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After Milton, Biketoberfest rolled into Daytona Beach.
A parade of motorcycles cruises Main Street during Biketoberfest in October.
- Volusia and Flagler counties offer a variety of fall festivals and events, including Biketoberfest, the Volusia County Fair, and the Daytona Turkey Run.
- These events cater to diverse interests, from motorcycle enthusiasts and classic car lovers to art aficionados and families seeking seasonal fun.
- Events span from October through November, providing ample opportunities to enjoy the fall season.
After an unrelenting, sweltering summer tourist season, it’s time to celebrate fall in Volusia and Flagler counties.
Our version of fall at least.
That means fewer out-of-town visitors on the roads, in the restaurants and along the sands of the World’s Most Famous Beach. It also offers the welcome prospect of (slightly) milder temperatures and fewer daily downpours, a pleasant backdrop for an array of seasonal festivals and events.
From motorcycles and classic cars to the quieter pleasures of art and music, expect a bustling slate of weekend events through November.
Here’s a look at what’s on tap:
No falling leaves? Biketoberfest a sure sign of fall in Daytona Beach
It won’t be long until rumbling tailpipes and competing scents of leather and exhaust fumes signal the arrival of Biketoberfest, one of Daytona Beach’s beloved fall rituals.
The streamlined offspring of the more mammoth spring Bike Week motorcycle gathering, this year’s edition of the four-day fall motorcycle rally will unfold Oct. 16-19 in Daytona Beach and throughout Volusia and Flagler counties.
Now in its 33rd year, the event typically draws an estimated crowd of 100,000-150,000 motorcycle riders and fans, according to the Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
When Biketoberfest began, it was envisioned to help boost Daytona Beach area hotels, restaurants and other businesses during a traditionally slow time of year.
It has endured as a popular annual event, a more compact version of Bike Week, the 10-day spring gathering that will mark its 85th year next March.
“Biketoberfest is more than a rally — it’s a celebration of the open road, coastal beauty, and the unmatched camaraderie of motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world,” said Lori Campbell Baker, executive director of the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“As we host the 33rd annual event, we invite riders to experience four days of live music, scenic rides, amazing bikes, and the Florida sunshine. There’s no better place to enjoy fall riding than right here in Volusia County.”
People-watching on Main Street, the event’s traditional hub, and a solitary ride along the scenic Ormond Loop remain “must-see” diversions, but Biketoberfest visitors also can check out new attractions this year that include the newly opened Rainforest component of the Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure.
Visit biketoberfest.org for more information about the event.
Tradition powers the appeal of Volusia County Fair
When the Volusia County Fair & Youth Show opens its 11-day run on Nov. 6 at the County Fairgrounds in DeLand, it represents a year’s worth of preparation by hundreds of volunteers.
“It’s really well north of 300 volunteers, probably closer to 400,” said Ronnie Hull, the fair’s general manager. “It’s a complete agricultural fair with creative arts, not just a carnival. There are horticulture exhibits, baked goods, quilting. We have everything.”
Founded in 1923, the fair — which unfolds this year from Nov. 6-16 — is woven deep into lives of multiple generations of Volusia County families. Although he has been general manager for seven years, Hull, 55, participated in his first Volusia County Fair at age 9, exhibiting cattle.
In all, he has spent nearly 30 years volunteering and working in various roles ranging from livestock exhibitor to volunteer board member to his current leadership role. He’s not alone in demonstrating such dedication.
“The volunteers are also generational, returning year after year,” he said. “Now, for many of them, their kids are the volunteers, too. That means a lot. The multiple generations of attendees and participants are the backbone of this fair.”
Along the way, the event has evolved into a hybrid of traditional fare (cotton candy, rides, exhibits) augmented by modern touches. A year ago, for instance, a motocross BMX FX show was added, garnering positive reviews.
There’s music, too, from a lineup of acts to be announced starting in October, he said.
Gates open at 4 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. on Sundays. Ticket prices have yet to be announced. Visit volusiacountyfair.com for more information.
Daytona’s Turkey Run, a feast of chrome, carburetors and classic cars
Forget stuffing and gravy.
For classic car fans, the 52nd annual fall Turkey Run is the perfect accompaniment for the Thanksgiving holiday.
This year’s Turkey Run, unfolding from Nov. 27-30, again will showcase thousands of classic and custom vehicles on the massive infield at Daytona International Speedway.
The event is expected to draw some 150,000 gearheads through its four-day run, including Pat Teehan, 67, who has been attending with his family and friends from the New Smyrna Beach-based East Coast Cruisers car club for decades.
The appeal?
“It’s thousands of like-minded people who go out there and love the same thing we do,” said Teehan, who will be driving his restored 1933 Ford Three-Window Coupe to the event. “I’ve got an old car, my wife and my son do, too. We make it a family event, spend the weekend out there.”
The Teehans’ fleet of collectible vehicles also includes a 1959 Chevy Apache pick-up truck and another 1956 Chevy truck that was his son’s first car about 16 years ago, Teehan said.
Although the roughly 80 members of the East Coast Cruisers do car-related events every month, the Turkey Run excursions in the spring and fall are special, Teehan said.
“You get to see out-of-state friends and other folks you don’t get to see too often,” he said. “You get to meet new people, see new ideas for your ride, new things to do to update them.”
Fall Turkey Run hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 27-29; 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 30. Gate admission: $20 (Nov. 27-29); $15 (Nov. 30); free for ages 11 and younger.
Visit turkeyrun.com for details.
Halifax Art Festival showcases artists, musicians, culinary treats
One of the area’s premiere fall gatherings again beckons art, music and outdoor event lovers as the 63rd Annual Halifax Art Festival unfolds Nov. 1 and 2 along Beach Street in downtown Daytona Beach.
Touted as the second oldest continuing festival in Florida, the free event offers a unique blend of fine arts, crafts, music, food and fun. According to organizers, it typically attracts a crowd of roughly 30,000 visitors from across the Interstate 4 corridor from Tampa to the World’s Most Famous Beach.
In 1962, a group of dedicated women collaborated to become the Guild of the Museum of Arts & Sciences, with a vision toward supporting the Daytona Beach institution.
“They began planning the Halifax Art Festival and the first festival took place in 1963 with a Parisian theme, where the artists displayed their work on easels without the use of a tent,” said Jonna Royer, the museum’s chief advancement officer.
“The artist fee was $2 and the festival offered a $275 Best in Show prize. Since then, it has grown tremendously, offering over $5,000 in prize money and welcoming thousands of visitors to Downtown Daytona Beach each fall.”
In addition to its spotlight on an array of juried local, regional and national original works of art representing more than 200 artists, the festival also features live music, a student art exhibit and competition showcasing artists from kindergarten through 12th grade from the Volusia County public school system as well as area private schools.
The festival runs from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, and from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2. It’s free admission. Visit halifaxartfestival.com for details.
Art, music, poetry shine at DeLand Fall Festival of the Arts
In West Volusia, the DeLand Fall Festival of the Arts has earned a reputation as a beloved favorite for its mix of art and people-watching possibilities.
The 32nd annual event set to unfold Nov. 22 and 23 along Woodland Boulevard in the heart of downtown DeLand will showcase work by more than 160 artists as well as live music, local cuisine and kids’ activities.
Featured works will encompass an array of mediums that range from painting, sculpture, glass, jewelry, leather and photography to printmaking, wood, ceramics and fiber.
The festival also will host a youth art exhibit and hands-on activities for budding creative types.
On the music front, this year’s main stage at Pioneer Park will feature a slate of performers throughout the event. Also, poets will compete for cash prizes at the festival’s Grand Slam all weekend in Chess Park.
Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 22; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 23. It’s free admission.
Visit fallfestivaloftheartsdeland.com for details.
Art works, music and food power Palm Coast Fall Arts Festival
From painting to sculpture, jewelry to ceramics, handmade works by an array of local and regional artists will be the main attraction at the Palm Coast Fall Arts Festival.
Presented by the Flagler County Cultural Council, in partnership with the City of Palm Coast, the annual event unfolds from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 8 at Central Park in Town Center.
In addition to the art work, there will be live music starting at noon, as well as an assortment of delectable treats from food trucks on the festival site.
For the youngsters, there will be a kid’s craft booth, hay maze and other interactive activities. For adults, beer and wine also will be available starting at noon.
“As last year, we again plan to promote local musicians at center stage, and we anticipate 60+ vendors as we plan to expand the reach to both St. Johns and Volusia artisans,” said Nancy Crouch, board member of the Flagler County Cultural Council.
“The Flagler County Cultural Council encourages members of the community to support our efforts to advocate, support, and foster collaborations for the arts and humanities.”
Hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 8 at Central Park in Town Center, 975 Central Ave., Palm Coast. Visit flaglerartsandculture.org for details.
Here are other festivals and events on tap this fall:
VOLUSIA COUNTY
Barberville
48th Annual Fall Country Jamboree, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 1 and 2; Barberville Pioneer Settlement. Demonstrations of pioneer living skills such as blacksmithing, cane grinding, spinning, weaving and wood working. Also, original work from crafters and artists, music and other activities. pioneersettlement.org
Daytona Beach
Greek Festival, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 13-15; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 16; St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 129 N. Halifax Ave., Daytona Beach. 48th Annual Greek Festival costumed Greek dances, fresh-from-the-oven foods and traditional Greek music. The event also offers a Greek Marketplace with handcrafted souvenirs and Greek-themed gifts. Free admission, food prices vary. greekfestivaldaytonabeach.com
Edgewater
EDGEfest, 4-8 p.m. Oct. 25: Hawks Park, 148 W. Turgot Ave., Edgewater. Family-friendly event with trunk-or-treat, hay rides, “Punkin’ Chunkin’,” petting zoo, pony rides, vendors, music and food. Admission is donation of one nonperishable food item per person. cityofedgewater.org
New Smyrna Beach
Fall Festival, 4-8 p.m. Oct. 25; New Smyrna Beach Sports Complex, 1800 Turnbull Bay Road, New Smyrna Beach. Free admission includes inflatables, corn maze, slides, with $1 tickets available for carnival games, pumpkin ride, train and other activities. cityofnsb.com
Orange City
Halloween Block Party, 5-8:30 p.m. Oct. 25; Mill Lake Park, 207 E. Blue Springs Ave., Orange City. Family-friendly event with trick-or-treating, live DJ, Movie in the Park, kids’ activity zone, costume contests, spooky photo ops. Free admission. orangecityfl.gov
Ormond Beach
Riverfest Seafood Festival, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 15; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 16: Two-day community celebration of seafood, activities, live music and more at The Casements, along the Halifax River in Ormond Beach. Free admission. ormondbeachmainstreet.com
Port Orange
Festival of Fall, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 6; City Center Municipal Complex, 1000 City Center Circle, Port Orange. Event features pony rides, bounce house, photo booth, face-painting, food trucks. Free admission. fortheloveofshopping.net
Family Days, 5-10 p.m. Oct. 9; 5-11 p.m. Oct. 10; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Oct. 11; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Oct. 12; City Center Municipal Complex, 1000 City Center Circle, Port Orange. Family-friendly carnival sponsored by Port Orange Community Trust. Free admission, with ride ticket wristbands from $10-$30. Poctrust.org
FLAGLER COUNTY
20th Annual Creekside Festival, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 4-5; Princess Place Preserve, 2500 Princess Place Road, Palm Coast. Bluegrass and country music, arts & crafts, food, and family fun presented against a scenic backdrop. $10 adults, free for ages 12 and younger. Flaglerbroadcasting.com
Island Fest 8, noon-9 p.m. Oct. 11, noon-6 p.m. Oct. 12; Palm Coast Arts Foundation, 1500 Central Ave., Palm Coast. Annual event that features music, arts and clothing vendors, face-painting, food vendors and more. Tickets start at $15. ofaatinc.com
Bunnell Italian Festival, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Oct. 11; Flagler County Fairgrounds, 150 Sawgrass Road, Bunnell. A weekend of Italian food, music, dancing, cooking demos, Italian car show, spaghetti eating contest, grape stomping competition, arts and crafts. $1 adults, free for age 12 and under. visitflagler.com
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