Downtown Dayton Partnership

Jason Cytacki, Haley Prestifilippo, and Yoshiko Shimano Exhibit
2026-01-13, 2026-01-12 | Galleries at Sinclair College, 444 W. Third St., Bldg. 13, Dayton, OH, 45402
The Sinclair Community College Art Department is pleased to present “Knickknacks” by Jason Cytacki and Haley Prestifilippo in the Burnell R. Roberts Triangle Gallery along with “Lasting Memories” by Yoshiko Shimano in the Works on Paper Gallery. Cytacki’s work critically examines the American mythological landscape, particularly suburban life, through his paintings. He utilizes tenuous, anxious humor, and unexpected juxtapositions to question the underlying narratives that shape our shared identity, asking the question: “Is this all there is?” Prestifilippo explores the way histories adhere to physical forms, layering and ossifying into material residue of experience. Her detailed drawings of personally precious objects are woven with her hair collected post-partum. Viewers are invited to consider the stories embedded within both her works and outside objects such as a tree’s rings, holding the history of its growth. Shimano utilizes the traditions of her Japanese heritage through printmaking to express the depth of beauty that can come through the complexities of the human experience. “Lasting Memories” aims to keep record of her friends’ life stories as they live to the fullest despite old age, memory loss, and eventually death. There will be a virtual artist talk via Zoom on January 30, 2026, at 12pm. Visit www.sinclair.edu/artgalleries for details. The exhibitions will be on display from January 5 – February 2, 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.

Exhibit: Being Seen
2026-01-13, 2026-01-12, 2026-01-11 | Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Dayton Metro Library will host Brian Mathus and his exhibit Being Seen in The 2nd Floor Gallery of the Main Library from Friday, January 2, through Saturday, January 31.

Mathus paints with “emotional clarity” on canvas, wood, and paper. He uses graphite and Conte crayon to “draw interwoven relationships between meaning with composition and color,” according to his artist statement.

“Using acrylic and oil paint, I create an atmosphere that shapes meaning through composition and color,” said Mathus. He builds metaphors layer by layer until a piece reaches the ecstatic and the sublime, integrating Fauvism, Cubism, Abstract Expressionism, and African art into his unique language.

For more information, visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org/Exhibits or call the Library’s Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665.

Ice Skating
2026-01-13, 2026-01-12, 2026-01-11 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Sheltered under the covered pavilion, the MetroParks Ice Rink sets the scene as a perfect winter wonderland in downtown Dayton. While the rink is open, you can enjoy delicious treats from the concession area, including a cup of hot chocolate. Take advantage of fun skating activities, such as lessons, themed skating nights and more. Visit metroparks.org/ice-rink to learn more, find daily open hours, and see a schedule of events. Admission: $7 daily, ice skate rental: $3 daily. Season passes available. Ages 3 and under are free with a paying adult. 278-2607.

Holly Jolly Social: A Christmas Bar Pop-Up
2026-01-13, 2026-01-12, 2026-01-11 | Two Social, 123 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
A festive Christmas pop-up where holiday cocktails, sparkling decor, and cozy seasonal vibes transform the space into a winter wonderland. 2socialdayton.com
Nov. 7-Jan. 15

Polar Bear Express
2026-01-13, 2026-01-12, 2026-01-11 | Downtown Dayton
Book a ride on the abominably decorated Pedal Wagon for a 2-hour pedaling adventure through the fest streets of Dayton and to the best bars and restaurants. Reservations required. pedalwagon.com/dayton

Wassail, Wit, and Who Done It? presented by Mayhem & Mystery
2026-01-12 19:00 (America/New_York) | Spaghetti Warehouse, 36 W. Fifth St., Dayton, OH, 45402
It’s Christmas time and The Wassail Warblers, a group of long-time friends and semi-committed amateur carolers, are making their annual rounds of holiday cheer. Armed with matching scarves, an curated setlist, and exactly one person who can actually sing, they’re determined to brighten their town with off-key classics and questionable choreography. Midway through “Good King Wenceslas,” one of the carolers slips away. But when they’re still missing by dessert, the group begins to panic. Can you solve the mystery? Join us for holiday fun and see. Join Mayhem & Mystery for their always popular interactive Holiday Who-done-it? Seating begins at 6:45 when salads and bread are served. Dinner (several choices) arrives after Act 1 is finished. Act 2 finishes with a dessert (full-sized, several choices) and a call to write down your thoughts on the crime. Solutions are revealed in Act 3 followed by prizes recognizing the three most correct answers and the three most entertaining (cast choice). Show runs Mondays, November 10, 2025 – January 26, 2026, plus Wednesday, December 10, and Fridays, November 14, December 26, and January 9. Seating begins at 6:45 PM with Act 1 beginning around 7:00 PM. The evening runs through 9:00-9:30 PM, depending on audience size and interaction. Reservations are required and can be. made by calling 937-461-3913. https://www.facebook.com/MayhemMystery $39.95 per person; tax and gratuity not included

LGBTQIA+ Book Club
2026-01-12 17:30 - 18:30 | Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
LGBTQIA+ Book Club, Monday, January 12, 5:30-6:30 pm, Conference Room 3A: Mama by Nikkya Hargrove

Artist in Training (AIT) Program
2026-01-12 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.

Artist Talk: Brian Mathus
2026-01-11 15:00 - 16:30 | Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Artist Talk: Brian Mathus

Date: Sunday, January 11, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: Dayton Metro Library, 215 E. Third St. Dayton, OH 45402
Details: Join us for an artist talk with Brian Mathus in connection with his exhibition Being Seen.
INFO HERE-Facebook Event

Timeless Tales
2026-01-11 13:00 - 17:00 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Part of MetroParks Ice Rink Family Skate Days series
Timeless Tales
1:00pm – 5:00pm
AGE: All ages | $10.00 | Financial Assistance

Ready to set out on a tale as old as time? Join us at the MetroParks Ice Rink for a day of fairytale fun! Skate to your favorite family-friendly hits, grab some hot chocolate, and kids also receive a FREE book courtesy of Dayton Metro Library. Weather Dependent.
Guests are encouraged to participate in family activities including a featured theme table, coloring pages, scavenger hunt, and Penguin Toss. The Penguin Toss is free to all skaters and takes place at approximately 3pm. Participants will receive a penguin to toss onto the ice, and whoever lands their penguin closest to the target will receive one of three prizes.
Skaters are welcome to relax in one of several warming areas, including a heated comfort tent containing games and seating. The RiverScape Cafe will also be open, offering a variety of food and drinks (including our delicious hot cocoa!) for purchase. Admission is $7, Skate Rental is $3, and there are a limited number of skate helpers available for free. Visitors receive a 75% discount – $1.75 admission and $0.75 skate rental – on admission and skate rental by presenting either a SNAP/EBT or Access to Nature card at the Rental Office. This discount is made possible by Five Rivers MetroParks’ Access to Nature financial assistance program, supported by the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation.

Learn to Ice Skate! Teen/Adult Course
2026-01-11 12:20 - 12:50 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Learn to Ice Skate! Teen/Adult Course
12:20pm – 12:50pm
AGE: 14 and up | $50.00 | Financial Assistance
Want to learn the basics of ice skating? We’ve got you covered with these lessons! Our instructor will teach you key skills including skating forward and backward edges on a circle, three-turns, backward stops, bunny hops, lunges, and front and back crossovers. The registration fee includes use of skates and lessons on 1/4, 1/11, and 1/18, which we ask that you arrive 15 minutes early for each day. Makeup lessons will be held 1/25. Weather Dependent.

Learn to Ice Skate! Youth Course
2026-01-11 11:40 - 12:10 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Learn to Ice Skate! Youth Course
11:40am – 12:10pm
AGE: 9-13 | $50.00 | Financial Assistance
Want to learn the basics of ice skating? We’ve got you covered with these lessons! Our instructor will teach you key skills including skating forward and backward edges on a circle, three-turns, backward stops, bunny hops, lunges, and front and back crossovers. The registration fee includes use of skates and lessons on 1/4, 1/11, and 1/18, which we ask that you arrive 15 minutes early for each day. Makeup lessons will be held 1/25. Weather Dependent.

Learn to Ice Skate! Children’s Course
2026-01-11 11:00 - 11:30 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Learn to Ice Skate! Children’s Course
11:00am – 11:30am
AGE: 5-8 | $50.00 | Financial Assistance
Want to learn the basics of ice skating? We’ve got you covered with these lessons! Our instructor will teach you key skills including skating forward and backward edges on a circle, three-turns, backward stops, bunny hops, lunges, and front and back crossovers. The registration fee includes use of skates and lessons on 1/4, 1/11, and 1/18, which we ask that you arrive 15 minutes early for each day. Makeup lessons will be held 1/25. Weather Dependent.

Exhibit: The Triumph of Nature: Art Nouveau from the Chrysler Museum of Art
2026-01-11 | The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH, 45405, United States
October 18, 2025–January 11, 2026
The Triumph of Nature presents the refined, ever-popular and elegant curvilinear designs and nature-based motifs of Art Nouveau. From the rich holdings of the Chrysler Museum of Art, more than 120 turn-of-the-20th century treasures are included, with works by Tiffany, Mucha, Gallé, Beardsley and many others. Furniture, paintings, sculpture, mosaics, books, posters, prints, lamps, glass art and more highlight the innovative ways artists made harmonious visual arrangements. The DAI is the exclusive Ohio venue for this major traveling exhibition.

Vinyl Vinyl Sundays
2026-01-11 | The Barrel House, 417 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Sunday – Vinyl Vinyl Sunday – bring your records, we’ll play ’em

Guided Tours
2026-01-10 14:00 | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Join us for an inside look at the exhibition, with fresh insights into the artist and her work. Led by Heather Jones, Curator and Director of Programs and Engagement. FREE and open to all.

Colleen Kelsey: Light & Shadows
2026-01-10 12:00 - 17:00 | Dayton Society of Artists, 48 High Street, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Colleen Kelsey
Light & Shadows

December 19 – January 17
Artist Opening: Friday, December 19, 6-9 PM
Artist Talk: Friday, January 9th, 6:30 PM

Dayton Society of Artists
48 High St, Dayton, OH 45403

Saturday Art Workshops
2026-01-10 11:00 - 13:00 | K12 Gallery & TEJAS, 341 S. Jefferson St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Saturday Art Workshops for Kindergarten-12th Grade and Adults. Each month explore a different art medium (Clay, Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, Mosaics, Drawing, Photography, in a different theme/artistic style (K-12th grade). For Adults classes in Mosaics, Stained Glass, and Glassblowing. Saturday Classes run from September 2025-May 2026. 11:00am-1:00pm. Call for Costs.

Resolve to Get Involved!
2026-01-10 11:00 - 12:30 | Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Resolve to Get Involved!, Saturday, January 10, 11 am-12:30 pm, Main Library, Conference Room 3A: Learn about organizations, resources, and services in Montgomery County for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies.

Photowalk
2026-01-10 10:00 - 11:00 | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Explore downtown Dayton through your lens, using anything from a camera phone to a box camera, and anything in between. Join fellow artists and photography enthusiasts for a guided walk inspired by the visual language of Xaviera Simmons: Figure Eleven. FREE and open to all.

Dan Cleary: Five Views of Ohio
2026-01-10 | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Dan Cleary: Five Views of Ohio January 7-31, 2025 Opening Reception: Jan 7, 2026 Closing Reception: Jan 31, 2026 Dan Cleary: Five Views of Ohio features work from the Dayton-based photographer’s ongoing Ohio Landscape series, in which he turns his lens toward the places that shape daily life across the region. For years, he has traveled throughout Ohio’s cities, rivers, and countryside, capturing scenes that reveal the quiet rhythms of a landscape both familiar and constantly shifting. In these five photographs, Cleary explores his connection to home through light, water, and motion—moving from the still surface of a backwater stream to the rush of a downtown river or streetcar. Cleary is drawn to the moments when nature and the built environment meet: reflections that ripple across moving water, light that bends along a city street, ordinary places that transform for an instant into something newly seen. His images invite viewers to recognize these in-between spaces in their own surroundings, where history, community, and landscape intersect. Through this series, Cleary offers a meditation on the layered beauty of everyday Ohio and the fleeting, sacred moments found along the paths people travel each day.
