Theater & Performing Arts around Dayton
From the hushed anticipation of a rising curtain to the thunderous roar of a standing ovation, the Dayton performing arts scene punches well above its weight. Discover Broadway shows, contemporary dance performances, local community theater, and more. This is Dayton Local's comprehensive guide to all upcoming theatre and performing arts events in the Miami Valley, providing the latest showtimes, venue schedules, and ticket information in one convenient place. Your front-row seat to the best Dayton events starts at Dayton Local.
Performing Arts in Dayton
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Sunday, July 12 2026
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is your Golden Ticket to a big, bold, amazing musical perfect for everyone!
Introducing Camp DNA - Developing New Artists
Monday, July 13 2026
A three-week, full-day summer theatre experience where high school students don't just learn theatre, they LIVE it. Open to rising 9th-12th graders. Acting, playwriting, directing, stage management, producing, tech theatre.
FutureFest 2026
Friday, July 17 2026
The Dayton Playhouse's annual festival: FutureFest—six finalist plays are brought to life as either fully staged productions or staged readings July 17- 19
Dayton Live Creative Academy Adult Summer Intensive: Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Monday, July 20 2026
Join our DLCA ADULT SUMMER INTENSIVE: MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL – a Broadway-style summer experience.
Dayton Live Creative Academy Summer Camp: Jungle Jam
Monday, July 20 2026
Perfect for our littlest performers, this camp invites kids to explore the jungle through songs from jungle and animal-themed musical theatre favorites, creative drama activities, and plenty of hands-on fun.
Dayton Live Creative Academy: Rise Of The Demon Hunters K-Pop Camp
Monday, July 20 2026
Campers will step into the role of performer heroes as they learn choreography, vocal performance, and character work while building an original ensemble piece set in a dramatic, pop-powered world.
MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL
Wednesday, July 22 2026
Broadway in Dayton: ✨ Step into a world of splendor and romance at The Schuster. Don’t miss your chance to see MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL Jul 22 - Jul 26, 2026
Camp DNA Showcase
Friday, July 24 2026
The Human Race Theatre Company's inaugural high school theatre camp performance/showcase. Free and open to the public. Come see these kids' amazing work!
WAHFU Live at the O.E.
Saturday, July 25 2026
WAHFU teams up with keepitcasual for an evening of groove, funk and jams! Join us at the Oregon Express located in Dayton's historic Oregon District. Music at 9PM $10 at the door 21+
Motown Concert with The Motown Sounds of Touch
Friday, July 31 2026
Join us under the pavilion as the RiverScape Summer Music Series features a Motown Concert with The Motown Sounds of Touch!
Art in the City
Saturday, August 01 2026
Free Family-Friendly Event! Art in the City, a celebration of downtown Dayton's visual and performing arts communities.
Rockin’ at Riverscape: Party with The Menus
Friday, August 07 2026
Join us under the pavilion as the RiverScape Summer Music Series features a Rockin’ Party with The Menus!
Madison Park Live - Summer Concert Series
Saturday, August 08 2026
We are THRILLED to announce the return of Madison Park Live — your favorite summer concert series is back and this year's lineup is giving everything it needs to give. Sponsored by the RTA, Renewal By Andersen & Altafiber
Sitar Sutra – Echoes Of A Timeless Land
Saturday, August 08 2026
Come see Sitar Maestro Anupama Bhagwat perform live at the PNC Arts Annex, Saturday, August 8.
StreetBeats Community Daze
Saturday, August 08 2026
All are welcome to the 2nd annual block party at DCDC Studios. Food, Fun games, shopping, dancing, and giveaways of bookbags filled with school supplies, there is something for everyone. Open to the public.
Etown Shakedown Music & Arts Festival
Saturday, August 15 2026
The Fourth Annual E-Town Shakedown Music & Arts Festival is a family-friendly celebration of live music, local art, food, and community!
"Come From Away"
Thursday, August 20 2026
This New York Times Critics' Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers during 9/11, and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them.
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
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!
Artini 2026
Thursday, August 27 2026
Join us for Dayton's original Cocktail & Art Pairing event! On Thursday, August 27, the area's top bartenders compete for Best of Show with cocktails inspired by works created by local artists.
Clifton Gorge Music & Arts Festival
Friday, August 28 2026
Family festival in the Historic Village of Clifton alongside the beautiful Clifton Gorge.
Fortune Feimster: Takin’ Care Of Biscuits Comedy Tour
Saturday, September 19 2026
Comedian, actress, and award-winning podcast host Fortune Feimster performs at the Schuster Center in downtown Dayton on September 19, 2026. Tickets available at daytonlive.org!
Bored Teachers: "Is It Friday Yet?!" Comedy Tour
Saturday, September 26 2026
They’ve graded the papers, survived the staff meetings, and lost their last ounce of patience… and now they’re taking it out on stage!
"Something Rotten"
Thursday, October 01 2026
Something Rotten! is a laugh-out-loud musical comedy, show-within-a-show hailed by Time Out New York as “The funniest musical comedy in at least 400 years.”
Chris Janson
Saturday, October 03 2026
Chris Janson is the real deal. An accomplished, award-winning artist, producer, and songwriter. Janson’s live shows and songwriting set him on a path of great success. Join the APAC in welcoming him Oct 3 at 7 PM!
The Notebook
Tuesday, October 06 2026
Broadway in Dayton ✨ THE NOTEBOOK is a deeply moving portrait of the enduring power of love. THE NOTEBOOK is at The Schuster Oct 6 - Oct 11, 2026
Salem: Blood to Drink
Wednesday, October 14 2026
Play by Maggie Rou Rader. A WORLD PREMIERE. "If it's all a witch hunt, who are the real victims?"
INVINCIBLE: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson
Saturday, October 24 2026
Join us for an unforgettable evening with Invincible: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson at the Arbogast Performing Arts Center on Oct 24 at 7 PM. As part of our Signature Series, this exciting event promises great talent!
