New markets, art hops and downtown entertainment offer fun ways to ease into the season

Summer is almost here, and Dayton’s art and culture calendar is offering plenty of ways to start the season strong. From Germantown markets to Courthouse Square events, Dayton offers plenty of opportunities to kick back and explore local creativity.  

Center Street Market 

Germantown’s Center Street Market brings local shopping outdoors on West Center Street. The free, open-air market features local makers, bakers, growers and more from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the last Saturday of the month through August. Upcoming dates include May 30, June 27, July 25 and Aug. 29.  

Art Escape 

The Contemporary Dayton’s Art Escape series takes guests on an intimate journey through the city’s innovative community. Each event takes place in a unique local space and includes artists, conversation, light bites and drinks. The June 3 event, listed by The Contemporary Dayton as The East-West Escape, runs from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Oregon District and features a candlelit evening in a historic home with a wine tasting from Wines with Wagener. Tickets are $50.  

First Friday Art Hop at Front Street 

Front Street keeps the good energy going with its monthly First Friday Art Hop. The free event, held the first Friday of each month, runs from 5-9 p.m. and invites visitors to explore Dayton’s largest community of artists through open studios, galleries, vendors, live music and food. First Saturday open studios follow from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

CURIO at Courthouse Square 

Dayton also gets a seasonal boost with CURIO at Courthouse Square, part of the Downtown Dayton Partnership’s Summer in the City programming. Running June 2 through Oct. 15, CURIO brings free entertainment, Tuesday through Thursday, to the square, including Trivia Tuesday, ZENsday and Unplugged Thursday.  

Together, these events offer easy ways to welcome summer—whether that means shopping local, meeting new artists or spending a lunch break downtown.