Downtown Dayton Partnership

Polar Bear Express
2024-11-07 | Downtown Dayton
Thru Feb. 28 • Polar Bear Express
Routes throughout downtown; call for dates, times, and cost.
Book a ride aboard the abominably decorated Pedal Wagon for a 2-hour pedaling adventure through the festive streets of Dayton and to the best bars and restaurants. Reservations required. pedalwagon.com/dayton. 388-3006.

Ice Skating
2024-11-29 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Sheltered under the covered pavilion, the MetroParks Ice Rink sets the scene as a perfect winter wonderland in downtown Dayton. While the rink is open, you can enjoy delicious treats from the concession area, including a cup of hot chocolate. Take advantage of fun skating activities, such as lessons, themed skating nights and more. Visit metroparks.org/ice-rink to learn more, find daily open hours, and see a schedule of events. Admission: $7 daily, ice skate rental: $3 daily. Season passes available. Ages 3 and under are free with a paying adult. 278-2607.

Susan B. Byrnes: Lightness and Weight
2025-01-17 | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
A groundbreaking exploration of the paradoxes inherent in the human experience drawing from themes in Milan Kundera’s novel, “The Unbearable Lightness of Being,” Lightness & Weight will feature three new sound and sculptural installations that explore the complexities and dualities of the human condition. The exhibition will include a variety of non-traditional materials including cast iron, tulle, artificial hair, glass, smoke, video, and sound. Byrnes, a sculptor and audio producer who most often uses her work to challenge and reflect on the burdens of sexism and the resilience of the female body, will launch a companion podcast series featuring interviews with women artists across various media and backgrounds. Created through a new partnership between The Co and WYSO 91.3 FM, the flagship National Public Radio (NPR) member station for the region, the podcast will provide an important platform for female voices in the arts, fostering dialogue and community engagement. Byrnes is a Cincinnati-based visual artist whose diverse body of work spans sculpture, multimedia installation, radio broadcasts, writing, and curatorial projects. Her work has been exhibited in galleries and museums across the Midwest, including the Korean Cultural Center of Chicago, the Dayton Art Institute, and the Weston Gallery, Cincinnati. OPENING NIGHT / JAN 17, 2025 Members Preview with the Artist 5-6 pm / Public Reception 6-8 pm

A Zachary Armstrong Curatorial Project
2025-01-17 | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Intricate. Intimate. From the heart. The Co presents the reveal of a new project by Zachary Armstrong—an enigmatic force whose work features the ritualistic repetition of symbols and motifs rooted in recollections of his childhood and family, of people and places, of rural Midwest Americana. While the details remain under wraps, we promise a love letter to technical innovation, imagination and memory as a means of connecting. Armstrong lives and works in Dayton, Ohio. Recent solo exhibitions include GNYP Gallery, Antwerp, Belgium (2023); Tilton Gallery, New York, NY (2022, 2018, 2016); Faurschou Foundation, New York, NY/Beijing, China (2022, 2021); and The Contemporary, Dayton, OH (2021); among others. FRIENDS & FAMILY RECEPTION / Jan 3, 2025 / 6-8 pm OPENING NIGHT / Jan 17, 2025 / 6-8 pm

Community Open Skate
2025-02-22 11:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Community Open Skate
11:00am – 4:00pm
AGE: All ages | FREE
Your Five Rivers MetroParks loves its community – we quite literally couldn’t do all we do without you! So, we’ve planned a special free Community Open Skate at the MetroParks Ice Rink on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. as a way to show some love to all our wonderful park goers and supporters before we say farewell to the 2024-25 skating season. Before you head to RiverScape MetroPark to hit the ice, make sure you know before you go: Skates may be borrowed, but are available in limited quantity and sizes and given out on a first-come, first-served basis. Some guests may have to wait before skates become available. Upon arrival, please review the MetroParks Ice Rink’s rules – this is how we keep people safe on the ice! The RiverScape Cafe will be open and cozy drinks and snacks will be available for purchase. This event is weather dependent and may be cancelled due to unseasonably warm or inclement weather. Weather Dependent.

The Gruffalo’s Child
2025-02-22 13:00 (America/New_York) | Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Follow the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in London’s Tall Stories Theatre company’s enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. One wild and windy night, the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the night. She follows snowy tracks and encounters all sorts of woodland creatures, including a debonair snake, an eccentric owl, and a cunning fox. But the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist, does he? Join the Gruffalo’s Child on her brave adventure and let your imagination run wild with songs, laughs and scary fun for everyone!

Brown Hands, Black Schools HBCUs Film
2025-02-22 13:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Brown Hands, Black Schools HBCUs Film, Saturday, February 22, 1-4 pm, Main Library, Bassani Theater Off Third, 3rd Floor: Celebrate Black History Month and literacy with a special screening of the film Brown Hands, Black Schools HBCUs, based on the book, Brown Hands, Black Schools by Latoya Turner. This animated 16-minute short has live-action scenes highlighting the history of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and the importance of literacy. Patrons will also participate in literacy activities, have a red-carpet experience, meet the cast, take part in a Q&A session, and enjoy a storytime with Latoya Turner. (All Ages)

Girl Scout Cookie Pop-Up
2025-02-22 13:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | The Barrel House, 417 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Join us as we host one of favorite little hustlers, Margot, as she sets up shop and slings everyone’s favorite once-a-year treat, Girl Scout Cookies. She’ll be posted up 1-5pm on Saturday, February 22nd.
Come stock up!

Hollywood Hits
2025-02-22 19:30 (America/New_York) | The Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, 1 West Second Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Grab some popcorn and enjoy the sounds of the Philharmonic as they present selections of the most majestic and beautiful music written for some of the world’s greatest films! Experience the thrill of blockbuster movie themes from Gone With The Wind, The Magnificent Seven, Dr. Zhivago, Lawrence Of Arabia, James Bond, The Pink Panther, Breakfast At Tiffany’s, Dances With Wolves, Ben-Hur, and many more! The DPO is the star of this memorable evening of iconic and beloved film music classics!

“Savor Your Sunday” Brunches
2025-02-23 11:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Coco’s Bistro, 250 Warren St., Dayton, OH, 45402
What: “Savor Your Sunday” Brunches
When: Every Sunday in February (or Feb 2nd, 9th, 16th, & 23rd)
Where: CoCo’s Bistro, 250 Warren St
Time: 11:00 am – 2pm (last reservation taken at 2p)
Why: To support Stivers School for the Arts extensive, world-class performing arts programs
Cost: $45/pp; $15 tax-deductible donation
How: RSVP for one or more Sundays at 937.226.COCO (2828) or in person at CoCo’s.

The seedling Foundation of Dayton, OH invites you to join us at our annual “Savor Your Sunday” brunches! Enjoy a specially curated CoCo’s-style brunch every Sunday in February, while Stivers students perform and amaze! Supporting the arts never tasted so good!

Black History Month: Charles Young, Buffalo Soldier
2025-02-23 11:00 - 15:00 (America/Detroit) | 2nd Street Market, 600 E. Second St., Dayton, OH, 45402, USA
Celebrate Black History Month. Visit with the National Park Service (NPS) rangers at the 2nd St. Market who will be on hand and learn about Charles Young, a Buffalo Solider who graduated from West Point in 1889. Buffalo soldiers were African American regiments in the U.S. Army that served in the 19th century on the American Frontier. Charles Young was the highest-ranking Black officer in the Regular Army until his death in 1922. The NPS maintains the Charles Young National Museum in Wilberforce, Ohio.

Crafty Meetup
2025-02-23 13:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | The Barrel House, 417 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Bring yourself, bring your project, bring a friend, or make some new ones. Come hang out for an afternoon of introverting public hosted by The Savage Stitcher and The Barrel House. Cheers!!!

Family Skate Day
2025-02-23 13:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Family Skate Day
1:00pm – 5:00pm
AGE: All ages | $10.00
Enjoy child-friendly music and activities that will make you feel like you’re part of the family. The RiverScape Cafe will be open (serving hot chocolate for the kids) and skaters can also relax in our heated comfort tent where we will have crafts and activities. Skate admission is $7 and skate rental is $3. Ages three and under skate free with the purchase of an adult admission. Thanks to our Access to Nature Program, residents who receive SNAP/EBT can simply show their card to the rental attendant to receive 75% off admission and skate rental. Weather Dependent.

Sensory Inclusive: The Gruffalo’s Child
2025-02-23 14:00 (America/New_York) | Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
In this sensory inclusive performance, you can expect a reduction of loud or jarring sounds, the absence of flashing or strobe lighting on stage, modification of house lights during the performance, and a judgment-free environment where all patrons are free to vocalize or move around the theatre. There are trained staff members at the performance to help with any questions or needs during your visit. At no time will anyone be asked to leave the performance due to vocal reactions, movement, or behaviors related to cognitive or developmental abilities.
Follow the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in London’s Tall Stories Theatre company’s enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. One wild and windy night, the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the night. She follows snowy tracks and encounters all sorts of woodland creatures, including a debonair snake, an eccentric owl, and a cunning fox. But the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist, does he? Join the Gruffalo’s Child on her brave adventure and let your imagination run wild with songs, laughs and scary fun for everyone!
It is our hope that this production will make attending the theatre an accessible and enjoyable experience for all.

The Return of the Pack
2025-02-23 20:00 - 22:00 (America/Detroit) | The Brightside, 905 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
The Return of The Pack – Join us for a truly unforgettable evening filled with sophisticated musical performances, all set in a captivating and sexy atmosphere at The Brightside’s VodVil Bar. You don’t want to miss this fantastic show! How To Go? The Return of The Pack at The Brightside (VodVil Bar) – 905 E 3rd St, Dayton Sunday, February 23, 2035 Doors open at 7pm / Show starts at 8pm Ages 18+ (over 21, need ID to drink) Ticket link: https://tickets.venuepilot.com/e/an-evening-with-the-pack-2025-02-23-thebrightside-music-event-venue-dayton-b92455 Ticket prices: • Early Bird (through Christmas Day) • $20 general admission • $70 for 2 tickets at reserved table • $145 for 4 tickets at reserved table • Regular Advance Tickets • $25 general admission • $75 for 2 tickets at reserved table • $150 for 4 tickets at reserved table • $30 General admission at the door (if available)

Scripted in Black Presents: A Night with Baldwin and Buckley
2025-02-24 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Scripted in Black Presents: A Night with Baldwin and Buckley, Monday, February 24, 6:30-8 pm, Main Library, Bassani Theater Off Third, 3rd Floor: Students from Stivers School for the Arts will perform a choreo-poem that explores the 1965 debate between writers James Baldwin and William F. Buckley that brought intellectual and emotional clashes over race, identity, and the American experience. (All Ages)

Magic Carpet Concerts: BUGS!!
2025-02-25 11:30 (America/New_York) | Dayton Masonic Center, 525 W. Riverview Ave., Dayton, OH, 45405-4702, United States
Brush away those winter blues and celebrate spring early with BUGS!! In this fun interactive concert, the Philharmonic and Dayton Ballet School Ensemble mimic the wiggle, flutter, and leap of crawly insects, butterflies, beetles, and even grasshoppers! Selections include Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Flight of the Bumblebee,” Grieg’s “Morning” from Peer Gynt, and music from Spiderman (Elfman).

United in Laughter Comedy Show
2025-02-25 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
United in Laughter Comedy Show, Tuesday, February 25, 6:30-8 pm, Main Library, Bassani Theater Off Third, 3rd Floor: Enjoy a night of comedy with comedians from the Midwest. Headliner: Karrinne Turnbow from Cincinnati. Features: Dusty Lewis from Kentucky and Dionte Allen from Dayton. (All Ages)

Trivia Tuesday
2025-02-25 19:00, 2025-01-28 19:00, 2025-01-21 19:00, 2025-02-18 19:00, 2025-02-04 19:00 (America/Detroit) | OH
Trivia Tuesdays are fun for everyone at The Dayton Beer Company! Get $3.50 DBC Pints every Tuesday with trivia starting at 7:00 p.m. Cheers!
