July 3 First Friday
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Summer is in full swing, and Downtown Dayton is the place to be! With sunny skies, warm evenings, lively patios, and exciting events happening throughout the city, there’s no better way to celebrate July than during First Friday from 5-10 p.m. on Friday, July 3. July is filled with opportunities to make the most of the season, from refreshing drinks and delicious seasonal menus to live music, local art, unique shopping, outdoor entertainment, and countless ways to enjoy summer in the heart of downtown.
As you enjoy the beautiful weather, remember that the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) is in effect daily from noon until midnight all year-round! Guests 21 years and older are invited to purchase a DORA beverage from a participating business to sip and stroll while taking in all that Downtown Dayton has to offer. Get a refresher on the rules, see the boundary, and a list of all participating vendors at DowntownDayton.org/DORA.
Summer means baseball season is in full swing! Whether you're heading to a Dayton Dragons game or simply looking for a great place to grab dinner and drinks before or after the action, Downtown Dayton offers plenty of local dining options to complete your game day experience. Explore restaurants and bars at DowntownDayton.org/things-to-do/dining.
Check out the individual First Friday listings below, and remember the most up-to-date event listings can be found in the online calendar published on the Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website. Subscribing to the weekly e-vents email newsletter also keeps you up to speed. For more information about First Friday, or to find business addresses, parking, upcoming activities, and more, visit DowntownDayton.org. Invite friends and family to join in the First Friday fun, and be sure to "Like" and share the First Friday Facebook page!
ART, DANCE, MUSIC, AND FILM
• The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St.: The Contemporary Dayton is proud to present Niki Johnson: Pillars of Democracy July 1-August 15, and Threads of History: Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi, in partnership with The Charles F. Kettering Foundation June 6-September 12, 2026.
• THE NEON, 130 E. Fifth St.: See the full schedule online: www.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’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area before or after the show.
• Toxic Brew Co., 431 E. Fifth St.: Art and Brews: Fresh local art on the walls with new beers and drink specials with plenty of Non-Alcoholic options
• Denise Danielle Photography DBA Vogue Vision Photography, 120 West 2nd Street.: Photo sessions only $150 comes with 3 edited images up to 20 poses.
• The Brightside, 905 E 3rd St.: The night before the nation turns 250, step into the timeless world of the Grateful Dead with Hyryder, a tribute band devoted to the improvisation, exploration, and freewheeling joy that defined a generation. There's no more fitting soundtrack for America's birthday eve than the Dead's own brand of red-white-and-blue Americana—so come wave that flag, raise a glass, and let the good times roll. With passion and authenticity, Hyryder brings the legendary Dead catalog roaring back to life—every jam a journey, every song an invitation to let go. This is where the spirit of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead lives on. Take the ride and ring in the semiquincentennial the only way that makes sense: together, on our feet, lost in the music. The Brightside (905 E 3rd St, Dayton) Friday, June 3, 2026 Doors 7PM · Show 8PM *$15 GA advance · $20 day of show Reserved tables available. All ages welcomed!
• The LightHaus, 510 E. Fifth St.: Urban Laffs, laugh filled comedy show. Live entertainment commences at 7pm, show starts at 8pm, with live entertainment to follow. Every First Friday!
• Edward A. Dixon Gallery, 222 N St Clair St, Dayton, OH 45402: "absence" can have many meanings in this upcoming show featuring artwork from Weiting Wei, Christa Kimble, Cynthia Kukla and Ann Silverman. The exhibition is open from June 11th - July 24th. A small collection of Marilyn Monroe artwork will also be on view in Suite B1 of the gallery to commemorate the 100th Birthday of the pop and cultural icon from artists Bill Mack, Cynthia Kukla and Fatima Taylor.
DINING AND DRINKS
• Dayton Beer Company, 41 Madison St.: Happy Hour runs 3-5 p.m.! Enjoy $1 off all DBC core beers.
• Bistecca, 137 N Main St.: Join us from 4:30-6:30pm at our bar for Negroni Hour. Order our Flywheel Negroni and watch our one-of-a-kind hand crafted Archimedean Excogitation Negroni machine work it's magic. Just one standout from Bistecca's Negroni menu.
• Dublin Pub, 300 Wayne Ave.: Enjoy Happy Hour specials from 3-6 p.m.!
• Lily’s Dayton, 329 E. Fifth St.: Happy Hour at Lily's Dayton, 4:30-6:30!
• Mikey’s Late Night Slice, 503 E. First St.: Try the Pizza of the Week: The Meathead! Featuring pepperoni, sausage, and meatballs. Party Hour gets you half off food and drinks from 4-5 p.m., and Happy Hour runs 5-7 p.m. with $3 Wells, $2 off drafts, and $2 off wine. Open until 3 a.m. on Fridays. Whole Pie Carryout from 4PM-8PM carryout a whole pie starting at $25.50!
• Oregon Express, 336 E. Fifth St.: Happy Hour 4-7 p.m. with ½ off drafts and apps, $2 off liquor!
• Pins Mechanical Co., 416 E. First St.: Happy Hour from 4-7PM, with half-off all draft beers and $3 off specialty cocktails.
• Olive Mediterranean Grill, 44 West third St.: The Olive Branch Exchange: Bring a Friend, Eat for Half. Your meal is on us (well, 50% of it is). At Olive Mediterranean Grill, we believe great food is best when shared. That is why we are launching The Olive Branch Stop by our downtown Dayton location with a guest who has never dined with us before. When your first-time guest joins you for a meal (dine-in only) or a pick-up order placed in the restaurant, you will receive 50% off your entire check. To qualify, the new customer must be present with you inside the restaurant at the time of ordering.
• 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.
• Sueño, 607 E. Third St.: Happy hour at the bar runs from 4-6 p.m.!
• Table 33 Dayton, 45 W. Fourth St.: Enjoy some late-night pizza! The oven is on and the bar is open 9p-12a on Fridays & Saturdays.
• Tender Mercy, 607 E. Third St. (Lower Level), Happy Hour runs from 4-6 p.m. featuring half-off select Signature Cocktails, beer, and wine.
• Toxic Brew Co., 431 E. Fifth St.: Art and Brews: Fresh local art on the walls with new beers and drink specials with plenty of Non-Alcoholic options
• Troll Pub Dayton, 216 Wayne Ave.: Every Friday at the Troll Pub is part of W.T.F Happy Hours: Wednesday, Thursday & Friday from 4-7 p.m. featuring 1/2 Priced Pints & 1/2 priced apps, and $4 Fireball Shots.
• 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.
• Winans Coffee & Chocolates, 221 N. Patterson Blvd.: Happy Hour from 4 - 7 pm $1 off any glass of wine from our menu. $2 off each glass if you bring a friend!
SPECIAL SHOPPING DEALS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES
• After5, 111 E. Third St.: Mention First Friday at checkout to take 20% off of your total purchase!
• Gem City Jewelry, 110 North Main St, Suite 125: Red, White, And Blue Sale!! Celebrate Independance Day all month long at Gem City Jewelry with sales on all red, white, and blue gemstones (Rubies, Diamonds, and Sapphires). All 25% off or more.
• CORPORATE, 119 E. Third St.: First Friday sale! Get 15% off from 11a-6p every First Friday
• Soleil Movement Studio, 204 Wayne Avenue: Your first class is just $5! Register for Friday’s Guided Meditation, Mat Pilates, or Gentle Yoga Flow classes at https://www.soleilmovement.com/class-schedule
• Square One Salon & Spa, 506 E. Third St: Enjoy First Friday & Saturday Styles! A new way to experience Square One with Preferred Pricing on Select Services! Available only on First Friday & Saturday of each month with select service providers. Book early – appointments fill quickly!
• Vidia’s Closet, 27 S. St. Clair St.: When you shop this women’s clothing boutique in the St. Clair Lofts on First Friday, you can take 20% off your entire purchase! Shop in-store and enjoy a complementary glass of wine.
• Golden Hour Piercing, 411 e fifth street: July 8th from 11am to 4pm we’re opening our doors to the Red Cross to host a blood drive in our community! No special deals or availability for piercings, just something fun to offer.
The Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website has a complete list of downtown’s arts and cultural amenities, as well as a dining guide, parking map and much more.
As you enjoy the beautiful weather, remember that the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) is in effect daily from noon until midnight all year-round! Guests 21 years and older are invited to purchase a DORA beverage from a participating business to sip and stroll while taking in all that Downtown Dayton has to offer. Get a refresher on the rules, see the boundary, and a list of all participating vendors at DowntownDayton.org/DORA.
Summer means baseball season is in full swing! Whether you're heading to a Dayton Dragons game or simply looking for a great place to grab dinner and drinks before or after the action, Downtown Dayton offers plenty of local dining options to complete your game day experience. Explore restaurants and bars at DowntownDayton.org/things-to-do/dining.
Check out the individual First Friday listings below, and remember the most up-to-date event listings can be found in the online calendar published on the Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website. Subscribing to the weekly e-vents email newsletter also keeps you up to speed. For more information about First Friday, or to find business addresses, parking, upcoming activities, and more, visit DowntownDayton.org. Invite friends and family to join in the First Friday fun, and be sure to "Like" and share the First Friday Facebook page!
ART, DANCE, MUSIC, AND FILM
• The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St.: The Contemporary Dayton is proud to present Niki Johnson: Pillars of Democracy July 1-August 15, and Threads of History: Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi, in partnership with The Charles F. Kettering Foundation June 6-September 12, 2026.
• THE NEON, 130 E. Fifth St.: See the full schedule online: www.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’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area before or after the show.
• Toxic Brew Co., 431 E. Fifth St.: Art and Brews: Fresh local art on the walls with new beers and drink specials with plenty of Non-Alcoholic options
• Denise Danielle Photography DBA Vogue Vision Photography, 120 West 2nd Street.: Photo sessions only $150 comes with 3 edited images up to 20 poses.
• The Brightside, 905 E 3rd St.: The night before the nation turns 250, step into the timeless world of the Grateful Dead with Hyryder, a tribute band devoted to the improvisation, exploration, and freewheeling joy that defined a generation. There's no more fitting soundtrack for America's birthday eve than the Dead's own brand of red-white-and-blue Americana—so come wave that flag, raise a glass, and let the good times roll. With passion and authenticity, Hyryder brings the legendary Dead catalog roaring back to life—every jam a journey, every song an invitation to let go. This is where the spirit of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead lives on. Take the ride and ring in the semiquincentennial the only way that makes sense: together, on our feet, lost in the music. The Brightside (905 E 3rd St, Dayton) Friday, June 3, 2026 Doors 7PM · Show 8PM *$15 GA advance · $20 day of show Reserved tables available. All ages welcomed!
• The LightHaus, 510 E. Fifth St.: Urban Laffs, laugh filled comedy show. Live entertainment commences at 7pm, show starts at 8pm, with live entertainment to follow. Every First Friday!
• Edward A. Dixon Gallery, 222 N St Clair St, Dayton, OH 45402: "absence" can have many meanings in this upcoming show featuring artwork from Weiting Wei, Christa Kimble, Cynthia Kukla and Ann Silverman. The exhibition is open from June 11th - July 24th. A small collection of Marilyn Monroe artwork will also be on view in Suite B1 of the gallery to commemorate the 100th Birthday of the pop and cultural icon from artists Bill Mack, Cynthia Kukla and Fatima Taylor.
DINING AND DRINKS
• Dayton Beer Company, 41 Madison St.: Happy Hour runs 3-5 p.m.! Enjoy $1 off all DBC core beers.
• Bistecca, 137 N Main St.: Join us from 4:30-6:30pm at our bar for Negroni Hour. Order our Flywheel Negroni and watch our one-of-a-kind hand crafted Archimedean Excogitation Negroni machine work it's magic. Just one standout from Bistecca's Negroni menu.
• Dublin Pub, 300 Wayne Ave.: Enjoy Happy Hour specials from 3-6 p.m.!
• Lily’s Dayton, 329 E. Fifth St.: Happy Hour at Lily's Dayton, 4:30-6:30!
• Mikey’s Late Night Slice, 503 E. First St.: Try the Pizza of the Week: The Meathead! Featuring pepperoni, sausage, and meatballs. Party Hour gets you half off food and drinks from 4-5 p.m., and Happy Hour runs 5-7 p.m. with $3 Wells, $2 off drafts, and $2 off wine. Open until 3 a.m. on Fridays. Whole Pie Carryout from 4PM-8PM carryout a whole pie starting at $25.50!
• Oregon Express, 336 E. Fifth St.: Happy Hour 4-7 p.m. with ½ off drafts and apps, $2 off liquor!
• Pins Mechanical Co., 416 E. First St.: Happy Hour from 4-7PM, with half-off all draft beers and $3 off specialty cocktails.
• Olive Mediterranean Grill, 44 West third St.: The Olive Branch Exchange: Bring a Friend, Eat for Half. Your meal is on us (well, 50% of it is). At Olive Mediterranean Grill, we believe great food is best when shared. That is why we are launching The Olive Branch Stop by our downtown Dayton location with a guest who has never dined with us before. When your first-time guest joins you for a meal (dine-in only) or a pick-up order placed in the restaurant, you will receive 50% off your entire check. To qualify, the new customer must be present with you inside the restaurant at the time of ordering.
• 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.
• Sueño, 607 E. Third St.: Happy hour at the bar runs from 4-6 p.m.!
• Table 33 Dayton, 45 W. Fourth St.: Enjoy some late-night pizza! The oven is on and the bar is open 9p-12a on Fridays & Saturdays.
• Tender Mercy, 607 E. Third St. (Lower Level), Happy Hour runs from 4-6 p.m. featuring half-off select Signature Cocktails, beer, and wine.
• Toxic Brew Co., 431 E. Fifth St.: Art and Brews: Fresh local art on the walls with new beers and drink specials with plenty of Non-Alcoholic options
• Troll Pub Dayton, 216 Wayne Ave.: Every Friday at the Troll Pub is part of W.T.F Happy Hours: Wednesday, Thursday & Friday from 4-7 p.m. featuring 1/2 Priced Pints & 1/2 priced apps, and $4 Fireball Shots.
• 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.
• Winans Coffee & Chocolates, 221 N. Patterson Blvd.: Happy Hour from 4 - 7 pm $1 off any glass of wine from our menu. $2 off each glass if you bring a friend!
SPECIAL SHOPPING DEALS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES
• After5, 111 E. Third St.: Mention First Friday at checkout to take 20% off of your total purchase!
• Gem City Jewelry, 110 North Main St, Suite 125: Red, White, And Blue Sale!! Celebrate Independance Day all month long at Gem City Jewelry with sales on all red, white, and blue gemstones (Rubies, Diamonds, and Sapphires). All 25% off or more.
• CORPORATE, 119 E. Third St.: First Friday sale! Get 15% off from 11a-6p every First Friday
• Soleil Movement Studio, 204 Wayne Avenue: Your first class is just $5! Register for Friday’s Guided Meditation, Mat Pilates, or Gentle Yoga Flow classes at https://www.soleilmovement.com/class-schedule
• Square One Salon & Spa, 506 E. Third St: Enjoy First Friday & Saturday Styles! A new way to experience Square One with Preferred Pricing on Select Services! Available only on First Friday & Saturday of each month with select service providers. Book early – appointments fill quickly!
• Vidia’s Closet, 27 S. St. Clair St.: When you shop this women’s clothing boutique in the St. Clair Lofts on First Friday, you can take 20% off your entire purchase! Shop in-store and enjoy a complementary glass of wine.
• Golden Hour Piercing, 411 e fifth street: July 8th from 11am to 4pm we’re opening our doors to the Red Cross to host a blood drive in our community! No special deals or availability for piercings, just something fun to offer.
The Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website has a complete list of downtown’s arts and cultural amenities, as well as a dining guide, parking map and much more.
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Downtown Dayton, Dayton, Ohio, United States
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Host or PublisherDowntown Dayton
