Ready for the weekend? Check out these fun things to do in Volusia-Flagler
With St. Patrick’s Day looming on Sunday, many folks will be wearing the green this weekend.
That’ll be appropriate attire for an assortment of St. Paddy’s Day events on the weekend calendar.
Here’s a look at what’s on tap:
Celebrate St. Paddy’s on Beach Street
If you’re looking for a family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day party, check out the "St. Paddy’s Day Block Party" on Sunday along Beach Street from Orange Avenue to International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach.
The event will showcase the offerings of Beach Street merchants, including McK’s Tavern, the Irish pub that has celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with traditional fare and festivities for 26 years.
Beach Street will be closed to vehicle traffic between ISB and Orange Avenue for the event, which also will feature an array of food trucks and two stages with live entertainment.
Among the acts not-to-be-missed is the Megean Academy of Irish Dance, offering performances at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. at the corner of Beach Street and Magnolia Avenue. There also will be Irish music starting at 5 p.m. on the outdoor stage in front of McK’s Tavern.
In addition, there will be a St. Paddy’s Day Dog Parade & Costume Contest at 3 p.m. on Beach Street. Canine contestants can be registered for $15 in advance or at the event, with processed to benefit Sophie’s Circle Dog Rescue.
The event runs from 1-9 p.m. Sunday. Visit daytonabeach.com for details.
Flagler Tavern celebrates St. Paddy’s
The celebration will be an all-day affair on Sunday at Flagler Tavern, where the festivities will spill out into the parking lot at what is touted as the biggest St. Paddy’s Day bash in New Smyrna Beach.
There will be green beer, Guinness and Irish whiskey specials all day, augmented by corned beef and cabbage dishes and a Mr. & Mrs. St. Patrick’s Day costume contest.
There will be a DJ cranking tunes under a big tent outside, with more live music inside. Brunch will be served starting at 10 a.m., with the parking lot festivities to roll from noon-10 p.m.
Free admission. Visit flaglertavern.com for details.
Strawberry Fest in Lake Helen
It’s strawberry season.
If you didn’t make it over to Plant City for the big Florida Strawberry Festival, you can still celebrate the sweet treats at the annual Strawberry Festival Saturday and Sunday in Lake Helen.
In addition to plenty of the event’s namesake attraction, the event also will feature arts and crafts, free bounce houses, live entertainment, free rock painting and a free hula contest, face-painting and a pie-eating contest, among other activities.
Admission is $7 at the gate. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Lake Helen Equestrian Center, 321 Pleasant Street in Lake Helen.
Visit lakehelen.org for details.
Science rules at Gillespie Museum
Science, technology, engineering, art and math will be the focus of hands-on, family-friendly activities at the second annual STEAM Festival on Saturday at the Gillespie Museum at Stetson University.
The event, part of the Gillespie’s monthly “Science Saturday” series, offers demonstrations and hands-on presentations for budding scientists that include a Physics Extravaganza and beekeeping demonstration as well as opportunities to create recycled artwork and discover the science of music.
Science Saturdays are open to all ages, but scientists under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent. Registration is requested but not required. The event runs from 10 a.m.-noon Saturday at the Gillespie Museum, 234 E. Michigan Ave., DeLand.
Visit stetson.edu for details.
In Flagler, more St. Paddy’s fun
Green is the recommended fashion statement to get into the spirit at the annual St. Patrick’s Day Block Party at the European Village, 101 Palm Harbor Parkway in Palm Coast.
The event runs from noon-9 p.m., with DJ music throughout the event, a bagpipes performance from 2-3 p.m., drink specials, corned beef and cabbage plates as well as other themed shenanigans.
Free admission. Go to visitflagler.com for more information.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Things to do this weekend in Volusia-Flagler go beyond St. Paddy's Day
