Free Lunchtime Entertainment Returns to Courthouse Square - CURIO debuts May 14
CURIO at Courthouse Square will host free lunchtime entertainment and social events from May to September.
Shipping container transforms into event hub to create downtown’s newest summer hotspot!
Courthouse Square revamp takes shape as CURIO debuts in downtown Dayton
A new addition is coming to Courthouse Square, and the Downtown Dayton Partnership (DDP) can hardly contain its excitement. CURIO at Courthouse Square will make its official debut during the Downtown Housing Tour on Saturday, May 11, with regular programming set to begin on Tuesday, May 14.
“We are so excited to debut this new feature to Courthouse Square that is breaking out of the box to become a new hot spot downtown,” said Katie Meyer, President of the Downtown Dayton Partnership. “CURIO is proof that big ideas can come in small packages and that a shipping container can be transformed into a hub of community, connection, and collaboration.”
CURIO was partially supported by a $75,000 Community Placemaking Grant from Project for Public Spaces (PPS), funded by General Motors. PPS and DDP collaborated on several community info sessions to learn what would be the most impactful use for the grant funds.
“Courthouse Square is at the center of our downtown, and CURIO will help to emphasize its importance as a gathering space,” said Laura Woeste, Director of Strategic Projects for the Downtown Dayton Partnership. “The guidance, planning and input from PPS and our community will help CURIO and Courthouse Square become a place that can give back.”
From May through September, the Downtown Dayton Partnership will program CURIO at Courthouse Square with lunchtime events from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, and themed social events from 4 to 6 p.m. each Wednesday.
“We want CURIO to be a destination for everyone. We’re planning a wide variety of events including live entertainment, fitness, games, pets, vendors, and more,” said Lynn Robertson, Special Events Manager for the Downtown Dayton Partnership. “Whether you're craving a midday pick-me-up, a post-work wind-down, or a chance to connect with your community, CURIO has got you covered!”
CURIO Lunch Box is the evolution of The Square Is Where and will take place from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Downtown employees, residents, and visitors are encouraged to get take-out from a nearby restaurant or stop by a visiting food truck and dine on Courthouse Square to enjoy free entertainment. Gather coworkers, friends, or even strangers to compete for prizes during Trivia Tuesday, turn lunch hour into a fitness break on Workout Wednesday, and enjoy live, acoustic entertainment during Unplugged Thursday. Break out of the box and embrace the extraordinary on Wednesday evenings from 4 to 6 p.m. at CURIO Midweek Mix! The first Wednesday of the month is The Market, where guests are invited to shop a variety of vendors. Grab a mic and give it your all during the second Wednesday of the month at Curioke. The Arts take center stage on the third Wednesday of the month with performances, classes, and more from downtown’s diverse arts community. Week four is all about pets as Wild Whiskers hosts cash bingo with proceeds supporting local animal rescues. Friendly, leashed pets are welcome to join the party and varying activities like pet costume contests, agility courses, and photography. Finally, enjoy Spotlight Performances from local bands and performers on the fifth Wednesday of the month when they occur.
Schedules and more information about CURIO Lunch Box and CURIO Midweek Mix will soon be available on the CURIO webpage.
