Yes, of course New Smyrna Beach is a coastal gem brimming with rich history, laid-back surfer vibes and charming streets for strolling, dining and shopping, but is also simply bursting with seasonal festivities, entertaining festivals, tasty cookoffs, lively block parties and tons of other fun, unique and engaging events all year long. The following is a sampling of some of the annual (and other) events in New Smyrna Beach you surely won’t want to miss!
Ranked one of the top Fine Arts Festivals in the entire nation by Sunshine Artist Magazine, IMAGES Festival in New Smyrna Beach is a free family event which takes place every January and attracts over 50,000 art enthusiasts and over 230 exhibitors. It is an event that promises a festive environment in which visitors can enjoy art demonstrations, food trucks, live music, a spirit garden, student art exhibits and a hands-on project tent.
There’s also a Chowder Challenge in January on Flagler Avenue where you can sample the chowders competing for Best at the Beach; or get cheesy at the end of the year when you can vote for the Best on the Beach grilled cheese at host locations for the Grilled Cheese Challenge.
Mardi Gras comes early in February when you can listen to music at 20 free shows over the course of five melodious days during the New Smyrna Beach Voodoo Music Fest.
The New Smyrna Beach Art Fiesta is a two-day event in February with over 200 artisans and crafters who hail from all corners of the country to hold demonstrations, sell their wares and compete for cash and prizes. There’s also live music, street food and all that fun can be found at Old Fort Park, along Sam’s Avenue, Julia and Canal streets.
Soulful sounds fill the air for three days in May during the New Smyrna Beach Jazz Fest. It is one of Central Florida’s premier music events and full of great jazz, food and fun.
August is the time we pay homage to fresh catches with the New Smyrna Beach Shrimp and Seafood Festival, where the best local restaurants compete and attendees can sample amazing local cuisine and enjoy music and all types of fun seafood-themed activities.
For the purpose of enhancing environmental awareness and promoting art education, artists from throughout the country use the majestic scenery in New Smyrna Beach to paint beautiful pieces of art. The finished works of art are displayed in an art gallery at the end of each day for public viewing during the New Smyrna Beach Plein Air Paint Out in October.
New Smyrna Beach’s Flagler Avenue closes down to accommodate the Flamingo Follies Holiday Art Show in November. With over 120 artisans and crafters, it is a great place to find gifts for the holiday season and it is free to the public.
Speaking of the holidays, New Smyrna Beach is host to Christmas parades by land and by sea, a Coastal Christmas Market, a tree lighting ceremony and a family-friendly countdown to a 9 p.m. fireworks display on New Year’s Eve, followed by parties on Flagler. Then you can start the New Year off right with the New Smyrna Beach New Year’s Day 5K Run.
There is also an incredible array of New Smyrna Beach events held each and every month:
Take a leisurely walk through the New Smyrna Beach Historic District sampling craft beers during the New Smyrna Beach Canal Street Sip & Stroll which takes place on the first Saturday of each month.
Classic Cars on Canal, held for 26 years on the second Saturday of each month. Canal Street is blocked off from 3-6 p.m. for the custom cars, trucks and motorcycles on display and DJ music is added to the mix for more family fun.
Stroll, shop and fall in love with downtown historic New Smyrna Beach the third Thursday of every month for Canal Street Nights which plays host to plenty of vendors and talented musicians.
The 4th Saturday of each month is reserved for New Smyrna Beach’s Flagler Avenue Wine Walk, where you can sample wines from host locations with the purchase of a tasting passport.
It’s a sure bet that whatever you choose to do in New Smyrna Beach, you can do it in a welcoming atmosphere, in a place where everyone waves and has a smile.
The Perfect Home Base for Your New Smyrna Beach Excursions
Then, imagine, after you have attended your event of choice, that you are able to retire to the most prestigious address along the most pristine beach in New Smyrna, surrounded by breathtaking waterfront views and five-star amenities.
You can. Nestled within the exclusive gated community of Minorca, The Inlet offers the perfect homebase for your excursions. You’ll find it at 257 Minorca Beach Way.
Each one-, two- or three-bedroom condo unit at The Inlet offers a spectacular ocean view, stylish comfort and comes fully equipped with a kitchen, spacious living area with cable TV and its own washer and dryer. Just steps from their door, guests have access to over 13 miles of beautiful beach. There are two, large, heated oceanfront pools, two, heated spas on the private main pool deck, an upscale clubhouse, a fitness center, his and her saunas, four Har-Tru tennis courts, an onsite tennis pro, an oceanfront pavilion, barbeque grills, riverside decks, two covered parking garages and security.
Stay at The Inlet for four nights, a week, a few weeks or months…whatever your events require. For more information or to book your vacation at The Inlet Condominiums in charming, historic New Smyrna Beach, call 386-409-9212.
