Downtown Dayton Events Calendar
Events in Downtown Dayton, including Theater, Festivals, Art Exhibits, Live Music, Concerts and more.
Downtown Dayton in Dayton
2025 Dayton Holiday Festival Grande Illumination & Dayton Children's Parade
Friday, November 28 2025
The Grande Illumination Dayton Holiday Festival traditional tree lighting and Dayton Children's Parade Spectacular in Lights - November 28.
Back To The Future: The Musical
Tuesday, December 02 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.
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
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.
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!
Dayton Ballet's The Nutcracker
Saturday, December 13 2025
Don’t miss the world premiere of the much-anticipated new production of Dayton’s most beloved Holiday tradition: The Dayton Ballet & the Dayton Philharmonic present The Nutcracker at the Schuster Center.
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 🎶
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!
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.
Members' Appreciation Happy Hour
Friday, January 09 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.
Photographer Ami Vitale: Wild Hope – Rethinking Our Relationship With Nature
Sunday, February 01 2026
Join photographer, filmmaker, and writer Ami Vitale 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.
