First Friday May 1
May is here, and downtown is buzzing with fresh energy! Warmer evenings, longer days, and that early-summer vibe ☀️
Event details
* this page may be updated if event is repeated in the future *
First Friday May 1
May First Friday in downtown Dayton!
May is here, and downtown is buzzing with fresh energy! Warmer evenings, longer days, and that early-summer vibe make it the perfect time to get out and celebrate during First Friday from 5-10 p.m. on Friday, May 1. This month brings a lively mix of seasonal flavors, refreshing happy hours, vibrant art, unique shopping finds, and plenty of new experiences waiting to be discovered. There’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the night and soak in everything downtown has to offer.
ART, DANCE, MUSIC, AND FILM
• The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St.: See “Jason REVOK: Mutually Exclusive,” “Paul Verdell: Tabernacle,” “Jamea Richmond-Edwards: Leviathan,” now through June 6th! First Friday hours will be 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Dayton Live, PNC Arts Annex: See “Forgottonia” Friday, May 1, at 7:30 p.m.
• Dayton Live, Victoria Theater: See “Henry Cho: The Empty Nest Tour,” Friday, May 1, at 8:00 p.m.
DINING AND DRINKS
• The Silos, 810 E. First St.: Starting off Spring/Summer hours by opening from 11am-Midnight on Fridays, and will be teaming up for Dayton Bike Meet and will have drink specials.
• AC Hotel, 124 Madison St.: Book your meeting or event on May 1 for any date through the month of May and enjoy an up to 50 person complimentary coffee break, a complimentary appetizer selection for up to 50 people, or double meeting planner points!
• Fairfield Inn & Suites, 305 E. Monument Ave.: Enjoy 50% off domestic beers 3-7 p.m.
• Bistecca, 137 N. Main St.: Join us from 4:30-6:30pm at our bar for Negroni Hour. Order our Flywheel Negroni and watch our one-of-a-kind hand-crafted Archimedean Excogitation Negroni machine work it's magic. Just one standout from Bistecca's Negroni menu.
• Mikey’s Late Night Slice, 503 E. First St.: Party Hour gets you half off food and drinks from 4-5 p.m., and Happy Hour runs 5-7 p.m. with $3 Wells, $2 off drafts, and $2 off wine. From 4-8 p.m., carry out a whole pie starting at $25.50! Open until 3 a.m. on Fridays.
• Olive Mediterranean Grill, 44 W. Third St.: Stop by our downtown Dayton location with a guest who has never dined with us before. When your first-time guest joins you for a meal (dine-in only) or a pick-up order placed in the restaurant, you will receive 50% off your entire check. To qualify, the new customer must be present with you inside the restaurant at the time of ordering. This is our way of saying "Thank You" for growing the Olive Mediterranean family!
SHOPPING DEALS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES
• The Arcade, 24 W. Third St.: The Arcade will be hosting “May First Friday at the Arcade” at 24 W. Third St. from 5-8 PM on Friday, May 1. Enjoy all the Arcade has to offer and more special First Friday specials!
• AC Hotel, 124 Madison St.: Book your group on May 1 for arrival in May and enjoy your choice of an exclusive perk, a complimentary upgrade to a King Suite or double meeting planner points!
• The Huffman, 124 E. Third St.: Stop by May 7 from 1-4:00 p.m. and enjoy soft drinks, snacks, and a tour! All who tour get a special leasing incentive only offered during the tour.
• Wild Whiskers, 33 S St. Clair St.: This First Friday, enjoy $2 off Wondercide Flea/Tick Shampoo, $3 off ALL Tall Tails and Territory dog toys, $3 off Smallbatch Lightly cooked trial sliders, up to $5 off Smallbatch freeze-dried small bites, $8 Off Raised Right Air-Dried dog food, buy any Green JuJu food product, and get a FREE frozen Green JuJu probiotic! Also, join us May 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for an adoption event with Adopt A Pit Rescue for National Dog Mom day!
• Now and Zen, 121 E. Third St.: Join us for a hands-on, feel-good experience where you and your person will create your own lush, medium-sized terrariums. Choose from a curated mix of plants, stones, and natural accents to design something beautiful together. Set the mood with cool music, relaxed energy, and just the right touch of romance. Our team will be there to guide you with design tips and plant care, no experience needed. BYOB, or take a quick stroll to Joui Wine next door and choose from a curated selection for just $9 per glass. Registration: $120 per couple includes: Two medium terrariums, one individual charcuterie cup, and take-home boxing and plant care information.
• Gem City Jewelry, 110 N. Main St.: Enjoy 25% off all custom Mother’s Day jewelry! Be sure to get all orders in with enough time to be perfected.
Downtown Dayton Partnership.
