The beautiful wife and I had made plans to go down to Daytona Beach months ago, but through some…read morerandom act of wonderfulness, we discovered that the 2nd Annual Halifax Oyster Festival would be happening while we were there. Bingo! Let's get the "feel good" stuff out of the way -- the festival is the product of the Oyster Reef Restoration Society, with the funds going toward the restoration of oyster beds in the Halifax River. Great cause. Now, let's focus on why everybody showed up -- the oysters. The Festival featured both Apalachicola and Oak Hill oysters, $3 for a half dozen, $5 for a dozen, $20 for a bucket (shuck it yourself, they give you a knife and everything). They also offer them raw or steamed. A majority of the population seemed to want steamed, which caused huge backlogs (I heard about people waiting an hour for a dozen). Because you have these slips that show what you order, when the people ask the crowd "who has raw" you end up waving it around and scream "I need two!" like you were trying to put Valentine and Winthorpe out of business. So, in short, buck up and eat 'em raw. So what goes great with oysters? Beer. And yes, there was beer, including $5 commemorative (plastic) 22 oz. mugs that were $5 with $3 refills. Now admittedly, your options were Bud, Bud Light, Landshark, and Woodchuck, but at other festivals, it would have been $8 with $5 refills or something stupid. The official hours were 10am-6pm. We got there at around 11 and it was already pretty crowded, but things moved along pretty quickly. We took off for a bit, then returned around 3:00-3:30 and it was insane. The lines were pretty long and moving really slow (due to the majority wanting steamed). Per comments I saw on Facebook, they apparently ran out of oysters around 4:00 (they went through 20,000!). It's hard to be bitter about the logistics -- it's all volunteers, it's cheap, and it's for a great cause. That said, I hope they iron out some of the problems for next year. Regardless, it will be really tempting to come back.

This was my second annual trip to the Oysterfest and it just seems that it's getting better every…read moreyear. If you are a fan of oysters you will find them here in great abundance in Raw, Roasted, Steamed or Oyster Rockefeller versions. If you are not an oyster aficionado, there are plenty of other food options provided by several local restaurants and vendors scattered throughout the landscape of Manatee Island Park in Daytona. Incidentally, your $6 admission fee comes with a $5 discount card which is good at any of the off-island sponsor restaurants listed on the back of the card. Starting at 11:00 AM you will be treated to continuous music from several live bands all day until the event closes late in the afternoon and there is no shortage of affordable beer (22 0z. mugs for $5 with refills for $3) and other beverages offered up by several tap stations scattered throughout the park. This year there were oysters supplied from both Apalachicola and local sources and yes, there is a discernible difference between the two. The Apalachicola oysters are mild and have great flavor but I prefer the local Mosquito Lagoon oysters which are also very good but have a noticeably higher salt content. The festival is put on by the Oyster Reef Restoration Society, with the funds going toward the restoration of oyster beds in the Halifax River. It's an outstanding cause and I applaud their effort towards more local oysters. Parking can be a bit of a hassle unless you arrive early in the day but another option is to take your boat and pull up to the dock on the East side of the Island. Smaller boats can also moor up in the shallows North of the dock. Hope to see Y'all there next year.

Always a wonderful time and delicious food. This Greek Orthodox Church puts on THE event that…read moreeveryone knows about and goes to in the area. Park, if you can, across the street in the lot OR part at Our Lady of Lourdes down the street and pick up the FREE shuttle van. Either way the gyros are in front but the meals and extras are further in.

Head on over to St. Dmetrios Church this weekend for great food, music,and ouzo. Admission is free…read more Parking in lots across the street. Get their early. Go all the way on in for the best food and seating.

We came here on a Wednesday night December 2025. My friend…read morehad purchased his tickets online and got them for $30. Regular price is $37. Per car load. It took us about an hour to ride through the lights. We went slow and tried to guess what each Light was. At the end that you could get out of the car and get your picture taken with a few photo oops. They did have a food truck And they also had some stuff to buy for the kids like Christmas ornaments and stuff. It was cold and windy so we didn't stay out here too long. My friend did say he was upset because last year they had a Star Wars section. But they didn't have that this year. This is my first time going so I really enjoyed it. However I think it's a one and done. Unless someone gave me a free ticket or put me in the backseat I'd go again. Friendly staff. Lights were bright and well maintained. Easy to get into You go to the very end and then make your way through. Turn your lights off!

The set up was very well thought out and each stretch of the drive was an awe wow moment very…read morebeautiful and worth the memories made

Every two years, around April and May, many of the finest musicians from all over the world gather…read morein Daytona Beach. 2009 is one of those years! April 16 through May 2nd, to be exact. WHY Daytona Beach, Florida? Well, if you are a professional musician living in London, Prague, Moscow or New York, a working vacation in Florida during the off season seems like a pretty good idea. Its warm and sunny here! We are lucky enough to be able to enjoy performances of many and various types at very affordable prices while the players enjoy our sunshine and hospitality. The headliner of the bill is, of course, the London Symphony Orchestra, performing most of their shows at the Peabody Auditorium. Even if you aren't really a lover of classical music you shouldn't pass up this opportunity. And there's much, much more here besides the classics! The Family Series offers Mike Super, illusionist; several smaller LSO concerts featuring music like Hansel and Gretel - both of shows are at Debary Hall. How about Salsa under the Stars with Tiempo Libre from Cuba by way of Miami? Want jazz? Chuchito Valdes and his Latin-Jazz Trio (and many other acts) will be playing at The Bank and Blues Club. Maybe you'd like The Brazil Guitar Duo, performing at the Gateway Center for the Arts in DeBary. Chuck Mangione is there this year. The Project features classical musicians playing Jazz, also at the Bank and Blues. Ballet? Its there. Ballet Hispanica at the News Journal Center. Want Bluegrass? How about Ralph Stanley, The Lovell Sisters, Cherryholmes? Yah, Hoo!! Celtic Crossroads will be at Daytona State Colleges News Journal Center. Tickets are VERY reasonably priced from $18.00 up, depending on the venue. There is even at least one FREE show! Prices are even lower if you buy in advance or purchase a package. Folks, this is a real deal! In my little review I have only scratched the surface of musical talent that will appear this year, so be sure to check out the website. I know you'll find something there that you absolutely must see. http://www.dbif.com/

They start putting up lights in September and turn them on after Thanksgiving. Over the years I…read morehave only driven through the center area. I have been missing so much. This year we accidentally pulled in after the entrance and parked. Walking through you will see so much more. There are areas between buildings that you never see. You can walk up to the next block where more homes are decorated as well. Donations taken but otherwise it is free to visit. A must see especially when family members visit.

It's a yearly outing for me. It's totally worth the time. It's amazing how much work has gone…read moreinto this walk or drive thru experience. I must say it puts one in the holiday spirit!

The summer event for anyone who loves rock music. The four day event is held in Daytona, at the…read moreInternational Speedway, and houses 60-70k super fans with themed camping, 5 stages, AC domes, and nothing to leave you disappointed. I decided to only attend Friday since I didn't have anyone to go with, but I had the time of my life. I haven't moshed in 20 years, but the only way I was gonna make it to the front to see OOOffspring was to get roughed up a little. The line up this year was absolutely insane. Sadly I wanted to go on Thursday, but Friday was such an experience. If you've never been, and love festivals then don't miss out on this rock paradise. I can't wait till next year. Already started planning with friends with which we intend to camp the 4 days and have the top decorated camp. If you're interested and attend reach out and come camp with us !

Won tickets to go so went for free... I can't imagine paying…read more200 for general admission. VIP did not look worth it after we saw the viewing areas they set aside. We went on Thursday. Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience was better than expected. We would have liked to hear their whole set. I'd see them again... Alice Cooper was great. Stained was ok but you could tell Aaron is over playing these kind of gigs... The port-a potty situation is bad. The entire event is poorly run. The food was not bad. Yes it's ridiculously pricy. They always seem to have this event on one of the hottest days of the Spring here in Florida. Bring a hat and lots of sunscreen. They need to allow chairs beyond 50 yards from the stage... October would be better... The lineup this year could have been better... We felt sorry for GNR. They are part of the death rattle of the old school rock bands. Axel looked and sounded like an Irish Grandmother. We have seen GNR several times. Good to see Slash back. He was great... Don't park in the Speedway unless you like waiting to leave. There are private lots all around the Speedway that take cash . We paid 40 bucks. It was a small walk but not bad. If I won tickets again, I'd have to seriously think about going... It's a difficult event... Go early for the best parking... We got there at 12. Wear shoes that are designed to get muddy even if it is dry out. Wear shoes designed for a lot of walking and comfort. If you plan to try and get close to a stage, it is skin to skin with lots of people trying to push in front of you. We did not see any fights over it but it will try your tolerance to the max..., If it's over 85 don't go at all... lol

This event takes place every year in March and I've been going to it just about every year as well…read more My plans were derailed this year as I usually go all weekend but I only made it for Sunday. It's held at The Casements, a historic landmark as John D. Rockefeller's winter home. Parking is a challenge but it's doable. I caught up with my friends and danced a bit with them until the break in between programs. There were flute players, hoop dancing, a Deep Woods demonstration (an educational program on how Southeastern natives lived, and even an Alligator wrestling show. I got hungry and walked over to the food vendors. A friend of mine convinced me to get some frybread. For those who don't know what that is, it's flat dough fried in oil and topped with anything from fruit, chili, or something simple like I got, powered sugar and cinnamon. I haven't had this in a lonnnnng time and it was delish. I encourage everyone to go check them out each March.

This is a yearly event that occurs in March at the same time as the Rolex races. Held at the…read morecasements there are plenty of things to see, but and eat. The kids always love it. You can park at either of the parks next to the bridge and walk over the bridge if you wish or at Fontana park and walk under the bridge to the event. Parking at the Casements is reserved for the even staff. A fun time as usual for all.

I attended a women's christian conference at Ocean Center last weekend. There was a huge sign…read moreoutside directing everyone to the entry door with bathrooms to the right as soon as we walked in. I hopped in the long line which moved very quickly. I had my QR code ready for scanning. I waited roughly 5-7 minutes to get inside the large conference room. Not bad! I found my group and took a seat. There was a large stage where the worship team lead us in praise music. Priscilla Shirer had a smaller stage built out in front of the original stage which put her closer to the audience. I thought this was a nice touch! I pre-ordered the box lunch as I didn't want to leave the conference center to find food. Or be tempted to buy junk food at the conference center food stands. When we broke for lunch I got in line to pick up my box lunch and bottled water. Once again I had my QR code ready. I waited roughly five minutes in this line. My friends and I took our lunches outside and found some shade. I enjoyed a Boar's Head turkey sandwich with lettuce, tomato and cheese. There were mayonnaise and mustard packets in the box, plus a bag of plain kettle chips and a small soft chocolate chip cookie. The lunch was pricey at $22, but it was worth having it prearranged. And it was a decent meal. I enjoyed my time in Ocean Center and would definitely attend another event!

We came here with some friends to attend the Bert Kreischer's Full Throttle Festival presented by…read moreMando. Ticket prices started at $75 GA, $250 for VIP, and over $1,000 for Platinum. Parking was $15 in one of the local parking garages and overflow area. The event stated the doors were to open at 6pm but staff did not let anyone in until 7pm. Once we got in, we noticed there was no seating anywhere in the center except for right up in front of the main stage and that was for platinum guests. There were some seating and tall boy tables in the corridors and lobby area outside of the main event area. VIP and Platinum had their own restrooms and bartenders which was nice; however, if you were VIP or Platinum you needed to leave the main event area and go back out to the hallway and lobby to get drinks. The bar by the stage was purchase only and not included with their package. The food here was absolute crap. It all sounded wonderful from the advertisements and when reading the menu but everything was cooked hours ahead of time, was wrapped in aluminum foil and kept in bus bins. None of the food was hot or cold, just room temp. We came hungry thinking there would be plenty of hot fresh food being made by vendors but everything had been sitting around since 3pm, gross!! We broke down and got a hot dog with pulled pork with a bag of chips and split it ($14), fingers crossed we wouldn't get food poisoning. Drink pricing was outrageous. $5.50 for canned water and soda, $13 for a 12oz beer, $13 for Hard Lemonade, $18 for specialty cocktails. The only saving grace is that the bartenders poured heavy, so thank you for that. The vendors were not really offering any samples or anything just a bunch of tchotchkes we didn't need and you had to scan a QR code and sign up for every single one if you wanted anything, why bother; my email is already full, no thank you! The comedy was just Ok, we thought Bert would have performed something new but he just did the whole 'Machine' skit again, if you know it, its long and if you already heard it several times and seen the movie, it's funny but we need something new brother! The DJs weren't really my thing but they did bring the party to the younger crowd. Ernest-Ernest and Lynyrd Skynyrd's performances were phenomenal. These two bands just made my night. The sound was better than expected especially with all the hard surfaces and concrete floors, I was a bit worried. If we could do this all over again, I would eat good meal before coming here and just show up an hour before the bands start because the rest of the time we were just standing around for what seemed like forever.

Love this bar. We have been coming here for years. Love the two stages one in the front and one in…read morethe back. Lots of bars and a good amount of seats. Friendly staff. A must see if you are in Daytona Beach Main Street.

Well, let's start off with the service. I waited a half hour to get a drink at the bar and the…read morebartenders kept ignoring me. That is a big no-no for me because I like to spend money at a bar and tip the bands when they're good so she just lost a good amount of money and I make sure that I tell everybody not to go there. Most of the bands they have there was just so so. I see they have the same bands over and over and over. The music was way too loud for such a small area that they play in. The owner, I think her name is Phaedra. She needs to do something about this music mess that she has going on there and hire some good bands. It's kind of annoying every time I go out with my wife and we're on Main Street. It's the same bands over and over. As for the food, overpriced, and the hamburger sucked.

A small ballpark in Daytona intimate and easy to attend. Tickets were about $18. Right behind the…read moreplate. Food was reasonably priced. Parking is $7. They have different days with different events / giveaways. Today was a bobble head!

The ballpark is always a great family outing! All of the staff is always friendly and welcoming…read more Food is reasonable for an outing. Love the experience that they always create!