Plenty of firsts at February First Friday this weekend

There’s plenty to do and see this weekend, and it all starts with First Friday on Feb. 3 in downtown Dayton.

Here’s a look at what to expect, and what we’re looking forward to.

Welcome 2 new businesses downtown

  • Buckeye Laptop located in the Talbot Tower at 131 N. Ludlow St., will host "Buckeyes, Balloons & Brew" from 5-8 p.m. Visitors are invited to pop a balloon to reveal prizes like discounted mobile and laptop services and a basket of Dayton beers.
  • Wells & Co. Custom Tattoo will host its grand opening event in the Fire Blocks building at 110 E. Third St. Event includes refreshments, live music by local bands Shrug and Cricketbows, and a photography exhibit in the gallery space.

Art 

  • Brixx Ice Company, 500 E. First St., is asking you to put your artistic skills to work and paint Three Martinis on a 16x20 canvas. 6 p.m. Cost: $25. Info: 937-222-2257.
  • Dayton Visual Arts Center, 118 N. Jefferson St., is hosting a Community Artmaking Project from 6-8 p.m. Free. Info: 937-224-3822.
  • Fifth Third Center, 1 S. Main St., will be having a reception hosted by Illustrator Cydnie Deed and Miami Valley Quilt Art Network. 5-7 p.m. Free. Info: 937-228 – 2224.
  • The Front Street Building Co., 1001 E. Second St., is featuring over two dozen art studios and artists including painters, sculptors, glass and jewelry makers. There's also something new: The INDEX gallery from students at UD will be on display, and Aquascapes, Dayton's newest aquarium store, has just opened up. 5 p.m., free. Info: 937-331 – 9061
  • K12 Gallery & TEJAS , 341 S. Jefferson St., will feature an exhibit and a chance to meet the artists. You can also create a take-home work of art and shop for local art. Refreshments and music will be available as well. 6:30-9 p.m., free. Info: 937-461 – 5149.

Music 

  • Blind Bob's, 430 E. Fifth St., will be serving $2.50 well drinks during a 4-8 p.m. happy hour with live music by The Story Changes, Lovely, Old Game and Sidekick Complex. Free entry. Info: 937-938-6405.
  • De'Lish Café, 139 N. Main St., is featuring its Friday Nights Unplugged with live soul, jazz and R&B music with $5 drink specials all night. 9-11 p.m., free entry. Info: 937-461-2233
  • Dublin Pub, 300 Wayne Ave., is hosting an Irish party with a performance by the Miami Valley Pipe and Drum group and Fin Tan. 7 p.m. Free entry. Info: 937-224-7882.
  • Gilly's, 132 S. Jefferson St., is hosting Old Skool Groove Night all evening. 8 p.m.-12 a.m., $5. Info: 937-228-8414.
  • Trolley Stop, 530 E. Fifth St., features live music by Devil Doves. Enjoy $5 food specials. 9:30 p.m., free entry. Info: 937-461-1101.
  • Entertainment America's Packard Museum, 420 S. Ludlow St., is hosting a 'Party with a Purpose' to raise funds to help renovate the pool and launch swim safety program at the Boys & Girls Club of Dayton. 5:30-8:30 p.m., donations accepted. Info: 937-262-8377.
  • The Black Box Improv Theater, 518 E. Third St., is asking audience members to share their social media profiles to enjoy a show devoted to improvising those stories. BYOB. Call for tickets: 937-369-0747.
  • Courteous Mass Dayton is taking a group bike ride with anyone who shows up with a bike. Coffee will also be served. All riding levels welcome. Start at Don Crawford Plaza, 220 N. Patterson Blvd. at 5:30 p.m. Free. Info:  Website
  • Dayton Chess Club, 18 W. Fifth St., is hosting a Quick tournament for U.S. Chess Federation members. Registration at 6:30 p.m., games begin at 7:30 p.m. Info: 937-461-6283.
  • Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Ave., presents Luna Gale, a show that follows a veteran social worker who believes she has a typical case on her hands when she meets two teenage drug addicts accused of neglecting their baby daughter. 8 p.m. Call for tickets: 937-278-5993.
  • MJ's on Jefferson, 20 N. Jefferson St., will have happy hour and kitchen service along with the new Friday night cast hosted by Sasha Chanel Soule. Reserved seating is available. 5:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Cost: $5/ages 21+, $7 other. Info: 937-223-3259.
  • Nucleus, 411 W. Fifth St., is hosting a Workday and is inviting guests to bring their laptops and enjoy the opportunity to work quietly and mingle with others. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Info: 937-259-4686.
  • Loft Theatre, 126 N. Main St., presents 26 Pebbles a series of interviews with residents of the town where the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting took place. Ticket and show time available via phone: 937-228-3630.
  • RiverScape MetroPark Ice Rink, 237 E. Monument Ave., invites the public to skate the night away. Cost: $5 entry, $2 skate rental. Info: 937-278-2607.
  • Schuster Performing Arts Center, 1 W. Second St., is hosting a performance by the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and the Dayton Philharmonic Chamber Choir. 8 p.m. Call for tickets and info: 937-228-3630.

Food and Drink 

  • Deaf Monty's Wine, 22 Brown St.. $2-$3 tastings of select wines. Info: 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. Info: 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. Info: 937-443-0919

Shopping 

  • Clash Dayton, 521 E. Fifth St., will feature jewelry designers, candle makers and artisans that sell Valentine related gifts including their vintage lingerie section.
  • Epic Life Fitness, 118 N. Jefferson St., is inviting people to stop by between 4-8 p.m. to schedule a free assessment and get 20% off their first package with a purchase of four sessions or more.
  • Square One Salon and Spa, 506 E. Third St., is offering complimentary dry styles (curl, flatiron) for women, neck shaves for men, and makeup touch ups. Light refreshments will also be served.

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