February 2 First Friday: Show Your Love Downtown Edition

For More Information: Call (937) 224-1518 or e-mail sands@downtowndayton.org

February 2 First Friday: Show Your Love Downtown Edition

January 26, 2024, DAYTON, Ohio – Love is in the air in downtown Dayton! You can show your love to your favorite downtown retailers, restaurants, bars, and signature galleries during First Friday from 5 to 10 p.m. on First Friday! Share a First Friday date night with your valentine, galentines, besties, or yourself by grabbing a bite or a drink from a downtown restaurant! Looking for gifts? Several downtown retailers offer up special savings every First Friday! Of course, experiences make great gifts too. Catch live performances, films, and new art exhibits at some of downtown’s signature galleries.

First Friday is a great chance to buy a gift for your special someone (or for yourself!) with Downtown Dollars. Visit downtowndayton.org/dollars/for a list of nearly 80 locations where you can redeem the convenient e-gift card.

Check out the individual First Friday listings below, and remember the most up-to-date event listings can be found in the online calendar published on the Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website. Subscribing to the weekly e-vents email newsletter also keeps one up to speed. For more information about First Friday, or to find business addresses, parking, upcoming activities and more, visit the DDP website at DowntownDayton.org. Invite friends and family to partake in First Friday fun! “Like” and share the First Friday Facebook page.

ART, DANCE, MUSIC, AND FILM

• The Black Box Improv, 518 E. Third St.: Take in comedy with the Friday House Team “Midwestern Beef,” Murdery Mystery! For tickets and other information, visit DaytonBlackBoxImprov.com
• The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St.: The Co’s 30th Open Members’ Show returns for the first time since 2020. Join a community-wide celebration of 80+ local and Ohio artists during the public reception from 6 to 8 p.m.
• Corner Kitchen, 613 E. Fifth St.: Enjoy live music from 8 to 10 p.m. every First Friday! Parking validated with $20 purchase.
• Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North: Visit the latest exhibitions, “Telling Stories: World Literature in Art” and “You Don’t Know Me: Works by Unknown Photographers.” Open until 5 p.m. on Friday.
• Dayton Society of Artists, 48 High St.: The Dayton Society of Artists welcomes you to “The Future of Female” DSA’s all-women identifying exhibition.
• Dublin Pub, 300 Wayne Ave., 937-224-7822: Stop by for a pint and listen to live music for Irish First Fridays. Music by The Rogues starting at 9 p.m.
• Edward A. Dixon Gallery, 222 N. St. Clair St.: The gallery hosts AAVAG’s latest travelling exhibit during Black History Month. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Artist reception 5-8 p.m.
• Front Street, 1001 E. Second St.: Enjoy an evening of live music, food trucks, studio and gallery hopping, shopping, and more! It is always free to attend and park at our art hops. We are a family and pet-friendly community. With artwork and handmade goods from more than 250 artists, you’re going to want to get here early!
• Moeller Brew Barn, 416 E. First St.: Hear live music at the Brew Barn from 7-10 p.m.
• The Neon movie theater, 130 E. Fifth St.: See the full schedule online: neonmovies.com. Also enjoy beer and cocktail specials during First Friday, and you can purchase a DORA drink at the Neon to walk around downtown Dayton’ Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area before or after the show.
• Skeleton Dust Records, 133 E. Third St.: See art from local artist Scott Ross now on display in the shop. Open 12-6 p.m. on Fridays.

DINING AND DRINKS

• The Foundry, 124 Madison St.: Enjoy an amazing view of Day Air Ballpark and downtown Dayton alongside delicious wood-fired cuisine. Igloo rentals are available now for $50 per person at a 4 person minimum.
• Jimmy John’s, 220 N. Main St.: Try the new Kickin’ Cajun Sandwich now available as a sandwich or a wrap.
• Lily’s Dayton, 329 E. Fifth St.: The eighth annual Oyster Fest is on! Enjoy special happy hour pricing on Bao Buns and select drinks from 4:30-6:30 p.m.. Full dinner menu available until 10pm!
• Local Cantina, 503 E. First St: Happy Hour is from 3 to 6 p.m. with $5 Mustache Rides & Same Same Margaritas along with $2 off dips! Now taking reservations and catering orders!
• Moeller Brew Barn, 416 E. First St.: It’s $5 Pint Happy Hour from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.!
• Mudlick Tap House, 135 E. Second St., (937) 895-4066: Join us for Happiness Hours from 4-6 p.m. with $2 off draft beers and $2 off shareables, ½ price bottles of wine, $8 Old Fashioned, and $9 Manhattans.
• Oregon Express, 336 E. Fifth St., 937-223-9205: Every First Friday join us for Happy Hour deals from 5 to 8 p.m. Stop in for some of the best pizza in Dayton. Dine in, carryout and curbside pickup available.
• Salar Restaurant and Lounge, 400 E. Fifth St., 937-203-3999: Kick off your First Friday with happy hour at Salar from 4-6 p.m. with cocktail specials, $5 house wine pours, $1 off of all beers, and bar bites specials. Enjoy dinner, too, available for dine in or carryout.
• Table 33 Dayton, 130 W. Second St.: Fridays are wine night at Table 33, with $3.33 wine pairings with any entree.
• Troll Pub Dayton, 216 Wayne Ave.: Every Friday at the Troll Pub is part of W.T.F Happy Hours: Wednesday, Thursday & Friday from 4-7 p.m. featuring 1/2 Priced Pints & 1/2 priced apps.
• Trolley Stop, 530 E. Fifth St., 937-461-1101: Enjoy Half-off Happy Hour every day 3-7pm! $3 wells and half off select appetizers.
• Two Social, 123 E. Third St.: New menu launch, every first Friday! Try all 6 drinks on the new menu and get a free shirt! You have all month to collect all 6 drinks on the punch card.

SPECIAL SHOPPING DEALS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES

• After5, 111 E. Third St.: Mention First Friday at checkout to take 20% off of your total purchase!
• Choice Juice Boxx, 31 S. St. Clair St.: Spend $50 at Varsity House to receive 10% off from your Choice Juice Boxx purchase.
• Club Evolution, 130 N. Patterson Blvd.: Audience applause chooses the winner of a karaoke contest and $75! No cover. Karaoke starts at 8:30 p.m. with the contest starting at 10:30 p.m.
• Cosmo Joe’s Atomic Lounge, 121 N. Ludlow St.: It’s karaoke night! Singing starts at 9 p.m.
• Omega Music, 318 E. Fifth St.: New release day! Explore the new releases on vinyl, CDs, and more. All day 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Oregon District.
• RiverScape MetroPark. 237 E. Monument Ave.: Sheltered under the covered pavilion, the MetroParks Ice Rink sets the scene as a perfect winter wonderland in downtown Dayton. While the rink is open, you can enjoy delicious treats from the concession area, including a cup of hot chocolate. Visit org/ice-rink to learn more, find daily open hours, and see a schedule of events. Admission: $7 daily, ice skate rental: $3 daily. Ages 3 and under are free with a paying adult. 278-2607.
• Pedal Wagon Dayton: The weather outside might be frightful, but good times are still to be had aboard the Pedal Wagon! Adults 21+ can grab a seat on the Polar Bear Express for $25 or book a private ride starting at $299 pedalwagon.com/dayton/polar-bear-express/
• Picture Perfect Paint Parties, 123 N. Ludlow St.: Karaoke & Wine Tasting – join us for great wine tasting fun with karaoke and line danging! Flights will include African American wines from Dayton and across Ohio. Each flight includes 5 wines with 2-3oz per pour. Wines will be paired with popcorn, cheese, crackers, and chocolate!
• Sole Touchers, 37 S. St. Clair St.: Mention First Friday to receive 25% off all shoes in store!
• Talbott Tower, 131 N. Ludlow St.: Visit the businesses of Talbott Tower! Enjoy live music, food, and beer while you shop special discounts at more than 20 businesses.
• Vidia’s Closet, 27 S. St. Clair St.: When you shop this women’s clothing boutique in the St. Clair Lofts on First Friday, you can take 20% off your entire purchase! Shop in-store and enjoy a complementary glass of wine.

The Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website has a complete list of downtown’s arts and cultural amenities, as well as a dining guide, parking map and much more.

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