Blog Archives - MOUNT DORA BUZZ

MOUNT DORA PLANT AND GARDEN FAIR TAKES ROOT ON NOV. 9 & 10

10/21/2019

  Gardeners and green thumbs will descend into downtown Mount Dora for the 25th annual Mount Dora Plant and Garden Fair on November 9 and 10.

Once again the event will be held under the oaks at Donnelly Park. In past years, other locations have been used, such as along the Lake Dora shoreline at Simpson Cove and at downtown’s Sunset Park.

The free festival features native and exotic nurseries from across Florida, as well as vendors selling garden decor and nature-inspired items. Gardeners can expect to find blooming orchids, flowering shrubs, fruit trees, and camellias, as well as succulents, bamboo, bromeliads, bonzai and other specialty plant vendors. There will also be vintage garden items and statuary for sale to enhance outdoor space. Food vendors will be on hand selling a variety of culinary options.

The rain-or-shine hours are Saturday, November 9, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday the 10th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Drivers should look for signs for public parking lots.

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For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

BEST HALLOWEEN EVENTS FOR KIDS in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

10/21/2019

OCTOBER 25

Boo! Festival, Oct. 25
This annual one-night event features family fun with live music, carnival games, trunk-or-treat, hayride, giant inflatables, food vendors, a lumitron stilt-walker and more. Free admission.
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Location: Wooton Park, downtown Tavares

Night in the Pumpkin Patch, Oct. 25
Everyone is encouraged to wear costumes for a night of pumpkins, bounce houses, live music and an outdoor movie. Food trucks will have food available for purchase.
Time: 5-8:30 p.m.
Location: Trinity Church, Eustis

OCTOBER 26

Seaplane Fly-in, Oct. 26
Part airshow above Lake Dora and part kids’ party in the park, this family event features seaplane flying contests and a fun “Pumpkin Bomb Drop.” Kids are welcome to paint the pumpkins before the bomb drop. Free admission.
Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Wooton Park, downtown Tavares waterfront

St. Patrick’s Trunk-or-Treat, Oct. 26
Kids can dress in fun (not scary) costumes and then visit the festive trunks for treats. The event also features a pumpkin carving contest, music, a hayride, plus hot dogs and other snacks.
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Mount Dora

HarvestFest 2019, Oct. 26
This event is held on the grounds of the Skip Haymans Recreation Park at the church. There will be a Trunk-or-Treat Trail, plus inflatables, live music, face painting, balloon artists and carnival games. Food Trucks will have food and beverages available for purchase.
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Location: Lifepointe Church, 3551 E. Orange Avenue, Eustis

october 27

Fall Festival & Trunk-or-Treat, Oct. 27
Kids can enjoy an evening of fun and games, plus a costume contest, bounce houses, popcorn, cotton candy and more.
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Location: Lake Eustis Christian Church, 315 E. Orange Avenue

october 30

City of Mount Dora Spooktacular Party, Oct. 30
Right in the center of downtown Mount Dora, families can enjoy games, face-painting, bounce houses, and a D.J. The first 500 kids under 12 get a bag of candy. Food trucks will have food and drinks available for purchase.
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Location: Donnelly Park, corner of 5th Avenue and Donnelly Street, downtown

OCTOBER 31

Toddler & Preschool Costume Contest, Oct. 31
The annual contest and parade through the library’s butterfly garden also features free treats and books for youngsters.
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: W.T. Bland Library, Mount Dora

Downtown Mount Dora Trick-or-Treat, Oct. 31
Parents and youngsters can have a safe night of trick-or-treating at participating stores in downtown Mount Dora.
Time: 6 p.m.
Locations: Participating stores downtown will be marked with signage

Neighborhood Trick-or-Treating, Oct. 31
The area has various good and safe neighborhoods for trick-or-treating. Go with friends that live in well-lit and kid-friendly neighborhoods.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

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MOUNT DORA'S "FALL IN THE FIELD" CELEBRATES THE SEASON ON OCT. 5 & 6

10/3/2019

In Florida, changing leaves don't signal the Fall season. However, there is one reminder for Mount Dorans that a cooler time of year may be approaching.

The tell is the annual Fall in the Field at Renningers. A free, two-day event that blends an exotic heirloom pumpkin patch with plenty of primitive fall decor and and large dose of vintage shopping. This year the event is on October 5-6 and celebrates its eighth year.

In addition to the shopping experience, the weekend also features make–and take crafts for all ages at the complimentary craft tent located at the Pavilion. The show runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m on both days, rain or shine. Admission and parking are free.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

ROCKTOBERFEST RETURNS TO TAVARES ON OCT. 12

10/2/2019

Tavares is ushering in the month with the return of Rocktoberfest in Wooton Park. The free concert will feature four rock bands including the headliner, Trapt, a California band with seven studio albums.

The show’s lineup will kick off with Black Canvas, a local cover band that performs a unique style of rock, pop and funk. Next on stage will be Thirst, a high-energy Central Florida grunge-rooted band that delivers massive hooks and catchy melodies. The opening act will be a performance by a Nirvana Tribute Band.

When Trapt takes the stage, guests can expect to hear their chart-topping singles, as well as new music from their upcoming album.

The event’s emcee is Supa Dave from 101.1 WJRR, Orlando’s rock radio station.

In addition to music, there will be food available for purchase from food trucks. Beer and alcohol will also be sold. Seating is limited, so guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket. 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, this month, click here. Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

PARIS’ MOULIN ROUGE COMES TO MOUNT DORA FOR ONE NIGHT

10/1/2019

Every year Art of the Deal organizers outdo themselves. This year is no exception.

The annual fundraising gala for Mount Dora Center for the Arts, consistently voted one of the best cultural and social events in the area, will bring to life the famous turn-of-the-century Parisian cabaret, Moulin Rouge, on November 2.

The semi-formal event is far from a typical fundraising gala. Art of the Deal (AOD) is a festive hybrid party with a lively DJ, dance floor and gaming tables, plus an open bar, edgy entertainment and dinner catered by Pisces Rising. This year’s burlesque atmosphere, where guests are also encouraged to wear costumes, will feature can-can dancers and entertainment by the Queens of Broadway, acclaimed for their shows at Hamburger Mary’s in Orlando.

“Moulin Rouge” means “Red Mill” in French, and one of the focal points of the event’s sights and sounds will be the large red windmill that is featured on the cabaret’s rooftop in Paris.
While the entertainment and blackjack keep some guests busy, others flock to the expansive silent auction with items ranging from original artwork from Mount Dora Art Festival artists, gift certificates, artisan jewelry, theme park tickets, merchandise from local shops and gourmet gift baskets.

Before the end of the night, all eyes are fixed on the friendly, yet competitive, live auction that tempts bidders with foreign travel and large works of original art. This year bidders will be competing for an all-inclusive trip to Puerto Vallarta and a Tennessee Whiskey Adventure trip, as well as original ceramic art used for the 2019 Mount Dora Arts Festival poster and other items.

Historically a downtown event, this year the gala will be held at Mount Dora Plaza Live, a new event venue on Old Highway 441 just west of downtown. The new venue provides Art of the Deal with enhanced amenities like a larger stage and dance floor, plus convenient parking and shielding from inclement weather.
Proceeds of the night will benefit the Mount Dora Center for the Arts to provide scholarships for children’s summer arts camp and to support youth outreach programs, educational classes and art exhibits to the community.

Art of the Deal will be from 6 to 11 p.m. Catered dinner, open bar, gaming and entertainment are all included with tickets which can be purchased here.   Mount Dora Plaza Live is located 2728 W. Old Hwy 441 (in the Mount Dora Plaza shopping center, same as the new post office and Mount Dora Pizza)

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

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MOUNT DORA CRAFT FAIR ROLLS IN ON OCT. 26 & 27

10/1/2019

As cooler weather returns, so does one of Central Florida's biggest craft fairs. The heart of downtown Mount Dora comes alive on October 26 and 27 with more than 400 crafters from across the country.

The Mount Dora Craft Fair is ranked #4 among craft fairs across the U.S. The event, featuring an eclectic mix of handmade items ranging from jewelry, photography and textiles to paintings, leather goods and woodwork, spans two days with an expected 100,000 visitors, according to its organizers.. Downtown’s many unique stores and restaurants are also open during fair hours to accommodate shoppers and diners.

The festival runs Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking restrictions begin downtown in the late afternoon on Friday to allow for the craft vendors to set up. Street parking is limited, so as visitors drive into Mount Dora, they are encouraged to look for signs for the various park-and-ride shuttles located near the different entry points into the city. Pets are not allowed inside the festival for their own safety and that of other visitors.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. To get the area's top stories in your inbox once a month, sign up for the free monthly issue of Mount Dora Buzz here.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

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SEASONED PROMOTERS OPEN NEW MOUNT DORA EVENT VENUE

10/1/2019

Well known for its many festivals throughout the year, Mount Dora also has a reputation for playing host to a myriad of music concerts and other performances. Now, a brand new venue hopes to entice even more quality entertainment to this quaint Central Florida city. Read more

BEST FALL EVENTS IN LAKE COUNTY

10/1/2019

Fall is here and with it comes the start of Lake County's festival and event season. There are so many diverse events to choose from, here's the list of the ones you don't want to miss:

LAKE COUNTY FOLK FESTIVAL, OCT. 5

This longstanding music festival is in its 22nd year and features musicians in various downtown Eustis venues, plus food vendors, artists and crafters. More info
Time: Beginning at 12 p.m.
Location: Downtown Eustis & Ferran Park

FALL IN THE FIELD, OCT . 5 & 6

You’ll swear there is a change of seasons at this two-day event that welcomes fall with vendors selling fall decor, antiques and vintage items. The array of “fall finery” comes from some of the best primitive antique dealers in the Southeast. Free admission.
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days
Location: Renningers Antique Center, Mount Dora

BBQ & BLUES, OCT. 11-13

Top barbecue rib competitors from across the U.S. will compete to be named Lakeridge Winery’s Rib Champion. Guests can feast on ribs, enjoy some of the area’s best blues bands and solo artists, and take in arts and crafts vendors. Admission is $10.
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Lakeridge Winery, Clermont

THE GREAT FLORIDIAN MULTISPORT FESTIVAL, OCT. 19

Headlined by a full triathlon, The Great Florida Triathlon, this event kicks off early and takes place in a city renowned for its triathlons and training facilities.
Time: 7:30 a.m.
Location: Victory Pointe, Clermont

STEAMPUNK INDUSTRIAL SHOW, OCT. 19-20

The best people-watching in Central Florida happens during this two two-day festival filled with all-things Steampunk--music, costumed fire-breathers, a sword-swallower, imaginative vendors, entertainment and Victorian shenanigans. Free admission. More info
Time: 9 a.m to 5 p.m.
Location: Renningers Antique Center, Mount Dora

BOO! FESTIVAL, OCT. 25

This annual one-night event features family fun with live music, carnival games, trunk or treat, hayride, giant inflatable corn maze, food vendors, a lumitron stilt-walker and more. Free admission.
Time: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m
Location: Wooton Park, downtown Tavares

MONSTER SPLASH SEAPLANE FLY-IN, OCT. 26

Part airshow above Lake Dora and part kids’ party in the park, this family event features seaplane flying contests and a fun “Pumpkin Bomb Drop.” Kids are welcome to paint the pumpkins before the bomb drop. Free admission.
Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Wooton Park, downtown Tavares waterfront

MOUNT DORA CRAFT FAIR, OCT. 26 & 27

Now in its 35th year, this is Mount Dora’s most popular fall festival. The event was recently ranked #4 for craft festivals in the U.S. Over 400 crafters line the city’s downtown streets, plus there’ll be food, bagpipes and other entertainment. Free admission. More info.
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Downtown Mount Dora
Link: mountdoracraftfair.com

LADY OF THE LAKES RENAISSANCE FAIRE, NOV. 1, 2, 3, 9 & 10,

Take a step back in time into a European village during the Renaissance era. Guests can enjoy the food, music, crafts and entertainment of the time. Adult tickets $16 (includes $2 fee). More info
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: 12835 County Landfill Road in Lake Idamere Park in Tavares

ART OF THE DEAL, NOV. 2

This gala is frequently voted as the best cultural and social event of the year. The theme of this year’s event is Moulin Rouge. The semi-formal event offers catered cuisine, an open bar, dancing, live and silent auctions, gaming tables, and live entertainment. More info
Time: 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Location: Mount Dora Plaza Live

PLANT & GARDEN FAIR, NOV. 9 & 10

Located in the heart of downtown Mount Dora, the annual fair boasts over 10,000 plants for sale ranging from exotic tropicals and orchids to native and drought-tolerant plants. The two-day event also features garden decor, education exhibits, plants, containers and more. Free admission.
Time: Begins at 9 a.m on Saturday
Location: Donnelly Park, downtown Mount Dora

ANTIQUE EXTRAVAGANZA, NOV. 15-17

This mega antique festival is one of the largest is the Southeastern U.S. with over 800 dealers on the sprawling acreage of rolling hills and majestic oaks. The food and music are a bonus. Admission price varies each day.
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Renningers Antique Center, Mount Dora

SCOTTISH HIGHLAND FESTIVAL, NOV. 16 & 17

This year the event has moved to Donnelly Park in the heart of downtown Mount Dora, and the celebration of all things Scottish is spread over two days. Guests can count on a lot more than just men in skirts, including the country’s food, athletic games, clans, dancing and more. Admission yet to be determined.
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days
Location: Donnelly Park, downtown, Mount Dora

LEESBURG CRAFT BEER, WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

Wine, beer and food lovers can graze to their hearts’ content at this outdoor festival at Venetian Gardens. Tickets are $35.
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Islands at Venetian Gardens, Leesburg

LIGHT UP MOUNT DORA, NOV. 30

As “Light-Up” ceremonies go, it’s hard to top downtown Mount Dora’s impressive annual event on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Millions of lights come on in the park, a large musical Christmas tree awakens, and Mount Dora Marina's impressive display comes alive while unique shops with festive window displays are open late for holiday shopping. Free admission. More holiday event info
Time: Festivities start at 5 p.m. Light turn on after dusk.
Location: Donnelly Park, downtown Mount Dora

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

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