Downtown Dayton Events Calendar

Events in Downtown Dayton, including Theater, Festivals, Art Exhibits, Live Music, Concerts and more.

Downtown Dayton in Dayton

2nd Street Market

Sunday, December 14 2025

Reminiscent of European markets, 2nd Street Market is alive with local growers, bakers, culinary specialists, artisans, people, and activity during market hours.

Dayton Ballet's The Nutcracker

Sunday, December 14 2025

Brandon Ragland’s The Nutcracker returns, bringing holiday magic back to Dayton! The Dayton Ballet & the Dayton Philharmonic present The Nutcracker at the Schuster Center.

Deck The Diamond: Winter Spectacular at Day Air Ballpark

Sunday, December 14 2025

❄️NEW for 2025❄️ Step into a winter wonderland at Day Air Ballpark—Experience the enchantment of over 1.1 million dazzling lights and enjoy a festive lineup of holiday activities for the whole family!

Free Books for The Holidays!

Sunday, December 14 2025

This free, family-friendly evening will feature: Holiday decorations, snacks, and hot cocoa Activities for kids and families A Giving Angel Tree with tags Tables hosted by community organizations Free books for the taking

Light Sensitive

Sunday, December 14 2025

Navigating loneliness and isolation, two souls find hope—and each other—just when they need it most. Dayton Theatre Guild presents Light Sensitive Season Extra By Jim Geoghan Dec. 5–14 at the The Caryl D. Philips TheatreScape

Rikes Holiday Windows - downtown Dayton

Sunday, December 14 2025

Experience the magical Wintergarden Wonderland Windows at the Schuster Center.

Riverscape Ice Skating

Sunday, December 14 2025

Sheltered under the covered pavilion at Riverscape, the regions largest outdoor ice rink is located in Downtown Dayton. ⚠️ BE SURE TO CHECK FOR CLOSURE ALERTS BEFORE YOU GO! ⚠️

Season's Greetings: A Holiday Cabaret

Sunday, December 14 2025

Unique holiday experience! SEASON'S GREETINGS is BACK at the PNC Arts Annex in downtown Dayton. Join performers Gina Handy and Philip Drennen, along with Deron Bell and his Merry Melody Makers to celebrate the holidays!

Sinclair Theatre presents ‘Twas: A Holiday Musical

Sunday, December 14 2025

A family-fun holiday musical! When the family pets are left alone on Christmas Eve, they are visited by the neighborhood animals who teach them that humans celebrate winter holidays in different ways.

Virginia Ketterings Holiday Train Display

Monday, December 15 2025

View this one-of-a-kind model train display, given to the community by Mrs. Virginia W. Kettering in the Stratacache Tower lobby.

Member's Spotlight Exhibition: Lori Daugherty: Bold Whispers

Wednesday, December 17 2025

Dayton based, self taught abstract artist, Lori Daugherty, enjoys exploring and experimenting with the elusive encaustic medium. She finds that the encaustic medium provides a wealth of depth, breath, and texture.

Toastmasters - Downtown Morning Toasters

Wednesday, December 17 2025

Improve your public speaking skills and network with influential, active Dayton business people.

Voctave: It Feels Like Christmas

Wednesday, December 17 2025

Cappella sensation Voctave’s 11-member vocal ensemble brings incredible harmonies to favorites from the Disney screen to the Broadway stage. ❄️ Victoria Theatre Dec 17, 2025 🎶

Xaviera Simmons: Figure Eleven

Wednesday, December 17 2025

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.

Open Studio Sessions

Thursday, December 18 2025

Come get creative in a relaxed, welcome space–no experience necessary! We’ll provide materials, or feel free to bring your own. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just looking to unwind and try something new.

Last Minute Holiday Artwork Sale

Friday, December 19 2025

Finish your Holiday shopping with the gift of Art. Dozens of local artists will have artwork, jewelry and more available for you to complete your gift giving for the season.

Social Vintage Dance Lessons Friday Nights

Friday, December 19 2025

We socially dance many types of historical and modern dances. Our emphasis is typically on having fun with partnered social dances, but we also do set dances, circle dances, line dances, and solo dance as well.

An Evening With Peter Billingsley And A Christmas Story

Saturday, December 20 2025

Celebrate the holiday season with an unforgettable evening featuring a screening of the beloved classic A Christmas Story🎄 followed by interview and audience Q&A from its iconic star Peter Billingsley, a.k.a. Ralphie!

Family Movie Series at the Neon

Saturday, December 20 2025

Bring the family for fun, festive films this holiday season at The Neon. Merry Christmas!

Front Street Saturdays

Saturday, December 20 2025

Front Street is OPEN EVERY SATURDAY!!! Boutiques, workshops, & studios are open across campus EVERY SATURDAY 11A-4P!

Straight No Chaser: Holiday Road Tour

Tuesday, December 23 2025

STRAIGHT NO CHASER bring their Holiday Road Tourtour to the Schuster Center in Dayton this Christmas.

Christmas Eve Skate at Riverscape

Wednesday, December 24 2025

Start a holiday tradition by skating with your friends and family at MetroParks Ice Rink ❄️ Weather dependent ❄️

Closing Reception: Lori Daugherty: Bold Whispers

Saturday, December 27 2025

Enjoy this final opportunity to see new work by Lori Daugherty. Lori Daugherty: Bold Whispers brings together a series of intimate encaustic works in which color, wax, and heat converge to form small but potent moments.

New Years Eve Skate at RiverScape MetroPark

Wednesday, December 31 2025

Skate your way into the New Year at RiverScape in downtown Dayton! 🎿 11 a.m.-8 p.m. *Weather dependent ❄️

The Foundry’s Roaring 20's New Year's Eve Party

Wednesday, December 31 2025

Looking for a swingin’ NYE party in Dayton? The Foundry’s Roaring ‘20s party is just what you’re searching for!

Member's Spotlight Exhibition: Dan Cleary: Five Views of Ohio

Wednesday, January 07 2026

Dan Cleary is a professional and fine art photographer based in Dayton, Ohio, who has been creating images for many years. He has an MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art, and is known for his thoughtful, evocative photography.

Members' Appreciation Happy Hour

Thursday, January 08 2026

As a special perk of membership, The Contemporary Dayton invites you to our Quarterly Members’ Happy Hour—an exclusive opportunity to unwind with fellow art enthusiasts in a vibrant, creative setting.