Hundreds of free performances, workshops, hands-on activities, and more are planned for Saturday, August 2.
July 28, 2025 (DAYTON, Ohio) – Artists, families, and art lovers of all ages are invited to the Downtown Dayton Partnership’s annual event, Art in the City, presented by AES Ohio, on Saturday, August 2. The Downtown Dayton Partnership has teamed up with more than 400 local artists and arts organizations for this day-long celebration of the visual and performing arts. Guests can enjoy live performances, demonstrations, interactive activities, and more fun for the whole family at no cost from 1 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, August 2. All participating artists will be paid a stipend for their time and talent. Art in the City is a signature event of the AES Ohio Summer in the City series.
“Local artists help to tell the story of who we are as a community and are crucial to keeping downtown thriving. Art in the City gives us all the chance to come together and celebrate that creativity and passion, as well as Downtown Dayton,” said Katie Meyer, president of the Downtown Dayton Partnership. “Whether you’re an artist, art-lover, or just looking for some fun Saturday plans, Art in the City has something for visitors of all ages. This is a day to get out, try something new, talk to an artist, and enjoy everything Downtown Dayton and our vibrant arts community have to offer.”
Start planning your festival experience with event guides available online and at participating downtown businesses. Explore dozens of hands-on activities, demonstrations, contests, the Art Bazaar on 5th, a Juried Art Show, the Chalk Walk, Art Full Circle, the Great Dayton Cake-Off, the Art Hop self-guided tour, Chalk Walk on S. St. Clair St., Experiential Grant Winners, Harmonies Art Installations, and more than 100 live performances happening during this day-long celebration of the arts. New this year, guests can download the Destination Dayton app for a special Art in the City guide on the go. The app widget features a closer look at Art in the City venues alongside schedules and artist information.
There’s so much to see and do during Art in the City, and we’re offering a new way to get around to see it all! Guests are invited to park at Sinclair Community College to take the free Art in the City shuttle, provided by The Greater Dayton RTA, to easily explore the festival. Stops will be located around the event from 1 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, August 2.
“A vibrant downtown is essential to a strong, connected community,” said Vivian O’Connell, AES Ohio Community Impact Leader. “We are proud to support events like Art in the City that remove barriers and create opportunities for all people to engage with the culture and creativity at the heart of downtown Dayton. Our continued investment in downtown reflects our commitment to being a partner in powering an inclusive and thriving region.”
Kick off the celebration early during First Friday from 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday, August 1. Various downtown businesses will host live performances, galleries, special art-themed events, and Parties on the Patio for guests to enjoy even before Art in the City begins. Voting for the Juried Art Show also begins on Dayton.com on Friday, August 1, and continues through Friday, August 15. See this year’s entries in person at the Dayton Convention Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily while voting is open. A Party on the Patio schedule and other First Friday happenings are available via a link on the First Friday webpage. Permanent installations, ArtWraps, downtown’s signature galleries, and a self-guided mural & public art tour are available on First Friday, Art in the City, and year-round.
Art in the City is a program of the Downtown Dayton Partnership presented by AES Ohio and sponsored by Montgomery County, the Ohio Arts Council, PNC, and Dayton Live. Supporting sponsors include the Dayton Daily News, Key-Ads, Bob Ross Auto Group, Grunder Landscaping Co., Destination Dayton, and the Jack W & Sally D. Eichelberger Foundation.
More information about AES Ohio Summer in the City is available at downtowndayton.org. Pick up AES Ohio Summer in the City calendars at downtown businesses or at one of the DDP info tables during Art in the City.
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