Downtown Dayton Events Calendar

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

Downtown Dayton in Dayton

A Night Of Bigfoot

Thursday, May 14 2026

See why Bigfoot is everyone’s favorite monster with Nat Geo explorer Dr. Mireya Mayor and Army veteran and survival expert Russell Acord at the historic Victoria Theatre stage in downtown Dayton.

Collage Night

Thursday, May 14 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.

Guided Tours

Thursday, May 14 2026

Join us for a closer look at the exhibition, with fresh insights into the artists currently on view and their work. FREE and open to all.

Jamea Richmond-Edwards: Leviathan

Thursday, May 14 2026

The Contemporary Dayton is proud to present Leviathan, a film by interdisciplinary artist Jamea Richmond-Edwards. Known for her monumental paintings and mixed-media collages informed by mythology.

Jason REVOK: Mutually Exclusive

Thursday, May 14 2026

The Contemporary Dayton is proud to present new paintings by Jason REVOK. Self-taught, REVOK is known for pushing creative boundaries that began in the street.

Member's Spotlight Exhibition: Teresa Olavarria: Lichen

Thursday, May 14 2026

Dayton-based artist Teresa Olavarria translates these ephemeral organisms into enduring materials, using vitreous enamel on copper and patinated cast bronze to echo their textures and colors.

The Contemporary Dayton is proud to present a new body of work by Paul Verdell. In these gestural paintings, Verdell continues his exploration of loose and instinctive mark making, working with paint and collaged elements.

2nd Street Market

Friday, May 15 2026

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

FREE Live Music from Anthony Saxtone Arrington

Friday, May 15 2026

Taking the stage from 8-11 pm on Friday, May 15th, returning to Whisperz Speakeasy - Anthony Saxtone Arrington joins us for a night to remember!

Shock Theater Live: A Multimedia Rock-Theater Performance

Friday, May 15 2026

SHOCK THEATRE LIVE is a multimedia rock and roll theater piece that follows five misfit kids as they attend a concert by their favorite band 🎸🎶 The Creepy Crawlers 🕷️🕸️

Social Vintage Dance Lessons Friday Nights

Friday, May 15 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.

The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess

Friday, May 15 2026

From folk to blues, to spirituals, to jazz, to Broadway theater music, and classical to create what is considered by many to be the greatest American opera.

Art Encounters Saturday Art Hops

Saturday, May 16 2026

Art Encounters at Front Street is open every Saturday 11-4!! We are a co-op gallery featuring the artwork of 14 local artists. Art Hops are always free, family friendly and leashed pets are welcome

FREE Live Music from The Night Owls

Saturday, May 16 2026

Taking the stage from 8-11 pm on Saturday, May 16th, for the first time at Whisperz Speakeasy - The Night Owls joins us for a night to remember!

Front Street Saturdays

Saturday, May 16 2026

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

PRIDE ROCKS! A suicide prevention program

Saturday, May 16 2026

Pride Rocks! is a suicide prevention program promoting suicide prevention in the LGBTQ+ Community. Enjoy local meals from a food trucks, connect with local providers, check out local vendors and listen to LGBTQ musicians!

Tab-A-PULL-Ooza

Saturday, May 16 2026

Families, organizations, and businesses are invited to drop off the pop/pull tabs you’ve collected all year, weigh them, and see who is named the top pull tab collector!

FREE Live Music from Classical Guitarist Danny Voris

Tuesday, May 19 2026

Danny is a local musician, performer, and educator of over 40 years who specializes in instrumental solo music and is sure to knock your socks off with his talent!

Art Escape: Penthouse Escape

Wednesday, May 20 2026

Art Escapes are designed to feel welcoming, social, and a little bit magical. A sunset gathering high above the city featuring European-inspired nibbles and wines, live music from Sandy & Michael Bashaw, and skyline views.

FREE Live Music from Golden Hour

Wednesday, May 20 2026

Taking the stage from 7-10 pm on Wednesday, May 20th, for the first time at Whisperz Speakeasy - Golden Hour joins us for a night to remember! Golden Hour is a relaxing performance with stellar musicianship and sultry vocals.

Toastmasters - Downtown Morning Toasters

Wednesday, May 20 2026

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

Artist Talk: Jamea Richmond-Edwards

Thursday, May 21 2026

Join us for a chat with artist Jamea Richmond-Edwards as she shares her creative journey and art insights. Led by Curator, Heather Jones

FREE Live Music from Doug Hart Solo

Thursday, May 21 2026

Doug Hart takes the Whisperz Speakeasy stage solo Thursday May 21st and June 18th from 7-10 pm alongside our Thursday $10 Martini specials when all of our premium, handcrafted martinis are just $10 all night every Thursday!

FREE Live Music from Heather & The Swing Set

Friday, May 22 2026

One of our club favorites returning to Whisperz Speakeasy — Heather & The Swing Set. This vocally led jazz ensemble will take the stage for a night of unforgettable live music!

Artist Feedback Forum

Saturday, May 23 2026

To build community and foster the sharing of ideas, The Contemporary Dayton offers an Artist's Feedback Forum for Artist Members. Bring a finished work or a work of art in progress to receive constructive feedback.

FREE Live Music from David Burk & Reece Murray

Thursday, May 28 2026

Taking the stage from 7-10 pm on Thursday, May 28th, for the first time at Whisperz Speakeasy - David Burk & Reece Murray joins us for a night to remember! Alongside our Thursday $10 Martini specials.