Daytona Beach Readies for Sesquicentennial Celebrations

Daytona Beach is getting ready to party like it’s 1926. The city is about to hit a major milestone — its sesquicentennial or 150th year as an incorporated city. In 2026, Daytona Beach is throwing a year-long sesquicentennial celebration to honor the city’s rich history, vibrant culture and the people who make the World’s Most Famous Beach famous, according to a media release.

Founded in 1870 by Mathis D. Day, Daytona Beach incorporated on July 26, 1926, merging with Daytona and Seabreeze, the release states.

A committee of representatives from several city departments started meeting this past October to plan the festivities. The city team will spearhead themed community events and extend the sesquicentennial theme in already established annual events such as the Mayor’s Fitness Challenge, Crab & Seafood Festival, Easter Beach Run and Christmas Parade. A social media campaign using #DB150 and #150WorldFamousDB will be used to promote the milestone anniversary, according to the release. 

A newly created nine-member Sesquicentennial Ambassador Committee, appointed by the City Commission, will help shape the festivities alongside community partners. Zone 1 City Commissioner Monica Paris was nominated by her colleagues to serve on the planning committee. 

According to the release, the celebration will include several events and programs, including a Weekend Festival in July 2026 with live music, food vendors, fireworks and family-friendly activities; Sesquicentennial-themed events all year with special branding at city events like the Mayor’s Fitness Challenge, Easter Beach Run and Christmas Parade; a Digital Timeline and Virtual Tours using AI and augmented reality that will bring Daytona Beach’s history to life in exciting new ways; community giveaways and contests with special raffles, 150th-anniversary menu items and exclusive Daytona Beach merchandise.

In addition, s dedicated sesquicentennial website is set to launch by the end of 2025, with event details, branded swag, history highlights and ways to engage with the celebration, the release states.