Susan B. Byrnes: Lightness and Weight
2025-02-07, 2025-02-08 | 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
2025-02-07, 2025-02-08 | 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

TeaTime at the 2nd Street Market
2025-02-07 11:30 - 12:30 (America/Detroit) | 2nd Street Market, 600 E. Second St., Dayton, OH, 45402, USA
Join Michael Thomas of Poppets Coffee and discover the essence of True Tea versus Herbal Tea. Explore, sample and discuss the nuances that set them apart. (Poppets Coffee is also a purveyor of fine teas.)

Exhibit: The Future of Female
2025-02-07 12:00 - 17:00 | Dayton Society of Artists, 48 High Street, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
January 10th – FEBRUARY 22nd
The Dayton Society of Artists (DSA) is pleased to present The Future of Female, an exhibition focused on the ideals, hopes, and experiences of women identifying artists. The call for art was open to any women identifying artists who are 18 years or older and who live, work, or attend school in the state of Ohio. All art in any medium, style, and technique were considered. $600 in prizes will be awarded; the juror is McLean Emenegger.
Opening Reception: Friday, January 10th, 5 – 8 PM. Awards announced at 6:30 PM

Jurassic Quest 2025
2025-02-07 12:00 - 18:00, 2025-02-08 09:00 - 18:00 | Dayton Convention Center, 22 East 5th Street, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Playing Friday, February 7 – Sunday, February 9, 2025 (Friday 12p-6p, Saturday 9a-6p, Sunday 9a-5p) There’s no better place to make pter-iffic memories playing with adorable baby Dinos, excavating fossils, or even training a raptor while being surrounded by behemoths like sky-scraping Spinosaurus and, the King himself, Tyrannosaurus rex! Get your tickets for Dayton now, before they go EXTINCT! Jurassic Quest is the world’s largest, most popular Dino event with unique and exciting experiences for the whole family. Observe our herd of life-size dinosaurs including Apatosaurus, Spinosaurus, and an INCREDIBLE T.rex! YOU MUST CHOOSE AN ARRIVAL TIME. YOU MAY ENTER THE VENUE ANYTIME AFTER YOUR ARRIVAL TIME BEGINS. ONCE AT THE EVENT, YOU MAY STAY AS LONG AS YOU LIKE. All guests ages 2 and older must have a ticket. Guests under age 2 receive free kids’ standard admission. Entry is allowed until 1 hour before the closing time listed each day. Ticket prices subject to applicable taxes and fees both online and onsite. Prices are based on demand and subject to change. Attractions and exhibits vary by show. Premium add-ons like Green Screen Photos and Face Paint are not included with any ticket and can be purchased on-site at our Dino Store.

First Friday
2025-02-07 17:00 - 21:00 | 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.

Front Street Art Hop
2025-02-07 17:00 - 21:00, 2025-02-08 11:00 - 16:00 | Front Street Galleries, 1001 E. Second St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Art, Music, Food, Community: First Friday Art Hop at Front Street. We are so excited to announce that we have a NEW ART HOP SCHEDULE!! Join us every First Friday & the Saturday after for our monthly art hops. FRIDAY, 5PM – 9PM Explore art studios, shops, and galleries across campus! Live demonstrations, gallery openings, and new work on display by more than 150 artists! Meet our artists, learn about their work, or sign up to take a class! Don’t just see art, live it! Kool Beanz Cafe is open! Order at the tent and step inside to warm up while your made-to-order treat is prepared! SATURDAY, 11AM – 4PM Saturday after is your chance to visit what you couldn’t fit in on Friday! Of course, Kool Beanz Cafe will have things fired up and ready to make your lunch fresh.

A Distinct Society
2025-02-07 19:30 | The Human Race Theatre Company, 126 N. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402
In the tranquil hush of a library that straddles the U.S. – Canada border, life is about to change. When an Iranian father and daughter, separated by the international border, start using the library as a meeting place, the French-Canadian librarian, an American customs agent, and a local teenager find their quiet lives suddenly full of excitement and consequence. Inspired by true events, A Distinct Society is a touching and funny new play about the many things – family, food, art, love, and politics – that can either divide or unite us.
Experience a story of borders transcended by the universal search for connection, proving that even in the quietest places, life can echo with excitement and profound significance.

Polar Bear Express
2025-02-08 | 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
2025-02-08 | 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.
