September 5 First Friday: Back to School Edition

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

August 29, 2025, DAYTON, Ohio – Temperatures are getting cooler, kids are back in the classroom, and a new season is just around the corner in Downtown Dayton. Celebrate the start of fall and September during First Friday from 5-10 p.m. on Friday, September 5! Get a sneak peek of all the fall offerings from your favorite downtown eateries, taprooms, galleries, retailers, and more. Don’t forget, the Downtown Dayton Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area is in effect every day from noon until midnight. Visitors 21 and older are invited to purchase a beverage in an approved DORA cup from participating businesses to sip as you stroll and shop Downtown Dayton. See the map, participating locations, and full rules breakdown on the DORA webpage.

Summer may be winding down, but CURIO is still going strong! Visit Courthouse Square for FREE lunchtime entertainment every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday through October. Put your brain to the test with general knowledge trivia every Tuesday hosted by Daga Trivia, unwind with games, puzzles, coloring pages, and more during ZENsday, and end your week on the right note with a live performance during Unplugged Thursday. Plus, don’t miss special monthly social hours with a fresh theme and downtown fun. Keep up with the full calendar of free CURIO events and help keep the party going!

First Friday is part of Summer in the City, presented by AES Ohio. 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” followed by a special rotating show! Tickets and more info at com/
• Blind Bob’s, 430 E. Fifth St.: Night 1 of Dayton Music Fest! Featuring The New Old Fashioned, Blanch Robinson, and Moon Temple. Doors at 8PM. 21+, $10 single venue or $15 all venues.
• The Brightside, 905 E. Third St.: Night 1 of Dayton Music Fest! Featuring Illwin, Socks, and crabswithoutlegs. $10 single venue or $15 all venues.
• The Dayton Arcade, 24 W. Third St.: Step into The Perfect September — a one-night-only celebration of paper art, nature, and creativity. This pop-up gallery transforms the historic North Arcade into a breathtaking world where fine art, live performance, and music intertwine. Free and open to the public!
• Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North: Visit “Themes in Yoshitoshi’s 100 Aspects of the Moon,” “Wonders in Color: Art by Alexander Calder & Others,” “Cats in Art/Dogs in Art,” and “Curtis Barnes, Sr, Dayton Icon.” Open until 5 p.m. on Friday.
• Dayton Live, Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, 1 W. Second St.: Tom Segura: Come Together begins at 7 p.m.! : Actor/comedian/writer Tom Segura is one of the biggest names in the comedy business. He is currently selling out venues all over the world on his Come Together tour. This follows his highly successful, I’m Coming Everywhere World Tour, where he played over 300 shows.
• Dayton Metro Library Main Branch, Opportunity Space @ St. Clair, 215 E. Third St.: Queens of the Heartland is a traveling, abbreviated panel version of the full exhibit, currently on display at the National Afro-American Museum. The exhibit includes historical evidence of the Queens’ lives, such as original archival material and three-dimensional objects.
• 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.
• Edward A. Dixon Gallery, 222 N. St. Clair St.: Hope Road is the featured organization at the 2025 Nonprofit Night at the Edward A. Dixon Gallery. This event is held in conjunction with the We’re Doing It ALL Wrong® – 5th Annual Art Exhibition as way to promote organizations that are taking action to make our communities safe, productive and connected. Doors open at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. Free on-street parking available. Visit shop.eadgallery.com to learn more.
• 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!
• Levitt Pavilion Dayton, 134 S. Main St.: FREE concert on the lawn at 7:00 p.m. with Miller & The Other Sinners!
• 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’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area before or after the show.
• Oregon Express, 336 E. Fifth St.: Night 1 of the Dayton Music Festival! Featuring The Fotons, Warning Signs, and Heather Redman. $10 single venue or $15 all venues.
• Toxic Brew Co., 431 E. Fifth St.: Art at Sip featuring artists Tiffany Clark & Brittany Katz with seasonal beers, cocktails, and N/A beverage options.
• Trolley Stop, 530 E. Fifth St.: Night 1 of the Dayton Music Festival! Featuring Melina Marie, Gardener, and Basura. $10 single venue or $15 all venues.
• Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. Fourth St.: Night 1 of the Dayton Music Festival! Featuring Dos. Grandiose, Brother Hill, and Fullbody. $10 single venue or $15 all venues.

DINING AND DRINKS

• Club Evolution, 130 N. Patterson Blvd.: You Dropped the Bomb on Me First Friday – get $1 cherry bombs and $3 Jager bombs all night!
• 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.!
• Jimmy John’s, 220 N. Main St.: Try the NEW Toasted Pizza Sandwiches in Three Cheese and Sicilian! Plus, get a taste of fall with the Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookie.
• 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.!
• 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.
• Pins Mechanical Co., 416 E. First St.: It’s Fireball Friday! Get ½ off Fireball Whisky. Happy Hour is 4-7 p.m. every weekday; get $3 off specialty cocktails and ½ off draft beer.
• 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.: Enjoy some late-night pizza! The oven is on and the bar is open 9p-12a on Fridays & 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.
• Toxic Brew Co., 431 E. Fifth St.: Art and Sip featuring Tiffany Clark & Brittany Katz with seasonal beers, cocktails, and N/A beverage options
• 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.
• 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

• 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.
• CORPORATE, 119 E. Third St.: First Friday sale! Get 15% off in-store only from 11a-6p on First Friday
• 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!
• Now & Zen DIY Studio, 121 E. Third St.: Enjoy a Date Night Terrarium Workshop! Hands on DIY Terrarium building class with all supplies included. Charcuterie cups will be provided, patrons may feel free to bring their own beverages. $65 per couple. Register at shopnowandzen.com
• 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 $39.50 for adults 21+ or rent a private ride for up to 15 people! com/dayton/brewery-cruise/
• The Silos, 810 E. First St.: Grab your helmet – The Silos is a Dayton Bike Meet stopping point with a drink special every First Friday (weather permitting)
• Sole Touchers, 37 S. St. Clair St.: Mention First Friday to receive 25% off all shoes in store!
• Soleil Movement Studio, 204 Wayne Avenue: Your first class is just $5! Join a trial membership special for $59 for one month unlimited trial membership before committing ($135 value). Register for Friday’s Guided Meditation, Mat Pilates, or Gentle Yoga Flow classes at https://www.soleilmovement.com/class-schedule
• Space Three, 39 S. St. Clair St.: Sweaty September with Space Three. Ready to fall back into fitness? Join Space Three during the month of September by challenging yourself to attend 20 classes + complete five (5) pick-your-own adventure challenges. Complete the challenge and score a FREE Space Three tee & bragging rights
• 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!
• 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.
• Vogue Vision Photography, a Denise Danielle Photography company, 120 W. Second St.: Headshot Party! Only $99 for a 20 min session with 2 digital images. Makeup artist on site, prices may vary.
• Wild Whiskers, 33 S. St. Clair St.: Shop September savings! Up to $5 off Answers Pet Food products, BOGO FREE Wisdom Air-Dried Jerky, Buy 4 get 1 FREE Raised Right lightly cooked

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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