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, August 14 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!
Big Band Concert with Dayton Jazz Orchestra
Friday, August 14 2026
Join us under the pavilion as the RiverScape Summer Music Series features a Big Band Concert with Dayton Jazz Orchestra! 🎺 Bring a lawn chair and your dancing shoes for a great night of music! Weather Dependent.
Dayton Taco Fest
Friday, August 14 2026
Join us for a ton of incredible tacos, from traditional to modern, from some amazing food trucks at The Brightside , downtown Dayton
Germanfest Picnic
Friday, August 14 2026
Germanfest Picnic returns to the historic St. Anne's Hill in Dayton OH August 14-16, 2026.
Live Music from G. Scott Jones & The Freedom Ensemble
Friday, August 14 2026
Join us as we welcome G. Scott Jones & the Freedom Ensemble to the Whisperz Speakeasy stage on Friday, August 14th, from 8-11 pm. It's going to be a groovin', swingin', funky Jazz experience you don't want to miss!
Niki Johnson: PIllars of Democracy
Friday, August 14 2026
Niki Johnson: Pillars of Democracy is an exhibition of four large-scale collaged portraits envisioning Lady Liberty, Justice, Freedom, and Forward progress, showcasing the central role of women in the democratic process.
Social Vintage Dance Lessons Friday Nights
Friday, August 14 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.
Spook-Ghetti Warehouse VIP XTREME AFTER HOURS HAUNTING
Friday, August 14 2026
A rare extended-hours experience inside Dayton's haunted Spaghetti Warehouse. Enjoy a 3-course dinner, storytelling, and guided tour before continuing deeper into the night with optional Xtreme VIP after-hours ghost hunting.
Threads of History: Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi
Friday, August 14 2026
Threads of History: Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi is a landmark solo exhibition by award-winning artist, historian, and curator Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi.
Art Encounters Saturday Art Hops
Saturday, August 15 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
Artist Feedback Forum
Saturday, August 15 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.
Dayton African American Cultural Festival
Saturday, August 15 2026
Experience the heart and soul of African American culture right here in Dayton! This family-friendly celebration features three dynamic stages filled with music, culture, and unforgettable performances.
FREE Live Music from Satin Smooth Project
Saturday, August 15 2026
Join us as we welcome the Satin Smooth Project to the Whisperz Speakeasy stage on Saturday, August 15th, from 8-11 pm. It's going to be an exciting jazz experience you don't want to miss!
Front Street Saturdays
Saturday, August 15 2026
Front Street is OPEN EVERY SATURDAY!!! Boutiques, workshops, & studios are open across campus EVERY SATURDAY 11A-4P!
Guided Tours
Saturday, August 15 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.
We're Doing It ALL Wrong® - 6th Annual Art Exhibition
Saturday, August 15 2026
The We're Doing It ALL Wrong® - 6th Annual art exhibiton Public Reception will be held on Saturday, August 8th from 2pm-4pm.
August Crafty Arcade with The Savage Stitcher
Wednesday, August 19 2026
Create, connect, and craft alongside a welcoming community of makers.
Toastmasters - Downtown Morning Toasters
Wednesday, August 19 2026
Improve your public speaking skills and network with influential, active Dayton business people.
Collage Night
Thursday, August 20 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.
FREE Live Music from Dustin Arbuckle & The Damnations
Thursday, August 20 2026
Join us Thursday, August 20th 7:00pm as a veteran of the progressive roots music scene, singer/harmonica player Dustin Arbuckle, formerly of Moreland & Arbuckle, continue kicking up dust with Dustin Arbuckle & The Damnations.
Teen Craft and Learn -- Vision Boards and Goal Setting
Thursday, August 20 2026
Finances, planning for the future, adult life skills.
Birthday Candles - Dayton Theatre Guild
Friday, August 21 2026
Ernestine Ashworth spends her 17th birthday agonizing over her insignificance in the universe. Dayton Theatre Guild presents Birthday Candles by Noah Haidle Aug. 21–Sept. 6, 2026
FREE Live Music from Heather & The Swing Set
Friday, August 21 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!
Kenny Chesney Tribute with The Poets & Pirates
Friday, August 21 2026
Join us under the pavilion as the RiverScape Summer Music Series features a Kenny Chesney Tribute with The Poets & Pirates!
Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute with Let's Groove Tonight
Friday, August 28 2026
Experience the magic ✨ Join us under the pavilion as the RiverScape Summer Music Series features an Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute with Let's Groove Tonight!
FREE Live Music from RLJQ Afro-Cuban Jazz Band
Friday, August 28 2026
This ensemble features Rolando Matias alongside some of Cincinnati’s best Afro-Cuban jazz musicians!
Realms of the Real Viewing by Art21
Friday, August 28 2026
A screening of the Art21 episode “Realms of the Real.” Hosted by The Contemporary Dayton & Art21 Screening Society. Max capacity is 10 people.
Free Yoga | Arcade Arts & Wellness
Wednesday, September 02 2026
Unwind, stretch, and connect during this free monthly yoga series in the heart of the historic Dayton Arcade.
