First Friday: September - A September Soiree Edition
September is here, and Downtown Dayton is welcoming the changing season with plenty to see, do, and enjoy!
Event details
* this page may be updated if event is repeated in the future *
September 4 First Friday: A September Soiree Edition
September is here, and Downtown Dayton is welcoming the changing season with plenty to see, do, and enjoy!
With crisp evenings, lively streets, vibrant patios, and exciting events happening throughout the city, there’s no better way to kick off the month than during First Friday from 5–10 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4. September is filled with opportunities to enjoy the best of late summer and the start of fall, from seasonal drinks and delicious menus to live music, local art, unique shopping, outdoor entertainment, and countless ways to experience all that’s happening in the heart of downtown.
As you enjoy the beautiful weather, remember that 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 taking in all that Downtown Dayton has to offer. Get a refresher on the rules, see the boundary, and a list of all participating vendors at DowntownDayton.org/DORA.
Baseball season is almost over! Whether you're heading to a Smales Pretzel Bakery game or simply looking for a great place to grab dinner and drinks before or after the action, Downtown Dayton offers plenty of local dining options to complete your game day experience.
ART, DANCE, MUSIC, AND FILM
The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St.: September 2-26. Member's Spotlight Exhibition. The Member’s Spotlight Exhibitions at The Contemporary Dayton celebrate the vibrant creativity of our local and regional artist community. Open to all current artist members, this ongoing series offers participants the unique opportunity to present a focused body of work in a solo exhibition curated by Heather Jones, Interim Director and Chief Curator. Threads of History: Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi. June 12-September 12, 2026. Powerful black-and-white quilts that memorialize the lives of Black freedom fighters. Niki Johnson: Pillars of Democracy. July 1-August 15. Four large-scale collaged portraits showcasing the central role of women in the democratic process-from early 20th century suffragists to first-time voters today.
The Neon movie theater, 130 E. Fifth St.: Friday Happy Hour Patio Party - with guest hosts Amelia Robinson & Anthony Shoemaker.
Toxic Brew Co., 431 E. Fifth St.: Art and Brews: Fresh local art on the walls with new beers and drink specials with plenty of Non-Alcoholic options
Vogue Vision Photography, 120 West 2nd Street.: Photo sessions only $150 comes with 3 edited images up to 20 poses.
DINING AND DRINKS
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.!
Lily’s Dayton, 329 E. Fifth St.: Happy Hour at Lily's Dayton, 4:30-6:30!
Mikey’s Late Night Slice, 503 E. First St.: Try the Pizza of the Week: The Meathead! Featuring pepperoni, sausage, and meatballs. 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. Open until 3 a.m. on Fridays. Whole Pie Carryout from 4PM-8PM carryout a whole pie starting at $25.50!
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.: Happy Hour from 4-7PM, with $2 off draft beers and $4 off specialty cocktails.
Olive Mediterranean Grill, 44 West third St.: The Olive Branch Exchange: Bring a Friend, Eat for Half. Your meal is on us (well, 50% of it is). At Olive Mediterranean Grill, we believe great food is best when shared. That is why we are launching The Olive Branch 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.
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.
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.
Toxic Brew Co., 431 E. Fifth St.: Art and Brews: Fresh local art on the walls with new beers and drink specials with plenty of Non-Alcoholic options
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
Dayton Arcade, 31 S. Main St. Suite 379: The Dayton Arcade’s historic Concourse will be open on Friday, September 4 from 5–8 PM, welcoming visitors to explore the heart of the complex. Check out the Dayton Society of Artists & Bil Tipton’s ‘The Kids Are Alright’ exhibit in the North Arcade gallery. Enjoy live music from BJSR in the Concourse from 5-7 PM.
After5, 111 E. Third St.: Mention First Friday at checkout to take 20% off of your total purchase!
Corporate, 119 E. Third St.: AUGUST 7TH, 15% OFF IN-STORE + COMMUNITY NIGHT FROM 5PM - 8PM
Gem City Jewelry, 110 North Main Street, Suite 125: Birthstone Sale and gold buying events. All September! All Sapphire jewelry is on sale the entire month to celebrate this awesome gemstone. And every day is a precious metal (Gold, Platinum, Silver), buying event where we pay top dollar for your broken and unused jewelry! If you have a loved one with a September birthday, check us out for amazing gifts.
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.
Downtown Dayton Partnership.
