Ready for the weekend? Check out these fun things to do in Volusia, Flagler
A tribute to one of Florida’s most beloved rock ‘n’ roll sons will kick-off this weekend’s round of beachfront concerts at the historic Daytona Bandshell.
The music of Gainesville native Tom Petty will be showcased in a performance by the Wildflowers Petty tribute act at Friday’s edition of the “Sounds of Summer” concert series. Show time: 7:15 p.m.
The evening of hits made famous by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers will be augmented by an opening set by the Bluefield Acoustic Duo, a Florida-based act that has drawn comparisons to the styles of both Jack Johnson and Dave Matthews.
On Saturday, there’s more music at the Bandshell as the weekly “Star Spangled Summer” series continues with the twin bill of REO Survivor & Co. and Chicago Rewired, nods to REO Speedwagon, Survivor, Loverboy and Chicago.
Plan ahead: Summer concerts: What's coming to the Daytona Beach Bandshell?
That show also starts at 7:15 p.m., followed by fireworks over the beach at 9:45 p.m.
Both the Friday and Saturday night concerts are free admission, with VIP reserved seating also available for those interested.
VIP reserved seat tickets for either series, at $15, are available online at DaytonaBandshell.com and ticketmaster.com. Remember, general admission seating is free.
More music at Blue Spring State Park
Another concert series will launch this weekend, with the inaugural performance of the Friends of Blue Spring Summer Concert Series.
The Saturday show by guitarist Chris Muddiman will unfold on the park’s expansive lawn against the backdrop of the historic Thursby House. A Central Florida native, Muddiman started his music career in Charlotte, North Carolina, before returning to Volusia County.
Guests are invited to bring your chairs, picnic supplies and blankets to spread across the lawn for the performance. There will be food on sale from the park’s Outpost concession, as well as beer and wine available for purchase.
Tickets for the 6 p.m. show are $16 advance, $20 at the gate for adults, free for ages 15 and younger. The park’s regular gate admission fee of $6 per vehicle also will be required.
In case you missed it: Water activities, including swimming, closed at Blue Spring for construction project
Upcoming shows in the series: blues act Double Time on Aug. 10 and The Country Classics on Sept. 7.
Visit friendsofbluespringstatepark.org for tickets and information.
Celebrate a lunar milestone
You can mark the 55th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 moon landing with a screening of the critically acclaimed documentary film “Apollo 11” on Saturday at the Lohman Planetarium at the Museum of Arts & Sciences in Daytona Beach.
For the film, director Todd Douglas Miller edited 11,000 hours of archival footage, including 70mm film that was previously unreleased to the public.
The documentary will be displayed in 16:9 aspect ratio on the Planetarium dome in state-of-the-art 4K Ultra high definition. Popcorn and snacks will be available at the concession stand. Guests are advised to arrive at least 15 minutes before the 7 p.m. event start time.
“Apollo 11” is included for the museum’s regular admission of $12 for members, $14 for non-members.
Advanced purchase is recommended by calling 386-255-0285 or visiting moas.org.
Explore the art of family fun
Here’s another museum activity tailored for the whole family:
It’s time for another Family Fun Saturday at the Museum of Art — DeLand.
In honor of the occasion, visitors will enjoy free admission at the museum’s two galleries at 100 N. Woodland Blvd. (at New York Avenue intersection) and at 600 N. Woodland Blvd., across the street from the Stetson University campus.
At the Stetson-adjacent location, there will be a free hands-on art activity for kids offered from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Please be aware that children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Museum hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at both locations. Visit moartdeland.org for details.
In Flagler, it’s Christmas in July
Yes, the yuletide spirit will rule on Saturday during a “Christmas in July” celebration at Shantytown Village, 10270 U.S. Highway 1 in Palm Coast.
There will be more than 20 outdoor vendors on hand for the daylong event, which also will feature food truck action by Hot-Sticky-Sweet, raffles, beverages and discounts on merchandise. The event also is a benefit for Flagler Veterans Village.
Hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Free admission. Go to visitflagler.com for details.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Concerts, films, family events top weekend lineup in Volusia-Flagler
