Since 1966, Miami University Middletown has presented artists from around the world. Gracing the Dave Finkelman Auditorium stage have been such great performers as Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Herman, Leonard Nimoy, and Mercedes McCambridge. Audiences have been thrilled by the spectacle of Cossack dancers from Russia and the Ballet Gran Folklorico de Mexico, marveled at the artistry of the Cincinnati and Ohio ballets, stepped back in time with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, and clapped along with the traditional sounds of the Preservation Hall and Olympia Brass bands.

Dave Finkelman Auditorium has been the performance home of the Middletown Symphony Orchestra. Middletown's Lyric Theatre began as the Campus/ Community Players at the auditorium, and the Southwestern Ohio Symphonic Band was founded there as well.

In 2001 Miami University Middletown introduced Fantastic Free Fridays, providing opportunities for schoolchildren from throughout southwestern Ohio to experience live performances for free. To date more than 30,000 young people have enjoyed opera, ballet, jazz, international music, and theatre through this unique program, made possible in part through the generous support of the Bever Family.