipe book here reads like hometown memory spaghetti nights, cheese ravioli, and thin, crackly crusts built for sharing. On special Sundays you might even catch an Italian buffet. Independent, neighborly, and unmistakably Fairborn since day one.

Check them out on Facebook

Huber Heights’ Barn, Bikes & Broasted Chicken 🦐

Rip Rap Roadhouse keeps the engines running at 6024 Rip Rap Rd, where an 1853 barn turned roadhouse holds decades of biker bar lore from McNasty’s to Jackass Flats to today’s crew. Wednesday Bike Night packs the patio with chrome, live music, and easygoing conversation.

Plates lean hearty: the PanHead Pork Chop with house seasoning, broasted chicken with crackly skin, and a rich Roadhouse Gumbo. Independent, family friendly, and right off the bike path, it’s truly Dayton through and through for riders and families alike.

Check them out on Facebook

THE BULLETIN 📌

Want to spread the good word about your business, a project you’re working on, a hire, or just want to say hi to 3500+ Daytonians?

Local Events

MINI RESOURCE FAIR: CONNECT TO SUPPORT & STABILITY

• What: Connect with community organizations for housing, employment, crisis recovery, mental health, legal aid, child care, and more. Drop-in; no registration.

• When: September 16, 12–2 PM

• Where: Dayton Metro Library – Main, 215 E Third St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

THE BEACH BOYS: SOUNDS OF SUMMER AT FRAZE

• What: America’s Band brings sunny harmonies and hit-after-hit singalongs in Kettering’s alfresco amphitheater.

• When: September 16, 7:30 PM

• Where: Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd, Kettering

• How Much: $40–$75 (prices increase $5 day-of)

WSU CONSTITUTION DAY SALUTE

• What: Mini-fair with pocket Constitutions, civic info, and voter resources celebrating Constitution Day.

• When: September 17, 11 AM – 12:30 PM

• Where: Wright State University, Student Union Atrium, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Dayton

• How Much: Free

INTERNATIONAL SERIES: SWEDEN @ SINCLAIR

• What: Lunchtime talk explores Swedish culture, travel, and traditions—part of Sinclair’s global series.

• When: September 17, 12–1 PM

• Where: Sinclair College, Bldg. 10, Stage Area, 444 W. Third St., Dayton

• How Much: Free

FROM DAYTON WITH FUNK

• What: A homegrown funk showcase celebrating the city’s groove—live bands, dancing, good vibes.

• When: September 18, 7–11 PM

• Where: The Brightside, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton

• How Much: $10–$20

USAF MARATHON HEALTH & FITNESS EXPO

• What: Runners’ paradise with vendors, demos, and packet pickup—open to the public.

• When: September 18, 3–7 PM; September 19, 11 AM – 8 PM

• Where: Wright State Univ. Nutter Center, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Fairborn

• How Much: Free

DAYTON SUMMERFEST @ LEVITT

• What: Rotary’s free end-of-summer concert night at Levitt—family-friendly picnic vibes, lawn chairs encouraged.

• When: September 19, 6–9:30 PM

• Where: Levitt Pavilion, 134 S Main St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

NATE JACKSON: BIG DOG

• What: Viral comic and “Wild ’N Out” alum brings high-energy stand-up to the Victoria.

• When: September 19, 7:30–9 PM

• Where: Victoria Theatre, 138 N Main St, Dayton

• How Much: $35+

WRITER & AUTHOR’S SYMPOSIUM

• What: Workshops, talks, and a local-author expo—ignite your writing, meet creators, explore stories.

• When: September 20, 10 AM – 5 PM

• Where: Dayton Metro Library – Main, 215 E Third St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

SCIENCE SATURDAYS AT THE HALL OF FAME

• What: Free, drop-in STEM demos in the Joe Clark Innovation Lab—paper gliders, rocket builds, kid-friendly experiments; themes rotate monthly.

• When: September 20, 1–3 PM

• Where: National Aviation Hall of Fame (inside NMUSAF), 1100 Spaatz St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

WALK TO DEFEAT ALS – DAYTON

• What: Community walk supporting ALS research and care; teams, family activities, and mission moments on the concourse. Fundraising encouraged; registration free.

• When: September 21, 9:30 AM – 1 PM

• Where: Day Air Ballpark, 220 N Patterson Blvd, Dayton

• How Much: Free to register; fundraising encouraged

DAYTON PICKLE FEST – FOOD TRUCK RALLY

• What: Crunchy celebration of all things pickle with trucks, vendors, and live beats.

• When: September 21, 11 AM – 6 PM

• Where: The Brightside, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

PRESERVING YOUR DIGITAL MEMORIES

• What: Learn best practices to organize and safeguard photos, videos, and files for the long haul.

• When: September 22, 5:30–6:30 PM

• Where: DML – Northwest Branch, 2410 Philadelphia Dr, Dayton

• How Much: Free

COMEDY OPEN-MIC @ OREGON EXPRESS

• What: Late-night Monday laughs—sign-ups, new voices, and a lively crowd in the District.

• When: September 22, 9–11 PM

• Where: The Oregon Express, 336 E. Fifth St., Dayton

• How Much: Free

UD CAMPUS TOUR & INFO SESSION

• What: Guided info session and walking tour for prospective students and families. Explore campus highlights and ask admissions questions.

• When: September 23, 2–3:30 PM (also 4 PM session)

• Where: University of Dayton, 300 College Park, Dayton

• How Much: Free

DIGITAL TOOLS FOR GOVERNMENT ARCHIVES

• What: Learn tech tips for researching government archival records—practical, hands-on session with a case study on the JFK files.

• When: September 23, 5–6 PM

• Where: DML – Vandalia Branch, 330 S Dixie Dr, Vandalia

• How Much: Free

Computer Love

Dayton Takes Off: Joby Joins White House Push for Flying Taxis 🚁 

Dayton’s Joby Aviation has been tapped by the White House to help launch the nation’s first eVTOL Integration Pilot Program, a federal push to bring electric “flying taxis” into everyday use. The company, now building a plant near Dayton International Airport that could produce up to 500 aircraft a year, will help test how these aircraft fit into U.S. airspace.

Backed by a recent executive order, the program will explore passenger flights, cargo delivery, and emergency response. For Dayton, the project could mean new jobs, major investment, and a front row seat in shaping the future of aviation.

Money

Beavercreek Scores $97M Air Force Contract for Digital Overhaul 💰

Beavercreek based Illumination Works LLC has secured a U.S. Air Force contract worth up to $97 million. The deal, running through 2036, will modernize digital systems across Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and logistics hubs nationwide.

The work includes upgrading Industrial Internet of Things platforms, advanced data analytics, and smarter inventory control to boost speed and accuracy in Air Force operations. For Illumination Works, it’s a huge win that cements the company as a key defense tech partner while bringing long term investment and opportunity to the Dayton area.

Real Estate 🏠

Sports

Burrow to Have Toe Surgery; Bengals Brace for At Least 3 Months  🏈

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow will undergo surgery on his injured left toe, head coach Zac Taylor confirmed Monday. Burrow was hurt in Sunday’s 31–27 win over Jacksonville after a sack by Arik Armstead and left in a boot and on crutches.

CBS Sports reports the procedure is expected to sideline him for at least three months, putting Jake Browning in line to start as Cincinnati navigates a 2–0 start without its franchise passer.

Xenia’s Michalski surges to 9th at Worlds steeplechase

Xenia’s Dan Michalski capped a storybook rise with a ninth place finish in the 3,000m steeplechase at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, clocking 8:37.12 after boldly taking the lead with two laps to go.

The Cedarville grad reached the final by placing third in his heat and has balanced running with real-life hustle, now aided by the U.S. Air Force’s World Class Athlete Program

Flyer Invitational: Dayton vs Wright State (VB)

• What: Crosstown volleyball showdown to cap the Flyer Invitational. High-energy college action at Frericks.

• When: September 20, 7–9 PM

• Where: Frericks Center, 300 College Park, Dayton

• How Much: $8 adults; $5 youth