Daytona 500 2027: A First-Timer’s Guide
Last checked: October 25, 2026. Rules, fees and dates change, so confirm on the official sites linked below before you go.
The short answer: the 69th DAYTONA 500 is Sunday, February 21, 2027, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach. It wraps up a race week that starts Saturday, February 13. For your first time, plan for big crowds, mild-to-warm weather, strict bag rules and a slow exit.
The 2027 race week schedule
Daytona International Speedway has announced these dates. Start times are usually released later, so check the Speedway’s site.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Sat, Feb 13 | The Clash |
| Wed, Feb 17 | DAYTONA 500 qualifying |
| Thu, Feb 18 | The Duels (qualifying races) |
| Fri, Feb 19 | Truck Series race |
| Sat, Feb 20 | ARCA race + O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race |
| Sun, Feb 21 | 69th DAYTONA 500 |
The Full Throttle Festival is also listed for Saturday, February 20, at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach.
Tickets: digital only
According to the Speedway’s fan guide, tickets are mobile only, through the NASCAR Tracks App. They show up in the app about 30 days before the event and aren’t printed or mailed. Buy from the Speedway’s official ticket office or an authorized seller, download the app before you travel, and make sure everyone in your group can reach their tickets. Questions go to 1-800-PITSHOP.
What you can bring in
Here’s the Speedway’s posted policy, summarized:
- Bags: up to 2 bags per person, each no larger than 18″ x 18″ x 14″. A clear bag speeds up security.
- Coolers: one soft-sided cooler, no larger than 14″ x 14″ x 14″. No hard-sided coolers.
- Food and drinks: you can bring your own, including alcohol, but no glass. Insulated cups up to 64 oz are allowed.
- Not allowed: glass, umbrellas, collapsible chairs, wagons, drones, selfie sticks and dry ice.
- Re-entry is allowed with a ticket scan.
- Concessions are cashless. Bring a card or phone wallet.
Rules can change before race week, so re-check the official fan guide before you pack.
What to wear and pack
- Layers. Daytona Beach’s normal February high is about 72°F, and the normal low is about 51°F (Florida Climate Center, 1991–2020). Sun in the stands can feel hot, and evenings get cool.
- Sun protection: sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
- Ear protection. The Speedway recommends it. Earplugs or headphones make a big difference, especially for kids.
- A poncho, since umbrellas aren’t allowed.
- A phone battery pack. You’ll use your phone for tickets, photos and finding your group.
Parking and getting there
The fan guide says parking is free for most events. Check the official parking page for race day details and any paid or reserved options. Traffic is the biggest challenge of the day:
- Leave early. Expect heavy traffic on the main roads into the Speedway area.
- Listen for traffic updates on WNDB 1150 AM / 93.5 FM, or check FL511.
- Know where you parked. Drop a pin on your phone.
- Be patient leaving. The Speedway warns that exiting can take more than an hour, and suggests waiting 30–45 minutes after the race before heading to your car.
Where to stay
Rooms in Daytona Beach fill up and get expensive for race week, so book as early as you can. Nearby options include Ormond Beach, Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach and DeLand, or Orlando if you don’t mind a longer drive. In February, Orlando is about an hour or more from Daytona Beach without race traffic.
Between race days
- Ponce Inlet Lighthouse: Florida’s tallest lighthouse at 175 feet, with 203 steps. It’s open daily 10 a.m.–6 p.m. through May 30, 2027 (last admission 5 p.m.).
- Blue Spring State Park: race week falls during manatee season (Nov 15–Mar 31). Reserve your day-use entry in advance.
- The beach: from November through April, beach driving runs sunrise to sunset, depending on the tide. Visitors pay $30 per vehicle per day.
Plan race week on paper
Our Race Week Guide: Daytona 2027 ($6.99, printable PDF) includes the 2027 dates, a summary of the bag and soft-cooler policy, a parking plan, tailgate and camping checklists, itinerary pages for every day and a race-day log.
FAQ
When is the 2027 Daytona 500? Sunday, February 21, 2027. It’s the 69th running.
Can you bring a cooler into the Daytona 500? Yes, one soft-sided cooler up to 14″ x 14″ x 14″. Hard-sided coolers and glass aren’t allowed.
Can you bring beer into Daytona International Speedway? According to the fan guide, you can bring your own drinks, including alcohol, as long as nothing is in glass. Check the current policy before race day.
Are Daytona 500 tickets printed? No. Tickets are mobile only, through the NASCAR Tracks App, and appear about 30 days before the event.
Is parking free at the Daytona 500? The Speedway’s fan guide says parking is free for most events. Check the official parking page for race day details.
Get Florida This Month free. One short email a month with what’s happening around Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach and Central Florida, plus seasonal tips that save you time and money. Sign up and get the November 2026 issue as a free printable PDF.
The Florida Source is an independent publisher. Not affiliated with or endorsed by NASCAR, Daytona International Speedway, or event organizers. DAYTONA 500 is a trademark of its owner and is used here only to identify the event.
Sources: Daytona International Speedway (2027 schedule release and Fan Guide) · Florida Climate Center (FSU) · Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum · Florida State Parks · Volusia County/ParkVolusia. Full links on our Sources page.
