One of the best ways to enjoy an amazing vacation is to do a little planning ahead of time and schedule your vacation so that you can experience a big event or celebration at your destination of choice. This is especially true if you're traveling to an area that is popular among tourists, like Daytona Beach, Florida. Because you'll find some of the most beautiful beaches in the world there, along with plenty of sunshine and fun activities, Daytona Beach is a highly desirable travel destination at any time of year. That said, there are quite a few special occasions you may want to check out for yourself. So, here's a list of a unique and interesting events for each month of the year. January – Tour the Winter Home of John D. Rockefeller Open throughout the year, January is a great time to take a tour of The Casements, which was the retirement home of John D. Rockefeller. The Casements is located in Ormond Beach and is home to the beautiful Rockefeller Gardens, as well as one of the Southeast's largest exhibits on the history of the Boy Scouts. Free tours are available Monday through Saturday with a self-guided tour available via a smartphone app. February – Daytona 500 Lasting for roughly a week in the middle of every February, the Daytona International Speedway becomes a center of excitement for NASCAR fans. The week includes several races and qualifying events, as well as concerts and other festivities, capped by the Daytona 500 race. Every year since 1982, the Daytona 500 has opened the NASCAR season and is considered the best-known and most prestigious race on the circuit. Recent winners include Denny Hamlin, Kurt Busch, and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. March – Daytona Bike Week Every March, bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the country – and a few from around the world – rumble their way to the area for Daytona Bike Week. A tradition since 1937, the event was originally started when bikers came down for the packed-sand beaches and warm weather. Today, Daytona Bike Week is a celebration of the freedom bikers enjoy and includes motorcycle shows, parties, and camaraderie, as well as plenty of live music. April – Daytona Tortugas Minor League Baseball An affiliate of Major League Baseball's Cincinnati Reds, the Daytona Tortugas play from April through early September every year at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach. Over the years, many future Major Leaguers have perfected their skills in Daytona Beach, including Hall-of-Famer Ryne Sandberg, as well as such star players as Kris Bryant, DJ LeMahieu, and Chris Archer. And with individual tickets as low as $9, Tortugas baseball is a fun and affordable event for the whole family. May – Ormond Beach Art in the Park The 48th annual Art in the Park show, featuring fine arts and crafts, takes place every May at Rockefeller Gardens in Ormond Beach, just a few miles north of Daytona Beach. In addition to the many creative works on display, visitors will enjoy a variety of live entertainment, as well as a kids' craft zone and food vendors. The location overlooks the beautiful Halifax River, part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. June – Daytona Beach Concert Band on Broadway and Elsewhere If you've never seen a live musical performance at the Daytona Beach Bandshell near the Boardwalk, you're missing a special experience! This is an afternoon concert with more than 25 musicians performing music from Broadway musicals such as Jersey Boys, as well as popular hits from bands like The Beatles and Queen. This performance is free to the public, although donations are accepted. July – 4th of July Concert and Fireworks Throughout the Daytona Beach area, there are several fireworks displays on Independence Day. One of the best known is the show put on at the Daytona Beach Boardwalk, which includes free concerts at the bandshell and other fun activities. Recent tribute bands celebrating Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kid Rock, and The Eagles have performed recently on the 4th of July. Fireworks follow the concert. August – Coke Zero Sugar 400 Originally known as the Firecracker 400 and run annually on the 4th of July, this night-time race takes place under the bright lights of Daytona International Speedway and features all the top names in NASCAR racing. The last race of the regular season, the winner of this 160-lap, 400-mile race is an automatic qualifier for the NASCAR playoffs. Over its six-decade history, many of the legends of racing have celebrated in the winner's circle, including David Pearson, Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, and Tony Stewart. September – Movies on the Halifax With a new family-friendly film scheduled every month, September is a great time of year to check out the Movies on the Halifax, taking place at The Casements lawn in Rockefeller Gardens. Bring some blankets and lawn chairs and relax while you enjoy a recent movie under the stars. Admission and parking are both free. October – Biketoberfest Every year, more than 100,000 motorcycle enthusiasts arrive in Daytona Beach for Biketoberfest, a four-day, open-throttle festival that includes motorcycle racing at Daytona International Speedway, along with live music performances, all taking place in the beautiful Florida sunshine! Plus, hundreds of the industry's best-known vendors will be in town to show off their latest products. This is a jam-packed event that features everything from scenic trail rides to custom bike builds throughout the Biketoberfest weekend. November – The Daytona Turkey Run Presented by Daytona Beach Street Rods, the Daytona Turkey Run is a four-day event that the whole family can enjoy. This event, which is held annually during the week of Thanksgiving at the Daytona International Speedway, is among the largest events that combine a car show and swap meet in the country. Attendees will see show-quality cars that include restored classics, new custom models, and exotic automobiles from around the world. At the swap meet, vendors offer a wide range of unique products that range from auto parts to accessories and branded clothes. And at the annual Car Corral, thousands of cars are on display and available for purchase! December – The Daytona Beach Boat Parade A time-honored holiday tradition, enjoying the colorful lights on display around Christmas is a fun way to enjoy the season. At the Halifax Marina in Daytona Beach, however, this experience takes on a nautical feel as a parade of extravagantly decorated boats float by in an impressive procession of dazzling color. There's no charge to enjoy the experience. Simply find a good viewing spot along the river shoreline, on the causeway, or up on a bridge to see the show. Explore accommodations at our Grand Seas Resort & book your trip to Daytona Beach, Florida!
