Downtown Dayton Partnership

Carolyn Kimes Tree Seedling Give Away
2026-04-18 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | 2nd Street Market, 600 E. Second St., Dayton, OH, 45402, USA
Join us for our annual Carolyn Kimes Tree Seedling Giveaway as it returns to the Market! Help the environment and celebrate Earth Day by selecting free tree seedlings for you to take home and plant. Deciduous and coniferous trees will be available. While supplies last.

Y-Way 5K • Walk Or Run
2026-04-18 08:00 - 12:00 | YMCA of Greater Dayton – Downtown, 316 N. Wilkinson St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Join the Downtown Y for our first Y-Way 5K (Walk or Run) in Downtown Dayton! Saturday, April 18th • Race Begins at 8:30 AM | Open to Ages 7+ Lace up your running shoes and aim for a photo finish in the heart of historic Downtown Dayton, Ohio. With a stunning course tracing the banks of the rushing Great Miami River, you can go for the gold or spend time connecting with your friends, community members, and fellow runners. 100% of race proceeds go to the Downtown YMCA Annual Campaign, which helps ensure that no one is denied access to YMCA programs due to financial reasons. Early Bird Fee: $30 (Ends February 28th) Regular Registration Fee: $35 Entry Fee Includes: • Race Registration • Race-T-Shirt • Finisher Medal • Racer Goodie Bag • Post-Race Snacks & Water • A free Family Day Pass to the Y Work toward a 5K goal in 2026! Register today at https://bit.ly/yway26 Walk or Run for a good cause.

Discover Dayton Scavenger Hunt
2026-04-18, 2026-04-17, 2026-04-16 | Downtown Dayton
Explore downtown like never before during the Discover Downtown Dayton Scavenger Hunt! Throughout the month of April, participants will visit local businesses, complete fun challenges, and learn interesting facts about downtown Dayton. Each participating location will feature a unique challenge such as taking a photo, trying a signature item, answering trivia, or discovering something new about the space. Participants who complete challenges will be entered into prize drawings while supporting local businesses and exploring everything downtown has to offer. Grab your friends, family, or coworkers and see how many locations you can discover! This is a month-long interactive scavenger hunt taking place April 1–30, 2026. Participants may complete challenges anytime during regular business hours at participating downtown locations. https://linktr.ee/livedowntown

Jamea Richmond-Edwards: Leviathan
2026-04-18, 2026-04-17, 2026-04-16 | 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
2026-04-18, 2026-04-17, 2026-04-16 | 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
2026-04-18, 2026-04-17, 2026-04-16 | 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.

Tony Foster, Exploring Time: A Painter’s Perspective
2026-04-18, 2026-04-17, 2026-04-16 | 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.

Friday Night Karaoke at Two Social
2026-04-17 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

Music Bingo Thursdays
2026-04-16 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!

Open Mic Night
2026-04-16 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.

Minimalism 10th Anniversary Tour
2026-04-16 19:30 | THE NEON, United States
Overview
“MINIMALISM is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a special live event from The Minimalists. Join Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus—New York Times–bestselling authors and Emmy-nominated filmmakers—for a screening of the Netflix documentary seen by more than 94 million people, followed by a live, thought-provoking conversation about living a meaningful life with less.” This one-time event will take place Thursday, April 16 at 7:30. Tickets are $35 each.
Director
Matt D’Avella
Cast
Joshua Fields Milburn, Ryan Nicodemus

Two Social Euchre League
2026-04-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Two Social, 123 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Love Euchre? Looking for a fun way to meet new people in Dayton? Gem City Social Sports is hosting the Two Social Euchre League — a 6-week Thursday night card league at Two Social in downtown Dayton. It’s all about good times, great people, and better hands. ABOUT THE LEAGUE This is a social-first league where all experience levels are welcome. Whether you’re a longtime Euchre player or just getting back into the game, you’ll get structured weekly matchups, a welcoming community, and a great bar atmosphere with a full bar and the games at Two Social. LEAGUE DETAILS • Start Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026 • Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM • Duration: 6-Week League • Location: Two Social, 123 E. Third St., Dayton, OH • Format: 4 games per night • Ages: 21+ • Commissioner on site every week PRIZES • 1st Place: $100 Cash • 2nd Place: $50 Cash HOW TO REGISTER Visit https://www.gemcitysocialsports.com/sports/euchre to sign up. Two options available: 1. Free Agent ($30/player) — No partner? No problem. Sign up solo and we’ll pair you up. Great for meeting new people. 2. Full Team ($50/team) — Got a partner or squad of 2-4? Register together, pick a team name, and play as a unit. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Do I need to know how to play Euchre? All skill levels are welcome. If you’re new to the game, the social atmosphere makes it easy to learn. Can I sign up without a partner? Yes! Register as a Free Agent for $30 and we’ll match you with other players. How many games do we play each night? 4 games per night over the 6-week season. Is there a prize? Yes — $100 cash for 1st place and $50 cash for 2nd place at the end of the season. Where exactly is Two Social? Two Social is located at 123 E. Third St. in downtown Dayton, OH — featuring a full bar, axe throwing, arcade games, and indoor cornhole. Register today at https://www.gemcitysocialsports.com/sports/euchre Date of Event: 03/19/2026 Event Start Time: 07:00 pm Event End Time: 09:00 pm Other Date & Time Info: 6-week league, Thursday nights starting March 19, 2026. 4 games played each night.

Community Workshop – Flourish and Flow: An Oil Painting Journey
2026-04-16 17:30 - 19:30 | The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH, 45405, United States
Our artist-led workshops are designed to make community connections between our guests, local artists, and The Dayton Art Institute through conversation and artmaking. Flourish and Flow: An Oil Painting Journey Date: Thursdays, April 10, 17 and 24, and May 1 and 8 – 5:30–7:30 p.m Cost: $100 for museum members; $125 for non-members Ages: 18+ In this multi-session workshop series, local artist Jamaal Durr leads participants through an exploration of the fundamentals of oil painting. Sessions will focus on layering, blending, and texture while developing skills through the creation of personalized artwork featuring birth flowers. Jamaal Durr, a Contemporary Artist, is recognized for his figurative works that intimately blend reality and the surreal. Using materials like oil paint, charcoal, and graphite, he explores themes of identity and self-reflection through his timely narratives. Jamaal has expanded his capacity within the realm of Art, having also gained experience as a Curator, Teacher, and Muralist. Jamaal is primarily self-taught, having only received a couple of years of formal training at Stivers School for the Arts in Dayton, OH and a brief stint studying architecture at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY.

A Matter of Balance
2026-04-16 10:00 - 12:00 | YMCA of Greater Dayton – Downtown, 316 N. Wilkinson St., Dayton, OH, 45402
We invite you to join A Matter of Balance, an evidence-based, national fall prevention program offered to the community by Sinclair Community College’s PTA faculty and students.
Classes will be held weekly on Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., March 19 through May 7, at the YMCA of Greater Dayton. The program is designed to help participants build confidence, improve balance and strength, and reduce the risk of falls.
This program is free of charge.
Please see the attached flyer for additional details and registration information.

Tony Foster: Painting at the Edge
2026-04-15 19:30 | THE NEON, United States
Overview
In celebration of Dayton Art Institute’s exhibition “Tony Foster, Exploring Time: A Painter’s Perspective,” we’re thrilled to partner with DAI to host a special, one-time screening of David C. Schendel’s TONY FOSTER: PAINTING AT THE EDGE.
Wednesday, April 15 at 7:30.
Tickets are $12.50, and DAI members get free popcorn when they show their DAI membership card.
“Traveling mostly on foot, by raft or canoe, for over thirty years English artist Tony Foster has painted landscapes in the remotest of areas, across the world.”
Director
David Schendel
Cast
Tony Foster

Wu-Tang Wednesdays
2026-04-15 19:00 - 23:00 | The Barrel House, 417 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Dayton’s legendary Ike B spins old school hip hop and whateva else he wants.

Live Trivia
2026-04-15 18:30 - 20:30 | Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E 4th St, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
We are excited to host live trivia every Wednesday at The Yellow Cab Tavern! Since there are a limited number of indoor tables, so please reserve as soon as possible.
Pepper Sprout Productions will be doing 3 rounds of general trivia from 6:30 – 8:30! Win prizes and gift cards! Watch their page on the day of for a clue about the bonus round theme!
You can enjoy pizza from The Pizza Bandit and beverages from The Yellow Cab Tavern!Pizza Bandit’s standard carryout, delivery, and onsite dining will be available from 4-9pm!

Adult Weekday Classes
2026-04-15 18:00 - 20:00 | K12 Gallery & TEJAS, 341 S. Jefferson St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Tuesday and Wednesday weekday classes: Tuesdays (September-May) Stained Glass Classes: 1:00pm-3:00pm Ceramics/Clay Classes: 3:00pm-5:00pm Glassblowing Classes: 3:30pm-5:30pm Wednesdays (September-May) Still Life Oil Painting Classes: 1:00pm-3:00pm Glassblowing Classes: 2:00pm-4:00pm or 6:00pm-8:00pm. Call for Costs.

Sinclair Pop-Up Bakery
2026-04-15 18:00 - 19:30 | Sinclair College, 444 W. Third St., Dayton, OH
For one night each week, Tartan Terrace transforms into a lively full-run bakery. Sinclair College culinary students in their final baking course spend eight weeks refining, rotating through four production stations, practicing, and perfecting every item before opening night. The result? Fresh, small-batch laminated pastries: blueberry cream cheese puff pastry, ham and cheese puff pastry, chai caramel puff pastry, doughnuts, challah, cakes, cookies, mousse domes, chocolate confections, and more — all sold à la carte in a retail-style, grab-and-go format.
There are no reservations. Guests line up, choose their favorites, and students step out from the kitchen to sell and total each order themselves. This is their capstone — and their final step before graduation. The Bakery Cafe is produced by the Baking & Pastry Capstone students under the direction of Chef Darcia Nunes Puglia.

Open: 6-7:30 pm Wednesdays
March 18 , April 1 , April 15th, & April 29

230 W. Fifth St.
Building 13, 4 Floor Room 406
937-512-2014

Artist in Training (AIT) Program
2026-04-15 15:00 - 18:00 | K12 Gallery & TEJAS, 341 S. Jefferson St., Dayton, OH, 45402
After school Artist in Training program geared for grades 3rd-12th grades. Classes are Monday-Wednesdays from 3:00pm-6:00pm. Open Studio time to explore different types of mediums such as Drawing, Painting, Clay, Digital Art. 20.00 per session for Members/40.00 per session for Non-Members.
