Ready for the weekend? Check out these events in Volusia, Flagler
One of the area’s tastiest traditions again offers the opportunity to “be Greek for a day,” or perhaps an extended weekend, at the 46th Annual Greek Festival that opens its four-day weekend run on Thursday at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 129 N. Halifax Ave., Daytona Beach.
For many, the heart of the event’s appeal is a tantalizing array of Greek delicacies including the traditional Greek gyro, a blend of lamb and beef wrapped in pita bread and doused with fresh tomatoes, onions and tzatziki sauce.
It’s arguably the event’s most popular menu item, although it could face major competition from the Loukoumades dessert of fried cinnamon-flavored dough balls.
In addition to the food, the festival atmosphere is complemented by authentic live music played on instruments that include the Greek bouzouki, an eight-stringed bowl-shaped guitar. There also are daily traditional dance performances, an array of vendors selling themed merchandise and even Greek beer.
Hours are 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. Visit greekfestivaldaytonabeach.com for details.
A musical weekend (and week) at Peabody
With the Beatles back in the spotlight with the much-talked about release of the band’s “final” song, “Now and Then,” it’s a good time to check out “1964: The Tribute,” a tribute-band performance that channels the original spirit of Beatlemania.
Tickets for the 8 p.m. Saturday show at Peabody Auditorium range from $51-$89 at Ticketmaster.
Also in the tribute realm, the Peabody hosts “Celebrating Billy Joel: America’s Piano Man” at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets for that show range from $49-$154 at Ticketmaster.
Looking ahead into next week, the popular “Mannheim Steamroller Christmas” will unfold at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15. Tickets: $45-$65 at Ticketmaster.
Finally, classic soul, R&B and pop singer Patti LaBelle will perform songs that encompass the wide range of her enduring career at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16 at Peabody. Tickets range from $49-$124 at Ticketmaster.
There’s still time to check out the fair
The Volusia County Fair continues through Sunday at the at the county fairgrounds at 3150 E. New York Ave. in DeLand.
The daily schedule is filled with crowd-pleasing diversions that include stunt shows, live music, a petting zoo, all kinds of rides for kids and adults, and much more.
General admission tickets (for ages 13 and above) are $15. Children (ages 6 to 12) can get in for $10. Kids under 5 can get in for free with an adult. Parking is free.
Ride bracelets run between $25 and $35 depending on the day, and are available at the fair or online at store.volusiacountyfair.com.
Advance admission tickets also can be purchased online at store.volusiacountyfair.com.
Surf films in the spotlight
The Florida Surf Film Festival features a program of surf-related independent films on Friday and Saturday at Atlantic Center for the Arts, 1414 Art Center Ave., New Smyrna Beach.
On Friday, the presentation features a series of short films that include director Perry Gershkow’s latest work, “Convergence,” which delves into the days and nights of three enigmatic surfers and skaters.
On Saturday, the festival debuts “Trilogy: New Wave,” a screening that will be followed by a Q&A with director Andy McKenzie that explores the adventure of scouring the globe for good waves.
Tickets for the festival start at $17.50 at Eventbrite.com. Visit floridasurffilmfestival.com for details.
In Flagler, a showcase for art
It’s the season for fall festivals, a list that includes the annual Palm Coast Fall Arts Festival.
The event unfolds from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday at Central Park, 975 Central Ave., Palm Coast.
Presented in partnership with the Flagler County Cultural Council, the event will showcase the work of regional artists and crafters in a variety of mediums. Along with the art, there will be live music and food trucks offering a variety of tasty treats. Free admission. Go to visitflagler.com for details.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Greek Festival tops a busy weekend slate in Volusia, Flagler
