Relax and recharge while you escape the hustle and bustle of life this Labor Day weekend! A quick and easy getaway to Daytona Beach is the perfect way to do it. From kayaking up close with manatees to kicking back at the beach, Daytona Beach is the ideal place to unwind and rejuvenate this Labor Day weekend.
Traditionally, Labor Day is spent decidedly NOT laboring — in fact, that’s kind of the point. Originally a way to honor the American labor movement, this national holiday celebrates the various accomplishments and efforts of American workers. Unofficially, Labor Day denotes the end of summer in the United States.
While all good things must come to an end, summer fun is extended in Daytona Beach, thanks to the area’s moderate temperatures, warm waters and bright sunshine. However, if you’re looking for one last summer hurrah, head to Daytona Beach for a long weekend this Labor Day. The holiday always takes place on the first Monday of September, and this year, Labor Day weekend falls on September 1-4, 2023. Here are a few favorite ways to spend Labor Day weekend in Daytona Beach:
Live Music and Fireworks at the Daytona Beach Bandshell
After soaking up some sunshine on the beach or exploring outdoor hiking and biking trails, top off a fun and relaxing day with a rockin’ beachfront concert. Here’s what's rockin’ for Labor Day weekend at the Daytona Beach Bandshell:
- Friday, Sept. 1, 2023: Man in the Mirror - Michael Jackson Tribute, starts at 7:15 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023: Rocket Man: Elton John Tribute - starts at 7:15 p.m., followed by a fireworks display at 9:45 p.m.,
The concerts are free and open to the public with the option to purchase VIP tickets in advance. The music is entertaining, the crowd is lively, and the views can’t be beat — don’t miss out! Learn more about the summer concert series and enjoy the Bandshell summer concert events every Friday (through Sept. 1) and Saturday night (through September 30).
Daytona Tortugas
The Class A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, the Daytona Tortugas will wrap up their season on Labor Day Weekend at Jackie Robinson Ballpark, one of the oldest parks that is still being used for professional baseball. Relive history in this minor league baseball park where ground-breaking African-American baseball player Jackie Robinson played in the first integrated Major League Baseball spring training game in 1946. The Tortugas conclude the season with a six-game series against the Dunedin Blue Jays Aug. 29-Sept. 3.
Labor Day at the Lighthouse
Take a break from the beach and visit the Ponce De Leon Inlet Lighthouse and Museum for Labor Day at the Lighthouse on Monday, Sept. 4. The grounds will be open from 10 a.m. - 9 a.m. on Labor Day with special activities planned from 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., all included with regular admission.
Completed in 1887, the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is a National Historic Landmark and a fascinating piece of Florida history. It towers above others as the tallest lighthouse in Florida. This majestic facility, tucked away in the charming town of Ponce Inlet, stretches 175 feet into the sky. Feeling adventurous? Climb the 203 steps to the top for some truly breathtaking scenery and one-of-a-kind photo opportunities.
Unfolding The Universe: The James Webb Space Telescope
Relax during the holiday weekend with a visit to the Museum of Arts & Sciences. Go deep into the universe with a special exhibit featuring NASA’s newest space-based observatory, the James Webb Space Telescope. Unfolding The Universe: The James Webb Space Telescope runs through Oct. 1 at the Smithsonian-affiliated museum and provides tremendous insights and imagery of stars, planets in and out of our Solar System, star-forming nebula, massive galaxies and some of the most distant objects ever observed.
Downtown Daytona Nights Food Truck Rally
Come to downtown Daytona Beach for the Downtown Daytona Nights Food Truck Rally on Friday, Sept. 1 on Magnolia Avenue. Held the first Friday of every month from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., indulge your taste buds with a mouthwatering array of cuisines from a diverse selection of food trucks. From savory burgers, sizzling tacos or sweet treats, there's something for everyone. Groove to the rhythm of the music and enjoy the ambiance.
First Saturday Art Walk
The First Saturday Ormond Beach Art Walk brings together fine art galleries and the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens on the first Saturday of each month for art openings and art events. Most of the artwork is handcrafted by local fine artists, but national and international artists are here as well. Ride the Art Walk shuttle on Granada Blvd. in downtown Ormond Beach every first Saturday from 3 to 7 p.m. to experience new creations, meet new creators, and treat yourself to a night of intellectual and aesthetic stimulation. Make it an evening out with local restaurants, outdoor dining, a craft brewery and art galleries all within walking distance with plenty of public parking.
Of course, you always have the option to plop down under a beach umbrella and only lift a pinky to reach for an ice-cold lemonade. After all, Labor Day is a day of rest and restoration, and Daytona Beach offers plenty of that to go around!
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and make the easy, breezy drive to Daytona Beach for a relaxing Labor Day weekend. With a wide variety of oceanfront accommodations available on a whim, you can go from rolling down the highway to relaxing in the sand in just hours.
Start planning your Labor Day getaway today! Enjoy a look at everything Daytona Beach has to offer, and download our free official destination guide or sign up for our e-newsletter.
