We’ve heard it time and again from both Dayton residents and those visiting the region–Dayton has an absolutely amazing arts scene, rivaling many larger markets! Both the performing and visual arts are well represented, including Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, The Human Race Theatre Company, Dayton Ballet, Dayton Opera, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Dayton Art Institute and The Contemporary, to name just a few. In addition, Dayton Live, which manages the Schuster Center, Victoria Theatre, Metropolitan Arts Center and PNC Arts Annex, brings touring Broadway and a diverse variety of other performances to those venues.

The fall arts season is in full swing across the Dayton region, and we’ve compiled a short list of five “can’t-miss” events taking place over just the next couple of weeks!

1. Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra: Philharmonster

Date & Time: Sunday, October 23, 3 p.m.
Location: Schuster Center

This image shows two jack-o-lanterns with candles lit inside them.

Autumn wouldn’t be complete without a family trip downtown for PhilharMonster. This year’s Halloween-themed concert. Gasps, giggles, and costumes abound during this afternoon when everyone prepares for the hauntingly hilarious Halloween season. Before the concert, the Dayton Philharmonic will provide activities and treats in the Schuster Center Wintergarden.  Tickets are $26 and may be purchased here.

2. The Human Race Theatre Company: Deadline

Dates & Times: October 27–November 13, performances times vary
Location: The Loft Theatre

Promotional poster for the Human Race Theatre Company production of Deadline

The Human Race Theatre has a long tradition of premiering new works in Dayton, and their latest offering, Deadline, is a world premiere comedy thriller that is described as a bit of Clue, a bit of Knives Out, and a lot of fun! When playwrights Don and Mara are hired to finish a famous mystery writer’s last play following his mysterious death, they find themselves literally sucked into the play, trapped in the very world they are trying to complete, where solving the mystery becomes a matter of life and death. Tickets range from $10-$53; click here for more information about performance dates, times and tickets.

3. Dayton Art Institute: The Art of David Levinthal & Joe Fig

Dates & Times: Currently on view through January 15, 2023
Location: Dayton Art Institute
Museum Hours: Wed./Fri./Sat., 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Thurs., 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun., 12–5 p.m.

An artwork by Joe Fig that recreates Jackson Pollock's art studio in miniature.

The museum recently opened two new exhibitions, both of which are on view through January 15, 2023. American Myth & Memory: David Levinthal Photographs is a traveling exhibition organized by the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Using toys as his subjects, Levinthal looks at and recreates quintessential American subjects. Joe Fig: Other Artists is a DAI-exclusive exhibition presenting the painstakingly detailed miniature models of American author and artist Joe Fig, as he recreates the studios of famous artists such as Jackson Pollock and Barnett Newman. Museum general admission, which includes access to all exhibitions and the collection galleries, is $15 adults, $10 seniors, active military and groups, $5 college students and youth, free for children under 7 and museum members. Visit their website for more information.

Image: Joe Fig, Jackson Pollock 1951 (interior), 2002, mixed media. Courtesy Joe Fig and Dayton Art Institute.

4. Dayton Ballet: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Dates & Times: October 28 & 29, 7:30 p.m.; October 30, 2:30 p.m.
Location: Victoria Theatre

Promotional image for Dayton Ballet's production of Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

Dayton Ballet–the second-oldest ballet company in the United States–celebrates its 85th anniversary this season. It kicks off that celebration in spooky fashion with a brand-new production of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. The haunting story of the Headless Horseman comes to life with all the characters of this familiar tale; Ichabod Crane, Brom Bones, and the full ensemble of Dayton Ballet take the stage to bring to life Artistic Director Karen Russo Burke’s fresh approach on the timeless classic. Composer Austin Jaquith provides a brand-new original score, performed live by musicians from the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra! Tickets range from $5 – $86 and may be purchased here.

5. Dayton Live: Supernatural Evening With Ghost Hunter Amy Bruni

Date & Time: Thursday, October 20, 7:30 p.m.
Location: Victoria Theatre

An image of Ghost Hunter Amy Bruni

Honestly, we could probably do a separate post of the top five can’t-miss Dayton Live events … they have so much happening in the coming weeks! But since it’s Spooky Season, we have to go with Life With The Afterlife: A Supernatural Evening With Ghost Hunter Amy Bruni. Paranormal investigator, author, podcaster and star of Kindred Spirits and Ghost Hunters, Bruni shares hair-raising tales from her countless hours hunting ghosts at America’s most haunted locations. By the end of the night, you will likely question everything you thought you knew about the spirit world, and life after death! Tickets range from $35 – $85 and can be found by clicking here.

Bonus Pick! Taking a quick look ahead to November, Dayton Live kicks off its 2022–2023 Premier Health Broadway in Dayton series with Pretty Woman, November 1–6 at the Schuster Center! Get a peek at the series here:

 

This is by no means a comprehensive list, so we encourage you to explore and seek out the many other arts happenings taking place through the end of 2022. Check out the Things to Do in Dayton section of the Dayton CVB website and sign up for their monthly email newsletter to learn more!

This blog post by Eric Brockman originally appeared on the Dayton CVB’s Website and we share it with permission.


For more information on things to do in Dayton, contact the Dayton Convention & Visitors Bureau at 937-226-8211 (Monday-Friday) or download the free Visit Dayton App from Google Play or the Apple Store. Be in the Know on All Things Dayton!