Downtown Dayton Partnership

Jake Speed & The Freddies
2025-05-30 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | The Brightside, 905 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
We are thrilled to welcome Jake Speed & The Freddies to The Brightside on Friday, May 30th! This fantastic Cincinnati-based band plays a mix of traditional & original folk, country blues, & ragtime tunes. Known as the Woody Guthrie of Cincinnati, Jake Speed uses a traditional folksy delivery to compose timely and timeless songs that tell great stories with a bit of a lyrical edge. The band, built out of guitar, mandolin, fiddle, tenor guitar and upright bass (with hints of harmonica, kazoo, and washboard), has been hailed by CityBeat magazine as a “…a fixture of Cincinnati’s traditional Folk scene” since releasing its first of five albums, Queen City Rag, in 2002. HOW TO GO? Friday, May 30, 2025 Doors 6:30pm / Show 7 – 9pm The Brightside, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton – SIDEDOOR ROOM All ages welcome Food truck on site Tickets $10 in advance here: / $15 at the door.

Dad Rock with DJ New Balance
2025-05-30 19:00 - 23:00 (America/New_York) | The Barrel House, 417 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Join us for DJ New Balance’s Barrel House debut as he spins a set of dad rock to perfectly pair with sippin’ on an ice cold brew. We hear that if you hold the empty can to your ear you can hear the charcoal slowly crackling away on a freshly mown lawn. Freakin’ Rican food truck slinging their Puerto Rican cuisine 6-10pm! No cover, just rock.

Local Love: Art Stroll & Business Blitz
2025-05-31 | Downtown Dayton
Downtown Dayton is looking alive! Stroll at your own pace to take in the new murals, sculptures, ArtWraps, and more just added to Downtown Dayton. This is a great opportunity to support our local businesses as you explore by buying a meal, getting a DORA drink to-go, and shopping downtown’s unique retail options!
This is a day for the community to get a closer look at all of the new art and improvements recently made in preparation of the NATO PA, and to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords.
Here’s what’s new to explore:– Take a photo with the Dayton Pease Sign at the Schuster Center (designed and built by Real Art)– See the mural on Courthouse Square designed and painted by local artists Atalie Gagnet, Sierra Leone & Jenny Ustick– Find the eight new ArtWraps designed by Dayton Public School students– For a limited time, discover Sidewalk Studio window clings and 3D installations created by local artists on display around North Main Street

As you explore, be sure to dine, drink, and shop to show some local love to your favorite Downtown Dayton businesses!
This is just one of your first chances to see what’s new in Downtown Dayton – but certainly not the last! We hope to see you downtown throughout the summer and beyond!

Paint & Sip Acrylic Workshop – Child-Friendly Class
2025-05-31 09:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | The Dayton Woman’s Club, 225 N Ludlow St, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Grab a brush and a beverage—it’s time to let your imagination run wild and paint this adorable little gnome! Whether you’re a total beginner or a practiced painter, this whimsical and fun-filled event is for you.
Join Guest Artist Nero Lee (see biography below) as he guides you step-by-step through a playful painting project sure to bring a smile to your face and charm to your walls!
Included with registration:
• All painting materials
• Complimentary coffee, tea, lemonade, and water
• Your choice of wine or mimosa
Spots are limited — reserve yours today before they fill up!
PLEASE NOTE: Cancellations are required at least 3 days prior to the event. No refunds given after that date.

Dayton Freestyle Kayaking Competition
2025-05-31 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Spectators are welcome as Dayton-area kayakers compete at RiverScape’s River Run for various awards. Stop by and watch as kayakers turn cartwheels, flips and rolls in the wave created by the drop, making for a fun, vibrant scene along our downtown riverfront and bikeway.

Susanne Scherette King on exhibit
2025-05-31 12:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Edward A. Dixon Gallery, 222 N. St. Clair St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Held Over – Susanne Scherette King Artwork – Art lovers still have a chance to view artwork from Susanne’s May 2025 solo-exhibition with select pieces still being available for acquisition. Free and open to the public.

Funk Fest ft. Rick James’ Stone City Band
2025-05-31 17:30 (America/New_York) | Levitt Pavilion Dayton, 134 S. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402
LINEUP:ThumpdaddyFreekbassRick James’ Stone City Band
Enjoy an evening of live music at Levitt Pavilion Dayton as part of the 2025 Eichelberger Concert Season. Amplified Series powered by The City of Dayton, Dayton Water, and Dayton International Airport. Free for everyone!

Here’s what you need to know:
Admission: Free for everyone!Location: Levitt Pavilion DaytonDate & Time: Saturday, May 31 at 5:30PM
Parking: Street parking and parking garages available. Check our website for details.
Seating: Bring your lawn chairs or blankets or rent a lawn chair from our concession stand
Food & Drinks: There are many food and beverage options available to you.You can bring your own snacks and beverages. Follow our socials to see what food trucks will be here tonight or grab carry out from a nearby restaurant. Or grab drinks from the concession stand.
Weather: Concerts are held rain or shine. In case of severe weather, check our social media for updates.
Family-Friendly: All ages are welcome. Enjoy a great night out with family and friends!
For more information, visit LevittDayton.org or follow us on social media. We look forward to seeing you there!

Summer Music Series: Bluegrass Night with The Shady Pine
2025-05-31 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Join us under the pavilion as the RiverScape Summer Music Series features Bluegrass Night with The Shady Pine! Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy this FREE live concert, while taking in a spectacular sunset over the Great Miami River. The RiverScape Cafe will also be open selling food and drinks along with alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and cocktails, for those 21 and over.
The Shady Pine is a Dayton, Ohio-based bluegrass band known for their rich blend of Americana, and folk sound,. With heartfelt lyrics and dynamic instrumentation, their music captures the spirit of storytelling and evokes a deep connection to nature and community. Their captivating live performances and authentic sound have made them a beloved staple of the regional music scene.

Summer Band Series: Chris Yakopcic
2025-05-31 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | OH
Enjoy some live music at the Dayton Beer Company! Chris Yakopcic takes the stage for a free show from 7-10 p.m.

Rock Night with George Balog
2025-05-31 19:00 - 23:00 (America/New_York) | The Barrel House, 417 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
George Balog spins an all-vinyl set of rock bangers, but also Wilco.
No cover, just vibes.

Vinyl Vinyl Sundays
2025-06-01 | The Barrel House, 417 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Sunday – Vinyl Vinyl Sunday – bring your records, we’ll play ’em

‘Think Freedom’ Yoga at the Dayton Arcade
2025-06-01 12:00 - 13:15 (America/New_York) | Dayton Arcade, 35 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Flow with ‘Think Freedom’ at the Dayton Arcade! We’re thrilled to announce a series of public programs surrounding the ‘Think Freedom’ art installation, on display in the historic Dayton Arcade’s Rotunda during the 2025 NATO Parliamentary Assembly. This marks the installation’s first appearance in the United States.​Created by Sarajevo-based artist Edina Seleskovic, ‘Think Freedom’ is a multidisciplinary project that combines sculpture, light, text, and technology to convey messages of peace and unity. Having traveled to 22 cities worldwide, its presence in Dayton commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords. Join us for an all-levels yoga session with Tori Reynolds of Speakeasy Yoga, concluding with a live sound bath provided by Alyssa Hanson of Sanguine Sound Therapy in the heart of the installation. Immerse yourself in art, movement, and sound for a one-of-a-kind wellness experience surrounded by ‘Think Freedom’. Sunday, June 1 Noon – 1:15 PM Dayton Arcade, 35 W. Fourth St. REGISTER HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/think-freedom-yoga-at-the-dayton-arcade-tickets-1364092761169?aff=oddtdtcreator Project Sponsor: Dayton Arcade

2025 Future of Downtown Dayton
2025-06-03 07:30 - 09:30 (America/New_York) | Sinclair College, 444 W. Third St., Dayton, OH
Exploring the Vision, Challenges, and Opportunities for Our City’s Core! Dont miss this opportunity to hear from top experts and network with fellow business and community leaders.
Join us for an insightful discussion on the future of Downtown Dayton! This engaging event will bring together key leaders and stakeholders to explore current projects, economic trends, and strategic initiatives shaping the heart of our city.
Topics of Discussion:

Top projects & future plans – Major developments shaping downtown
Redevelopment updates – Main St., Riverfront, The Arcade and more
Foot traffic & economic competitiveness – The downtown experience
Challenges & solutions – Addressing risks and fostering growth

Featured Panelists: • Shelley Dickstein – City Manager, City of Dayton • Katie Meyer– President, Downtown Dayton Partnership • Bob Ruzinsky – CEO, Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority • Gabriel van Aalst – President & CEO, Dayton Live • Mo Zahedi– Owner/Broker, Glasshouse Realty Group
Tickets and more info: https://www.bizjournals.com/dayton/event/172014/2025/2025-future-of-downtown-dayton

Zen Kids Summer Camp
2025-06-03 11:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Now and Zen DIY Studio, 121 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Join us for a magical hands-on experience where kids build and decorate their own tiny garden worlds. Each workshop features a unique theme and project designed to inspire creativity and connection to nature. $12 – $22.
Register & information: Shopnowandzen.com
4 Fun Projects:
Jurassic Jungle
Closed terrarium with mini dinosaurs and prehistoric plants!
Fairy Garden Grootopia
A succulent fairy garden featuring everyone’s favorite tree friend—Groot!
Paint & Plant Party
Kids paint their own air plant holders and decorate with flair.
Mushroom Magic
Build a woodland succulent terrarium full of charm and color.

CURIO: Lunch Box
2025-06-03 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Courthouse Square, Third & Main Streets, Dayton, OH, 45422, USA
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 new outdoor seating and other touches to create downtown’s newest summer hotspot! CURIO is part of Summer in the City, presented by AES Ohio.
We can hardly contain our excitement for a summer schedule featuring:
CURIO: Lunch Box
Free lunchtime entertainment Tuesdays-Thursdays, 12-2 p.m.
Trivia Tuesdays – bring your team to win prizes
ZENsdays – Unwind. Decompress. Read. Play a game. Relax and zen out on your lunch break.
Unplugged Thursdays – live acoustic music or DJs
Bring your friends and coworkers for a midday break outside!
CURIO: Lunch Box 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.

Kayak Rentals at RiverScape with Taiter’s Kayak Solutions
2025-06-03 14:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Part of RiverScape Kayak Rentals series
Kayak Rentals at RiverScape with Taiter’s Kayak Solutions
2:00pm – 6:00pm
AGE: 10 and up | $15.00

Paddle under the fountains with Taiter’s Kayak Solutions all summer long at RiverScape MetroPark! Kayakers launch from under the Riverside Bridge along the Great Miami Recreational Trail, and the cost to participate is $15 per person per hour. Taiter’s Kayak Solutions 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 Tuesdays from 2-6PM and Thursdays from 4-8PM, June-October. Visit Facebook.com/TaitersKayak or TaitersKayak.com for more information. Weather Dependent.
Paddle under the Fountain of Lights with Taiterâ’s Kayak Solutions all Summer Long at RiverScape MetroPark.

Trivia Tuesday
2025-06-03 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!
