First Friday: November - Dayton Holiday Festival Countdown Edition
The season of celebration and giving is quickly approaching and you can start holiday celebrations a little bit early at the November 7 First Friday!
Event details
* this page may be updated if event is repeated in the future *
November First Friday: Dayton Holiday Festival Countdown
November 7 First Friday: Dayton Holiday Festival Edition
‘Tis (almost) the season! Get ready to kick off the countdown to the holiday season a little bit early in Downtown Dayton at First Friday on Friday, November 7, from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. Explore Downtown Dayton for an evening of live entertainment, gallery and exhibit openings, seasonal treats, shopping specials, and more downtown fun! This is your chance to enjoy the vibrant heart of downtown, visit independent retailers, explore art, savor local cuisine, and begin your holiday celebration with neighbors and community. Don’t forget, even as the weather turns colder, the Downtown Dayton Outdoor Refreshment Area is in full effect! Guests 21 and older can purchase drinks-to-go from participating businesses to enjoy while taking part in First Friday fun!
We’re turning up the festive spirit on First Friday as we prepare for the grand holiday kickoff in Downtown Dayton! Mark your calendar for the Grande Illumination & official holiday season launch on Friday, November 28, starting at 4:00 p.m.! Enjoy an evening filled with live performances, crafts, carriage rides, and more, all leading to the Grande Illumination tree lighting at 6:30 p.m.! Just a few moments after the tree is lit, a parade will set downtown’s streets aglow with decorative floats, horses, drill teams, bands, and tens of thousands of lights.
ART, DANCE, MUSIC, AND FILM
Black Box Improv, 518 E. Third St.: Take in comedy from Friday House Team “Grandpa’s Scream Jar” followed by a rotating special show!
Blind Bob’s, 430 E. Fifth St.: Come hear awesome live music from Yuppie, RADDERALL, The Magicals, and Good Soup! 8:00 p.m., 21+, $10
The Brightside, 905 E. Third St.: It’s Black Jack for Breast Wishes Casino Night 6-10pm on Friday 11/7! $75 includes chips, heavy hors d’oeuvres, desserts and a drink ticket. Proceeds to help grant wishes for local breast cancer patients.
Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North: Bourbon & Bubbles features a selection of exclusive, handcrafted bourbons and refreshing bubbly from around the world, plus gourmet bites, tasty treats, and fun entertainment. A wide variety of samples will be offered, including several rare whiskeys. Tickets for the event include up to eight bourbon and/or sparkling wine tastings. A cash bar also offers bourbons, sparkling wine, and specialty cocktails.
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 and live Irish/folk music from Dulahan at 8:30.
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!
The Human Race Theatre Company, 126 N. Main St., Ste. 300: See “Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really” on First Friday! Bouncing between horror and humor, Kate Hamill’s adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic novel is a thrilling play that questions who the true monsters are. No damsels in distress, no romanticized villains – just a gleeful stake through the heart! Tickets at humanracetheatre.org
K12 Gallery & TEJAS, 341 S. Jefferson St.: First Friday Paint In: Join us for a fun, relaxing evening of painting & wine tasting every First Friday of the month! Learn and explore the fine arts of acrylic under the guidance of our incredible artist in a creatively immersive atmosphere. There are two sessions available from 4:00-6:00pm or 6:00-8:00pm. Tickets are $30/session. Bring your own drinks and snacks.
K12 Gallery & TEJAS, 341 S. Jefferson St.: TEJAS GALLERY Exhibition: Tripod Camera Club of Dayton. On view 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on First Friday
The Neon movie theater, 130 E. Fifth St.: See the full schedule online. 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.
Oregon Express, 336 E. Fifth St.: Live music from The Eco with special guests Grunch, STZ, OnlyBanx, and Cherry Yum Yum. Doors at 8 p.m., music at 9 p.m. $10.
Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. Fourth St.: Join us at the Yellow Cab Tavern for an evening of rock & roll music. Featuring Trauma Illinois, The Heisey Glass Company, and Fun While it Lasted! $10 cover
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.!
Jimmy John’s, 220 N. Main St.: We’re going pickle crazy in November! Stop in for a Picklewich and some limited edition dill flavored potato chips!
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!
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 4-6PM, with half-off select draft beers and $5 off specialty cocktails.
Salar Restaurant and Lounge, 400 E. Fifth St.: 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 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!
The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St.: The CoSHOP is open for business 11a-6p!
CORPORATE, 119 E. Third St.: First Friday sale! Get 15% off from 11a-6p every First Friday
Dayton Metro Library, 215 E. Third St.: Register for the Teen Hangout at the Dayton Metro Library! Students grades 7-12 are invited to socialize with friends, play games, and more. Registration required!
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.
Pedal Wagon Dayton: Pedal Wagon Dayton: Hop around to some of Dayton’s best breweries on the Brewery Cruise! Seats are $39.50 for adults 21+ or rent a private ride for up to 15 people!
The Silos, 810 E. First St.: Grab your helmet – The Silos is a Dayton Bike Meet stopping point with a drink special every First Friday (weather permitting)
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 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.
