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!

Out on 5th
2025-05-31, 2025-06-01 | Oregon District, Fifth Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
What is Out on 5th?
Out on 5th is the street closure of Fifth Street in the Oregon District of downtown Dayton on weekends.
Closing down Fifth Street from Patterson Boulevard to Wayne Avenue every Friday night through Sunday evening allows
our business district to open up the street for guests to shop – dine – and relax in the open air.

Out on 5th gives restaurants and bars in the district room to expand patio seating into the streets.

Fifth Street is filled with public seating to allow guests room to spread out and enjoy the outdoors.

Retail shops can use extra sidewalk space in front of their business for sales. Looking to hold a retail pop-up? Apply here.

Local entertainment will be in the district every weekend to enhance the atmosphere. Looking to be an entertainer? Apply here.

When
Fridays 5 -10 p.m./ Saturdays noon – 10 p.m. / Sundays noon – 10 p.m.
Why
Shop, dine, and relax outdoors in the district
Where
In the Oregon District – Fifth Street from Patterson Boulevard to Wayne Avenue
Additional Information
Parking
Thousands of parking spaces on surface lots, parking garages, or metered side streets (free on weekends) surround the Oregon District.
During Out on 5th, please use the detour map at the bottom of this page to navigate around the street closures and into the parking lots.
Our Oregon District businesses kindly ask you to park in these lots, garages or public street spaces, and not in the residential neighborhood.

More info: https://www.theoregondistrict.org/outon5th

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.

Fitness in the Park: Yoga with Speakeasy
2025-05-31 10:00 - 11:00 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Harness your strength, enhance your mobility, and create a deeper connection with yourself. Join Tori for a dynamic physical yoga practice that will guide you through a breath focused flow that is both empowering and meditative. New to yoga? Not to worry. This class has something for all levels, and a variety of variations are offered throughout so you can find the most benefit for your time on the mat, and in turn feel your best off of it, too! Classes are free, no registration required. Please bring a mat and water.

Dayton Freestyle Kayaking Competition
2025-05-31 12:00 - 14:00 | 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 | 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.

Exhibit: Peace Talks
2025-05-31 12:00 - 17:00 | Dayton Society of Artists, 48 High Street, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
The Dayton Society of Artists (DSA) proudly presents PEACE TALKS, our annual spring juried exhibition. This timely exhibition reflects on Dayton’s historic role in international diplomacy—the 1995 Dayton Peace Accords—and the ongoing complexities of global and personal peace. PEACE TALKS invites artists and viewers alike to explore the fragile, dynamic nature of peace: how it is achieved, maintained, challenged, and sometimes lost.

-On view May 2 – June 21
-Open Fridays & Saturdays | 12–5 PM

Between Riverside and Crazy
2025-05-31 17:00, 2025-06-01 15:00 | Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Avenue, Dayton, OH, 45410, USA
Retired cop Pops Washington struggles to hold on to one of the last great rent-stabilized apartments on Riverside Drive. Fresh grief, old wounds, and sketchy new houseguests collide in a final ultimatum.

Funk Fest ft. Rick James’ Stone City Band
2025-05-31 17:30 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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.

Dayton Dragons vs. West Michigan Whitecaps
2025-05-31 19:05, 2025-06-01 13:05 | 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.

Exhibit: Jamie Wyeth: Unsettled
2025-06-01 | The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH, 45405, United States
March 15–June 8, 2025
A distinguished figure in contemporary art, Jamie Wyeth is recognized for his fiercely independent, realistic approach to art. This exhibition follows Wyeth’s entire career and looks at a specifically darker thread within his oeuvre of troubling and unnerving imagery. Unsettled is divided into three distinct sections: “Strangers and Specters;” “Natural and Supernatural Worlds;” and “Haunted Places and Disturbing Spaces.” Drawn from museums and private collections from across the country, the DAI is the exclusive Ohio venue and the final stop for this major traveling exhibition. Organized by the Brandywine Museum of Art.

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 | 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

Reni Gower and Kate Santucci Exhibit
2025-06-02, 2025-06-03 | Galleries at Sinclair College, 444 W. Third St., Bldg. 13, Dayton, OH, 45402
The Sinclair Community College Art Department is pleased to present “GEOmatrix: a Perfect Proof” by Reni Gower in the Burnell R. Roberts Triangle Gallery and “Waxing On” by Kate Santucci in the Works on Paper Gallery. Gower’s “GEOmatrix: a Perfect Proof” recognizes geometric perfection as the matrix of humanity and the blueprint of the cosmos. Large hand-cut papercuts, stencil-masked pulp paintings, and machine cut vinyl decals are imbued with repetitive, geometric pattens. These tessellations, similar to decoration across many cultures, offer a calming, luminous, and contemplative respite from these unprecedented times. Working with colored beeswax and resin layered with pigments and oil paint, Santucci reveals and obscures symbols and images formed through drawing, mark making and hand-cut stencils. The multi-layered encaustic works exhibited in “Waxing On” explore themes such as communication, time, place, and the perception of the way things change, both in the short and long term. There will be a virtual artist talk via Zoom on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 12pm. Visit www.sinclair.edu/artgalleries for details. The exhibitions will be on display from May 19–June 23, 2025. 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.

Exhibit: SELFie: The Power Within
2025-06-02, 2025-06-03 | Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
The museum’s pop-up exhibit, SELFie: The Power Within, will be in the Main Library’s Opportunity Space @ St. Clair in May. Patrons can let their selfies tell stories of strength, growth, and self-love. The photos that are taken will celebrate the real, unfiltered moments of mental health, with hopes of breaking the stigma surrounding it, thus allowing patrons to explore the power of being their authentic selves.
A reception opening the exhibit will be held on Thursday, May 1, from 6:30-8 pm, in the Main Library’s Atrium. Local advocates and mental health professionals will be present. All ages are welcome to attend the exhibit throughout the month, including the reception.

Hometown Heroes Family Storytime
2025-06-02 17:30 - 18:30 | Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Dayton Metro Library is launching a new storytime series called Hometown Heroes Family Storytime, which will be held one Monday a month throughout the year in the Children’s Creativity Space at the Main Library, from 5:30-6:30 pm. Kids of all ages and caregivers can enjoy fun-filled sessions with books, songs, and activities. Each Hometown Heroes session will also have a special guest reader from the Dayton area. Registration is not required. The Hometown Heroes Family Storytime schedule is as follows:

April 7: Jeffery Mims, Mayor of the City of Dayton
May 5: Dr. David Lawrence, Dayton Public School District Superintendent
June 2: Mr. Moses Mbeseha, co-founder of The Conscious Connect Community Development Corporation
July 7: Rodney Veal, an independent choreographer, interdisciplinary artist, educator, and producer
August 18: Willis “Bing” Davis, an internationally recognized artist, educator, and community activist.
September 8: Jeff Jackson, co-owner of the Wright Dunbar Cigar Shoppe in Dayton’s Historic Wright Dunbar District
October 6: Michael Carter, Senior Advisor to the President of Sinclair Community College
November 3: Darius Beckham, a former senior policy aide to the City of Dayton’s mayor.
December 1: Carl Kennebrew, International President of the IUE-CWA.

This Hometown Heroes series is part of DML’s Reading Railroad Initiative, which aims to link DML’s communities through literacy. The initiative is dedicated to fostering a love of reading and learning for Black boys and young men. It offers storytelling experiences, curated book selections, signature events, and mentorship from community leaders so that patrons are encouraged to view reading as a tool for self-discovery, empowerment, and lifelong success.
Another aspect of DML’s Reading Railroad Initiative is the Black Men Read–250 in 2025 Community Challenge. DML is calling on Black men across Montgomery County and beyond to inspire the next generation of readers by sharing the joy of storytelling with young children by becoming a “Reading Conductor” volunteer and/or logging their reading. Volunteers can read as a Hometown Hero guest, at one of DML’s Branches, to a loved one, at a school, out in the community, etc., to spark curiosity, foster a connection, and help create a love of reading in DML’s communities. Sign up to read or log reading at DaytonMetroLibrary.org/ReadingRailroad, where additional information about DML’s Reading Railroad can be found.
For more information about the Hometown Heroes Storytimes, visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org or call the Library’s Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665.

Community Fitness – Bootcamp
2025-06-02 18:00 - 19:30 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Join The Unit for an exciting bootcamp workout that will take you through RiverScape in a whole new way. Whether you’re running the stairs, doing push-ups near the reflecting pools, or stretching along the levee, this effective workout will keep you moving. Combined with the uplifting support of the community members that make up The Unit, this is a workout you will want to make part of your weekly routine. All fitness levels welcome and encouraged!

Exhibit: Enduring the Seige of Sarajevo – Snapshots of Survival
2025-06-03 | The International Peace Museum, 10 N. Ludlow St., Dayton, OH, 45402

2025 Future of Downtown Dayton
2025-06-03 07:30 - 09:30 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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.
