Peabody Auditorium

Two buildings, one name

The first Peabody was a 2,200 seat frame building that opened in 1919 on land donated by Simon J. Peabody, a businessman who lived in Daytona Beach from 1907 to 1933. Fire destroyed it in 1946. The current auditorium was dedicated on October 6, 1949, with a performance by the U.S. Navy Band. Sculptures of four muses by artist Frederick Dana Marsh decorate the outside.

For about 40 years starting in 1966, the London Symphony Orchestra made the Peabody its summer home. The Daytona Beach Symphony Society has called it home for decades as well. Frank Sinatra, Liza Minnelli, B.B. King, Patti LaBelle, Styx, Gladys Knight and Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons are on its list of past performers.

Inside the Peabody

The auditorium seats a little over 2,500. The City of Daytona Beach runs it through its Arts and Entertainment division, the same team behind the Oceanfront Bandshell on the boardwalk. The stage was rebuilt in 2019, the theatrical lighting was upgraded in 2020, and the sound system followed in 2021. Expect touring comedians, Broadway, classical programs and veteran touring acts.

Getting there and parking

From I-95, take exit 261 to US 92 (International Speedway Boulevard) and head east about 5.5 miles across the Halifax River. Turn left on South Oleander Avenue, then right on Auditorium Boulevard. You are a few blocks from the ocean and right by the Ocean Center.

The Peabody lot sits directly behind the building, and valet is offered for select shows. The Ocean Center garage is about a five minute walk, and its surface lots may be held for Ocean Center events. Some lots take only cards and others only cash, so bring both. When the Ocean Center has a big event the same night, arrive early. Speedweeks and Bike Week fill the beachside too.

For a smaller historic room inland, try the Athens Theatre in DeLand. See more in Daytona and Volusia.