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 that celebrate our rich culture, colorful heritage and beautiful natural surroundings.
So pick a date and find something special waiting for you! Check out our calendar of events for more fun events!
Stetson Mansion Christmas Spectacular
Early November to Mid January
Experience the magic of the Gilded Age at Florida's most historic home, the 1886 Stetson Mansion. Named USA Today’s premier holiday historic home tour, the estate features ten elaborately themed rooms adorned with designer decorations sourced globally. Built by the famed hat maker, this architectural marvel with Edison electricity offers self-guided tours that immerse visitors in opulent winter wonderland aesthetics and rich cultural legacy.
CoolCraft Christmas Beverage Trail
November to Late December
Embark on an award-winning monthlong celebration featuring handcrafted holiday beverages from over twenty local breweries, coffee shops, and cocktail lounges. Participants navigate a shimmering trail of seasonal cheer using a specialized passport. From zero-proof sugar plum lattes to decadent coquitos, patrons collect signatures at participating venues to redeem their completed cards for a highly sought-after, collectible Christmas ornament.
DeLeon Dunk
Early January
Ring in the New Year by plunging into the pristine, 72-degree spring waters of DeLeon Springs State Park. Hosted by the Friends of the park, this exhilarating event offers standard jumps or deluxe tickets granting early access, exclusive manatee t-shirts, and legendary Old Sugar Mill mini pancakes. Beyond the thrill of the dive, this beloved community gathering raises critical awareness for state park conservation and ecological stewardship.
Orange City Blue Spring Manatee Festival
Late January
Inspired by the hundreds of manatees gathering in their winter refuge, this cherished festival brings together nature, entertainment, and environmental education. Hosted at Valentine Park, it features live music, arts vendors, and the famous Disc Connected K9s. Shuttles transport guests directly to Blue Spring State Park to witness the magnificent marine mammals and learn about local conservation efforts alongside the Save the Manatee Club.
Berkeley LaBaw Speck Tournament
Late January / Early February
Demonstrating the enduring appeal of Volusia County’s rich fishing heritage, this beloved memorial speckled perch tournament draws eager anglers to the St. Johns River backwaters. Competitors launch from Highland Park Fish Camp or neighboring locations to display their angling prowess. Emphasizing sportsmanship and outdoor family traditions, the event fosters regional camaraderie while highlighting the area's pristine freshwater ecosystems.
DIRTcar Nationals
Mid February
Representing a massive, multi-week late-model racing extravaganza, this adrenaline-fueled festival serves as the premier season opener for the World of Outlaws. Hosted at Volusia Speedway Park, known as the world's fastest half-mile clay oval, it attracts elite drivers from across the nation. Fans experience consecutive nights of fierce competition, high-speed battles, and unparalleled motorsports action in a roaring, high-energy environment.
Mardi Gras Dog Parade & Festival
Early February
Downtown DeLand transforms into a whimsical, canine-centric celebration where pet owners parade their creatively costumed dogs down MainStreet. Organized by the Krewe of Amalee, the festival combines traditional Mardi Gras revelry with vibrant community engagement. Spectators line the historic boulevards to catch beads, admire the festive floats, and celebrate local pet-friendly culture, generating significant capital for animal charities.
Wildlife Festival
Mid to Late February
Hosted at the Lyonia Environmental Center, this family-focused ecotourism festival celebrates Florida's unique biological diversity, with a special emphasis on the endemic Florida scrub-jay. Visitors are treated to guided eco-buggy tours, live animal demonstrations, environmental conservation displays, and educational workshops. The event seamlessly connects the community to native habitats, fostering a deep appreciation for regional wildlife.
DeLand Bike Rally
Early March
This massive rally draws thousands of enthusiasts to the historic streets of Downtown DeLand. As an official prelude to broader county bike weeks, the gathering shuts down Woodland Boulevard to feature live entertainment, custom motorcycle showcases, massive vendor markets, and even group biker weddings. It offers a spectacular day of roaring engines, shopping, and dynamic socializing for riders globally.
Off the Beaten Path West Volusia Studio Tour
Early March
A meticulously curated, self-guided tour granting the public exclusive access to the private workspaces of West Volusia’s premier working artists. For an entire weekend, art enthusiasts can navigate between dispersed rural and urban studios, engaging directly with creators specializing in ceramics, painting, sculpture, and textiles.
Florida Wildflower & Garden Festival
Late March
Welcoming the arrival of spring, this botanical celebration takes root in Downtown DeLand, featuring specialized vendors, hands-on demonstrations, and expert horticultural presentations. Attendees explore expansive displays of native Florida wildflowers, sustainable gardening supplies, and landscape art. Emphasizing environmental stewardship, the festival encourages participants to incorporate pollinator-friendly flora into their local landscapes.
DeLand Outdoor Art Festival
Late March
Set against the scenic backdrop of Earl Brown Park, this historic, multi-day fine arts festival has captivated audiences since 1965. Hundreds of award-winning artists and traditional crafters converge to showcase original paintings, sculptures, and jewelry. The vibrant atmosphere is further enriched by an antique car show, robust food courts, and live folk and acoustic music, making it a cornerstone of the regional springtime cultural calendar.
Spring Frolic
Late March to Early April
Immersing attendees in the rhythms of Old Florida, the Barberville Pioneer Settlement hosts this massive folk music and dance festival. Over one hundred acoustic performers populate multiple historic stages, delivering rich tapestries of bluegrass, Celtic, and Americana music. Complementing the auditory feast are living history demonstrations ranging from blacksmithing to weaving, alongside mouth-watering traditional Cracker-style barbecue.
Thin Man Watts Jazz Fest
Early April
Honoring the vibrant musical heritage of DeLand, the "Thin Man" Watts Jazz Fest is a dynamic celebration of local jazz, including Latin and contemporary styles. Hosted at the Second Stage Theater, this event honors legendary musicians like Dr. Noble "Thin Man" Watts and Sam Rivers. It provides an immersive cultural experience, bringing diverse communities together to enjoy live performances and inspire new artists.
Taste of DeLand
Mid April
Culinary aficionados gather along West Indiana Avenue to savor the diverse gastronomic landscape of Downtown DeLand. This highly anticipated epicurean event allows attendees to sample signature dishes, innovative appetizers, and craft beverages from a curated selection of the city's finest restaurants and caterers. The lively outdoor setting, complemented by live music, fosters a vibrant communal dining experience celebrating local gastronomy.
DeLand Craft Beer Festival
Mid April
Established in 2010, this highly anticipated springtime festival transforms the downtown core into a paradise for craft beer enthusiasts. The vibrant, ticketed event features live musical entertainment, specialized food truck pairings, and an extraordinary selection of over two hundred unique craft beers for unlimited sampling. Drawing significant regional crowds, the festival actively generates vital funding for local civic and non-profit initiatives.
Cracker Day
Late April
A cherished agricultural tradition spanning over seven decades, Cracker Day honors the rugged heritage of Florida's pioneering cattlemen. Hosted at the Volusia County Fairgrounds, the event delivers authentic rodeo thrills including professional bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, and sack sled races. Admission uniquely includes a hearty, homemade barbecue lunch, ensuring a deeply satisfying, family-friendly celebration of rural folk culture.
DeLand Yoga Festival
Late April / Early May
Transforming historic downtown into a holistic wellness paradise, this immersive festival unites yoga practitioners of all experience levels. Participants navigate a walkable, multi-venue circuit featuring diverse instructional classes spanning power vinyasa, restorative yin, breathwork, and sound healing. Complemented by a vibrant wellness marketplace, the event fosters community connection while elevating mindful health and regional tranquility.
DeLand Ice Cream Walk
Late May
Timed perfectly to celebrate the conclusion of the academic school year, this delightful evening promenade transforms the historic district into a sugary paradise. Participants secure a tasting passport, enabling them to stroll between local boutiques while sampling unique ice cream flavors supplied by premier local confectionaries and creameries. It is a wildly popular, family-focused event that aggressively stimulates evening retail commerce.
CoolCraft Summer Beverage Competition
Late June to Early September
Spanning the sultry months of summer, this interactive beverage trail invites locals and tourists to sample highly inventive, limited-edition drinks from participating craft brewers, baristas, and mixologists. Often unified by a creative theme, the competition encourages participants to vote for their favorite patriotic or tropical concoctions. This gamified culinary journey significantly drives foot traffic to diverse hospitality venues.
DIRTcar Firecracker Showdown
Early September
Punctuating the intense summer racing schedule, the Firecracker Showdown brings the roaring spectacle of high-stakes dirt track competition back to Volusia Speedway Park. The event highlights the celebrated "Fab 5" divisions, including late models and modifieds, battling fiercely under the summer stadium lights. It serves as a vital anchor for regional sports tourism, offering fans explosive entertainment and monumental cash prize payouts.
DeLand Craft Show
Late September
Filling Woodland Boulevard with an expansive array of artisanal talent, this autumnal street festival welcomes hundreds of vendors to the historic downtown core. Shoppers can browse a staggering variety of handmade goods, including intricate woodwork, stained glass, bespoke jewelry, and garden art. Accompanied by live musical performances and diverse culinary offerings, the event perfectly captures the crisp, welcoming spirit of early fall.
DeLeon Dash 5k
Mid October
Serving as the principal fundraising initiative for the Friends of DeLeon Springs State Park, this scenic 5K race weaves participants through magnificent natural landscapes. Runners traverse paved pathways, ancient dirt trails under towering oaks, and the tranquil perimeters of the historic spring pool. Beyond the athletic challenge, the event profoundly supports environmental conservation and infrastructure enhancements within the beloved park.
Volusia County Fair
Early to Mid November
Consistently voted among the finest agricultural exhibitions in Florida, this sprawling, multi-day fair delivers unparalleled traditional entertainment. The expansive midway bursts with thrilling carnival rides, vibrant games, and classic fairground delicacies. Simultaneously, the event remains deeply rooted in its agrarian origins, showcasing extensive livestock competitions, student agricultural exhibits, and captivating family-friendly shows.
Fall Country Jamboree
Early November
As one of the longest-running historical events in the county, this jamboree provides a profound immersion into early Florida pioneer life at the Barberville Settlement. The grounds come alive with the sights and sounds of working steam engines, traditional sugar cane boils, and rhythmic blacksmithing. Paired with a massive juried craft show and continuous folk music, it offers an authentic, multi-sensory educational journey into the past.
Celtic Fest & Highland Games
Mid November
Bringing the rich traditions of the Scottish Highlands to Central Florida, this robust cultural festival features an exhilarating lineup of athletic competitions, traditional music, and heritage displays. Spectators marvel at the raw strength demonstrated in the heavy athletics, while rhythmic bagpipes and intricate Celtic dancing fill the air. It is a powerful, immersive celebration of ancestral pride, camaraderie, and spirited community fun.
Save the Manatee 5k
Mid November
Join participants from around the world in the annual Save the Manatee 5K at Blue Spring State Park. Whether running or walking, this family-friendly event helps raise crucial funds for manatee protection efforts while kicking off the manatee season. Registration includes park admission, a commemorative shirt, and a finisher medal. Virtual participation options are also available, making it accessible to wildlife advocates globally.
Fall Festival of the Arts - DeLand
Mid to Late November
Transforming the historic retail district into a magnificent, open-air gallery, this prestigious juried fine arts festival attracts hundreds of elite artists from across the nation. Just prior to the holiday shopping season, patrons can acquire extraordinary paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media works directly from the creators. The sophisticated ambiance is elevated by live musical performances, wine tastings, and vibrant culinary offerings.
Central Florida Legends Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K
Mid to Late November
Taking full advantage of the region's spectacular Spring-to-Spring trail system, this premier endurance event offers beautifully shaded, flat courses for runners of all capacities. The races—including the Skunk Ape Marathon and Mermaid Half—guide athletes through the lush, biodiverse ecosystems of Gemini Springs Park and surrounding preserves. The event culminates in a legendary post-race tailgate party, blending fierce athletics with celebration.
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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.