March 7 First Friday: Game Time Downtown Edition

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

February 28, 2025, DAYTON, Ohio – Spring is just around the corner and Dayton is ready to spring into action and an exciting month ahead! March brings a lot to celebrate like the first signs of warmer weather, St. Patrick’s Day, college basketball, and so much more. Tip off your March celebrations during Downtown Dayton’s First Friday happening from 5 to 10 p.m. next Friday, March 7!

Visit Downtown Dayton’s unique and independent retailers to get lucky with plenty of off-court action like happy hour specials, special First Friday shopping deals, live entertainment, and more. Don’t forget, you can take a drink to go as you explore Downtown Dayton on First Friday! The Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) is in effect daily from noon until midnight. Within the DORA boundaries, guests 21 years and older can ask for beer or cocktails to go at participating vendors.

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 from Friday House Team “Grandpa’s Scream Jar,” First Friday Musical! For tickets and other information, visit DaytonBlackBoxImprov.com
• Blind Bob’s, 430 E. Fifth St.: Join us for a night of great music from David Moore & Adam Rubenstein, 1984 Draft, Motion Club, and Shane Sweeney! Doors at 8pm, 21+, $15
• The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St.: “Be a Blessing” with Dr. Elyssa Wortzman. The public is invited to join a transformative experiment to foster inclusion through Mindful art-making, action, and reflection. 9:30a-12p. $10
• The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St.: “Susan Byrnes: Lightness and Weight” and “George Armstrong: A Zachary Armstrong Curatorial Project” are now on display through April 12. Visit the gallery for free from 11a-6p on First Friday.
• Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North: Visit the latest special exhibitions “Captivating Clay: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection,” “Making Faces: 18 Essential Kabuki Plays,” “The Need for Beauty,” “A Taste for Pop: Gifts from S. Bradley Gillaugh,” and “Kind of Funny.” Open until 5 p.m. on Friday.
• Dayton Live, Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St.: Catch “Forbidden Broadway: Merrily We Stole a Song” for a fall-down funny, satirical roast of more than 30 Broadway hits! Show begins at 8pm. Best and most accurate ticket information is available at daytonlive.org
• Dayton Society of Artists, 48 High St.: Join the Dayton Society of Artists on First Friday to celebrate the first part of their annual members show, Part of a Whole. This dynamic exhibition celebrates the incredible talent of DSA’s artist members. Visit the gallery from 5-8 p.m.
• Dublin Pub, 300 Wayne Ave.: It’s Free Juke Box Friday from 6-7 p.m.! Stick around for Irish First Fridays with a Miami Valley Pipes & Drums performance at 7 p.m. and more music from Fintan (Irish/celtic) at 8:30 p.m.!
• Edward A. Dixon Gallery, 222 N. St. Clair St.: The gallery has extended hours to conveniently be part of your First Friday Art Hop. See artwork from the Dayton area, around the U.S. and around the world. Light refreshments provided.
• Front Street, 1001 E. Second St.: Explore art studios, shops, and galleries across campus! Live art demonstrations, gallery openings, and new work on display by more than 150 artists!  Meet our artists, learn about their work, or sign up to take a class!  Don’t just see art, live it!
• K12 Gallery & TEJAS, 341 S. Jefferson St.: Happy Hour Paint In: Painters 21+ are invited to join us for a relaxing still-life painting experience. This once-a-month opportunity is an equally fun and educational experience to explore the art of painting while enjoying your favorite drinks. 2 sessions 4:00-6:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm. Each session costs $30 drinks are not included.
• K12 Gallery & TEJAS, 341 S. Jefferson St.: See art from young and upcoming creators during the Chaminade Julienne H.S. and Ascension Student Art Show!
• The Neon movie theater, 130 E. Fifth St.: See the full schedule online: neonmovies.com. Enjoy beer and cocktail specials during First Friday, and purchase a DORA drink at the Neon to walk around downtown Dayton’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area before or after the show.
• Oregon Express, 336 E. Fifth St.: Join us for Cyber Friday for a night of electrifying beats and wild performances! Doors open at 8 p.m., music begins at 9 p.m. $5 at the door!
• Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. Fourth St.: Enjoy live music from O’Shea the Wicket, P the Emcee, Blanch Robinson, Chiefy, and OG Breezy! $10 cover starts at 8:30 p.m., music begins at 9 p.m.

DINING AND DRINKS

• Corner Kitchen, 613 E. Fifth St.: Half off glass pours during happy hour! 5-7 p.m. Stop by early to enjoy lunch starting at 11 a.m.
• Dayton Beer Company, 41 Madison St.: Happy Hour runs 3-5 p.m.! Enjoy $1 off all DBC core beers.
• Dublin Pub, 300 Wayne Ave.: Enjoy Happy Hour specials from 3-6 p.m.!
• The Foundry, 124 Madison St.:
• Jimmy John’s, 220 N. Main St.: Try the NEW Toasted Sandwiches: Roast Beef & Cheddar, Chicken Bacon Ranch, and Ultimate Italian!
• Lily’s Dayton, 329 E. Fifth St.: Enjoy Happy Hour specials on Bao Buns and wine, highball cocktails, and craft beers on tap from 4:30-6:30 p.m.!
• Local Cantina, 503 E. First St: Happy Hour is from 3 to 6 p.m. with $5 Mustache Rides, $6 Local Margaritas, $2 Cerveza Amarilla, and $2 off appetizers
• 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.
• Sueño, 607 E. Third St.: Happy hour at the bar runs from 4-6 p.m.!
• Table 33 Dayton, 45 W. Fourth St.: Table 33 is now open for dinner! Stop by their new location in the Dayton Arcade from 5-9 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays!
• Tender Mercy, 607 E. Third St. (Lower Level), Happy Hour runs from 4-6 p.m. featuring half-off select Signature Cocktails, beer, and wine.
• 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.
• Warped Wing Brewing Co., 26 Wyandot St.: Enjoy $5 16oz Fly Light Lager, $5.50 20oz Fly Light Lager, and a Slam Dunk Platter with tater kegs, soft pretzels, mac & cheese bites, and onion rings before & during the UD Flyer Watch Party!
• Winans Coffee & Chocolates, 221 N. Patterson Blvd.: Happy Hour wine is $7 a glass from 4-7 p.m.!

SPECIAL SHOPPING DEALS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES

• 5 Star Salon Academy, 125 E. Second St.: Enjoy an evening of mini beauty services while supporting scholarships for local beauty students and aspiring beauty professionals! 4-7 p.m. $10 at the door (includes mini beauty services).
• After5, 111 E. Third St.: Mention First Friday at checkout to take 20% off of your total purchase!
• Beaute Box, 20 W. Monument Ave.: Get a Brazillian Wax for just $75!
• Choice Juice Boxx, 31 S. St. Clair St.: Spend $50 at Varsity House to receive 10% off from your Choice Juice Boxx purchase.
• Dayton Metro Library, 215 E. Third St.: DML’s ESL Classes are free programs for learning and practicing English speaking skills! Classes are taught in three different levels. For more information, call the Ask Me Line at 937-463-2665
• Dayton Metro Library, 215 E. Third St.: Teens in grades 7-12 are invited to the Teen Hangout! Socialize with friends, play games, and more. Registration is required. Learn more at daytonmetrolibrary.org
• Gem City Jewelry, 110 N. Main St., Ste. 125: Mention First Friday for a 30% discount on all fine gold jewelry.
• Gem City Tattoo Club, 436 E. Fifth St.: Tattoo flash sale! From 12:30-7:30 p.m., GCTC will offer traditional designs from our group of professional artists at a discounted price of $80-$100! Stop in and choose from 100s of designs. First come first serve!
• Mintha’s Boutique, 520 E. Third St.: Mention First Friday at checkout to enjoy an extra 15% off of all clearance items!
• 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.
• Pedal Wagon Dayton, 28 N. Patterson St.: The first three wagons to book on First Friday for March and April will receive a 20% off discount! Call 937-388-3006 and mention “First Friday” to book!
• 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.
• The Silos, 810 E. First St.: Get excited for the growing season at our first Seed Swap! Locals are invited to trade their extra seeds with others to try growing new things, share their love and knowledge of gardening, and meet new friends! Seeds can come from something you’ve grown or be store bought. Swap begins at 4 p.m.!
• Sole Touchers, 37 S. St. Clair St.: Mention First Friday to receive 25% off all shoes in store!
• Square One Salon & Spa, 506 E. Third St: Enjoy First Friday & Saturday Styles! A new way to experience Square One with Preferred Pricing on Select Services! Available only on First Friday & Saturday of each month with select service providers. Book early – appointments fill quickly!
• Two Social, 123 E. Third St.: Battle it out at Dayton’s premier weekly platform fighter tournament! Featuring the iconic Super Smash Bros. Melee and Rivals of Aether II.
• 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.
• Warped Wing Brewing Company, 26 Wyandot St.: Catch the UD Flyer game live with sound on during this FREE UD Flyer Watch Party! Food and drink specials kick off 3 hours before tip-off and run through the game.

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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