Summer in the City will serve as a “focal point for festivals, concerts, art galleries, sporting events, fitness programs, charity races, museum events, dining specials, musical performances, and anything else that draws visitors to the city center,” according to DDP.
As we previously reported, the first event will be centered around art.
Art in the City is planned for May 8.
“One of our greatest assets downtown is our vibrant visual arts community,” DDP President Sandra Gudorf said in a press release. “Art in the City will feature galleries, creative spaces, entertainment hubs and the talented artist community we enjoy in downtown Dayton.”
Here are the highlights of Art in the City from DDP:
- Art in the City and Street Art Throwdown: On May 8, K12/Tejas Gallery is planning a street art competition and try-it stations. Inside will be more artist demonstrations and exhibitions on display, including spray paint/graffiti art, glass mosaics, paper making, hot glass and clay wheel throwing, plus a special silverware sculpture created to benefit The Foodbank.
- Gallery Openings: Art in the City is the opening date for two new exhibits at the Dayton Visual Arts Center. Artists Amy Sacksteder and John Emery will be celebrated with a light reception.
- Sideshow X: Friday kicks off the Dayton Circus Creative Collective's two-day community arts festival, the Dayton Sideshow, at the "Old" Yellow Cab building, featuring more than 50 local artists and over 40 musical acts.
- Pickin' in the Park: May 8 is the first of RiverScape MetroPark's "Pickin' in the Park" series with bluegrass music and craft beer, plus spoken-word poetry, performances by DCDC and more.
- Paint the Town: The DDP is hosting a huge, drop-in painting party that invites participants to create their own art for free as part of their experience. Stations will be located on St. Clair and Fifth streets. New sessions take place at the top of the hour at 6, 7 and 8 p.m.; each session should take 30-40 minutes to complete.
- Art Around Town: Downtown businesses will feature their favorite local artists as a pop-up gallery and even some live demonstrations. Grab a map at the Paint the Town stations to learn more and find the locations for all participating arts locations.
Downtown storm drain murals are being created as part of the City of Dayton Water Division's storm drain artscapes project. WICKED will still be showing at the Schuster Center, and the Dayton Dragons take on West Michigan at 8 p.m. at Fifth Third Field.
“Many people simply do not realize just how much is happening downtown,” Gudorf said. “Our strategy this summer will be to support downtown events through strategic partnerships and supplemental programming. We want to help ensure continued success of established downtown festivals, events and businesses, and we want to help new events grow.”
Here are other highlights of Summer in the City:
- First Fridays: This monthly art hop builds on its growing popularity as a way to sample downtown businesses. First Fridays will continue through the summer and fall.
- The Square Is Where: This free lunchtime entertainment takes place daily on Courthouse Square. From trivia to live music to giant outdoor games, it's a hot spot for lunch.
- Festivals: Downtown is home to many fantastic community festivals, including the Dayton Celtic Festival, the City of Dayton summer concert series, and newcomers like AleFest and Big Blues and Brews. Summer in the City will put the spotlight on these popular events.
- June 5, Great Dayton Adventure Race: Taking place in conjunction with the new Dayton Multi-Sport Festival June 5-6, the Great Dayton Adventure Race pits teams in a friendly competition to find clues and win prizes. Active living amenities will be the focus of this weekend event.
- July 10, Summer in the City Street Party: The DDP is teaming up with the Dayton Area Performing Arts Alliance and the Victoria Theatre Association to throw an after-work street party, kicking off the DPAA's "Guitar Heroes" summer music series and The Cool Films Series at the Victoria Theatre.
- August 14, The Square Is Where Goes Over the Edge: As part of the Miami Valley Big Brothers Big Sisters' annual fundraiser, this event extends regular The Square Is Where hours to party with games, live music, beer and more while rappelers "drop in" to Courthouse Square.
- September 19, Housing Tour: Urban living has never been more popular, and the housing tour invites prospective homeowners and real estate lovers to visit some of the hottest addresses.
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