Downtown Dayton Partnership

Dayton Dragons vs. Lansing Lugnuts
2026-07-03 19:05, 2026-07-02 19:05, 2026-07-01 19:05 (America/New_York) | 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.

Urban Laffs
2026-07-03 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | The LightHaus, 510 E. Fifth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Urban Laffs Comedy Show is bringing high-caliber stand-up comedy, live entertainment before and after the show, and an unforgettable night of laughs. Whether it’s date night or a night out with the crew, this is the comedy experience everyone will be talking about. Seats are limited and expected to go fast – secure your tickets today before they’re gone! https://bit.ly/urbanlaffs9

Honoring our Veterans ft. Eric Jerardi Band
2026-07-03 19:00 (America/New_York) | Levitt Pavilion Dayton, 134 S. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Honoring our Veterans ft. Eric Jerardi Band

July 3 @ 7:00 PM

Genre:

Rock/Blues

Join us this July 3rd for a special concert event honoring our veterans. This celebration will pay tribute to the brave people who have served our country. Montgomery County Veterans Services will be present, offering information about their services. Enjoy an evening of live music, community spirit, and heartfelt gratitude as we come together to recognize their sacrifices and dedication. This concert is the perfect way to start your Independence Day celebrations! Don’t miss this opportunity to show your support and appreciation for our veterans on Independence Day.
Eric Jerardi has built his life at the crossroads of soul and storytelling. A Dayton, Ohio native, his music blends weathered truth and raw finesse—equal parts grit, groove, and grace. Since 1997, he has released ten nationally distributed recordings, each one a milestone in his evolution as a soul‑soaked blues‑rock artist.
His 2019 album Occupied—produced by the legendary David Z (Prince, Etta James, Jonny Lang) and recorded with the famed Muscle Shoals rhythm section—was hailed for its depth, groove, and emotional resonance. Critics called it a “low-key, deeply felt masterpiece,” and audiences across the country echoed that sentiment with standing ovations and lasting loyalty. Yet Eric’s art has never been about virtuosity—it’s about connection. The subtle inflection of a vocal line. The space between notes that speaks louder than any solo. He plays not to impress, but to connect—and people feel it.
And now, with his upcoming album The Game, Jerardi returns with something even more personal. It started with a nudge—or rather, an ambush.
A close musical friend, refused to leave him alone. Relentless texts. Daily reminders. No escape. The challenge was deceptively simple: write 12 songs in 12 weeks. Every Wednesday morning, a text arrived with a phrase that had to be used verbatim in that week’s song—phrases Eric would never have chosen on his own. Miss the deadline, and you paid a fine. Miss too many, and you were out. No polish required. Just honesty and accountability.
What began as a game became a mirror.
Produced by Michael James (Robben Ford, Edwin McCain, New Radicals) and featuring the iconic Muscle Shoals backing vocals of Cindy and Marie, The Game is raw, lean, and unfiltered. It cost Eric twenty dollars, a little sleep, and a whole lot of truth. Worth every penny.
Beyond the music, Jerardi’s world continues to expand. At Jerardi’s Little Store in Dayton, fans travel from across the country—and around the world—to meet him, collect signed merch, and have Eric personally select wines from his curated collection. That same spirit lives on in his YouTube series Backroom Blues & Bottles, where stripped-down performances filmed in the store’s back room blend his two passions: music and wine.
Through it all, Eric Jerardi remains guided by the same principle that’s shaped his entire career—connection. Whether through a lyric written under pressure, a note held just long enough, or a bottle poured across the counter, he’s inviting people into something real.
The Game may have started as a dare. But Eric Jerardi played it exactly the way he always has—honestly, fearlessly, and all in.

Kayak Rentals with Taiters Kayak
2026-07-03 17:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | OH
Part of RiverScape Kayak Rentals series
Kayak Rentals with Taiters Kayak
5:00pm – 9:00pm
AGE: 10 and up | $15.00, $25.00, $60.00

Paddle under the fountains with Taiters Kayak all summer long at RiverScape MetroPark! Kayakers launch from the bottom of the levee along the Great Miami Recreational Trail, and the rental options include: $15.00/30 minutes, $25.00/1 hour, or $60.00/day pass (the 4-hour rental window). Taiters Kayak staff will provide participants with brief instructions prior to entering the water – including a safety tutorial – and will help participants get into their vessels. All participants will be required to wear a properly fitted life jacket. Swimming is prohibited in the Great Miami River, but participants should come prepared to get wet. Participants will also not be permitted to go through the RiverScape River Run whitewater feature. No lifeguards are on duty, and paddling is at all participants’ own risk. All participants will be required to sign a waiver before entering their vessel, and all minors must have a parent/guardian present. Regular walk-up rental hours take place Wednesdays and Fridays, from 5-9PM (6/3-7/31) and 4-8PM (8/5-9/11). Visit Facebook.com/TaitersKayak or TaitersKayak.com for more information. Weather Dependent.
Get out and paddle on the Great Miami River with Taiters Kayak at RiverScape MetroPark!

First Friday
2026-07-03 17:00 - 21:00 (America/Detroit) | Downtown Dayton
The beginning of every month starts with a bang in downtown Dayton. First Friday is a free art hop featuring exhibit openings at the galleries, along with a variety of entertainment options, arts demonstrations, live music and more. Add to that everything going on at the restaurants, bars, nightclubs, theaters, comedy club, movie theater and more that make up the downtown mix. First Friday is presented by the Downtown Dayton Partnership. For more info and specific event details, visit the First Friday Facebook page. 224-1518.

Lights in Flight
2026-07-03 11:30 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
The City of Dayton invites residents and visitors to join in the America 250 celebration on Friday, July 3, with a day of family-friendly activities: a downtown Dayton parade and afternoon street fair, followed by the annual Lights in Flight fireworks display.

Timeline for the day:

11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Street Fair at and around RiverScape MetroPark featuring food vendors, games, kids zone, and more
12 p.m. – Dayton’s America 250 parade (starts at St. Clair Street/East Second Street, ends at Patterson Boulevard/North Jefferson Street)
10 p.m. – Lights in Flight fireworks launched from Kettering Field

Kettering Field is currently undergoing construction of new and improved outdoor sports facilities and will be closed to the public and vehicle parking, but the fireworks will be visible from surrounding areas. Fireworks viewers are encouraged to plan parking and viewing locations in advance.

For information and updates visit daytonohio.gov/lightsinflight.

Exhibit: Our Fire Is Stronger Than Your Bombs
2026-07-03 | The International Peace Museum, 10 N. Ludlow St., Dayton, OH, 45402
On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The war continues until now, ruining the lives of millions of people and uprooting the principles of civilized life as we know it. The goal of the exhibition is to raise awareness of the war still raging in the heart of Europe. Our exhibit showcases some of the brilliant artworks of contemporary Ukrainian illustrators living and working in Ukraine, sometimes, with no power, water, cell signal, or Internet connection. Many of them have long collaborated with global media, in particular The New Yorker, The Atlantic, Zeit, Adweek, and other outlets. The 25 posters on display have been created by 9 emerging and well-established illustrators since the start of the full-scale invasion. A poster, as a form of fine art blending imagery and text, is a convenient and iconic statement, a means of rapid, shareable response to the urgent events and personal emotions they trigger. In the context of the massive information war, illustrators have become the voices of the art community, and their activism adds tangible strength to the ‘cultural troops’ who fight propaganda every day, broadcasting facts through artistic images and defending the truth as eyewitnesses.

Niki Johnson: Pillars of Democracy
2026-07-03, 2026-07-02 | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
The Contemporary Dayton is proud to present Niki Johnson: Pillars of Democracy, a series of four large-scale collaged portraits envisioning Liberty, Justice, Freedom, and Forward as first-time voters from Milwaukee. Set across Wisconsin landscapes at dawn, midday, dusk, and night, the works reflect how democratic values are lived, protected, and renewed at the local level.
Constructed from discarded stencil paper and leftover spray paint collected during the 2020 installation of Shepard Fairey’s Voting Rights Are Human Rights mural, the series bridges more than a century of voting rights activism through both material and design. Inspired in part by Bertha Boyd’s 1911 suffrage poster Votes for Women, the works foreground the central role of women in democracy, from early suffragists to first-time voters today, uniting generations through civic participation and creative resistance.
Built collaboratively over ten months with the support of Milwaukee artists and community volunteers, Pillars of Democracy reminds us that democracy is not abstract, but rather something we actively build, sustain, and strengthen through everyday acts of participation, dialogue, and collective care.
Presented during The Contemporary Dayton’s 35th anniversary season, the exhibition reflects our ongoing commitment to freedom of expression and to creating space for artistic inquiry, civic engagement, and public dialogue.
Johnson is a Milwaukee-based artist, curator, and Executive Director of the Forward Art Initiative. She earned her BFA from the University of Memphis and her MA/MFA in Studio Art from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Her work is included in the collection of the Dayton Art Institute and has been reviewed in publications including The New York Times, The Guardian, Hyperallergic, and Vice Magazine.

OPENING NIGHT / Wednesday, July 1
Member & Sponsor Preview: 5-6 pm
Public Reception: 6-8 pm
Artist Talk: 6:30 pm

Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice
2026-07-03, 2026-07-02 | 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.”

“The Faces of Pride” photos by Rick Flynn presented by The Dayton Society of Artist
2026-07-03, 2026-07-02 | The North Arcade Gallery, 24 W. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Faces of Pride Join us for a special reception for Faces of Pride, a powerful and evolving exhibition celebrating the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community in the Dayton and Miami Valley region. Artist Trading Cards Community Project Led by Joy Johnson, this interactive project invites attendees to create and exchange artist trading cards, offering a creative way to share identity, expression, and connection. Reception: Friday, June 5, 2026 5:00–7:00 PM Location: North Arcade Gallery Exhibition Dates: May 22 – July 4, 2026 Free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided. Exhibition Statement Faces of Pride was designed to showcase the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community in the Dayton/Miami Valley area of Ohio. This project is a living, breathing reflection of community and will continue to grow as long as individuals choose to participate and share their stories. Presented in partnership with the Greater Dayton LGBT Center and Dayton Metro Library, with support from the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District. Exhibition runs May 22-July 3, 2026 Hours W-F 10-6PM and Saturday 9-3PM.

The Future of Female
2026-07-03 | Dayton Society of Artists, 48 High Street, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
The Dayton Society of Artists (DSA) is proud to present The Future of Female, a juried exhibition highlighting the perspectives, experiences, and voices of women-identifying artists. This exhibition brings together a diverse range of work across mediums, styles, and approaches—offering a thoughtful exploration of identity, presence, and creative expression in contemporary practice.

Threads of History: Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi
2026-07-03, 2026-07-02 | 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.

Music Bingo Thursdays
2026-07-02 20:00 (America/New_York) | The Trolley Stop, 530 E. Fifth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, USA
We have music bingo every Thursday! It’s free to play, lots of fun, hosted by KG, and there are prizes galore. Come check it out!

Open Mic Night
2026-07-02 19:30 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | The Barrel House, 417 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Open Mic Night – sign up online, then show up and show out.

Music Bingo
2026-07-02 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Turn up the fun and test your knowledge at Music Bingo, where your favorite songs replace the numbers and every round feels like a mini dance party. Grab your friends, sing along, and play for prizes! Settle in by the RiverScape Café with some food and drinks, then see how fast you can match the tunes to your card. The first to hit five in a row takes the win with a variety of prizes, so keep your ears sharp and your bingo marker ready! Music Bingo is free to participate, but we recommend coming early as bingo sheets are limited. The RiverScape Café will be open with a variety of flatbreads, sides, desserts, and refreshments available for purchase. For those 21 and over, there will also be a full menu of cocktails, wine, and beer available for purchase as part of the Downtown Dayton DORA.

Ernie Johnson from Detroit
2026-07-02 19:00 (America/New_York) | Levitt Pavilion Dayton, 134 S. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Ernie Johnson from Detroit

July 2 @ 7:00 PM

Free Admission

/

Series:

Brytus-Wilkinson Family Jazz Series

Genre:

Jazz

Ernie Johnson From Detroit is a Cincinnati based band that blends afrobeat, funk, and jazz with 70s psychedelia and hard rock to create a hypnotic, danceable sound that is both accessible and boundary pushing. Their stage show is a high-energy, infectious dance party that centers on intense, spontaneous improvisation combined with tight, sophisticated compositions that live inside the groove. The band’s horn-heavy arrangements and relentless rhythm section allow for a variety of styles and a layering of dynamics in their improvised jams that make people want to move.
Projects Unlimited & Wyse Family Foundation Gem Series Opener: MELINAMARIE

Teen Craft and Learn – Crochet Star
2026-07-02 18:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Teen Craft and Learn – Crochet Star, Thursday, July 2, 6:30-7:30 pm, Main Library, Conference Room 1B: Learn basic stitches and techniques to make a small star while a Librarian answers questions and shares Library resources. Teens

July Mix & Mingle on The Foundry Rooftop: Bourbon & Rye Tasting
2026-07-02 18:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | The Foundry, 124 Madison St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Kick off July with an exclusive rooftop tasting experience at The Foundry featuring industry legends Ian Stirsman of Ross & Squibb Distillery and Stephen Fante of Limestone Branch Distillery! Join them for an evening of premium spirits where you can learn the craft behind celebrated labels like Remus Bourbon, Rossville Union Rye, and Yellowstone Bourbon firsthand. This unique mix and mingle offers both general and reserve tasting options, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy exceptional drinks in a premier atmosphere. Spaces for this event are limited, so grab your tickets today to secure your spot. https://www.thefoundryrooftop.com/store/event/mix-mingle-with-four-roses-bourbon/

Collage Night
2026-07-02 17:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Come get creative in a relaxed, welcome space–no experience necessary! We’ll provide materials, or feel free to bring your own. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just looking to unwind and try something new, this night is all about making, experimenting, and connecting with others through art. Free .

RiverScape Stroll
2026-07-02 17:00 - 18:30 (America/New_York) | Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
RiverScape Stroll, every Thursday, 5-6:30 pm, Main Library: Walk from the Main Library to RiverScape MetroPark, connecting with the Great Miami River Recreation Trail and return. Meet in the Main Library’s Atrium. All Ages

CURIO at Courthouse Square
2026-07-02 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Courthouse Square, Third & Main Streets, Dayton, OH, 45422, USA
Free entertainment in the heart of downtown
Throughout the summer months, fun, out-of-the-box entertainment can be found on Courthouse Square, with CURIO serving as the hub of community, connection, and collaboration!
Big ideas can come in small packages, and CURIO is the first step in a larger, longer-term plan to revitalize Courthouse Square. This shipping container transformed into an event hub has been combined with fun outdoor seating and other touches to create downtown’s newest summer hotspot!
FIND THE CALENDAR OF SCHEDULED ENTERTAINMENT HERE:
https://downtowndayton.org/things-to-do/curio/#schedule
Bring your friends and coworkers for a midday break outside!
CURIO features free lunchtime entertainment from noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays each week during the summer months.
Food vendors also set up on Courthouse Square each weekday, allowing downtown workers and others to grab lunch from a vendor or a downtown restaurant and take in the entertainment while enjoying the outdoors downtown.
Be sure to “Like” CURIO at Courthouse Square on Facebook to get the latest updates on upcoming entertainment and more. You can also request to receive regular emails about what’s planned for CURIO.
If you are interested in performing on the Square or would like more information about CURIO, email events@downtowndayton.org.
CURIO at Courthouse Square is a program of the Downtown Dayton Partnership, with support from Montgomery County.

Community Fitness: Trailblazers HIIT & Run
2026-07-01 19:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Summer activities that make your body happy and healthy. Led by Fire Flame Fitness, this HIIT workout class is for everyone, including beginners and low impact participants. Come as you are! Be prepared to walk/jog after class.

Wu-Tang Wednesdays
2026-07-01 19:00 - 23:00 (America/New_York) | The Barrel House, 417 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Dayton’s legendary Ike B spins old school hip hop and whateva else he wants.

Live Trivia
2026-07-01 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E 4th St, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
We are excited to host live trivia every Wednesday at The Yellow Cab Tavern! Since there are a limited number of indoor tables, so please reserve as soon as possible.
Pepper Sprout Productions will be doing 3 rounds of general trivia from 6:30 – 8:30! Win prizes and gift cards! Watch their page on the day of for a clue about the bonus round theme!
You can enjoy pizza from The Pizza Bandit and beverages from The Yellow Cab Tavern!Pizza Bandit’s standard carryout, delivery, and onsite dining will be available from 4-9pm!
