Upcoming Events
A Carillon Christmas
Tuesday, November 25 -
Tuesday, December 30, 2025 | 5:00 PM
Price: Regular Park Admission
See Carillon Historical Park’s 65-acre campus transformed into a winter wonderland of sparkle, magic, and holiday cheer! All proceeds benefit Dayton History, a privately funded nonprofit organization, in its mission to inspire generations by connecting them with the unique people, places, and events that changed Dayton and the world. Featuring Connie Taylor's Tree of Light Santa Claus The Carillon Park Railroad Gem City Letterpress Letters to Santa Deeds Carillon Christmas Concerts Carillon Christmas Café Drinks at Culp’s Café Roundhouse Café in the Transportation Center The Tailor of Gloucester Puppet Show Model Train Displays Midnight Express Miniature Train Rides Museum Store Shopping Walk through our beautiful campus, filled with thousands of lights Morris and Hetzel Bakery Gristmill Christmas Village and Peppermint Mill Carillon Brewing Co. And more!
Valentine’s Victorian Afternoon Tea at Patterson Homestead
Sunday, February 15, 2026 | 2:00 PM
Price: Members: $40 • Non-Members: $50
Held throughout the year — often around the holidays — Victorian Teas take place inside the storied Patterson Homestead. Established in 1816, the Homestead was once home to Revolutionary War soldier and Lexington, Ky., founder Col. Robert Patterson and National Cash Register Co. founder John H. Patterson. As guests enjoy a delightful cup of tea and a three-course meal served by costumed interpreters, they learn about the remarkable Patterson family and tour the historic Homestead.
Patterson Homestead Open House
Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 12:00 PM
Price: Members: Free • Non-Members: $5
Originally the home of Revolutionary War soldier Col. Robert Patterson — the founder of Lexington, Ky. —this Federal-style house museum tells the story of Dayton’s influential Patterson family. Col. Patterson settled on this land in 1804, and upon his death in 1827, his estate, known as Rubicon Farm, spanned 2,038 acres. Built in three stages between 1816 and 1850, the homestead helped raise three generations of Pattersons, including John H. Patterson, founder of the National Cash Register Company (NCR), who established NCR’s headquarters roughly a half-mile northwest of the family home. In 1953, John H. Patterson’s nephew, Jefferson Patterson, donated Patterson Homestead to the City of Dayton. Today, its six period rooms display 18th and 19th-century antiques and Patterson family artifacts. Over time, additional family heirlooms and exhibits have been added — including a gallery highlighting NCR’s pioneering legacy. Forty-five minute tours run every half hour from noon until 4 p.m. Advanced reservations are required.
Irish Victorian Afternoon Tea at Patterson Homestead
Sunday, March 22, 2026 | 2:00 PM
Price: Members: $40 • Non-Members: $50
Held throughout the year — often around the holidays — Victorian Teas take place inside the storied Patterson Homestead. Established in 1816, the Homestead was once home to Revolutionary War soldier and Lexington, Ky., founder Col. Robert Patterson and National Cash Register Co. founder John H. Patterson. As guests enjoy a delightful cup of tea and a three-course meal served by costumed interpreters, they learn about the remarkable Patterson family and tour the historic Homestead.
Patterson Homestead Open House
Saturday, March 28, 2026 | 12:00 PM
Price: Members: Free • Non-Members: $5
Originally the home of Revolutionary War soldier Col. Robert Patterson — the founder of Lexington, Ky. —this Federal-style house museum tells the story of Dayton’s influential Patterson family. Col. Patterson settled on this land in 1804, and upon his death in 1827, his estate, known as Rubicon Farm, spanned 2,038 acres. Built in three stages between 1816 and 1850, the homestead helped raise three generations of Pattersons, including John H. Patterson, founder of the National Cash Register Company (NCR), who established NCR’s headquarters roughly a half-mile northwest of the family home. In 1953, John H. Patterson’s nephew, Jefferson Patterson, donated Patterson Homestead to the City of Dayton. Today, its six period rooms display 18th and 19th-century antiques and Patterson family artifacts. Over time, additional family heirlooms and exhibits have been added — including a gallery highlighting NCR’s pioneering legacy. Forty-five minute tours run every half hour from noon until 4 p.m. Advanced reservations are required.
Spring Home School Day
Thursday, April 2, 2026 | 9:30 AM
Price: Regular Admission Fees Apply
Held in April and September, Home School Day is a wonderful way for home-schooled students to enjoy hands-on educational activities and programs. With a 4-D animatronic theatre, 30 exhibit buildings, costumed historical interpreters, object theatre presentations at the Wright Brothers National Museum, carousel rides, and more, Home School Day is fun for the whole family! Ticket includes: • Access to all Carillon Historical Park exhibits • Gardening • Rug Hooking • Bread Baking and Brewery Talk • Historic Printing Demonstrations Please call 937-293-2841
85th Annual Easter Sunrise Service
Sunday, April 5, 2026 | 6:00 AM
Price: Free to the Public
The Easter Sunrise Service is Carillon Historical Park’s oldest event. Since 1942, this powerful display of faith has continued — a ceaseless tradition in an ever-changing city. “As dawn broke on Sunday morning, April 5, the first Easter Service was held at the Deeds Carillon,” reported the NCR Factory News in its April 1942 edition. “An estimated crowd of 10,000 made the pilgrimage by automobile, bus, and on foot.” For years, the Easter Sunrise Service has continued. In fair weather and foul, during triumphant and trying times, people from all walks of life have gathered at Deeds Carillon, in Dayton’s early morning Easter light, for this powerful display of faith.
Patterson Homestead Open House
Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 12:00 PM
Price: Members: Free • Non-Members: $5
Originally the home of Revolutionary War soldier Col. Robert Patterson — the founder of Lexington, Ky. —this Federal-style house museum tells the story of Dayton’s influential Patterson family. Col. Patterson settled on this land in 1804, and upon his death in 1827, his estate, known as Rubicon Farm, spanned 2,038 acres. Built in three stages between 1816 and 1850, the homestead helped raise three generations of Pattersons, including John H. Patterson, founder of the National Cash Register Company (NCR), who established NCR’s headquarters roughly a half-mile northwest of the family home. In 1953, John H. Patterson’s nephew, Jefferson Patterson, donated Patterson Homestead to the City of Dayton. Today, its six period rooms display 18th and 19th-century antiques and Patterson family artifacts. Over time, additional family heirlooms and exhibits have been added — including a gallery highlighting NCR’s pioneering legacy. Forty-five minute tours run every half hour from noon until 4 p.m. Advanced reservations are required.
Wright at Home
Sunday, April 26, 2026 | 12:00 PM
Price: $40 | Limited Availability | Reservations Required
Held each April, Wright at Home is an open house of the Wright Family mansion, Hawthorn Hill. Step back in time and enjoy a guided walking tour of the surrounding Oakwood neighborhood. During this special event, visitors walk in the footsteps of legendary guests such as Charles Lindbergh, Henry Ford, and Thomas Edison — each of whom once visited Hawthorn Hill. Presented in partnership with the Oakwood Historical Society, Dayton History invites you to experience Wright at Home at Hawthorn Hill — the world’s first pilot’s last home.