Downtown Dayton Partnership

absence
2026-06-11 | Edward A. Dixon Gallery, 222 N. St. Clair St., Dayton, OH, 45402
“absence” can have many meanings in this upcoming show featuring artwork from Weiting Wei, Christa Kimble and Ann Silverman. The Public Reception is on Friday, June 12th from 6pm-8pm. The exhibition is open from June 11 – July 24th A small collection of Marilyn Monroe artwork will also be on view in Suite B1 of the gallery to commemorate the 100th Birthday of the pop and cultural icon from artists Bill Mack, Cynthia Kukla and Fatima Taylor. The exhibition is open from June 11th – June 24th.

Member’s Spotlight Exhibition: Simon Robins: Sociable
2026-06-11, 2026-06-10 | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
June 5-27, 2026 Opening Reception: June 5, 6-8 pm The paintings in Simon Robins: Sociable, contain imagery sourced from public domain and found photographs discovered through extensive research by the artist in digital archives. Cropping, recoloring, and recontextualizing these images, Robins transforms fragments of anonymous histories into works that feel at once familiar and elusive. Robins’ practice is deeply informed by his work as a collections librarian and faculty member at University of Dayton, where he regularly navigates institutional archives and historical image collections. By removing photographs from their original context, his paintings invite viewers to reconsider how images shape collective memory and how archives reflect systems of power, inclusion, and omission. In these works, Robins explores themes of social alienation, belonging, and the quiet tensions embedded within everyday interactions. His paintings evoke the visual language of post-war photography and design while raising timely questions about authorship, historical bias, and the lingering influence of institutional narratives. Through carefully composed and psychologically charged imagery, Robins creates space for reflection on the ways people connect, observe, and exist within larger social structures. About the Artist: Originally from Portland, Oregon and now based in Dayton, Simon Robins has exhibited his work at the Dayton Society of Artists, Rosewood Arts Center, and The Contemporary Dayton. In 2025, he received First Place in the Dayton Society of Artists Annual Members’ Exhibition and Second Place in The Contemporary Dayton’s Juried Members’ Exhibition. Robins earned a BA in History and Art History from Portland State University and a Master of Library and Information Studies from University of British Columbia. He currently works as a collections librarian and faculty member at the University of Dayton, where his engagement with digital archives directly informs his artistic practice.

“The Faces of Pride” photos by Rick Flynn presented by The Dayton Society of Artist
2026-06-11, 2026-06-10 | 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.

Elisha Frontz, Roxanne Grooms, and Yuji Hiratsuka Exhibits
2026-06-11, 2026-06-10, 2026-06-09 | Galleries at Sinclair College, 444 W. Third St., Bldg. 13, Dayton, OH, 45402
The Sinclair Community College Art Department is pleased to present “Spontaneous Connection” by Elisha Frontz & Roxanne Grooms in the Burnell R. Roberts Triangle Gallery along with “Tell Tale Personal Narrative” by Yuji Hiratsuka in the Works on Paper Gallery. Inspired by the inherent order and balance found in the universe, Frontz draws on the complexity and beauty of systems and patterns found in both the natural world and mathematics. Her mixed media work juxtaposes strong geometric shapes against delicate natural forms. Grooms’s non-representational mixed media works contrast the strong dynamic geometry of a circle against its softness. The circle becomes a character amongst rich earthly hues anchored by nurturing stitches or twisted threads, which invite the viewer to use their imagination to play along. Hiratsuka’s intaglio prints explore the co-existence of eastern and western influences in Japanese culture. Taking inspiration from Ukiyo-e prints his work contains decorative, bright colors and highly-stylized, exaggerated and distorted figures, all executed through a modern lens. There will be a virtual artist talk via Zoom Friday, June 12, 2026, at 12pm. Visit www.sinclair.edu/artgalleries for details. The exhibitions will be on display from May 16 – June 25, 2026. Galleries are located on the fourth floor of building 13 (located at West Fifth and Perry Streets). The galleries are free and open to the public from 8am–6pm Monday–Friday and 9am–12pm Saturdays. Free and accessible parking is located in Parking Lot K.

Community Fitness: Trailblazers HIIT & Run
2026-06-10 19:30 - 20:30, 2026-06-08 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.

The Hot Wing King
2026-06-10 19:30, 2026-06-09 19:30 | The Human Race Theatre Company, 126 N. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402
JUNE 3 – 14, 2026
The Hot Wing King
Playwright: Katori Hall
Director: Darnell Pierre Benjamin
It’s time for the annual “Hot Wang Festival” in Memphis Tennessee, and Cordell Crutchfield knows he has the wings that’ll make him king. Supported by his beau Dwayne and their culinary clique, The New Wing Order, Cordell is marinating and firing up his frying pan in a bid to reclaim the crispy crown. When Dwayne takes in his troubled nephew, however, it becomes a recipe for disaster. Suddenly a first-place trophy isn’t the only thing Cordell risks losing.
Recommended if you liked… Barbecue; A Distinct Society
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Dayton Dragons vs. Fort Wayne TinCaps
2026-06-10 19:05, 2026-06-09 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.

Wu-Tang Wednesdays
2026-06-10 19:00 - 23:00 | 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 Jazz at The Brightside
2026-06-10 19:00 - 21:00 | The Brightside, 905 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Jazz enthusiasts! You’re invited to an evening of Live Jazz with the Kelli Campbell Quartet. An evening with Kelli and her crew is absolutely lovely. Join us! June 10, 2026, from 7-9 pm. $10 cover at the door; one drink minimum All ages welcome! https://eventvesta.com/events/148769/t/tickets

Live Trivia
2026-06-10 18:30 - 20:30 | 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!

Downtown Residents Association June Meeting
2026-06-10 18:30 - 20:00 | The Cannery Lofts, 500 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
The Downtown Residents Association (DRA) is a volunteer-led group of neighbors who want to connect with each other and to connect our community with the resources that make it great to be Downtown. We meet the second Wednesday of every month. Everyone who lives downtown is welcome and encouraged to attend. Come to the June meeting to learn about AdaptDayton, the City’s first major update of City zoning regulations in 20 years, and how you can get involved with the Cooper Park Community Garden. Five Rivers MetroParks will also share how residents can help shape their work at RiverScape. Meeting held in the Cannery Lofts’ lounge.

Community Fitness: Bootcamp
2026-06-10 18:00 - 19:30 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Join The Unit for an exciting bootcamp workout that will take you through RiverScape in a whole new way. Whether you’re running the stairs, doing push ups near the reflecting pools, or stretching along the levee, this effective workout will keep you moving. Combined with the uplifting support of the community members that make up The Unit, this is a workout you will want to make part of your weekly routine. All fitness levels welcome and encouraged!

Community Fitness: SWERK
2026-06-10 18:00 - 19:00 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
SWERK combines current hip hop style dance moves with lower body toning and cardiovascular exercises to bring you one Booty-licious bod. A true “lift your booty, love your body” experience, this dance cardio format will push you to “Sweat, Work, Twerk” your way to your favorite version of you. No previous dance experience necessary, just come MOVE and have FUN. We can’t wait to SWERK with you!

Kayak Rentals with Taiters Kayak
2026-06-10 17:00 - 21:00 | 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!

Crafty Arcade with The Savage Stitcher
2026-06-10 17:00 - 20:00 | Dayton Arcade, 35 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Join us in the North Arcade for an evening of creativity, connection, and community in collaboration with The Savage Stitcher. Bring your own project, share tips, and spend time making something meaningful together. Wednesday, June 10 5–8 PM North Arcade | 24 W. Third St. The event is free, and there are a variety of food and beverage options located within the Arcade complex. All are welcome! Come create with us. https://www.arcadedayton.com/index.php/event/crafty-arcade-with-the-savage-stitcher/

Artist in Training (AIT) Program
2026-06-10 15:00 - 18:00, 2026-06-09 15:00 - 18:00 | K12 Gallery & TEJAS, 341 S. Jefferson St., Dayton, OH, 45402
After school Artist in Training program geared for grades 3rd-12th grades. Classes are Monday-Wednesdays from 3:00pm-6:00pm. Open Studio time to explore different types of mediums such as Drawing, Painting, Clay, Digital Art. 20.00 per session for Members/40.00 per session for Non-Members.

CURIO at Courthouse Square
2026-06-10 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-09 12:00 - 14:00 | 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.

Karaoke with Zane
2026-06-09 20:00 - 23:00 | Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E 4th St, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Yellow Cab Tavern Karaoke is BACK every Tuesday at 8pm with MC Zane Gerlach!
Entry is always free!
With a catalog of over 60,000 songs, we have your favorites to sing…and if we don’t, we’ll do everything we can to get it for you!
Get your friends and family together and we’ll see you on Tuesday nights at The Yellow Cab Tavern!

Karaoke
2026-06-09 19:00 - 23:00 | The Barrel House, 417 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Tuesdays – Karaoke with @raineyday.entertainment – $5 off full draft flights until 9 p.m.

Sunset Sessions with Zack Fish
2026-06-09 19:00 - 21:00 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Part of RiverScape Sunset Sessions series
Sunset Sessions with Zack Fish
7:00pm – 9:00pm
AGE: All ages | FREE

Join us as we welcome Zack Fish back to RiverScape MetroPark! This Dayton-area musician plays a wide variety including folk, classic and all-around feel good music. Weather Dependent.
Settle in by the RiverScape Cafe with some food and drinks, while listening to the sounds of some of the best local musicians that Dayton has to offer. Watch the sun go down over the river and challenge your friends to oversized lawn games. The RiverScape Cafe 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.

Community Fitness: Tai Chi & Qigong at the River
2026-06-09 18:00 - 19:00 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Offered by Immortal Tree Qigong. Each hour-long Tai Chi & Qigong session will start with breathing exercises, warm up, and gentle movements. You will then be guided through flowing movements that are part of the Tai Chi 24 form mixed with short standing meditations. We will end with a slightly longer guided standing (or sitting) meditation. This should leave a few minutes to answer questions or discuss any insights. Qigong and Tai Chi don’t require any special skills (other than breathing) or equipment (other than your body).
