Downtown Dayton Partnership

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

Kayak Rentals with Taiters Kayak
2026-09-04 16:00 - 20:00, 2026-09-02 16:00 - 20:00 | 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!

2026 Fine Art Faculty Exhibition Featuring Kevin Harris
2026-09-04, 2026-09-03, 2026-09-02 | 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.

Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice
2026-09-04, 2026-09-03, 2026-09-02 | 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.”

Thursday Night Karaoke at MJ’s
2026-09-03 22:00 | 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!

Music Bingo Thursdays
2026-09-03 20:00 | 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
2026-09-03 19:30 - 22:30 | The Barrel House, 417 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Open Mic Night – sign up online, then show up and show out.

Dayton Dragons vs. West Michigan Whitecaps
2026-09-03 19:05, 2026-09-02 19:05 | 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.

Music Bingo
2026-09-03 19:00 - 21:00 | 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.

DCDC “Taking it to the Streets”
2026-09-03 19:00 | 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.

Distillery Tour
2026-09-03 18:30 | 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

Collage Night
2026-09-03 17:00 - 20:00 | 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 .

CURIO at Courthouse Square
2026-09-03 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-09-02 12:00 - 14:00 | 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.

Reading Railroad Student Mental Health Symposium
2026-09-03 10:00 - 14:00 | 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.

Threads of History: Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi
2026-09-03, 2026-09-02 | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
June 12-September 12, 2026
Threads of History: Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi is a landmark solo exhibition by award-winning artist, historian, and curator Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi. Now an octogenarian, Mazloomi remains one of the most visionary leaders in contemporary quilting, widely recognized for her lifelong efforts to elevate African American quilt traditions. Her striking black-and-white quilts memorialize the lives and legacies of African American freedom fighters, capturing resilience, resistance, and remembrance through bold imagery and layered narrative. Originally trained as an aerospace engineer, Mazloomi shifted her focus in the 1980s to advocate for African American quilt artists whose contributions had long been marginalized. Through her scholarship, mentorship, and the founding of the Women of Color Quilters Network, she has transformed the cultural landscape, bringing international recognition to quilting as both fine art and historical record. Her extraordinary impact has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Bess Lomax Hawes NEA National Heritage Fellowship, a United States Artists Fellowship, and an American Craft Council Honorary Fellowship. Her work is held in major collections, including the Smithsonian Institution and the American Folk Art Museum. Opening Reception: June 12, 2026, 6-8 p.m.

Wu-Tang Wednesdays
2026-09-02 19:00 - 23:00 | The Barrel House, 417 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Dayton’s legendary Ike B spins old school hip hop and whateva else he wants.

Live Trivia
2026-09-02 18:30 - 20:30 | Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E 4th St, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
We are excited to host live trivia every Wednesday at The Yellow Cab Tavern! Since there are a limited number of indoor tables, so please reserve as soon as possible.
Pepper Sprout Productions will be doing 3 rounds of general trivia from 6:30 – 8:30! Win prizes and gift cards! Watch their page on the day of for a clue about the bonus round theme!
You can enjoy pizza from The Pizza Bandit and beverages from The Yellow Cab Tavern!Pizza Bandit’s standard carryout, delivery, and onsite dining will be available from 4-9pm!

Community Fitness Series: Bootcamp
2026-09-02 18:00 - 19:30 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Part of RiverScape Community Fitness series
Bootcamp
6:00pm – 7:30pm
AGE: All ages | FREE

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! Weather Dependent.
Focus on wellness while spending time in nature. Enjoy a variety of free and effective workouts at RiverScape MetroPark.

Free Yoga | Arcade Arts & Wellness
2026-09-02 17:30 - 18:30 | Dayton Arcade, 35 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Join Day Yoga at the Dayton Arcade for a relaxing and welcoming all-levels Yoga series. These monthly sessions are designed for everyone, whether you’re brand new to yoga or have an established practice. Enjoy gentle movement, mindful breathing, and a supportive community atmosphere in the historic Dayton Arcade. No experience necessary. Just bring a yoga mat, water bottle, and a friend! FREE and open to all. Register here – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arcade-arts-wellness-tickets-1995476416679?aff=oddtdtcreator Wednesday, September 2 Wednesday, October 7 Wednesday, November 4 5:30 – 6:30 PM Dayton Arcade, 35 W. Fourth St. After your practice ends, plan to grab dinner at Lucho, the Garden Grille & Bar at the Hilton Garden Inn, or the 6888 Kitchen Incubator! Series Presented by: The Contemporary Dayton, Friends of the Dayton Arcade, and The Hub Powered by PNC

Unearthing a New Career: Audio Book Narrator
2026-09-02 16:00 - 17:00 | Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Do you do your dishes while listening to your favorite author’s new title? Had to speed read a book for class? The voices behind your favorite audio book have your back. Audio Narrator Jeremy Carlisle Parker is here to open the curtain and give you a sneak peak into this exciting career

Live at Three
2026-09-02 15:00 - 18:00 | The Garden Grille & Bar at the Hilton Garden Inn, 18 W. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Join us for live music by local artists, happy hour, award winning cocktails and curated bites at the historic Dayton Arcade at the Garden Grille and Bar (Hilton Garden Inn Downtown 2nd floor). Every Wednesday from 3p-6p.

Guided Tour of The Dayton Woman’s Club
2026-09-02 13:00 - 14:00 | The Dayton Woman’s Club, 225 N Ludlow St, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Take a guided tour of this historic Victorian mansion, circa 1850! Learn about the building’s history and the founding women who were community leaders and used the Club to promote music, art, education, civil rights, and suffrage.
House tours are typically given on the first Wednesday of the month at 1pm – dates subject to change.
ADVANCE ONLINE TICKET PURCHASE REQUIRED: $10 per person suggested donation
