Hello Everyone!

Tomorrow marks the return of a "National Treasure." We're so excited that June Squibb will be back on our big screen in a new film that audiences are loving -  ELEANOR THE GREAT.  You likely remember THELMA - last year's runaway hit (pun intended) that played for six weeks!  Well this one is currently only slated for two weeks, so you'll need to hurry down.

If you still need to see THE HISTORY OF SOUND, you'll need to really hurry.  Tomorrow (Thursday) will be its last day.  DOWNTOWN ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE will stick around for a third and final week. And don't forget that ANIMATION MIXTAPE - a package of short, animated films curated by Don Hertzfeldt - will be here for 2 special shows this weekend.

This October will mark the 20th anniversary for us bringing the best in LGBTQIA+ cinema to town with OUT HERE DAYTON FILM FEST.  A few festival passes remain, single tickets are now available, and our scholarship portal is now open. Check out the website for all the festival details.  We're currently in the process of booking flights for a few visiting filmmakers! If you're interested in volunteering for the festival, details are below...we'd love to have your help.

Taylor Swift fans are delighted once again that we'll be hosting her latest big-screen effort - "Official Release Party of a Showgirl."  This is a weekend long celebration of Swift's new album - Oct. 3-5, and more details are below.

And speaking of October, we have just secured the next several titles for our traditional engagements...and they're pretty great.  From KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN (directed by Bill Condon and starring Jennifer Lopez) to  BALLAD OF A SMALL PLAYER (CONCLAVE director Edward Berger's new film starring Colin Farrell and Tilda Swinton) to Guillermo del Toro's FRANKENSTEIN (starring Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi). It's going to be a strong (albeit fast and furious) October!

"Open Caption Mondays" are a hit and much appreciated by many of our regulars.  On Monday, Sept. 29, our screenings of DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE and ELEANOR THE GREAT will be presented with Open Captions (aka - captions presented on the screen). 

Synopsis for ELEANOR THE GREAT: "In ELEANOR THE GREAT, June Squibb brings to vivid life the witty and proudly troublesome 94-year-old Eleanor Morgenstein, who after a devastating loss, tells a tale that takes on a dangerous life of its own. Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut is a comically poignant exploration of how the stories we hear become the stories we tell." (Sony Classics)

WILLIS BING DAVIS: REACH HIGH AND REACH BACK

SOLD OUT!This screening is made possible through our friends at ThinkTV.  The event is sponsored by Twentig, Inc -"an organization of women who have committed to contributing to the greater Dayton community through volunteerism and fundraising. Its mission is to support nonprofits who serve women, youth, and elders; and to impact the needs of our community through educational and financial support."

WED, SEPT. 24 | 7:30 - SOLD OUT!

ANIMATION MIXTAPE

THIS WEEKEND! Two-time Academy Award nominee and Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize winner Don Hertzfeldt partners with Ink Films to release ANIMATION MIXTAPE, an 85-minute short film program personally selected by Hertzfeldt.
An exclusive collection of animated shorts by talented artists from around the world, MIXTAPE features many recent films from up-and-coming animators next to classics that originally inspired Hertzfeldt to start animating.
Flying cows, mysterious gods and lyrical pandemonium: Don Hertzfeldt has made this just for you. Including a new animated introduction from Don and never before seen work from famed underground animator Bruce Bickford.
Though officially "unrated," this program is not suitable for children.

SAT, SEPT. 27 | Noon
SUN, SEPT. 28 | Noon

FARMING WHILE BLACK

The Lavender Project’s 2-Night agriCULTURE Sunset Stories & Moonlight Markets Fest kicks off at THE NEON on Thursday, Oct. 2 at 7:30 with a film screening of FARMING WHILE BLACK (ticket prices $7). "Leah Penniman, co-founder of Soul Fire Farm, reflects on the plight of Black farmers in the United States. From the height of Black-owned farms at 14% in 1910 to less than 2% today, Leah and her Soul Fire Farm cohorts help propel a rising generation finding strength in the deep historical knowledge of African agrarianism and its potential to save the planet." 
Come early at 6:30pm to enjoy an art show and "seed social" with the opportunity to purchase original agricultural photography and take home free seeds. (The 2-day event continues on Friday, Oct. 3rd in St. Anne's Hill.)  This event is sponsored by Co-Op Dayton, Hall Hunger Initiative, Miami Valley Seed Commons, and Seven Seed Sowers Cooperative.

THU, OCT 2 | 7:30

TAYLOR SWIFT: THE OFFICIAL RELEASE PARTY OF A SHOWGIRL

Celebrate THE OFFICIAL RELEASE PARTY OF A SHOWGIRL in theatres only October 3rd - 5th. See the exclusive world premiere of the music video, "The Fate of Ophelia," along with behind-the-scenes footage from the music video shoot, brand new lyric videos, and Taylor's never-before-seen personal reflections on songs from her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl.

Tickets are $12 each - available now!

FRI, OCT 3 | 3:00 & 7:55
SAT, OCT 4 | Noon & 7:55
SUN, OCT 5 | Noon & 7:00

THE ROOM & BIG SHARK

Greg Sestero is coming back to THE NEON...and you're the first to know about it!

See the cult classic THE ROOM with an auditorium full of devotees - with your host, star of the movie and author of THE DISASTER ARTIST - Greg Sestero.  Tickets $22 each.

Later that night, see the recent, final cut of BIG SHARK - Tommy Wiseau's latest action comedy about three firefighters who have to save New Orleans from a giant shark attack - introduced by Sestero. Tickets $20 each.

Tickets on sale now and going fast!

THE ROOM:
WED, OCT. 8 | 7:30 -  SOLD OUT!
BIG SHARK:
WED, OCT. 8 | 10:00 -  TIX AVAIL!

OUT HERE DAYTON FILM FEST - 20th Anniversary

This October will mark the 20th anniversary for us bringing the best in LGBTQIA+ cinema to town with  OUT HERE DAYTON FILM FEST.  This year's fest is set for Oct. 9-12, and the line-up can be viewed on the fest's official site. One very special screening and panel discussion with our friends from Dayton Metro Library will be  THE LIBRARIANS - Saturday, Oct. 11 at Noon - and a new trailer has just been created.  You can watch the trailer  HERE.

VOLUNTEER WITH US

We're looking for some volunteers for our festival...People to help with tickets, programs, ballots, seating, etc.
We're hoping to find 2 people for each of the following time slots:
Thu, Oct. 9: 6:30PM-8PM
Fri, Oct. 10: 6:30PM-10PM (these volunteers must be 21 or older)
Sat, Oct 11: 11:00AM-3:30PM
Sat, Oct. 11: 6PM-9:45PM
Sun, Oct. 12: 11:00AM-3:30PM
Sun, Oct. 12: 5PM-6:30PM
If you're able to help, please reach out to Ciarah at  jenkins.340@wright.edu and indicate which spot works for you.

THANK YOU!!

Crafty Cinema Presents PRACTICAL MAGIC

Get ready for an afternoon of creativity, entertainment, and social activism at Crafty Cinema for a Cause at THE NEON hosted by the Savage Stitcher (Angie). This unique charity event brings together the joy of crafting with the magic of film, all while supporting Planned Parenthood of SW Ohio. Bring your own craft project that you can work on in your seat, such as crochet, knitting, embroidery, cross stitch, etc. and we will all enjoy an afternoon showing of PRACTICAL MAGIC with the lights up so you can work on a project you’ve been putting off, or start something new. This is a free event with a suggested donation of $20 that will be collected at the door and all proceeds will go to our local Planned Parenthood. There are a limited number of seats available for reservation on Eventbrite, and the rest will be offered as first-come-first-serve at the door.

SUN, OCT 19  | 12:30

HORROR MOVIE TRIVIA

Friend of THE NEON, Tracey Obenour, is bringing some fun, horror movie trivia to our patio on Monday, Oct. 20.

"Come for a Horror/Halloween trivia night you’ll wish you could forget! We’re not just digging up useless film facts, we’ll gently haunt the realms of tv, music, books, local lore... and get a little interactive.
What to know:
• Free to play
• Teams up to 6 people, watch for table reservation sign ups
• Costumes encouraged! Prize for best solo or group
• Prizes for each round and overall winner (plus a glowing trophy)
• Arrive early to get settled with drinks and snax, questions START at 7p

MON, OCT 20 | 7:00

Free Flo Box presents CARRIE

This one-night-only screening of Brian De Palma’s  CARRIE (1976) is presented by  The Free Flo Box, a Dayton nonprofit dedicated to fighting period poverty and ending the stigma surrounding menstruation. Chosen for its deep resonance with themes of shame, bodily autonomy, and the policing of young women’s bodies, CARRIE remains one of cinema’s most haunting explorations of the consequences of fear and repression. Adapted from Stephen King’s debut novel, the film follows Carrie White, a shy and ostracized teenager whose telekinetic powers erupt after years of bullying and cruelty—culminating in one of horror’s most iconic climaxes.
Join us at  THE NEON for an unforgettable evening where the horror of stigma—on screen and off—takes center stage. Proceeds from this screening will go directly toward The Free Flo Box, ensuring access to essential products and fighting period poverty in our community.
Tickets $12.50 each.

THU, OCT 23  | 7:30

WELCOME TO RAP CAMPP

"What happens when you throw some of the region’s most hungry emcees and producers into a camp-style grind session for one weekend with one goal: make something dope and do it together? RAP CAMPP is a love letter to hip-hop, community, and the Dayton scene that raised us. This ain’t just about bars. It’s about building something out of nothing, holding the mic for the next voice, and doing it with people who care about the culture. Come see the highs, the laughs, the freestyles, and the real moments that made this weekend unforgettable. Shot by City of Gems. Made by and for the city."
Tickets are $10 each.

TUE, OCT 28 | 8:00

UD SLASHER NIGHT 2025

Slasher Night 4 at THE NEON—hosted by Bryan Bardine and Chris Burnside from the UD English Department returns on Thursday, Oct. 30 at 7:30. This year we open with TUCKER AND DALE VS. EVIL, directed by Eli Craig, starring Alan Tudyk and Tyler Labine. The evening will conclude after a short break with John Carpenter’s classic HALLOWEEN, starring Jamie Lee Curtis in her first major role.  The festivities begin at 7:30 and the cost is $20 for both films, so you get two for the price of one.  This is the first time we have had a horror comedy for Slasher Night, and while it is certainly comedic, Tucker and Dale doesn’t skimp on the gore. It should be a scary good night!

THU, OCT 30 | 7:30

Thank you for all of your support,
Jonathan

WEDNESDAY, SEPT 24 – THURSDAY, OCT 2:

DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE (PG) 2 Hrs 3 Min
Wednesday (Sept 24): 2:10, 4:50, 7:45
Thursday (Sept 25): 2:10, 4:50
Friday (Sept 26): 11:30, 2:00, 4:40, 7:20
Saturday - Wednesday (Sept 27-Oct 1): 2:00, 4:40, 7:20
Thursday (Oct 2): 2:00, 4:40

THE HISTORY OF SOUND (R) 2 Hrs 7 Min
Wednesday (Sept 24): 2:00, 4:40
Thursday (Sept 25): 2:00, 4:40, 7:20
FINAL DAY - Sept. 25!

WILLIS BING DAVIS: REACH HIGH & REACH BACK (NR)
1 Hr + Discussion
Wednesday (Sept 24): 7:30 - SOLD OUT!

ELEANOR THE GREAT(PG-13) 1 Hr 38 Min
Thursday (Sept 25): 7:30
Friday, Saturday, Sunday (Sept 26-28): 11:40, 2:40, 5:00, 7:15
Monday-Thursday (Sept 29-Oct 2): 2:40, 5:00, 7:15

ANIMATION MIXTAPE (NR – treating as PG-13) 1 Hr 25 Min
Saturday & Sunday (Sept 27 & 28): Noon

FARMING WHILE BLACK (NR) 1 Hr 15 Min + Discussion
Thursday (Oct 2): 7:30