In addition, 5 Star Beauty Salon is offering a chance to sip fine wine, sample cheese and enjoy complimentary mini beauty services for free although a $5 donation to their Shining Star Campaign is requested to fund scholarships for aspiring beauty professionals.
Happy Hour specials are a main attraction at various bars and restaurants, and be sure to stop by Omega Music to see new releases on vinyl, CDs and more.
In the mood for a laugh? Black Box Improv’s Friday House Team has prepared “Grandpa’s Scream Jar” and Gather by Ghostlight presents the Gem City Comedy showcase hosted by Mike Shea and featuring Brent Bowser, Chris Karwoski, Ali Augusta and Nick Osman.
Even though winter is here, don’t forget that the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) is in effect all year long. Guests 21 and older are invited to carry a beverage served in a DORA cup around the boundary to explore more of downtown.
“Several businesses now offer DORA cups made for hot beverages to keep you warm on a chilly January evening that’s sure to be full of fun!,” noted organizers in a press release.
Here’s a detailed look at First Friday activities courtesy of the Downtown Dayton Partnership.
ART, DANCE, MUSIC, AND FILM
· The Black Box Improv, 518 E. Third St.: Enjoy comedy from Friday House Team “Grandpa’s Scream Jar.” Tickets and other information, visit DaytonBlackBoxImprov.com
· Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North: Visit the latest special exhibitions, “Captivating Clay: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection,” “Devil’s Promenade,” “Merry Grinchmas: Art of Dr. Seuss’ Holiday Classic & (B)ART! America’s Funniest Animated Family,” “Making Faces: 18 Essential Kabuki Plays,” and “The Need for Beauty.” Open until 5 p.m. on Friday.
· Dublin Pub, 300 Wayne Ave.: It’s Free Juke Box Friday from 6-7 p.m.! Stick around for Irish First Fridays with a Miami Valley Pipes & Drums performance at 7 p.m. and more music at 9 p.m.
· Edward A. Dixon Gallery, 222 N. St. Clair St.: The gallery has extended hours to conveniently be part of your First Friday Art Hop. See artwork from the Dayton area, around the U.S. and around the world. Light refreshments provided.
· Front Street, 1001 E. Second St.: Enjoy an evening of live music, food trucks, studio and gallery hopping, shopping, and more! It is always free to attend and park at our art hops. We are a family and pet-friendly community. With artwork and handmade goods from more than 250 artists, you’re going to want to get here early!
· Gather by Ghostlight, 37 E. Fourth St.: It’s comedy night at the gallery! See The Gem City Comedy showcase at 7:30 p.m.! Hosted by Mike Shea and featuring Brent Bowser, Chris Karwoski, Ali Augusta, and Nick Osman. $10 Presale tickets are available online and $15 tickets are available at the door.
· K12 Gallery & TEJAS, 341 S. Jefferson St.: Join a Happy Hour Paint-In! Artists 21+ are welcome to bring their own drinks to enjoy while they do a still-live study in an Impressionist style! $30 per artist. Sessions run 4-6p and 6-8p. Guests must RSVP and pay in advance at 937-461-5149
· The Neon, 130 E. Fifth St.: See the full schedule online: www.neonmovies.com. 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.
· Oregon Express, 336 E. Fifth St.: The Oregon Express presents: OECHELLA 2025! This multi genre, two day music fest will be held on January 3rd & 4th, 2025. With a line up filled with everything from Punk, Southern Rock, Hip Hop, Grindcore, Death Metal, Electronic; there is something to offer for everyone!
· Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. Fourth St.: Tracy Perkins, Erin Larsen, and Wakelight will be performing live at Yellow Cab Tavern on January 3rd! $7 cover starts at 8pm, music starts at 8:30pm
DINING AND DRINKS
· Club Evolution, 130 N. Patterson Blvd.: You Dropped the Bomb on Me First Friday – get $1 cherry bombs and $3 Jager bombs all night!
· Corner Kitchen, 613 E. Fifth St.: Half off glass pours during happy hour! 5-7 p.m. Stop by early to enjoy lunch starting at 11 a.m.
· Dayton Beer Company, 41 Madison St.: Happy Hour runs 3-5 p.m.! Enjoy $1 off all DBC core beers.
· Dublin Pub, 300 Wayne Ave.: Enjoy Happy Hour specials from 3-6 p.m.!
· 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 parties of up to 6!
· Jimmy John’s, 220 N. Main St.: Warm up with new toasted sandwiches! Try a toasted Ultimate Italian, Chicken Bacon Ranch, or Roast Beef & Cheddar for a limited time.
· Lily’s Dayton, 329 E. Fifth St.: Enjoy special happy hour pricing from 4:30-6:30 p.m.. Full dinner menu available until 10pm!
· Local Cantina, 503 E. First St: Happy Hour is from 3 to 6 p.m. with $5 Mustache Rides, $6 Local Margaritas, $2 Cerveza Amarilla, and $2 off appetizers
· 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.
· Oregon Express, 336 E. Fifth St., 937-223-9205: Every First Friday join us for Happy Hour deals from 5 to 8 p.m. Stop in for some of the best pizza in Dayton. 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.
· Sueño, 607 E. Third St.: Happy hour at the bar runs from 4-6 p.m.!
· Table 33 Dayton, 45 W. Fourth St.: Table 33 is now open for dinner starting January 2! Stop by their new location in the Dayton Arcade from 5-9 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays!
· The Silos, 801 E. First St.: Enjoy a soft opening preview of this new business from 5-10 p.m.! Explore the space and non-alcoholic refreshments, craft beer, wine, cocktails, and light bar snacks available for purchase plus New Year Astrology & Tarot readings!
· 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.
· 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.
· Two Social, 123 E. Third St.: The holidays are behind us but we’re still celebrating! 1/2 off axe throwing, $2 off all holiday cocktails, open darts and board games.
· Winans Coffee & Chocolates, 221 N. Patterson Blvd.: Happy Hour wine is $7 a glass from 4-7 p.m.!
SPECIAL SHOPPING DEALS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES
· 5 Star Beauty Salon, 125 E. Second St.: Ring in the New Year with style! Sip fine wine, savor delicious cheese, and indulge in complimentary mini beauty services provided by our talented beauty professionals. This is a FREE event, but we kindly request a $5 donation to our Shining Star Campaign to fund scholarships for aspiring beauty professionals.
· 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.
· Dayton Metro Library, 215 E. Third St.: DML’s ESL Classes are free programs for learning and practicing English speaking skills at DML locations near you! Classes are taught in three different levels. For more information call the Ask Me Line at 937-463-2665.
· Eclectic Essentials, 510 E. Fifth St.: Get 10% off of all regular-priced merchandise! Enjoy free snacks and beverages while you shop.
· Gem City Tattoo Club, 436 E. Fifth St.: Tattoo flash sale! From 12:30-7:30 p.m., GCTC will offer traditional designs from our group of professional artists at a discounted price of $80-$100! Stop in and choose from 100s of designs. First come first serve!
· Mintha’s Boutique, 520 E. Third St.: Get 20% off your entire purchase when you mention First Friday!
· 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.
· The Oregon District, Fifth Street: Visit the pedestrian promenade at Out on 5th! Enjoy extended outdoor seating, vendors, entertainment, and more as you visit your favorite Oregon District businesses.
· RiverScape MetroPark, MetroParks Ice Rink, 237 E. Monument Ave.: SWIFTIE THEME SKATE!
Swifties? We never go out of style! Grab your friends, hit the ice and sing along to all your favorite Taylor Swift songs at the MetroParks Ice Rink. Tell everyone you know, by the way, I’m going out tonight! The RiverScape Cafe will be open and skaters can also relax in our heated comfort tent.
· Pedal Wagon Dayton: The weather outside might be frightful, but good times are still to be had aboard the Pedal Wagon! Adults 21+ can grab a seat on the Polar Bear Express for $29 or book a private ride starting at $349 pedalwagon.com/dayton/polar-bear-express/
· Picture Perfect Paint Parties, 123 N. Ludlow St.: Come and enjoy our grape tastings of the month and a mini-paint party canvas. Register at www.pictureperfectpaintparties.com or call 937-265-0691 for more information.
· Sole Touchers, 37 S. St. Clair St.: Mention First Friday to receive 25% off all shoes in store!
· Space Three, 39 S. St. Clair St.: Join us for Balanced Beginnings! We will start with intention and goal setting followed by slow flow gentle movement. We will take time to journal, share and close out with an immersive and nourishing sound bath.
· Square One Salon & Spa, 506 E. Third St: Enjoy First Friday & Saturday Specific Services at preferred pricing* on the first Friday & Saturday of each month: Cut & Style: $33.75 (save $11.25), Men’s Cut: $33.75 (save $11.25), 60-Min Signature Facial: $78 (save $26), 60-Min Massage: $65.25 (save $21.75), Gel Manicure: $45 (save $15), Gel Pedicure: $57.75 (save $19.25)
· The Silos, 801 E. First St.: Enjoy a soft opening preview of this new business from 5-10 p.m.! Explore the space and non-alcoholic refreshments, craft beer, wine, cocktails, and light bar snacks available for purchase plus New Year Astrology & Tarot readings!
· Two Social, 123 E. Third St.: The holidays are behind us but we’re still celebrating! 1/2 off axe throwing, $2 off all holiday cocktails, open darts and board games.
· 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.
For more information visit downtowndayton.org.
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