September 6 First Friday: Back to School Edition

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

Friday, August 30, 2024, DAYTON, Ohio – Summer is winding down and kids are heading back to school, so it’s time to send summer off in a big way at this month’s First Friday celebration. Start your September off with live entertainment, specials, sales, new menu items, and more from 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday, September 6! Don’t forget, the Downtown Dayton DORA is in effect from noon to midnight every day. You can raise a toast to summer on your favorite downtown patio or on the go as you explore downtown’s unique and independent businesses!

Explore different locations and see everything First Friday has to offer with downtown’s convenient transportation options. Catch a ride on one of the low-cost, electric carts from GEST Carts Dayton! You can also use RTA’s free route, The Flyer, to get to and from your favorite places. To find a map with the route and pick-up locations, visit www.iRideRTA.org/TheFlyer. You can also grab a Link Bike for the short trip between First Friday destinations from one of the bike stations around downtown or find a Spin Scooter along the way to rent by the minute. If you’re walking, grab a DORA drink from one of the 50+ participating bars and restaurants around downtown! See participating locations, rules, and a map of the newly expanded boundaries at downtowndayton.org/dora/.

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” followed by a specialty show. For tickets and other information, visit DaytonBlackBoxImprov.com
• Blind Bob’s, 430 E. Fifth St.: Come and rock with Place Position, Teeth Marks, and The Invisible Strings. 8 p.m. doors. Show is $10 at the door and 21+.
• The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St.: Join the opening reception from 6-8 p.m. for “Curtis Mann: Precious Blood” and “Sean Wilkinson: Flora.” Exhibitions run through December 21.
• 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 exhibitions, “Hand-Colored Photographs,” “Captivating Clay: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection,” “Those Who Care,” “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., 937-224-7822: Live music at the Dublin Pub! Stop by for Free Juke Box Friday from 6-7 followed by Miami Valley Pipes & Drums at 7pm, and more music at 9pm
• Edward A. Dixon Gallery, 222 N. St. Clair St.: It’s Nonprofit Night featuring local organizations such as Miami Valley Meals, The Ohio CDC Association, and the Dayton Metro Library defining their work and providing information on how to get involved. The event is also a chance to view the We’re Doing It ALL Wrong® – 4th Annual Art Exhibition. Light refreshments provided. Free on-street parking.
• Front Street, 1001 E. Second St.: Urban Sketchers Dayton, a local chapter of artists who draw on location, capturing what they see from direct observation is taking over the Front Street Gallery this September! Enjoy an evening of live music, food trucks, studio and gallery hopping, shopping, and more! With artwork and handmade goods from more than 250 artists, you’re going to want to get here early!
• The International Peace Museum, 10 N. Ludlow St.: Selman, a design studio out of NYC, presents the opening night of “PeacePost: Portraits of Peace From Every Country Around the World” from 5-8 p.m. Light appetizers and drinks available. This event is free, but donations are appreciated!
• K12 Gallery & TEJAS, 341 S. Jefferson St.: Join in a Happy Hour Paint session!
• 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.
• Oregon Express, 336 E. Fifth St.: Bust out your beach wear and party at Heartsiq’s Beach Party! Cover starts at 8pm, music and performance at 9pm. Tickets $12 at the door. All ages welcome with a guardian.
• Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. Fourth St.: Join us for a night of hip hop with Kwaj, Dom Deshawn, Day Luster, Montana & Tyrant! $10 cover starts at 8pm with music at 9pm

DINING AND DRINKS

• Dayton Beer Company, 41 Madison St.: Happy Hour runs 3-5 p.m.! Enjoy $2 off all DBC beer pints.
• Lily’s Dayton, 329 E. Fifth St.: Enjoy special happy hour pricing 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.
• 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.: Check out the new Summer drink menu!
• Warped Wing Brewing Company, 26 Wyandot St.: Introducing the latest from our Pilot Series, a refreshing Sour Blonde Ale with vibrant notes of lemon and honeydew melon. Pair the new offering with the Sweet Heat Smash Burger!
• 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) take place in the Opportunity Space every Monday and Friday, from 4:30-5:30 PM. New Americans are invited to take part in this free program that is taught in 3 different levels. For more information, contact the Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665
• 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.: It’s Wine Down Friday from 4-7 p.m.! Sip while you shop one of downtown’s newest boutiques.
• 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.: Fill a bag and save! Stop in to shop the sale during September’s First Friday.

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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