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, August 02 2026
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is your Golden Ticket to a big, bold, amazing musical perfect for everyone!
Spring Awakening Musical at Dayton Masonic Center
Thursday, August 06 2026
Winner of eight Tony Awards, this is a powerful, rock-driven coming-of-age musical that explores the restless yearning and suffocating alienation of adolescence. Set in 1891 Germany, the story follows a group of classmates.
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.
Village Artisans presents Art on the Lawn
Saturday, August 08 2026
2026 Annual Art on the Lawn 🎨 100+ original fine artists and fine crafters, Live music and food vendors
Kettering Civic Band Free Concert Polen Farm Series
Thursday, August 13 2026
Kettering Civic Band Concert August 13, 2026 at 7pm at Polen Farm. Directed by Catherine Abner featuring patriotic marches, sweeping brass, a jazzy swing medley, tango, and other great selections you won't want to miss!
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.
Yellow Springs Battle of the DJ's
Sunday, September 06 2026
A rematch of last Summer's block party of the year. Two legendary DJ's - DJ Radio Basim vs DJ Creepingbear go head-to-head, spinning all genres of dancefloor hits in the heart of Downtown Yellow Springs. Free Family Fun 4 all
Annie - Dayton Playhouse
Friday, September 18 2026
Set against a world of hard knocks and big dreams, Annie—presented by Dayton Playhouse Sep 18, 2026 - Oct 4, 2026 as the 2026-2027 season opener -directed by Dawn Roth Smith
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!
"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.
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.
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
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.
Reindeer Sessions
Wednesday, December 09 2026
Play by Eric Ulloa. "You won't look at Blitzen and Rudolph the same way again..."
