A Month of Community, Creativity & Gratitude
November is one of the most vibrant months in Downtown DeLand! It’s full of community celebrations, creativity, and opportunities to support local businesses as we head into the holiday season and the new year. Whether you’re looking to honor our veterans, immerse yourself in the arts, or find the perfect gift for someone special, there’s no better place to be than right here in the heart of our historic downtown.
We begin the month with the Veterans Day Parade on Friday, November 8, with festivities starting at 9:30 a.m. on Woodland Boulevard. This beloved community tradition brings neighbors together to honor those who have served our country. The parade winds through downtown, filling the streets with music, color, and gratitude. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate our veterans and the perfect way to spend the morning downtown. When you come for the parade, plan to stay to enjoy coffee, brunch, and a bit of local shopping.
Later in the month, creativity takes center stage at the 32nd annual DeLand Fall Festival of the Arts, happening November 22–23. The festival transforms downtown into a showcase of adjudicated fine art and talent, with artists from across the region displaying original works in every medium imaginable. It’s the perfect weekend to stroll through the streets, meet the artists, enjoy live performances, and maybe even check a few gifts off your holiday list.
For those who want to make an even greater impact, the Festival’s Patron Program is an excellent way to invest in this signature event and in the future of the fine arts in our community. Patron contributions directly support the artists who make this event possible and help sustain DeLand’s thriving creative culture. It’s not too late to become a 2025 Patron! To learn more or become a patron, visit fallfestivaloftheartsdeland.com.
And speaking of gifts... Small Business Saturday on November 29 is your reminder that Downtown DeLand is the best place to find meaningful, one-of-a-kind treasures for the people you love. From locally made art and jewelry to specialty foods, home goods, and boutique fashions, every purchase you make downtown supports a dream, a family, and the character that makes our community unique. When you shop local, you’re not just buying a gift; you’re investing in the future of our vibrant downtown.
While we celebrate all that makes DeLand special, we’re also looking ahead to how our community will grow and change in the years to come and how we can ensure that growth is thoughtfully managed. The City of DeLand, in partnership with Inspire Placemaking Collective, is currently undertaking a major update to its Land Development Regulations. This will become the document that guides how our city develops, from building design and signage to parking, landscaping, and pedestrian experiences.
MainStreet DeLand Association is proud to be engaged in this process alongside our City and consultant to ensure that the needs and perspectives of our downtown businesses are well represented. Since these regulations will shape how our built environment evolves, they can help us protect the character and walkability that make Downtown DeLand so special. Because of that, public participation is a critical part of this process. Workshops, open houses, and online engagement opportunities are being offered so residents, business owners, and property owners can share their thoughts. We encourage everyone who loves Downtown DeLand to get involved, stay informed, and help shape the future of our community together.
As the holiday season begins, I invite you to take your connection to MainStreet even further: volunteer at one of our events or in our office, become a member, sponsor a program, or make a donation in support of the future of Downtown DeLand. Every contribution of time, abilities, or financial contribution helps us preserve our historic charm while ensuring our downtown continues to thrive for generations to come.
This November, as we come together to celebrate our veterans, our artists, and our small businesses, let’s also celebrate the power of community participation. Downtown DeLand’s story is still being written. Every voice, every purchase, and every act of engagement helps define the next chapter. Thank you for being a part of that with us.
See you Downtown!
Stephanie Garcia Mullins
Executive Director
MainStreet DeLand Association