First Friday: Spring has Sprung Edition

Spring has sprung! April 4 First Friday in downtown Dayton

The sun is shining, flowers, are blooming, birds are singing - spring is finally here!

Start the new season downtown during First Friday from 5-10 p.m. on Friday, April 4. April and the spring season bring plenty of fresh opportunities to enjoy, including delicious spring menu debuts, happy hour specials, exciting new art exhibits, shopping deals, and even more throughout the month!

Don’t forget, the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) is in effect daily from noon until midnight all year-round! Guests 21 years and older are invited to purchase a DORA beverage from a participating business to sip and stroll while enjoying the gorgeous spring weather around Downtown Dayton! Get a refresher on the rules, see the boundary, and a list of all participating vendors at https://downtowndayton.org/DORA.

ART, DANCE, MUSIC, AND FILM

• Black Box Improv, 518 E. Third St.: Take in comedy from Friday House Team “Grandpa’s Scream Jar,” and a First Friday Musical. For tickets and other information, visit www.DaytonBlackBoxImprov.com
• Blind Bob’s, 430 E. Fifth St.: Join us for a night of great music from Joe Waters and Scott Houchens. 8 p.m. 21+, $10 at the door.
• The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St.: See “Susan Byrnes: Lightness and Weight” and “George Armstrong: A Zachary Armstrong Curatorial Project” on display now through April 19. Free and open to all!
• Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North: Visit the latest exhibitions, “Jamie Wyeth: Unsettled,” “Captivating Clay: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection,” “The Need for Beauty,” “A Taste for Pop: Gifts from S. Bradley Gillaugh,” “Kind of Funny,” and shop the library book sale! Open until 5 p.m. on Friday.
• The Dayton International Peace Museum, 10 N. Ludlow St.: The Season For Nonviolence Closing Event: Ambassador Tony Hall speaks about our 24 hour community fast, the winner of The Miami Valley Peace Maker Award will be named, and a special performance by the World House Choir. Event begins at 5:30 p.m. – donations welcome!
• Dayton Metro Library, 215 E. Third St.: In celebration of Earth Day, the Dayton Society of Artists presents “What a Wonderful World” on display through April 26 on the second floor of the Dayton Metro Library.
• Dayton Society of Artists, 48 High St.: Celebrate the second part of the annual DSA members show, Part of a Whole. This exhibition celebrates the artists who support and shape our creative community, highlighting a diverse range of styles, mediums, and techniques. Stop by from 5-8 p.m.
• Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Ave.: See “Chancers” starting at 8 p.m. Tickets at daytontheatreguild.org
• Dublin Pub, 300 Wayne Ave.: Enjoy live music from Velvet Crush Unplugged from 8-9 p.m.
• Edward A. Dixon Gallery, 222 N. St. Clair St.: See “SWAY” by Susane Scherette King on display now. 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 as nearly one hundred artists and artisans open their art studios, galleries, & boutiques to the public. Front Street Project Pit opens this month featuring Central State University’s Art Department’s “2025 Student Show.” While you’re there, grab a bite from one of the on-site food vendors! Keep your eyes peeled for hidden eggs around Front Street – snap a photo and use #frontstreet2025 for a chance to win!
• The Human Race Theatre Company, 126 N. Main St.: Embark on a majestic journey with Camelot! Show begins at 7:30 p.m.
• 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. Perfect for friends and significant others, 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.
• The Neon movie theater, 130 E. Fifth St.: See “The Friend” on First Friday! See the full schedule at neonmovies.com. 
• Oregon Express, 336 E. Fifth St.: Enjoy live music from No Balance, Feral Vices, and Leaving Off. Music starts at 8 p.m. $10 at the door.
• Sinclair College, Building 13, 4th floor (W. Fifth & Perry Sts): The Sinclair Community College Art Department is pleased to present the 2025 Fine Art Student Juried Exhibition. Galleries are free and open to the public from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sinclair College, Blair Hall: Sinclair Theatre presents “The Tempest.” Show begins at 7 p.m.
• Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. Fourth St.: Dayton Music Industry and Flow Arts Gathering! Doors open at 6 p.m. for a free 18+ show featuring Mushroom Cloud, Space Wolf, 247, Wamba, and Anoobis.

DINING AND DRINKS

• Antioch Shrine Temple, 107 E. First St.: Enjoy gambling, live entertainment, and delicious food at the Antioch Shrine Fish Fry! $20 for adults, $10 for kids 12 & under. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
• The Century Bar, 18 S. Jefferson St.: Stop in to try the “Sugar Magnolia” and other features on the new Spring Cocktail and Spring Mocktail menus!
• 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 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.!
• Mintha’s Boutique, 520 E. Third St.: Join us for a mouth-watering day at our Gourmet Hot Dog Sale Event! Bring your friends and family for a fun-filled day of delicious food, drinks, and of course, shopping! Noon-7 p.m.
• 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 to visit them 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.
• 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

• 2nd Street Market, 600 E. Second St.: Join The Wenches of Wormwood for Tea Time! Enjoy several samples of their natural tea while they talk about the alternative uses of tea. Did you know that tea can be used as an odor absorber, in your cleaning solutions or to help with sunburns?
• 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.
• Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North: Shop the library book sale from noon until 5 p.m.! All proceeds from the sale will support the DAI’s library renovation project.
• Dayton Metro Library, 215 E. Third St.: Teens grades 7-12 are invited to socialize with friends, play games, and more. Register at daytonmetrolibrary.org
• Dayton Woman’s Club, 225 N. Ludlow St.: Come visit our beautiful Victorian Mansion in Downtown Dayton and discover new, vintage, and collectible treasures from local artisans and merchants during the Early Bird Market. We'll be serving from-scratch meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with baked goods and savory snacks.
• 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.: Join us for a mouth-watering day at our Gourmet Hot Dog Sale Event! Bring your friends and family for a fun-filled day of delicious food, drinks, and of course, shopping! Noon-7 p.m.
• 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: Pedal Wagon Dayton: First Friday discount! Bookings for 4/4 using discount “FIRSTFRIDAY” will receive 20% off! Limited availability! 
• 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!
• 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.

Links & Tags

Downtown Dayton Partnership.

Downtown Dayton Partnership - A nonprofit organization that includes information about working, living and having fun in downtown Dayton.