Bert Kreischer's Full Throttle Festival DAYTONA 500 Pre-Party

Comedian, actor and podcaster Bert Kreischer is launching a new race-weekend tradition with the inaugural Full Throttle Festival, set for Feb. 14 at the Ocean Center, the night before the 68th running of the DAYTONA 500. The event will run from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. and is designed to deliver a high-energy, all-night celebration ahead of NASCAR’s biggest race on Sunday, Feb. 15.

The festival will transform the Ocean Center into a massive indoor fan experience combining live music, stand-up comedy, barbecue and beer for up to 15,000 fans. NASCAR is sponsoring the event, bringing race-weekend energy, interactive displays and fan-focused activations into the venue.

The lineup features a mix of rock, country and comedy curated by Kreischer, with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Lynyrd Skynyrd, Diplo’s country project Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley, and rising country artist ERNEST. Kreischer will host the festival, perform stand-up and keep the party moving throughout the night.

Food and drink are central to the experience, with the Ocean Center floor featuring a curated selection of pitmasters and barbecue concepts from Florida and beyond, along with festival-only dishes and race-weekend specials. Fans can also expect a wide-ranging beverage program, including craft beer, domestic favorites and signature cocktails available throughout the venue.