Dayton has a lot of “best bets” to offer, and this time, I have an “ace” of an opportunity! If you’re looking for a great summer event that caters to adults but is also kid-friendly, look no further than Hops Over the Moon at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, which benefits the museum’s summer programs!

Although the main event will take place on Saturday, June 25^th from 7-11PM, this year, they will also be offering an adult only preview party (21+ only please) on Friday, June 24^th from 5:30-10PM. If you enjoy the taste of beer, you definitely will not want to miss this event, which will feature nearly three dozen micro and craft beers from fifteen breweries in the museum setting. Even if you’re not a beer aficionado, there will be other great beverages for you to try! “Not only are we planning for great entertainment, food and beer, but participants can learn something about the science behind brewing at the same time,” says Elise Weltge, Co-chair of the event and the Museum’s Volunteer Associate Board. So you can drink AND say that you were learning at the same time? That’s what I’m talking about!

Both days will feature different venues, each with its own menu, entertainment, and informal presentations. Highlights of the Friday preview party include dancing to the amazing Velvet Crush, a deluxe slider bar, numerous beer samples, home brewing demonstrations, night sky viewing (Saturn will be visible!), fire pits, and s’mores…all within a majestic museum setting!

Saturday will involve a variety of child-friendly activities in each of the different venues, such as jugglers and a balloon artist. If you’re a runner, participate in their annual 5k race. And if not, I’m sure walking is okay too! There will also be a “fun run” for children (I guess they lied to me about running being fun for adults). The Rubbles will be there (sorry, not the Betty and Barney type) to entertain you with some great bam bam music. In addition, you’ll be able to wander the nature trails, taste-test a variety of foods from cheeses to smoked meats to sushi, learn about a variety of animals, and cool off with “water bombs.”

I encourage you to join me in attending this wonderful event to support a great cause! Friday night tickets are $50 in advance ($55 day of) and Saturday’s tickets are $40 in advance ($45 day of). Children’s tickets for Saturday are only $7 (ages 3-14), so be sure to bring the whole family! For more information or to purchase tickets, call 937-275-7431 ext. 144, or order online at http://www.boonshoftmuseum.org/. You can also find additional information on their facebook page (facebook.com/hopsoverthemoon).