The Daytona Beach Bandshell is one of the most recognized landmarks in Daytona Beach. It is a unique Oceanfront Amphitheater built out of coquina rock, quarried from the Atlantic Ocean in nearby Flagler County. It is located in Oceanfront Park on the north end of the Boardwalk amusement area overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
The amphitheater is at the heart of Daytona Beach’s most famous shoreline and is home to the Bandshell Concert Series. The Concert Series features artist ranging from Bluegrass, Country, Big Band, Swing, Dixieland, Rock n Roll, and everything in between. These FREE concerts are a hallmark of the Spring and Summer seasons.
When you visit the Daytona Beach Bandshell, make time to stroll through the Ocean Walk Village where all your vacation needs can be met without having to get in your car and drive somewhere. The Ocean Walk Shoppes & Movies are adjacent to the Bandshell and they are a collection of upscale and casual restaurants, unique boutiques, and a 10-screen movie theater. Some of the eateries overlook the Daytona Beach Bandshell and have magnificent views of the beach and the Atlantic Ocean.
The amphitheater area can hold around 5,000 people for concerts but seating can be limited so they suggest bringing chairs or a blanket to sit on. They will have some chair rentals available. They DO NOT allow coolers in the area but there will be food & beverages available to purchase. The area in front of the stage is a large flat concrete surface so they can easily accommodate guests in wheel chairs for a show. We suggest calling ahead of time for more information on handicap parking and what handicap facilities are available.
Call 386-671-8250. The Ocean Center Garage is just across the street from the Ocean Walk Shoppes & Movies and there is an elevator from the Shoppes up to a walkway that goes over the street to the large parking structure.
History
As early as 1921, a group of locals began discussing ideas for improving a run-down section of Daytona Beach’s oceanfront. The Bandshell idea was decided and it was built as a community-use project by the Federal Government Works Progress Administration (WPA) designed to stimulate the economy during the Depression. Construction of the coquina rock structure began in September of 1936 and was completed in 1938. On July 4th, 1937 the structure was completed enough to have a dedication ceremony with lots of fanfare. A record crowd of 25,000 was on hand to see the motorcycle races on the beach, a baseball game at the ballpark, a parade down Beach Street, and a concert at the new Bandshell. The opening of the Daytona Beach Bandshell was a big addition to the community and its dedication ceremony shared front-page headlines with the disappearance of Amelia Earhart.
Through the years the Bandshell fell into disuse and disrepair but was still an iconic beacon to the beach area. With the efforts of the City of Daytona Beach and the Ocean Walk Alliance, restoration work began in 1999 to get it back to its original grandeur from the 1930s. On March 5th, 1999, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.