This weekend, Beach Street trades its usual rhythm for a splash of color, creativity and crowd-drawing energy in Daytona Beach.
The fifth annual Daytona Beach Arts Fest, free and open to the public, returns April 11 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and April 12 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., bringing with it family-friendly fun, arts and music galore, food trucks, live art demonstrations, and more.
The popular spring event supports the Riverfront Arts District — a nonprofit organization “dedicated to a county-wide model that provides access to exceptional arts, entertainment, cultural and educational experiences,” according to a recent release.
During the two-day event, Beach Street will close from Orange Avenue to International Speedway Boulevard, where it will welcome guests to the Artisan Marketplace — where more than 150 juried and non-juried artists and craftspeople will showcase their work across a range of mediums, from jewelry to textiles, photography, sculptures, painting and more, according to the event website.
The marketplace spotlights diverse talent from both emerging and established creators, with juried participants competing for Best of Show honors and more than $4,000 in prize money. Event attendees will have the opportunity to support their favorite juried artist by casting votes through noon April 12, with the People’s Choice winner ultimately awarded a cash prize.
For many artisans and creators, the festival is more than a showcase — it’s an opportunity to build exposure, connect with customers and grow their brand.
The festival will also feature an Emerging Artist Program, offering student artists from across the region reduced exhibitor fees, hands-on experience with mentors, and increased visibility with dedicated booth spaces as they take their first steps into the art festival scene — a chance to showcase their work to more than 15,000 attendees, its website states.
More to see at the fifth annual Daytona Beach Arts Fest
Throughout the weekend, bookworms can look forward to “The Book End,” presented by Novel Tea Book Shop, an interactive book fair featuring live readings, open mic poetry, book signings and meet and greet opportunities with local authors, according to a release. To view the full schedule, visit daytonabeachartsfest.com/thebookend.
Those looking to sip, eat and relax can explore the Riverfront Shops, featuring more than 60 stores, restaurants and more, from Latin cuisine and sushi spots to vegan kitchens and farm-to-table favorites — but the fun doesn’t stop there.
The free Daytona Palooza live music fest will light up the Magnolia Avenue Main Stage this weekend with performances from some of the area’s favorite musicians and bands. Covered seating will be available where attendees can enjoy adult beverages and cuisine from various local food trucks and vendors, according to the release.
Daytona Palooza Saturday schedule
Daytona Palooza Sunday schedule
As Saturday winds down, the ‘80s energy turns up, closing the day with a ticketed Sunset Concert, featuring Switch Back to the ’80s. For more than two decades, the successful Orlando-based tribute band’s contagious energy has brought crowds a taste of the past through performances of the decade’s biggest hits.
The concert, which takes place at 7:30 p.m. April 11, will be hosted at the Riverfront Esplanade, overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, at 355 N. Beach Street in Daytona Beach.
Free parking is available, as well as a full bar and restrooms. General admission tickets, priced at $20 per person, is available online or purchase tickets at the gate for $25. Guests may bring their own lawn chairs or rent one for $5 at the gate while supplies last.
For information about the 2026 Daytona Beach Arts Fest, visit daytonabeachartsfest.com.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: 2-day Daytona Beach Arts Fest returns with demos, concerts, more
Reporting by Helena Perray, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
