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 August 30-Sept. 2, 2024.
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, August 30, 2024: Tribute to Tina Turner and Whitney Houston, starts at 7:15 p.m.
- Saturday, August 31, 2024: Absolute Def Leppard & Highway to Hell: Tributes to Def Leppard and AC/DC – 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 August 30) and Saturday night (through September 28).
Monster Trucks at the Ocean Center
The Ocean Center will be hosting the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party on Saturday Aug. 31 through Sunday, Sept. 1 with three performances. The show features a one-of-a-kind, high energy Glow Party where the monster trucks light up the floor, creating an electrifying atmosphere for fans to enjoy.
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live combines Hot Wheels’ iconic jumps, stunts, and epic crashing and smashing to deliver an exhilarating experience for kids of all ages. The event showcases popular Hot Wheels Monster Trucks, including Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, Boneshaker, Bigfoot, Gunkster, and the all-new 5-ALARM. Event performances will feature spectacular laser light shows, dance parties, and Hot Wheels toy giveaways.
Show Times
- Saturday, Aug. 31, 12:30 p.m./VIP, 9:30 a.m./Pre-Show, 10 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
- Saturday, Aug. 31, 7:30 p.m./Pre-Show, 5 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 1, 2:30 p.m./VIP, 11:30 a.m./Pre-Show, 12 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Daytona Tortugas
The Class A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, the Daytona Tortugas will begin their final homestand of the season against the Bradenton Marauders on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2 at 6:35 p.m. 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.
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. 2. 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.
Renovated Lohman Planetarium at Museum of Arts & Sciences
Relax during the holiday weekend with a visit to the Museum of Arts & Sciences and experience the renovated state-of-the-art Lohman Planetarium, which has completed several upgrades to the planetarium space that together, work to create a whole new innovative, immersive and, education experience at the Smithsonian-affiliated museum.
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 this free official destination guide or sign up for the e-newsletter.