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
Friday, December 05 2025
Reminiscent of European markets, 2nd Street Market is alive with local growers, bakers, culinary specialists, artisans, people, and activity during market hours.
Art Encounters First Friday Art Hop
Friday, December 05 2025
Join us for our First Friday Art Hop at Art Encounters, your favorite local co-op art gallery in the heart of Downtown Dayton!
Back To The Future: The Musical
Friday, December 05 2025
Go back in time as Dayton Live presents Back To The Future: The Musical at the Schuster Center as Dayton as part of the Broadway Series.
Deck The Diamond: Winter Spectacular at Day Air Ballpark
Friday, December 05 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!
First Friday Art Hop and Saturday Open Studios at Front Street
Friday, December 05 2025
Explore 150+ artists, studios, vintage vendors, food trucks, and more at Front Street's First Friday Hart Hop and Saturday open studios
First Friday: December - Holiday Fun Edition
Friday, December 05 2025
The holiday season is officially underway and you can celebrate the most wonderful time of the year during December First Friday!
Handmade Holiday 2025
Friday, December 05 2025
The best handmade festival of the year with dozens of local makers and one-of-a-kind handmade gifts, with food trucks, cocktails and so much more.
Light Sensitive
Friday, December 05 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
Member's Spotlight Exhibition: Lori Daugherty: Bold Whispers
Friday, December 05 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.
Rikes Holiday Windows - downtown Dayton
Friday, December 05 2025
Experience the magical Wintergarden Wonderland Windows at the Schuster Center.
Riverscape Ice Skating
Friday, December 05 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! ⚠️
Social Vintage Dance Lessons Friday Nights
Friday, December 05 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.
Virginia Ketterings Holiday Train Display
Friday, December 05 2025
View this one-of-a-kind model train display, given to the community by Mrs. Virginia W. Kettering in the Stratacache Tower lobby.
Xaviera Simmons: Figure Eleven
Friday, December 05 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.
Family Movie Series at the Neon
Saturday, December 06 2025
Bring the family for fun, festive films this holiday season at The Neon. Merry Christmas!
LUNG, Nick Kizirnis, Wujeria and Nervous Verbs at Yellow Cab Tavern
Saturday, December 06 2025
Since their inception in Cincinnati in 2016, Lung has gained a cult-like following with their impeccable, candy-coated, melodies atop a whirring, chainsaw, thunderclap of cello and drums.
Saturday Art Hop at Art Encounters
Saturday, December 06 2025
Join us for our Saturday Art Hop at Art Encounters, your favorite local co-op art gallery in the heart of Downtown Dayton!
FREE ADMISSION AT DAYTON ART INSTITUTE
Sunday, December 07 2025
During “Art For All” Days, the Dayton Art Institute will offer free admission to all museum guests, including special and focus collections.
Holly Days at the Arcade Presented by AES Ohio & Dayton Daily News
Wednesday, December 10 2025
Three days of festive shopping, live entertainment, and holiday cheer at the Dayton Arcade.
Season's Greetings: A Holiday Cabaret
Wednesday, December 10 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!
Toastmasters - Downtown Morning Toasters
Wednesday, December 10 2025
Improve your public speaking skills and network with influential, active Dayton business people.
Guided Tours
Thursday, December 11 2025
Join us for an inside look at the exhibition, with fresh insights into the artist and her work. FREE and open to all.
Dayton Ballet's The Nutcracker
Saturday, December 13 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.
Front Street Saturdays
Saturday, December 13 2025
Front Street is OPEN EVERY SATURDAY!!! Boutiques, workshops, & studios are open across campus EVERY SATURDAY 11A-4P!
Photowalk
Saturday, December 13 2025
Explore downtown Dayton through your lens, using anything from a camera phone to a box camera, and anything in between. Join fellow artists and photography enthusiasts for a guided walk inspired by Xaviera Simmons.
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
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 🎶
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.
