The first First Friday of 2026 takes place on January 2 in Downtown Dayton, offering art exhibitions, live music, comedy, dining specials, and shopping discounts from 5 to 10 p.m. This New Year Downtown Edition invites visitors to explore local galleries, theaters, restaurants, and retailers amid festive holiday lights. Families and art enthusiasts can enjoy a mix of cultural experiences and holiday activities to celebrate the start of the year.
As 2025 draws to a close, Downtown Dayton prepares to welcome 2026 with its inaugural First Friday event on Friday, January 2. Running from 5 to 10 p.m., the New Year Downtown Edition features a vibrant lineup of activities centered on art, performance, food, and shopping in the heart of the city.
Art lovers can visit several galleries with extended hours. The Contemporary Dayton at 25 W. Fourth St. showcases Xaviera Simmons: Figure Eleven, a solo exhibition of photography, painting, video, and new bronze sculptures, open until 7 p.m. The Dayton Art Institute at 456 Belmonte Park North displays exhibitions including “Themes in Yoshitoshi’s 100 Aspects of the Moon” and “The Triumph of Nature: Art Nouveau from the Chrysler Museum of Art,” available until 5 p.m. Other highlights include Brian Mathus's exhibit Being Seen at Dayton Metro Library through January 31, and solo shows by Colleen Kelsey, Kate Santucci, and Barb Stork at the Dayton Society of Artists.
Music and entertainment abound, with comedy from Grandpa’s Scream Jar at The Black Box Improv, rock performances by Wayward J & The Substitutes and Yinyang Sunflower at Blind Bob’s starting at 8 p.m., and heavy sounds from Warning Signs, Plaster, Avalon, and Plain Sight at Yellow Cab Tavern from 8:30 p.m. The Dublin Pub hosts Irish First Fridays with a Miami Valley Pipes & Drums performance at 7 p.m.
Dining options include happy hours at venues like Lily’s Dayton with $3.25 bao buns and $6 highballs, Dayton Beer Company offering $1 off core beers from 3 to 5 p.m., and Salar Restaurant with cocktail specials from 4 to 6 p.m. Shopping deals feature 20% off at After5 and Mintha’s Boutique, 30-50% off jewelry at Gem City Jewelry, and a tattoo flash sale at Gem City Tattoo Club.
Additional festivities include Deck the Diamond holiday lights at Day Air Ballpark until January 3 and Power Up Skate at RiverScape MetroPark's ice rink with video game tunes. The Neon movie theater provides film screenings with beer specials in the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area.