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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.

Arts & Entertainment

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

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

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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