Certain months bring something new and exciting to the Daytona and Space Coast areas, especially when it comes to racing. Living in the Daytona and Melbourne area, your apartment is a mighty convenient hub to congregate at pre- and post-race. Just make sure you're ready for out-of-town visitors when the race is in town! Here's just a sampling of race events that happen each year.
February
The big one everyone talks about happens every February: The Daytona 500 NASCAR Race. Known as "The Great American Race," it is NASCAR's signature event, the icing on the cake, the cherry on the sundae. You get the picture. Celebrities, news outlets, and droves of NASCAR fans make their way to the Space Coast for this race. Take part in pre-race festivities, or plan to attend the race itself. Find out more information on the Daytona International Speedway website.
March
The roar of bikes in town and along Interstates 4 and 95 will remind you that it's March and time for Daytona Beach Bike Week. Bike week attracts hundreds of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts from across the nation to the Space Coast. The World's Largest Motorcycle event ushers in ten days of motorcycle shows, concerts, races and street fairs – over 100 events for you to enjoy. There is something for everyone whether or not you ride or not.
May through September
It's not race-related, but sometimes you need a break from all that speed!From Memorial Day until Labor Day, Daytona Beach residents and visitors can enjoy the Summer Concert & Fireworks Series. Every Saturday night, music fills the air at the historic Daytona Beach Bandshell. Make sure to bring a blanket or a lawn chair, and maybe a refreshing beverage (lemonade anyone?) as you take in the sights and sounds. Stay afterwards and enjoy the colorful fireworks display over the Atlantic Ocean which begin at 9:45 p.m.
June/July
Taking place around Independence Day each year, the Coke Zero 400 race at Daytona Speedway offers plenty of racing and then finishes off with one of the nation's biggest fireworks displays after the race. With past musical guests such as Sheryl Crow and Train, this star-studded event draws large crowds, enthusiasts, and locals looking to celebrate the need for speed during one of the most festive times of year.
October
Cool, crisp Florida air welcomes visitors to Biketoberfest each October. This international event entices visitors from all around the U.S. and Canada to Daytona Beach. Providing motorcycle lovers one last change to ride before winter hits, the festival includes races, street fairs and various expos.
November
Each November, the Annual Daytona Turkey Run features over 6,000 classic cars and one of the largest displays of special autos in the U.S. Held on the infield at Daytona International Speedway, this event is perfect for families who love cars but perhaps not the roar of NASCAR or motorcycles. At the Swap Meet, you may just discover that hard-to-find part you've needed for your ride while over at the Car Corral you can purchase a custom automobile that will make others wondering where you got such a unique car! A crafts and antique show as well as mid-way style food options, make this the perfect event before the holidays.
Not all events happen right at the Speedway, so make sure to check out the event websites for the latest scoop on what's happening around Daytona and Volusia county.