Ready to roar this weekend? Best bets for weekend fun in Volusia-Flagler

Jim Abbott, Daytona Beach News-Journal
·3 min read

Although the temperatures have been colder this week, things are heating up at Daytona International Speedway, where drivers are busy preparing for this year’s big Rolex 24 At Daytona endurance race that unfolds Jan. 27-28.

If you’d like a taste of that speed experience, this weekend’s Roar Before the 24 offers a low-cost option to dip your toes into the world of IMSA racing to watch the field of world-class drivers take to the track for three days of test runs Friday-Sunday that mark the final dress rehearsals for the Rolex 24.

If you'd like a sample of the speed and power of the Rolex 24, pictured here in 2023, check out this weekend's Roar Before the 24 at Daytona International Speedway. It's a chance to see world-class drivers take to the track in multiple test runs over three days.
If you'd like a sample of the speed and power of the Rolex 24, pictured here in 2023, check out this weekend's Roar Before the 24 at Daytona International Speedway. It's a chance to see world-class drivers take to the track in multiple test runs over three days.

Admission is $15 on Friday and Sunday, $20 on Saturday, which offers the chance to check out the cars and drivers at relatively close range in a noisy procession from the garages to the track. It’s a sensory experience, no matter how many times you’ve witnessed it.

More: Rolex 24 at Daytona coming fast; here's a look at entire IMSA sports-car schedule for 2024

Test runs are scheduled throughout the day from 8:45 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday; from 8:40 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Saturday; and from 10:15 a.m.-3:20 p.m. Sunday.

Visit daytonainternationalspeedway.com for tickets and information.

Rock on at this weekend show

Rock hounds will rule this weekend at the 48th annual Tomoka Gem & Mineral Society Show on Saturday and Sunday at the Volusia County Fairgrounds, 3150 E. New York Ave. in DeLand.

As the name suggests, the event will revolve around an array of gems, minerals, fossils and jewelry on display and for sale inside the climate-controlled Tommy Lawrence Arena.

Minerals, such as those in this undated file photo, will be the star attractions at the 48th annual Tomoka Gem & Mineral Society Show at the Volusia County Fairgrounds in DeLand.
Minerals, such as those in this undated file photo, will be the star attractions at the 48th annual Tomoka Gem & Mineral Society Show at the Volusia County Fairgrounds in DeLand.

Admission is $5 for adults at the door, free for ages 12 and under.

Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

Visit the Tomoka Gem & Mineral Society’s Facebook page for more details.

Take a taste of DeLand

An array of West Volusia dining spots will showcase menu items on Saturday at the popular Taste of DeLand event along West Indiana Avenue, off Woodland Boulevard in downtown DeLand.

A benefit for the MainStreet DeLand Association, the event features an afternoon of food sampling from more than 20 local restaurants and caterers. Admission is $30 advance; $35 at the event; $15 for ages 5-12; free for ages 4 and under. Hours are 1-4 p.m.

Cress restaurant is among the many popular dining spots in downtown DeLand. Nearly two dozen of them will showcase samples of their menus at the Taste of DeLand event on Saturday along Indiana Avenue in DeLand.
Cress restaurant is among the many popular dining spots in downtown DeLand. Nearly two dozen of them will showcase samples of their menus at the Taste of DeLand event on Saturday along Indiana Avenue in DeLand.

Tickets include admission and tastings at each of the restaurant booths set up along Indiana Avenue. Visit mainstreetdeland.org for details.

Art of family fun

It’s another Family Fun Saturday this weekend at the two locations of the Museum of Art – DeLand along Woodland Boulevard in downtown DeLand.

In honor of the occasion, all visitors enjoy free gallery admission to each of the exhibits and galleries in both museum locations, at 100 and 600 N. Woodland Blvd.

There's free gallery admission on Saturday at the two locations of the Museum of Art -- DeLand along Woodland Boulevard in downtown DeLand. The "Family Fun Saturday" event also features hands-on art activities for kids.
There's free gallery admission on Saturday at the two locations of the Museum of Art -- DeLand along Woodland Boulevard in downtown DeLand. The "Family Fun Saturday" event also features hands-on art activities for kids.

In addition, there will be free hands-on art activities for kids at our 600 N. Woodland Blvd. location from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Please note 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, the buzz about bees

If you’re curious about how honey bees contribute to the growth of your favorite fruits and vegetables you can discover the connection at “Honeybee Buzz: Heroes of Our Planet,” an educational program presented on Saturday at Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area in Flagler Beach.

You can learn about what bees do at an educational event Saturday at Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area in Flagler Beach.
You can learn about what bees do at an educational event Saturday at Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area in Flagler Beach.

Beekeepers will present information about the importance of honeybees as well as Florida native "bee-friendly" plants and what is involved in raising honeybees and harvesting honey. The hourlong 10 a.m. program is included for the park’s admission of $5 per vehicle. Find the park at 3100 S. Ocean Shore Blvd. in Flagler Beach.

Visit floridastateparks.org for details.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Best bets for weekend range from racing to rocks in Volusia-Flagler