Daytona Beach: Top 10 Events You Can't Miss
What are the Best Festivals in Daytona Beach?
Daytona Beach is renowned not just for its world-famous beach, year-round sunshine, and diverse range of activities, but also for its impressive calendar of events that outshine most other cities. Every visit unveils a new adventure waiting to be discovered.
No matter what time of year you’re planning to visit one of Florida’s top vacation hotspots, it’s more than likely that there’ll be a great festival or event taking place while you’re there. If, however, you’d like to plan your trip around the city’s goings on, here are some of the top not-to-be-missed events taking place in Daytona Beach throughout the year.
1. Daytona 500
The Great American Race
Good for: Adventure, Families
Talk about Daytona Beach to anyone and they’ll straight away mention the world-renowned Daytona 500. The most prestigious race of the NASCAR calendar, this edge-of-your-seat, high-speed race takes place annually at the Daytona International Speedway. People travel from far and wide to watch the 500-mile-long (805-km-long) motor race, so don’t miss out on your chance to secure a ticket for this highly sought-after event.
Take time to explore the venue while you’re there, following the footsteps of previous winners on the Daytona 500 Champions’ Walk of Fame, picking up merchandise in the on-site gift shops, and getting up close to a real NASCAR vehicle.
Location: 1801 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, USA
Open: Mid-February
Phone: +1 800-748-7467
Daytona 500
2. Daytona Beach Bike Week
The “World’s Largest Motorcycle Event”
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Nightlife
Bikers from all over the world flock to Daytona Beach Bike Week each year for an unforgettable 10-day cycle extravaganza. Fans and riders unite to celebrate every kind of bike, from Harley Davidsons to Hondas, filling the streets with the sound of high-octane engines and excited onlookers.
Join the action-packed street festivals, witness high-speed motorcycle races, attend live shows, and participate in exciting rallies. The week isn’t just about the bikes, though. There’s some great live music to see too, with some of the most iconic music venues, such as Boot Hill Saloon, putting on amazing shows to keep you and the other 500,000 motorcycle enthusiasts entertained both day and night.
Open: End of February
Daytona Beach Bike Week
3. Spring Break
A party like no other
Good for: Couples, Nightlife
With a world-famous beach, beautiful weather, and a whole host of incredible bars and parties, who wouldn’t want to spend Spring Break sunning it up in Daytona Beach? Spring Break is the ultimate vacation for American college and university students, but that’s not to say that non-students and vacationers can’t join in with the celebrations too.
People from all over the country head to Daytona Beach to spend their Easter holidays soaking up the sun by day and partying until the early hours every night. It’s one of the most popular Spring Break destinations, so expect busy beaches, bustling bars, and non-stop entertainment throughout town.
Open: March/April
Spring Break
4. Daytona Turkey Run
The ultimate classic car show
Good for: Families, Photo
The Daytona Turkey Run is a huge classic car show that the whole family will love. Held at the famous Daytona International Speedway, the event attracts people of all ages who come to see the 5,000 or more collector cars that are proudly on display.
Whether you’re a classic car enthusiast or you’re just looking for a fun way to spend the day, you’ll love feeling like you’ve stepped back in time as you walk among the colorful collectibles. For those with a serious passion, browse the memorabilia at the swap meet or maybe you’ll even consider a big purchase at the car corral? For everything else, there are arts, crafts, and fashion stalls, too.
Location: 1801 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, USA
Open: March and November
Phone: +1 800-748-7467
Daytona Turkey Run
5. Jeep Beach
One of the largest Jeep gatherings in the country
Good for: Adventure, Shoppers
Daytona’s famous Jeep Beach festival has fast become one of the largest Jeep-only events in the USA. Jeep owners and vendors from all over America, Canada, and even further afield gather for the charity event to raise money for a number of different national and international causes.
The “World’s Most Famous Beach” at Daytona is the ideal location for the Jeeps to rally up and down the hard-packed sand. There are over 200 vendors at the Daytona International Speedway or you can come along to enjoy the fun in the sun down on the beach. Browse the merchandise stands and watch hundreds of Jeeps take on different obstacle courses and off-roading challenges along the shore.
Open: April
Jeep Beach
6. Ormond Beach Beer Festival
A taste of the best local beer
Good for: Couples, Food
The Ormond Beach Beer Festival combines a beach setting with craft brews, making it a favorite for locals and vacationers alike. Just a short journey along the coast from Daytona Beach are the golden sands of Ormond Beach, the city’s smaller and somewhat quieter neighbor. However, in May, the peaceful town attracts people looking to soak up the sun while sipping on a nice, cold beer.
Featuring food vendors, entertainment, live music, a kids’ zone and, of course, plenty of beer, the event has all the ingredients to make for a great day out in the sun. General event admission is free, but purchasing a ticket will allow you to attend a tasting with over 40 local breweries.
Location: The Casements, 25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach, FL 32176, USA
Open: May
Ormond Beach Beer Festival
7. Welcome to Rockville
A thrilling rock experience at the speedway
Good for: Adventure, Food
Welcome to Rockville is a must-experience festival for rock music enthusiasts, held annually in May at the Daytona International Speedway. As North America’s largest rock festival, this four-day event transforms the speedway into a pulsating arena of sound and energy. Featuring a stellar lineup of iconic rock and metal bands, the festival offers a thrilling atmosphere with more than 150 bands performing across multiple stages. Previous highlights include appearances by Rob Zombie, Disturbed, and Evanescence.
Beyond the electrifying performances, the speedway’s infield becomes a vibrant playground, featuring exhilarating amusement rides, a giant water slide, and award-winning spirits. Dive into the festival’s culinary delights while soaking up the lively atmosphere.
Location: 1801 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, USA
Open: May
Welcome to Rockville
8. Daytona Beach Carnival
Bringing cultures together
Good for: Adventure, Food, Nightlife
The Daytona Beach Carnival is a fun-filled festival, bringing Latin, Caribbean, and African communities together in one big celebration. Taking place on the shores of the beach itself, the weekend features a number of unique and exciting themes, focusing on the three different cultures and traditions.
Taking place on Labor Day weekend, it’s a great time to be in Daytona Beach and offers the perfect excuse for a party. Head down to the “World’s Most Famous Beach” in the day time and get in on the action, enjoying live Caribbean music, plus plenty of amazing food and drink. The celebrations continue into the evenings too, with a host of events featuring everything from pool and beach parties to world-class DJs.
Open: August/September
Daytona Beach Carnival
9. Halifax Art Festival
A celebration of all things arts and crafts
Good for: Families, Food, Shoppers
The long-established annual Halifax Art Festival plays a huge part in Daytona Beach’s calendar of events. Held along the city’s famous Beach Street, over 45,000 visitors gather each year to browse the huge array of stalls selling everything from original artwork and crafts to antiques, homeware, jewelry, clothing, and much more.
Find yourself marveling at the work of seasoned artists or buying the first piece of art from an emerging talent. There’s live music and entertainment to enjoy, plus a student art competition, kids’ activities, and plenty of fine-dining opportunities in the local restaurants, too. It’s a must-see event for anyone planning on visiting Daytona Beach in the autumn.
Location: 92 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, USA
Open: November
Phone: +1 443-831-5597
Halifax Art Festival
10. Annual Greek Festival
Bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to Florida
Good for: Food, Shoppers
Experience a taste of the Mediterranean and fully immerse yourself in Daytona Beach’s annual Greek Festival. A treat for all the senses, you can enjoy the sights and sounds of Greek music and entertainment, while indulging in authentic Greek cuisine or trying your hand at some traditional dancing.
Sample souvlaki, gyros, and fried calamari, followed by some sticky baklava and washed down with a hard-hitting ouzo. There are plenty of local delicacies that you can purchase to take home with you too, as well as crafts, gifts, and souvenirs for sale at the Greek marketplace. The indoor and outdoor festival makes for a great family day out.
Location: St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 129 N Halifax Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118, USA
Open: November
Phone: +1 386-252-6012
Annual Greek Festival
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