More than 25 things to do downtown on Friday

Anyone who has never visited downtown Dayton — or if it’s been a few years since the last visit — First Fridays offer a fantastic “introductory” experience. Browse boutique shops, raise a glass at a local brewpub, take in street performances by roving entertainers, and shop at downtown’s collection of small, locally owned businesses.

>>MORE: Easter brunch menus that will make your mouths water <<

>>RELATED: DAYTON BUSINESS: 4 stores opening, 3 stores closing 

Art 

• The Front Street Building Co., 1001 E. Second St.: This event features over two dozen art studios and artists all in one location, including painters, sculptors, glass makers, jewelry makers, with a few new things happening at Front Street. Call 937-331-9061.

• K12 Gallery & TEJAS, 341 S. Jefferson St.: Enjoy the opening reception for The Millennial Show from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Millennials is a juried exhibition exploring young contemporary Millennial artists. The exhibition will feature artwork created by 20 local Generation Y era artists. Free and open to the public. Light refreshments, drinks and artist panel discussion from 7-8 p.m.Call 937-461-5149.

• Wells and Co. Custom Tattoo, 110 E. Third St.: Wells & Co. Custom Tattoo celebrates First Friday with an art show, We Shall Persist- A Wells & Co Art Show for Women's Empowerment. They'll be giving away a couple thousand dollars' worth of free Tattoo gift certificates. All proceeds from this show will be going to a female-centric charity or cause (to be announced soon). Enjoy great food, beverages, treats and more. Call 937-286-3127.

Music 

• Blind Bob's, 430 E. Fifth St.: Featuring happy hour from 4 to 8 p.m., $2.50 well drinks. Live music by The Lucky Dutch. Call 937-938-6405.

• De'Lish Café, 139 N. Main St.: Featuring Friday Nights Unplugged with live soul, jazz and R&B music from 9-11 p.m. with no cover charge, plus $5 drink specials all night. Call 937-461-2233.

• Dublin Pub, 300 Wayne Ave.: Featuring Irish First Fridays, with a happy hour, a performance by the Miami Valley Pipe and Drum group starting around 7 p.m., and music starting at 9 p.m. Call 937-224-7822.

• Gilly's, 132 S. Jefferson St.: Old Skool Groove Night from 8 p.m. to midnight, $5 admission charge. Call 937-228-8414.

• Oregon Express, 336 E 5th St.: Live music from the Linda Prevo Band from 5-8 p.m. Call 937-223-9205.

• Trolley Stop, 530 E. Fifth St.: $5 food specials from 4-7 p.m. Live music by Holey Miss Moley starting at 9:30 p.m. Call 937-461-1101.

• Tumbleweed Connection, 454 E. 5th St.: Live music by Mike Milligan and Steam Shovel. Begins at 9 p.m. Call 937-228-5500.

Entertainment

• The Black Box Improv Theater, 518 E. Third St.: Womit 2.0 takes the stage every Friday night from 8-9 p.m. Performers may interview an audience member, discuss personal stories, or simply take a one-word suggestion to create fun. Later, watch the courtroom burst into hilarity during Dayton Legal. BYOB. Call for ticket prices and availability: 937-369-0747.

• Blair Hall Theatre, 444 West Third St.: Sinclair Theatre Presents 'The Toxic Avenger'- A musical toxic love story with an environmental twist. Not suitable for children. Adults $18/ Students & seniors $15. Show starts at 8 p.m.

• Courteous Mass Dayton, Don Crawford Plaza, 220 N. Patterson Blvd.: Bring a bike every First Friday for a relaxed group ride, starting at 5:30 p.m. This month is Bikes + Parks. All riding levels welcome. Visit www.courteousmassdayton.com.

• Dayton Chess Club, 18 W. Fifth St.: Dayton Chess Club hosts a Quick tournament for U.S. Chess Federation members. Games are perfect for club chess players and those experienced with online chess games who would like to test their skill over the board. The club opens at 6:30 p.m. and registration ends at 7:25 p.m. The first of four games begins at 7:30. Visit daytonchessclub.com for more details. Call 937-461-6283.

• Fifth Third Field, 220 N. Patterson Blvd.: Watch the Dayton Dragons play the Lake County Captains. Games start at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit http://www.daytondragons.com or call 228-2287.

• MJ's on Jefferson, 20 N. Jefferson St.: Love Always Wins: A Stand-up Comedy Fundraiser- Love is needed now more than ever, come out and show your PRIDE on First Friday. The laughs start at 7 p.m.! Come out and see nationally touring comedian Sue Bump, who has been on The View. Featuring for Sue is Columbus, Ohio favorite Lauren Bencaz. Also performing are Dave Burkey, Steve "Pops" Gaines, Lee Mays, Bobbie Jo Stevens, Natalie Cuevas, and Chase Patterson. $5. Call 937-223-3259.

• Nucleus, 411 W. Fifth St.: Need a break from your everyday routine? Have you been working from a coffee shop and need a quieter place but also want mingle with others? According to Global Coworking Studies, coworkers have reported a productivity increase of 75 percent. Try their Free First Friday Workday. Bring your laptop and enjoy the collaborative energy of coworking from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 937-259-4686.

• Loft Theatre, 126 N. Main St.: The Human Race Theatre Company presents On Golden Pond by Ernest Thompson. Call 937-228-3630 for ticket prices and availability.

• Schuster Performing Arts Center, 1 W. Second St.: Dare to Defy Presents 'Dogfight: The Musical'. Show is located in the Mathile Theatre and starts at 8 p.m. Call 937-228-3630 for ticket prices and availability.

Food and Drink

• Deaf Monty's Wine, 22 Brown St.: $2-$3 tastings of select wines. Call 937-225-9463.

• De'Lish Café, 139 N. Main St.: Friday Nights Unplugged features live music plus $5 food and drinks specials and $4 wines. Call 937-461-2233.

• Fifth Street Brewpub, 1600 E. Fifth St.: Pub grub specials from 4-5 p.m. and happy hour ($1 off all draft beer) from 4-6 p.m. Call 443-0919

Shopping

• Brim, 464 E. Fifth St.: The annual Derby Day Fashion Show – models walk at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Attend the in-store fashion show for the best selection of Derby Day hats and accessories, in partnership with Clash Dayton. Call 937-222-4287.

• Buckeye Laptop, 131 N. Ludlow St.: Do you want a free laptop? Spring has sprung so come spin the Buckeye prize wheel. Win free prizes including free diagnostics valued at $49 or free tempered glass for your iPhone. The grand prize is a laptop. Bring your cracked iPhone or other device (tablet, laptop, desktop, etc.) to be repaired and receive $10 off instantly. Buckeye candy will be given away to all who attend from 5-7 p.m. Call 937-985-2006.

• Clash Dayton, 521 E 5th St.: Featuring Ravenbombshell (Andrea Benson) as their featured artist for the month of April She will have many of her one of a kind dresses on display and for sale at Clash! Call 937-241-9434.

• Epic Life Fitness: 118 N. Jefferson St.: Patrons can stop by between 4-8 p.m. to schedule a free assessment and receive 20% off their first package with the purchase of four sessions or more. Call 937-371-8258.

• Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. 4th St.: Dayton Crafty-Con 2017- Shop from over 25 artisan vendors, watch the Battle of the Crafters, arrive early to get one of our swag bags, and of course, drink some tasty craft beer. Call 937-424-3870.