Downtown Dayton Partnership

Jason REVOK: Mutually Exclusive
2026-05-21, 2026-05-22, 2026-05-23 | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
The Contemporary Dayton is proud to present new paintings by Jason REVOK. Self-taught, REVOK is known for pushing creative boundaries that began in the street. Although his story begins with graffiti, the artist has spent the last decade focusing on his studio practice and the evolution of process and concept. Refusing to be limited by his early recognition, REVOK allows only certain elements from graffiti culture to transition to his contemporary work—modest materials and industrial tools, ingenuity, his name—but his proclivity towards minimalism and post-painterly abstraction has become the driving force behind his practice. Examining the question of authorship from start to finish, REVOK has developed systematic yet imperfect tools to carry out his vision and has created a number of unmistakable bodies of work. His bold, balanced, geometry is heightened by the personal and imperfect sleight of the human hand. REVOK grew up in Southern California and is based in Detroit. His work has been exhibited at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit; the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles; and the Pasadena Museum of California Art, as well as in galleries and special projects in New York, Los Angeles, Detroit, and Dubai. His work is held in important private collections worldwide. OPENING NIGHT / Friday, March 13 Member & Sponsor Preview: 5-6 pm Public Reception: 6-8 pm Remarks: 6:30 pm CLOSING RECEPTION / Saturday, June 6 4-6p – Light Refreshments and a final chance to view the exhibition. This exhibition is one of three concurrent exhibitions of new and recent work by Detroit-based artists, curated by Heather Jones, and presented to spark dialogue around the art and artists of our time.

Paul Verdell: Tabernacle
2026-05-21, 2026-05-22, 2026-05-23 | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
The Contemporary Dayton is proud to present a new body of work by Paul Verdell. In these gestural paintings, Verdell continues his exploration of loose and instinctive mark making, working with paint and collaged elements. These works become renditions of landscapes both visually and figuratively as the colors and forms subtly echo horizons and map Verdell’s mental terrain. Driven by intuition, his latest body of work delves deep into the realm of abstraction as the artist explores capabilities of medium and mind. Influencing the artist’s conceptual root is both internal discourse—an ongoing attempt to understand himself within a shifting and uncertain world through the act of painting—as well as his Black American heritage. Verdell is a painter based in Detroit. Originally from Long Beach, California, he moved to Ohio as a teenager and received a BFA from Bowling Green State University in 2018. He has been awarded residencies at Black Rock Senegal, Dakar, Senegal, and the Macedonia Institute, Chatham, New York. His work has been included in exhibitions at The Armory Show, New York; Hurst Contemporary, London; and the Dakar Biennale, Dakar, Senegal, among others. Verdell’s work is held in the collections of the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, and Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, Cleveland, Ohio, among others. OPENING NIGHT / Friday, March 13 Member & Sponsor Preview: 5-6 pm Public Reception: 6-8 pm Remarks: 6:30 pm CLOSING RECEPTION / Saturday, June 6 4-6p – Light Refreshments and a final chance to view the exhibition. This exhibition is one of three concurrent exhibitions of new and recent work by Detroit-based artists, curated by Heather Jones, and presented to spark dialogue around the art and artists of our time

Jamea Richmond-Edwards: Leviathan
2026-05-21, 2026-05-22, 2026-05-23 | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
The Contemporary Dayton is proud to present Leviathan, a film by interdisciplinary artist Jamea Richmond-Edwards. Known for her monumental paintings and mixed-media collages informed by mythology, Afrofuturist iconography, and magical realism, Richmond-Edwards brings these influences into a cinematic form in this film. Using music and dance, Leviathan traces the artist’s family history and their enduring connection to Detroit. Raised in a family of dancers and musicians, and drawing on her experience as a competitive dancer and marching band member, Richmond-Edwards infuses the film with movement and sound. The film explores Detroit’s layered histories and evolving landscapes, invoking the mythic Leviathan as a metaphor for the powerful, often untold forces of the Great Migration. Richmond-Edwards is an artist from Detroit who holds a BFA from Jackson State University and an MFA from Howard University. Her work has been included in exhibitions at the Brooklyn Museum, New York; the Frist Art Museum, Nashville, Tennessee; and The Phillips Collection, Washington, DC, and more. Her work is held in the collections of the Rubell Museum, Washington, DC; The Studio Museum in Harlem, New York; and the US Department of State’s Art in Embassies program, among others. OPENING NIGHT / Friday, March 13 Member & Sponsor Preview: 5-6 pm Public Reception: 6-8 pm Remarks: 6:30 pm CLOSING RECEPTION / Saturday, June 6 4-6p – Light Refreshments and a final chance to view the exhibition. This exhibition is one of three concurrent exhibitions of new and recent work by Detroit-based artists, curated by Heather Jones, and presented to spark dialogue around the art and artists of our time.

Collaboration of Colors
2026-05-21, 2026-05-22 | OH
View artwork from 4 pairings of artists who have collaborated in their own unique ways but all start with a common theme of color: Susanne Scherette King Megan Fiely Brian Mathus Tami Beale Sir Michael Surber Tom Jordan Joy Johnson Dave Scott Exhibition in collaboration with… the Dayton Collaboratory and is open from May 1 through May 31. Opening Reception on May 7th from 6pm-8pm

Teresa Olavarria: Lichen
2026-05-21, 2026-05-22 | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
The Contemporary Dayton is pleased to present Teresa Olavarria: Lichen, featuring new work by Dayton-based artist Teresa Olavarria and presented as our May Member Spotlight Exhibition that celebrates the vibrant creativity of our local and regional artist community. The exhibition opens Wednesday, May 6 with a public reception from 6–8 PM.
Working in vitreous enamel on copper and patinated cast bronze, Olavarria translates the ephemeral qualities of lichen into enduring materials. Her meticulous processes include layering and firing glass onto metal, and casting bronze from wax models, resulting in richly textured forms that echo the organic structures found in nature. Through this transformation, fragile organisms are preserved in metal, becoming both study and tribute.
“The works in Teresa Olavarria: Lichen invites viewers to reconsider what they see and what they overlook,” says Heather Jones, Curator and Director of Programs and Engagement at The Contemporary Dayton. “It’s about slowing down, looking closely, and recognizing the complexity and interconnectedness of the natural world.”
Olavarria lives and works in Dayton, Ohio. A graduate of the University of Dayton’s Fine Arts program, her practice is informed by close observation, scientific curiosity, and a deep appreciation for nature. Olavarria has taught extensively throughout the region and is affiliated with numerous arts organizations, including The Contemporary Dayton.
All artworks in the exhibition are available for purchase, with proceeds supporting both the artist and The Contemporary Dayton’s mission to connect artists and audiences through accessible, engaging contemporary art experiences.
Open to all current artist members, the Member Spotlight Exhibitions are an ongoing series that offers participants the unique opportunity to present a focused body of work in a solo exhibition at The Contemporary Dayton. Each exhibition is installed in The T. Chase Hale & Jonathan A. Hale Gallery and remains on view for one month, opening with a public reception on the first Wednesday and continuing through the last Saturday of the month. These exhibitions not only highlight the diverse practices and perspectives of our members but also provide a professional platform for artists to gain visibility and engage directly with audiences. Participation in the Member Spotlight series is one of the many valuable benefits of being an artist member of The Contemporary Dayton.

Elisha Frontz, Roxanne Grooms, and Yuji Hiratsuka Exhibits
2026-05-21, 2026-05-22 | Galleries at Sinclair College, 444 W. Third St., Bldg. 13, Dayton, OH, 45402
The Sinclair Community College Art Department is pleased to present “Spontaneous Connection” by Elisha Frontz & Roxanne Grooms in the Burnell R. Roberts Triangle Gallery along with “Tell Tale Personal Narrative” by Yuji Hiratsuka in the Works on Paper Gallery. Inspired by the inherent order and balance found in the universe, Frontz draws on the complexity and beauty of systems and patterns found in both the natural world and mathematics. Her mixed media work juxtaposes strong geometric shapes against delicate natural forms. Grooms’s non-representational mixed media works contrast the strong dynamic geometry of a circle against its softness. The circle becomes a character amongst rich earthly hues anchored by nurturing stitches or twisted threads, which invite the viewer to use their imagination to play along. Hiratsuka’s intaglio prints explore the co-existence of eastern and western influences in Japanese culture. Taking inspiration from Ukiyo-e prints his work contains decorative, bright colors and highly-stylized, exaggerated and distorted figures, all executed through a modern lens. There will be a virtual artist talk via Zoom Friday, June 12, 2026, at 12pm. Visit www.sinclair.edu/artgalleries for details. The exhibitions will be on display from May 16 – June 25, 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.

Student Success Centers – Reconnect
2026-05-21 15:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Dayton Metro Library’s new program, Student Success Centers – Reconnect, is offered every Tuesday and Thursday, 3-6 pm, through May 21, in the Main Library’s Tech Lab A.

Reconnect offers support to youth ages 16-21 working toward a GED or high school diploma. Extra help with reading, writing, and math is available, along with life skills coaching, opportunities to build friendships, and connecting with mentors.

Reconnect grew out of a revamp of DML’s Homework Help Centers, now known as Student Success Centers, located within seven Branches. “We expanded to an eighth Center at the Main Library that focuses on serving an overlooked demographic of young people called ‘opportunity youth,’” explains Allison Knight, DML’s Youth Services and Programming Director. “Opportunity youth are young enough to be served by public schools but disengaged from formal school or work.”

Sinclair’s Fast Forward Re-Engagement Center has been an advocate for the gap in community services to opportunity youth. After speaking with their Project Director and researching the need, DML staff used existing plans for the Student Success Centers expansion to address it.

Renaming the Student Success Centers allows DML to designate Student Success Centers – K12 for its mainstream students and Student Success Centers – Reconnect for opportunity youth. With the noted distinction between the Centers and Reconnect, DML can train staff accordingly and specialize the services offered at each location.

Registration is not required for Reconnect. Patrons may drop in any time during the posted hours. For more information, visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org or call the Library’s Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665.

Community Conversations: The Hot Wing King
2026-05-21 17:00 - 19:00 | Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Dayton Metro Library welcomes The Human Race Theatre Company (HRTC) for Community Conversations: The Hot Wing King on Thursday, May 21, 5-7 pm, in the Main Library’s Eichelberger Forum. Enjoy a lively discussion featuring Emily Wells, HRTC artistic director; Jordan Ostrum, DML’s LGBTQIA+ services specialist; and Darnell Pierre Benjamin, director of The Hot Wing King. The Hot Wing King is a regional premiere for HRTC based on Katori Hall’s Pulitzer Prize-nominated play set against the Hot Wang Festival in Memphis. Moderated by Tiffany Countyman, HRTC’s engagement and learning coordinator, the discussion will explore how themes of family, identity, community, and ambition resonate in Dayton. Audience participation will include opportunities for questions and reflection. For more information, visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org or call the Library’s Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665.

Artist Talk: Jamea Richmond-Edwards
2026-05-21 18:30 - 20:00 | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Richmond-Edwards is an artist from Detroit who holds a BFA from Jackson State University and an MFA from Howard University. Her work has been included in exhibitions at the Brooklyn Museum, New York; the Frist Art Museum, Nashville, Tennessee; and The Phillips Collection, Washington, DC, and more. Her work is held in the collections of the Rubell Museum, Washington, DC; The Studio Museum in Harlem, New York; and the US Department of State’s Art in Embassies program, among others. This event is FREE and open to all.

Music Bingo
2026-05-21 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.

Amour
2026-05-21 19:30, 2026-05-22 20:00 | PNC Arts Annex, 46 N. Ludlow St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Step into a world where the impossible feels within reach. AMOUR is a whimsical, romantic fable that follows a shy civil servant in 1950s Paris who discovers he can walk through walls and uses this extraordinary gift in pursuit of love. Overflowing with charm, humor, and a soaring score, this intimate musical invites you to believe in magic again. TheatreLab brings together some of the most extraordinary local talent in the Dayton area for this heartfelt production, all under the visionary direction of Joe Deer.

Open Mic Night
2026-05-21 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.

Music Bingo Thursdays
2026-05-21 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!

The Future of Female
2026-05-22 | Dayton Society of Artists, 48 High Street, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
The Dayton Society of Artists (DSA) is proud to present The Future of Female, a juried exhibition highlighting the perspectives, experiences, and voices of women-identifying artists. This exhibition brings together a diverse range of work across mediums, styles, and approaches—offering a thoughtful exploration of identity, presence, and creative expression in contemporary practice.

“The Faces of Pride” photos by Rick Flynn presented by The Dayton Society of Artist
2026-05-22 | The North Arcade Gallery, 24 W. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Faces of Pride Join us for a special reception for Faces of Pride, a powerful and evolving exhibition celebrating the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community in the Dayton and Miami Valley region. Artist Trading Cards Community Project Led by Joy Johnson, this interactive project invites attendees to create and exchange artist trading cards, offering a creative way to share identity, expression, and connection. Reception: Friday, June 5, 2026 5:00–7:00 PM Location: North Arcade Gallery Exhibition Dates: May 22 – July 4, 2026 Free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided. Exhibition Statement Faces of Pride was designed to showcase the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community in the Dayton/Miami Valley area of Ohio. This project is a living, breathing reflection of community and will continue to grow as long as individuals choose to participate and share their stories. Presented in partnership with the Greater Dayton LGBT Center and Dayton Metro Library, with support from the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District. Exhibition runs May 22-July 3, 2026 Hours W-F 10-6PM and Saturday 9-3PM.

Meet the Artist: Elisha Frontz
2026-05-22 16:00 - 20:00 | Dayton Society of Artists, 48 High Street, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
The Dayton Society of Artists invites you to spend time with Elisha Frontz during a series of open studio-style sessions held in conjunction with her solo exhibition in the Project Space (for Members), on view alongside Future of Female. Visitors are encouraged to engage with the artist, ask questions, and observe her process as she works. These informal sessions offer a unique opportunity to gain insight into Frontz’s material approach and conceptual framework, including her transformation of everyday materials into intricate, quilt-like works that reflect on memory, loss, and generational legacy.

Dayton Burger Fest – Food Truck Rally
2026-05-22 17:00 - 22:00 | The Brightside, 905 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
We’re marking 13 years of The Dayton Food Truck Rallies with special food festivals throughout the year! Join us for an array of incredible burgers, ranging from classic to contemporary, from some fantastic food trucks at The Brightside! With numerous vendors offering burgers and themed items along with their usual menu favorites, this is a foodie event you won’t want to miss! Our beer garden patio and indoor seating at The Brightside will be open for everyone to enjoy during the festival. Entry is always FREE to our family friendly food festivals!

Downtown Dayton Historic Walking Tours
2026-05-22 17:30 | Dayton Arcade, 35 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Explore and learn about the diverse selection of retail, industrial, entertainment, and residential sites on this guided walking tour of Downtown Dayton. 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. Reservations are required to attend. Tickets: https://www.preservationdayton.com/downtown_tours.html

The Beacon
2026-05-22 20:00 | Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Avenue, Dayton, OH, 45410, USA
The Beacon

By Nancy Harris
On a storm-battered island off the Irish coast, a renowned artist retreats to a skeletal cottage, trying to rebuild a life from the wreckage of her past. But when a young woman goes missing, submerged secrets are dragged to the surface, and the past refuses to stay hidden.
The Beacon is presented by arrangement with Nick Hern Books
Run time: 2 hours 35 minutes (with intermission)

Friday Night Karaoke at Two Social
2026-05-22 22:00 | Two Social, 123 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
The weekend just got louder — step into the spotlight at Two Social’s Friday Night Karaoke, Dayton’s best late-night sing-along happening every single week in the heart of downtown. Every Friday night, DJ Blake from Limelight Entertainment transforms Two Social into Dayton’s premier karaoke destination. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or finally working up the nerve to take the mic, the professional sound system and massive song library make sure you always sound your best. Pick your song, put your name on the list, and let the night take it from there. Key Details: – When: Every Friday night – Time: 10:00 PM – 1:00 AM – Where: Two Social, 123 E 3rd Street, Downtown Dayton, OH 45402 – Cost: FREE — no cover charge – Host: DJ Blake / Limelight Entertainment – Age: 21+ after 9:00 PM (valid ID required) – Includes: Professional sound system, massive song library, full bar, late-night arcade How to Attend: No reservations needed — just show up! Tables and bar seating are first-come, first-served. Arrive early if you want to throw axes (lanes close at 10:00 PM when karaoke begins). To book an axe throwing lane before the show, visit 2socialdayton.com. Frequently Asked Questions: Q: Is there a cover charge? A: Nope! Friday Night Karaoke is completely free to attend. Q: Do I need a reservation? A: No reservations needed for karaoke. Just walk in, grab a drink, and put your name on the list with DJ Blake. Q: Is this event 21+? A: Two Social is 21+ after 9:00 PM on Friday nights. Please bring a valid ID. Q: What time does karaoke start? A: Karaoke kicks off at 10:00 PM and runs until 1:00 AM. Q: Can I throw axes and do karaoke on the same night? A: Yes! Axe throwing lanes are open until 10:00 PM. We recommend booking an 8:00 or 8:30 PM lane so you finish right as the party heats up. Q: What kind of songs are available? A: DJ Blake has a massive library spanning classic rock, pop, country, hip-hop, and more. If you can think of it, chances are it’s on the list. Come out this Friday and take the mic — no reservations, no cover, just great vibes in downtown Dayton. https://www.2socialdayton.com/events/karaoke-night
