The Vibrant Culture of Dayton, Ohio

Dayton, Ohio is a mid-sized city in the southwest region of the state, located on the Great Miami River. With a population of around 140,000, Dayton has a rich history and culture that visitors can experience.

Here’s an in-depth look at the cultural offerings and events that make Dayton an exciting place to live and visit.

Art & Museums

Dayton has a thriving arts scene, with numerous museums, galleries, public art displays, and events celebrating the visual arts. Some of the top attractions include:

Dayton Art Institute

Founded in 1919, the Dayton Art Institute is one of the top art museums in Ohio. The museum has an impressive collection of European and American paintings, African art, sculpture, and folk art.

Some notable works include paintings by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Claude Monet, and Mary Cassatt. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and has an onsite museum store.

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

Located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, this free museum is the oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world.

Visitors can view over 360 aircraft and missiles on display. Exhibits cover the history of aviation, from early flight to modern day unmanned aerial vehicles. The museum draws around 1.2 million visitors per year.

City of Dayton Public Art Program

Dayton has an extensive public art program with over 90 pieces spread throughout the city. Sculptures, murals, and installations can be found in parks, along bike paths, and integrated into infrastructure. The program brings art into the daily lives of the community.

Dayton Artisan’s Guild Gallery

Operated by the Dayton Society of Painters and Sculptors, this member gallery features works by local artists. New exhibits are mounted monthly, representing a range of mediums from photography to jewelry. Many works are available for purchase.

Performing Arts

From Broadway shows to local theatre, Dayton offers many opportunities to experience the performing arts.

Dayton Ballet

Founded in 1937, the Dayton Ballet is one of the nation’s oldest regional ballet companies. The company puts on productions of classic ballets like Swan Lake as well as innovative contemporary works at the Victoria Theatre downtown.

Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra

Led by Music Director Neal Gittleman, the Dayton Philharmonic is southwest Ohio’s professional orchestra. The orchestra performs a full 36-week season at the Schuster Center and offers classics, pops, and educational programming.

Dayton Playhouse

With a 99-year history, the Dayton Playhouse is recognized as one of the country’s oldest continuously running community theatres. The theatre has two stages that host 8-10 productions per season, including comedies, dramas, and musicals.

Loft Theatre

Located in the eclectic Oregon District, the Loft Theatre produces provocative contemporary works. The 99-seat black box theater also hosts improv comedy shows by The Black Box Improv Group.

Festivals & Events

Throughout the year, Dayton hosts fun festivals and events that bring the community together.

Dayton Art Fair

Taking place each July, the Dayton Art Fair features original fine arts from over 100 juried artists. Visitors can browse paintings, photography, jewelry, ceramics, glass art, and more while enjoying live music.

Dayton Celtic Festival

In August, RiverScape MetroPark hosts this celebration of Celtic food, music, dance. The family-friendly event includes live music on multiple stages, Irish dancing, a marketplace with craft vendors, and Celtic fare like shepherd’s pie and fish & chips.

Dayton Jazz Festival

Each fall, jazz musicians from around the country converge on downtown Dayton for this weekend-long festival. Local and national acts perform on outdoor stages and in clubs, with styles spanning from big band and swing to fusion and contemporary jazz.

Cityfolk Festival

Bringing together Dayton’s diverse communities, this festival celebrates different ethnicities and cultures through music, dance, food, and art. Past festivals have featured acts from countries like Tibet, Puerto Rico, Ireland, and more.

First Four

Every March, Dayton plays host to the NCAA March Madness First Four – the opening games of the Division I men’s basketball tournament. Basketball fans from across the country flock to UD Arena to watch the games.

Music Scene

While Dayton may not be as big as cities like New York or Nashville, it still boasts a vibrant music scene. From intimate music halls to large venues that draw major touring acts, Dayton has something to offer all music lovers.

Blind Bob’s Bar

Located in the Oregon District, Blind Bob’s has been called Dayton’s CBGB. The intimate space with a capacity of less than 200 regularly hosts alternative and indie rock acts. Past performers include The Black Keys, Nada Surf, and Guided by Voices.

The Brightside

Another Oregon District favorite, The Brightside books local and up-and-coming alternative, indie, punk, and rock bands. Occasional big acts like The Flaming Lips and Death Cab for Cutie have performed at this beloved dive bar venue.

Levitt Pavilion

This outdoor amphitheater located on riverfront property books 50 free concerts every summer as part of the Dayton Music Fest. Genres range from classical to country to reggae. National acts like Michael Franti & Spearhead have taken the Levitt stage.

Dayton Funk Music Festival

Dayton’s rich funk music history is celebrated each August at this free festival held in downtown Dayton. Local bands pay tribute to Dayton funk legends like the Ohio Players, Lakeside, Zapp, and more.

Rose Music Center at The Heights

Just north of Dayton in Huber Heights, the Rose Music Center is a large covered amphitheater that seats 5,000. The venue draws major touring acts spanning all genres, from classic rockers to country stars to comedy shows.

Food Scene

From comfort food classics to innovative takes on global cuisine, Dayton’s food scene has something to satisfy every palate.

The Pine Club

Open since 1926, this renowned steakhouse serves juicy prime cuts of meat in an old-school setting. Their signature dish is the Pine Club Steak, a huge 26 oz porterhouse. With no reservations accepted, be prepared to wait in line at this Dayton classic.

Oval Bar

Located in the Oregon District, the Oval Bar is a Dayton institution known for their rich, handmade chili. Their chili took home the prize at the annual World Chili Cookoff in Cincinnati two years running.

Tank’s Bar & Grill

Serving up Cajun, Creole and Caribbean cuisine, Tank’s dishes out jambalaya, po’ boys, jerk chicken, Cuban sandwiches, and more in a funky setting with live music. Definitely try their killer BBCs – bacon, banana & cheese sandwiches.

Lily’s Bistro

Led by Chef Julie Francis, Lily’s has won numerous awards for its farm-to-table New American cuisine. The restaurant works closely with local farmers and growers to source seasonal ingredients for dishes like maple bourbon glazed salmon, duck foie gras, and caramel apple bread pudding.

Meadowlark Bar & Grille

Located in the historic South Park neighborhood, Meadowlark blends classic and contemporary cuisine in dishes like the South Park burger, pan seared scallops, and General Tso’s cauliflower. Their cocktail menu offers unique drinks like the Lavender Bees Knees and Darby Road Mule.

Omega Music Bar & Grille

This Oregon District bar and restaurant features a globally inspired menu with Caribbean jerk chicken nachos, Indian butter chicken, Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches, and tandoori seared tuna among the offerings. Live music and DJs provide lively entertainment.

Breweries & Distilleries

Dayton has experienced a craft beverage renaissance, with over 15 breweries and distilleries now operating in the city limits and surrounding area.

Warped Wing Brewing Company

Named after Dayton’s aviation history, Warped Wing’s downtown taproom serves award-winning brews like Gamma Bomb IPA and Crank Shaft Cream Ale. They also operate The Wright Taproom and Brewpub located at the former site of a Wright Brothers bicycle shop.

Toxic Brew Company

Toxic Brew started in Dayton in 2016 and has quickly expanded distribution across Ohio and surrounding states. Stop by their urban taproom and beer garden to sample mainstay brews like Blond Moment and Symmetrical Dream.

Lock 27 Brewing

Located along a historic Miami & Erie canal lock, Lock 27 operates a cozy taproom in downtown Dayton pouring farmhouse ales, IPAs, stouts, and more. Their Ducky L’Orange Witbier infuses orange and coriander notes into a Belgian wheat base.

Dayton Beer Company

Born out of a homebrewing club, Dayton Beer Company runs a 15-barrel production brewery and taproom.

Belle of Dayton Distillery

Using local grains, Belle of Dayton is reviving the craft distilling tradition in Dayton. Their acclaimed spirits include gins, vodkas, bourbons, and special seasonal releases like peppermint vodka and pumpkin spice whiskey. Stop by their downtown tasting room to sample the goods.

Vitruvian Brewing Company

Focusing on artisanal small-batch brewing, Vitruvian operates a modern taproom in Dayton’s eclectic Renaissance neighborhood. Their rotating lineup includes many specialty brews like their Ghost Walker Imperial Stout with vanilla and cocoa.

Local Cuisines

Here’s a taste of some of the local favorites and specialties you’ll find in Dayton’s restaurants and bars:

Ale-8-One

Ale-8-One is a ginger-citrus soft drink that was created in Dayton in 1926 and is still bottled here today. The tangy, zesty soda has a loyal cult following in the area. Locals mix it with liquor or enjoy on its own as a refreshing treat.

Marion’s Piazza

This beloved Dayton pizza chain serves signature thin-crust pies loaded with toppings. Popular options include the Greek pizza with gyro meat and tzatziki sauce and the BLT with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo.

Patterson’s Potato Chips

Founded in Dayton in 1947, Patterson’s makes crunchy kettle-style potato chips cooked in small batches. Their chips are served at many local establishments and can be purchased around town in unique flavors like dill pickle and jalapeño.

Esther Price Candies

Dayton chocolate maker Esther Price has been crafting their signature boxed chocolates for over 75 years. The old-fashioned candies like buckeyes, caramels, and nonpareils make great gifts or treats. Their chocolate is used in everything from fudge to chocolate-dipped Oreos.

Mike-Sells Potato Chips

Another iconic Dayton snack brand, Mike-Sells launched in Dayton in 1910 and is Ohio’s official state snack. Their various chip flavors range from no-frills Original to hot options like Fiery Thai Sweet Chili.

Coffeehouses & Cafes

Daytonians love their coffee, with many fantastic coffee shops and cafes located throughout the city:

Press Coffee Bar

With three locations in Dayton, Press serves up quality coffee drinks using regionally roasted beans. Food options include avocado toast, acai bowls, and Nutella s’mores waffles. The shops have a hip, modern vibe.

Ghostlight Coffee

The original Ghostlight on Wayne Ave has a fun theatrical theme with references to Phantom of the Opera. Patrons can enjoy pour over, cold brew, espresso drinks, and teas, plus baked goods from local Kitchen 419.

Lola’s Frozen Yogurt and Coffee Cafe

Lola’s downtown location serves Metropolis coffee alongside frozen yogurt and crepes. Their coffee drinks come in fun flavors like PB&J, snickerdoodle, and butterscotch. You can even add fro-yo toppings to your drinks.

Wright Place Cafe

Wright Place Cafe inside Wright Dunbar Interpretive Center celebrates Dayton’s African American history in a relaxing coffee shop setting. In addition to a full espresso bar, they serve soups, sandwiches, and baked goods.

Press Coffee Bar

With three locations in Dayton, Press serves up quality coffee drinks using regionally roasted beans. Food options include avocado toast, acai bowls, and Nutella s’mores waffles. The shops have a hip, modern vibe.

Boston Stoker Coffee Co.

With a location in the Dayton Arcade, Boston Stoker roasts bean onsite and offers pour over, cold brew, espresso, and nitrogen-infused coffee. Their drinks have creative names like the Pretentious Hipster and Angry Girl Scout.

Entertainment & Nightlife

When the sun goes down in Dayton, there’s plenty of options to keep you entertained all night long:

Dayton Dragons Baseball

The Class A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, the Dayton Dragons play home games at Day Air Ballpark in downtown. Games have fun promotions to get the crowd going. Over their history, the team has sold out over 1,400 consecutive home games.

Scene75 Entertainment Center

This massive entertainment complex near the Dayton Mall includes go-karts, laser tag, bowling, an arcade, roller skating, escape rooms, and a bar. You could easily spend an entire evening bouncing between activities here.

Dayton Club Scenes

Downtown Dayton’s Oregon District and Webster Station offer plenty of clubs and lounges for dancing and drinks, from posh spots like Century Bar to the bohemian Trolley Stop. DJs spin everything from Top 40 to Latin to country.

Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway

For Vegas-style gaming and racing action, Hollywood Gaming offers over 1,300 slot machines, electronic table games, live harness racing, restaurants, and bars just 10 minutes from downtown Dayton.

Dayton Art Happenings

Local galleries and venues like Yellow Cab Tavern frequently host artsy events like musical showcases, open mics for writers, and theater performances that allow you to engage with Dayton’s creative community.

Dayton Bar Scene

Craft cocktail lounges like Century Bar and Troll Pub join dive bars like Tumbleweed Connection and holes-in-the-wall like Lucky’s Taproom to provide plenty of spots for grabbing a drink in Dayton.

Outdoor Activities

The abundance of parks and outside attractions make Dayton a great place to enjoy the outdoors:

RiverScape MetroPark

This riverfront park on the Great Miami River has fountains, public art, bike trails, a performance pavilion, playgrounds, and gardens. Visitors can rent paddle boats, kayaks, or river bikes to get out on the water.

Carillon Historical Park

Learn about Dayton’s history while exploring replicas of the Wright brothers’ bike shop and the 1905 Wright Flyer III airplane among other exhibits. The adjacent SunWatch Indian Village explores Miami Valley’s ancient Native American heritage.

Cox Arboretum MetroPark

Nearly 190 acres of gardens, woodlands, wetlands, and prairie areas invite exploration on miles of trails. Seasonal exhibits in the visitor’s center showcase Dayton’s horticultural wonders.

Carriage Hill MetroPark

Carriage Hill’s Farm at Walnut Grove offers hands-on educational activities like apple picking, maple syruping and waking with farm animals. Other park highlights include fishing lakes, an ice skating rink, and hiking/biking trails.

Mountain Biking at Huffman Prairie

Cyclists can ride the challenging single-track mountain bike trails built within Huffman Prairie where the Wright brothers perfected flight. Rentals are available from OutdoorXscapes in nearby Fairborn.

Urban Kayaking

Dayton’s Mad River and Great Miami River offer surprisingly fun urban paddling with options for both relaxing floats and whitewater trips through the city center and around RiverScape.

Dayton Dragons Baseball

Cheer for the local team at Day Air Ballpark downtown. The Class A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds have sold out over 1,400 games in a row, so the park has great energy.

Local Cuisines

Beyond the standard burgers and fries, be sure to try these dishes and foods that reflect Dayton’s heritage when visiting the area’s restaurants:

Greek Cuisine

With one of the country’s largest Greek populations, Dayton offers plenty of authentic Greek eats like gyros, moussaka, dolmades, and spanakopita. The Greek Food Festival each May celebrates the culture.

Pizza

Staples like Marion’s thin-crust pizza and Ron’s Pizza have fueled Daytonians for decades. The pizza has a distinct sweet tomato sauce and crust style. Cassano’s pizza king cake adds a local twist.

Submarine Sandwiches

Family-owned Poelking Lanes claims to have invented the submarine sandwich in Dayton in the 1940s. Dayton-style subs come piled high with sliced meats, cheese, and toppings on French bread.

Ice Cream

Established in 1900, family dairy Whitmore Ice Cream still makes small batch ice cream the old-fashioned way. They have classic flavors plus inventive options like buckeye and lemon sherbet.

Ale-8-One

Dayton’s signature ginger-citrus soda has a fizzy, not-too-sweet taste. Locals enjoy it on its own, mixed in cocktails, or splashed on vanilla ice cream for a homemade float.

Loose meat sandwiches

Loose meat sandwiches featuring seasoned ground beef and onions steamed together on a bun originated in Dayton in the 1920s. Several diners still serve their version, often topped with mustard and pickles.