The Best Fall Events in Lake County

10/1/2021

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:

FALL IN THE FIELD, OCT . 2 & 3

Above: Heirloom pumpkins and gourds available during Fall in the Field. (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

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

THE GREAT FLORIDIAN MULTISPORT FESTIVAL, OCT. 23

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. 16 & 17

Above: Accessories for sale during Steampunk Industrial Show (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

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. 29

This annual one-night event features family fun with live music, carnival games, trunk or treat, hayride, costume contest, food vendors, and more. Free admission.
Time: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m
Location: Downtown Tavares

ROCKTOBERFEST & MONSTER SPLASH SEAPLANE FLY-IN, OCT. 16

Above: Wooton Park lakefront in Tavares (Mount Dora Buzz photo).

Part concert, 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: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Location: Wooton Park, downtown Tavares waterfront

MOUNT DORA CRAFT FAIR, OCT. 23 & 24

Above: Mount Dora Craft Fair (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

Now in its 37th 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

TRICK-OR-TREAT MOUNT DORA, OCT. 31

Participating downtown merchants open their doors and hand out candy and treats to young, costumed trick-or-treaters during an evening of spooky family fun from 6pm to 8 pm.

LADY OF THE LAKES RENAISSANCE FAIRE, NOV. 5-7 & 13-14.

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. - 5 p.m.
Location: 12835 County Landfill Road in Lake Idamere Park in Tavares

PLANT & GARDEN FAIR, NOV. 13 & 14

Above: Mount Dora Plant & Garden Fair (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

Located in the heart of downtown Mount Dora, the annual fair boasts over 12,000 plants for sale ranging from exotic tropicals and orchids to native and drought-tolerant varieties. 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. 19-21

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

LEESBURG CRAFT BEER, WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL, OCT. 15

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. - 10 p.m.
Location: Towne Square, downtown Leesburg

LIGHT UP MOUNT DORA, NOV. 27

Above: Holiday lights display at Mount Dora Marina (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

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 entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.