Downtown Dayton Partnership

Collage Night
2026-09-17 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 .

CURIO at Courthouse Square
2026-09-17 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-09-16 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-09-15 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-09-10 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.

Wu-Tang Wednesdays
2026-09-16 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 Trivia
2026-09-16 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!

Karaoke with Zane
2026-09-15 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
2026-09-15 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.

Artist in Training (AIT) Program
2026-09-15 15:00 - 18:00, 2026-09-14 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.

Exhibit: Our Fire Is Stronger Than Your Bombs
2026-09-15, 2026-09-12 | 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.

Community Gardening at Cooper Park
2026-09-14 18:00 - 19:00 | Cooper Park
Hang with your neighbors at the Cooper Park Community Garden (behind the downtown library) as we weed, admire the native flowers, pick vegetables, water, and do other gardening tasks as needed throughout the season. All skill and ability levels are welcome! Contribute what you can and take what you need.

We’re Doing It ALL Wrong® – 6th Annual Art Exhibition
2026-09-13, 2026-09-12 | Edward A. Dixon Gallery, 222 N. St. Clair St., Dayton, OH, 45402
The Public Reception will be held on Saturday, August 8th from 2pm-4pm.
Previous exhibitions pushed boundaries, featuring artwork that tackled complex and visceral subjects. As artists consider their submissions, they may reflect on the breadth of topics explored in previous years:
Environmental & Industrial Ethics: The devastating ecological impact of mass-production of material goods, corporate farming and the escalating urgency of climate change.
Human Rights & Social Crisis: The controversies of immigration laws and enforcement, the epidemic of missing Native American women, the cycle of homelessness, and the persistent weight of social injustice.
Systems of Control: The burden of sky-high pharmaceutical prices, the psychological manipulation of gaslighting, and our collective, increasing dependence on technology.

Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice
2026-09-13, 2026-09-11, 2026-09-10 | 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.”

Vinyl Vinyl Sundays
2026-09-13 | The Barrel House, 417 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Sunday – Vinyl Vinyl Sunday – bring your records, we’ll play ’em

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month w/ Son del Caribe
2026-09-12 19:00 | Levitt Pavilion Dayton, 134 S. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month w/ Son del Caribe

September 12 @ 7:00 PM

Free Admission

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The Cincinnati-based Latin music ensemble Son Del Caribe is widely acknowledged by both dancers and listeners as the top salsa band in Ohio. The band’s exciting, energetic, eclectic and very danceable pan-Caribbean, pan-American sound includes salsa and other styles of Latin dance music such as merengue, cumbia, son, bomba, plena, and bachata.
Son Del Caribe has been the band accompanist of big artists, who have been awarded the prestigious Grammy in Latin Music, Lalo Rodriguez and Andy Montanez. Locally, this talented ensemble has participated in concerts with international musical bands such as Grupo Niche and Puerto Rican Power.
Son Del Caribe is led by the versatile trombonist Jaime Morales, a top salsa musician from Puerto Rico who has played alongside such Latin music legends as Eddie Santiago, Gilberto Santa Rosa, and many others.
Son Del Caribe performs regularly at universities, Latin dance clubs, concerts, community events and music festivals in Cincinnati, Dayton and throughout the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana tri-state area.

Summer Band Series
2026-09-12 08:00 - 17:00 | The Dayton Beer Company, 41 Madison St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Join us for some summer fun with bands in the Biergarten every other Saturday all summer long!
Bi Weekly Saturdays from May – September 7-10pm
5/16: Different and the Same
6/13: The Wayward J
6/27: Ethan Timm
7/11: The Bowl Cuts
7/25: Ollie’s Acoustic Jam
8/8: Different and the Same
8/22: Ben & Pete
9/12: The Bowl Cuts
9/19: No Refunds
9/26: Chris Yakopcic

Friday Night Karaoke at Two Social
2026-09-11 22:00 | 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

Joanne Shaw Taylor
2026-09-11 19:00 | Levitt Pavilion Dayton, 134 S. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Joanne Shaw Taylor

September 11 @ 7:00 PM

Free Admission

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Genre:

Rock/Blues

Joanne Shaw Taylor was discovered by Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics at the age of 16, quickly earning a spot on tour with his supergroup, D.U.P., and launching a remarkable career. Celebrated for her extraordinary guitar skills, Joanne has garnered acclaim from notables like Jimmy Cliff, Joe Bonamassa, Stevie Wonder, and Annie Lennox. By her 30s, she became one of the most sought-after guitarists in rock.
Joanne released her debut album, White Sugar, in 2009 on Ruf Records, showcasing her distinct soulful voice and advanced songwriting. She followed with critically acclaimed albums like Diamonds In The Dirt (2010) and Almost Always Never (2012), which included the UK radio hit “Soul Station.” Her subsequent albums, The Dirty Truth and Wild, continued to build her reputation, leading to a performance on BBC’s “Later with Jools Holland.”
Her career milestone came with Reckless Heart (2019), which broke into the UK Top 20 Album Chart, followed by The Blues Album (2021), produced by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Blues Charts. Her next album, Blues From The Heart Live, also hit No. 1 on the Billboard Blues Album chart in 2022.
Her 2024 release, Heavy Soul, also produced by Kevin Shirley, debuted at #2 on the Billboard Blues Album chart. It has been celebrated for its fusion of contemporary soul-pop and traditional blues roots, praised for its powerful lyrics and soul-stirring melodies. This album marks a significant evolution in her career, showcasing her growth as an artist and solidifying her status as a dynamic force in the blues-rock world.
Now, Joanne is celebrating the release of her highly anticipated 10th studio album, Black & Gold, which also debuted at #2 on the Billboard Blues Album chart. Produced by Kevin Shirley, the album blends blues-rock with influences from Americana, indie rock, and retro ’80s pop, further redefining the boundaries of the genre and marking a bold new chapter in Joanne’s prolific career.

Downtown Dayton Historic Walking Tours
2026-09-11 17:30 | Dayton Arcade, 35 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Explore and learn about the diverse selection of retail, industrial, entertainment, and residential sites on this guided walking tour of Downtown Dayton. Our guided downtown walking tours will launch promptly at 5:30 p.m. from the Dayton Arcade entrance on Fourth Street. This 90-minute, 1.5-mile tour may be deemed strenuous by some, and patrons should be able to walk/navigate city sidewalks and streets. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a water bottle if needed. Tours will launch rain or shine, except in the event of thunder or lightning. Reservations are required to attend. Tickets: https://www.preservationdayton.com/downtown_tours.html

Kayak Rentals with Taiters Kayak
2026-09-11 16:00 - 20:00 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Part of RiverScape Kayak Rentals series
Kayak Rentals with Taiters Kayak
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!

Music Bingo Thursdays
2026-09-10 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!

Open Mic Night
2026-09-10 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.

Music Bingo
2026-09-10 19:00 - 21:00 | 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.

Hot Toddies Jazz Band
2026-09-10 19:00 | Levitt Pavilion Dayton, 134 S. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Hot Toddies Jazz Band

September 10 @ 7:00 PM

Free Admission

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Series:

Brytus-Wilkinson Family Jazz Series

Genre:

Jazz/Swing

THE HOT TODDIES JAZZ BAND are a fun-loving hot jazz & swing band from NYC. They have an eclectic mix of styles perfect for dancing, lindy hop, and good times!
Since May 2022 the band has maintained a weekly residency at the prominent Manhattan nightclub, Somewhere Nowhere, and built it into one of the most popular jazz nights in New York City, averaging over 300 people each night year-round. Playing to mixed crowds of swing dancers, jazz fans, and large numbers of 20-30 year olds (curious about jazz via social media), the band developed a unique & high energy approach to performing… as guitarist Justin Poindexter describes, “a hard-swinging chemistry and spirited repertoire developed between our core group of musicians…”
Founded in 2018, the band quickly became one of the top swing bands on the scene in NYC, the birthplace of the dance. In Summer 2023 they headlined the beloved outdoor swing dance at Lincoln Center in front of over 2,000 people during “Summer for the City” (formerly Midsummer Night Swing). This was also the release of their debut full length album, that was praised by critics, on Jazz Charts for 3 weeks (hitting #11 on the NACC Top 30), and playing on over 50 radio stations nationwide. Their 2021 debut EP “Quarantine Tracks” featured wacky music videos for “Dunkin Bagel” and “Five O’clock Coffee” – both hitting over 100k views on social media. Their new album “Triple Step” will be released on all platforms on September 20th, and available on CD, cassette, and vinyl.
Sharing their love of this music and connecting with swing communities and dancers everywhere is part of what inspires the band. This year the band toured extensively across the US, driving nearly 5,000 miles to play for swing dances in Austin, Santa Fe, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Rochester, Denver, Washington DC, San Antonio, Fort Worth; and at festivals such as Levitt Pavilion Dayton in Ohio, Green Box in Colorado, Hudson River Park in Manhattan, Cornell University, and headlined Lincoln Center’s “Summer for the City” (formerly Midsummer Night Swing) series bringing in an audience of over 2,000 people.
The band also plays throughout NYC at acclaimed venues such as The Blue Note Jazz Club, The Whitney Museum, The Public Hotel, Somewhere Nowhere, The Players Club, The Montauk Club, The Standard, The Backroom, Foxtail; plus events such as The Gatsby Party, Shanghai Mermaid, Mad Hatter’s Ball, Mardi Gras, Gotham Jazz Festival, International Lindy Hop Championships “After Party;” and private events for The Whitney Museum, BizBash, Nice Ltd, The Red Cross, BNI, St Johns University, Mann Investments, among others.
Led by noted composer / producer / drummer PATRICK SOLURI (Prohibition Productions), the band features some of today’s top musicians in the swing & trad jazz worlds including noted vocalists QUEEN ESTHER (James “Blood” Ulmer) and HANNAH GILL (Post Modern Jukebox); as well as trumpeter ALPHONSO HORNE (Jazz at Lincoln Center), Grammy winning reedman LINUS WYRSCH, trombonist JAKE HANDELMAN (Gordon Webster Band), guitarist JUSTIN POINDEXTER (Jazz at Lincoln Center), and IAN HUTCHISON (Sw!ng Out, Eyal Vilner Big Band).
Projects Unlimited & Wyse Family Foundation Gem Series Opener: EDDIE BROOKSHIRE QUARTET ft. Brenda Flowers
