“End of the summer” isn’t terminology that most Floridians are familiar with. Though the latter months of the year are synonymous with a return to school and shorter days, the sunny weather and warm ocean breezes will continue long after the rest of the country has begun preparations for the chilly fall. In this week’s blog, we will be recapping some late summer activities – both long standing traditions and more recent additions – and ensure you and your family are in the know about what makes summer in Daytona truly memorable.

First things first: let’s see what is happening in the world of NASCAR right here at the birthplace of speed!

The sweltering summer heat means that NASCAR events will be on a brief hiatus until the cooler autumn months arrive. Though there won’t be any official races at the International Speedway, the renowned track still offers plenty of amazing experiences all summer long. On August 16th, the Speedway will be hosting the “Nascar Racing Experience” which allows fans to ride along or drive in their own race car and tour the venue. Tickets are available in advance and usually go quick, so don’t hesitate! For more information on this event, follow the provided link.

Link to Facebook Page.

A new addition to Daytona’s late summer activity lineup, the third annual Daytona Beach Week kicks off today and continues through August 4th. In addition to the wildly popular pro-am surf contest, Beach Week is chock-full of musical events, art installments, and local cuisine samplings. On top of all of this action, the admission price is absolutely free for adults and children. If you’re in the Daytona Beach area in early August, don’t miss this flourishing tradition of surfing, music, and art! The events take place at the Daytona pier. For more information regarding the specific dates and event lineups, visit the provided link.

Link to Event Facebook Page.

I have written about the Daytona Tortugas in previous blogs, however, late summer is a fantastic time to have a beer and watch this minor league cubs farm team take on rivals from all across the Sunshine State. Whether your a baseball fan or just a hotdog and IPA lover, the scenic Jackie Robinson Park is a fantastic place to chow down, drink up, and cheer on the Tortugas who have become a facet of Daytona sport culture. The events at Jackie Robinson Park run all month long so don’t worry if you’ve missed some of the initial games of their summer season. For more information on the Daytona Tortugas as well as their August schedule, follow the provided link.

Tortuga tickets and schedule link.

I was a bit puzzled when I reviewed some of my previous blog entries and discovered I never mentioned the famous Daytona Beach Flea and Farmers Market. I have been attending this rag-tag assortment of oddity and curio sellers for decades and it never disappoints. The Daytona Flea Market is ranked in the top 10 in the WORLD and top 5 in the US due to its sheer size and assortment of merchandise. Late summer is the best time to attend this bustling bazaar and purchase some homegrown produce, questionable attire, and – if you’re feeling a bit lonely on your solo trekking – a new furry friend. The flea market runs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout August from 9AM- 5PM. For more information a link is provided below.

Flea Market Link

Thank you for reading this week’s blog post! Keep coming back for updates on this summer’s best activities as we progress through the balmy month of August. If you are staying in Daytona for a prolonged amount of time, we hope our little city is starting to feel like a home away from home. Please don’t hesitate to contact our facebook page with any suggestions for future blog posts and, as always, safe travels!

Austyn O’Dwyer 2019