Annual Events & Festivals
SOME PEOPLE WILL FIND ANY EXCUSE TO DROP WHAT THEY’RE DOING AND GET TOGETHER FOR SOME FUN!
West Volusia plays host to a variety of festivals and events year-round.
So pick a date and find something special waiting for you! Check out our calendar of events for more fun events!
November – February
Winter Events
Stetson Mansion Christmas Spectacular
November 1, 2026 to January 17, 2027 - Celebrate the holidays at Stetson Mansion, where Florida's first luxury estate is transformed into a dazzling Christmas wonderland. Explore spectacularly decorated rooms, themed holiday displays, beautifully adorned Christmas trees, and thousands of sparkling lights while enjoying a guided or self-guided tour that blends John B. Stetson's history with the magic of the season. Consistently ranked among the nation's top holiday home tours, this unforgettable West Volusia tradition is perfect for families, couples, and groups. Reservations are required at stetsonmansion.com.
CoolCraft Christmas Beverage Trail
November to Late December - Enjoy a monthlong celebration of handcrafted holiday beverages from over 20 local breweries and coffee shops. Use a specialized passport to navigate the trail, collecting signatures for seasonal drinks like sugar plum lattes to redeem a collectible Christmas ornament.
DeLeon Dunk
January 1, 2027 - Ring in the New Year by plunging into the 72-degree spring waters of DeLeon Springs State Park. Enjoy standard jumps or deluxe tickets for early access, a themed T-shirt, and Old Sugar Mill mini pancakes. This community gathering raises awareness for state park conservation.
Orange City Blue Spring Manatee Festival
Late January - Hosted at Valentine Park, this festival features live music, arts vendors, and the Disc Connected K9s. Shuttles transport guests to Blue Spring State Park to witness wintering manatees and learn about conservation efforts with the Save the Manatee Club.
DeLand Craft Beer Festival
Mid January - Beer enthusiasts will converge on West Georgia Avenue in Downtown DeLand to enjoy an extensive selection of over 200 beers. Sample brews from local and regional breweries, offering a diverse range of styles to suit every palate.
Berkeley LaBaw Speck Tournament
January 29 - 30, 2027 - A beloved memorial speckled perch tournament on the St. Johns River backwaters. Competitors launch from Highland Park Fish Camp to display their angling skills. The event fosters regional camaraderie and highlights the area's pristine freshwater ecosystems.
DIRTcar Nationals
February 4 - 20, 2027 - A massive, multi-week late-model racing extravaganza at Volusia Speedway Park, the world's fastest half-mile clay oval. As the premier season opener for the World of Outlaws, it attracts elite drivers for consecutive nights of high-speed, fierce competition.
Mardi Gras Dog Parade & Festival
February 6, 2027 - Downtown DeLand transforms into a canine-centric celebration with creatively costumed dogs parading down Main Street. Organized by the Krewe of Amalee, the festival combines Mardi Gras revelry with vibrant community engagement, raising funds for animal charities.
Wildlife Festival
Mid to Late February - Hosted at the Lyonia Environmental Center, this family ecotourism festival celebrates Florida's biological diversity, with an emphasis on the endemic Florida scrub-jay. Enjoy guided eco-buggy tours, live animal demonstrations, and educational workshops connecting the community to native habitats.
March – May
Spring Events
DeLand Bike Rally
March 6, 2027 - This massive rally draws thousands to Downtown DeLand. As a prelude to broader county bike weeks, Woodland Boulevard shuts down for live entertainment, custom motorcycle showcases, vendor markets, and biker weddings, offering a spectacular day for riders.
Off the Beaten Path West Volusia Studio Tour
Early March - A self-guided tour granting exclusive access to the private workspaces of West Volusia’s premier working artists. For a weekend, navigate between rural and urban studios to engage directly with creators specializing in ceramics, painting, sculpture, and textiles.
Florida Wildflower & Garden Festival
Late March - A botanical celebration in Downtown DeLand featuring specialized vendors, hands-on demonstrations, and expert horticultural presentations. Explore displays of native Florida wildflowers and sustainable gardening supplies while learning to incorporate pollinator-friendly flora.
DeLand Outdoor Art Festival
Late March - Set in Earl Brown Park, this multi-day fine arts festival features hundreds of award-winning artists and traditional crafters showcasing original works. Enjoy an antique car show, robust food courts, and live folk and acoustic music in a vibrant springtime atmosphere.
Spring Frolic
Late March to Early April - Barberville Pioneer Settlement hosts this massive folk music and dance festival. Over 100 acoustic performers deliver bluegrass, Celtic, and Americana music across multiple stages. Enjoy living history demonstrations like blacksmithing and traditional Cracker-style barbecue.
Thin Man Watts Jazz Fest
Early April - Honoring DeLand's vibrant musical heritage, this festival celebrates local jazz, Latin, and contemporary styles at the Second Stage Theater. It honors legendary musicians like Dr. Noble "Thin Man" Watts, providing an immersive cultural experience for diverse communities.
Taste of DeLand
Mid April - Culinary aficionados gather along West Indiana Avenue to savor Downtown DeLand's gastronomic landscape. Sample signature dishes, appetizers, and craft beverages from the city's finest restaurants and caterers. Live music complements this vibrant communal dining experience.
DeLand Yoga Fest
April 23-24, 2027 - This festival unites yoga practitioners of all levels for 2 days of yoga, meditation, vendors, and community in the heart of DeLand.
Cracker Day
April 24, 2027 - Honoring Florida's pioneering cattlemen, this agricultural tradition at the Volusia County Fairgrounds delivers authentic rodeo thrills including professional bull riding and barrel racing. Admission includes a homemade barbecue lunch, ensuring a satisfying family celebration.
May – September
Summer Events
DeLand Ice Cream Walk
Late May and Late August - Celebrating the end of the school year, this evening promenade transforms the historic district into a sugary paradise. Use a tasting passport to stroll between local boutiques while sampling unique ice cream flavors from premier local confectionaries and creameries.
CoolCraft Summer Beverage Competition
Late June to Early September- This interactive summer beverage trail invites locals and tourists to sample inventive, limited-edition drinks from participating craft brewers and mixologists. Vote for your favorite patriotic or tropical concoctions in this gamified culinary journey driving hospitality traffic.
DIRTcar Firecracker Showdown
June/July - Bringing high-stakes dirt track competition back to Volusia Speedway Park, this event highlights the "Fab 5" divisions. Watch late models and modifieds battle fiercely under summer stadium lights, offering fans explosive entertainment and monumental cash prize payouts.
DeLand Craft Show
September 26 - 27, 2026 - Filling Woodland Boulevard with artisanal talent, this autumnal street festival welcomes hundreds of vendors to downtown. Browse handmade goods like intricate woodwork and bespoke jewelry. Live musical performances and diverse culinary offerings capture the spirit of early fall.
October – November
Fall Events
DeLeon Dash 5K
October 16, 2026 - The principal fundraiser for the Friends of DeLeon Springs State Park, this scenic 5K weaves runners through natural landscapes, paved pathways, and dirt trails under towering oaks. The event supports environmental conservation and infrastructure enhancements within the park.
Volusia County Fair
November 5 - 15, 2026 - Voted among Florida's finest agricultural exhibitions, this multi-day fair delivers unparalleled traditional entertainment. Enjoy thrilling carnival rides, vibrant games, and fairground delicacies alongside extensive livestock competitions and student agricultural exhibits.
Fall Country Jamboree
November 7 - 8, 2026 - An immersion into early Florida pioneer life at the Barberville Settlement. Experience working steam engines, traditional sugar cane boils, and blacksmithing. Paired with a massive juried craft show and continuous folk music, it offers an authentic educational journey.
Central Florida Legends Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K
November 14, 2026 - Utilizing the region's Spring-to-Spring trail system, this endurance event offers shaded, flat courses through the lush ecosystems of Gemini Springs Park. Races culminate in a legendary post-race tailgate party, blending fierce athletics with vibrant celebration.
Celtic Fest & Highland Games
November 14, 2026 - Bringing Scottish Highlands traditions to Central Florida, this cultural festival features athletic competitions, traditional music, and heritage displays. Marvel at heavy athletics, rhythmic bagpipes, and intricate Celtic dancing in an immersive celebration of ancestral pride.
Save the Manatee 5k
November 15, 2026 - Join participants globally in the annual 5K at Blue Spring State Park. Running or walking, this family-friendly event raises crucial funds for manatee protection. Registration includes park admission, a commemorative shirt, and a finisher medal, with virtual options available.
Fall Festival of the Arts - DeLand
November 21 - 22, 2026 - Transforming the historic retail district into an open-air gallery, this juried fine arts festival attracts elite artists nationwide. Acquire extraordinary paintings and sculptures directly from creators, elevated by live musical performances, wine tastings, and culinary offerings
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Celebrate one of Florida’s most beloved wildlife traditions at the Blue Spring Manatee Festival! Inspired by the hundreds of manatees that gather each winter at nearby Blue Spring State Park, this family-friendly festival brings together nature, entertainment, and community fun.
Enjoy a full day of activities including arts and crafts vendors, live music, a dedicated children's area, environmental exhibits, wildlife encounters, a K-9 demonstration, and more. Learn about manatee conservation, connect with local organizations, and experience the natural wonders that make West Volusia a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
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Experience four nights of thrilling dirt track racing on January 27–30, 2027, at Volusia Speedway Park. Watch top drivers from across the country battle for victory on the legendary half-mile clay oval in one of Florida’s premier motorsports events. Expect fast-paced action, fierce competition, and an unforgettable start to the racing season.
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Experience the joys of Spring at an outdoor art festival where hundreds of award-winning artists gather to showcase their work. The event offers a delightful array of fine crafts for sale, an antique car show, and a wide selection of food to indulge in. Adding to the festive atmosphere is the live entertainment that keeps the energy flowing. This event takes place at Earl Brown Park in DeLand and offers a complimentary shuttle service to the Florida Wildflower & Garden Festival, which is held at the same time. Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to bask in the Spring sunshine while exploring the vibrant arts and culture scene in DeLand.
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For over seven decades, the Volusia County Cattlemen's Association has been providing good old-fashioned entertainment to the community. Their annual event at the Fairgrounds features a variety of exciting activities, including bull riding, barrel racing, calf roping, and even greased pig races for the kids. With the purchase of admission, guests can enjoy a delicious homemade BBQ dinner and a full day of family-friendly fun.
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The county fair in Florida has been voted one of the best, and for good reason. It has everything you could want in a fair experience: thrilling rides that will raise your hair, challenging carnival games to test your skills, delectable fair food that will leave your taste buds satisfied, and traditional livestock shows that showcase the best animals from the region. In addition, there is a variety of entertainment to enjoy, making it the perfect event for the whole family.
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Volusia Speedway Park hosts the biggest event in DIRTcar racing, marking the start of the season with a lineup of top-tier competitions. The World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series, World of Outlaws Late Model Series, All Star Circuit of Champions, Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modifieds, DIRTcar Late Models and Dirtcar UMP Modifieds all converge to take on the World's Fastest Half-Mile.
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Come and celebrate the start of spring during the first weekend in April at a festival that promises to be a wonderful experience for everyone. This music and living history festival will offer a diverse range of attractions, including live history demonstrations that will take you back in time, musical performances by talented Florida folk bands, engaging storytelling sessions, an antique car show, a silent auction, children’s activities to keep the little ones entertained, and food and arts and crafts vendors. With so much to see and do, there is something for everyone at this event, making it a perfect family outing.
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The DeLand Craft Show is a fun-filled event that offers visitors a wide range of activities to enjoy. With over 100 crafters showcasing their creations, attendees can browse through a diverse selection of handmade items. In addition to the crafts, the show also features live musical entertainment, providing a festive backdrop to the shopping experience. Hands-on demonstrations offer the opportunity to learn new skills or observe the crafting process up close. Children can enjoy a cool play area, and foodies will appreciate the great selection of delicious eats available.
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Downtown DeLand is alive with energy and vibrancy, as it hosts one of the most highly anticipated bike rallies in the region. The streets are bustling with activity, as a multitude of motorcycles, each with their distinct features, adorn the area.
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Since its inception in 2010, this event has grown to become one of the most highly anticipated and prestigious events in West Volusia County. Attendees can expect a vibrant atmosphere filled with live music, delectable food from various vendors, and an impressive selection of over 200 different beers to choose from.
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Experience the vibrant history and folk culture of Florida through the immersive displays of historical demonstrators, re-enactors, artisans, and tradespeople. Delight in the mesmerizing performances of Florida musicians and immerse yourself in the stories of the past with the fascinating historical exhibits. Engage in hands-on children's activities and savor the delicious flavors of Florida Cracker-style food. The air is electric with excitement as the past comes to life in a celebration of the unique and diverse heritage of Florida. This is a must-see event for anyone looking to experience the rich cultural tapestry that makes Florida a truly special place.
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The Central Florida Legends races offer a diverse range of running events, including the Skunk Ape Full Marathon, Mermaid Half Marathon, and Fountain of Youth 5K. Each race takes participants on a unique journey through a variety of terrains, including paved trails, roads, and paths. These routes lead runners towards the ultimate goal of crossing the finish line and receiving a well-deserved medal at the beautiful Gemini Springs Park.
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During the Annual DeLand Fall Festival of the Arts, Woodland Boulevard transforms into an artist's garden, brimming with a kaleidoscope of colors. The historic downtown shopping district plays host to over 200 national artists, who proudly display and sell their works to the public. It's the perfect opportunity to get a head start on holiday gift-giving while enjoying the beauty of the local arts scene.
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From November to January, one of Florida's grandest and most historic homes is transformed into a dazzling display of over-the-top designer decorations sourced from all around the world. The home is adorned with intricate details and luxurious accents that showcase the epitome of elegance and extravagance. This seasonal event is an opportunity for visitors to witness a grand spectacle and immerse themselves in the opulence of a bygone era.