Daytona Beach Bandshell
A city landmark for more than 70 years, the famous Daytona Beach Bandshell sits in Oceanfront Park between the beach and Ocean Walk Village on Atlantic Avenue. Since its inception in the 1930s, it has long been a location where locals and visitors can enjoy an array of events, including concerts, pageants, and other cultural arts presentations.
The Daytona Beach Bandshell was built by the federal government’s Works Progress Administration during the Depression. The city contributed $84,000 for its construction with the U.S. government kicking in another $184,000. Indicative of the projects of this era, it was designed to bring together the local community and to stimulate the economy.
The 48’ by 114’ natural coquina rock structure opened with much ado on July 4, 1937. The original structure had seating for about 4,000 patrons and, on that day, it was full. Music, speeches, and the Miss Daytona Beach contest happened on that stage on the bandshell’s first official day of business and the venue continued to flourish for several decades.
However, the structure and the area around it eventually fell into disrepair and became something of an eyesore. In 1999, a non-profit group known as Friends of the Bandshell was formed, and together with the City of Daytona Beach's Leisure Services Department, the Ocean Walk Alliance and Adams Mark Hotel, they began their mission to restore the historic structure and once again make it a viable place for concerts and other events. The bandshell was immediately placed on the National Register of Historic Places. All the renovation work was completed by 2003, largely due to the receipt of a number of grants for historic preservation.
Today, the Bandshell is the host of a variety of concerts and events, ranging from programs by local and regional high school groups to presentations by top-name artists. The venue has also been the site of outdoor weddings and receptions as well as convention-related events. Concerts usually run from April until the end of October and most are family-oriented, ranging from folk and gospel music to swing and Big Band as well as jazz and classical offerings. The Friends of the Bandshell also aim to profile rising stars, particularly those who live or work in the area. During the middle of the summer at peak tourist season, there is generally a concert and fireworks series, which is a big hit with visitors of all ages.
Oceanfront Park, the green area that surrounds the Daytona Beach Bandshell, is a great place to relax or an ideal location for the kids to run around before a show or concert. It features a large grassy area, a children’s playground, and a lighted volleyball court, and also provides stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, especially at sunset.
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