History buffs, music lovers and fireworks fans all have something to look forward to this weekend in the Daytona Beach area.
With the countdown to Independence Day already underway, venues across the Volusia-Flagler region are offering a mix of patriotic tributes and summertime entertainment, from a “Freedom & Fireworks” celebration in Orange City to a family-friendly concert and performances of the musical “1776″ in Daytona.
For those still making weekend plans, here are five local events to consider.
News-Journal Center in Daytona Beach to host the musical ‘1776’
Feeling patriotic with the country’s 250th birthday coming up? Here’s one way to celebrate. Daytona State College’s News-Journal Center will host several performances of the musical “1776.” The Halifax Repertory Theatre is presenting the show, according to an event listing with the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The musical “explores the tension, bravery, and brilliance behind America’s defining moment,” according to the listing. “This unforgettable retelling invites us to witness the struggle that sparked a nation.”
“1776” won the Tony award for best musical in 1969, among other awards. It was later made into a movie in 1972.
Shows are scheduled daily from June 26-28 and July 3-5. The center is at 221 N. Beach St. in Daytona Beach.
Tickets are $40 for adults and $35 for seniors. For tickets and information, visit halifaxrep.com or call 386-290-9963.
― Sheldon Gardner
Soak in the sounds and natural views at this week’s Gamble Jam in Flagler Beach
The Gamble Jam pavilion has become a Flagler County destination for local music lovers to get together and jam to their favorite tunes.
Held every Saturday at the Gamble Rogers Memorial State Park’s recreation area, the Gamble Jam is back again on June 27.
The Gamble Jam is a “tribute to the legendary Florida folk singer and storyteller, James Gamble Rogers IV.”
Rogers lost his life in 1991 while trying to rescue a swimmer in rough surf in Flagler Beach.
From 2 to 4 p.m., “musicians of all skill levels are welcome to bring their acoustic instruments and join the jam,” the park’s website states. “Whether you’re strumming, picking, singing, or just soaking in the sounds, come be part of the magic at the Gamble Jam pavilion!”
The park is located at 3100 S Oceanshore Blvd. in Flagler Beach. Park entrance fees apply.
For information, visit https://www.floridastateparks.org/events/gamble-jam-109.
— Brenno Carillo
See pre-Independence Day fireworks in Orange City
The U.S. will celebrate 250 years of independence on July 4, but pre-Independence Day celebrations in West Volusia, like the America 250 Freedom & Fireworks, promise to deliver an evening of pyrotechnics and entertainment.
The America 250 Freedom & Fireworks will be held June 27 from 5 to 9:30 p.m. at Valentine Park, located at 1511 W. French Ave. in Orange City.
The Orange City event celebrates America’s historic birthday by bringing the community together for an evening of fun, entertainment and patriotic celebration, according to the city’s website.
This popular family-friendly event will feature a variety of activities for all ages, including a watermelon-eating contest, children’s games, bounce houses and a foam pit. Live music will be provided by Groove Slayers, followed by a fireworks display to close out the evening.
“The Freedom & Fireworks celebration offers residents an opportunity to gather, celebrate and enjoy one of Orange City’s signature events in honor of this historic occasion,” Orange City organizers said.
— Patricio Balona
Daytona’s Midtown concert promises sax therapy
Troy Harris, aka the “Sax Therapyst,” and his band The Remedy will take the stage at the Midtown Music Concert Series on June 27.
The music therapy session promises to blend jazz, R&B, pop, hip-hop, Latin and reggae for a free show at Daisy Stocking Park, located at 555 Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd., in Daytona Beach. The concert is scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m.
— Mark Harper
Beatles tribute band to perform at Daytona Beach Bandshell
Enjoy a tribute to one of the greatest bands of all time ahead of Independence Day.
“Liverpool Live – Beatles Tribute” will take the stage at the Daytona Beach Bandshell on June 27 as part of the 2026 Star Spangled Summer Concerts series.
The concert begins at 7:15 p.m., and fireworks will follow the show at 9:45 p.m.
The concerts are free to the public. Reserved VIP tickets can be purchased for $15 at AXS.com, the Peabody Box Office at 600 Auditorium Blvd. and the Daytona Bandshell Box Office on the day of event, if not sold out.
— Frank Fernandez
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Ready for the weekend? 5 things to do in Daytona, Flagler Beach area
Reporting by Helena Perray, Sheldon Gardner, Brenno Carillo, Patricio G. Balona, Mark Harper and Frank Fernandez, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Helena Perray, Sheldon Gardner, Brenno Carillo, Patricio G. Balona, Mark Harper and Frank Fernandez, Daytona Beach News-Journal | USA TODAY Network
