July 5 First Friday: Independence & Independents’ Edition

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

June 28, 2024 (DAYTON, Ohio) – Summer is officially here and we’re ready for warm weather, fireworks, and fun this July! You’re invited to celebrate Independence Day by supporting the small, independent businesses that make us thrive! Check out everything that downtown Dayton has to offer from 5-10 p.m. this First Friday, July 5, with local food, shopping, art, live entertainment, and so much more.

Speaking of independent businesses, we are celebrating TWO new small businesses downtown this July! We are excited to welcome Chairapy, 605 E. Fifth St., to downtown Dayton and the Oregon District! Asha Parson specializes in textured hair care and education. Asha specializes in curly to kinky hair textures and welcomes all-natural hairstyles, from big chops to locs. Be sure to wish Chairapy a warm welcome to our downtown community and stop by their grand opening celebration on Saturday, July 6! But that’s not all – mark your calendars for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Mintha’s Boutique, 520 E. Third St., at noon on Friday, July 12! The boutique specializes in fashion-forward women’s shoes, clothing, and accessories. This new business will be hosting its grand opening from 12-8 p.m. on July 12!

Don’t forget, DORA is in full effect every day from noon to midnight. Visit a participating business to purchase a beverage in the official DORA cup to take with you while you explore dozens of unique and locally owned shops, take in live music at RiverScape MetroPark and Levitt Pavilion, and walk the pedestrian promenade at Out on 5th in the Oregon District.

The AES Ohio Summer in the City season is in full swing! Check out a calendar featuring downtown events and activities planned through September at the AES Ohio Summer in the City webpage.

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 and an Improvised Musical! More details and tickets at DaytonBlackBoxImprov.com
• Blind Bob’s, 430 E. Fifth St.: See work from featured artist, Chelle Palassis, throughout July! Live music from The Nightbeast, Cadaver Dogs, and Safe Money begins at 8 p.m. 21+ $10 at the door.
• The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St.: See exhibits on display “Katherine Kadish & David Leach: Crossroads,” “Andy Snow: Time Bends,” and “Tess Cortés: Vanishing Point.” Gallery open until 6 p.m.
• Corner Kitchen, 613 E. Fifth St.: Enjoy live music on the patio 8-10 p.m. every First Friday! Parking validated with $20 purchase.
• Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North: Visit the latest special exhibitions, “Hand-Colored Photographs,” “Captivating Clay: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection,” “Riveting: Women Artists from the Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell Collection,” and “The Quiet World of Edward Hopper.” Open until 5 p.m. on Friday.
• Dublin Pub, 300 Wayne Ave.: Live music at the Dublin Pub! Stop by for a pint and listen to live music for Irish First Fridays. Happy Hour from 3-6pm; Free Juke Box Friday from 6p-7p, Miami Valley Pipes & Drums performance at 7p.
• Edward A. Dixon Gallery, 222 N. St. Clair St.: Visit the gallery for an evening highlighting the work of California artist, Juko. The exhibition features 3 abstract series, “Espereme,” “Respira Conmigo,” and “Constellation of Lovers.” Light refreshments and free on-street parking available.
• 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!
• Joui Wine, 117 E. Third St.: Grab a glass of wine and enjoy “For the Hotties: An Ode to Female Hip Hop”
• Levitt Pavilion Dayton, 134 S. Main St.: Enjoy a FREE community concert from OKAN. OKAN fuses Afro-Cuban roots with jazz, folk, and global rhythms!
• 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 “Kinds of Kindness” on First Friday! 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.
• Oregon Express, 336 E. Fifth St.: Join us for 199X – a 90s dance party! Sexbox will be playing 90s RnB, Hop Hop, Rave, Brit Pop, Punk, and any other genres to set a nostalgic mood. Entry is free!
• RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E. Monument Ave.: The British Invasion makes their RiverScape debut from 6-9 p.m., bringing the ultimate tribute to 60’s British Rock! Snag dinner and drinks from DFish DChicken or the RiverScape Café while you enjoy the show!
• Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. Fourth St.: Cab Grass presents a show from Wildwater Boys as part of the 2024 Roots & Heritage concert series! Cover starts at 7pm, music starts at 8pm. All ages welcome with a guardian. $17 in advance of $21 at the door.

DINING AND DRINKS

• Dayton Beer Company, 41 Madison St.: Happy Hour runs 3-5 p.m.! Enjoy $2 off all DBC beer pints.
• Dublin Pub, 300 Wayne Ave.: Join us for Irish First Fridays with Happy Hour from 3-6p
• Lily’s Dayton, 329 E. Fifth St.: Happy Hour food and drink specials run from 4:30-6:30 p.m. every First Friday!
• 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!
• 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, and $4 Fireball Shots.
• 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.
• Winans Coffee & Chocolates, 221 N. Patterson Blvd.: Happy Hour wine is $8 a glass from 4-7 p.m.!

SPECIAL SHOPPING DEALS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES

• After5, 111 E. Third St.: Mention First Friday at checkout to take 20% off of your total purchase!
• Chairapy, 605 E. Fifth St.: New business alert! Join us for a ribbon cutting at 3 p.m. on First Friday!
• 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.
• Mintha’s Boutique, 520 E. Third St.: New business alert! Stop by to welcome them downtown and mark your calendar for a grand opening on July 12!
• 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.
• The Oregon District, Fifth Street: Visit the pedestrian promenade at Out on 5th! Enjoy extended outdoor seating, vendors, entertainment, and more as you visit your favorite Oregon District businesses.
• Pedal Wagon Dayton: Pedal Wagon Dayton: Hop around to some of Dayton’s best breweries on the Brewery Cruise! Seats are $35 for adults 21+ or rent a private ride for up to 15 people for $499! com/dayton/brewery-cruise/
• Picture Perfect Paint Parties, 123 N. Ludlow St.: Come and enjoy our grape tastings of the month and a mini-paint party canvas. Register at www.pictureperfectpaintparties.com or call 937-265-0691 for more information.
• 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.
• Wild Whiskers, 33 S. St. Clair St.: It’s Christmas in July. Stop in to shop store-wide sales!

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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