Downtown Dayton Partnership

LeMonde Light Lane
2026-08-26, 2026-08-27, 2026-08-28 | Third Street, Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Light Lane is an interactive public art installation created by LeMonde Studio. It combines stationary bicycles, projection mapping, lighting, and sound to create a human-powered immersive experience that encourages play, sustainability, and community interaction. Four bicycles will be featured on Third Street in front of The Dayton Arcade during this month-long exhibit.
Light Lane is sponsored by PNC.

2026 Fine Art Faculty Exhibition Featuring Kevin Harris
2026-08-26, 2026-08-27, 2026-08-28 | Galleries at Sinclair College, 444 W. Third St., Bldg. 13, Dayton, OH, 45402
Sinclair Community College’s annual Fine Art Faculty Exhibition will usher in the beginning of the 2026-2027 academic year. Each fall, the Burnell R. Roberts Triangle Gallery, the Works on Paper Gallery, as well as other spaces around Building 13 display work from the faculty and adjunct faculty of Sinclair’s Art Department. The Burnell R. Roberts Triangle Gallery traditionally features one faculty member, and this year will exhibit works by Professor Kevin Harris. Inspired by urban birds’ instinct to weave human-made materials into nests along with the jazz concept of Chromatic Elaboration of Static Harmony, Harris produces one-of-a-kind prints that evolve through many iterations. His work inhabits the in-between spaces where repetition becomes variation, structure gives way to improvisation, and forms are continually transformed. A reception will be held September 3 from 4:30pm-6pm in Building 13’s 4th Floor Atrium. There will be a virtual artist talk with Professor Harris over Zoom on September 11, 2026 at 12pm. Visit www.sinclair.edu/artgalleries for further details. The Fine Art Faculty Exhibition will be on display from August 24 through September 21, 2026. Gallery spaces are located on the third and fourth floor of Building 13 (located at W. Fifth and S. Perry Streets). The galleries are free and open to the public from 8am–6pm Monday–Friday and 9–12 Saturdays. Free and accessible parking is located in Parking Lot K.

David Nail
2026-08-26 19:00 (America/New_York) | Levitt Pavilion Dayton, 134 S. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402
August 26 @ 7:00 PM

Free Admission

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Genre:

Country

David Nail’s prowess as a true artist in an era that rewards artificially enhanced art should not be overlooked… Some might even call him a “tour de force” as his songs pull no punches in evoking the demons with which he has wrestled through much of his life. Nail’s creative maturity reflects in both his songwriting and vocal ability, widely hailed as one of the best male voices in Nashville. His consistent quality output and storytelling over his nearly two decade career is what keeps music lovers coming back and bringing others.

Threads of History: Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi
2026-08-27, 2026-08-29 | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
June 12-September 12, 2026
Threads of History: Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi is a landmark solo exhibition by award-winning artist, historian, and curator Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi. Now an octogenarian, Mazloomi remains one of the most visionary leaders in contemporary quilting, widely recognized for her lifelong efforts to elevate African American quilt traditions. Her striking black-and-white quilts memorialize the lives and legacies of African American freedom fighters, capturing resilience, resistance, and remembrance through bold imagery and layered narrative. Originally trained as an aerospace engineer, Mazloomi shifted her focus in the 1980s to advocate for African American quilt artists whose contributions had long been marginalized. Through her scholarship, mentorship, and the founding of the Women of Color Quilters Network, she has transformed the cultural landscape, bringing international recognition to quilting as both fine art and historical record. Her extraordinary impact has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Bess Lomax Hawes NEA National Heritage Fellowship, a United States Artists Fellowship, and an American Craft Council Honorary Fellowship. Her work is held in major collections, including the Smithsonian Institution and the American Folk Art Museum. Opening Reception: June 12, 2026, 6-8 p.m.

Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice
2026-08-27, 2026-08-28, 2026-08-29 | The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH, 45405, United States
June 27–September 13, 2026, Gallery 120
William H. Johnson (1901–1970) painted the Fighters for Freedom series in the mid-1940s as tribute to African American activists, scientists, teachers and performers as well as international leaders working to bring peace to the world. It was his last body of work. This landmark exhibition brings together—for the first time since 1946—34 paintings featured in the series, drawn from the collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM). This nationally traveling exhibition is accompanied by a scholarly, full-color exhibition catalog.
Of the series, SAAM states: “The exhibition illuminates the extraordinary life and contributions of Johnson, an artist associated with the Harlem Renaissance but whose practice spanned several continents, as well as the contributions of historical figures he depicted. Some of his Fighters—Marian Anderson, George Washington Carver, Mohandas Gandhi, and Harriet Tubman—are familiar figures; others—Nannie Helen Burroughs and William Grant Still, among them—are less well-known individuals whose achievements have been eclipsed over time. Johnson celebrates their accomplishments even as he acknowledges the realities of racism, oppression and sometimes violence they faced and overcame. Johnson clues viewers to significant episodes in the Fighters lives by punctuating each portrait with tiny buildings, flags and vignettes that give insight into their stories. Using a colorful palette to create evocative scenes and craft important narratives, he suggests that the pursuit of freedom is an ongoing, interconnected struggle, with moments of both triumph and tragedy.”

Captivating Clay: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection
2026-08-27, 2026-08-28, 2026-08-29 | The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH, 45405, United States
April 13, 2024–January 3, 2027, Gallery 106
Today, Japanese ceramic artists are building on centuries of tradition and taking the art in dynamic and new directions. They are exploring the potential of clay to create both functional and abstract sculptural forms with an incredible range of surface textures and decoration. The aesthetic sensibilities are varied, from rough and imperfect to detailed and refined, but all show a mastery of the craft.
Drawn from the renowned collection of Carol and Jeffrey Horvitz—including recent gifts from them to the museum—this exhibition presents more than thirty artworks spanning eight decades. Traditionally a craft restricted to men, in recent years women have become some of the leading voices in the field and several examples are included.
Artists range from innovative pioneers in the twentieth century, several designated as Living National Treasures in Japan, to emerging, younger artists. Interspersed are examples from the DAI’s collection of historic Japanese ceramics. Across 2,000 years, these speak to the long history of the art in the island nation and their continued inspiration for artists today.

Exploring Feminism
2026-08-27, 2026-08-28, 2026-08-29 | The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH, 45405, United States
February 7, 2026–January 31, 2027, Gallery 118
Feminism feels like a loaded term that, when presented to people, often triggers a gut reaction that it is positive or negative. But what actually is feminism? Presenting feminist artwork from the newly acquired Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell Collection, this three-part, rotating exhibition will demystify the origins, history and commitments of the feminist movement.
Often discussed in terms of waves, feminism has signified struggles for a range of causes at varying moments in time. Through Exploring Feminism, guests may become better acquainted with cycles of protest, self-expression and community-building for a movement that has continued to change and adapt to include more and different constituents within its umbrella of “feminists.”
No bras will be burned (and, in fact, never were) for this new exhibition featuring regional, national and international artists working in all manner of media.

We’re Doing It ALL Wrong® – 6th Annual Art Exhibition
2026-08-27 | Edward A. Dixon Gallery, 222 N. St. Clair St., Dayton, OH, 45402
The Public Reception will be held on Saturday, August 8th from 2pm-4pm.
Previous exhibitions pushed boundaries, featuring artwork that tackled complex and visceral subjects. As artists consider their submissions, they may reflect on the breadth of topics explored in previous years:
Environmental & Industrial Ethics: The devastating ecological impact of mass-production of material goods, corporate farming and the escalating urgency of climate change.
Human Rights & Social Crisis: The controversies of immigration laws and enforcement, the epidemic of missing Native American women, the cycle of homelessness, and the persistent weight of social injustice.
Systems of Control: The burden of sky-high pharmaceutical prices, the psychological manipulation of gaslighting, and our collective, increasing dependence on technology.

The Photography of Jake Schneider
2026-08-27, 2026-08-28 | Blind Bob’s, 430 E. Fifth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
We’re excited to welcome the photography of Jake Schneider to our walls for the month of August. Get to know more about Jake ans preview his work at https://sites.google.com/view/jake-schneider-

Movies at THE NEON
2026-08-27, 2026-08-28 | THE NEON, United States
Downtown Dayton’s independent movie theater has a great lineup of films showing every day.
Visit neonmovies.com for a schedule of what’s playing today!

Culture Works Artini 2026
2026-08-27 17:30 - 21:00 | Dayton Masonic Center, 525 W. Riverview Ave., Dayton, OH, 45405-4702, United States
Join us for Artini 2026—Culture Works’ biggest and best Artini yet! We’re thrilled to celebrate our first year at the stunning Dayton Masonic Ballroom, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable evening. Dayton’s most creative artists will team up with the area’s most talented bartenders to craft one-of-a-kind, art-inspired cocktails. Sample and cast your vote for your favorite! Enjoy fabulous food, live music, and an exciting atmosphere as you explore the beauty of the ballroom and experience the creativity that makes Artini a signature Dayton event. Best of all, your evening supports Culture Works and the incredible impact they make throughout our community. Come celebrate art, creativity, and community while making a difference. This is a passport eligible event!!! Please reach out to events@cultureworks.org with your passport number to receive your ticket code. Passport holders will get a VIP Ticket for the price of a general admission ticket! VIP Entry at 5:30 PM General Admission at 6:00 PM Last Call at 8:30 PM Doors Close at 9:00 PM General Admission $85 – 6 Drink Tickets and 6:00 PM Admission VIP Tickets $95 – 7 Drink Tickets and 5:30 PM Admission. https://www.daytonmasoniccenter.org/events/artini-2026

Bad Co. Legacy
2026-08-27 19:00 | Levitt Pavilion Dayton, 134 S. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402
August 27 @ 7:00 PM

Free Admission

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Series:

AES Rock/Pop Series

Genre:

Classic Rock

Bad Company formed in London in 1973 by singer Paul Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke (both ex-Free), guitarist Mick Ralphs (ex-Mott the Hoople) and bassist Boz Burrell (ex-King Crimson). Kirke was the only member to remain throughout the band’s entire run, while he and Ralphs were the only members to appear on every studio album. Peter Grant, who managed the rock band Led Zeppelin, also managed Bad Company until 1982.
Bad Company enjoyed great success throughout the 1970s. Their first three albums, Bad Company (1974), Straight Shooter (1975) and Run with the Pack (1976), reached the top five in the album charts in both the UK and the US. Many of their singles and songs, such as “Bad Company”, “Can’t Get Enough” (1974), “Feel Like Makin’ Love” (1975), “Shooting Star” (1975), “Burnin’ Sky” (1977) and “Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy” (1979), remain staples of classic rock radio. They have sold 20 million RIAA-certified albums in the US and 40 million worldwide. Though they initially disbanded in 1982, Bad Company reunited on many occasions to record and tour until 2019. In 2023, Kirke revealed that they would not continue as a band following the development of Rodgers’ recent health issues. Earlier this year Bad Co was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Enter BAD CO – The Legacy
For seven years Robert Hart was the lead singer of Bad Co in its classic rock era. He has also played many years with The Jones Gang with Kenny Jones of The Faces. and currently with Manfred Mann’s Earthband.
Dave ‘Bucket’ Colwell, guitarist, spent 12 years in Bad Co, was a member of Humble Pie for several years recording, co-writing and producing the album Back on Track, The Jones Gang, ASAP and many other bands.
During 1992, Hart was approached by Mick Ralphs and Simon Kirke and asked if he would like to join them as the third lead vocalist for Bad Company, following Paul Rodgers and Brian Howe. Hart performed with Bad Company, touring the world including the US and Canada. In July 1994 a contract was drawn up by Alliance Artists and Legend Management and signed by the then Bad Company line up, Mick Ralphs, Simon Kirke, Robert Hart, Dave “Bucket” Colwell and Rick Wills. In 1995 a self-produced Bad Company album was released, Company of Strangers, with Hart who bore a vocal similarity to Paul Rodgers. It contained four tracks self-penned or co-written by Hart. The band made a promotional tour of the US with Bon Jovi. In 1996 another Bad Co album, Stories Told and Untold featured Hart and contained seven new compositions and seven acoustic versions including ‘Can’t Get Enough’ and ‘Ready For Love’. Hart was also lead vocalist on three live albums between 1994 and 2001. In March 2020 he was on tour in Germany with “Rock meets Classic” featuring Alice Cooper.
During the Brian Howe period the album, Holy Water, was released. The album was enormously successful both critically and commercially, attaining Top 40 and platinum status by selling more than one million copies. Holy Water was the band’s first album on the Atlantic subsidiary Atco. The album spun off the singles: “If You Needed Somebody” the title track “Holy Water” and “Walk Through Fire”. “Holy Water” also hit No. 1 for 2 weeks on the AOR charts with “If You Needed Somebody” reaching No. 2.
In 1990 Dave “Bucket” Colwell joined Bad Co as guitarist at the request of Mick Ralphs who sat out for most of the Holy Water tour. Their subsequent tour, supported by Damn Yankees, was one of the top five grossing tours of 1991. As well as touring for over a decade, Colwell recorded Here Comes Trouble, What You Hear is What You Get, Company of Strangers and Stories Told and Untold, co-writing the last two. He then went on to record Merchants of Cool with Paul Rodgers in 2002.
Hart and Colwell are joined by Chris Childs, exThunder and Tyketto and John Lingwood, Manfred Mann’s Earthband and Roger Chapman, on drums
Fans can expect many of the classic songs spanning Bad Company’s repertoire; ‘Ready for Love’, ‘Can’t get Enough’, ‘Rock and Roll Fantasy’, the list goes on. It promises to be a night to remember!
Projects Unlimited & Wyse Family Foundation Gem Series Opener: VISITOR

Realms of the Real
2026-08-28 18:00 - 19:30 | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
A screening of the Art21 episode “Realms of the Real.” Hosted by The Contemporary Dayton & Art21 Screening Society. The internationally acclaimed artists in “Realms of the Real,” Ragnar Kjartansson, Tomas Saraceno, Candice Lin, and Njideka Akunyili Crosby, conduct extensive historical research, examine the nuances of culture and identity, and explore the boundaries of art and science to create worlds of fantasy and fiction that expand our understanding of ourselves and our world. These four artists expand on the realities of shared history and experience to create fantastical and speculative worlds, offering new possibilities for culture, identity, and the future. Attendance is limited to 10 people, due to the capacity of our video gallery. Free and open to all with reservation. This event is presented in collaboration with Art21. For more information, visit art21.org.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/realms-of-the-real-viewing-by-art21-tickets-1995168432490?aff=oddtdtcreator

Take it for a Spin!
2026-08-28 18:00 - 20:00 | MADE Studio & Shop, 735 Wayne Ave., Dayton, OH, 45410
Have you always wanted to try the pottery wheel? Looking for something different to do with friends or for a date night? Take it for a Spin is a one-time wheel experience designed for complete beginners. It’s relaxed, supportive, and hands-on. We’ll walk you through throwing a small vessel on the wheel, and you’ll have the chance to give it a go. Expect a few laughs and muddy hands. Your piece will stay with us to be finished through the full process, including glazing and two kiln firings. We’ve expanded Take it for a Spin to include more time and more clay — we heard you. Giving you a bit more space to get comfortable at the wheel. Duration: One time, 2 hours Clay Included: 3 pounds total, divided into three 1-pound portions What You Will Learn Throwing: You will wedge clay, center a small amount on the wheel, open the form, and begin pulling walls into a simple cylinder or bowl. Working in 1-pound increments allows you to reset and try again. Process: You will learn what happens after your piece leaves your hands including drying, bisque firing, glazing, and glaze firing. One finished piece is included. If you choose to keep more than one, additional pots may be fired for $10 each to cover kiln and glaze costs. The full firing and glazing process takes approximately four weeks.

J & the Causeways
2026-08-28 19:00 | Levitt Pavilion Dayton, 134 S. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402
August 28 @ 7:00 PM

Free Admission

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Series:

Montgomery County Funk/R&B Series

Genre:

R&B/Soul

New Orleans soul/rock powerhouse ensemble J & The Causeways debut album, Motions, conjures a universal theme of togetherness and compassion — melodies and lyrics cultivated with a keen understanding of reaching one another through healing and transcendence. Singer and keyboardist Jordan Anderson leads with a soaring level of octave prowess and sonic range akin to that of other renowned soul acts like St. Paul & The Broken Bones or Brittany Howard. Captured by famed musicians/producers Robert Mercurio and Ben Ellman (both members of NOLA cosmic funk outfit Galactic) at Studio in the Country and Esplanade Studios, Motions is a record soaked in the freewheelin’ ethos and sonic tones of a vibrant city that Anderson proudly calls home.
Projects Unlimited & Wyse Family Foundation Gem Series Opener: YUPPIE

Summer Music Series: Earth, Wind, & Fire Tribute with Let’s Groove Tonight
2026-08-28 19:00 - 21:00 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Join us under the pavilion as the RiverScape Summer Music Series features an Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute with Let’s Groove Tonight! Experience the magic with this high-energy celebration of the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire with the country’s premier tribute act known for it’s soulful vocals, thundering rhythm section and those iconic dynamic horns. From “September” and “Boogie Wonderland” to “Shining Star” and “Let’s Groove”, they recreate the sounds, costumes and choreography with incredible precision. This is a party you won’t want to miss!
Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy this FREE live concert, while taking in a spectacular sunset over the Great Miami River. The RiverScape Café will be open selling food and drinks along with alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and cocktails, for those 21 and over. The Summer Music Series is presented by AES Ohio, and supported by Jack W. & Sally D. Eichelberger Foundation and Enterprise Roofing.

Birthday Candles
2026-08-28 20:00 | Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Avenue, Dayton, OH, 45410, USA
Birthday Candles

by Noah Haidle
Ernestine Ashworth spends her 17th birthday agonizing over her insignificance in the universe. Soon enough, it’s her 18th birthday. Even sooner, her 41st. Her 70th. Her 101st. Five generations, an infinity of dreams, and one cake baked over a century. This sweet, poignant, and funny play takes you through the extraordinary moments that make up one woman’s ordinary life.
Birthday Candles is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
