Get ready for the biggest bar night of the year

By Katie Wedell | Thursday, November 19, 2009, 12:00 AM

Before you stuff yourself with turkey and sweet potatoes, remember that the night before Thanksgiving is a holiday, too! Celebrate Black Wednesday, the biggest bar night of the year, by dancing the night away at one of these local bar parties. There’s no excuse because you don’t have to go to work the next day.

Wallaby’s

Forget the turkey and traditional trimmings. Wallaby’s is celebrating Thanksgiving with a hot body contest and balloon drop with more than $2,000 in cash and prizes. DJ Smarts will provide the dance music, and there will be drink specials all night. Discount admission for those with college or military ID.

Where: Wallaby’s, 2434 Esquire Drive, Beavercreek.

When: 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.

The bite: Call (937) 427-1800 for more information.

South Beach Nite Club

South Beach’s Thanksgiving Eve Bash will feature the best dance music from DJ Chris Rock, and the kitchen will be open all night.

Where: South Beach Nite Club, 729 Lyons Road (Washington Park Plaza), Centerville.

When: Doors open at 7 p.m.

The bite: 18 and older welcome. Call (937) 439-9040 for more information.

RUN DYT Part 2 at Club Vex

Kate Worldwide and Give Us A Break present Tony Desaro, DJ Nostalgic, Stuart Allen, Mike Donovan and Ceemore.

Where: Club Vex, 101 S. St. Clair St., Dayton.

When: 9:30 p.m. to 3 a.m.

The bite: $5 all night, 18 and older welcome.

Hammerjax

Every Wednesday is College Night at Hammerjax with specials including $1.50 Miller Lites.

Where: Hammerjax, 111 E. Fourth St., Dayton.

When: Doors open at 9 p.m.

The bite: Discounted admission for those with a college ID. Call (937) 641-1114 for more information.

McGuffy’s House of Rock

Bronson Hetzer will perform at McGuffy’s Pre-Thanksgiving Bash.

Where: McGuffy’s House of Rock, 5418 Burkhardt Road, Dayton.

When: 9 p.m. show, doors open at 7 p.m.

The bite: 18 and older welcome. $5 for 21 and older, $8 for 18-20.

Eighth annual Thanksgiving Eve show at Wiley’s

All of Wiley’s favorite comics are home for the holidays.

Where: Wiley’s Comedy Club, 101 Pine St., Dayton.

When: 8 p.m. show, doors open at 7:15 p.m.

The bite: $5, no special passes accepted.

Oregon Express

OE is throwing a Pre-Thanksgiving Party with music by the Skilless Villains.

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

When: 9:30 p.m.

The bite: Call (937) 223-9205 for more information.

Canal Street Tavern

Get a Pre-Thanksgiving music fix with performances by the Psychodots and Maurice Mattei.

Where: Canal Street Tavern, 308 E. First St., Dayton.

When: 9 p.m. show, doors open at 8 p.m.

The bite: $12 at the door.

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Game day parties: Where to catch the OSU-Michigan game

By Katie Wedell | Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 05:55 PM

The ninth-ranked Buckeyes already have a trip to the Rose Bowl to look forward to, but OSU fans know the real “big game” is this weekend when they take on that team from up North — Michigan. The Buckeyes have a chance to keep their rivals out of a bowl game if they win in Ann Arbor this weekend.

You’ll be able to see all the action in every sports bar this Saturday, but these local venues want to make your game day experience extra special.

Most bars are opening at 11 a.m. or earlier for the noon kickoff, call the number listed for more info on any of these events.

Dayton Commercial Realty

The Knights of Columbus, OSU Alumni Association, Bucknuts.com, German Orthodontics, Dayton Commercial Realty and Unified Health Solutions are sponsoring a Buckeye Bash under a heated big top.

They’ll have a huge heated tent set up in the rear parking lot with the game on the Jumbotron. Admission is free but bring your wallet for Monte Carlo gaming including Texas Hold’em, plus raffles, food and drinks and a silent auction with special OSU collectibles including a Woody Hayes autograph.

The party is going on all day from noon to midnight. Proceeds will benefit the Knights of Columbus and Unified Health Solutions. Dayton Commercial Realty, 3085 Woodman Drive, Dayton. (937) 220-6610.

Bargos Grill and Tap

Bargos in Centerville will be serving up Kegs and Eggs for the big game — because nothing says college football like cracking open a beer before breakfast. 588 Miamisburg Centerville Road, Centerville. (937) 433-2500.

West Carrollton VFW

Mens Auxitiary VFW Post 3438 is sponsoring an Ohio State-Michigan Game Fish Fry with raffles, football pools and of course food. 5441 Marina Drive, West Carrollton. (937) 859-3896.

Stingers 2 Sports Lounge

Live up north? Stingers will have the game on their 100-inch big screen. Plus enjoy the outdoor patio with heated canopy. 244 Patrick Ave., Urbana. (937) 653-8448.

Know of more Buckeye celebrations going on this weekend? Leave the details in a comment.

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Drinks and putt-putt partner for Barstool Open

By Katie Wedell | Wednesday, November 11, 2009, 02:53 PM

Dust off those putters. It’s time once again to mini-golf at the bars.

The eighth annual Barstool Open will be held this Saturday, Nov. 14, in the Oregon District.

If you’ve never been to this annual fundraiser, which last year raised $10,000 for United Rehabilitation Services, imagine combining the best aspects of mini-golf and bar crawling into one uber-event. It’s nine bars, nine holes and lots of costumed fun.

Teams of four are encouraged to dress up, and there will be cash prizes for the best costumed team as well as the top three golf finishers.

Tom Parker, development director for United Rehabilitation Services, said participants can expect the best aspects of last year’s event to be back, plus lots of great new features.

“The two-story hole at Newcom’s will be back,” Parker said. “You’ve got to see it!” Last year’s putt off the balcony was a big hit and has inspired other unique holes, like a patio hole out the back of the Trolley Stop.

Another addition will be the mega raffle prize for “An Evening in the Oregon District.”

Local businesses including the Crowne Plaza hotel, Wiley’s, Jay’s Seafood, Thai9, Coco’s, Blind Bob’s, Dublin Pub and Trolley Stop all donated services to make a special night on the town.

The Crowne Plaza will offer a special room rate to golfers Saturday night so no one has to drive home. Trolley Stop will also host an afterparty, where all golfers can get together and compare handicaps.

“There seems to be more enthusiasm this year,” Parker said, noting that more than 60 teams have already registered. He expects to top 80 teams and hopes to raise $12,000 to help adults and children with disabilities.

Those wishing to participate can register right up to the start of the event at any of these participating bars: Blind Bob’s, Dublin Pub, Ned Peppers, Newcom’s, Oregon Express, Sloopy’s, Trolley Stop, and Tumbleweed.

how to go

WHERE: Oregon District, various venues on Fifth Street, Dayton

WHEN: Tee off at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14

THE BITE: $180 per team of four.

MORE INFO: Call Taryn Ward at (937) 233-1230, ext. 104, or e-mail tward@ursdayton.org.

More bar best bets this weekend:

Phobia II at Club Vex

What better time to explore all of your worst fears and phobias than Friday the 13th? About 45 artists will be showing their representation of different phobias this Friday at Club Vex. Other than artwork, resident DJ Matt Freeman, along with DJ Kris and Infidel-icious, will provide music. Everyone who attends will receive a ballot to vote for the best representation. The winning artist will receive a cash prize.

WHERE: Club Vex, 101 S. St. Clair St., Dayton

WHEN: 9 p.m. to 3:30 a.m., Friday, Nov. 13

THE BITE: $6

Neon party at Club Masque

Get ready for a glowing good time this Friday at Club Masque. Everyone gets a free glowstick, but feel free to wear your own glow-in-the-dark gear or white clothing for the best effect. Masque Men performing all night.

WHERE: Club Masque, 34 N. Jefferson St., Dayton

WHEN: 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Friday, Nov. 13

THE BITE: $5

Casablanca reunion at South Beach Nite Club

This Friday, relive the ’80s and ’90s at South Beach, formerly known as Casablanca. The night starts at 5 p.m. with Happy Hour and a free buffet. Then join in live trivia with WTUE’s Matt King from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Then DJ Chris Rock will play all your favorite music from the Casablanca era.

WHERE: South Beach Nite Club, 729 Lyons Road (Washington Park Plaza), Centerville

WHEN: 5 p.m. to close, Friday, Nov. 13

THE BITE: Call (937) 439-9040 for more info.

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Boston’s hoping for a third “Most Arrogant Bar in America” win

By Alexis Larsen | Thursday, November 5, 2009, 12:34 PM

Boston’s Bistro & Pub, 7500 N. Main St., Dayton, is proud to have nabbed the title “Most Arrogant Bar in America” not once, but twice. Still, owner Dave Boston is hoping 2009 proves that the third time really is the charm.

The national award bestowed by Escondido, Calif., brewer Stone Brewing Co. goes to the bar or pub that sells the most Arrogant Bastard Ale in the country.

This year’s competition will be held Nov. 7-13. And this time around, patrons won’t just be drinking to help with a title, they’ll be drinking for a good cause. Boston will be donating some of the profits from the sales of ABA to the Diabetes Association of the Dayton Area — 50 cents for every $2.50 Imperial Pint sold and $1 for every $9 pitcher of ABA sold.

This year, growlers don’t count — the beer has to be consumed at Boston’s. But daily food specials and events should help add incentive to stick around. Event highlights include a midnight kick off on Friday, Nov. 6, live entertainment throughout the week including music by the Skilless Villains, Jim Jennings, Nick Mitchell and Magic Jackson; and a “Smart Bier Trivia” contest Wednesday, Nov. 11. For more information, visit www.bostonsbistro.com or call (937) 461-1002.

Previous “Most Arrogant Bar in America” winners

2003: Brews Cafe in Granville, Ohio

2004: Naja’s in Redondo Beach, Calif.

2005: Naja’s in Redondo Beach, Calif.

2006: Boston’s in Dayton

2007: The Taproom in San Diego, Calif.

2008: Boston’s in Dayton

2009: That all depends on how Nov. 7-13 goes.

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Three best bets at the bars this weekend

By Katie Wedell | Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 05:28 PM

Whatever your passion, whether it be vampires, college football or just good ‘ol rock and roll, there is an event for you this weekend at a Dayton bar.

Bloodbath at Club Vex

Vex is keeping the Halloween spirit alive a bit longer with a night of vampires and vampiresses. Wear your best vampire attire; fangs will be provided. DJ Kris, Infidel-Icious and Matt Freeman will be spinning EBM, Industrial, Goth, Darkwave and more.

Where: Club Vex, 101 S. St. Clair St., Dayton

When: 9 p.m. to close, Friday, Nov. 6

The bite (pun intended): $5 for 18-20, $3 for 21 and up, ladies get in free before midnight.

Buckeye Blast at Z’s Sports Bar

See the OSU vs. Penn State game on the big screen while enjoying live music by Blind Karma. There will be free hot dogs and bar snacks, several raffle items, a 50/50 drawing and of course a cash bar. All proceeds benefit the Piqua Arts Council. Must be 21 to enter.

Where: Z’s Sports Bar, 319 N. Wayne St., Piqua

When: 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7

The bite: $15

Scorpio Birthday Bash at Blind Bob’s

Andy Rowe of the Goody Two Shoes and Tim Krug of 8-bit Revival are celebrating their shared birthday this Saturday. Their bands will be joined by Rad Company. If it’s your birthday too, then celebrate at Blind Bob’s. If it’s not your birthday, pretend it is and make people buy you drinks.

Where: Blind Bob’s, 336 E. Fifth St., Dayton

When: 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7

The bite: $5

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Halloween parties for grown-ups only

By Katie Wedell | Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 07:18 PM

Boo! Don’t be scared if you haven’t made your Halloween plans yet. The ghouls, goblins, vampires and vixens will be out all weekend across the area. Although Hauntfest on Fifth is downtown Dayton’s biggest bash, alternatives abound. Pick your poison from one of the parties below, or check out our FULL LIST of adult-only Halloween haunts.

Get started really early: Wednesday, Oct. 28:

• Smokey Bones Halloween Bash: Live DJ, costume contest, the Bud Light Girls, half-priced appetizers, beer pong and bobbing for shots. 9 p.m. 21 and up only. 6744 Miller Lane, Dayton. (937) 415-0185.
• Speak Easy Night at Club Vex: Flappers and gangster costumes will be all the rage. 9 p.m. 101 S. St. Clair St., Dayton. (937) 222-7620.

Satisfy your taste for blood this Thirsty Thursday Oct. 29:

• Night of Mayhem at Milano’s Brown Street: Live music from Farewell Fischer, apple bobbing and a costume party with $50 Visa Card for three best costumes judged as scariest, funniest, sexiest. 10 p.m. 21 and up only. No cover. 1834 Brown St., Dayton. (937) 222-7072.
• Costume Party at Boston’s Bistro and Pub: Prizes for being in costume, DJ music and lots of beers on draught including Hobgoblin. 7 p.m. No cover. 7500 N. Main St., Dayton. (937) 461-1002.
• Halloween Bash at W.O. Wright’s: Karaoke, costume contest with prizes and $4 pitchers. 10 p.m. 18 and up welcome. No cover. 3979 Colonel Glenn Highway, Fairborn. (937) 427-0101.
• Blood Thurs-ty at Club Vex: A Halloween-themed ’90s night. 9 p.m. 101 S. St. Clair St., Dayton. $5 for under 21, $3 for over after 11:30 p.m. (937) 222-7620.

Get Freaky on Friday, Oct. 30:

• 11th Annual Halloween Party at Wings Sports Bar and Grille: Games, costumes contests, DJ Reggie, drink specials, and bloody beer. 21 and up only. 7902 N. Dixie Drive, Dayton. (937) 898-0280.
• “Hippie” Halloween at J-Alans: Wear your best hippie get-up and party with Terrapin Moon. Doors open at 3 p.m. for Happy Hour, show starts at 10 p.m. $3 cover. 121 N. Ludlow St., Dayton. (937) 222-4811.
• Costume Party at Dixie Cowgirls: Live music from Bronson Hetzer, plus prizes, games, costume contest for cash, a MDA fundraiser for Jerry’s Kids, and of course the mechanical bull. 9 p.m. 5500 N. Dixie Drive, Dayton. (937) 275-7424.
• Halloween FreakFest at The Pub: Costume contest with prizes, music from DJ Street and DJ 501, plus specials on Vampire Vodka all night. 9 p.m. 21 and up only. No cover. 38 Greene Blvd., Beavercreek. (937) 320-1199.
• Devil’s Night at Club Vex: EBM, Darkwave, Gothic, Industrial, Synthpop and more from DJ Kris, Infidel-icious, Matt Freeman and DJ Copper Top. It’s a night for saints and sinners, so wear your most devilish or most angelic costume. 9 p.m. 101 S. St. Clair St., Dayton. (937) 222-7620.
• Tink’s Bar and Grill: Free food and $3 bottle buckets; costume contest with $50 first-place prize and DJ music. 7 p.m. No cover. 2049 E. Dorothy Lane, Kettering. (937) 299-2202.
• Fricker’s Vandalia: Come out for the usual food and spirits. Employees will be dressed up in Halloween costumes, DJ music. 8 p.m. 22 Foley Drive, Vandalia. (937) 454-9464

And of course All Hallows Eve, Saturday, Oct. 31:

• J-Alans: Four bands for $5. Once-ler, Blaxeed, Dark Backward and The Black Who’s will perform an all-ages show. Drink specials on whiskey and beer, plus Myron’s BBQ, Chicken and Fish Co. grilling on the patio. Doors open at 8 p.m. 121 N. Ludlow St., Dayton. (937) 222-4811.
• Halloween Deals at Bar Louie: Anyone in costume will receive half off their meal. Meal is free for kids dressed up all day. $100 gift card to best costume. Party starts at 9 p.m. DJ music at 10 p.m. 4492 Glengarry Drive, Beavercreek. (937) 427-3900.
• Annual Carn Evil party at Club Masque: Costume contest will include $2,000 in prizes. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the drag revue begins at 10:30 p.m. $7 for 21 and up, 18-20 is $10. 34 N. Jefferson St., Dayton. (937) 228-2582.
• “Vamps and Tramps” at One Eyed Jacks: Costume contest with prizes, bloody drink specials and live music from Magic Jackson and guests Nine False Suns. Music starts at 9:30 p.m. No cover. 2638 Colonel Glenn Highway, Fairborn. (937) 426-3400.
• Halloween Party at Hammerjax: Enjoy drink specials including $2 Bud Select at an unofficial Hauntfest Afterparty. Costume contest with more than $750 in cash prizes. $5 cover for 21 and over. Reduced cover with a Hauntfest wristband. Doors open at 8 p.m. 111 E. Fourth St., Dayton. (937) 641-1114.
• BoJangles: Three bands, TINJ, These Last Few and Chapter of Progress, will rock BoJangles this Halloween. There will be a costume contest at each band change plus $3 orange and black shot special. Bands start at 9:30 p.m. $5 cover. 1925 S. Alex Road. (937) 866-4758.
• Heaven and Hell Halloween at Bada Bing Lounge: Metal show featuring Negative Process, Gnashing of Teeth, Zuel, Forever Burn, Blood Red Winter and Assailant. 8 p.m. $5 for 18 and up. 1916 Whipp Rd. Kettering. (937) 438-2255.
• Saint Hellion at W.O. Wright’s: Costume party with cash prizes, raffles and music by Saint Hellion. 10 p.m. 18 and up welcome. 3979 Colonel Glenn Highway, Fairborn. (937) 427-0101.
• Penny Tration’s Halloween Tranny Shack at Aquarius: Costume contest with $500 in cash prizes for the best costumes. Two drag shows. 9 p.m. $5 cover. 135 E. Second St., Dayton. (937) 554-2433.
• Octo-Boo-Fest at Aquarius: The second floor at Aquarius will be hosting a very Industrial Halloween with DJ Dit Dot and Mr. Industrial Pants. 9 p.m. $5 cover. 135 E. Second St., Dayton. (937) 554-2433.
• Dead Pumpkin Blowout Bash at Coyote’s Pub: Celebrate the Dead Pumpkin Krew’s latest CD release, plus pumpkin carving contest, costume contests, prizes and more. 9 p.m. $5 cover. 21 and up only. 5853 Springboro Pike, West Carrollton. (937) 435-7620.
• Adobe Gila’s: DJ Oz from All the Right Tunes plus $10 buckets and costume contest. No cover. 78 Plum St., Beavercreek. (937) 458-0330.
• Monster Hop at Canal Street Tavern: Music from Luxury Pushers and Jackalopes. 9:30 p.m. $5 cover. 308 E. First St., Dayton. (937) 461-9343.
• Halloween Party at McGuffy’s: Lineup includes Scum of The Earth (featuring Riggs from Rob Zombie), Lascivious and Fluwid. Cost $12 in advance and $15 the day of the show. Tickets at www.mcguffys.net. Doors open at 7 p.m. 5418 Burkhardt Road, Dayton. (937) 256-3005.
• Second Annual Marriott Halloween Party: Head to the Marriott Dayton Ballroom for live music from The Menus and a costume contest. Plus don’t worry about driving home, room and party packages are available. 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. $10 cover. 1414 S. Patterson Road, Dayton. (937) 223-1000.
• Stubbies: Live bands and costume contests both Friday and Saturday. Saturday, The Modrats. 10 p.m. 722 W. National Road, Vandalia. (937) 898-9373.
• The Emery Crew Halloween Bash at Cold Beer and Cheeseburgers: Costume required for admission. 8 p.m. 33 S. Jefferson St., Dayton. (937) 222-2337 ask for Chlore or Regg.
• Halloween Party at Katz Lounge: Shadowlife and the Jager Girls will entertain. Plus a costume contest. 21 and up only. 1221 E.Stroop Road, Kettering. (937) 294-9554.
• Tippecanoe HarvestFest in Tipp City: Live music with Dirtybone. Bud Light, Amber Bock and Jacks Pumpkin Spice Ale as well as assorted soft drinks will be available. Come in costume to save $2 off admission and compete in costume contests. 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. rain or shine. $5 admission. Must be 21 with proper ID. Second and Main street, downtown Tipp City. www.tippecanoeharvestfest.com
• Halloween Party at Snickers: Classic rock from Ryan Roth. 9 p.m. No cover. 9372 U.S. 35 West, Dayton. (937) 835-5524.

STAFF WRITER LAUREN BEACH contributed to this report.

If we missed your event feel free to leave all the details in a comment!

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It’s Halloween already at the bars

By Katie Wedell | Tuesday, October 20, 2009, 05:06 PM

Don’t just plan your Halloween night early, celebrate a whole week in advance. It’ll give you a chance to get more than one wear out of that expensive costume. Check out these local bars that just can’t wait another week for the Halloween fun to begin.

Studio 54 Flashback Party at Atmosphere: Get into the Halloween spirit by dressing up in your disco best for a party thrown by Kate Worldwide on Friday, Oct. 23. Disco-house set by DJ Nostalgic. The first 54 people will get their first drink free. Doors open at 10 p.m. $5 cover. 21 and up only. VIP available; call (937) 232-0980 to reserve a table. 507 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, Centerville. (937) 433-3996.

Masquerade Party at The 88 Club: Wear a costume and get in for only $5 on Friday, Oct. 23. No costume; cover is $15. 21 and up only. 10 p.m. 219 N. Patterson Blvd., Dayton. (937) 222-1188.

Gangstaz and Goblinz at Jay and Jean’s: Seven hours of local underground music including Menace 2 Sobriety, Section 8, N.B.O.T and Seth Rock on Friday, Oct. 23 . Free beer while it lasts. 1124 Leo St., Dayton. (937) 228-9778.

Naughty Nurse Party at Vue Ultra Lounge: If you’re already planning on dressing as a Naughty Nurse this Halloween, you’re in luck! 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 No cover. 1004 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, Centerville. (937) 438-1155.

Nightmare on St. Clair at Club Vex: The week-long Halloween celebration at Vex starts Friday, Oct. 23 with a Costume Ball thrown by TattooedTV.com. The first 100 people get a $25 gift card to Truth and Triumph Tattoo and Smartbomb Tattoo. 9 p.m. $5 cover for 18-20, $3 cover 21 and up. 101 S. St. Clair St., Dayton. (937) 222-7620.

The rest of the schedule at Vex:

• Saturday, Oct. 24: Costume and lingerie ball
• Monday, Oct. 26: Rockabilly night. Wear your best pinup or greaser getup for the costume contest.
• Tuesday, Oct. 27: ’80s Night Dead Man’s Party. Best costumes will win Atari Flashback 2s and lots of ’80s horror films.
• Wednesday, Oct. 28: Speak Easy Night, flappers and gangster costumes will be all the rage.
• Thursday, Oct. 29: Blood Thurs-ty ’90s Night
• Friday, Oct. 30: Devil’s Night featuring EBM, Darkwave, Gothic, Industrial, Synthpop and more from DJ Kris, Infidel-icious, Matt Freeman and DJ Copper Top. It’s a night for saints and sinners, so wear your most devilish or most angelic costume.
• Saturday, Oct. 31: Hauntfest Afterparty. Once the chaos in the Oregon District dies down, head just around the corner and keep the party going.

Did we miss you? Tell us about any other early Halloween celebrations by leaving a comment.

What about Halloween weekend?

Also, if you’re planning any special bar and club events on Halloween weekend, we want to know about those too. Please include the name of the event, basic description of the event, date, time, location, cover charge information, drink specials and a phone number or Web site for more information.

Get excited for a full list of Halloween night haunts, coming soon!

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