Downtown Dayton Partnership

DLCA Performance: Disney’s Newsies JR.
2026-04-25 17:00, 2026-04-25 13:00, 2026-04-24 19:00 (America/New_York) | PNC Arts Annex, 46 N. Ludlow St., Dayton, OH, 45402
When powerful newspaper publishers raise prices at the newsboys’ expense, the charismatic Jack Kelly rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions. Together, the newsies learn that they are stronger united and create a movement to fight for what’s right. Including the now-classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe,” DLCA PERFORMANCE: DISNEY’S NEWSIES JR. is a timeless story full of spirit and heart.

Guided Tours
2026-04-25 14:00 - 15:00 | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Join us for an inside look at the exhibition, with fresh insights into the artist and their work. FREE and open to all.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1981877243185?aff=oddtdtcreator

Guided Tours
2026-04-25 14:00 - 15:00 | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Join us for a closer look at the exhibition, with fresh insights into the artists and their work. Led by Curator, Heather Jones. FREE and open to all.

Survivors Speak
2026-04-25 13:30 - 15:30 | Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Dayton Metro Library will host Survivors Speak on Saturday, April 25, 2-3:30 pm, in the Main Library’s Eichelberger Forum.

A panel of sexual violence survivors will discuss their experiences, what would have helped them in their healing journeys, and how the community can best support survivors.

This program is hosted by The Center for Community Impact & Innovation at DML and is presented in partnership with Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio and the Artemis Center. Registration required. Spots are filling quickly.

For more information and to register, visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org or call the Library’s Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665.

Dayton Dragons vs. South Bend Cubs
2026-04-25 13:05, 2026-04-24 19:05 | Day Air Ballpark, 220 North Patterson Blvd., Dayton, OH, 45402
Catch one of the hottest tickets in sports – see the Dayton Dragons play baseball at Day Air Ballpark! For tickets and more information, visit www.daytondragons.com or call 228-2287.

Hopper Master Copy Workshop: The Lee Shore (1928)
2026-04-25 13:00 - 15:00 | Dayton Society of Artists, 48 High Street, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Join the Dayton Society of Artists for a master copy workshop focused on The Lee Shore by Edward Hopper. This session will explore Hopper’s use of composition, light, and atmosphere through a guided painting exercise, along with historical insights into the artist and the context surrounding the work.

Painted in 1928, The Lee Shore reflects Hopper’s ability to convey mood and psychological depth through restraint and simplicity. Participants will work from a reproduction of the painting while analyzing its structure, value relationships, and use of color to better understand how Hopper constructed meaning within the scene. Historical tidbits will be shared throughout the workshop, led by Dayton Society of Artists Historian, Kathleen Caffrey.
PLEASE BRING SKETCHBOOK AND PREFERRED MEDIUM. LIMITED SUPPLIES ARE AVAILABLE.
Date and Time
Saturday, April 25, 2026
1:00–3:00 PM
Location
Dayton Society of Artists
48 High Street
Dayton, OH 45403
Cost
Free for Members
$10 for Non-Members
About the Workshop
Participants will:
Work from a reproduction of The Lee Shore
This workshop is open to all experience levels.

Saturday Art Workshops
2026-04-25 11:00 - 13:00 | K12 Gallery & TEJAS, 341 S. Jefferson St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Saturday Art Workshops for Kindergarten-12th Grade and Adults. Each month explore a different art medium (Clay, Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, Mosaics, Drawing, Photography, in a different theme/artistic style (K-12th grade). For Adults classes in Mosaics, Stained Glass, and Glassblowing. Saturday Classes run from September 2025-May 2026. 11:00am-1:00pm. Call for Costs.

Adopt-A-Park
2026-04-25 09:00 - 12:00 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Join Miami Valley residents in Five Rivers MetroParks’ annual Earth Day celebration, April 25. Opportunities are available on Get Connected. Spend the morning volunteering in parks and other areas across Montgomery County! Volunteers of all ages, accessibility levels and backgrounds will tackle dozens of projects at different natural areas. Projects will include invasive species removal, habitat maintenance, gardening activities, mulching nature play areas, historical farm clean up and more. These projects will improve the environment and beautiful the region’s natural areas. Groups are encouraged to register early to ensure space at available sites

2026 Sinclair Community College Graduating Fine Art Students’ Portfolio Exhibition
2026-04-25, 2026-04-24 | Galleries at Sinclair College, 444 W. Third St., Bldg. 13, Dayton, OH, 45402
The Sinclair Community College Art Department is pleased to present works by the 2026 graduating class. From April 18 through May 7, the Burnell R. Roberts Triangle Gallery and other galleries in Building 13 will exhibit artwork by students graduating from Sinclair with an Associate of Arts, Art degree. The graduates are in charge of both selecting works from their portfolios for exhibition as well as installing the show. Exhibiting artists include Dean Abele, Allison Ander, Nar Byrd, Noah Caballero, Gail Coleman, Kaitlyn Cramer, Madison Dickey, Calista Dillon, Ashlyn Haywood, Arden Jackson, Ja’Shayla Jennings, Marcie Kincaid, Emma LaRocco, Taylor Law, Delaney Manzo, Bonita Mitchell, Melanie Perez-Garcia, Denell Pierce, Hailey Prather, Max Quinn, Charlotte Repasy, Alexia Richardson, Audrey Rickmon, Brendan Riley, Cosmo Steele, Jeremiah Wiggins, and Anna Ziegler. There will be a public reception on April 30 from 4:30pm-6pm in the 4th Floor Atrium of Building 13. The galleries are located at the corner of West Fifth and Perry Street in Building 13 on the 4th Floor. The galleries are free and open to the public from 8am–6pm Monday–Friday and 9am–12pm Saturdays.

Discover Dayton Scavenger Hunt
2026-04-25, 2026-04-24 | Downtown Dayton
Explore downtown like never before during the Discover Downtown Dayton Scavenger Hunt! Throughout the month of April, participants will visit local businesses, complete fun challenges, and learn interesting facts about downtown Dayton. Each participating location will feature a unique challenge such as taking a photo, trying a signature item, answering trivia, or discovering something new about the space. Participants who complete challenges will be entered into prize drawings while supporting local businesses and exploring everything downtown has to offer. Grab your friends, family, or coworkers and see how many locations you can discover! This is a month-long interactive scavenger hunt taking place April 1–30, 2026. Participants may complete challenges anytime during regular business hours at participating downtown locations. https://linktr.ee/livedowntown

Jamea Richmond-Edwards: Leviathan
2026-04-25, 2026-04-24 | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
The Contemporary Dayton is proud to present Leviathan, a film by interdisciplinary artist Jamea Richmond-Edwards. Known for her monumental paintings and mixed-media collages informed by mythology, Afrofuturist iconography, and magical realism, Richmond-Edwards brings these influences into a cinematic form in this film. Using music and dance, Leviathan traces the artist’s family history and their enduring connection to Detroit. Raised in a family of dancers and musicians, and drawing on her experience as a competitive dancer and marching band member, Richmond-Edwards infuses the film with movement and sound. The film explores Detroit’s layered histories and evolving landscapes, invoking the mythic Leviathan as a metaphor for the powerful, often untold forces of the Great Migration. Richmond-Edwards is an artist from Detroit who holds a BFA from Jackson State University and an MFA from Howard University. Her work has been included in exhibitions at the Brooklyn Museum, New York; the Frist Art Museum, Nashville, Tennessee; and The Phillips Collection, Washington, DC, and more. Her work is held in the collections of the Rubell Museum, Washington, DC; The Studio Museum in Harlem, New York; and the US Department of State’s Art in Embassies program, among others. OPENING NIGHT / Friday, March 13 Member & Sponsor Preview: 5-6 pm Public Reception: 6-8 pm Remarks: 6:30 pm CLOSING RECEPTION / Saturday, June 6 4-6p – Light Refreshments and a final chance to view the exhibition. This exhibition is one of three concurrent exhibitions of new and recent work by Detroit-based artists, curated by Heather Jones, and presented to spark dialogue around the art and artists of our time.

Paul Verdell: Tabernacle
2026-04-25, 2026-04-24 | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
The Contemporary Dayton is proud to present a new body of work by Paul Verdell. In these gestural paintings, Verdell continues his exploration of loose and instinctive mark making, working with paint and collaged elements. These works become renditions of landscapes both visually and figuratively as the colors and forms subtly echo horizons and map Verdell’s mental terrain. Driven by intuition, his latest body of work delves deep into the realm of abstraction as the artist explores capabilities of medium and mind. Influencing the artist’s conceptual root is both internal discourse—an ongoing attempt to understand himself within a shifting and uncertain world through the act of painting—as well as his Black American heritage. Verdell is a painter based in Detroit. Originally from Long Beach, California, he moved to Ohio as a teenager and received a BFA from Bowling Green State University in 2018. He has been awarded residencies at Black Rock Senegal, Dakar, Senegal, and the Macedonia Institute, Chatham, New York. His work has been included in exhibitions at The Armory Show, New York; Hurst Contemporary, London; and the Dakar Biennale, Dakar, Senegal, among others. Verdell’s work is held in the collections of the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, and Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, Cleveland, Ohio, among others. OPENING NIGHT / Friday, March 13 Member & Sponsor Preview: 5-6 pm Public Reception: 6-8 pm Remarks: 6:30 pm CLOSING RECEPTION / Saturday, June 6 4-6p – Light Refreshments and a final chance to view the exhibition. This exhibition is one of three concurrent exhibitions of new and recent work by Detroit-based artists, curated by Heather Jones, and presented to spark dialogue around the art and artists of our time

Jason REVOK: Mutually Exclusive
2026-04-25, 2026-04-24 | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
The Contemporary Dayton is proud to present new paintings by Jason REVOK. Self-taught, REVOK is known for pushing creative boundaries that began in the street. Although his story begins with graffiti, the artist has spent the last decade focusing on his studio practice and the evolution of process and concept. Refusing to be limited by his early recognition, REVOK allows only certain elements from graffiti culture to transition to his contemporary work—modest materials and industrial tools, ingenuity, his name—but his proclivity towards minimalism and post-painterly abstraction has become the driving force behind his practice. Examining the question of authorship from start to finish, REVOK has developed systematic yet imperfect tools to carry out his vision and has created a number of unmistakable bodies of work. His bold, balanced, geometry is heightened by the personal and imperfect sleight of the human hand. REVOK grew up in Southern California and is based in Detroit. His work has been exhibited at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit; the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles; and the Pasadena Museum of California Art, as well as in galleries and special projects in New York, Los Angeles, Detroit, and Dubai. His work is held in important private collections worldwide. OPENING NIGHT / Friday, March 13 Member & Sponsor Preview: 5-6 pm Public Reception: 6-8 pm Remarks: 6:30 pm CLOSING RECEPTION / Saturday, June 6 4-6p – Light Refreshments and a final chance to view the exhibition. This exhibition is one of three concurrent exhibitions of new and recent work by Detroit-based artists, curated by Heather Jones, and presented to spark dialogue around the art and artists of our time.

Tony Foster, Exploring Time: A Painter’s Perspective
2026-04-25, 2026-04-24 | The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH, 45405, United States
Tony Foster, Exploring Time: A Painter’s Perspective
February 21–May 17, 2026, Gallery 120
Between 2007 and 2025, Tony Foster embarked on his 19th Journey, building it around a profound and layered theme: time. Across this body of work, he investigates how time shapes the land—from the quick shifts of light and weather, to the slow rhythms of seasons, to the immense scales of biological and geological transformation. As Foster explains, his aim is “to draw attention to the unseen forces that create place.”
Exploring Time brings together a remarkable series of watercolor diaries that capture nature in motion. His paintings reveal signs of change on multiple fronts: geological upheavals, biological cycles and the marks left by human activity. With a discerning eye, Foster records not only nature’s strength and resilience but also its vulnerability, even in landscapes once dominated by industry and later reclaimed.
In a world where environmental change is often conveyed through striking images of global warming, Foster offers a different perspective, one that considers Earth’s continual evolution and the visible traces of time’s passage. Organized into four themes: geological, biological, human and the fleeting, this exhibition invites viewers to engage with time at every scale, from the span of a moment to the stretch of millennia, while reflecting on the enduring impact of human presence.

Friday Night Karaoke at Two Social
2026-04-24 22:00 | Two Social, 123 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
The weekend just got louder — step into the spotlight at Two Social’s Friday Night Karaoke, Dayton’s best late-night sing-along happening every single week in the heart of downtown. Every Friday night, DJ Blake from Limelight Entertainment transforms Two Social into Dayton’s premier karaoke destination. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or finally working up the nerve to take the mic, the professional sound system and massive song library make sure you always sound your best. Pick your song, put your name on the list, and let the night take it from there. Key Details: – When: Every Friday night – Time: 10:00 PM – 1:00 AM – Where: Two Social, 123 E 3rd Street, Downtown Dayton, OH 45402 – Cost: FREE — no cover charge – Host: DJ Blake / Limelight Entertainment – Age: 21+ after 9:00 PM (valid ID required) – Includes: Professional sound system, massive song library, full bar, late-night arcade How to Attend: No reservations needed — just show up! Tables and bar seating are first-come, first-served. Arrive early if you want to throw axes (lanes close at 10:00 PM when karaoke begins). To book an axe throwing lane before the show, visit 2socialdayton.com. Frequently Asked Questions: Q: Is there a cover charge? A: Nope! Friday Night Karaoke is completely free to attend. Q: Do I need a reservation? A: No reservations needed for karaoke. Just walk in, grab a drink, and put your name on the list with DJ Blake. Q: Is this event 21+? A: Two Social is 21+ after 9:00 PM on Friday nights. Please bring a valid ID. Q: What time does karaoke start? A: Karaoke kicks off at 10:00 PM and runs until 1:00 AM. Q: Can I throw axes and do karaoke on the same night? A: Yes! Axe throwing lanes are open until 10:00 PM. We recommend booking an 8:00 or 8:30 PM lane so you finish right as the party heats up. Q: What kind of songs are available? A: DJ Blake has a massive library spanning classic rock, pop, country, hip-hop, and more. If you can think of it, chances are it’s on the list. Come out this Friday and take the mic — no reservations, no cover, just great vibes in downtown Dayton. https://www.2socialdayton.com/events/karaoke-night

Dayton Silent Disco – 5 Year Anniversary Party
2026-04-24 20:30 | The Brightside, 905 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Dayton’s Silent Disco is celebrating our 5 Year Anniversary on April 24th at The Brightside Music and Event Venue! It’s been a wild ride having hosted 60+ Dayton Silent Discos and 17 in Cincy over the last 5 years! With 10s of thousands of our friends and family coming out over the years, you all are our crew and we are so grateful for the opportunity to bring everyone together every single month on the dance floor! We’re going to keep reciprocating the energy with some of our biggest parties yet happening this year! KimL will be on the green station with EDM, Sexbox on the blue station with 70s, 80s, and 90s, and John Chapel on the Red station with modern hits. Hope you’ll join us for our anniversary! We have a ton of surprises and can’t wait to dance with you! HOW TO GO? Friday, April 24 Doors 8pm / Event 8:30pm – 1:00am Cover starts at 8:00pm with music starting at 8:30pm on April 24th! Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the doors. Tickets and more details are available at daytonsilentdisco.com We’re offering “Group Tickets” – Save 20% when you bring a group of 10! (Pre-sale only) This event is 21+ Produced by Level Up Productions

Ohio Players
2026-04-24 19:30 | Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative funk bands of all time, the OHIO PLAYERS are coming back to Dayton! The acclaimed band has traveled the world, produced more than a dozen albums, and received 14 gold and platinum awards. After more than 50 years in the business, this group is still setting stages on “Fire” and riding their own “Love Rollercoaster!”

Jazz Night with George Balog ft. Rhinegeist and Thrive Youth Collective
2026-04-24 19:00 - 23:00 | The Barrel House, 417 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Join us for an evening of jazz, beer, and some good old fashioned do-gooding!
George Balog is behind the turntables 7-11pm playing a curated selection of the choisest jazz cuts.
We’ll have six killer beers from Cincy’s esteemed Rhinegiest Brewering Company on tap.
We’re raising funds for the good folks at Thrive Youth Collective from open to close! We will be donating 10% of all draft sales, and Rhinegeist will be donating $1 from every Rhinegeist full pour sold, and $2 from each full Rhinegiest flight sold!
Note: Dayton Street Snacks will not be in operation, but our friends across the street at Verecruz Express would be more than happy to whip you up some amazing Mexican fare!
About Thrive Youth Collective:
Thrive Youth Collective provides research-informed, best-practice programming in partnership with trusted local organizations, all devoted to enhancing the lived experiences of Q+ youth and their families. Programming is grounded in prevention science and centers protective factors known to improve mental health, reduce risk behaviors, and strengthen long-term well-being.
At the heart of this work is connection through community—a shared space where Q+ youth can build skills, take developmentally appropriate risks, strengthen autonomy, and amplify their voices for both self and community.
VISIONA place where youth are celebrated for who they are, resilience is strengthened, and community is built.
MISSIONThrive Youth Collective co-creates a transformational space where youth feel affirmed, empowered, and engaged in activities that promote well-being.
While resilience is a guiding value, thriving is the intended outcome.
Guided by the Thrive Youth Collective Board, the LGBTQ+ Health Alliance, community partners, and—most importantly—Q+ youth themselves, the Collective practices intentional inclusion and advances equity through empowering experiences. By prioritizing connection over isolation and autonomy over fear, Thrive Youth Collective contributes to reduced anxiety and depression, increased help-seeking behaviors, healthier decision-making, and stronger, more authentic relationships among youth and their families—both biological and chosen—in Montgomery County.
Thrive Youth Collective directly counters the stigma and structural barriers Q+ youth face across school, family, and community systems.
At its core, this is prevention work.It is mental health promotion.It is community building.It is life-saving.We imagine—and actively build toward—a world where Q+ youth are no longer forced to demonstrate daily resilience simply to survive, but are fully supported in thriving.

Sinclair College celebrates Legends of Jazz Concert
2026-04-24 19:00 - 20:30 | Blair Hall Theatre – Sinclair, 444 W. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Sinclair Jazz celebrates the enduring legacies of Chuck Mangione, Sammy Nestico, Quincy Jones, and Gordon Goodwin with special guest and Sinclair alumni, trumpeter Matt Anklan on Friday, April 24 at 7 PM, in Sinclair College’s Blair Hall. An evening of big band brilliance and jazz mastery honors four influential figures who shaped the sound of modern jazz. Music lovers and jazz enthusiasts are invited to experience an unforgettable evening of music at the “Legends of Jazz” Tribute Concert, a special performance celebrating the extraordinary contributions of Chuck Mangione, Sammy Nestico, Quincy Jones, and Gordon Goodwin. The concert will showcase timeless compositions and arrangements that have inspired generations of musicians and audiences around the world. From the soaring flugelhorn melodies of Chuck Mangione to the masterful big band arrangements of Sammy Nestico, the innovative production and composition of Quincy Jones, and the electrifying contemporary charts of Gordon Goodwin, this tribute concert highlights the diverse artistry that continues to define the jazz tradition. The program will feature a dynamic lineup of classic and contemporary works associated with these legendary artists, performed by the Sinclair Jazz Ensemble and Youth Jazz Ensemble. Audience members can expect an evening filled with vibrant swing, lush harmonies, and unforgettable melodies that capture the spirit of jazz across generations. “Each of these composers and performers helped shape the sound of jazz in unique and lasting ways,” said Bill Burns, director. “This concert celebrates not only their individual achievements but also the influence their music continues to have on musicians and listeners today.” Chuck Mangione’s melodic and accessible style brought jazz to mainstream audiences, while Sammy Nestico’s arrangements for the Count Basie Orchestra set the gold standard for big band writing. Quincy Jones’ groundbreaking career bridged jazz, film scoring, and popular music, and Gordon Goodwin’s modern big band compositions continue to push the genre forward with energy and sophistication. The concert promises an engaging musical journey—from classic swing to contemporary big band—highlighting the enduring vitality of jazz and the remarkable legacies of these four iconic artists. Sinclair Jazz is dedicated to presenting exceptional live music and celebrating the rich heritage of jazz through performances, education, and community engagement.

Life Is Wine-derful
2026-04-24 19:00 | The Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, 1 West Second Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Sip your way into spring at our LIFE IS WINE-DERFUL wine tasting in the Schuster Center Wintergarden! Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just enjoy the occasional glass, this event offers something for every palate. Treat yourself or surprise someone special to an evening of music, gourmet bites, and welcoming the arrival of spring!

Member’s Spotlight Exhibition: Amy Dolan: Along the Path
2026-04-24 | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Amy Dolan: Along the Path features new work by the Dayton-based artist. Drawing inspiration from the natural world, Dolan’s paintings explore the balance between chaos and harmony, capturing moments that feel both still and in motion. Influenced by her upbringing in upstate New York and the Finger Lakes region, Dolan is deeply attuned to the ways light, color, and reflection shape our experience of landscape. Each work begins on a black canvas, building outward through layered color, texture, and expressive mark-making. Her intuitive process embraces irregularity and change, allowing each composition to evolve organically. Guided in part by her background in design, Dolan balances this looseness with a strong sense of structure and visual harmony. The works in Along the Path reflect both a physical and emotional journey, one shaped by observation, memory, and a sensitivity to the natural environment. Through vibrant color and fluid brushwork, Dolan invites viewers to experience a sense of tranquility alongside a quiet energy, offering space for reflection, connection, and renewal.
Exhibition Dates: April 1-24, 2026 Opening Reception: April 1, 6-8 pm Closing Reception: April 24, 4-6 pm
