Downtown Dayton Events Calendar
Events in Downtown Dayton, including Theater, Festivals, Art Exhibits, Live Music, Concerts and more.
Downtown Dayton in Dayton
Member's Spotlight Exhibition: Dan Cleary: Five Views of Ohio
Wednesday, January 14 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.
Riverscape Ice Skating
Wednesday, January 14 2026
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! ⚠️
Toastmasters - Downtown Morning Toasters
Wednesday, January 14 2026
Improve your public speaking skills and network with influential, active Dayton business people.
Xaviera Simmons: Figure Eleven
Wednesday, January 14 2026
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.
2nd Street Market
Friday, January 16 2026
Reminiscent of European markets, 2nd Street Market is alive with local growers, bakers, culinary specialists, artisans, people, and activity during market hours.
Death of a Lumberjack -Black Box Improv
Friday, January 16 2026
🎤 See your favorite Black Box house teams every Friday night - Catch "Death of a Lumberjack" ONLY AT THE BLACK BOX IMPROV THEATER!
Social Vintage Dance Lessons Friday Nights
Friday, January 16 2026
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.
Do Not Copy -Black Box Improv
Saturday, January 17 2026
🎤 See your favorite Black Box house teams every Saturday night - Catch "Do Not Copy" ONLY AT THE BLACK BOX IMPROV THEATER!
Front Street Saturdays
Saturday, January 17 2026
Front Street is OPEN EVERY SATURDAY!!! Boutiques, workshops, & studios are open across campus EVERY SATURDAY 11A-4P!
Jurassic Park in Concert
Saturday, January 17 2026
Your Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra performing John Williams’ iconic score live to picture 🎬🎺✨ January 17, 2026 at the Schuster Center
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Skate
Monday, January 19 2026
Celebrate the holiday at MetroParks Ice Rink! ✨ MLK Jr. Day Skate at RiverScape MetroPark 11a-7p ✨Admission includes ice skate rental. No registration required. *Weather dependent
Sneak Peek to Winter Restaurant Week
Wednesday, January 21 2026
Sneak Peek to Winter Restaurant at The Steam Plant January 21, 2026.
Aimee Noel Book Launch
Thursday, January 22 2026
Dayton-based author Aimee Noel will read from her new poetry book, SLAG at The Contemporary Dayton.
Dayton Journalism Summit
Thursday, January 22 2026
The Journalism Lab is excited to announce a two-day community journalism summit in Dayton on Thurs, January 22, and Friday, January 23, 2026. Join us for two days of workshops and panel discussions at the downtown library.
Guided Tours
Thursday, January 22 2026
Join us for an inside look at the exhibition, with fresh insights into the artist and her work. FREE and open to all.
The Mystery of Edwin Drood
Thursday, January 22 2026
TheatreLab presents the hilarious musical 'The Mystery of Edwin Drood', a Charles Dickens–inspired musical whodunit where the audience decides the ending.
A Night Of Symphonic Rock
Saturday, January 24 2026
Your Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra is going full throttle as Dayton Performing Arts Alliance presents A Night Of Symphonic Rock at The Schuster Center!
Closing Reception: Xaviera Simmons: Figure Eleven
Saturday, January 24 2026
Light Refreshments and a final chance to view the exhibition. 4-6 pm
Singalong Broadway
Wednesday, January 28 2026
Calling all musical theatre lovers, shower singers, and showtune fanatics! SINGALONG BROADWAY is your chance to belt out your favorite Broadway tunes with a theatre full of old and new friends!
Shostakovich 5 & Festive
Friday, January 30 2026
Maestro Harada leads an exuberant program that reflects his own journey from Japan to Russia, where he mastered the art of conducting.
Arcade Commons - January
Saturday, January 31 2026
Join us for a day of shopping, art, and wellness in one of Dayton’s most iconic spaces. Explore local vendors in the North Arcade, enjoy yoga in the Rotunda, and discover creative activations throughout the day.
Dusty Slay: The Neighborhood Guy Tour
Saturday, January 31 2026
You can take the boy out of the trailer park, but you can’t take the trailer park out of the boy… stand-up comedian Dusty Slay at the historic Victoria Theatre 🎤
Free Yoga | Arcade Arts & Wellness
Saturday, January 31 2026
FREE Rotunda yoga classes return to the Dayton Arcade in early 2026 as part of an ongoing Arcade Arts & Wellness series.
Filmmaker Bob Poole: In The Footsteps Of Giants
Sunday, February 01 2026
Join Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Bob Poole on the historic Victoria Theatre stage in downtown Dayton - February 1, 2026
Les Misérables
Tuesday, February 03 2026
Dayton Live presents Les Misérables at the Schuster Center as Dayton as part of the Broadway Series.
Open Studio Sessions
Thursday, February 05 2026
Come get creative in a relaxed gallery setting. No experience necessary. Free for Members of The Contemporary Dayton, $10 at the door for non-Members.
First Friday Art Hop and Saturday Open Studios at Front Street
Friday, February 06 2026
Explore 150+ artists, studios, vintage vendors, food trucks, and more at Front Street's First Friday Hart Hop and Saturday open studios
The Cook-Off & Bon Appétit
Friday, February 06 2026
You’re the studio audience for a delicious double feature! THE COOK OFF, a new comic opera set during a televised cooking competition. Then, Julia Child as she whips up her signature chocolate cake in BON APPÉTIT.
