Downtown Dayton Partnership

We’re Doing It ALL Wrong® – 5th Annual Art Exhibition
2025-09-06, 2025-09-05 | Edward A. Dixon Gallery, 222 N. St. Clair St., Dayton, OH, 45402
This year’s exhibition features over 40 artworks from around the United States. See more at weredoingitallwrong.com. The exhibition was juried by Artist/Activist Devan Horton (Kentucky) and Gallery Owner Ed Dixon.

Exhibit: Curtis Barnes, Sr., Dayton Icon
2025-09-06, 2025-09-05 | The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH, 45405, United States
Curtis Barnes, Sr., Dayton Icon
July 12–September 14, 2025
A painter and educator, Curtis Barnes, Sr. was a longtime fixture of Dayton’s art scene. His bold, colorful, experimental paintings are a distinctive blend of naturalism and abstraction. They frequently include self-portraits and portraiture depicting the people in his life. His influence is still felt today among his students and in the African American Visual Arts Guild, which he co-founded with artist “Bing” Davis in 1992. He was recognized for his artistic contribution and presented with the “Paul Laurence Dunbar Humanitarian Award” in 1994 and the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Ohio Arts Council in 2008.
This exhibition comes on the 90th anniversary of his birth and is a celebration of Barnes’ life and art. A DAI exclusive, this collection of works was drawn from his family and friends.

Out on 5th
2025-09-06, 2025-09-05 | 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

A Raisin in the Sun
2025-09-05 20:00 (America/New_York) | Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Avenue, Dayton, OH, 45410, USA
The Younger family dreams of more. But in 1950s Chicago, racism, redlining, and hard luck sear even the smallest hopes before they can take root. Lorraine Hansberry’s timeless classic crackles with anger, tenderness, and the stubborn fight for a better life. Will their dreams dry up? Or will they explode?
A Raisin in the Sun is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

Dayton Music Fest
2025-09-05 19:30 (America/New_York) | Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E 4th St, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
DAYTON MUSIC FEST 2025 IS SEPTEMBER 5 & 6
A multi-genre multi-venue showcase of Dayton artists!
$10 per venue per day$15 all venues per day$25 all venues both days (for sale at the door)
Locations: Blind Bob’s (Sept 5+6)Yellow Cab Tavern (Sept 5+6)Oregon Express (Sept 5+6)Trolley Stop (Sept 5+6)The Brightside (Sept 5 only)
Featured Artists:shellercrabswithoutlegsIllwinMoonTempleMelina MarieFULLBODYHeather Redman and the ReputationGood SoupBlanch RobinsonThe Heisey Glass Co.MidviewDos.GrandioseBrother HillSocksThe FotonsThe New Old FashionedTyebee & The BuzzNEONSENSELandfilthEmpire PoolWarning SignsKellen WilliamsKittingerBasuraLeviathan CycleMontana & Tyrant

Schedule and more info here: https://www.daytonmusicfest.com/
Lineup subject to change.

Dad’s Place – A Farce
2025-09-05 19:30, 2025-09-04 19:30 (America/New_York) | The Human Race Theatre Company, 126 N. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402
SEPTEMBER 3 – 14, 2025
Dad’s Place – A Farce
Playwright: Jake Lockwood
Director: Joe Deer
Paul briefly steps away from a lucrative writing career in LA to help his father, Karl, go through an apartment that’s overrun with “stuff”. Paul seeks to use this time away from corporate clients to write something more meaningful, but the distractions of Karl’s life prove to be more than Paul’s creative inspiration can overcome. In the end, Paul finds he has just as much “stuff” to work through.
This new work by Jake Lockwood is a two-actor farce that dives into the complex relationships between fathers and sons, the menace of imposter syndrome, and wraps them into love letter to the artistic process.
Recommended in you liked… The 39 Steps, Deadline, Shipwrecked!

Dayton Dragons vs. Lansing Lugnuts
2025-09-05 19:05, 2025-09-04 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.

Date Night Terrarium Workshop
2025-09-05 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Now and Zen DIY Studio, 121 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Shake up your typical date night with a creative twist! Join us for a hands-on evening where you and your partner will build your own one-of-a-kind terrarium together. It’s the perfect blend of fun, laughter, and a little bit of dirt. Whether you’re a new couple or longtime lovers, you’ll leave with a living creation that reminds you of the experience you shared. All supplies provided—just bring your date and your imagination!

Tom Segura: Come Together
2025-09-05 19:00 (America/New_York) | The Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, 1 West Second Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Actor/comedian/writer Tom Segura is one of the biggest names in the comedy business. He is currently selling out venues all over the world on his Come Together tour. This follows his highly successful, I’m Coming Everywhere World Tour, where he played over 300 shows. Segura is best known for his Netflix specials “Ball Hog” (2020), “Disgraceful” (2018), “Mostly Stories” (2016), and “Completely Normal” (2014).
His fifth Netflix special “Sledgehammer” released July 4, 2023 and debuted at #1 on the streamer. Segura can currently be seen starring in the Netflix dark comedy series, “Bad Thoughts,” which he also wrote and produced through his YMH Studios.
In July 2022, Segura released his New York Times bestselling book I’d Like to Play Alone, Please to wide praise with “Forbes” calling it “laugh out loud funny.” “Paste Magazine” described him as, “…having a natural and capable storytelling ability, one that lifts his narratives out of average anecdote fare and plants them firmly in hilarious ground.”
Your Mom’s House Studios is home to his hit podcasts “Your Mom’s House” which he co-hosts with his wife, comedian Christina Pazsitzky, “2 Bears 1 Cave” which he co-hosts with Bert Kreischer, and many more podcasts that draw millions of listeners each week. Additionally, YMH Studios was one of the first networks to create wildly successful livestream podcast events as an outcome of the pandemic.
Segura can be seen in the STX film Countdown opposite Elizabeth Lail, Instant Family opposite Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne, Opening Act, and Flinch. Segura’s television credits include: “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” “Conan,” “Workaholics,” “Happy Endings,” “The Late Late Show,” “Comedy Central Presents: Tom Segura,” “Mash Up,” “How To Be A Grown Up.”
Segura has an increasing social media following (@seguratom on Instagram, @tomsegura on Twitter). When he isn’t performing on stage or recording a podcast he’s watching college football or waiting for college football to come back.
Presented by AEG Live and Dayton Live.
THIS IS A CELL PHONE FREE SHOW!
The following actions are prohibited during the show:
– Texting
– Talking On Your Phone
– Taking Photos
– Taking Video
– Social Media/Other App Usage
Violators will be ejected from the theatre. No Refunds will be given.

Miller & the Other Sinners w/ The Eric Henry Blues Band Opening
2025-09-05 19:00 (America/New_York) | Levitt Pavilion Dayton, 134 S. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Miller & the Other Sinners w/ The Eric Henry Blues Band Opening

September 5 @ 7:00 PM

Free Admission

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Series:

Tawnya & Rick Stover’s Blues Series

Genre:

Blues/Soul

Miller and The Other Sinners is a nationally touring Southern Soul band from Buffalo, New York, known for their unique blend of delta grit, Memphis soul, gospel spirit, and funky rhythm and blues. Since their formation in 2015, they have performed over 800 shows across the United States and Canada, captivating audiences with their dynamic performances. Led by David Michael Miller, the band has released several albums, including their latest EP, Rise, which features a collection of inspiring songs that reflect their American roots music influences. Their music is a testament to their versatility, seamlessly transitioning from soulful ballads to energetic funk grooves.
Projects Unlimited Gem Series Opener: The Eric Henry Blues Band
The Eric Henry Blues Band, led by Eric Henry, is a dynamic blues group known for their expressive electric guitar and soulful performances. Based in Xenia, Ohio, Eric Henry has been a connoisseur of blues music from a young age, influenced by his musical family. The band has performed at various venues and festivals, including The Yellow Cab Tavern and the Lebanon Blues Festival. Eric Henry also hosts “The Blues Revival” on WYSO, where he shares his vast knowledge of blues music and its many offshoots. The band’s music is a testament to their dedication to “Keeping the Blues Alive” and their ability to captivate audiences with their heartfelt and energetic performances.

Guided Downtown Dayton historic walking tours
2025-09-05 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Dayton Arcade, 35 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Many of the places that helped make Dayton a center of innovation were lost to history, while others survived and adapted, representing the city’s spirit of revitalization. Some of the city’s distinctive and significant structures were demolished, while others, including the Dayton Arcade and Centre City Building, saw challenging times but now await redevelopment. Explore and learn about the diverse selection of retail, industrial, entertainment, and residential sites on this guided walking tour of Downtown Dayton.
Tours are available on Fridays beginning May 2 and run through October 2025. The cost is $10 per person and reservations are required to attend.
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.

Front Street Art Hop
2025-09-05 17:00 - 21:00 (America/Detroit) | Front Street Galleries, 1001 E. Second St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Art, Music, Food, Community: First Friday Art Hop at Front Street. We are so excited to announce that we have a NEW ART HOP SCHEDULE!! Join us every First Friday & the Saturday after for our monthly art hops. FRIDAY, 5PM – 9PM Explore art studios, shops, and galleries across campus! Live demonstrations, gallery openings, and new work on display by more than 150 artists! Meet our artists, learn about their work, or sign up to take a class! Don’t just see art, live it! Kool Beanz Cafe is open! Order at the tent and step inside to warm up while your made-to-order treat is prepared! SATURDAY, 11AM – 4PM Saturday after is your chance to visit what you couldn’t fit in on Friday! Of course, Kool Beanz Cafe will have things fired up and ready to make your lunch fresh.

First Friday
2025-09-05 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.

The Perfect September: An Immersive Pop-Up Gallery Experience
2025-09-05 17:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Dayton Arcade, 35 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402
The Perfect September: An Immersive Pop-Up Gallery Experience
Step into The Perfect September — a celebration of paper art, nature, and creativity. This pop-up gallery transforms the historic North Arcade into a breathtaking world where fine art, live performance, and music intertwine.
What to Expect• Fine Art: Explore a curated exhibition of intricate paper art inspired by the beauty of nature.• Vendors: Shop unique, handcrafted pieces from talented local artists.• Live Music & Performance: Enjoy an evening filled with artistry in motion.
First Friday — September 5, 2025 North Arcade, 18 W. Third St. Admission: Free & open to the public
Whether you’re an art collector, a creative soul, or simply curious, The Perfect September invites you to slow down, connect, and experience the transformative power of art.
ART is LIFE — come be part of it.

Organist Joshua Stafford
2025-09-05 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Westminster Presbyterian Church, 125 N. Wilkinson St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Organist Joshua Stafford returns to Westminster Presbyterian Church Sunday, October 5, 4:00 p.m. Freewill offering.

Exhibit: School of the DAI Retrospective
2025-09-05 12:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Dayton Society of Artists, 48 High Street, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
School of the DAI Retrospective
SEPTEMBER 5 – SEPTEMBER 27
SCHOOL OF THE DAI RETROSPECTIVE is an exhibition dedicated to the alumni of the School of the Dayton Art Institute. Participants must have attended the formal School of the Dayton Art Institute with the intention of graduating with a degree to be included in this exhibition.

Dayton Greek Festival
2025-09-05 11:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 500 Belmonte Park North, Dayton, OH, 45405
A Greek tradition for both the young and old, the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church’s annual Greek festival brings together people of all backgrounds to celebrate all things Greek: the food and pastries, unique boutique items, beer and wine, live music, dance performances, and tours of the beautiful church. $5 admission is good all weekend and includes a raffle ticket. Veterans, active duty military, and children 18 and under are free. Visit daytongreekfestival.com for more information.

2025 Fine Art Faculty Exhibition Featuring Bridgette Bogle
2025-09-05 08:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Galleries at Sinclair College, 444 W. Third St., Bldg. 13, Dayton, OH, 45402
Event Title: 2025 Fine Art Faculty Exhibition Featuring Bridgette Bogle Event Description: Sinclair Community College’s annual Fine Art Faculty Exhibition will usher in the beginning of the 2025-2026 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 Bridgette Bogle. Bogle’s exhibition is a reflection on her weekly walks through Woodland Cemetery. Colored pencil drawings along with installation work consisting of discarded polyester petals from the cemetery examine the contrast of the natural landscape and human-made artifacts of grief. This body of work explores the complexity of loss, the impulse to both mimic and disrupt nature, impermanence, and the passage of time. There will be a virtual artist talk with Professor Bogle over Zoom on September 12, 2025 at 12pm. A reception will be held September 4 from 4:30pm-6pm in Building 13’s 4th Floor Atrium. Visit sinclair.edu/artgalleries for further details. The Fine Art Faculty Exhibition will be on display from August 18 through September 19, 2025. 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.

Music Bingo Thursdays
2025-09-04 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
2025-09-04 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.

The Drifters, The Platters & Cornell Gunter’s Coasters
2025-09-04 19:30 (America/New_York) | Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
It’s not a concert… it’s a party! Spend a nostalgic evening saluting three of the world’s most beloved musical groups who were instrumental in creating the rock & roll/doo-wop sound: Cornell Gunter’s Coasters (“Charlie Brown,” “Yakety Yak,” “Poison Ivy”); The Platters featuring four of America’s premier singers performing their greatest hits (“Only You,” “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes,” “The Great Pretender”); and The Drifters, one of rock & roll’s founding vocal groups touring the U.S. again under the auspices of their original management team with their 50-year catalog of hits (“Under The Boardwalk,” “Up On The Roof,” “This Magic Moment,” and “On Broadway”).
Combined, these three Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame groups have been associated with well over 40 of the top classic songs in rock & roll history. From “Under the Boardwalk” to “Only You” to “Yakety Yak,” very few artists can boast of a richer musical resume. With such incredible musical diversity – from the comedy of Cornell Gunter’s Coasters, to the romance of The Platters, to the Motown magic of The Drifters – this show has songs to please every palate, delivered just the way you remember them, when you first heard them on the radio.

Jesse “JT Jazz” Thompson
2025-09-04 19:00 (America/New_York) | Levitt Pavilion Dayton, 134 S. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Jesse “JT Jazz” Thompson

September 4 @ 7:00 PM

Free Admission

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Series:

Brytus-Wilkinson Family Jazz Series

Genre:

Smooth Jazz

Jesse Thompson, known as JTJazz, is a multi-talented composer, pianist, and keyboardist from Dayton, Ohio, a city renowned for its funk music heritage. Influenced by legendary bands like Slave, Ohio Players, Lakeside, and Zapp, Thompson has spent over 20 years contributing to the music scene as a member of the Columbus-based R&B/jazz ensemble NexLevel. He has performed alongside notable artists such as Boys II Men, Fourplay, and Spyro Gyra, and has toured with genre greats like Eric Darius and Adam Hawley. During the pandemic, Thompson ventured into solo artistry, releasing his debut album The Inauguration of Jtjazz, featuring the hit single “Weekend Groove.” His music blends influences from Dayton funk legends and smooth jazz icons, showcasing his dynamic range and passion for uplifting and energizing audiences.

Karaoke
2025-09-04 18:30 - 21:30 (America/Detroit) | OH
Join us for Karaoke Thursdays at The Dayton Beer Company, hosted by Limelight Entertainment from 6:30 p.m.-9:30p.m. Cheers!
