Arts & Entertainment

Whiskey, barbecue, and more returns to Mount Dora waterfront Sept. 12

9/1/2026

The City of Mount Dora’s Pitmasters & Pourers returns to Elizabeth Evans Park on September 12, bringing an afternoon and evening of BBQ, live music, professional wrestling, college football, and more.

This year, Pitmasters & Pourers is a free event, with no admission ticket required. Unlike last year’s sampling format, attendees can purchase BBQ and other food directly from participating vendors throughout the event.

Hosted by T-Roy of 104.5 The Beat, the Main Stage lineup will feature national recording artists Thompson Square, Naome Bradshaw & The Dot Coms, a special salute to veterans and first responders, and the BBQ competition award ceremony.

The event will also feature live professional wrestling with Russ Rollins and Amber Nova, along with personalities from Monsters in the Morning. The evening will culminate with a 300-drone light show over Lake Dora at 8:30 p.m.

Eight pitmasters will compete for this year’s Pitmasters & Pourers title, including Knuckleheads BBQ LLC, Just Smoke It Yo!, Taste ISMM LLC/Rollin’ n Smokin’, The Celtic Cistin, Jimmy Bear’s BBQ, TBG BBQ, Meatheads BBQ Food Truck LLC, and Hurts BBQ.

Additional activities include cornhole, college football streaming on the big screen, and a cigar lounge.

The event is from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a suggested age for attendees of 18 years and older. Accessible parking will be available within the immediate event area, with general parking available throughout downtown. Elizabeth Evans Park is located on the waterfront at 100 N. Donnelly Street, Mount Dora

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit Mount Dora Buzz's website, its Instagram and Facebook page. Sign up for the free monthly edition here.

Mount Dora's Viva La Frida Festival Set for September 26

9/1/2026

The fourth annual Mount Dora Viva La Frida Festival returns to Donnelly Park on Saturday, September 26, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., bringing a full day of live music, art, food, dancing and Latin culture to the heart of downtown.

The festival, hosted by Mount Dora Center for the Arts, celebrates the artistic legacy of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo and the broader creativity of Latin and Hispanic culture. Admission is free.

Visitors can expect a lineup of live bands performing everything from rock to salsa throughout the day, along with more than 50 vendors selling art, goods, and festival food. Beer, wine and cocktails will be available for purchase for adults.

A festival favorite, the Frida look-alike contest, gives attendees a chance to dress up in Kahlo-inspired outfits and flower crowns and compete for prizes. Guests who would rather sit back can vote for their favorite look. A free kids' art zone will also be set up for younger visitors, along with face painting and dancing.
Community outreach groups will be on hand offering a range of services for local Latino families.

Proceeds from the festival support art education and public art initiatives through Mount Dora Center for the Arts, a nonprofit organization.

Donnelly Park is located at 530 N. Donnelly St. in downtown Mount Dora. Organizers recommend arriving early, since downtown parking fills up quickly during the event. The city typically offers free shuttle service from nearby lots during major downtown festivals, so visitors should check the parking information and tips page here.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit Mount Dora Buzz's website, its Instagram and Facebook page. Sign up for the free monthly edition here.

Guide to local fireworks & celebrations in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

7/1/2026

Once again residents get to enjoy lively festivities and fireworks across the Golden Triangle on two separate nights to celebrate the nation’s independence. Here’s the 411 on the free, family-friendly celebrations and firework displays in Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis. Remember to bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets to all of the events.

JULY 3: Eustis America 250 Hometown Celebration

Where: Ferran Park in downtown Eustis
Time: 4:00-10:00 p.m.
Schedule of events:

12 – 4 p.m. - Pool open
4 – 10 p.m. - Food & craft vendors (over 80 total
4 – 10 p.m. - Family fun zone with inflatables, Brick Lab Lego fun, Extreme Game Truck, face painting and more
4 – 5 p.m. - Live music – The 789’s
5 – 9 p.m. - Patriotic stilt walkers
5 – 5:45 p.m. - Water ski show performed by Tampa Bay Water Ski Show Team
6 – 7:30 p.m. - live music, The 789’s
8 – 9:30 p.m. - Concert, Michael Ray (country artist)
9:30 p.m. - National anthem performed by Christina Vukel
9:30 – 10 p.m. - Fireworks

JULY 3: Freedom on the Waterfront (Mount Dora)

When: 4-10 p.m.
Where: Elizabeth Evans Park & Gilbert Park, Mount Dora.
What to expect: Family and kids' activities, food vendors, live music in Evans Park.

4 p.m. -Dj Sarah Masters
6 p.m. - REAL Radio 104.1's Chad Hallmark
6:30 p.m. - Live performance Cat Ridgeway
7:50 pm. - Live performance by Tonic
9 p.m. - Announcements, national anthem with Honor Guard
9:10 p.m. - Drone show
9:20 p.m. - Fireworks show

JULY 4: Independence Day Parade & Street Party (Tavares)

Where: Main Street, downtown Tavares
Schedule of events:

5 p.m. - Small-town parade begins going east on Main Street from the courthouse past City Hall to St. Clair Abrams Avenue.

Parade route: This small-town parade route heads east on Main Street from the Courthouse past City Hall to St. Clair-Abrams Avenue. An evening of fun festivities to follow in Wooton Park.

JULY 4: Independence Day Celebration (Tavares)

After the parade along Main Street, more festivities kick off in Wooton Park at 100 E. Ruby Street in downtown Tavares, including food trucks, vendors, live entertainment, kids' games, and more.
Where: Wooton Park, downtown
Schedule of events:

6 p.m. - Kids’ activities commence along Rockingham Avenue and in Wooton Park
6 p.m. - Kids’ dance party with interactive Live DJ in Wooton Park begins
6 p.m. - Don Black, saxophonist at picnic pavillion
6 p.m. - Main act, Blonde Ambition band under the tent
9 p.m. - National anthem and fireworks

Tips: Free parking is available in the parking garage at 200 N. Sinclair Avenue in downtown Tavares.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit Mount Dora Buzz's website, its Instagram and Facebook page.

10 best spots to watch fireworks in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

7/1/2026

Looking for a good vantage point for the local fireworks? Besides being on a boat on the lake, here are the top 10 spots for Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis:

MOUNT DORA: JULY 3, 9:20
1. Simpson Cove & Evans Park
2. Lakeside Inn pool bar
3. The Yardery
4. Mount Dora Lighthouse

EUSTIS: JULY 3, 9 p.m.
5. Ferran Park
6. Lake Eustis on a boat
7. Crazy Gators
8. Lake Eustis Waterfront Grille

TAVARES: JULY 4, 9 p.m.
9. Kalua Hale Beach Club
10. Wooton Park
11. Citrus Sky Bar

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit Mount Dora Buzz's website, its Instagram and Facebook page. Download the area's free mobile app for info on the go. For local food recommendations, follow Mount Dora Foodie's Facebook and its official Instagram account.

Mount Dora’s Juneteenth Celebration is June 20

6/1/2026

Mount Dora will join other communities across the country by hosting a Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 20. This year the annual family-friendly festival will be held at Cauley Lott Park in the Northeast Community, an area with a deep African-American history of educators, strong community churches, business owners, civil rights and community leaders, as well as hardworking residents.

The free festivities will include musical performances by E-Turn, DJ Samp Da Champ, and other guest musicians, as well as an appearance by 104.5 The Beat. In addition, there will be community basketball activities, food and drinks available for purchase, and activities in celebration of community and connection.

Juneteenth, the oldest celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S., has been a tradition since the late 19th century and is now recognized in at least 43 states.

June 19, known as Juneteenth Independence Day or Emancipation Day, is the anniversary of the abolition of slavery in Texas in 1865. Although Abraham Lincoln freed all slaves with the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862, Texas was geographically remote and its slave owners ignored the new law. Only Texas slaves that escaped could enjoy freedom in the North.

June 19 marks the date Union General Gordon Granger arrived on Galveston Island with 2,000 troops to establish a federal presence in Texas and officially free its slaves.

Today, community Juneteenth festivals celebrate African-American freedom and achievement, encourage respect for all cultures, and strive to create new bonds of friendship and understanding. Celebrations often include public BBQs, live music, readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, and singing of traditional spirituals.

The celebration on June 20 is from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and admission is free. Cauley Lott Park is located at 1717 N. Highland Street in Mount Dora.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz's Instagram and Facebook page for more local info.

Eustis alley to ignite with pop-up dance party on May 2

4/28/2026

A festive twist on a newer downtown tradition is set to transform a hidden alleyway into a vibrant dance party celebrating culture, community, and music. The next installment of the McCulloch Alley Pop-Up Concert series will trade its usual acoustic vibe for a high-energy, Cinco de Mayo-themed celebration.

Organized by the North Bay Collective, a grassroots group of local businesses, the May 2 event will spotlight Sol de Mexico, a Mexican restaurant and cornerstone collective member known for bringing authentic Mexican flavor and cultural connection to downtown Eustis.

“We wanted to do something a little different this month to match the spirit of Cinco de Mayo,” said Audra, secretary for Pinesmoke Bee Co. and Collective member. “With Sol de Mexico taking the lead, we’re trading the traditional concert vibe for an alleyway dance party. It’s all about celebrating the vibrant, diverse businesses that make our downtown thrive.”

Guests can expect upbeat tracks from DJ Lu, who will spin a mix of festive and high-energy favorites to create a fun atmosphere for dancing and celebration from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event will follow the Collective’s “Golden Hour” schedule, allowing attendees to enjoy the late spring evening as the sun sets over the historic district.

Hosted in McCulloch Alley behind the Iron Block Building, the free event encourages visitors to explore downtown, grab a bite from local eateries, and experience one of Lake County’s unique hidden venues.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz's Instagram and Facebook page for more local info.

Mount Dora to turn blue for the annual Blueberry Festival on April 25–26

4/1/2026

One of Central Florida’s most festive spring celebrations kicks off as the Mount Dora Blueberry Festival returns to Donnelly Park on April 25–26. Set in the heart of downtown, the two-day event promises a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere filled with fresh flavors, blueberry-themed contests, local vendors, and small-town charm.

Visitors can expect a bustling festival centered around Central Florida’s blueberry harvest, including a pie-eating contest, a blueberry pancake breakfast, and dozens of vendors offering everything from fresh-picked berries to blueberry pies, cobblers, jams, and a variety of fresh baked goods. Food stands will line the park, serving up creative takes on the festival’s namesake fruit.
The easiest way to get to and from the festival is to take the hassle-free shuttle from 900 Lincoln Avenue at the corner of Highland Street. The shuttle will run both days from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with the paid-parking lot proceeds benefitting the local Kiwanis. Visitors can follow the posted signage directing them to the shuttle parking areas, where continuous shuttles will transport guests to and from downtown. Arriving early is recommended for the best parking options and a more leisurely experience before peak afternoon crowds.

Beyond the festival itself, the surrounding downtown area offers even more to explore, from boutique shops and cafés to lakefront views just a short walk away. Some local businesses join in the celebration with specials and blueberry-themed menu items of their own.

The festivals runs both days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Find downtown's parking map and Freebee shuttle information here.

Mount Dora’s historic downtown district is known for its quaint streets, preserved early 20th-century architecture, and welcoming, small-town feel. Often described as one of Florida’s most charming destinations, the area blends history, local culture, and scenic beauty—making it an ideal backdrop for its full schedule of annual festivals.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Be sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz's Instagram and Facebook page for more local info.

Outdoor inspiration to be in full bloom at Mount Dora's Vintage Garden Show

4/1/2026

Spring has sprung and the warmer weather means more time in the garden.

This season’s inspiration for all types of gardens will be sprawled under the oaks in Mount Dora at the annual Vintage Garden Show held on April 4 & 5. The two-day event will host vintage vendors selling everything from up-cycled outdoor decor, plants, architectural wrought iron, vintage patio furniture, as well as a mix of curiosities just waiting to be repurposed.

The Vintage Garden Show runs both days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Renningers Antique Center located at 20651 US 441 in Mount Dora. Admission and parking are free and food is available for purchase.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Be sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz's Instagram and Facebook page for more local info.

Lake County Plant and Pottery Festival Returns to Tavares in MAY

3/1/2026

The spring calendar in Lake County just got a little more creative – and greener. On Sunday, May 3, plant lovers and art fans alike are invited to the Lake County Plant and Pottery Festival at Far Reach Ranch in Tavares. This laid-back, family-friendly event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and promises something for everyone — from artisan pottery and exotic plants, to a variety of food trucks, music and farm fun.

Set on the scenic grounds of Far Reach Ranch at 1255 South Dora Boulevard, the festival brings together talented potters showcasing their creations and local specialty plant nurseries in a relaxed, outdoor setting. Visitors can browse a variety of unique plant varieties and handcrafted pottery pieces ranging from conceptual sculptural work to beautifully glazed bowls, mugs, dishes and more from dozens of local artists and vendors. Guests can also enjoy a vinyl DJ and full bar, grab a bite to eat from a handful of tasty food truck vendors, and even check out blueberry farm activities. Live pottery demonstrations will also take place.

Far Reach Ranch is just a short drive from both downtown Mount Dora and downtown Tavares — roughly 10–15 minutes depending on traffic through the scenic Lake County countryside. With its mix of art, greenery, music and food, and a bounce house, the festival offers a different vibe from the town centers’ historic streets and lakefront parks, but remains the perfect complement to the area’s springtime events.

The ranch is a family-owned farm and agritourism destination located off State Road 19 in Tavares. Known for its u-pick blueberries and seasonal events, the ranch has become a popular gathering spot for locals looking to experience Lake County’s rural charm. Throughout the year, Far Reach Ranch, formerly a cattle ranch, hosts community events that highlight agriculture, small businesses and outdoor fun. With its open fields, farm atmosphere, and easy access from nearby towns, the venue offers a beautiful setting that blends country living with community celebrations.

Admission and parking for the one-day festival are free, and the chill vibe makes it a great outing whether your goal is to find the perfect piece of pottery, to add something green to your home, or just to enjoy a sunny weekend in Central Florida.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Be sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz's Instagram and Facebook page for more local info.

Taiko Drums, Food and Fun at Eustis Japan Festival

3/1/2026

The streets of downtown Eustis will have a splash of Asia this spring when the Japan Festival comes to town on Saturday, March 28. The free festival runs from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. along Magnolia Avenue and offers a relaxed, family-friendly way to celebrate Japanese culture in the heart of this North Lake County community.

Organized by the Arching Oaks Japanese Arts & Culture Center, a local non-profit dedicated to promoting traditional Japanese arts, crafts and martial arts, the festival aims to introduce visitors to a range of cultural experiences. Expect a variety of stage performances throughout the day, including taiko drumming, traditional dance, martial arts demonstrations like kyudo and kendo, and a koto harp concert. There will also be hands-on workshops in origami, calligraphy, ikebana (flower arranging) and more. Interactive gaming booths, a kids’ zone, with crafts and games, food vendors serving Japanese-inspired fare, and even a cosplay contest add to the festive vibe. So, whether you’re curious about Japanese arts and culture, or just want to enjoy an entertaining spring day, the festival promises a relaxed cultural celebration for all ages.

The one-day event takes place in historic downtown Eustis, known for its small-town vibe. It’s just a short drive from nearby towns like Mount Dora — about 10–15 minutes east — and equally easy to reach from other parts of Lake County.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Be sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz's Instagram and Facebook page for more local info.

Spring Festival of Arts & Crafts Blooms in Mount Dora in March

3/1/2026

ABOVE: Vendor of Mount Dora Spring Festival of Arts & Crafts (Mount Dora Buzz file photo)

The Central Florida lakefront town known for keeping its calendar full of festivals is ready to welcome spring with creative vibes. On March 21 and 22, downtown Mount Dora’s historic streets will once again bustle with visitors for the annual Mount Dora Spring Festival of Arts and Crafts, a two-day celebration marking the season’s arrival.

The free outdoor event features about 250 vendors offering everything from handcrafted jewelry and home décor to original artwork and specialty gifts. Food vendors will also be on the streets serving up festival favorites. Beyond the booths, downtown Mount Dora’s locally-owned specialty shops and eclectic restaurants will remain open throughout the weekend, giving guests even more reasons to stroll, shop and linger.

The festival has evolved over the years. It began as the Mount Dora Antique and Collectible Show before becoming the Mount Dora Spring Show, and eventually the Mount Dora Spring Festival of Arts and Crafts. In 2020, the event — then in its previous incarnation — ranked No. 49 on Sunshine Artist Magazine’s list of the Top 200 Contemporary/Classic Craft Festivals in America. The spring festival still draws praise and crowds. It’s a separate event from the larger Mount Dora Arts Festival held each February, which is organized by Mount Dora Center for the Arts.
Festival hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

dmission is free. Pets are discouraged. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early for the best public and private parking options, and to watch for signage directing them to available park-and-ride shuttle locations. Learn more about the city’s Freebee shuttles here.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Be sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz's Instagram and Facebook page for more local info.

Off the Beaten Path Arts Tour returns to Lake County February 14 and 15

2/2/2026

Lake County artists will once again invite the public into their private creative spaces during the annual Off the Beaten Path Florida Arts Tour, a self-guided event that highlights the region’s vibrant arts community.

The two-day tour takes place Feb. 14 and 15 and features 26 artists working in more than a dozen studios across Leesburg, Tavares, Mount Dora, and Eustis. The event offers visitors a rare opportunity to see where art is created and to meet the artists behind the work.

Guests can watch live demonstrations, enjoy light refreshments and browse a wide variety of original artwork available for purchase. Works on display include paintings, sculpture, ceramics, photography, jewelry and printmaking, reflecting a broad range of styles and media.

All participating studios will be open both days from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is free. The tour is self-guided, allowing visitors to choose their own route and pace as they explore studios throughout north Lake County.

Organizers say the annual event is designed to connect the community with local artists while encouraging residents and visitors to explore creative spaces that are often tucked away off the main roads.

Additional details, including a list of participating artists and studio locations, are available at ArtsTour.org.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Be sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz's Instagram and Facebook page for more local info.

Bagpipes, kilts and cabers return as Mount Dora hosts Scottish Highland Festival

1/30/2026

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ABOVE: Mount Dora Scottish Highland Festival (Mount Dora Buzz file photo)

Bagpipes will fill the air and kilts will once again be on full display during the 13th Annual Mount Dora Scottish Highland Festival, set for Feb. 20 - 22.

The three-day celebration invites residents and visitors to dive into Scottish heritage with a lively mix of music, dance, athletics, food and cultural traditions — all in a relaxed, family-friendly setting that has become a local favorite.

The festival kicks off Friday evening, Feb. 20, with a traditional Scottish Cèilidh at the Mount Dora Music Hall inside the Community Building. The opening-night gathering features live Celtic music and Highland dancing, offering an energetic start to the weekend. Admission to the Cèilidh is $12.

Festivities move outdoors over the weekend at Donnelly Park, 530 N. Donnelly St., and Elizabeth Evans Park, 100 N. Donnelly St. The two-day park festival transforms downtown into a celebration of all things Scottish, with activities designed to appeal to longtime fans and first-time visitors.

Throughout the weekend, live performances will keep the grounds buzzing. The lineup includes Albannach, The Harp Twins, Poehemia, Celtica Nova, the Seán Heely Celtic Band, Thomas Keefer, traditional Irish dancers and more, offering everything from driving drumbeats to melodic harp and fiddle tunes.

Visitors can stroll through the Heritage Village and vendor areas to explore Scottish history and traditions, watch skilled artisans at work, and sample authentic food and beverage offerings. Special exhibits on Saturday will feature Border Collies and Highland cows, giving guests a closer look at animals closely tied to Scottish culture.

One of the festival’s most popular attractions returns with Scottish Highland athletics, where tough competitors demonstrate strength and skill in classic events such as the caber toss, hammer throw and stone put — a crowd favorite year after year.

Admission can be paid at the gate and is $22 each day, with the exception of the concert on Friday which has a $12 admission. Complimentary parking and shuttle service will be available at First Baptist Church, 1000 E. 1st Avenue, with shuttles running Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 7 p.m.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Be sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz's Instagram and Facebook page for more local info.

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One of Florida's best art festivals returns to Mount Dora on January 31 and February 1

1/2/2026

The streets of quaint Mount Dora will host fine artists from around the country as visitors peruse original paintings, photography, ceramics, jewelry, art glass, mixed media, sculptures, woodwork and more on January 31 and February 1 for the 50th Annual Mount Dora Art Festival.

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Approximately 300 artists exhibit and sell their artwork, as well as compete for cash prizes.  Festival food, beer, wine, and cocktails will be available at kiosks throughout the festival and restaurants will be open for dining and cocktails. The Central Florida Dance Festival will also showcase a variety of dance numbers in Donnelly Park.

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Street parking is very limited, but there is a Freebee shuttle available. It's advisable to arrive early for the most parking options. Private lots will also have parking available for a fee.

The festival is free and its hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. Pets are discouraged.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Be sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz on Instagram for  more local info.

Central Florida Film Festival celebrates its 20th Year

1/1/2026

Move over Cannes, the Central Florida Film Festival will mark its 20th year January 23 through 25 while screening more than 185 films in Mount Dora. The event is expected to draw filmmakers, industry professionals and film enthusiasts for a weekend of independent cinema and live discussions.

The international festival typically screens comedies, dramas, science-fiction, suspense, horror and adventure genres. The event will also feature filmmaker Q&As, panel discussions, networking events, special guests and audience choice awards. Organizers say the event remains focused on supporting independent creators and strengthening connections within Central Florida’s arts community.

All screenings will be held at the 12-screen Epic Theatre located at 2300 Spring Harbor Boulevard, just off U.S. Highway 441. A schedule of flim blocks, panel topics and guest announcements is below.

Founded in 2005, the nonprofit festival has grown into a respected regional showcase recognized for its programming and filmmaker-friendly environment.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Be sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz on Instagram for more local info.