Downtown Dayton Partnership

Tony Foster, Exploring Time: A Painter’s Perspective
2026-04-11, 2026-04-10 | 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
2026-04-10 22:00 (America/New_York) | 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

I Love You Because
2026-04-10 20:00 | Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Avenue, Dayton, OH, 45410, USA
An uptight writer and a free-spirited photographer stumble through bad dates, big dreams, and the messiest love story they never saw coming. Pride and Prejudice meets Friends in this sharp, fizzy musical, proving that in life, love, and Manhattan, perfect is overrated.
Mar. 27–Apr. 12, 2026

Rhythm Of The City
2026-04-10 19:30 | Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Funk, the music that put Dayton on the map is back. And this time, it moves.
Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC) and Dayton Ballet unite to bring the sounds of Ohio Players, Zapp, Heatwave, Lakeside, Faze-O, Shirley Murdock, and more to life through extraordinary dance. One night. Two iconic companies. A celebration of funk that Dayton has never seen before.

Choreography by Alia Kache, Gary W. Jeter II, and Brandon Ragland
World premiere of a new composition by LaFrae Sci
Special guests Deron Bell & the Time to Groove House Band performing live between every act

You don’t have to know about dance to experience every single moment. You just have to love the music.

Hay Fever
2026-04-10 19:30, 2026-04-09 19:30 | The Human Race Theatre Company, 126 N. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402
APRIL 8 – 19, 2026
Hay Fever

Playwright: Noël Coward
Director: Bob Hetherington
COLLABORATION with Wright State University
Hoping for a quiet weekend in the country with some guests, Judith and David Bliss, a retired actress and her novelist husband, find peace to be impossible when their children, Simon and Sorel, appear with guests of their own. A houseful of misunderstandings, tempers, and drama ensue as the quiet weekend comes to a hilarious and exhausting end.
Recommended if you liked… Noises Off; This is Tom Jones!
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Dayton Dragons vs. Lake County Captains
2026-04-10 19:05, 2026-04-09 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.

ekoostik hookah’s 35th Anniversary
2026-04-10 19:00 - 23:30 | The Brightside, 905 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
You’re invited to celebrate 35 Years of ekoostik hookah – Ohio’s longest running and most beloved jam band! Their friends, Subterranean (Dayton), and Austin & The Syd Experience (Columbus), kick off this party at The Brightside! Join us for an unforgettable evening of live music on Friday, April 10th. HOW TO GO? The Brightside (905 E 3rd St Dayton) – free parking on site Friday, April 10th Doors 7pm All ages $20 advance / $25 day of show Limited reserved tables available https://tickets.venuepilot.com/e/ekoostik-hookah-35th-anniversary-celebration-2026-04-10-the-brightside-music-event-venue-dayton-53f5dd

Member’s Spotlight Exhibition: Amy Dolan: Along the Path
2026-04-10, 2026-04-09 | 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

Discover Dayton Scavenger Hunt
2026-04-10, 2026-04-09 | 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

2026 Fine Art Student Juried Exhibition
2026-04-10 | Galleries at Sinclair College, 444 W. Third St., Bldg. 13, Dayton, OH, 45402
The Sinclair Community College Art Department is pleased to present the 2026 Fine Art Student Juried Exhibition. Students who have been enrolled in fine art classes at Sinclair Community College within the past year are eligible to enter the annual Fine Art Student Juried Exhibition by submitting up to five original works produced for their art classes. This year’s juror, Britny Wainwright, will review the submissions, select works for the exhibition, and award best in show, second, and third place. Wainwright is a Visiting Assistant Professor and Director of Foundations Studies at The Ohio State University. Students juried into the exhibition may list their artwork for sale either to the public and/or to be sold to Sinclair Community College as Student Purchase Awards. The Purchase Award winners are committee selected and their work will be added to Sinclair’s art collection. Over 140 Student Purchase Awards are located throughout Sinclair’s Dayton and Centerville campuses. This program is made possible thanks to the generosity of Burnell R. Roberts and the Mauch Endowment Fund. The exhibition will be held in-person in the Burnell R. Roberts Triangle Gallery and the Works on Paper Gallery. Interested parties may view the show in person or online on the student website, sinclaircollegeartgalleries.org. In addition, the exhibition will be highlighted on the galleries’ Facebook and Instagram @sinclaircollegeartgalleries. There will be a reception open to the public on March 26, 2026 from 4:30pm to 6pm, Building 13, 4th Floor Atrium. Free and accessible parking is located in Parking Lot K. Awards are presented to Best in Show, Second and Third Place. Award sponsors include Blick Art Materials, Custom Frame Services, Tartan Campus Store, Professor Bridgette Bogle, Professor Mark Echtner, Professor Kay Koeninger, and Associate Professor Anthony Wolking. The exhibition will be on display from March 24 through April 14, 2026. The galleries are located in Building 13, 4th Floor, at the corner of West Fifth and Perry Street. The galleries are free and open to the public from 8am–6pm Monday–Friday and 9am–12pm Saturday.

Jamea Richmond-Edwards: Leviathan
2026-04-10 | 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
2026-04-10 | 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
2026-04-10 | 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.

Music Bingo Thursdays
2026-04-09 20:00 | 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!

The Drama
2026-04-09 19:45, 2026-04-09 17:00, 2026-04-09 14:50 | THE NEON, United States
A happily engaged couple is put to the test when an unexpected turn sends their wedding week off the rails.

Open Mic Night
2026-04-09 19:30 - 22:30 | The Barrel House, 417 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Open Mic Night – sign up online, then show up and show out.

Spring Heat: Sound of the City
2026-04-09 19:30 - 22:00 | The Brightside, 905 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Spring Heat: Sound of the City brings live hip hop back to The Brightside on Thursday, April 9th. Six artists, one stage, all energy. Blanch Robinson headlines a stacked lineup featuring Feyth M., Luke the Duke, Amirah Muse, YVNN, and Dub the Poet. How to Go? April 9, 2026 Doors at 7pm Show at 8- 10pm. $10 presale / $15 at the door. Ages: 18+

Two Social Euchre League
2026-04-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Two Social, 123 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Love Euchre? Looking for a fun way to meet new people in Dayton? Gem City Social Sports is hosting the Two Social Euchre League — a 6-week Thursday night card league at Two Social in downtown Dayton. It’s all about good times, great people, and better hands. ABOUT THE LEAGUE This is a social-first league where all experience levels are welcome. Whether you’re a longtime Euchre player or just getting back into the game, you’ll get structured weekly matchups, a welcoming community, and a great bar atmosphere with a full bar and the games at Two Social. LEAGUE DETAILS • Start Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026 • Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM • Duration: 6-Week League • Location: Two Social, 123 E. Third St., Dayton, OH • Format: 4 games per night • Ages: 21+ • Commissioner on site every week PRIZES • 1st Place: $100 Cash • 2nd Place: $50 Cash HOW TO REGISTER Visit https://www.gemcitysocialsports.com/sports/euchre to sign up. Two options available: 1. Free Agent ($30/player) — No partner? No problem. Sign up solo and we’ll pair you up. Great for meeting new people. 2. Full Team ($50/team) — Got a partner or squad of 2-4? Register together, pick a team name, and play as a unit. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Do I need to know how to play Euchre? All skill levels are welcome. If you’re new to the game, the social atmosphere makes it easy to learn. Can I sign up without a partner? Yes! Register as a Free Agent for $30 and we’ll match you with other players. How many games do we play each night? 4 games per night over the 6-week season. Is there a prize? Yes — $100 cash for 1st place and $50 cash for 2nd place at the end of the season. Where exactly is Two Social? Two Social is located at 123 E. Third St. in downtown Dayton, OH — featuring a full bar, axe throwing, arcade games, and indoor cornhole. Register today at https://www.gemcitysocialsports.com/sports/euchre Date of Event: 03/19/2026 Event Start Time: 07:00 pm Event End Time: 09:00 pm Other Date & Time Info: 6-week league, Thursday nights starting March 19, 2026. 4 games played each night.

Government Commons: An Equitable Civics Series
2026-04-09 18:30 - 19:30 | Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Dayton Metro Library will host the next installment of the Government Commons: An Equitable Civics Series on Thursday, April 9, 6:30-7:30 pm, in The Center for Community Impact & Innovation at the Main Library.

This second session will explore the Constitution of the United States, examining its historical context and the core beliefs of the framers, the delegates who established the framework for the U.S. government.

Reading materials for the session are available for pickup in the Main Library’s Dayton Room, Monday-Thursday, 12-4 pm. Registration required. (All Ages)

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

Community Workshop – Flourish and Flow: An Oil Painting Journey
2026-04-09 17:30 - 19:30 | The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH, 45405, United States
Our artist-led workshops are designed to make community connections between our guests, local artists, and The Dayton Art Institute through conversation and artmaking. Flourish and Flow: An Oil Painting Journey Date: Thursdays, April 10, 17 and 24, and May 1 and 8 – 5:30–7:30 p.m Cost: $100 for museum members; $125 for non-members Ages: 18+ In this multi-session workshop series, local artist Jamaal Durr leads participants through an exploration of the fundamentals of oil painting. Sessions will focus on layering, blending, and texture while developing skills through the creation of personalized artwork featuring birth flowers. Jamaal Durr, a Contemporary Artist, is recognized for his figurative works that intimately blend reality and the surreal. Using materials like oil paint, charcoal, and graphite, he explores themes of identity and self-reflection through his timely narratives. Jamaal has expanded his capacity within the realm of Art, having also gained experience as a Curator, Teacher, and Muralist. Jamaal is primarily self-taught, having only received a couple of years of formal training at Stivers School for the Arts in Dayton, OH and a brief stint studying architecture at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY.

Open Studio Sessions
2026-04-09 17:00 - 20:00 | 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. 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. Admission: $10 at the door / FREE for Co Members. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/open-studio-sessions-at-the-contemporary-dayton-tickets-1962654637855?aff=oddtdtcreator

Student Success Centers – Reconnect
2026-04-09 15:00 - 18:00 | Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Dayton Metro Library’s new program, Student Success Centers – Reconnect, is offered every Tuesday and Thursday, 3-6 pm, through May 21, in the Main Library’s Tech Lab A.

Reconnect offers support to youth ages 16-21 working toward a GED or high school diploma. Extra help with reading, writing, and math is available, along with life skills coaching, opportunities to build friendships, and connecting with mentors.

Reconnect grew out of a revamp of DML’s Homework Help Centers, now known as Student Success Centers, located within seven Branches. “We expanded to an eighth Center at the Main Library that focuses on serving an overlooked demographic of young people called ‘opportunity youth,’” explains Allison Knight, DML’s Youth Services and Programming Director. “Opportunity youth are young enough to be served by public schools but disengaged from formal school or work.”

Sinclair’s Fast Forward Re-Engagement Center has been an advocate for the gap in community services to opportunity youth. After speaking with their Project Director and researching the need, DML staff used existing plans for the Student Success Centers expansion to address it.

Renaming the Student Success Centers allows DML to designate Student Success Centers – K12 for its mainstream students and Student Success Centers – Reconnect for opportunity youth. With the noted distinction between the Centers and Reconnect, DML can train staff accordingly and specialize the services offered at each location.

Registration is not required for Reconnect. Patrons may drop in any time during the posted hours. For more information, visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org or call the Library’s Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665.

A Matter of Balance
2026-04-09 10:00 - 12:00 | YMCA of Greater Dayton – Downtown, 316 N. Wilkinson St., Dayton, OH, 45402
We invite you to join A Matter of Balance, an evidence-based, national fall prevention program offered to the community by Sinclair Community College’s PTA faculty and students.
Classes will be held weekly on Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., March 19 through May 7, at the YMCA of Greater Dayton. The program is designed to help participants build confidence, improve balance and strength, and reduce the risk of falls.
This program is free of charge.
Please see the attached flyer for additional details and registration information.
