Downtown Dayton Partnership

The Harlem Hellfighters’ Great War
2024-11-13 15:00 - 17:30 (America/Detroit) | Sinclair College, 444 W. Third St., Dayton, OH
Join us for a discussion and screening of the 2017 documentary directed by Francois Reinhardt. The 15th regiment of the New York National Guard was exclusively made up of black soldiers. Nicknamed the Harlem Hellfighters, this American unit was to be the most decorated of the Second World War. It was not only liberty and democracy that they came to defend with fieriness in France, but also racial equality.
FREE and open to the public The screening will be held in Bldg. 7 Tartan Marketplace, Room 7006 at Sinclair College, 444 W. Third Street, Dayton OH 45402. Once you enter the set of glass doors to building 7 Tartan Marketplace, the conference room is to your right, through the doorway across the area of tables. Complimentary parking available in the garage (Lot C) under building 12 and parking passes will be provided at the event.

Mean Girls Movie Party
2024-11-13 18:00 - 21:00 | The Brightside, 905 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Come celebrate the original Mean Girls and appreciate the fact that you survived your glorious/awkward/scary high school days. Dayton Dinner Theater’s famous interactive movie experience is a fun night out for any friend group! Enjoy creative pizza from the Dayton Pizza Factory, a fancy salad, appetizer, and dessert by Baker Benji. Yum! Themed Attire – We wear pink on Wednesdays! HOW TO GO? Nov 13, 2024, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM The Brightside, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH Doors open at 5:45 – Food and live music is available from 6-7 pm – Movie starts at 7 pm. A short intermission for dessert and trivia will start at 8 pm – Movie ends around 9:15 pm. Alcoholic drinks available for purchase Get tickets here: https://www.daytondinnertheater.com/events/mean-girls-movie-party Table reservations only for parties of 6 or more, otherwise we have open seating. For table reservations or other questions, please email Daytondinnertheater@gmail.com

Exhibits: Merry Grinchmas: Art of Dr. Seuss’ Holiday Classic & (B)ART! America’s Funniest Animated Family
2024-11-14, 2024-11-15 | The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH, 45405, United States
The Dayton Art Institute (DAI) will close its 2024 Special Exhibition season with an exciting presentation of two combined traveling exhibitions, Merry Grinchmas: Art of Dr. Seuss’ Holiday Classic & (B)ART! America’s Funniest Animated Family, on view now through January 19, 2025. Just in time for the holidays, enjoy these nostalgic exhibitions highlighting two beloved classics that continue to influence the art of animation. View original drawings of Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss) and Chuck Jones, who brought Dr. Seuss’ beloved holiday tale to life in the 1966 animated special How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, then laugh alongside Homer, Marge, Lisa, Maggie and Bart as you experience the original handmade animation cels of the acclaimed series.

“The art displayed in our newest exhibitions explores the significant influence animation has had in pop culture and the worlds of art, entertainment and business,” said DAI Head Curator & Curatorial Affairs Director Jerry N. Smith. “Animation art is beloved worldwide, and for many of us, this medium is our introduction to art. This work showcases how in each animated classic, thousands of individual artworks come together to tell a story and create a larger singular work.”

In 1966, the animation of Chuck Jones brought to life Dr. Seuss’ treasured 1957 children’s book How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The animated story is a true television classic, with generations tuning in annually to watch the story of redemption with the despicable Grinch, the sweet Cindy Lou Who and the innocent dog Max. The exhibition Merry Grinchmas: Art of Dr. Seuss’ Holiday Classic features original cel art used in the cartoon’s production, along with concept drawings by Jones (famous for Looney Tunes) and those by Dr. Seuss.

(B)ART! America’s Funniest Animated Family showcases the often-irreverent antics of Homer, Marge, Lisa, Maggie and Bart—alongside many other unforgettable figures from the longest-running animated series on American television. Since its debut in 1989, there have been more than 770 episodes. Initially crafted through traditional ink-and-paint techniques on transparent acetate cels, the first 13 seasons (1989–2002) were produced by hand before transitioning to cost-effective digital animation. These hand-drawn cels are featured in the exhibition. In the early seasons elements, now vital to the series, were created, including the famous sofa and living room set used to open each episode, which is replicated at the DAI, allowing guests the chance to truly enter the fictional world of Springfield.

Fun and colorful, these two exhibitions showcase the art of illustration. A family-friendly and nostalgic outing, guests will enjoy more than 400 works of original art, as well as interactive sensory stations, educational resources and photo opportunities.

“In addition to learning about the art of animation and illustration, those attending our newest special exhibitions can expect a joyful, playful, and nostalgic experience,” said DAI Director & President Michael R. Roediger. “This artwork was created to bring a smile to your face and brighten your day. We’re excited to offer each guest the chance to slip away from any of life’s stresses and spend time reconnecting with characters they know and love. These two exhibitions are fun, colorful and truly memorable.”

Several related programs will be offered in conjunction with the Merry Grinchmas: Art of Dr. Seuss’ Holiday Classic & (B)ART! America’s Funniest Animated Family. These include:

Community Tour: November 2, 1–2 p.m.; November 23, 1–2 p.m.; December 7, 1–2 p.m.; December 19, 6–7 p.m.; January 18, 1–2 p.m.
Cost: Members: Free, Non-members: Included with the Price of Admission

Family Studio Special: December 7, 12:30–3:30 p.m.
Cost: Members: $20, Non-members: $25, Member Family 4-pack: $70, Non-member Family 4-pack: $90
Adult Studio Special: November 16, 12:30–3:30 p.m.
Cost: Members: $35, Non-members: $45
Ask Me Anything: November 7, 6–7 p.m., December 12, 6–7 p.m. and January 9, 6–7 p.m.
Cost: FREE

These exhibitions are from the collection of Bill Heeter and Kristi Correa. Admission to Merry Grinchmas: Art of Dr. Seuss’ Holiday Classic & (B)ART! America’s Funniest Animated Family is included in the museum’s general admission, which includes access to all Special and Focus Exhibitions currently on view, as well as the museum collection galleries. General admission is $15 adults; $10 seniors (60+), active military and groups (10 or more); $5 students (18+ w/ID) and youth (ages 7–17); and free for children (ages 6 & younger). Admission is free for museum members. Membership information can be found online at www.daytonartinstitute.org/membership.

Other current and upcoming Exhibitions at the museum include Captivating Clay: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection (on view until September 2025), Devil’s Promenade (on view until January 5, 2025), Making Faces: 18 Essential Kabuki Plays (on view until March 30, 2025) and The Need for Beauty (on view from November 30, 2024–May 18, 2025).

For more information about planning a visit, including current museum hours and updates, go to www.daytonartinstitute.org/visit or call 937-223-4ART (4278). Connect with the Dayton Art Institute on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest for additional information, behind-the-scenes photos and videos, and exclusive offers.

Polar Bear Express
2024-11-14, 2024-11-15 | Downtown Dayton
Thru Feb. 28 • Polar Bear Express
Routes throughout downtown; call for dates, times, and cost.
Book a ride aboard the abominably decorated Pedal Wagon for a 2-hour pedaling adventure through the festive streets of Dayton and to the best bars and restaurants. Reservations required. pedalwagon.com/dayton. 388-3006.

Holly Jolly Social: A Holiday Pop-Up Experience
2024-11-14, 2024-11-15 | Two Social, 123 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Get ready to celebrate the season at Holly Jolly Social! We’re decking the halls and transforming Two Social into a festive haven with cheerful décor, seasonal cocktails, and plenty of holiday spirit. Join us for a cozy and merry time this holiday season! (11/8-1/12)

Exhibit: Experiencing Veterans & Artists Collaboration (EVAC) Project
2024-11-14 08:00 - 18:00, 2024-11-15 08:00 - 18:00 | Galleries at Sinclair College, 444 W. Third St., Bldg. 13, Dayton, OH, 45402
The Sinclair Community College Art Department proudly announces new exhibits featuring works from the Experiencing Veterans & Artists Collaboration (EVAC) Project and contemporary steel sculptures by artist Chris Mohler.
The exhibits will be displayed in the Burnell R. Roberts Triangle Gallery and the Works on Paper Gallery from November 8 through December 14, 2024. The EVAC Project uses storytelling and art to bridge the gap between veterans and civilians.
Through the collaboration, over 60 veterans share their life stories, which are then interpreted into visual artwork by talented artists. As visitors explore these powerful stories alongside the artwork, the exhibit fosters empathy and a deeper connection with the experiences of veterans. Chris Mohler’s collection of steel sculptures shares a common theme of personal storytelling. Each piece reflects a chapter of Mohler’s life, inspired by topics such as current events, human existence, science, politics, personal joys, sacrifices, and social injustices. Mohler, however, encourages viewers to derive their own meanings from the works, allowing for an open-ended exploration of the art.
A virtual artist talk will take place on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. via Zoom. More details can be found at Sinclair.edu/ArtGalleries.
The exhibitions are free and open to the public.
Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Both galleries are located on the fourth floor of Building 13 at the corner of West Fifth and Perry Streets in downtown Dayton.

How to Make Learning as Addictive as Social Media
2024-11-14 10:00 - 12:30 | Sinclair College, 444 W. Third St., Dayton, OH
Join Sinclair’s Associate Provost Lisa Mahle-Grisez & Assistance Provost, Jared Cutler, for a discussion and viewing of the pre-recorded TedTalk by Luis Von Ahn. When technologist Luis von Ahn was building the popular language-learning platform Duolingo, he faced a big problem: Could an app designed to teach you something ever compete with addictive platforms like Instagram and TikTok? He explains how Duolingo harnesses the psychological techniques of social media and mobile games to get you excited to learn — all while spreading access to education across the world.
This event will be held in Sinclair’s Tartan Marketplace, Bldg. 7, Room 7006. Once you enter the set of glass doors to building 7 Tartan Marketplace, the conference room is to your right, through the doorway across the area of tables. Complimentary parking is available in the garage (Lot C) under Building 12 and parking passes will be provided at the event.

Holiday Greenery Crafting
2024-11-14 11:00 - 16:00, 2024-11-15 11:00 - 16:00 | Now and Zen DIY Studio, 121 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Stop in for a jolly good time with whimsical holiday plant projects, including terrarium snowmen, air plant ornaments, and more!
Thursdays through Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through Dec. 22

John Lauer: Demon Heads
2024-11-14 11:00 - 18:00, 2024-11-15 11:00 - 18:00 | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Drawing on fantasy, queer culture, and architecture, Lauer creates demon heads out of paper. Combining digital and manual techniques, he first models the heads with architectural software, converts them into patterns which he cuts out of paper with a digital cutter, then meticulously assembles them by hand. Inspired by natural forms—bones, leaves, shells—demons and horned creatures burst forth from more placid human heads merging into structures that are both intertwined and interdependent symbolizing an inner struggle in conflict with the outside world.
John Lauer is an artist and architectural/exhibit designer who lives in a treehouse on the edge of Appalachia. He has a BA in Architecture from Washington University, St. Louis, an MFA in Design from Cranbrook Academy of Art, Bloomfield Hills, MI, and an M.Arch from Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta.

CURTIS MANN: Precious Blood
2024-11-14 11:00 - 18:00, 2024-11-15 11:00 - 18:00 | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
CURTIS MANN: Precious Blood

THE DR. ROBERT L. BRANDT JR. FAMILY GALLERY
THE IRA & SUSAN THOMSEN FAMILY GALLERY

SEP 6 – DEC 21, 2024

Dayton native, Curtis Mann, returns home to present an experimental new body of work inspired by reflections on his childhood attending Parochial schools, his mother’s Catholic funeral services this past May, and the challenges he faced hiding and then embracing his atheism. Using a mixture of personal family photographs, found, and AI-generated images, Mann has cut and affixed them to shards of glass to create sculptural collages. The work presents us with questions about what a photograph is, about the precarious space between the image and the object, and about the larger ideas of absolute faith, its teachings, and leaders. The work also serves as a love letter to his mother and his own feelings of mortality. Curated by Jeffrey Cortland Jones.
Mann is a graduate of the University of Dayton, where he worked under the mentorship of Sean Wilkinson, whose work is on view in the companion exhibition, Flora, also on view. His work has been exhibited widely, most notably at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; the Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris, France; the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago.

OPENING NIGHT / SEP 6

Members Preview with the Artist 5-6 pm / Public Reception 6-8 pm

ARTIST TALK / NOV 22 / 6:30 pm

Curtis Mann and Sean Wilkinson in Conversation with artist and writer, Carmen Winant
Doors open 6 pm / Reception immediately following ‘til 8 pm / FREE & open to all / The Tank at The Dayton Arcade

SEAN WILKINSON: Flora
2024-11-14 11:00 - 18:00, 2024-11-15 11:00 - 18:00 | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
SEAN WILKINSON: Flora

THE MITOSIS GALLERY

SEP 6 – DEC 21, 2024

Wilkinson’s ongoing series of photographs, Flora (2020-2024) are the artist’s response to the exuberant vitality of plants, their thrusting and thriving, their boundless energy and raw power, their elegance and grace, their constant changing, and their utter disregard for anything to do with the human world. Photographed over many seasons at Dayton’s Five Rivers MetroParks, Wilkinson brings attention to change, the overlooked, the undisturbed, and how profoundly meditative life can be. Curated by Jeffrey Cortland Jones.
Wilkinson is a Distinguished Service Professor and Professor Emeritus at the University of Dayton, where he served as chair of the Department of Visual Arts and as the Graul Endowed Chair in Arts and Languages. He is the recipient of several Ohio Arts Council and Montgomery County Fellowships among many other awards and prizes. His work has been widely exhibited and housed in over twenty-five significant collections.

OPENING NIGHT / SEP 6

Members Preview with the Artist 5-6 pm / Public Reception 6-8 pm

ARTIST TALK / NOV 22 / 6:30 pm

Curtis Mann and Sean Wilkinson in Conversation with artist and writer, Carmen Winant
Doors open 6 pm / Reception immediately following ‘til 8 pm / FREE & open to all / The Tank at The Dayton Arcade

Reading Railroad: Read in Black Book Club
2024-11-14 17:00 - 19:00 | Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Reading Railroad: Read in Black Book Club, Main Library, room location TBA, Thursday, November 14, 5-7 pm: This club focuses on Black adult men who seek to expand their horizons through reading, reflection, and relationship building. The featured book for November is The Way of the Superior Man by David Deida.

Holiday Bazaar & Rummage Sale
2024-11-14 17:00 - 20:00, 2024-11-15 10:00 - 18:00 | The Dayton Woman’s Club, 225 N Ludlow St, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Nov. 14-16 • Holiday Bazaar & Rummage Sale
Dayton Woman’s Club, 225 N. Ludlow St.;
5-8 p.m. Nov. 14, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 15, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 16.
Stop by the Club throughout the weekend to find treasures at the Holiday Bazaar & Rummage Sale. 228-1124.

Jazz & Beyond: Puzzle of Light (Jazz/World Music)
2024-11-14 17:30 - 19:30 | The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH, 45405, United States
Our Bob Ross Auto Group Jazz & Beyond concerts present a great mix of familiar favorites and new faces from the region’s jazz scene. The series has been a regular fixture at the museum for more than 25 years. Concerts return to the Shaw Gothic Cloister (unless otherwise noted)!
Join us on Thursday, November 14, as the Bob Ross Auto Group Jazz & Beyond series presents the Jazz/World Music of Puzzle of Light.
A tradition for our Jazz series, Puzzle of Light is a world-flavored quintet with roots reaching deep into jazz, blues, folk, African rhythms, Middle Eastern harmonies, Brazilian chords and Old-World sounds.
“Puzzle of Light … is a world-flavored quintet with roots reaching deep into jazz, blues, folk, African rhythms, Middle Eastern harmonies, Brazilian chords, Old world sounds … The band leaps nimbly from one inspiration to the next, wrapping them all in the signature Puzzle sound; in the course of one set, listeners might hear sources as varied as Van Morrison, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Leonard Cohen, Duke Ellington, Sting, Stanley Turrentine, John Hyatt and Dave Brubeck, among numerous original tunes.” – Duante Beddingfield, Dayton City Paper, May 2012.
https://www.facebook.com/p/Puzzle-of-Light-100063527808418/
This performance takes place in the Shaw Gothic Cloister. All seating is general admission and tickets may be purchased at the door the night of the concert. The concert is free for museum members and included in museum general admission for non-members. Click here to learn more about membership!
A cash bar will be available for drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and an assortment of snacks provided by Leo will be available for purchase.
HOW TO GO
Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 5 p.m.)
Location: Shaw Gothic Cloister
Cost: Free to members; included in museum general admission for non-members
Doors open at 5 p.m., and concerts take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Shaw Gothic Cloister (unless otherwise noted). Admission is free for museum members and included in museum general admission for non-members. Not a member? Click here to join!
A cash bar will be available for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks provided by Leo will also be available for purchase.

Human Race Theatre Creative Writing Workshop
2024-11-14 18:00 - 19:00 | Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Human Race Theatre Creative Writing Workshop, Main Library: Receive a crash course in writing therapy while exploring themes for The NEA’s Big Read book, Homegoing, by Yaa Gyasi. (Adults and Teens)

Thursday, November 14, 6-7 pm, Community Room A

Crochet 101: Star Ornament
2024-11-14 18:30 - 20:00 | Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Crochet 101: Star Ornament, Thursday, November 14, 6:30-8 pm, Main Library, Conference Room 3A: Learn a few basic crochet stitches to create an ornament or wrap embellishment. Registration is required. (Adults and Teens)
For more information and to register if required, visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org or call the Library’s Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665.

An Evening with Nick Cassarino
2024-11-14 19:00 - 22:00 | The Brightside, 905 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Nick Cassarino is starting his first ever solo tour, and we are thrilled to be involved! Nick, a renowned guitar virtuoso, has captivated audiences alongside Jennifer Hartswick and The Nth Power during past performances at The Brightside. He is a familiar face at New York City venues and a regular at Jazz Fest in New Orleans. It’s a special occasion to have him perform up close once again in Dayton at our cozy VodVil Bar!
How To Go? Thursday, November 14, 2024 Doors 7pm / Show 7:30pm Opener TBA All ages welcome Tickets $15 advance / $20 at the door Get pre-sales here: https://www.venuepilot.co/events/119481/orders/new

Classic Albums Live Performs Eagles: Their Greatest Hits
2024-11-14 19:30 | Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Do you remember listening to an entire album? The thrill of dropping the needle on the greatest music ever recorded? Classic Albums Live does. CAL takes the greatest classic rock albums and recreates them live on stage – note for note, cut for cut. With all the focus on the music, there’s no room for distracting costumes or impersonations, just an exceptional ensemble of performers who have graced music’s elite stages and collaborated with industry icons. Each CAL show offers two distinct experiences: a faithful rendition of the chosen record in the first half, followed by a dynamic set featuring the artist’s greatest hits.
The voices on the album Eagles: Their Greatest Hits are complex, the harmonies and lush details take attention to detail and a trained ear. CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE PERFORMS EAGLES: THEIR GREATEST HITS has got it. Hearing “Take It To The Limit” performed live is a moving experience. “Best Of My Love” makes you look differently at your partner – more appreciatively. And “One Of These Nights” grooves. The Eagles are one of America’s greatest bands. We’ve grown up alongside their music, and Classic Albums Live pays this album the respect it deserves.

Small but Mighty 2024
2024-11-15 | Dayton Society of Artists, 48 High Street, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
SMALL BUT MIGHTY 2024
NOVEMBER 1 – DECEMBER 14
SMALL BUT MIGHTY 2024 is the Dayton Society of Artists small works exhibition and holiday gift shop. All work is 12″ x 12″ or smaller and includes a wide variety of mediums and styles.
DSA will also have a gift shop full of original and handmade goods such as ornaments, cards, jewelry and more! So add a little wonder to your holiday season and visit the Dayton Society of Artists.

Tai Chi & Qigong at the Market
2024-11-15 11:30 | 2nd Street Market, 600 E. Second St., Dayton, OH, 45402, USA
Offered by Immortal Tree Qigong. Each hour-long Tai Chi & Qigong session will start with breathing exercises, warm up, and gentle stretching. You will then be guided through flowing movements 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 doesn’t require any special skills (other than breathing) or equipment (other than your body). Find “Immortal Tree Qigong” on Facebook or Instagram for more information!

First Peoples’ Fashion Show
2024-11-15 17:00 - 20:30 | Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
First Peoples’ Fashion Show, Friday, November 15, 5-8:30 pm, Main Library, Atrium: Jillian Waterman will debut collections of contemporary fashion that are infused and inspired by traditional knowledge of Native American heritage. Patrons will learn how Indigenous values shape cultural wear and how expression is translated through clothing. A social hour will take place from 5-6 pm. (All Ages)
