5 Must-Attend Events in Greater Daytona, FL

Find fun and festivity in the region’s city centers.

By Kevin Litwin on May 2, 2023

Jeff Adkins

The downtown districts throughout the Greater Daytona region are popular gathering spots that offer residents ample opportunity for enjoyment. Here is just a sampling of downtown events you can enjoy:

Farmers Market in Artisan Alley — DeLand

A great way to spend your Friday evening, between the hours of 6 and 9 p.m., is by visiting the Farmers Market in Artisan Alley, which features more than 80 food and crafts vendors.

Riverfest Seafood Festival — Ormond Beach

For two days every late November, the Riverfest Seafood Festival arrives at Rockefeller Gardens and Fortunato Park with fresh food choices like crab cakes, chowder, fried shrimp, and fish and chips. The event also features live music and a draft beer garden, and among the activities is a Kids Fish Clinic with 300 free fishing poles and several prizes.

Christmas on Canal — New Smyrna Beach

Canal Street is the place to be the day after Thanksgiving when the Christmas on Canal celebration kicks off the holiday season. Activities include a tree-lighting ceremony, live entertainment and Santa’s grand entrance. The holiday season in New Smyrna Beach also features a Coastal Christmas Market, Christmas Parade and Holiday Boat Parade.

Downtown Daytona Nights — Daytona Beach

The first Friday evening of every month is Downtown Daytona Nights, which features a variety of free events open to the public. Activities can include food truck rallies, street parties, wine and beer walks, and a spring arts festival.

Halifax Art Festival — Daytona Beach

Beach Street is where the annual Halifax Art Festival is staged for two days every November. The event attracts more than 40,000 visitors and about 250 artists selling antiques, paintings, sculptures, jewelry and unique clothing. The Halifax event is ranked among the Top Southern Festivals by Sunshine Artist magazine.