First Friday: December - Holiday Fun Edition
The holiday season is officially underway and you can celebrate the most wonderful time of the year during December First Friday!
December 5 First Friday: Holiday Fun Downtown Edition
'Tis the season! First Friday Holiday Shopping Dec 5
Downtown Dayton is your place for holiday fun! Join us from 5-10 p.m. on Friday, December 5, for a festive First Friday filled with local shopping, holiday-themed entertainment, and another joyful Dayton Holiday Festival. Your favorite downtown small businesses will be having holiday specials, extended hours, and unique events to help you celebrate all season long.
ART, DANCE, MUSIC, AND FILM
The Black Box Improv, 518 E. Third St.: Take in comedy from Friday House Team “Grandpa’s Scream Jar”!
Blind Bob’s, 430 E. Fifth St.: Come and hear excellent music from Dope Opera, K. Carter, Wreck League, and Black Spot! 8 p.m., 21+, $10
The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St.: The Contemporary Dayton is proud to present Xaviera Simmons: Figure Eleven, a major solo exhibition that brings together recent works in photography, painting, video, and the world premiere of a new body of bronze sculptures by one of the most bold and visionary artists of our time.
The Dayton Arcade, 24 W. Third St. (North Arcade): Rock the Stigma: The Art Edition, 6 – 8 p.m. This high-energy, two-hour event invites guests to explore interactive art stations, meet local makers & vendors, enjoy great music, and learn more about DAPA’s mission.
Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North: Visit the latest exhibitions, “Themes in Yoshitoshi’s 100 Aspects of the Moon,” “Engaged: Rings from Around the World,” “Strange Worlds: Photographs by Jay Hoops,” and “The Triumph of Nature: Art Nouveau from the Chrysler Museum of Art.” Open until 5 p.m. on Friday.
Dayton Live, Schuster Center, 1 W. Second St.: Back To The Future, the beloved, cinematic classic is now a Broadway musical with its destination set for Dayton this December! Tickets and more info at daytonlive.org
Dayton Live, Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St.: “In the Christmas Mood with The Glenn Miller Orchestra” brings an evening filled with the warmth of the holidays and the legendary sound of the world’s greatest orchestra. Tickets at Daytonlive.org
Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Avenue: Light Sensitive is the story of Tom, a blind ex-cab driver in New York, his bartender best friend, and a volunteer who comes to read to him. It’s about vulnerability, connection, and the power of friendship. Tickets and more information is available at daytontheatreguild.org
Dublin Pub, 300 Wayne Ave.: It’s Free Juke Box Friday from 6-7 p.m.! Stick around for Irish First Fridays with a performance from Dulahan at 8:30 p.m.
Edward A. Dixon Gallery, 222 N. St. Clair St.: Artwork on display and available from area artists Alisa H. Workman, Marilynn Page, Ron Rollins and Michael Surber. Stunning Limited Edition wall reliefs in various materials by Bill Mack (Minneapolis, MN), artwork from Cedric Michael Cox (Cincinnati, OH) and many others. 3pm-8pm
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!
K12 Gallery & TEJAS, 341 S. Jefferson St.: Friday Night Paint-In 2 Sessions available (4:00-6:00pm/6:00-8:00pm) $30.00 Per Person. Bring your own drink/snacks - For more information call 937-461-5149 | Scrappy Cat Scrapbook Pop up store - $10.00 (Bag fill up). Plus, see Retrospective Works of Pat Antonick on display now, free to the public. Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs (9:00am-5:30pm) Fri. (9:00-4:30pm) Sat (11:00am-1:00pm)
The Neon movie theater, 130 E. Fifth St.: See “Hamnet” on First Friday! 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.
Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. Fourth St.: Handmade Holiday returns! Shop goods from local vendors Friday, 5-10 p.m. and Saturday, 11 a.-m. 4 p.m.
DINING AND DRINKS
2nd Street Market, 600 E. Second St.: Coffee Talk 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Chat and talk with a 2nd Street Market vendor about different types of coffees, how to prepare coffee, and regional coffees. Free for all ages.
The Century Bar, 18 S. Jefferson St.: Stop in to try our new holiday menu cocktails and start by warming up with an apple cider hot toddy!
Club Evolution, 130 N. Patterson Blvd.: $2 Cherry Bombs during karaoke from 10p-2a!
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.!
The Foundry, 124 Madison St.: Enjoy an amazing view of Day Air Ballpark and downtown Dayton alongside delicious wood-fired cuisine. Igloo rentals are available now for parties of up to 6!
Good Hands Bread Co., 527 Wayne Avenue: Now open! Visit this Dayton favorite in a brand new location. Enjoy pretzels, focaccia, gingerbread, cinnamon rolls, and more delicious offerings.
Lily’s Dayton, 329 E. Fifth St.: Steak & Whiskey Friday at Lily's: Friday night Chef Don will fire up the grill and offer a handcut, grilled to temp steak with 2 steakhouse sides, and our Bar offers a featured whiskey and whiskey cocktail!
Mikey’s Late Night Slice, 503 E. First St.: Now hiring managers! Mikey’s Late Night Slice is excited to be part of Downtown Dayton next month!
Olive Mediterranean Grill, 44 W. Third St.: Happy anniversary! Join Olive’s 10th anniversary celebration all December long with a 15% discount.
Oregon Express, 336 E. Fifth St.: Happy Hour 4-7 p.m. with ½ off drafts and apps, $2 off liquor!
Pins Mechanical Co., 416 E. First St.: Fireball Friday at Pins Mechanical Co.! Half-off Fireball and Fireball Blazin' Apple all day on Fridays. Plus, Happy Hour from 4-7PM, with half-off select draft beers and $3 off specialty cocktails.
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.: Our formal dining room is reopening - come check it out! Dinner is Thursday, Friday, Saturday beginning at 5pm. Complimentary valet is available.
Teardrop Steakhouse, 111 W. First St.: Enjoy $8 lunch specials from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. then come back for The Classic Hour from 4-7 p.m. for ½ off appetizers, ½ off signature drinks, and $30 wine flights. Ask about Friday’s Special Selection: 9oz Sirloin.
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 from 4 - 7 pm $1 off any glass of wine from our menu. $2 off each glass if you bring a friend!
SPECIAL SHOPPING DEALS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES
2nd Street Market, 600 E. Second St.: Soap Happens 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Netta’s Naturals teaches you how to make a bar of soap. Take six bars home with you. Registration required at metroparks.org
5 Star Salon Academy, 125 E. Second St.: Celebrate the grand re-opening of 5 Star Salon Academy! Ribbon cutting at noon with tours, raffles, music, and on-site enrollment until 6 p.m.
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.: Enjoy karaoke from 10p to 2a with $2 Cherry Bombs!
CORPORATE, 119 E. Third St.: First Friday sale! Get 15% off from 11a-6p every First Friday
The Dayton Arcade, 24 W. Third St. (North Arcade): Rock the Stigma: The Art Edition, 6 – 8 p.m. This high-energy, two-hour event invites guests to explore interactive art stations, meet local makers & vendors, enjoy great music, and learn more about DAPA’s mission.
Dayton Dragons, Day Air Ballpark, 220 N. Patterson Blvd.: Deck the Diamond - Step into a winter wonderland at Day Air Ballpark, where the magic of the season shines bright! Experience the enchantment of over 1.1 million dazzling lights and enjoy a festive lineup of holiday activities perfect for the whole family. Make unforgettable memories together at this one-of-a-kind holiday celebration. Runs 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. nightly through January 3!
Dayton Metro Library, 215 E. Third St.: Teens are invited to Study Tables from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and a Teen Hangout from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Registration is required.
Gem City Jewelry, 100 N. Main St. Ste. 125: Every Day is Black Friday! Open Tuesday thru Friday 11am to 6pm and Saturday 11am- 3pm. Super sales on every piece of jewelry in the store. Discounted repairs. Free jewelry inspections and cleaning.
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!
K12 Gallery & TEJAS, 341 S. Jefferson St.: Scrappy Cat Scrapbook Pop up store - $10.00 (Bag fill up) Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs (9:00am-5:30pm) Fri. (9:00-4:30pm) Sat (11:00am-1:00pm)
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.
Rabbit Hole Books, 29 W. First St.: Holiday Evening Reception! Open till 9pm with free festive refreshments, lots of interesting new items, literary gifts and as always $1 books to help fill the stockings on your list.
Rad Vintage Clothing, 116 W. Fifth St.: Now open! Shop vintage fashion and jewelry 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
RiverScape MetroPark. 237 E. Monument Ave.: Good Grief Skate, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.! Calling all Peanuts fans! Come out and join us as we bring the magic of Charlie Brown to the MetroParks Ice Rink! Enjoy the jazzy, holiday themed music while you skate, then play some games in the comfort tent that will make you feel like you're part of the gang. Admission is $7, Skate Rental is $3, and there are a limited number of skate helpers available for free.
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 $39.50 or book a private ride!
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! Register for Friday’s Guided Meditation, Mat Pilates, or Gentle Yoga Flow classes
Square One Salon & Spa, 506 E. Third St: Enjoy a holiday open house from 4-6 p.m. with complimentary mini-Aveda experience, fairy hair, goodie bags, a gift with purchase, refreshments, and gift shopping assistance.
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.
Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. Fourth St.: Handmade Holiday returns! Shop goods from local vendors Friday, 5-10 p.m. and Saturday, 11 a.-m. 4 p.m.
Downtown Dayton Partnership.
