Looking for weekend events near you? Here are five things to do in Daytona Beach and beyond.
Helena PerrayKairi LoweryBrenno CarilloMark HarperFrank FernandezDaytona Beach News-Journal
Aug. 27, 2026, 5:02 a.m. ET
From high-speed action at the track to comic book artists, beachside cocktails and live music, there is no shortage in ways to send off August in the Daytona Beach area.
Race fans can get a jump start on the Coke Zero 400 weekend with a NASCAR meet-and-greet, while pop-culture devotees can celebrate the return of “Florida’s longest-running comic convention.” Father north, the festivities spill onto Flagler Beach, where Santo Tequila — founded by Rock icon Sammy Hagar and Food Network star Guy Fieri — takes center stage at The Golden Lion Cafe.
Whether you’re chasing checkered flags, comic book nostalgia or cocktails with an ocean breeze, here are five events worth adding to your weekend calendar.
Comic convention coming to Volusia County Fairgrounds this weekend
The “Daytona Beach Comic Convention,” touted as “Florida’s longest-running comic con,” will come to the Volusia County Fairgrounds Aug. 29-30.
“Get ready for another massive weekend of comic books, toys, original art, and pop culture right here in Central Florida,” the event website states.
The event will feature special guests, including actor Eddie Deezen and comic book artist John Beatty.
The “Daytona Beach Comic Convention” will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 29, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 30. The fairgrounds are at 3150 E. New York Ave. in DeLand.
Admission, which is paid at the entrance, is $10 per day or $15 for both days.
For information go to daytonabeachcomiccon.com.
NASCAR driver meet-and-greet in Ormond Beach
Prepping your weekend plans for the NASCAR Coke Zero Sugar 400 race on Aug. 29?
Don’t forget to include a meet-and-greet with one of the stars.
Teddy Morse’s Daytona Harley-Davidson Dealership and Showroom is hosting a NASCAR driver meet and greet with Ryan Preece Racing from 11a.m. to noon on Aug 29. Located at 1637 U.S. Highway 1 in Ormond Beach, fans can take photos, get an autograph and enjoy local food trucks Rustic Spud and DB Caffeine.
And for anyone looking to buy a motorcycle, fans with valid credentials or tickets to the race will get $1,000 off on any pre-owned motorcycle.
Preece drives the No. 60 Ford for RFK Racing and will compete in the race Saturday night.
During the Coke Zero Sugar 400 race in 2023, Preece flipped over 10 times in a violent car crash during one of his final laps, but later made a full recovery.
For information, visit daytonaharleydavidson.com.
Rock and party with Spider Cherry at the Golden Lion’s Full Moon Party
In addition to the usual specialty cocktails and great food, The Golden Lion Cafe’s popular Full Moon Party is back this weekend with a very special guest.
Guests will be treated to a special performance by singer, songwriter and keyboardist Nathan Mercado, also known as Spider Cherry. The rock, soul and funk star has just finished his summer run as keyboardist and backup vocalist for Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Sammy Hagar’s “Best of All Worlds” tour.
Expect the traditional limbo contest, hula hoops in the sand and more at the event, which beings at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29.
The Golden Lion Cafe is located at 501 N. Ocean Shore Blvd. in Flagler Beach. For information, call 386-439-3004 or visit facebook.com/goldenlioncafe.
Take in these bands at Rock the Park in Port Orange
A Port Orange celebration of Central Florida music, the Rock the Park Annual Music & Arts Festival, offers music fans a lineup of free musical acts to enjoy.
Acts include Arythmia, Palm Tree Square, Jen in the Right Light, Gilt, Orange Blossom Trail, Watermedown, Marsh Court, Spring State and Some Human.
The first notes drop at 3 p.m. Aug. 29 in Riverwalk Park, located at 3459 S. Ridgewood Ave.
In addition to the bands, local art vendors and food trucks will be there, while attendees can also walk to Tiki Docks, the restaurant and bar on the property, pick up a beer, and bring it back to the festival.
Bethune-Cookman University Concert Chorale performs in Palm Coast
The Bethune-Cookman University Concert Chorale will perform a concert at 3 p.m. Aug. 30 at the Palm Coast United Methodist Church.
Tickets are $25 for the concert and can be purchased by calling the church at 386-445-1600.
The concert chorale will also be the guest musical choir that day at the regular church service at 10 a.m. The Bethune-Cookman University football team will attend the service at 10 a.m. The church is located at 6500 Belle Terre Parkway in Palm Coast.
