ART IN THE CITY

Discover the visual and performing arts experience in downtown Dayton at Art in the City!

Watch this space for information about the 2026 Art in the City event.

Art in the City’s full day of offerings include a variety of Dayton’s best artistic talent – from painting and drawing to spoken word poetry and dance – all together filling the streets of downtown Dayton and multiple stages with:

– Live performances (dance, theater, music & more)

– Live demonstrations (painting, sculpting, and other art-making)

– Hands-on & interactive activities

– Pop-up performances

– Local art vendors

– A Family Zone with art activities for kids and families

– A Juried Art Show
(sponsored by Dayton.com and the Dayton Society of Artists)

Musicians / Bands

Are you a musician or band? Do you want to perform, lead an interactive activity, teach a class or beginner lesson, do a pop-up performance, rove throughout the footprint, perform outside a business for a Party on the Patio, etc.? Applications due May 17, 2026.

Performing Arts

Are you a Performing Artist? (Such as Dance, Comedy, Theatre & Drama, Flow, Magic, Puppetry, Spoken Word, Poetry, Storytellers, etc.) Would you like to perform on stage or a pop-up, lead an interactive activity, teach a class or beginner lesson, rove throughout the footprint, apply for an Experiential Art Grant & more? Applications due May 17, 2026.

Visual Arts

Are you a Visual Artist? (Such as painting, drawing, chalk art, printmaking, caricatures, face paint, sculpture, ceramics, photography, video, live art, textiles, pottery, wood or metal work, etc.) Would you like to showcase a live demo, lead an interactive activity, teach a class or beginner lesson, participate in the Chalk Walk, apply for an Experiential Art Grant, vend at the Art Bazaar (see below for vendors), & more? Applications due May 17, 2026.

Art Vendors

Local art vendors wanted! The vendor market celebrates high-quality artisan works and crafters across all mediums. We are seeking vendors who specialize in photography, jewelry, pottery, woodworking, glass, metal art, leather work, fiber arts, painting, and a variety of other unique handcrafted artisan goods and crafts. Applications due June 7, 2026.

Please note, this is not a food vendor application. Contact robertson@downtowndayton.org for food vending information & availability.

(Application link coming soon)

Experiential Art Grant Program

Do you have a BIG idea? We’re seeking bold, innovative artists for this year’s Art in the City.
Downtown Dayton is an atypical Midwest city – a vibrant hub where creativity thrives, technology ignites art, and the unexpected is celebrated. We need your help bringing this narrative to life. Grants of $500-$2,500 will support visual, immersive, and performing arts projects. Preference will be given to works that push boundaries and actively engage a large number of attendees. Additionally, the use of technologies, including projections, touchscreens, and/or VR/AR are also encouraged. Help shape Dayton’s narrative and show the world our atypical Midwest spirit.