November 1 First Friday: Dayton Holiday Festival Edition

October 25, 2024, DAYTON, Ohio – The holiday season is just around the corner and all are invited to start this season of gratitude in downtown Dayton during the November 1 First Friday. Join us on Friday, November 1, from 5 to 10 p.m. for an evening of live entertainment, new gallery and exhibit openings, delicious food and drinks, and so much more! This is also a great time to get a head start on holiday shopping lists by checking out new arrivals and special savings at downtown’s unique and independent retailers. First Friday is the easiest way to see everything that downtown has to offer and show your appreciation for your neighbors and your community in one fun-filled evening!

We’re getting holly and jolly this First Friday as we prepare for even more holiday fun in downtown Dayton! Mark your calendars for the Grande Illumination and official kick-off of the holiday season on Friday, November 29. From 3 until 7 p.m.! Get ready for an evening of live performances, crafts, carriage rides, a street fair, and so much more all leading up to the Grande Illumination tree lighting at 7 p.m.! Just moments later, the Dayton Children’s Parade Spectacular in Lights will begin and set downtown streets aglow with more than 100,000 lights on decorative floats, horses, drill teams, bands, and more special holiday treats! Check out the schedule of events so far and stay tuned for more holiday fun throughout the holiday season at https://downtowndayton.org/things-to-do/holiday-festival/

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 “Midwestern Beef,” and an improvised musical! Tickets and other information, visit DaytonBlackBoxImprov.com
• Blind Bob’s, 430 E. Fifth St.: Hear great live music from Joshua Powell and She’s Deadly! Doors at 8pm, music at 9pm, 21+, $10
• The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St.: See exhibitions on view until December 21: “Curtis Mann: Precious Blood,” “Sean Wilkinson: Flora,” and “John Lauer: Demon Heads.” Open until 8 p.m. for First Friday. Free and open to all.
• Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North: Visit the latest special exhibitions, “Captivating Clay: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection,” “Devil’s Promenade,” “The Max May Memorial Holocaust Art Exhibition,” “Merry Grinchmas: Art of Dr. Seuss’ Holiday Classic & (B)Art! America’s Funniest Animated Family,” and “Making Faces: 18 Essential Kabuki Plays.” Open until 5 p.m. on Friday.
• Dayton Society of Artists, 48 High St.: The Dayton Society of Artists welcomes you to the opening of “Small but Mighty: Gift and Fine Arts Exhibition” from 5-8 p.m. on First Friday. The exhibition runs through December 14. All small-scale artwork and goods are ready for purchase.
• 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 at 9 p.m.
• Edward A. Dixon Gallery, 222 N. St. Clair St.: November 2024 will bring works from Cedric Michael Cox, Cynthia Kukla, Juko, Marilynn Page, and other new artists back to the main gallery. Unwind during the Opening Reception from 6-8 p.m.. Light refreshments will be served. Free on-street parking.
• 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!
• K12 Gallery & TEJAS, 341 S. Jefferson St.: Join a Happy Hour Paint-In! Artists 21+ are welcome to bring their own drinks to enjoy while they do a still-live study in an Impressionist style! $30 per artist. Sessions run 4-6p and 6-8p.
• The Neon movie theater, 130 E. Fifth St.: See the full movie schedule online: neonmovies.com.
• Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. Fourth St.: Join us for a night of live music with Cellar Dwellar, Abertooth Lincoln, Crossing the Rubicon, Dreadful Rumo! $10 cover start at 8pm with music starting at 9pm

DINING AND DRINKS

• Corner Kitchen, 613 E. Fifth St.: Now open for lunch every Friday! Enjoy Happy hour specials from 5-7 p.m.. Whiskey Flights are available during every shift!
• Dayton Beer Company, 41 Madison St.: Happy Hour runs 3-5 p.m.! Enjoy $1 off all DBC core beers.
• Lily’s Dayton, 329 E. Fifth St.: Happy Hour food and drink specials run 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, $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.
• 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.: Check out the new Fall drink menu!
• Warped Wing Brewing Company, 26 Wyandot St.: First Friday Beer Tapping + Smash Burger Special! We’ll be releasing the new Pilot Series Taddy Porter, a smooth & approachable medium-bodied brew with a roasted, chocolate aroma, and showcasing the Smokin’ Cowboy Smash Burger, featuring two patties topped with housemade chili, bacon, gouda cheese, and caramelized onions on a potato brioche bun.
• 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!
• 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.
• Dayton Metro Library, 215 E. Third St.: ESL Classes (English 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.
• Eclectic Essentials, 510 E. Fifth St.: Get 10% off of all regular-priced merchandise! Enjoy free snacks and beverages while you shop.
• 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.: Get 20% off your entire purchase when you mention First Friday!
• 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: 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 $35 or book a private ride starting at $499 pedalwagon.com/dayton/polar-bear-express/
• 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.
• Rabbit Hole Books, 29 W. First St.: Dia de Los Muertos Last Chance Halloween! Stop by Rabbit Hole Books for free treats and 20% off of all bats, cats, and hats! Open noon until 7 p.m.
• 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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