Downtown Dayton Partnership

Wil Haygood – The War Within a War
2026-02-25 17:30 - 18:45 (America/New_York) | Roger Glass Center for the Performing Arts, 29 E. Creative Way, Dayton, OH, 45469
We are happy to host a DLPP favorite — Wil Haygood, DLPP’s 2022 Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, as he discusses his new book The War Within a War: The Black Struggle in Vietnam and at Home.Moderating the evening’s discussion will be Retired USAF Lt. Gen. Richard V. Reynolds, who was the Vice Commander of Air Force Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. During their talk, Wil will explore how the Vietnam War became a mirror for the struggle of Black Americans — fighting for freedom abroad while demanding equality at home — and a powerful lens through which to understand the racial and political divides that continue to shape American life. Hosted by the Dayton Literary Peace Prize Foundation in partnership with The Dayton Metro Library and The University of Dayton. Complimentary Tickets/RSVP: https://www.daytonliterarypeaceprize.org/get-involved/#events

Artist in Training (AIT) Program
2026-02-25 15:00 - 18:00, 2026-02-24 15:00 - 18:00, 2026-02-23 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.

Adult Weekday Classes
2026-02-25 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-02-25 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-02-24 15:30 - 17:30, 2026-02-24 15:00 - 17:00, 2026-02-24 13:00 - 15:00 | K12 Gallery & TEJAS, 341 S. Jefferson St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Tuesday and Wednesday weekday classes: Tuesdays (September-May) Stained Glass Classes: 1:00pm-3:00pm Ceramics/Clay Classes: 3:00pm-5:00pm Glassblowing Classes: 3:30pm-5:30pm Wednesdays (September-May) Still Life Oil Painting Classes: 1:00pm-3:00pm Glassblowing Classes: 2:00pm-4:00pm or 6:00pm-8:00pm. Call for Costs.

Interviewing 101 with Clothes That Work
2026-02-25 10:00 - 11:00 | Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Dayton Metro Library, through its Workforce Education Program Initiative, continues its partnership with Clothes That Work to provide valuable career development opportunities.
Resume Rescue with Clothes That Work

Wednesday, January 21, 10-11 am, Main Library, Opportunity Center
Wednesday, February 18, 10-11 am, Main Library, Opportunity Center

Learn to create a standout resume by crafting strong summaries, highlighting key skills, optimizing for applicant tracking systems, and marketing effectively. Registration required.
Interviewing 101 with Clothes That Work:

Wednesday, January 28, 10-11 am, Main Library, Opportunity Center
Thursday, February 12, 12-1 pm, Electra C. Doren Branch
Wednesday, February 25, 10-11 am, Main Library, Opportunity Center

Gain confidence in answering questions, develop a winning elevator pitch, and master online interviews. Registration required.
How to Stand Out in a Competitive Job Market

Wednesday, February 18, 2-4 pm, West Branch

Learn how to showcase skills, optimize resumes and cover letters, ace interviews, and leverage networking opportunities. Registration required.
Clothes that Work is a grassroots nonprofit organization that provides professional workplace clothing, confidence-building resources, and soft skills training for job seekers in the Miami Valley. Its Workforce Education Initiative curriculum was designed by area professionals specializing in workforce development and education. For additional information about this organization, visit clothesthatwork.org.
For more information about these programs and to register, visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org or call the Library’s Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665.

Sandra Aska, Andy Holliday, & Paul Rienzo Exhibits
2026-02-25, 2026-02-24, 2026-02-23 | Galleries at Sinclair College, 444 W. Third St., Bldg. 13, Dayton, OH, 45402
The Sinclair Community College Art Department is pleased to present works by Sandra Aska, Andy Holliday, and Paul Rienzo in the Burnell R. Roberts Triangle Gallery and Works on Paper Gallery. Capturing moments of perplexity, quirkiness, thoughtfulness, and beauty, Aska gives clay life through her figurative sculptures. Toolmarks and fingerprints left in the works imbue an expressionistic looseness to the forms. She works intuitively by allowing each form to emerge from the clay and invites the viewer to offer their own interpretation. Holliday’s non-representational prints stem from images that are observed, recorded, and repeatedly reprocessed through systems to alter them. Exploring the idea of attention as a measure of value, he gathers an archive of media to process, builds complexity, and subsequently creates the final work through traditional printmaking techniques. Rienzo’s photorealistic still life paintings explore archetypal themes found across cultures and historical periods. The depicted objects are laden with symbolic power and when combined with others from differing cultures and eras, explore the idea of untold myths and interconnectivity. There will be a virtual artist talk via Zoom on February 20, 2026, at 12pm. Visit www.sinclair.edu/artgalleries for details. The exhibitions will be on display from February 10 – March 13, 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.

Ice Skating
2026-02-25, 2026-02-24, 2026-02-23, 2026-02-22 | 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.

Polar Bear Express
2026-02-25, 2026-02-24, 2026-02-23, 2026-02-22 | 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

Karaoke with Zane
2026-02-24 20:00 - 23:00 | 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
2026-02-24 19:00 - 23:00 | 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.

Organ Concert
2026-02-22 16:00 | First Baptist Church, 111 Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402
An organ concert by Dr. Roy Belfield, Jr. is slated for Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 4 p.m at the church. Dr. Belfield holds degrees in music from Morehouse College, Florida State University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts in organ performance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory. Currently, Dr. Belfield is the Director of Choirs and Orchestra at Goucher College in Maryland and serves as accompanist for several choirs.

Sketcher Social Session: Advanced Drawing
2026-02-22 14:30 - 16:30 | Dayton Society of Artists, 48 High Street, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Join in the fun with fellow sketching enthusiasts for an in-depth experience with drawing. Each session provides basic graphite materials and bringing your own advanced dry mediums (charcoal, chalk, colored pencil, etc.) is encouraged. Each session also includes a time for friendly drawing critique and discussion moderated by a local artist of any work made during the session or of a recent drawing that you would like feedback on. Experimentation and imaginative exploration of topics discussed is strongly encouraged! Each month has a different theme and guests are encouraged to collaborate on future themes as desired.
Cost:
Non-Members – $40
Members – $30
Pre-registration Required
Location:
Dayton Society of Artists, 48 High Street, Dayton 45403
Date & Time:
Sun. February 22, 2:30 – 4:30 PM
About your Instructor:
Matthew Burgy is a multidisciplinary artist specializing in sculpture and painting, with years of experience organizing and leading art workshops. An active member of the local artist community, Matthew’s work explores movement, form, and expression through kinetic sculptures, jewelry, and paintings. Matthew continuously collaborates with organizations such as Culture Works to engage the community through his artistic process. He is a proud member of the Front Street artist community, where he creates, exhibits, and sells his work from his studio (#3345) on the third floor of Building 100’s BC entrance.

Buckeye Wedding Expo
2026-02-22 13:00 - 17:00 | Dayton Arcade, 35 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Engagement season is in full bloom, and the Buckeye Wedding Expo is set to fill the historic Dayton Arcade with all of the area’s best wedding vendors. On Saturday, February 21, and Sunday, February 22, 2026 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM engaged couples and their guests are invited to experience this high-energy, interactive planning environment. Breaking away from the traditional “pipe-and-drape” trade show model, the Buckeye Wedding Expo offers an experience-driven approach. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet industry experts face to face while sampling food, drink and entertainment from talented artists Event Highlights Include: Sample Food and Drink: Sample gourmet catering, signature cocktails, and artisan cakes from Dayton’s finest culinary experts. Bridal Fashion Show: Take a seat at the main stage for a captivating display of the latest wedding fashions from one of our local boutiques, Bahar & Reza Bridal. Wedding Showcase: A visually stunning example of what a wedding reception can look like with vision and the right vendor team. Networking Opportunities: Ample time for attendees to connect with potential vendors, such as, venues, caterers, DJ’s, photographers, florist, and more. Event Décor Re-Sale: Gently used items are given another life at our re-sale area. Local couples and wedding vendors come together to offer wedding treasures from decor to accessories. “Buckeye Wedding Expo was created out of a desire to revitalize and redefine the wedding show industry.” Says Shawn Huey, Owner at Buckeye Wedding Expo and Legacy Event Group. “We offer a fresh and innovative approach that focuses on personalization, creativity, and the celebration of love all while inspiring couples to envision their perfect day in a new and meaningful way. This isn’t just about collecting business cards—it’s about seeing, tasting, and feeling your wedding vision come to life.” Tickets & Attendance Tickets are $10.00 with buy one get one free online. Children 12 and under are free. Early registration is encouraged to ensure personalized lanyards for engaged attendees, which help vendors provide tailored information based on the wedding date. For more information, to purchase tickets, or to inquire about vendor booth space, please visit www.buckeyeweddingexpo.com.

Pencil and Prompts: Drawing Basics
2026-02-22 12:45 - 14:00 | Dayton Society of Artists, 48 High Street, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Sharpen up your sketching skills with a local artist providing you insights and inspirations into the world of drawing. Basic drawing materials provided. Guests are welcome to bring their own graphite drawing materials if desired. No drawing experience necessary. Each session provides insights on a different theme or drawing technique. Experimentation is strongly encouraged.
Cost:
Non-Members – $35
Members – $25
Pre-registration required
Location:
Dayton Society of Artists, 48 High Street, Dayton 45403
Class Prompt:
Portrait drawing
Date & Time:
Sun. February 22, 12:45 – 2 PM
About your Instructor:
Matthew Burgy is a multidisciplinary artist specializing in sculpture and painting, with years of experience organizing and leading art workshops. An active member of the local artist community, Matthew’s work explores movement, form, and expression through kinetic sculptures, jewelry, and paintings. Matthew continuously collaborates with organizations such as Culture Works to engage the community through his artistic process. He is a proud member of the Front Street artist community, where he creates, exhibits, and sells his work from his studio (#3345) on the third floor of Building 100’s BC entrance.

RESILIENCE
2026-02-22 | Edward A. Dixon Gallery, 222 N. St. Clair St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Resilience opens at the Edward A. Dixon Gallery on February 5th featuring several local artists ranging from a University Student to 30 year career artists. This exhibition is the gallery’s response to Black History month and features images that are powerful, regal and positive. Please, mark your calendars for the Opening Reception on Thursday, February 5th from 5pm-8pm. The exhibition dates are February 5th through March 15th.

Vinyl Vinyl Sundays
2026-02-22 | The Barrel House, 417 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Sunday – Vinyl Vinyl Sunday – bring your records, we’ll play ’em

EMO Night with Flicker // Fade
2026-02-21 20:00 - 23:00 | The Brightside, 905 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Get ready to scream your favorite lyrics and relive your Warped Tour days—EMO NIGHT is coming to Dayton! Featuring a full live performance by Flicker//Fade, this high-energy night will bring you the best of Emo, Pop-Punk, and nostalgic anthems from the golden era of angst. Whether you’re a former scene kid or just discovering the genre, this is your night to sing, jump, and feel everything. Black eyeliner optional—but encouraged. EMO NIGHT ft Flicker//Fade Live Emo Band Night! The ultimate emo night is here on Saturday, February 21st Featuring a live band playing the best of Emo* Pop-Punk* Warped Tour Era Music, and more! HOW TO GO? Saturday, February 21st The Brightside, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton Doors open 7pm $15 advance tickets here: https://tickets.venuepilot.com/e/emo-nght-with-flicker-fade-2026-02-21-the-brightside-music-event-venue-dayton-c02d45 $20 at the door All ages welcome (under 18 needs supervision) There is NO re-entry, so please plan appropriately!
