Ready for the weekend? Check out these fun things to do in Volusia-Flagler

Nearly four dozen songwriters behind more than 150 chart-topping hits will perform this weekend at the four-day Palm Coast Songwriters Festival at the Daytona State College Palm Coast Amphitheater.

The series of afternoon and evening shows Thursday-Sunday in Palm Coast feature a lineup topped by singer-songwriter Jeff Hanna, of Nitty Gritty Dirt Band fame, as well as country veteran Deana Carter, Darryl Worley (“Have You Forgotten?”) and Matraca Berg (“Wrong Side of Memphis”).

At the festival, those songwriters and others will offer a “peek behind the curtain” at the songwriting process along with stories behind some favorite songs.

One-day tickets start at $25, with four-day weekend passes starting at $150. The Daytona State Palm Coast Amphitheater is at 545 Colbert Lane in Palm Coast.

Visit palmcoastsongwritersfestival.com for the full schedule and a link to buy tickets.

Short films in spotlight at MOAS

Critically acclaimed short films will be in the spotlight at the 43rd Annual Asbury Short Film Concert on Thursday at the Museum of Arts & Sciences in Daytona Beach.

The 7 p.m. show in the museum’s Root Family Auditorium will feature a fast-paced lineup of the best in short-film comedy, drama and animation. The two-hour showcase will include Academy Award-nominated works as well as “best of show” winners at assorted film fests nationwide and internationally.

The museum recommends the  event for audience members age 16 and older.

Doors open at 6 p.m. for a cash bar. There will be an intermission during the two-hour program.

Admission is $20 for museum members, $25 for non-members. The museum is located at 352 S Nova Road, Daytona Beach.

Visit moas.org for tickets and additional details.

Military armor shines at Fairgrounds

An arsenal of historic military machinery will be the focus of the inaugural Volusia Valor Days on Saturday and Sunday at the Volusia County Fairgrounds in DeLand.

Presented by WW2 Armor, a nonprofit dedicated to the preservation and demonstration of vintage World War II tanks and artillery, the event honors veterans and first-responders with a program that features vintage tanks, artillery and wheeled vehicles, daily tank battles and educational presentations by World War II historians.

Hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Fairgrounds, 3150 E. New York Ave., DeLand.

It’s free admission. Call 240-205-4440 for details.

Celebrate Derby Day in New Smyrna Beach

Looking for a Kentucky Derby party?

Don your most festive hat and head to Flagler Tavern for its annual Kentucky Derby Day bash on Saturday in New Smyrna Beach.

In addition to best-dressed and best-hat contests, the tavern is equipped with 25 big-screen TVs to catch a good view of the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby. Flagler Tavern also will be featuring Woodford Reserve, the official bourbon of the race. There will be limited edition “Flagler Tavern” and “Bounty” etched bottles on sale for $49.95.

Festivities start with a 10 a.m. brunch, followed by an array of activities through the 6:57 p.m. post time. Flagler Tavern is located at 414 Flagler Ave.

Visit flaglertavern.com for details.

In Flagler, a First Friday celebration

As time marches on, it’s time for another monthly First Friday party in Flagler Beach.

The free event runs from 5:30-9 p.m. Friday at Veterans Park, 101 N. Ocean Shore Blvd., in Flagler Beach.

It features free live music, crafts and food from local vendors, kids activities and a lovely beachside backdrop for a family-friendly celebration. Nearby businesses and museums will stay open late for the occasion. Go to visitflagler.com for details.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Ready for the weekend? Check out these fun things to do in Volusia-Flagler