Where to Enjoy the Arts in Dayton, OH

Michael Clare

The Dayton region is the hometown of people like “The West Wing” actors Rob Lowe and Martin Sheen, and it’s also where stand-up comedian Dave Chappelle resides. With all the famous talent with ties to Dayton, it’s clear that the area has a knack for fostering a community where creativity flourishes, and everyone benefits as a result.

Art lovers across the Dayton region have an abundance of opportunities to view and participate in its thriving arts scene. From live music to theatrical performances and art museums, creative outlets in Dayton and beyond cater to a wide range of artistic tastes. Here are some great places to enjoy the arts in Dayton. 

Dive into the Concert Crowd

RiversEdge Amphitheater in Hamilton’s Marcum Park and RiverScape MetroPark in Dayton host live music throughout the year. Events are usually at an unbeatable price: free. 

The multiuse Hobart Arena in Troy is home to a variety of events throughout the year, including community ice skating, wrestling and live music of all genres. Only a 20-minute drive from Dayton, the arena draws visitors from all over the region.

The Rose Music Center at The Heights is a covered amphitheater that seats over 4,000 people and is conveniently located off Interstate 70. In Springfield, the Veterans Park Amphitheater is a beautiful outdoor venue located on the banks of Buck Creek. In addition to live music, the amphitheater also hosts an annual free outdoor arts festival. 

Located in a former taxi company building, the aptly named Yellow Cab Tavern in Dayton regularly hosts live music to be enjoyed with food and beer from local breweries. Food truck rallies and art shows make the tavern an ideal spot to mingle while enjoying arts and music. 

Jon Finney

Mosey Through Museums 

For a self-guided arts experience, check out some of the Dayton region’s museums and galleries. The Dayton Art Institute houses thousands of years’ worth of art in a beautiful setting. The building was modeled after Italian Renaissance palazzos and is home to paintings, sculptures and photography from around the world. The institute, which is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has become one of Ohio’s premier museums, supporting the arts through community events and programming for all ages. 

Focusing on contemporary art, The Contemporary Dayton showcases national and Ohio-based artists across three galleries, with an emphasis on artists exploring social justice themes. The Contemporary has become a center for local artists to meet and showcase their art while connecting with arts supporters 

Dayton’s Edward A. Dixon Gallery houses fine art from international artists in the downtown Opal Building. 

Springfield is home to the only Smithsonian Affiliate museum in the state, the Springfield Museum of Art. Covering a range of mediums and art movements, the museum’s collection includes works by notable artists such as Berenice Abbott and George Bellows. 

Ron Valle

Encore Every Evening 

Dayton Live owns and operates a number of downtown venues for theater and other arts performances. The Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center is home to multiple spaces in a convenient downtown location, showcasing everything from comedy to classical music.

The Victoria Theatre, in operation since 1866, hosts a variety of performances for kids and adults alike. For a taste of local theater, check out the Loft Theatre, home to the Human Race Theatre Co. Dayton Live’s PNC Arts Annex also hosts theater classes for kids interested in the arts. 

In Lebanon, the Lebanon Theatre Co. hosts community theater performances in an intimate setting. The shows range from original productions to new takes on classic plays.

Darke County Center for the Arts has a family theater series, offering tickets at a reasonable $5, allowing the whole family to attend. As part of its mission to support arts in education, the center connects performing artists to public schools at no cost. 

The Clark State Performing Arts Center is a large, multiuse facility that alternately hosts theater performances, dance and live music, bringing a range of arts and culture to Springfield with its diverse annual event lineup. 

With its range of artistic offerings, Dayton region residents and visitors from all over Ohio and beyond will stay educated, invigorated and entertained during their time here.