The annual event, in its sixth year, is held in the DeLand Historic District on April 8th and 9th. Tickets cost $10 advance and $15 at the gate.
By Patrick Jude
Entering its sixth annual event, it’s safe to say that DeLandApalooza has become a staple for the always beautiful DeLand. Boasting over 150 Florida bands across an impressive 27 stages, it’s certainly one of the biggest city festivals to take place in Florida.
The Historic District of DeLand is already a perfect place to spend a day, and the city’s charm is always augmented when music is filling its streets.
A large number of acts is always a positive when it comes to music festivals, besides the fact that there will be music all day, guaranteeing that the music will be diverse. Diversity is a good thing, it means inclusiveness, collectivism, and good vibes; all of which are evident at DeLandApalooza. You’re just as likely to hear Reggae music or Rock n Roll Soul on any given stage, and there are a lot to choose from.
A “stage” can be the beloved Café Da Vinci or a street corner, it may be a bar or a park, and there really are no rules. Multiple large staging structures are also brought in for the event, which delivers all the atmosphere of a larger than life concert. Many of the local shops are set up with a PA system, which is, along with the influx of visitors, undoubtedly good for business.
Be sure to bring a little extra cash with you, as the entire festival is lined with vendors; smoked BBQ, paintings, jewelry, $1 a minute massages, everything. Better yet, DeLand is home to some quaint local businesses that are always a pleasure to shop around. I’ve stopped by Cliff’s Bookstore each year since my first DeLandApalooza, and have always left smiling.
I scored an original copy of my favorite Rolling Stones album, Flowers, as well as a copy of Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment for an easy $18. Nice!
The day long festival is always a highlight for students of Stetson University, and The Historic District is totally decked out in its prideful Green and White. Just as the students of USF embrace the frequent festivals at Curtis Hixon Park, it’s exciting to see the students of Stetson actively being a part of their city’s arts as well.
I really love this little area of Florida, the cool pool of DeLeon Springs, the wide open fields of Deltona and the mysterious Cassadaga are all within 40 miles of each other.
The “come and go” vibe at DeLandApalooza makes it easy to enjoy all of the surrounding weekend treasures. DeLand is conveniently in the middle of these extracurricular spots, so be sure to make a day trip out of it!
Just a Few Favorites: DeLandaPalooza
Raspberry Pie – Issues Beer Garden @ 1 PM
Wes Nyle – Georgia Ave Main Stage @ 2 PM
The Ned – Café Da Vinci @ 6:15 PM
Earlybird priced $10 tickets may be purchased here.
Born and raised in Orlando, Patrick Jude is a recent graduate of The University Of Central Florida. He holds a B.A. in English Literature as well as an A.A. in Jazz Performance. Jude enjoys performing and is an active musician in Central Florida. As a member of The Getbye he fills the most glorified role of any band…Bass.
