From funky galleries to Smithsonian-affiliated collections, Daytona Beach is home to a vibrant arts and culture movement — it’s part of what makes the area’s fabric so completely distinct. Dive into the rich arts and culture scene with a trip to one of these upcoming exhibitions, art festivals or music performances.
Expedition: Dinosaur
WHEN: Open through March 29, 2026
WHERE: Museum of Arts & Sciences
ADMISSION: Included with paid admission
The Museum of Arts & Sciences invites visitors to journey into the age of the dinosaurs with Expedition: Dinosaur, an immersive experience that combines life-like animatronic dinosaurs, exciting interactives, and hands-on educational activities that bring the prehistoric world to life. Imagine standing before meat-eating velociraptors or coming face-to-face with a towering, long-necked herbivore. With over a dozen realistic, animatronic dinosaurs—complete with lifelike movement, soundscapes, and special effects — Expedition: Dinosaur creates the unforgettable sensation of walking among these ancient giants.
Beyond the awe-inspiring animatronics, guests can dig deeper into paleontology through a wide variety of interactive stations. Try assembling the ancient supercontinent Pangea, step into the role of a paleontologist with fossil-filled excavation cabinets, or experiment with an augmented reality sandbox to explore how Earth’s shifting landscapes shape its climate. Younger visitors can discover how dinosaurs used gizzards, tails, and even headbutting to survive. For a memorable finale, guests can capture the moment with a one-of-a-kind photo opportunity—climbing into the jaws of a T. rex head for a truly Jurassic souvenir.
Seward Johnson Sculptures
WHEN: Early January through June 2026
WHERE: Granada Boulevard corridor in Ormond Beach from A1A to Lewis Street
ADMISSION: Free
New works by Seward Johnson - the renowned American sculptor whose statues wowed the Ormond Beach area in spring 2025 - are back in historic Ormond Beach from early January 2026 until June 2026.
This new set of 12 sculptures will stretch along Granada Blvd from A1A to US 1. This year’s crop of life-size, life-like sculptures features everything from a very chic Mona Lisa to a boy with a dripping ice cream cone. These are sculptures designed to make you stop and look, to smile, and to feel an immediate connection.
The sculptures are the work of world-renowned American artist, Seward Johnson (1930-2020). Johnson’s sculptures have been displayed in public spaces around the world, including Times Square, Palm Springs, Rome, Australia, and the Venice Film Festival, and are included in numerous private and public collections and museums.
ONE DAYTONA Art Festival
WHEN: March 28-29
ADMISSION: Free
The ONE DAYTONA Art Festival is a family-friendly event that offers something for everyone.
Explore a diverse array of juried fine artists and non-juried craft artisans. Enjoy live music on the Victory Circle stage, have your little ones visit the Kid's Zone to engage in hands-on art activities and check out the student artwork displays.
Don't miss the Gallery500 exhibits and attend artist talks and view live art demonstrations.
Daytona Beach Arts Fest
WHEN: April 11-12
ADMISSION: Free
Held in beautiful downtown Daytona Beach, the Daytona Beach Arts Fest is an immersive art experience with juried fine art, artisans, craftworks, chalk art, live music, student art exhibition, kid activities, food, and more.
74th Season of the Daytona Beach Symphony Society
WHEN: December 2025 through March 2026
WHERE: The News-Journal Center
The Daytona Beach Symphony Society, founded in 1952, will host its 74th season at the News-Journal Center at Daytona State College. Each season runs from December to March and features the best orchestras, opera, and dance companies, and other notable music groups from the U.S. and around the world.
Among the performances scheduled for this upcoming season include:
- Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra performs The Messiah on Thursday, Dec. 11
- Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams Salutes America on Thursday, Jan. 8
- Teatro Lirico D'Europa performs Carmen on Friday, Jan. 30
- Manhattan Chamber Players performs Dvorak and Tchiakovsky on Thursday, February 26
- Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra performs Brahms and Bruch on Friday, March 27
First Saturday Ormond Art Walk
WHEN: Recurring monthly on the first Saturday
ADMISSION: Free
The First Saturday Ormond Beach Art Walk celebrates art and culture, with a cool downtown vibe. Most of the artwork is handcrafted by local fine artists, but national and international artists are here as well.
Stroll the Boulevard every first Saturday to experience new creations, meet new creators, and treat yourself to a night of intellectual and aesthetic stimulation.
First Friday Art Walk Downtown Daytona Beach
WHEN: Recurring monthly on the first Friday
ADMISSION: Free
Downtown Daytona Beach invites you to stroll along Beach Street every first Friday of each month to enjoy “ArtWalk”! Meet artists and other art lovers for an evening of stimulating art, fun, and refreshments offered by the following galleries and purveyors of culture:
- Aberrant Art Gallery: 118 N Beach St.
- BOHO Society 71 – Riverside Market: 222 S Beach St.
- Cinematique: 242 S. Beach St.
- Etrusca Gallery: 146 S Beach St.
- Galerie Elan: 248 S Beach St.
- Halifax Historical Museum: 252 S Beach St.
- Macker Seafood: 141 Bay St.
- Salon 230/Spa Above and Hatfield’s Hideaway: 116 Magnolia Ave.
- Starry Night Gallery: 230 S Beach St.
- VJL Art Gallery: 170 N Beach St.
Experience the area’s inspiring art scene for yourself — start planning your getaway today! Check out our Arts & Culture map, download our free official destination guide or sign up for our e-newsletter.
