Looking for fun things to do this weekend? Our Top 5 events in the Daytona Beach area
As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s only appropriate that a busy slate of holiday activities is starting to shift into high gear.
On Friday, two popular events are on the calendar:
For Christmas light fanatics, it’s the opening day of the ongoing Magic of Lights drive-through “holiday wonderland” at Daytona International Speedway.
The display illuminated by more than one million lights will operate from 6-10 p.m. daily through Dec. 31 on the Speedway grounds at 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach.
Tickets start at $22. Vehicles should enter at the intersection of ISB and Bill France Boulevard. Visit daytonainternationalspeedway.com for details.
Also on Friday, you can get into the holiday spirit at the annual tree-lighting ceremony at Tanger Outlets mall, 1100 Cornerstone Blvd., Daytona Beach.
That event features a live snowfall, giveaways, kids craft stations, musical entertainment and Santa Claus. Hours are 6-8:30 p.m. Friday and it’s free admission. Visit tanger.com for details.
Fishy family fun in Ormond Beach
Fresh fish and family fun will be the focus at the annul Riverfest Seafood Festival Saturday and Sunday at Rockefeller Gardens and Fortunato Park along the Halifax River in Ormond Beach.
The free event features more than two dozen food vendors, live music, boats, paddleboards, kids’ activities, a draft beer garden with TVs to catch your favorite football team and more.
On the water, the event showcases water activities that include visits from the Super Petrel hydroplane.
Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. There’s a free shuttle service from the event’s remote parking lots to the festival’s hub at Rockefeller Gardens, 25 Riverside Drive.
Visit ormondbeachmainstreet.com for details.
DeLand hosts Fall Festival of the Arts
Works by some 170 nationally known artists will be showcased at the 30th annual Fall Festival of the Arts along Woodland Boulevard in downtown DeLand.
The featured works will encompass an array of mediums that range from painting, sculpture, glass, jewelry, leather and photography to printmaking, wood, ceramics and fiber.
The festival also will host daily music performances as well as a youth art exhibit and hands-on activities for budding creative types.
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. Visit fallfestivaloftheartsdeland.com for details.
Gillespie Museum marks birthday
For its “Science Saturday” event this week, Stetson University's Gillespie Museum will celebrate its 65th birthday on the Stetson campus in DeLand.
The festivities will include cupcakes, a rock swap and an “Ask A Geologist” Q&A on gemology and related topics. There also will be representatives from the Tomoka Gem and Mineral Society and DeLand Rockhounds Club on hand with exhibits and activities.
The free event also includes complimentary museum admission as well as the special activities listed above. Scientists of all ages are welcome, but children under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Hours are 10 a.m.-noon Saturday at the museum, 234 E. Michigan Ave., DeLand.
Advance registration is appreciated but not required. Visit Stetson.edu to register or for more information.
In Flagler, flowers in spotlight
The Garden Club at Palm Coast is hosting a National Garden Club Small-Standard Flower Show Friday and Saturday at The Shepherd of the Coast Lutheran Church, 101 Pine Lakes Parkway, Palm Coast.
Displays will be divided into four divisions: floral design, horticulture, education and youth exhibits. Entries for the Floral Design and Horticulture divisions are open to all members of National Garden Clubs, Inc, Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc., and Deep South Garden Clubs, Inc.
Hours: noon-4 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. Free admission. Visit gardenclubatpalmcoast.org for details.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Fun things to do in Daytona Beach, Ormond, Deland. Palm Coast Florida
