Downtown Dayton Partnership

Sunset Sessions with Illwin
2026-08-18 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Part of RiverScape Sunset Sessions series
Sunset Sessions with Illwin
7:00pm – 9:00pm
AGE: All ages | FREE

Join us as we welcome Illwin to RiverScape MetroPark! This Dayton-based rapper and singer blends storytelling, hip-hop roots, and high-energy performance into a style all his own. Inspired by a lifelong love of music that began in church choirs and sparked into rap as a child, his work carries that same early imagination into every track and stage show. Guided by that same inner child, his music continues to evolve with purpose, passion, and a deep connection to his roots. Weather Dependent.
Settle in by the RiverScape Cafe with some food and drinks, while listening to the sounds of some of the best local musicians that Dayton has to offer. Watch the sun go down over the river and challenge your friends to oversized lawn games. The RiverScape Cafe 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.

Community Fitness Series: Tai Chi & Qigong at the River
2026-08-18 18:00 - 19:00 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Part of RiverScape Community Fitness series
Tai Chi & Qigong at the River
6:00pm – 7:00pm
AGE: All ages | FREE

Offered by Immortal Tree Qigong. Each hour-long Tai Chi & Qigong session will start with breathing exercises, warm up, and gentle movements. You will then be guided through flowing movements that are part of the Tai Chi 24 form mixed with short standing meditations. We will end with a slightly longer guided standing (or sitting) meditation. This should leave a few minutes to answer questions or discuss any insights. Qigong and Tai Chi don’t require any special skills (other than breathing) or equipment (other than your body). Weather Dependent.
Focus on wellness while spending time in nature. Enjoy a variety of free and effective workouts at RiverScape MetroPark.

Artist in Training (AIT) Program
2026-08-18 15:00 - 18:00, 2026-08-17 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.

Mini Resource Fair: Connect to Support & Stability
2026-08-18 12:00 - 14:00 | Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Join us and get connected with community organizations offering support and services across a variety of needs. Vendors may provide assistance with housing, employment, crisis recovery, mental health, legal aid, child care and other vital services. This event is an opportunity to gather information, explore resources, and build connections for a stronger future. If you need further resource coordination, contact the Community Wellness Specialist! The Mini Resource Fair is powered by The Center for Community Impact and Innovation. DML welcomes everyone to our programs. If you have questions or need any accommodations, please contact us so we can help make the program a good experience for you. The Center – Build Your Future Here

CURIO at Courthouse Square
2026-08-18 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.

LeMonde Light Lane
2026-08-18, 2026-08-17, 2026-08-16 | Third Street, Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Light Lane is an interactive public art installation created by LeMonde Studio. It combines stationary bicycles, projection mapping, lighting, and sound to create a human-powered immersive experience that encourages play, sustainability, and community interaction. Four bicycles will be featured on Third Street in front of The Dayton Arcade during this month-long exhibit.
Light Lane is sponsored by PNC.

Movies at THE NEON
2026-08-18, 2026-08-17, 2026-08-16 | THE NEON, United States
Downtown Dayton’s independent movie theater has a great lineup of films showing every day.
Visit neonmovies.com for a schedule of what’s playing today!

The Photography of Jake Schneider
2026-08-18, 2026-08-17, 2026-08-16 | Blind Bob’s, 430 E. Fifth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
We’re excited to welcome the photography of Jake Schneider to our walls for the month of August. Get to know more about Jake ans preview his work at https://sites.google.com/view/jake-schneider-

Community Fitness Series: Bootcamp
2026-08-17 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.

Community Fitness Series: Yoga
2026-08-17 18:00 - 19:00 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Part of RiverScape Community Fitness series
Yoga
6:00pm – 7:00pm
AGE: All ages | FREE

Yoga with Aleasha will lead you in an all-levels yoga flow. If you’re a beginner, she will guide you through modifications to ensure you are comfortable to help you to become more familiar with poses. If you’re experienced, she will help grow your current practice. This class is truly for everyone! Weather Dependent.
Focus on wellness while spending time in nature. Enjoy a variety of free and effective workouts at RiverScape MetroPark.

Community Gardening at Cooper Park
2026-08-17 18:00 - 19:00 | Cooper Park
Hang with your neighbors at the Cooper Park Community Garden (behind the downtown library) as we weed, admire the native flowers, pick vegetables, water, and do other gardening tasks as needed throughout the season. All skill and ability levels are welcome! Contribute what you can and take what you need.

Sunday Night Karaoke at MJ’s On Jefferson
2026-08-16 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!

Dayton African American Cultural Festival
2026-08-16 12:00 - 18:00 | Island MetroPark, 101 Helena St., Dayton, OH, 45405
Experience the heart and soul of African American culture right here in Dayton! This family-friendly celebration features three dynamic stages filled with music, culture, and unforgettable performances. Enjoy live R&B, Gospel, and Jazz at the Band Shell, explore cultural and educational showcases at the African Village, and vibe with exciting acts on the Millennial Stage. With food and merchandise vendors throughout the park, there’s something for everyone. Weather Dependent.
Dayton African American Cultural Festival 12:00pm – 8:00pm August 15 Gospel Explosion 12:00pm – 6:00pm August 16

We’re Doing It ALL Wrong® – 6th Annual Art Exhibition
2026-08-16 | 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.

Exploring Feminism
2026-08-16 | The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH, 45405, United States
February 7, 2026–January 31, 2027, Gallery 118
Feminism feels like a loaded term that, when presented to people, often triggers a gut reaction that it is positive or negative. But what actually is feminism? Presenting feminist artwork from the newly acquired Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell Collection, this three-part, rotating exhibition will demystify the origins, history and commitments of the feminist movement.
Often discussed in terms of waves, feminism has signified struggles for a range of causes at varying moments in time. Through Exploring Feminism, guests may become better acquainted with cycles of protest, self-expression and community-building for a movement that has continued to change and adapt to include more and different constituents within its umbrella of “feminists.”
No bras will be burned (and, in fact, never were) for this new exhibition featuring regional, national and international artists working in all manner of media.

Captivating Clay: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection
2026-08-16 | The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH, 45405, United States
April 13, 2024–January 3, 2027, Gallery 106
Today, Japanese ceramic artists are building on centuries of tradition and taking the art in dynamic and new directions. They are exploring the potential of clay to create both functional and abstract sculptural forms with an incredible range of surface textures and decoration. The aesthetic sensibilities are varied, from rough and imperfect to detailed and refined, but all show a mastery of the craft.
Drawn from the renowned collection of Carol and Jeffrey Horvitz—including recent gifts from them to the museum—this exhibition presents more than thirty artworks spanning eight decades. Traditionally a craft restricted to men, in recent years women have become some of the leading voices in the field and several examples are included.
Artists range from innovative pioneers in the twentieth century, several designated as Living National Treasures in Japan, to emerging, younger artists. Interspersed are examples from the DAI’s collection of historic Japanese ceramics. Across 2,000 years, these speak to the long history of the art in the island nation and their continued inspiration for artists today.

Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice
2026-08-16 | 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.”

Vinyl Vinyl Sundays
2026-08-16 | The Barrel House, 417 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Sunday – Vinyl Vinyl Sunday – bring your records, we’ll play ’em

’90s Karaoke at The Barrel House
2026-08-15 20:00 | The Barrel House, 417 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Join us and Rainey Day Entertainment for an evening of 90’s karaoke! No cover, just Nickelodeon themed vibes.

McGuffey Lane
2026-08-15 19:00 | Levitt Pavilion Dayton, 134 S. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402
August 15 @ 7:00 PM

Free Admission

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Series:

Tim Tye’s Midnight Sky Country/Americana Series

Genre:

Country/Rock

McGuffey Lane is a country rock band from central Ohio. In 1972 founding members Steve George Reis (bass/ vocals) and Terry Efaw (steel guitar/ gut string guitar/ electric guitar) were a duo called “Scotch and Soda”. When they added Bobby Gene McNelley (vocalist/ guitarist) they renamed themselves McGuffey Lane after the street of Steve’s Athens Ohio home. As their popularity grew they added Dick Smith (drums/ vocals) and Stephen “Tebes” Douglass (keyboards/ harmonica/ vocals). In 1977 McGuffey Lane started playing at Zachariah’s Red Eye Saloon and soon became the house band. At that point they added John Schwab (vocalist/ guitarist) who was opening for them as the sixth and final member of the original McGuffey Lane.
McGuffey Lane played at Zachariah’s through 1980. In August of 1980 they released their first self-titled album on Paradise Island Records selling 40,000 in the first three months. The album reached #1 in Columbus during the fall of 1980 which gained the attention of Atlantic Records. Atlantic released the album nationally on its Atco Label with sales of 175,000. During the early 1980’s McGuffey Lane was a national act touring with Charlie Daniels, the Allman Brothers, The Judds and Marshall Tucker Band. In 1981 they released their second album “Aqua Dreams” followed by their third album “Let the Hard Times Roll” released in 1982. In early 1984 Tebes Douglass was killed in an automobile accident returning home from a show in Dayton. They released their fourth and final album for Atlantic “Day by Day” and dedicated it to Tebes. After the release of “Day by Day”, Bobby Gene McNelley left the band to pursue a solo song writing career.
In 1985 McGuffey Lane went back to their Ohio roots playing clubs, concert halls, fairs and festivals. In 1986 they released “A McGuffey Lane Christmas”, a fundraiser for the Central Ohio Lung Association. In 1990 McGuffey Lane disbanded after a tour through the state and a last night at the Newport Music Hall. In 1993 they did a “one time show” at the Newport and in 1995 they released “Greatest Hits Live and More”. At that point McGuffey Lane regrouped featuring John Schwab, Terry Efaw and Casey McGowan from the 1980’s line up. They were joined by veteran Columbus area musicians including Molly Pauken (mandolin, acoustic guitar, vocals). In 1998 they released “Call Me Lucky” . It was during 1998 that current McGuffey Lane members joined the band. Randy Huff (drums/ vocals) joined in the summer of 1998 and Kevin Reed (harmonica/ vocals) joined at the end of 1998.
In 2001 McGuffey Lane organized the First Annual Zachariah’s Red Eye Saloon Reunion featuring themselves and other acts that performed during the Zach’s days. In 2002 they released all acoustic CD “Wood” which included popular concerts songs from the late 1970’s but never previously released. In 2003 the Zachariah’s Red Eye Saloon Reunion moved to Promo West Pavilion and has been held there (now Kemba LIVE!) every year since. Finally in 2006 after years of fighting with Atlantic over the rights to their first four albums recorded in the mid 1980’s, Rhino Records released them in 2 albums sets. The first self-titled album and “Aqua Dreams” in one set and “Let the Hard Times Roll” and “Day by Day” in the second set.
In 2010 McGuffey Lane released their 10th CD “10” on Lick Records which was co-founded by John Schwab. In 2011 “Bartender” from the “10” CD was released as a single. It reached #50 on the national country charts (Music Row Magazine). In June 2017 McGuffey Lane released their 11th and latest CD “Legend of the Red Eye” on Lick Records. In a review of “Legend of the Red Eye” Dave Culbertson writes: “If you like the “country” side of The Lane…you should love this one. It is an interesting mixture of originals and masterfully-done covers of some of the country and country-pop classics from a variety of artists…all well done…many times, better than the originals.” In November 2017 “Cowboys Like What Cowgirls Do” by Steve George Reis from the new “Legend of the Red Eye” was #1 on the Alternative Country Music chart. The 2023 Zachariah’s Red Eye Reunion was held on Saturday January 21st at Kemba LIVE in downtown Columbus Ohio to another capacity crowd.
McGuffey Lane’s history mirrors one of the songs from their 2002 “Wood” album. “I’ve been up and down and all around my head in the clouds and my feet on the ground. Don’t you worry baby don’t you worry about me. Cause I’ve survived everything that comes and goes. I still know which way that old north wind blows. After all these years I’m “Runnin’ Wild and Free”. McGuffey Lane is still going strong with the three original surviving members (Steve George Reis, Terry Efaw and John Schwab) in the band. McGuffey Lane still performs about 20 concerts annually. The Journey Continues and “It’s A Good Day”.
Projects Unlimited & Wyse Family Foundation Gem Series Opener: THE NEW OLD-FASHIONED

Dragons Family Movie Night
2026-08-15 18:00 | Day Air Ballpark, 220 North Patterson Blvd., Dayton, OH, 45402
Drive in to Day Air Ballpark for the Dragons Family Movie Night on Saturday, August 15, 2026! Gates open at 6:00pm, with the movie starting at 7:00pm.
COME & ENJOY:

Zootopia 2 on our seven-story video board.
Movie-themed fun.
Dragons Green Team.
Dragons Mascots, Heater, and Gem.
Inflatables and Carnival Games.
Awesome Themed Raffle Prizes.
Concessions open for purchase.
And more!

Prices for the 2026 Family Movie Night:

$10 for Adults
$5 for Kids 17 and Under
Season Ticket Members Get in Free
****Fees not included***

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
If you have additional questions please contact, Hunter Alexander, at hunter.alexander@daytondragons.com or via phone at 937-228-2287 ext.148.

Take it for a Spin!
2026-08-15 14:00 - 16:00 | MADE Studio & Shop, 735 Wayne Ave., Dayton, OH, 45410
Have you always wanted to try the pottery wheel? Looking for something different to do with friends or for a date night? Take it for a Spin is a one-time wheel experience designed for complete beginners. It’s relaxed, supportive, and hands-on. We’ll walk you through throwing a small vessel on the wheel, and you’ll have the chance to give it a go. Expect a few laughs and muddy hands. Your piece will stay with us to be finished through the full process, including glazing and two kiln firings. We’ve expanded Take it for a Spin to include more time and more clay — we heard you. Giving you a bit more space to get comfortable at the wheel. Duration: One time, 2 hours Clay Included: 3 pounds total, divided into three 1-pound portions What You Will Learn Throwing: You will wedge clay, center a small amount on the wheel, open the form, and begin pulling walls into a simple cylinder or bowl. Working in 1-pound increments allows you to reset and try again. Process: You will learn what happens after your piece leaves your hands including drying, bisque firing, glazing, and glaze firing. One finished piece is included. If you choose to keep more than one, additional pots may be fired for $10 each to cover kiln and glaze costs. The full firing and glazing process takes approximately four weeks.

Guided Tours
2026-08-15 14:00 - 15:00 | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Join us for an inside look at the exhibition, with fresh insights into the artist and their work. FREE and open to all.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1981877243185?aff=oddtdtcreator
