Downtown Dayton Partnership

Open House at the Front Street Studios
2026-05-02 11:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Front Street Galleries, 1001 E. Second St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Let the Front Street Studios be your one-stop-shopping location for art, crafts, photography, vintage retail and so much more. Front Street has 150 studios/stores in 3 different historic buildings. Not only do we have an open-house every first Friday of the month, but we are also open every Saturday from 11AM to 4PM.

8th Annual Oregon District Derby Day
2026-05-02 12:00 - 18:00 | Oregon District, Fifth Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
It’s that time! Join us for the 8th Annual Oregon District Derby Day, rain or shine, on May 2nd!
This event is sponsored by Tito’s and proceeds are benefiting The Humane Society who will be here with adoptable puppies!
The Gem City Roller Derby will be outside of Blind Bob’s to officially launch its 20th Anniversary season.
THE Nick Testa will be DJing all day, including during the famous Derby Day Clash fashion show!
To wrap up the event, join us in the Trolley Stop plaza for the 3rd Annual Derby Day hotdog eating contest, sponsored by Trolley Stop.
Don’t forget about DORA! Ask your bartender for their Derby Day drink special and bring a drink out to watch the festivities.
Look for Stacie to buy tickets for the 50/50 raffle- she’ll be running around all day!
NOON – Dog Registration begins – or you can pre-register via the link belowhttp://www.theoregondistrict.org/derby-day-dog…
1:30 – Dog Registration ends
2PM – Weenie race starts!
3PM – Clash Fashion Show
4PM – Trolley Stops’s Hotdog Eating Contest ($10 via the link http://www.theoregondistrict.org/…/hotdog-eating…)

Derby Day at The Century
2026-05-02 15:00 | The Century Bar, 10 S. Jefferson St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Don your Derby finery and join us for the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby! This year is extra special because we will be celebrating the Century’s 30th year with Diane Spitzig as owner.– Cake & Charcuterie– Catch all the action on our big screens!– Per tradition, the mint juleps will be flowing.– Hat Contest! Bring your boldest brims, and you could win a prize!

Q Theatre: Arts In Healing
2026-05-02 18:00 | PNC Arts Annex, 46 N. Ludlow St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Join Dayton Live for an evening arts workshop! Using theatre, writing, movement, and fine arts, connect with other teens in the area while sharing your creativity. This reflective creative workshop will use various art forms to support teen wellness and emotional expression.
Q Theatre engages LGBTQ+ teens and their allies to participate in fun and judgment-free experiences while inviting them to be their authentic selves, build community, strengthen identity, and express their lived experiences through the performing arts.

The Figureheads of Dayton & Catsteel
2026-05-02 19:00 - 23:00 | The Brightside, 905 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Pull up a chair and let the music do the talking. The Figureheads of Dayton and Catsteel bring an evening of Americana / bluegrass to The Brightside’s SideDoor on Saturday, May 2nd. Enjoy two local bands, one cozy room, and the kind of music that makes a Saturday night feel like it’s supposed to. HOW TO GO: Saturday, May 2nd Music 7–11pm (Doors at 6pm) The Brightside — SideDoor room, 905 E. 3rd St., Dayton $10 at the door (seating available) All ages welcome. https://eventvesta.com/events/143237/t/tickets

Summer Thrills at the Donor Center: Donate blood for Kings Island Tickets
2026-05-04 | Versiti, 349 S. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Start the summer with a thrill! Donate blood May 4-9 in our Dayton Donor Center (349 S. Main Street) to get 1 FREE ticket to Kings Island amusement park as our thank you. But act fast – these tickets are limited, while supplies last! Donors may choose instead a $15 Kroger gift card if not interested in a Kings Island ticket. Don’t miss out on the fun – schedule your donation now! Visit VersitiDayton.org/blood-donation and schedule an appointment at the Donor Center May 4-9 or call (937) 461-3220. Walk-ins welcome! Did you know? More than 300 donors are needed every day in Dayton to keep the blood supply stable for local hospitals and local patients. Be a local hero. Donate blood! Donor Center hours are Monday-Thursday 7 am-6 pm, Friday 7 am- 4 pm, and Saturday 7 am-1 pm. The Donor Center is located at 349 S. Main Street, Dayton, Oh. Link if needed: https://donate.versitidayton.org/donor/schedules/center/1

Community Fitness: BootyMix
2026-05-04 18:00 - 19:00 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Learn to love the raw, unedited version of yourself through dance fitness. BootyMix is a mixture of booty-centric experiences that make you feel alive and give you the confidence to take back your life through community, movement, and music. When you walk out of class, you’ll feel more connected to your body, more confident in your worth, and ready to take on the world like the unstoppable force you are!

Community Fitness: Bootcamp
2026-05-04 18:00 - 19:30 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
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!

Community Fitness: Trailblazers HIIT & Run
2026-05-04 19:30 - 20:30 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Summer activities that make your body happy and healthy. Led by Fire Flame Fitness, this HIIT workout class is for everyone, including beginners and low impact participants. Come as you are! Be prepared to walk/jog after class.

Bagels & Broadway: Mrs. Doubtfire
2026-05-05 08:30 - 20:30 | The Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, 1 West Second Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Ever wonder what it takes to prepare a stage for a show? Join us for BAGELS & BROADWAY, a unique opportunity for you to find out first-hand. Have a cup of coffee and a bagel – then watch the show’s crew and members of IATSE Local 66 set up the sights and sounds for MRS. DOUBTFIRE!
BAGELS & BROADWAY is free, but you must register. Please register for only the number of people who can attend. If you need to cancel your registration, please do so within 48 hours of the event by calling the Ticket Office at 937-228-3630 or emailing tickets@daytonlive.org.

Community Fitness: Tai Chi & Qigong at the River
2026-05-05 18:00 - 19:00 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
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).

Mrs. Doubtfire
2026-05-05 19:30 | The Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, 1 West Second Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny is headed to Dayton in this internationally acclaimed hit musical critics call “wonderful, heart-warming, and laugh-out-loud funny” (Manchester Evening News) and “a feel-good, family-friendly comedy that delivers” (The Hollywood Reporter). Based on the beloved film, MRS. DOUBTFIRE tells the hysterical and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids. It’s “the lovable, big-hearted musical comedy we need right now,” raves the Chicago Tribune – one that proves we’re better together.

Teresa Olavarria: Lichen
2026-05-06 | 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.

Guided Tour of The Dayton Woman’s Club
2026-05-06 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

DLCA Family Broadway Studio: Mrs. Doubtfire
2026-05-06 16:30 | PNC Arts Annex, 46 N. Ludlow St., Dayton, OH, 45402
DLCA FAMILY BROADWAY STUDIO: MRS. DOUBTFIRE offers families a distinctive opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Broadway. In addition to enjoying the Dayton Live Broadway Series presentation of MRS. DOUBTFIRE, families will participate in an exclusive workshop (led by a touring cast member when available), savor a complimentary preshow dinner, and collect special tour merchandise. This experience is designed to create lasting memories for families, making each visit a unique and cherished adventure into the heart of Broadway.

Community Fitness: SWERK
2026-05-06 18:00 - 19:00 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
SWERK combines current hip hop style dance moves with lower body toning and cardiovascular exercises to bring you one Booty-licious bod. A true “lift your booty, love your body” experience, this dance cardio format will push you to “Sweat, Work, Twerk” your way to your favorite version of you. No previous dance experience necessary, just come MOVE and have FUN. We can’t wait to SWERK with you!

Music Bingo
2026-05-07 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.

An Evening with Henhouse Prowlers
2026-05-07 19:30 - 21:30 | The Brightside, 905 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Henhouse Prowlers at The Brightside Wednesday, May 7, 2026 | Doors 7PM / Show 7:30PM All Ages | $20 General Admission | Reserved Tables Available Chicago’s Henhouse Prowlers have spent 20 years crisscrossing the globe, including 34 countries on 5 continents, and every mile of it shows up in their music. Rooted in bluegrass and classic country but impossible to pin down, Ben Wright (banjo), Chris Dollar (guitar), Jon Goldfine (bass), and Jake Howard (mandolin) bring a four-part harmony and a world-worn perspective to everything they play. Their latest record, Unravel, produced by Stephen Mougin (Sam Bush Band), is their most expansive yet — road-worn storytelling, flashes of modern Americana, and picking as ferocious as ever. But the real magic happens live, where their extensive songbook gets woven together with tales from the road, and bluegrassy takes on international tunes that might just be in a language you’ve never heard before. As founding members of Bluegrass Ambassadors and partners of the U.S. State Department, the Prowlers are more than a band — they’re proof that music builds the bridges words can’t. Come hear what 20 years of chasing something beautiful sounds like. HOW TO GO? Thursday, May 7th / Doors 7PM / Show 7:30PM The Brightside — 905 E. 3rd St., Dayton, OH $20 General Admission (advance) | $25 Day of Show All Ages | Reserved Tables Available
https://eventvesta.com/events/142226/t/tickets

The Future of Female
2026-05-08 | 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.

Montgomery County Law Enforcement Memorial
2026-05-08 10:45 - 12:45 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Montgomery County Law Enforcement Memorial
10:45am – 12:45pm
AGE: All ages | FREE
The Montgomery County Law Enforcement Memorial is an annual event to honor officers who were tragically killed or seriously injured in the line of duty, and provide support for their family and coworkers. The event starts with a procession which features a combined agency Motorcycle Unit, a combined agency Color Guard, Honor Guards, a massed Pipe & Drum Corps, uniformed and retired Officers, and the family and coworker survivors. Once it reaches the pavilion, the memorial continues with many observances of sacred military and law enforcement traditions, guest speakers, and more. The public is welcome to attend as we honor the fallen and injured officers of our community. The procession is weather dependent. Weather Dependent.

Downtown Dayton Historic Walking Tours
2026-05-08 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

An Evening of Shoegaze & Dreampop with DJ Eric Heilman
2026-05-08 19:00 | The Barrel House, 417 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
DJ Eric Heilman is back to serve up a heady set of shoegaze and dreampop dripping in guitars and reverb.
Dayton Street Snacks are here 11am – 11pm, and our never-not-awesome taplist will be in full force.
No cover. Just vibes.

DLCA Performance: Olympus – The Greek Rock Musical
2026-05-08 19:00 | PNC Arts Annex, 46 N. Ludlow St., Dayton, OH, 45402
DLCA PERFORMANCE: OLYMPUS – THE GREEK ROCK MUSICAL is a laugh-out-loud rock musical where ancient myths meet modern mischief! The Greek gods, tired of their immortal routines, spark a competition to meddle with mortals and prove who’s the greatest Greek god of all time. When a group of modern-day cousins set off on a hike to “Olympus Overlook,” they have no idea they’re about to be tested by ancient deities. With catchy songs, heartfelt moments, and plenty of laughs, OLYMPUS is a mythic adventure about family, connection, and discovering that the real view from the top is the one you share together.
There are three performances for this show: Friday evening, Saturday matinee, and Saturday evening.

First Bloom Community Cleanup
2026-05-09 08:00 - 12:00 | Downtown Dayton
The Downtown Dayton Partnership is excited to host the second annual First Bloom: a neighborhood clean-up and beautification event.
On Saturday, May 9, 2026, we’ll come together as a community for a day of spring cleaning – litter pick-up, mulching, window washing, etc. – to help make our city look its best.
Please fill out and submit the registration form at https://downtowndayton.org/cleanup/ to RSVP!

Civic Saturday
2026-05-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Dayton Metro Library’s Civic Saturday series continues on Saturday, May 9, from 10 am-12 pm, in the Main Library’s Eichelberger Forum, with guest speaker Dr. Nicolyn Woodcock, associate director of the Asian and Native American Center at Wright State University. Dr. Woodcock is co-leader of the Dayton caucus of OPAWL – Building AAPI Feminist Leadership, serves on the Minority Health Advisory Council for Public Health Dayton and Montgomery County, and was awarded Empowered Ally of the Year by REACH Indigenous Advocacy in 2025. Civic Saturday is rooted in ritual and seeks to foster civic pride and a commitment to strengthening communities. The goals of the series are to celebrate community, build civic power, practice rituals of civic belonging, and create joyful neighborhood gatherings. Civic Saturday is sponsored by DML’s The Center for Community Impact & Innovation, the League of Women Voters Greater Dayton Area, and Dayton United for Human Rights for Civic Saturdays. This series is also part of DML’s America 250 programming and is intended for adults. For more information, visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org or call the Library’s Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665.

Living Wall Art Workshop
2026-05-09 12:00 - 13:00 | Now and Zen DIY Studio, 121 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Unleash Your Creativity with Living Wall Art! Discover the magic of designing your very own living masterpiece in our most popular workshop at Now and Zen DIY Studio! In this signature class, you’ll craft stunning wall art using live air plants, vibrant preserved moss, and a variety of unique embellishments. The result? A one-of-a-kind creation, designed by you, that will captivate and transform any space into a conversation-worthy showcase. Join Us for a Relaxing and Creative Experience! Here’s what’s included: Hands-On Fun, step-by-step guidance Learn & Care: Gain knowledge on how to care for your living art All-Inclusive: Supplies, plants, moss, stones, and embellishments provided Your Creation: Leave with a completed 8” x 10” living wall art piece ‘SIP & CREATE’ We’ve partnered with our business neighbor, Joui Wine and you can now purchase a glass of wine (at a $1.00 discount) to enjoy while you are creating your terrarium. https://www.shopnowandzen.com/open-workshop

YMCA Healthy Kids Day
2026-05-09 12:00 - 16:00 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
YMCA Healthy Kids Day
12:00pm – 4:00pm
AGE: All ages | FREE
Come celebrate YMCA Healthy Kids Day at RiverScape, part of the nationwide initiative aiming to enhance the health and wellness of children. The Y will be hosting kidsâ fitness classes, sport skills clinics, interactive games, arts and crafts, YMCA Camp Kern activities and more. The event is free and open to everyone, providing an excellent opportunity for children to engage in outdoor play. Weather Dependent.

Meet the Artist: Elisha Frontz
2026-05-09 12:00 - 16:00 | 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.

A Conversation with Mike Giant & Jason REVOK
2026-05-09 14:00 - 15:00 | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
An artist talk with artist Jason REVOK led by Dayton-based artist Mike Giant. FREE and open to all.

Rock Night with George Balog 3 Year Anniversary
2026-05-09 19:00 - 23:00 | The Barrel House, 417 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
George is back behind the decks spinning four hours of rock vinyl to celebrate THREE YEARS of Rock Night! As always, each pint purchased comes with a free air guitar.
Dayton Street Snacks will on-site celebrating their One Year Anniversary in the back DORA lot!
No cover. Just rock.
