As the fall leaves deepen, here’s how to make the rest of October memorable in the Miami Valley

🍂 October Events — Dayton & Beyond

Autumn is in full swing, and there’s plenty to see and do in Dayton and the surrounding communities. Below is a curated list of events happening - music, theatre, family fun, fall festivals, and seasonal attractions.

🎪 Festivals & Fall Celebrations

Bradford Pumpkin Show  October 7-11, 2025
One of Ohio’s longest-running pumpkin festivals, with parades, carnival rides, craft vendors, pumpkin treats, games, and family-friendly entertainment. Culture Works+1

Ohio Renaissance Festival  Weekends through October 26, 2025
Step into a medieval world with jousting, costumed characters, artisan vendors, food, and performances. dayton-daily-news+2Ohio Festivals+2

Lebanon Oktoberfest  October 10-11, 2025
A German-style festival with food, music, and brews in a festive community setting. Culture Works

Golden Ghouls™, the Golden Girls Halloween Show — October 19, 2025
A fun, spooky-themed show riffing off “The Golden Girls,” held at MJ’s in Dayton. Eventbrite

39th Annual Hauntfest  October 25-26, 2025 (Oregon District, Dayton)
Halloween-themed festival spanning two nights, with costumed fun, performances, and local festivities. AllEvents

Pumpkin Carving / Pumpkin Glow  October 24-26, 2025
Community pumpkin carving & glowing displays at Stoddard Avenue (via AllEvents listing) AllEvents

Nightmare on Nupe St.  October 31, 2025
A haunted night event on Nupe Street in Edgemont. Eventbrite+1

🎭 Music, Theater & Performances

Black Violin: Full Circle Tour  October 10, 2025
A genre-blending performance combining classical, hip-hop, and more. AllEvents+2Dayton Local+2

Dracula (kind of) — Drunk Theater — October 10, 2025 (Yellow Cab Tavern)
A playful, theatrical twist on the Dracula tale in an intimate setting. Eventbrite

The Sound of Music  October 14–19, 2025
A beloved musical staged at the Schuster Center (Dayton) as part of the season lineup. AllEvents+1

Vitamin String Quartet  Starting October 18, 2025 (Victoria Theatre)
Known for classical renditions of popular music — scheduled in Dayton in mid-October. AllEvents

Other Fall Music & Performance Picks

• Ohio Vintage Fest 26 - October 18, 2025, Dayton Convention Center AllEvents

• Live Music at the H - Lounge - October 10, 2025 AllEvents

• Fall Family Adventure - October 18, 2025 at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark AllEvents

🌽 Seasonal Attractions & Outdoor Fun

Corn Maze at Lost Creek Reserve - Open through October 26, daily 8 a.m. to sunset
A six-acre corn maze that’s ideal for fall day trips. Dayton Local

Downtown Events & Art Exhibits

• Various workshops (oil painting, clay lab), open mic nights, music bingo, juried exhibitions, and community happenings throughout October. Downtown Dayton Partnership+2Dayton Local+2

• Exhibit: Beyond Guilt (visual storytelling exhibit) among others on the Downtown Dayton calendar. Downtown Dayton Partnership

Ohio Renaissance Festival (weekends through October 26)
Already mentioned above, but worth repeating for those looking for an immersive outdoor experience. dayton-daily-news+1

📅 At-a-Glance Calendar (Oct 6 Forward)