Here is a list of businesses and restaurants taking part in the event, as provided by the Downtown Dayton Partnership:
ART, DANCE, MUSIC AND FILM
- The Black Box Improv, 518 E. Third St.: Take in comedy with the Friday House Team “Midwestern Beef,” Murdery Mystery! For tickets and other information, visit DaytonBlackBoxImprov.com.
- The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St.: The Co’s 30th Open Members’ Show returns for the first time since 2020. Join a community-wide celebration of 80+ local and Ohio artists during the public reception from 6 to 8 p.m.
- Corner Kitchen, 613 E. Fifth St.: Enjoy live music on 8 to 10 p.m. every First Friday. Parking validated with $20 purchase.
- Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North: Visit the latest exhibitions, “Telling Stories: World Literature in Art” and “You Don’t Know Me: Works by Unknown Photographers.” Open until 5 p.m. on Friday.
- Dayton Society of Artists, 48 High St.: The Dayton Society of Artists welcomes people to “The Future of Female” DSA’s all-women identifying exhibition.
- Dublin Pub, 300 Wayne Ave., 937-224-7822: Stop by for a pint and listen to live music for Irish First Fridays. Music by The Rogues starting at 9 p.m.
- Edward A. Dixon Gallery, 222 N. St. Clair St.: The gallery hosts AAVAG’s latest travelling exhibit during Black History Month. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Artist reception 5-8 p.m.
- Front Street, 1001 E. Second St.: Enjoy an evening of live music, food trucks, studio and gallery hopping, shopping and more.
- Moeller Brew Barn, 416 E. First St.: Hear live music at the Brew Barn from 7-10 p.m.
Credit: HANDOUT
Credit: HANDOUT
- The Neon movie theater, 130 E. Fifth St.: See the full schedule online at neonmovies.com. Also enjoy beer and cocktail specials during First Friday, and you can purchase a DORA drink at the Neon to walk around downtown Dayton’ Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area before or after the show.
- Skeleton Dust Records, 133 E. Third St.: See art from local artist Scott Ross now on display in the shop. Open 12-6 p.m. on Fridays.
DINING AND DRINKS
- The Foundry, 124 Madison St.: Enjoy an amazing view of Day Air Ballpark and downtown Dayton alongside delicious wood-fired cuisine. Igloo rentals are available now for $50 per person at a 4 person minimum.
- Jimmy John’s, 220 N. Main St.: Try the new Kickin’ Cajun Sandwich now available as a sandwich or a wrap.
- Lily’s Dayton, 329 E. Fifth St.: Eighth annual Oyster Fest, special happy hour pricing on Bao Buns and select drinks from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Full dinner menu available until 10 p.m.
- Local Cantina, 503 E. First St.: Happy Hour is from 3 to 6 p.m. with $5 Mustache Rides and Same Same Margaritas along with $2 off dips. Now taking reservations and catering order.
- Moeller Brew Barn, 416 E. First St.: It’s $5 Pint Happy Hour from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Mudlick Tap House, 135 E. Second St., (937) 895-4066: Join us for Happiness Hours from 4-6 p.m. with $2 off draft beers and $2 off shareables, ½ price bottles of wine, $8 Old Fashioned, and $9 Manhattans.
Credit: Natalie Jones
Credit: Natalie Jones
- Oregon Express, 336 E. Fifth St., 937-223-9205: Every First Friday join us for Happy Hour deals from 5 to 8 p.m. Dine in, carryout and curbside pickup available.
- Salar Restaurant and Lounge, 400 E. Fifth St., 937-203-3999: Kick off your First Friday with happy hour at Salar from 4-6 p.m. with cocktail specials, $5 house wine pours, $1 off of all beers, and bar bites specials. Enjoy dinner, too, available for dine in or carryout.
- Table 33 Dayton, 130 W. Second St.: Fridays are wine night at Table 33, with $3.33 wine pairings with any entree.
- Troll Pub Dayton, 216 Wayne Ave.: Every Friday at the Troll Pub is part of W.T.F Happy Hours: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 4-7 p.m. featuring 1/2-priced pints and 1/2 priced apps.
- Trolley Stop, 530 E. Fifth St., 937-461-1101: Enjoy Half-off Happy Hour every day 3-7pm! $3 wells and half off select appetizers.
- Two Social, 123 E. Third St.: New menu launch, every first Friday. Try all six drinks on the new menu and get a free shirt. You have all month to collect all 6 drinks on the punch card.
SPECIAL SHOPPING DEALS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES
- After5, 111 E. Third St.: Mention First Friday at checkout to take 20% off of your total purchase!
- Choice Juice Boxx, 31 S. St. Clair St.: Spend $50 at Varsity House to receive 10% off from your Choice Juice Boxx purchase.
- Club Evolution, 130 N. Patterson Blvd.: Audience applause chooses the winner of a karaoke contest and $75. No cover. Karaoke starts at 8:30 p.m. with the contest starting at 10:30 p.m.
- Cosmo Joe’s Atomic Lounge, 121 N. Ludlow St.: It’s karaoke night. Singing starts at 9 p.m.
- Omega Music, 318 E. Fifth St.: New release day! Explore the new releases on vinyl, CDs, and more. All day 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Oregon District.
- RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E. Monument Ave.: Sheltered under the covered pavilion, the MetroParks Ice Rink sets the scene as a perfect winter wonderland in downtown Dayton. Visit metroparks.org/ice-rink to learn more, find daily open hours, and see a schedule of events. Admission: $7 daily, ice skate rental: $3 daily. Ages 3 and younger are free with a paying adult. 937-278-2607.
- Pedal Wagon Dayton: Adults 21+ can grab a seat on the Polar Bear Express for $25 or book a private ride starting at $299. pedalwagon.com/dayton/polar-bear-express
- Picture Perfect Paint Parties, 123 N. Ludlow St.: Karaoke & Wine Tasting — wine tasting with karaoke and line dancing. Flights will include African American wines from Dayton and across Ohio. Each flight includes five wines with 2-3oz per pour. Wines will be paired with popcorn, cheese, crackers and chocolate.
- Sole Touchers, 37 S. St. Clair St.: Mention First Friday to receive 25% off all shoes in store.
- Talbott Tower, 131 N. Ludlow St.: Visit the businesses of Talbott Tower! Enjoy live music, food and beer while you shop special discounts at more than 20 businesses.
- Vidia’s Closet, 27 S. St. Clair St.: Take 20% off an entire purchase. Shop in-store and enjoy a complementary glass of wine.
More online
For additional information and services, check out downtowndayton.org.
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