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Annual artists' studio tours return to Lake County

1/27/2025

Lake County artists will once again offer visitors a peek into their private working studios during the annual Off the Beaten Path Florida Arts Tour.

The local self-guided tour of over a dozen participating studios takes place on February 15 and 16 and features 23 selected artists across Mount Dora, Tavares, Eustis, and Leesburg.

RELATED: Find the best events for Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis on the Local Entertainment Calendar.

Visitors to the studios can watch demonstrations, enjoy light refreshments, and shop for unique and original works of art. Some of the artists’ works displayed include paintings, sculptures, ceramics, photography, jewelry and printmaking.

On each day of the tour, all studios will be open free of charge from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additional information is available at ArtsTours.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 Facebook and Instagram for more local info.

Mount Dora Arts Festival celebrates its 50th anniversary on February 1 & 2

1/27/2025

ABOVE: Mount Dora Arts Festival (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

Every February for fifty years, the streets of quaint Mount Dora shut down to traffic, and fine artists from around the country set up their original artwork in white tents throughout downtown. VIsitors can peruse original paintings, photography, ceramics, jewelry, art glass, mixed media, sculptures, woodwork and more.

RELATED: Mount Dora Parking tips and free shuttles

On the first and second of February, approximately 300 artists exhibit and sell their artwork, as well as compete for $20,000 in cash prizes. This year the festival will feature two different sections. One is a juried fine arts section which is eligible for prize money like in previous years. The second is a new area of emerging artists and crafters that will be near the food court by City Hall. Those exhibitors are ineligible for awards.

Artist Gary Hopcraft was the creator of the festival’s very first official poster and was invited back to design the 50th anniversary poster. The original watercolor can be seen in the current exhibit showcasing a collection of past festival posters in the Mount Dora Center for the Arts gallery located at 138 E 5th Ave in Mount Dora, FL. The public can purchase signed posters at the event.

RELATED: Discover Mount Dora's local entertainment calendar

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.

Street parking is very limited, but a free round-trip shuttle will depart from 900 Lincoln Avenue in Mount Dora. Parking there is limited and there is a fee to park, so it’s advisable to arrive early. Private lots will also have parking available for a fee.
The hours of the festival 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's Facebook and Instagram for more local info.

January brings Mount Dora’s first Antique Extravaganza of the year

1/1/2025

It’s arguably the best retail therapy for seekers of vintage treasures or oddities. Renningers Antique Extravaganza in Mount Dora never disappoints with its seemingly endless aisles of eclectic antique vendors and unique finds. The sprawling indoor and outdoor venue hosts the event, regarded as the biggest vintage show in the Southeast, just three times a year, including on January 17, 18, and 19.

Make no mistake. There is antique shopping and then there is shopping the “Extravo.” That’s the term seasoned buyers and “pickers” use for the expansive event that can boast nearly 800 dealers during its three-day run spread on a scenic portion of a 130-acre property on the eastern edge of the city. Dealers from across the U.S. descend on Mount Dora to offer an endless variety of vintage finds and fine antiques at every price. Eager collectors, decorators and vintage shoppers from across Florida arrive in droves to find the best deals and practice their haggling skills.

Extravos only happen the third Friday, Saturday and Sunday of November, January and February. Loyal shoppers and the curious can roam the hills from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday admission costs a bit more, but eager shoppers get first dibs on hard-to-find treasures. Sunday shoppers get better bargains, but some vendors do pack up early.

RELATED: View the local entertainment calendar for other events.

Parking is always free and plentiful at the Extravaganzas. Renningers Antique Center is located at 20651 US Hwy 441.
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 and Twitter for more local info.

Eustis hosts a special night for dads and daughters

1/1/2025

Get ready to dance the night away at the annual Daddy-Daughter Dance in Eustis.

On Saturday, Jan. 18 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Eustis Community Center, the City of Eustis will host the 2025 Daddy-Daughter Dance. The “Old Hollywood” theme will evoke the glitz and glam of classic movie stars. Guests are encouraged to dress up as their favorite film celebrity, or to embrace their own Hollywood style.

The night will feature a costume contest, dance off, and runway walk competition. There will also be a free photo station for father-daughter duos to enjoy. Food, drinks and desserts will be provided.

Tickets are $35 per couple and $15 for each additional daughter and can be purchased at eustis.recdesk.com. For more information, contact the Eustis Parks and Recreation Department at (352) 357-7969.

Parking is always free and plentiful at the Extravaganzas. Renningers Antique Center is located at 20651 US Hwy 441.
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 and Twitter for more local info.

Arts & Entertainment

Annual artists' studio tours return to Lake County

Mount Dora Arts Festival celebrates its 50th anniversary on February 1 & 2

January brings Mount Dora’s first Antique Extravaganza of the year

Eustis hosts a special night for dads and daughters

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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