If you are looking for live music around here, you don't have to drive all the way to Orlando. Daytona has a solid mix of places that actually feel like real local spots, not just tourist traps on the strip.

Start at Main Street Station. It is that big brick building right where Main Street meets Peninsula Drive. On weekend nights, they almost always have cover bands or original acts playing inside the main hall. The sound system is actually decent, and the crowd is a good mix of bikers, locals, and people just off the beach. Walk a block south to the Ocean Deck on A1A. It is literally on the sand. They have reggae and acoustic acts every afternoon, and the beachfront views during sunset are hard to beat. But get there early, the patio fills up fast.

For something a little more tucked away, head over to the Dirty Martini on Beach Street, down by the Riverfront area. This is where you find the jazz and blues guys. It is a small, dark room with low ceilings, and the bartenders know their cocktails. I saw a killer saxophone trio there last Thursday night. It is not a “scene,” it is just good music and good people.

If you want more of a dive bar feel, go to the Bank & Blues Club on Main Street. It is literally inside an old bank building. The room is long and narrow, but the blues acts they book are legit. Some of those guitar players are old school and can really play. Make sure you check their schedule online, they do not have music every single night.

For newer stuff and local original bands, you have to hit up the local bars near the college. The Oasis on Clyde Morris Boulevard is a solid spot. It is a pizza place by day and a music venue by night. The bands there are usually younger, playing punk, indie, or metal. It is a good place to discover something new.

Finally, do not sleep on the outdoor stages. During Bike Week and Biketoberfest, the whole beachside turns into a live music festival. But even on a random Saturday in the summer, you can catch free concerts at the Bandshell on the Boardwalk. It is right on the sand, old school Spanish style building. Pack a chair and a cooler.

Just tip the bands. They are playing for the love of it. #Neighbors #DaytonaBeach #Florida #LocalGuide #LiveMusic #BeachLife #DiveBars #MainStreet #MusicScene #LocalSpots #booksonnircle #updateyournircle

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Myers Graysen @graysenmyers477

Wait, you forgot the Anchor down by the pier. They do that weird acoustic open mic thing on Wednesdays where some guy plays a washboard. Not even kidding. But yeah, this list is pretty spot on. Dirty Martini is a hidden gem for sure, I always forget about that place until someone mentions it. The bartenders there actually remember your name after one visit, which is rare these days.
11 days ago

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