Reading Railroad Student Mental Health Symposium
2026-09-03 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | PNC Arts Annex, 46 N. Ludlow St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Dayton Metro Library will host its 3rd annual Reading Railroad Student Mental Health Symposium on Thursday, September 3, 10 am-2 pm, at the PNC Arts Annex, located at 46 W. 2nd St., Dayton, 45402. More than 60 students, educators, school administrators, and parents are expected to attend to discuss student mental health and well-being with certified counselor, life coach, and motivational speaker Dr. Brittany Collins. The symposium will be facilitated by The Center for Community Impact & Innovation at DML and is co-hosted by Dayton Live. Reading Railroad is a signature initiative dedicated to supporting Black boys and young men, as well as their support systems. For more information, visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org or call the Library’s Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665.

CURIO at Courthouse Square
2026-09-03 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

Collage Night
2026-09-03 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 .

Distillery Tour
2026-09-03 18:30 (America/New_York) | Belle of Dayton, 122 Van Buren St., Dayton, OH, 45402
We offer a public distillery tour on the first Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at Belle of Dayton Distillery. The tour is $10 per person and includes a behind-the-scenes look at our copper still, fermentation tanks, bottling line and production process, followed by a guided tasting of our handcrafted spirits. Guests must be 21 or older with a valid ID, and we recommend arriving approximately 30 minutes early to check in at the Van Buren Room and enjoy a cocktail before the tour. Additional information and reservations are available here: https://www.belleofdayton.com/pages/tours

DCDC “Taking it to the Streets”
2026-09-03 19:00 (America/New_York) | Levitt Pavilion Dayton, 134 S. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402
DCDC “Taking it to the Streets”

September 3 @ 7:00 PM

Free Admission

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Series:

PNC Community Series

Join DCDC for Taking It to the Streets, an energetic evening of music and movement celebrating community, rhythm, and connection. Through dynamic performance and powerful artistry, the show brings people together for a joyful experience that fills downtown Dayton with creativity and soul. Bring your chair or blanket and enjoy a night where music, dance, and community take center stage.

Music Bingo
2026-09-03 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

Dayton Dragons vs. West Michigan Whitecaps
2026-09-03 19:05, 2026-09-04 19:05, 2026-09-05 19:05 (America/New_York) | 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.

Open Mic Night
2026-09-03 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.

Music Bingo Thursdays
2026-09-03 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!

Thursday Night Karaoke at MJ’s
2026-09-03 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!

Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice
2026-09-04, 2026-09-06 | 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.”

2026 Fine Art Faculty Exhibition Featuring Kevin Harris
2026-09-04, 2026-09-05 | Galleries at Sinclair College, 444 W. Third St., Bldg. 13, Dayton, OH, 45402
Sinclair Community College’s annual Fine Art Faculty Exhibition will usher in the beginning of the 2026-2027 academic year. Each fall, the Burnell R. Roberts Triangle Gallery, the Works on Paper Gallery, as well as other spaces around Building 13 display work from the faculty and adjunct faculty of Sinclair’s Art Department. The Burnell R. Roberts Triangle Gallery traditionally features one faculty member, and this year will exhibit works by Professor Kevin Harris. Inspired by urban birds’ instinct to weave human-made materials into nests along with the jazz concept of Chromatic Elaboration of Static Harmony, Harris produces one-of-a-kind prints that evolve through many iterations. His work inhabits the in-between spaces where repetition becomes variation, structure gives way to improvisation, and forms are continually transformed. A reception will be held September 3 from 4:30pm-6pm in Building 13’s 4th Floor Atrium. There will be a virtual artist talk with Professor Harris over Zoom on September 11, 2026 at 12pm. Visit www.sinclair.edu/artgalleries for further details. The Fine Art Faculty Exhibition will be on display from August 24 through September 21, 2026. Gallery spaces are located on the third and fourth floor of Building 13 (located at W. Fifth and S. Perry Streets). The galleries are free and open to the public from 8am–6pm Monday–Friday and 9–12 Saturdays. Free and accessible parking is located in Parking Lot K.

Kayak Rentals with Taiters Kayak
2026-09-04 16:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | 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!

September First Friday at the Arcade
2026-09-04 17:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Dayton Arcade, 35 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Join us for September First Friday at the Arcade! The Dayton Arcade’s historic Concourse will be open on Friday, September 4 from 5–8 PM, welcoming visitors to explore the heart of the complex. Shop our Arcade tenants! The Contemporary Dayton The Garden Grille & Bar Luke’s Grab & Go Lucho Maria’s at the Market Pink Moon Goods, Too Road Runner Espresso Bar Smales Pretzel Bakery Table 33 Willow Rust 6888 Kitchen Visit our popup vendors – full list coming soon! Enjoy live music from BJSR in the Concourse from 5-7 PM. Concourse doors will be open 5–8 PM at both: 24 W. Third St. 35 W. Fourth St. Come explore, grab a DORA drink, shop local, and kick off your weekend at the Arcade!

September First Friday at the Arcade

First Friday
2026-09-04 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.

Open House at the Front Street Studios
2026-09-04 17:00 - 21:00, 2026-09-05 11:00 - 16:00 (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.

Downtown Dayton Historic Walking Tours
2026-09-04 17:30 (America/New_York) | 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

Birthday Candles
2026-09-04 20:00, 2026-09-05 17:00 (America/New_York) | Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Avenue, Dayton, OH, 45410, USA
Birthday Candles

by Noah Haidle
Ernestine Ashworth spends her 17th birthday agonizing over her insignificance in the universe. Soon enough, it’s her 18th birthday. Even sooner, her 41st. Her 70th. Her 101st. Five generations, an infinity of dreams, and one cake baked over a century. This sweet, poignant, and funny play takes you through the extraordinary moments that make up one woman’s ordinary life.
Birthday Candles is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

Friday Night Karaoke at Two Social
2026-09-04 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

Exhibit: Our Fire Is Stronger Than Your Bombs
2026-09-05 | 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.

We’re Doing It ALL Wrong® – 6th Annual Art Exhibition
2026-09-05, 2026-09-06 | 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.

Reggae Fest w/ The Meditations
2026-09-05 17:30 (America/New_York) | Levitt Pavilion Dayton, 134 S. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Reggae Fest w/ The Meditations

September 5 @ 5:30 PM

Free Admission

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Series:

Amplified Series sponsored by City of Dayton

Genre:

Reggae

Join us this year as we celebrate Reggae Fest, part of the Amplified Series sponsored by the City of Dayton.
Reggae Amplified Lineup:

5:30 p.m. Da Squad
6:45 p.m. Seefari
8 p.m. The Meditations

The Meditations – are roots reggae legends whose harmonies helped shape the sound of reggae music for generations. Formed by Ansel Cridland, Danny Clarke, and Winston Watson, the group rose to international acclaim with songs and albums that became part of reggae’s foundation.
Their voices can be heard alongside icons including Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Gregory Isaacs, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Sly and Robbie, and more. From the historic One Love Peace Concert in 1978 to stages across the United States, Europe, and Africa, The Meditations have carried the spirit of roots rock reggae around the world.
Today, Ansel Cridland continues the legacy with longtime collaborators Laury Webb and Daddylion Chandell, bringing a sound rooted in harmony, history, and love. Their music is a celebration of resilience, unity, and the lasting power of reggae to bring people together.
Seefari – Award-winning, Critically-acclaimed Reggae/World Music Artist Seefari has received extensive radio airplay worldwide, with heavy radio chart action and critical comparisons to reggae originators Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Lee “Scratch” Perry and Pablo Moses. Tom “Seefari” Carroll has won numerous awards and his music has been featured on TV and in films. The singer, producer and multi-instrumentalist has headlined countless festivals across the USA including four years headlining the Houston, Texas-based Bob Marley Festival Tour. Fronting a world-class band featuring musicians he has worked with for decades, Seefari’s live show mixes the soulful sound of classic reggae with healthy doses of dub, rock, jazz, Latin and African influences.
Da Squad – Dayton’s own Da Squad reggae band brings reggae rhythms and positive vibes to the stage with a sound rooted in community, connection, and live music. Join us on the lawn for a free, family-friendly evening of music in the heart of downtown Dayton.

Vinyl Vinyl Sundays
2026-09-06 | The Barrel House, 417 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Sunday – Vinyl Vinyl Sunday – bring your records, we’ll play ’em
