First Friday: New Year Downtown Edition
The first First Friday of 2026 is happening on Friday, January 2, and offers everything you need to ring in the new year with some familiar and local flavor.
Event details
* this page may be updated if event is repeated in the future *
January 2 First Friday in Downtown Dayton
January 2 First Friday: New Year Downtown Edition
As 2025 winds down, we’re looking ahead to celebrating a great year past and the new year ahead during the first First Friday of 2026! Join us from 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday, January 2, to ring in the new year with all of the excitement Downtown Dayton has to offer! Start the new year with new tastes from your favorite downtown restaurants, new fashions at downtown’s unique and independent retailers, and new experiences at downtown’s signature art galleries, theaters, and more!
ART, DANCE, MUSIC, AND FILM
The Black Box Improv, 518 E. Third St.: Take in comedy from Friday House Team “Grandpa’s Scream Jar” and a specialty show! Tickets and more info at daytonblackboximprov.com/
Blind Bob’s, 430 E. Fifth St.: Come and rock with Wayward J & The Substitutes and Yinyang Sunflower. 8pm, 21+, $10
The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St.: The Contemporary Dayton is proud to present Xaviera Simmons: Figure Eleven, a major solo exhibition bringing 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. Open till 7 p.m. for First Friday.
Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North: Visit the latest exhibitions, “Themes in Yoshitoshi’s 100 Aspects of the Moon,” “Dayton Printmakers Cooperative: Dayton/Kyoto Invitational,” “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 Metro Library, 215 E. Third St.: Dayton Metro Library will host Brian Mathus and his exhibit Being Seen in The 2nd Floor Gallery of the Main Library from Friday, January 2, through Saturday, January 31.
Dayton Society of Artists, 48 High St.: See three solo exhibitions showcasing works by talented local artists, Colleen Kelsey, Kate Santucci, and Barb Stork.
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.: 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 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! Don't just see art, live it!
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
The Neon movie theater, 130 E. Fifth St.: See See the full schedule online: www.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.
Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. Fourth St.: Enjoy drinks & food while being entertained by the energetic & heavy sounds of Warning Signs, Plaster, Avalon, & Plain Sight. Doors open at 8, music at 8:30 p.m. $10 at the door. 16+ (under requires guardian)
DINING AND DRINKS
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!
Lily’s Dayton, 329 E. Fifth St.: First Friday Happy Hour: Happy hour pricing on bao buns for $3.25/each and $6 highball cocktails, $2 off all glass pours of wine, and $1 off craft beers on tap.
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 later this month!
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.: Enjoy some late-night pizza! The oven is on and the bar is open 9p-12a on Fridays & Saturdays.
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
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
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 grades 7-12 are invited to socialize with friends, play games, and more from 2-4 p.m.. Registration is required.
Dayton Live, Schuster Center, 1 W. Second St.: Experience a reimagining of the Rike’s department store holiday window displays that once stood at this busy downtown corner. Free. Gem City Jewelry, 100 N. Main St. Ste. 125: 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 Jewelry, 110 N. Main St., Ste. 125: New Year, BIG Savings! Lets bring in the new year with with First Friday great deals and sales. 30% off your first item, 40% of your second item, and 50% off you third item when you mention 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!
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.
RiverScape MetroPark. 237 E. Monument Ave.: Power Up Skate: Hit PLAY and lace up at the MetroParks Ice Rink! Get ready for a night of epic nostalgia as we spin tunes from some of the most memorable video games alongside iconic power anthems guaranteed to keep you moving.
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! pedalwagon.com/dayton/polar-bear-express/
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 at https://www.soleilmovement.com/class-schedule
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.
Downtown Dayton Partnership.
