Downtown Dayton Events Calendar
Events in Downtown Dayton, including Theater, Festivals, Art Exhibits, Live Music, Concerts and more.
Downtown Dayton in Dayton
Doug Hart Solo live at Whisperz Speakeasy
Thursday, September 24 2026
Taking the stage from 7-10 pm on Thursday, September 24th is local blues favorite, Doug Hart. Known for his high-energy guitar work and soulful vocals, Doug’s performances always pack the house!
INTRO TO CHOCOLATE: How to taste and love craft chocolate
Thursday, September 24 2026
Hey chocolate lovers! Indulge your taste buds with some of the world's most dynamic single origin bean to bar craft chocolate with adventurous curious chocolate eaters! Join us September 24 at the Downtown Dayton Library.
Member's Spotlight Exhibition: Deanna Newsom: Garden Parallax
Thursday, September 24 2026
The Member’s Spotlight Exhibitions at The Contemporary Dayton celebrate the vibrant creativity of our local and regional artist community.
2nd Street Market
Friday, September 25 2026
Reminiscent of European markets, 2nd Street Market is alive with local growers, bakers, culinary specialists, artisans, people, and activity during market hours. OUTDOOR MARKET NOW OPEN!
Annie - Dayton Playhouse
Friday, September 25 2026
Set against a world of hard knocks and big dreams, Annie—presented by Dayton Playhouse Sep 18, 2026 - Oct 4, 2026 as the 2026-2027 season opener -directed by Dawn Roth Smith
Ella Kraimer: Appearances
Friday, September 25 2026
Photographic staged self-portraits exploring fictional identities shaped through irony, humor, and cultural critique.
Masquerade Party at The Brightside
Friday, September 25 2026
Dayton Silent Disco is hosting a Masquerade Party at The Brightside Music and Events Venue on Sept 25th!
RLJQ Afro-Cuban Jazz Band live at Whisperz Speakeasy
Friday, September 25 2026
Join us as we welcome RLJQ Afro-Cuban Jazz Band back to the Whisperz Speakeasy stage on Friday, September 25th from 9p-12am with a blend of exciting, eclectic Afro-Cuban Jazz!
Social Vintage Dance Lessons Friday Nights
Friday, September 25 2026
We socially dance many types of historical and modern dances. Our emphasis is typically on having fun with partnered social dances, but we also do set dances, circle dances, line dances, and solo dance as well.
Stacy Kranitz: Ain't No Grave Gonna Hold My Body Down
Friday, September 25 2026
A complex portrait of Appalachia shaped by myth, exploitation, and resilience in over 75 photographs.
Art Encounters Saturday Art Hops
Saturday, September 26 2026
Art Encounters at Front Street is open every Saturday 11-4!! We are a co-op gallery featuring the artwork of 14 local artists. Art Hops are always free, family friendly and leashed pets are welcome
Artist Feedback Forum
Saturday, September 26 2026
To build community and foster the sharing of ideas, The Contemporary Dayton offers an Artist's Feedback Forum for Artist Members. Bring a finished work or a work of art in progress to receive constructive feedback.
Bored Teachers: "Is It Friday Yet?!" Comedy Tour
Saturday, September 26 2026
They’ve graded the papers, survived the staff meetings, and lost their last ounce of patience… and now they’re taking it out on stage!
Front Street Saturdays
Saturday, September 26 2026
Front Street is OPEN EVERY SATURDAY!!! Boutiques, workshops, & studios are open across campus EVERY SATURDAY 11A-4P!
Michael Johnson feat 3D live at Whisperz Speakeasy
Saturday, September 26 2026
Join us as we welcome Michael Johnson featuring 3D to the Whisperz Speakeasy stage on Saturday, September 26th from 9p-12am for a soulful set of jazz, blues & R&B sure to get your feet moving!
We're Doing It ALL Wrong® - 6th Annual Art Exhibition
Saturday, September 26 2026
The We're Doing It ALL Wrong® - 6th Annual art exhibiton Public Reception will be held on Saturday, August 8th from 2pm-4pm.
West Side Story
Saturday, September 26 2026
The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance presents West Side Story—a massive collaboration between your Dayton Opera, Ballet, and Philharmonic, and the Wright State University School of Fine and Performing Arts!
Native Plant Sale at 2nd Street Market
Sunday, September 27 2026
Come and browse indigenous native perennials for sale at 2nd Street Market.
Creepy Crawl Scavenger Hunt
Monday, September 28 2026
Get your buddies together and go on a daring hunt around Kettering and the Greater Dayton Area to locate and learn more about the creepy landmarks, buildings and graveyards in your own backyard.
Toastmasters - Downtown Morning Toasters
Wednesday, September 30 2026
Improve your public speaking skills and network with influential, active Dayton business people.
Ali Siddiq: The Custom Fit Tour
Thursday, October 01 2026
Dayton Live and Outback Presents Ali Siddiq LIVE at the historic Victoria Theatre in downtown Dayton
Storytelling & Collage Night
Thursday, October 01 2026
Presented in conjunction with Ella Kraimer's current exhibition, Appearances. No experience necessary to participate. FREE and open to all.
First Friday Art Hop and Saturday Open Studios at Front Street
Friday, October 02 2026
Explore 150+ artists, studios, vintage vendors, food trucks, and more at Front Street's First Friday Hart Hop and Saturday open studios
October First Friday at the Arcade
Friday, October 02 2026
The Dayton Arcade’s historic Concourse will be open on Friday, October 2 from 5–8 PM. Stop by and experience the heart of the Arcade as part of downtown’s First Friday festivities!
Business of Art
Saturday, October 03 2026
A Member Exclusive Event! Come to The Contemporary Dayton to learn the business side of fine art. Open to all current Members of The Contemporary Dayton. To become a Member, visit https://codayton.org/support/memberships/
My Hero Academia In Concert My Hero Academia In Concert
Saturday, October 03 2026
Join the ultimate celebration of heroism as MY HERO ACADEMIA IN CONCERT brings a decade of unforgettable moments to life!
Neil deGrasse Tyson: An Astrophysicist Goes To The Movies - Part 2
Sunday, October 04 2026
An entertaining and enlightening review of all the science that our favorite movies got wrong, combined with some of the stuff they got right.
