Good morning, Dayton.

A local church will give gift cards ahead of Thanksgiving—each family may receive one card while supplies last.

Restaurants in the Dayton area are offering free meals to help people facing food insecurity in the Miami Valley this week.

Wheat Penny at 515 Wayne Ave. is gearing up with meal pickups today from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.—others like The Blue Berry Cafe, El Meson and The Last Queen are also providing free meal options on different days.

Today, Samaritan's Purse Project Operation Christmas Child opened local drop-off sites for National Collection Week, inviting Dayton residents to donate gifts for children in need + Benjamin Deitner explained how the project helps spread holiday cheer worldwide.

Nonprofits and community partners in the Miami Valley will hold several food drives and holiday giveaways from Nov 21 through Nov 27 to help families facing food insecurity this Thanksgiving.

The events include a drive-through at Trotwood Firehouse — a turkey giveaway at Dayton NAACP headquarters and turkey takeaway meals at local sites, along with a community festival at the Dayton Convention Center.

Today, Center Court will host a holiday event starting at 5:00 p.m. with a live DJ and dance team performances that kick off the evening, and a Santa Arrival Parade will follow at 6:30 p.m.—the event also includes photo opportunities with Santa, a reindeer petting zoo, food trucks and hot chocolate for families.

Karina Tafolla, co-owner of Yellow Springs Bakery & Cafe, will open Daily Dose Caffè in Dayton’s Wright Dunbar District—designed to serve coffee, baked goods, and grab-and-go options that create a welcoming, home-like space.

The coffee shop will operate Tuesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and plans to hire additional staff soon.

Sweetgreen will open a new restaurant at Liberty Center on Dec.

2 that serves fresh salads, warm bowls, protein plates and sides — the 2495 square foot venue is in a new building at the corner of Tylers Place and Liberty Way and will host festivities from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For every meal purchased, a meal will be donated to Shared Harvest.

Lady Linda Crawford has worked as a Dayton milliner for 40 years — she began making hats at Salem Mall and now runs Secret Beauty Boutique in Talbott Tower.

She takes custom measurements for each hat and will start new Derby hat designs in January, showing her ongoing influence on local style.

The county convention facilities authority is planning two new hotels within walking distance of the Dayton Convention Center.

It will buy the Fidelity building at 211 S. Main for a 130-room hotel with about $42 million in investment and advance the HQ Hotel project with proposals next year and a target opening in June 2028.

Kristi Frazee, who began baking two years ago at farmers markets with her mom, opened her first brick-and-mortar bakery called Baken Me Happy at The Social at Piqua Center—located at 987 E.

Ash St.—where customers can taste 30 rotating cookie flavors including her top seller chocolate chip.

Homeowner Annissa Roberts faced thousands in fees and repairs when previous unpermitted upgrades led to a stop work order—she had to fix the issues quickly to save her home.

Clark Howard and real estate attorney Erin Glynn stress the need for buyers to check permits and property records before closing.

Bellarmine Knights vs. Wright State Raiders Women's Basketball

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Nutter Center — Check for ticket prices — Witness an exciting women's basketball matchup between the Bellarmine Knights and Wright State Raiders.

A Show of Gratitude

8-10 p.m. — The Black Box Improv Theater — 50% of proceeds donated — Celebrate the season of giving with laughs to support public radio.

A Carillon Christmas Celebration

5:30-9 p.m. — Carillon Historical Park — $75 for members, $85 for non-members — Experience a magical evening with live carols and festive treats at Ohio’s largest holiday lighting event.

Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop

11 AM – 5 PM — Courtyard by Marriott Dayton Beavercreek — Included — Create your own stunning Turkish mosaic lamp along with sipping Turkish tea and enjoying delightful treats.

Dayton Ohio Eurogamers Meetup

6:30-11:55 p.m. — Bell, Book & Comic — Free entry — Connect with fellow board game enthusiasts for a night of gaming fun.

Such A Night: The Last Waltz Live

8:00-9:30 PM — Victoria Theatre — Prices vary — Experience a live tribute to The Last Waltz with a night of unforgettable music.

Feast of Giving

11 AM – 2 PM — Dayton Convention Center — Free meals and entertainment — Celebrate Thanksgiving with gratitude and community sharing.

Clifton Mill Christmas Lights 2025

6 PM – 9 PM — Historic Clifton Mill — $15 admission — Experience over 4 million twinkling lights and festive holiday displays at one of the finest light shows in the country.

Dayton Turkey Trot

8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Welcome Stadium — Check event page for registration fees — Celebrate Thanksgiving with a festive half marathon and 5K.

Medicare Fitness Lunch and Learn

11:30 a.m. — YMCA of Greater Dayton - YMCA at the Heights — Free lunch — Explore Medicare basics while enjoying a complimentary meal and get expert answers to your questions.