Downtown Dayton Partnership

Music Bingo Thursdays
2026-12-10 20:00 (America/New_York) | 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
2026-12-10 19:30 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | The Barrel House, 417 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Open Mic Night – sign up online, then show up and show out.

Guided Tours
2026-12-10 18:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Join us for a closer look at the exhibition, with fresh insights into the artist and her work. FREE and open to all.

Leadership Capacity Building with Keanna Daniels
2026-12-10 17:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Leadership Capacity Building with Keanna Daniels, Thursday, September 10, 5:30-7:30 pm, The Center for Community Impact & Innovation, Main Library: This is a four-part monthly series designed to build leadership skills over time, with each session building on the previous one. Sessions are interactive, reflective, and grounded in real-life challenges. Registration required.

Session 1, September 10: Leading and Inspiring Others
Session 2, October 15: Developing Your Personal Advisory Board
Session 3, November 19: Sharpening Your Leadership Skills
Session 4, December 10: Community Resource Fair

Ella Kraimer: Appearances
2026-12-10, 2026-12-09, 2026-12-05, 2026-12-04 | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
September 25, 2026 – January 23, 2027
The Contemporary Dayton is proud to present Ella Kraimer: Appearances, a world-premiere exhibition of large-scale photographs. Kraimer transforms herself into a cast of fictional personas through striking self portraits, using secondhand garments gathered from thrift stores across the country. Layered with irony, humor, and cultural critique, she explores the blurred boundaries between authenticity and performance, memory and invention, self and society.
Previously viewed only as a digital project, Appearances reflects on life in an age of social media, image culture, and spectacle. Inspired by childhood memories of paper dolls, Kraimer fragments and reconstructs her own likeness through costume, collage, and assemblage. At once playful and provocative, Appearances invites viewers to reconsider not only the images we create, but the stories they tell about who we are.
Kraimer spent her formative years in Berlin, Germany and is now based in New Bremen, Ohio. She earned a BA in Design and Visual Communication from the University of Europe for Applied Sciences, Berlin, and an MA in Visual and Media Anthropology from HMKW University of Applied Sciences for Media, Communication, and Management, Berlin.
Ella Kraimer: Appearances is part of the 2026 FotoFocus Biennial: The Long View. Now in its eighth iteration, the Biennial activates over 70 exhibitions at museums, galleries, universities, and public spaces throughout Greater Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, and Northern Kentucky.
Opening Reception with the artist
Friday, September 25
6-8 pm
Remarks: 6:30 pm

Storytelling and Collage Night
Thursday, October 1
5-8p
Free and open to all.

RSVP Here

Artist Talk
Thursday, November 12
6:30p
Free and open to all.

RSVP Here

Stacy Kranitz: Ain’t No Grave Gonna Hold My Body Down
2026-12-10, 2026-12-09, 2026-12-05, 2026-12-04 | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
September 25, 2026 – January 23, 2027
The Contemporary Dayton is proud to present Stacy Kranitz: Ain’t No Grave Gonna Hold My Body Down, the culmination of a landmark multi-year project that challenges long-held stereotypes of Appalachia by Pulitzer Prize–winning photographer Stacy Kranitz.
Featuring more than 40 photographs drawn from historical archives, Kranitz’s own images, historical texts, installations, and an accompanying film, the exhibition examines how Appalachia has been represented—and misrepresented—across generations. Together, these works reveal a region shaped by myth, exploitation, resilience, and the uneasy tension between representation and reality.
The exhibition’s title references the gospel song “Ain’t No Grave,” made famous by Johnny Cash, evoking the resilience and resistance that run throughout the project. Recipient of the prestigious Images Vevey Book Award, Kranitz has published a companion monograph, available for purchase in The Contemporary Dayton’s CoSHOP.
Born in Kentucky and based in the Appalachian Mountains of eastern Tennessee, Kranitz is the recipient of a Pulitzer Prize and a Guggenheim Fellowship, among many other awards. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, and is held in numerous public collections.
Stacy Kranitz: Ain’t No Grave Gonna Hold My Body Down is part of the 2026 FotoFocus Biennial: The Long View. Now in its eighth iteration, the Biennial activates over 70 exhibitions at museums, galleries, universities, and public spaces throughout Greater Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, and Northern Kentucky.
Opening Reception
Friday, September 25
6-8 pm
Remarks: 6:30 pm

Artist Talk:
Stacy Kranitz in Conversation with author and professor Andrew Milward
Saturday, October 17
2 pm
Free and open to all.

RSVP Here

Wu-Tang Wednesdays
2026-12-09 19:00 - 23:00 (America/New_York) | 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
2026-12-09 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | 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!

Live at Three
2026-12-09 15:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | The Garden Grille & Bar at the Hilton Garden Inn, 18 W. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Join us for live music by local artists, happy hour, award winning cocktails and curated bites at the historic Dayton Arcade at the Garden Grille and Bar (Hilton Garden Inn Downtown 2nd floor). Every Wednesday from 3p-6p.

Karaoke with Zane
2026-12-08 20:00 - 23:00 (America/New_York) | 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
2026-12-08 19:00 - 23:00 (America/New_York) | 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
2026-12-08 15:00 - 18:00, 2026-12-07 15:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

Sunday Night Karaoke at MJ’s On Jefferson
2026-12-06 22:00 (America/New_York) | MJ’s on Jefferson, 20 N. Jefferson St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Come on out for an amazing night of singing and fun at MJ’s on Jefferson! Sign up to sing by utilizing our kiosks that are set up or download the app on your phone of Songbooks Online and sign up then input our show code of MJSONJ to view and submit your song choice or choices via your phone or tablet. Amazing drinks and even pizza available if you start to crave some carbs!

A Christmas Story: The Musical
2026-12-06 13:00, 2026-12-05 19:30, 2026-12-05 14:00, 2026-12-04 19:30 (America/New_York) | The Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, 1 West Second Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
From the songwriting team behind the smash hit Tony Award®-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen and the Academy Award-winning film La La Land, A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL, brings the classic 1983 movie to hilarious life on stage! Set in 1940s Indiana, a young and bespectacled Ralphie Parker schemes his way toward the holiday gift of his dreams, an official Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle. An infamous leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, a maniacal department store Santa, and a triple-dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the distractions that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas wish. Nominated for three 2013 Tony Awards® including Best Musical, the Associated Press calls A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL “a joyous Christmas miracle,” while The New York Times writes “I was dazzled. You’d have to have a Grinch-sized heart not to feel a smile spreading across your face.”

Vinyl Vinyl Sundays
2026-12-06 | The Barrel House, 417 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Sunday – Vinyl Vinyl Sunday – bring your records, we’ll play ’em

Open House at the Front Street Studios
2026-12-05 11:00 - 16:00, 2026-12-04 17:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Front Street Galleries, 1001 E. Second St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Let the Front Street Studios be your one-stop-shopping location for art, crafts, photography, vintage retail and so much more. Front Street has 150 studios/stores in 3 different historic buildings. Not only do we have an open-house every first Friday of the month, but we are also open every Saturday from 11AM to 4PM.

Friday Night Karaoke at Two Social
2026-12-04 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

First Friday
2026-12-04 17:00 - 21:00 (America/Detroit) | 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.

Thursday Night Karaoke at MJ’s
2026-12-03 22:00 (America/New_York) | MJ’s on Jefferson, 20 N. Jefferson St., Dayton, OH, 45402
