Downtown Dayton Partnership

Collaboration of Colors
2026-05-17, 2026-05-16 | 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

Tony Foster, Exploring Time: A Painter’s Perspective
2026-05-17, 2026-05-16 | The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH, 45405, United States
Tony Foster, Exploring Time: A Painter’s Perspective
February 21–May 17, 2026, Gallery 120
Between 2007 and 2025, Tony Foster embarked on his 19th Journey, building it around a profound and layered theme: time. Across this body of work, he investigates how time shapes the land—from the quick shifts of light and weather, to the slow rhythms of seasons, to the immense scales of biological and geological transformation. As Foster explains, his aim is “to draw attention to the unseen forces that create place.”
Exploring Time brings together a remarkable series of watercolor diaries that capture nature in motion. His paintings reveal signs of change on multiple fronts: geological upheavals, biological cycles and the marks left by human activity. With a discerning eye, Foster records not only nature’s strength and resilience but also its vulnerability, even in landscapes once dominated by industry and later reclaimed.
In a world where environmental change is often conveyed through striking images of global warming, Foster offers a different perspective, one that considers Earth’s continual evolution and the visible traces of time’s passage. Organized into four themes: geological, biological, human and the fleeting, this exhibition invites viewers to engage with time at every scale, from the span of a moment to the stretch of millennia, while reflecting on the enduring impact of human presence.

Vinyl Vinyl Sundays
2026-05-17 | The Barrel House, 417 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Sunday – Vinyl Vinyl Sunday – bring your records, we’ll play ’em

Shock Theater Live: Multimedia Rock-Theater Hybrid Performance
2026-05-16 19:30, 2026-05-15 19:30 (America/New_York) | PNC Arts Annex, 46 N. Ludlow St., Dayton, OH, 45402
SHOCK THEATRE LIVE is a multimedia rock and roll theater piece that follows five misfit kids as they attend a concert by their favorite band, The Creepy Crawlers. Along the way, they share their struggles, their dreams, and ultimately discover that they’re not alone, and by the end of the show, they don’t just meet the band… they become them! The show is about finding your place in a complicated world, and how so-called “freaks” or “horror kids” aren’t broken, they’re just expressing truth through a different lens. It’s loud, funny, heartfelt, and a love letter to all the outsiders trying to belong.

The Gershwins’ Porgy And Bess
2026-05-16 19:30, 2026-05-15 19:30 | The Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, 1 West Second Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Porgy And Bess premiered on Broadway in 1935 and its music took root in our culture, with iconic songs like “Summertime” and “I Got Plenty o’ Nuttin’” becoming popular classics. It’s themes of community resilience, acceptance, and redemption weave a poignant story, all told through a “melting pot” of musical styles from folk to blues, to spirituals, to jazz, to Broadway theatre music, and classical to create what is considered by many to be the greatest American opera.

Dayton Dragons vs. Lake County Captains
2026-05-16 19:05, 2026-05-15 19:05 | Day Air Ballpark, 220 North Patterson Blvd., Dayton, OH, 45402
Catch one of the hottest tickets in sports – see the Dayton Dragons play baseball at Day Air Ballpark! For tickets and more information, visit www.daytondragons.com or call 228-2287.

Electroforming Jewelry Workshop with Verdigris and Vein(Seamus Martin)
2026-05-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Dayton Society of Artists, 48 High Street, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Join us for an introductory workshop in copper electroforming led by Seamus Martin of Verdigris and Vein.

Participants will first view a live demonstration of the electroforming process to gain a basic understanding of how a small piece of jewelry is created using this method. Following the demonstration, participants will be guided in creating their own piece.
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026

Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
Each participant’s work will be electroformed after the workshop and will be ready for pickup the following week.

Pickup Times:
Friday, May 22, 4:00–8:00 PM
Saturday, May 23, 12:00–5:00 PM
REGISTRATION IS OPEN UNTIL MAY 9. Please register in advance to secure your spot.

Location:
The Dayton Society of Artists
48 High Street
Dayton, Ohio. 45403
Cost:
Non-Members – $110
Members – $90
Pre-registration Required
About your Instructor:
Seamus Martin of Verdigris and Vein works in copper electroforming, mixed media assemblage, and unconventional sculpture using bone, nature-found materials, recycled elements, and repurposed objects. He was awarded the Ohio Arts Council’s Artists with Disabilities Access Program (ADAP Grant) for FY 2026.

Block Party & Outdoor Market – 12th Anniversary Celebration
2026-05-16 12:00 - 16:00 | Warped Wing Brewing Company, 26 Wyandot St., Dayton, 45402, United States
We’re beyond excited for our upcoming Block Party & Outdoor Market! This year, we’re celebrating 12 amazing years of craft beer and community with an outdoor block party–style event featuring local artisans and makers. This year’s celebration will include an outdoor vendor market in the parking lot alongside the Trotwood Trailer pouring all your favorites, yard games, and a lawn-chair-friendly atmosphere perfect for hanging out with friends and family. We’ll also be serving hot dogs and burgers on the grill. This is a family-friendly and dog-friendly event. We’re also excited to feature the seasonal return of Superdelic Double IPA, available on draft and in cans for the event. Our Outdoor Market will highlight local makers, bakers, artisans, and curated vintage vendors. Join us for afternoon of beer, food, shopping, and community as we kick off summer and celebrate 12 years of Warped Wing!

Mighty Minis Workshop
2026-05-16 12:00 - 14:00 | Now and Zen DIY Studio, 121 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Mighty Minis Workshop – Create Your Way Join us for a fun, flexible workshop where you can create from a variety of small, creative projects! Choose what inspires you—mini closed terrariums, small terra cotta pot plantings, refrigerator magnets, and more. This is a relaxed, “create your way” experience with hands-on guidance from our team. Perfect for a casual outing, date, or creative time with friends. Sip & Create: Grab a glass of wine from our neighbor Joui Wine and enjoy it while you build your project in the studio. A $20 deposit is required to reserve your spot, which will be applied toward your total purchase during the workshop. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome as space allows. Please Note: Deposits are non-refundable and will be forfeited in the event of cancellation or no-show. https://www.shopnowandzen.com/open-workshop

Pride Rocks!
2026-05-16 11:00 - 16:00 | Levitt Pavilion Dayton, 134 S. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Join us for Pride Rocks!- a free, family-friendly celebration where community comes together to raise awareness and share resources for mental health and suicide prevention in the LGBTQ+ community. All are welcome! What to Expect: Join us in painting colorful, Pride-themed rocks with messages of hope and support. All materials will be provided! Fuel up with delicious eats from a variety of local food trucks, connect with local mental health providers and learn more about available mental health resources, browse unique crafts & products from local vendors, and enjoy live music from LGBTQ+ musicians. When: Saturday, May 16th, 2026 from 11:00am – 4:00pm Where: Levitt Pavilion Dayton 134 S Main St, Dayton, OH 45402 Learn More: nccjoh.org/priderocks Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive community—one that champions connection and prioritizes mental well-being. We have sponsorship opportunities available, please reach out to us directly at 937-222-6225 ext. 101 to discuss! We look forward to seeing you!

Saturday Art Workshops
2026-05-16 11:00 - 13:00 | K12 Gallery & TEJAS, 341 S. Jefferson St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Saturday Art Workshops for Kindergarten-12th Grade and Adults. Each month explore a different art medium (Clay, Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, Mosaics, Drawing, Photography, in a different theme/artistic style (K-12th grade). For Adults classes in Mosaics, Stained Glass, and Glassblowing. Saturday Classes run from September 2025-May 2026. 11:00am-1:00pm. Call for Costs.

Fitness in the Park: Yoga with Speakeasy
2026-05-16 10:00 - 11:00 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Harness your strength, enhance your mobility, and create a deeper connection with yourself. Join Tori for a dynamic physical yoga practice that will guide you through a breath focused flow that is both empowering and meditative. New to yoga? Not to worry. This class has something for all levels, and a variety of variations are offered throughout so you can find the most benefit for your time on the mat, and in turn feel your best off of it, too! Remember to bring your own mat, water bottle, and towels. Weather Dependent. All ages. Free.

Tab-a-oull-ooza
2026-05-16 09:00 - 15:00 | 2nd Street Market, 600 E. Second St., Dayton, OH, 45402, USA
Support The Ronald McDonald House by dropping off your aluminum can tabs at the market. Drop-off bin is located at the East end of the market along with other family fun activities.

The Future of Female
2026-05-16 | 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.

Elisha Frontz, Roxanne Grooms, and Yuji Hiratsuka Exhibits
2026-05-16 | 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.

Teresa Olavarria: Lichen
2026-05-16 | 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.

Jamea Richmond-Edwards: Leviathan
2026-05-16 | 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.

Paul Verdell: Tabernacle
2026-05-16 | 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

Jason REVOK: Mutually Exclusive
2026-05-16 | 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.

Yellow Cab: The Reunion — Dayton Drag Show
2026-05-15 22:00 | Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E 4th St, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Hey Dayton! Sharing a local drag show happening next Friday, May 15 at Yellow Cab Tavern. Yellow Cab — The Reunion Friday, May 15 Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E 4th St, Dayton, OH 45402 18+ | $5 cover Showtimes: 10 PM, 11 PM, 12 AM Hosted by Zariah Monae Jaxxon Featuring Foxxie Lane, Isabella Summers, Laxus Chantal, and Dex Heartt I’m one of the performers and newer to the Dayton scene, so I’m trying to help get the word out to local LGBTQ+ folks, drag fans, nightlife people, artists, and allies. Come through, bring friends, and support local drag.
Yellow Cab: The Reunion is an 18+ drag show at Yellow Cab Tavern featuring local and regional drag entertainment. The show is hosted by Zariah Monae Jaxxon and features Foxxie Lane, Isabella Summers, Laxus Chantal, and Dex Heartt. This event supports local drag, LGBTQ+ nightlife, performing arts, and downtown Dayton entertainment.

Friday Night Karaoke at Two Social
2026-05-15 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

Party at the Plaza
2026-05-15 17:30 - 19:30 | Day Air Ballpark, 220 North Patterson Blvd., Dayton, OH, 45402
It’s time to break out your baseball caps and jerseys! Party at the Plaza returns from 5:30 to 7:30pm! Join us for a night full of live performances, raffles, outdoor games, inflatables, resident-only experiences, free goodies and more. Fans and downtown residents are encouraged to head to the heart of the Water Street District and visit the plaza between 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. to enjoy the festivities before the game!

Downtown Dayton Historic Walking Tours
2026-05-15 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

Meet the Artist: Elisha Frontz
2026-05-15 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.

Rise and Shine Freedom Breakfast Fundraiser
2026-05-15 07:30 - 11:00 | The Dayton Woman’s Club, 225 N Ludlow St, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Spring Freedom Breakfast Fundraiser Join us at the Dayton Woman’s Club on May 15, 2026, for a morning of awareness and advocacy against human trafficking. Enjoy a delicious and hearty breakfast that will leave your taste buds satisfied, served in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The open house runs from 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM — come anytime and stay as long as you like! The event features inspiring survivor speakers, educational programs, silent auctions, and raffles. Proceeds support Sidewalk Soldiers’ efforts to combat trafficking locally. Together, we can make a lasting impact in our community by empowering survivors and raising vital awareness.
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/annual-freedom-breakfast
