Downtown Dayton Partnership

Guided Downtown Dayton historic walking tours
2025-09-12 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.

Dad’s Place – A Farce
2025-09-12 19:30, 2025-09-13 19:30, 2025-09-14 14:00 | 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!

RiverScape Reels presents A Minecraft Movie
2025-09-12 20:30 - 22:30 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Part of RiverScape Reels series
RiverScape Reels presents A Minecraft Movie
8:30pm – 10:30pm
AGE: All ages | FREE
It’s time for an epic adventure as RiverScape MetroPark presents A Minecraft Movie (2025) as part of the new RiverScape Reels series! Come early and save a space under the pavilion, then enjoy the fall weather with cornhole, giant Connect 4 and Jenga before the movie starts. Families are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, or stretch out in a reserved seating area near the stage by bringing your own blankets and pillows. The RiverScape Cafe will open an hour before the movie starts with a variety of appetizers, refreshments and desserts (including popcorn and theater candy!) all available for purchase. For those 21 and over, cocktails, wine and beer will also be available for purchase as part of the Downtown Dayton DORA. Weather Dependent.

Out on 5th
2025-09-13, 2025-09-14 | 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

Exhibit: Curtis Barnes, Sr., Dayton Icon
2025-09-13, 2025-09-14 | 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.

We’re Doing It ALL Wrong® – 5th Annual Art Exhibition
2025-09-13, 2025-09-14 | 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.

2025 Fine Art Faculty Exhibition Featuring Bridgette Bogle
2025-09-13 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-09-15 08:00 - 18:00, 2025-09-16 08:00 - 18:00 | 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.

Hunger Awareness Month at the Market
2025-09-13 09:00 - 15:00 | 2nd Street Market, 600 E. Second St., Dayton, OH, 45402, USA
Mark your calendars! To kick off Hunger Action Month, Greene Co FISH, a partner of The Foodbank, Inc. will be at 2nd Street Market spreading awareness about food insecurity in our community. Come learn how you can get involved in the fight against hunger. Over 114,000 individuals in Greene, Montgomery, and Preble counties are currently experiencing food insecurity. Monetary and nonperishable food donations will be accepted at the event. While shopping at the market, keep an eye out for orange Hunger Action Month totes located in the vendor booths. Consider purchasing a local food or a locally, handmade gift to donate back to the community! If we all work together, we can make a difference.

NAMIWalks Montgomery County
2025-09-13 10:00 - 12:30 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Join NAMI Montgomery County for NAMIWalks 2025! The goal of NAMIWalks is to fuel mental health awareness, raise funds for NAMI local programs & services, and let people know they are not alone. NAMIWalks Montgomery County will have a resource fair, food vendors, and youth activities beginning at 10:00 am and a Walk kicking off at 11:30 am (one and three-mile routes available). Register online

NAMIWalks Montgomery County
2025-09-13 10:00 - 13:00 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
NAMIWalks Montgomery County
10:00am – 1:00pm
AGE: All ages | FREE
Join NAMI Montgomery County for NAMIWalks 2025! The goal of NAMIWalks is to fuel mental health awareness, raise funds for NAMIâs local programs & services, and let people know they are not alone. NAMIWalks Montgomery County will have a resource fair, food vendors, and youth activities beginning at 10:00 am and a Walk kicking off at 11:00 am (one and three-mile routes available). Register online. Weather Dependent.

“The Contemporary Dayton 2025” – Juried Members’ Exhibition
2025-09-13 11:00 - 18:00 | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
The Juried Members’ Exhibition has been a fixture of The Co’s community programming since its founding in 1991. Participation is open to all current Members of The Co and the exhibition celebrates the talent and vision of both accomplished professional artists and emerging voices in our region. Through this inclusive and collaborative experience, artists inspire, encourage, and elevate each other’s creative practice. SEP 12 – OCT 11, 2025 Opening Reception / SEP 12 / 5-8p Award Announcements 6:30p Free Family Day / SEP 20 / 11a-4p Artist Demos, Scavenger Hunt, Spotlight Tours, and More! Curator’s Tour with Select Artists / OCT 4 / 2p

Moss Wall Art Workshop
2025-09-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Now and Zen DIY Studio, 121 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Transform your space with your very own piece of natural wall art! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll use an array of preserved moss and natural elements to design a one-of-a-kind creation. With endless possibilities, you’ll craft something that’s uniquely yours while adding a touch of greenery to your decor. $35-$65.

Exhibit: School of the DAI Retrospective
2025-09-13 12:00 - 17:00 | 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.

Taste of the Oregon 2025
2025-09-13 12:00 - 18:00 | Oregon District, Fifth Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Come eat your way through The Oregon District for our annual celebration of our amazing restaurants!
Tickets for “purchasing” your bites during the event are sold at Heart Mercantile, Feather’s, Clash, and Omega Music starting Saturday, September 6th (and will be available the day of, as well).
This year features some delicious options:
+ Trolley
+ Toxic ft. Coco’s BistroTomato Bisque and Grilled Cheese (panko crusted sourdough, four cheese blend)
+ Blind Bob’sPickle Soup and Bob’s Signature Salad
+ SalarChicken skewers, Shrimp skewers, and rice.
+ Oregon ExpressVariety of specialty pizza squares
+ Thai 9Veggie and Chicken Spring RollsChicken Fried RiceVegetable Pad Thai
+ Lily’s Bao Bun Cheeseburger Kewpie mayo and karashi mustard. Served with Togarashi Fries and Yuzu KetchupImpossible burger for vegheads
Poke TacoSushi grade marinated ahi tuna on a corn tortilla with house slaw mix of pickled carrots, onions, cucumbers, daikons, napa cabbage, and jalapenos. Topped with wasabi kewpie sauce and fresh herbs.

“Curtis Barnes, Sr., Dayton Icon” Community Tour
2025-09-13 13:00 - 14:00 | The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH, 45405, United States
Discover the life and legacy of a local artist, advocate, community builder and innovator. Join us for the Curtis Barnes, Sr., Dayton Icon tour. We will be joined by the family of Curtis Barnes Sr. as they share stories throughout the tour, giving us a more personal glimpse into who he was, not only as an artist, but as a family man. Members: Free, Non-members: Included with the price of admission.

Jazz Fest ft. Cherry Poppin’ Daddies
2025-09-13 17:30 | Levitt Pavilion Dayton, 134 S. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Jazz Fest ft. Cherry Poppin’ Daddies

September 13 @ 5:30 PM

Free Admission

/

Series:

Amplified Series sponsored by City of Dayton

Genre:

Jazz

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

Dave Greer’s Classic Jazz Stompers
Ric Sexton
Cherry Poppin Daddies

Dave Greer’s Classic Jazz Stompers: Dave Greer’s Classic Jazz Stompers is a celebrated jazz band from Dayton, Ohio, known for their authentic renditions of early jazz, blues, and hot dance music. Formed in the early 1980s, the band has become a staple in the local music scene, performing at venues like Levitt Pavilion Dayton and Neil’s Heritage House.

Ric Sexton: Ric Sexton is a versatile performer from Dayton, Ohio, known for his talents as an actor, host, event DJ, dancer, and musician. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Media from Norfolk State University in Virginia. Ric has showcased his skills across various states, playing the alto saxophone, acting in plays, hosting special events, and performing pantomime.
Cherry Poppin’ Daddies: Cherry Poppin’ Daddies is a genre-defying band formed in 1989 in Eugene, Oregon, blending swing, ska, punk, and jazz to create a high-energy and unforgettable sound. Initially rooted in the underground punk scene, the band gained widespread recognition with their 1997 album Zoot Suit Riot, which celebrated the swing revival of the late 1990s and sold over two million copies. Led by charismatic frontman Steve Perry, the Daddies are known for their explosive live performances and innovative fusion of vintage swing with modern genres.

Worldwide Grooves with DJ Marrrtin
2025-09-13 19:00 | The Barrel House, 417 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Remember last year when Tino went to France to make a (really good) record with DJ Marrrtin? My how the turn tables, ’cause Marrrtin has found himself in the gem city, and he’s got tunes to share. He’ll be spinning a proper spread of deep grooves starting at 8pm on Saturday, September 13th.

Summer Band Series
2025-09-13 19:00 - 22:00 | OH
We’re happy to announce our 2025 Summer Band Series! Starting May 17th & going until September 20th, join us every Saturday night 7-10pm (excluding holiday weekends) for live music in the Biergarten. We’ve got something for everyone – Blues, Rock, Pop, and more! Looking forward to a great summer with you all!

Vinyl Vinyl Sundays
2025-09-14 | The Barrel House, 417 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Sunday – Vinyl Vinyl Sunday – bring your records, we’ll play ’em

Ohio Bridal & Wedding Expo Fall 2025
2025-09-14 13:00 - 16:00 | Dayton Convention Center, 22 East 5th Street, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
The Bridal & Wedding Expo features an amazing selection of wedding professionals ready to help you find the perfect gown, reception venue, invitations, photographer, music, menu, honeymoon destination, and much more!

Flyer Fest & Beyond Grocery Grand Opening
2025-09-14 13:00 - 17:00 | Dayton Arcade, 35 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402
The historic Dayton Arcade is heating up this September with a double celebration: “Flyer Fest” and the grand opening of Beyond Grocery. This one-of-a-kind community event will bring together food, fun, music, and the University of Dayton Flyer spirit in the heart of downtown Dayton. This celebration marks more than just a grand opening — it’s a revitalization of downtown Dayton. Beyond Grocery is not only a cashless grocery store but also a hub for innovation, alumni connection, and community collaboration.
What to Expect:
• Live DJ & Music to keep the vibe going all day
• Local Vendors offering food, drinks, art, fashion & wellness
• Beyond Grocery Grand Opening featuring quick & convenient meals
• Exclusive Art Tours hosted by The Contemporary Dayton
• Game Watch Party — join alumni & fans for the big NFL Sunday games at the Hilton Garden Inn Bar
• Family Fun Zone with face painting, balloon twisting, and kid-friendly activities
• Photo Experiences
• Door Prizes & Giveaways throughout the day
Event Details:
• Rotunda, Dayton Arcade
• Sunday, September 14, 2025
• 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: 2:00 PM

Yoga with Aleasha
2025-09-15 18:00 - 19:00 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Part of RiverScape Community Fitness series
Yoga with Aleasha
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.

Bootcamp
2025-09-15 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.
