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
Wild Kratts LIVE Stage Show Coming to the Schuster Center
Wednesday, November 11 2026
Come see the Kratt brothers LIVE at the Schuster Center Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
"Santa: The Musical" & "The Gift of Christmas"
Thursday, November 12 2026
Two joyous musicals for the price of one! The first act of our holiday celebration is Santa Claus: The Musical. After intermission, we present The Gift of Christmas.
Wright State Theatre Presents PIPPIN'
Thursday, November 12 2026
The beloved musical with an allegorical story of a young prince’s search for meaning, magic, and his corner of the sky.
CLUE performed by Carroll High School
Friday, November 13 2026
Don’t move a muscle, you’ll die laughing at the Carroll's production of CLUE. Based on the cult classic film and the popular board game, Clue is a madcap comedy that will keep the audience guessing until the final twist!
Dayton Playhouse presents THE CRUCIBLE
Friday, November 13 2026
Timeless. Powerful. Uncomfortably relevant. The Crucible is a gripping examination of hysteria, morality, and the cost of standing alone.
Four Old Broads: Christmas Extravaganza
Friday, November 13 2026
Actor's Theatre Fairborn presents Four Old Broads: Christmas Extravaganza
STAND BY ME: The Film and Its Stars 40 Years Later
Saturday, November 14 2026
A Night of Reflection, Connection, and the Friendships That Shape Us with Corey Feldman, Jerry O'Connell and Wil Wheaton
Nurse Blake But Did You Die? Comedy Tour
Friday, November 20 2026
Nurse Blake is back with his hilarious new comedy tour with all-new content, diving into the wildest things patients and their families say and do.
Miscellany: A Jazz Nutcracker
Saturday, November 21 2026
This Nutcracker doesn’t just dance, it’s salsas 💃🏻 Miscellany: A Jazz Nutcracker — a fresh, jazzy, and swinging take on the beloved holiday classic.
Clue
Tuesday, November 24 2026
Broadway in Dayton ✨ Murder and blackmail are on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget! CLUE is at The Schuster Nov 24 - Nov 29, 2026
Yellow Springs Thanksgiving Weekend
Friday, November 27 2026
Dance away your black Friday blues at the best Wine Tasting & Dance Party with DJ Radio Basim. Thanksgiving weekend, Friday November 27th from 6:30 to 10:00 pm. A family friend get down where funk, R&B and soul creates magic
A Christmas Story: The Musical
Friday, December 04 2026
Experience a holiday favorite like you've never seen it before! Based on the beloved Christmas classic, A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL is coming to the Schuster Center December 4-6, 2026.
how it feels to fall from the sky
Friday, December 04 2026
Season Extra! Lost in the chaos of their own lives, five strangers witness a sudden tragedy 🎭 how it feels to fall from the sky, by Dominic Finocchiaro, presented by Dayton Theatre Guild
A Christmas Carol
Saturday, December 05 2026
Jumpstart the holiday season with Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" featuring memorable characters, puppetry, beautiful costumes, stunning stagecraft and timeless music. It's a magical evening for the entire family!
A Rosewood Holiday Arts Festival
Saturday, December 05 2026
The Rosewood Holiday Sale is back this December to help you get creative with your holiday shopping and discover all that Rosewood Arts Center has to offer.
Eaton Boosters Annual Holiday Craft Show & Music Festival
Saturday, December 05 2026
3 gyms with over 75 vendors. Musical performances throughout the day. Concession, bake sale, raffle, silent auction.
Kettering Civic Band Winter Concert at KFHS
Saturday, December 05 2026
Kettering Civic Band Concert Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 7pm at Kettering Fairmont High School Auditorium. Directed by Catherine Abner, this show features plenty of jovial music to get you into the holiday spirit!
SDDT's The Nutcracker
Saturday, December 05 2026
Join us for a magical evening of classic ballet with South Dayton Dance Theatre's Annual Nutcracker Performance!
The Holly Jolly Variety Hour
Saturday, December 05 2026
Season extra at Dayton Playhouse: Step aside, Santa: The Holly Jolly Variety Hour is coming to town!
Holly Days at the Arcade Presented by AES Ohio
Wednesday, December 09 2026
Find unique gifts, support small businesses, and celebrate the season in the heart of downtown Dayton.
Reindeer Sessions
Wednesday, December 09 2026
Play by Eric Ulloa. "You won't look at Blitzen and Rudolph the same way again..."
Dayton Ballet's The Nutcracker
Friday, December 11 2026
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.
Luminare Christmas
Saturday, December 12 2026
Join us for an unforgettable evening with Luminare Christmas at the Arbogast Performing Arts Center on Dec 12 at 7 PM.
Cathedral of Words: Voices & Verses of the Season
Sunday, December 13 2026
Join us for our winter concert, Cathedral of Words: Voices & Verses of the Season, to hear the beautiful voices of MUSICA singing seasonal music.
Handels Messiah with the Dayton Philharmonic
Wednesday, December 16 2026
Enjoy an annual holiday tradition with the Dayton Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra and Choir under the twinkling lights of the Schuster.
Mahler’s First Symphony - Dayton Philharmonic
Saturday, January 16 2027
First performed in Budapest in 1889, Mahler's first symphonic outing couldn't help but reflect the tone of the changing cultural and political climate of the late 19th century.
Hell's Kitchen
Tuesday, January 26 2027
Broadway in Dayton ✨ Welcome to HELL’S KITCHEN, the hit musical from 17-time Grammy® Award winning Alicia Keys – inspired by her life, her music, and her community.
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Wednesday, February 03 2027
Play by William Shakespeare. "A beachy reimagining of Shakespeare's beloved romantic comedy." February 3 – 14, 2027
