Check out these weekend events in Volusia, Flagler counties

A nationally known comedian and syndicated radio star will host his annual birthday bash at the World’s Most Famous Beach, but you’ll still be able to catch the weekly summer slate of nostalgic rock tribute bands at the historic Daytona Beach Bandshell.

That’s just a taste of the weekend options on tap this weekend in Volusia and Flagler counties.

Here are five fun prospects to make your plans:

Rickey Smiley birthday bash at the Hilton

Nationally known comedian, actor and radio host Rickey Smiley is hosting a party this weekend at the World’s Most Famous Beach.

The “Rickey Smiley Birthday Beach Blowout,” an annual soiree hosted by the star at various destinations, will be in town for a three-day bash Friday-Sunday at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort.

Powered by a mix of comedy, commentary and material that includes his popular series of prank phone calls, Smiley broadcasts his nationally syndicated “Rickey Smiley Morning Show” out of its flagship affiliate WHTA "Hot 107.9" in Atlanta.

The three-day event offers a mix of relaxation, celebration and inspiration, according to the show’s official website rickeysmileymorningshow.com. The schedule at the Hilton features an opening-night Rickey Smiley & Friends comedy show, a Rickey Smiley Birthday Pool Party with live music and special guests, and a Sunday morning inspirational brunch.

FYI, the event isn’t promoted as a kid-friendly party.

Weekend packages start at $849, according to the website. Many of the more expensive upper-tier packages are already sold-out.

More classic rock at the Bandshell

The popular weekly lineup of tribute-band concerts continues this weekend at the Daytona Beach Bandshell.

Here’s what’s on tap:

On Friday, it’s the twin bill of KC 70's Party + Back in Time, tribute acts offering homage to the 1970s disco beat of KC & The Sunshine Band and the 1980s cool of Huey Lewis & the News. The bands will be featured at the weekly “Sounds of Summer” concert series sponsored by the City of Daytona Beach.

The summer schedule: Summer concerts: What's coming to the Daytona Beach Bandshell?

General admission for the 7:15 p.m. show is free, with VP tickets available for $15. Visit daytonabandshell.com for more details.

On Saturday, the Bandshell will host another of the weekly “Star Spangled Summer” concert series shows featuring Livin' on a Prayer, a Bon Jovi tribute.

The 7:15 p.m. concert will be followed by fireworks over the beach at 9:45.

General admission to the show is free, with VIP tickets available for $15. Visit daytonabandshell.com for more information.

Laser rock rules

There will be more rock ‘n’ roll nostalgia this weekend in the climate-controlled atmosphere of the Lowell and Nancy Lohman Family Planetarium at the Museum of Arts & Sciences in Daytona Beach.

For the August edition of the monthly second-Saturday laser rock shows, the music ranges from Hypnotica (techno/rave soundtrack) to the timeless hits by the Beatles and Queen in three shows slated for 7, 8 and 9 p.m. Saturday, respectively.

Admission is $4 per show for museum members, $5 for non-members.

Advance purchase is recommended by visiting moas.org or calling the Museum at 386-255-0285.

Celebrate the Spirit of '45

It’s not one of those holidays that inspire greeting cards, but Spirit of ’45 Day will be celebrated with an afternoon of activities on Saturday at the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum.

Established by Congress in 2010, Spirit of ‘45 Day was created to commemorate August 14, 1945, the historic date when President Truman officially announced the end of World War II.

At the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, the occasion will be marked with activities that focus on Florida’s contributions to the Allied victory and the unique role that lighthouses played in keeping U.S. coastlines safe from German U-boats during the war.

Spirit of ’45 activities will unfold from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday on the museum grounds at 4931 S. Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet. The special programs are included with regular museum admission of $6.95 adults; $1.95 for children ages 3-11; and free for ages 2 and younger.

For details, visit ponceinlet.org or call 386-761-1821.

Movies in the Park in Palm Coast

If you’re tired of throwback tribute bands, how about a throwback movie?

“Men In Black,” the 1997 blockbuster starring Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith, will be the feature presentation at the monthly “Movies In the Park” event on Friday at Palm Coast Town Center, 1500 Central Ave., Palm Coast.

Presented by the City of Palm Coast, the free screening starts at 8:35 p.m. Friday on the center’s giant, outdoor movie screen. Bring a blanket, lawn chairs, picnic baskets and some bug spray, just in case.

Visit palmcoast.gov for details.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Daytona birthday bash, laser rock and history on weekend calendar