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Tavares hosts free concerts during Planes, Trains & BBQ this weekend

5/10/2022

Lake County is the place to be for country music concerts and barbecue in April. The annual fest, dubbed ‘Planes, Trains & BBQ,’ kicks off on Friday, May 13 in downtown Tavares with an evening of mouth-watering barbecue, country music concerts, plus a cornhole tournament and a variety of vendors. The fun continues on Saturday, May 14 with more concerts, barbecue and seaplane events.

The two-days of festivities at Wooton Park will also feature a Kids Zone, fireworks and an air show. The park is located at 100 E. Ruby Street at the downtown Tavares waterfront. Seating is limited in the park’s concert area, so visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. Parking is available nearby in the parking garage located at 200 N. Sinclair Avenue.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

FRIDAY, MAY 13

4:00 - 9:00 p.m.: Live music, BBQ, plus more food and merchandise vendors
4:00 - 7:00 p.m.: Crossfire Creek Band
7:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.: Drew Parker country music concert

SATURDAY, MAY 14

11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.: BBQ, food & merchandise vendors
11:00 a.m. Seaplane-A-Palooza flying competitions, including “melon bomb drop” contest]
11:00 - 7 p.m. Family Fun Zone in Tavares Square with interactive games for all ages and a trackless train.
8:45 pm – 10:00 pm headliner concert feature Kylie Morgan, preceded by live music by Hayfire
8:00 p.m.: Twilight Airshow & Fireworks

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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Best local country roads to see wildflowers

5/1/2022

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A field of Phlox wildflowers on Dora Drive just south of Mount Dora (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

Every spring, as if to celebrate the season, local fields are awash in purple, yellow and orange blooms. The season is brief because many of the roadside fields get mowed and the temperatures quickly heat up, but the flowers are beautiful to take in while they last.

The most common flowers are the purple phlox and the yellow Coreopsis, Florida’s official wildflower which looks similar to a small daisy sprinkled among many fields and roadways. You can also spot wild petunias, and wild lantana shrubs,

One of the best ways to enjoy the blooms is by taking a country drive down some of the area’s scenic roads. Here’s a list of some of the stretches that often have some of the best blooming wildflowers, so check them out before the fields are mowed:

S.R. 46 between Mount Dora and Mount Plymouth

Dora Drive, just south of the end of Clayton Street and Beauclaire Rd. (Tangerine)

S.R. 44A between Estes Road and Lake May Preserve (Eustis)

If you've spotted fields of flowers on other local roads recently, please add them in the comments below so other readers can enjoy.

Sign up for the free Mount Dora Buzz' monthly updates here. For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.

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Eustis Music Festival returns this weekend

4/18/2022

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Hundreds of bikers and music lovers are expected to gather for this year’s Music Fest in downtown Eustis on Friday, April 22 and 23. The free festival will feature live music on two stages in waterfront Ferran Park including tribute bands for Southern rock and Guns ’n Roses.
In addition to live music, on Saturday the free two-day event features biker-related competitions like which bike has the loudest pipes or best custom paint job, as well as who has the best arm tattoo or beard. The daring can also try their hand at wrangling a mechanical alligator and axe throwing.
Eustis Music Festival bands include:

Think Big (Southern rock tribute band)
Welcome to Destruction (Guns ’n Roses tribute band)
The Longest Hall
Double Your Trouble
N Fusion and Caribbean Chillers

The festival’s hours are Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Parking is free. The first 100 attendees to visit the City of Eustis’ tent each day will receive a free, commemorative patch.

Sign up for the free Mount Dora Buzz' monthly updates here. For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.

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5 things to know before heading to Lake County Fair

4/5/2022

Whether you’re going for the stomach-dropping rides or the interesting exhibits and competitions, here’s a quick cheat sheet of what you need to know about the 2022 Lake County Fair that runs April 7-16.

1. LOCATION
Lake County Expo Center is located at 2101 N County Road 452 in Eustis.

2. HOURS
Weekdays the fair opens at 5 p.m.
Weekends it opens at 1 p.m.
Gates close at 10 p.m daily, but rides stay open until at least 11 p.m. every night.

3. SHOWS & EXHIBITS
Throughout the fair their are various shows, exhibits and competitions, including livestock, creative arts, You can find the calendar of the fair’s events here.

4. ADMISSION
If long lines turn you off, remember you can skip the line and buy tickets online here
Adults are $9
Seniors over 60 years old are $7
Kids ages 4 to 11 are $3
Kids 3 & under can enter free with a paying adult.
Note: Rides are not included in any admission prices. Separate wristbands can be purchased for rides (see below)

5. RIDE WRISTBANDS & ADMISSION SPECIALS
Thursday, April 7
$20 wristband (gate admission separate)
Wristband is good from open to close.

Friday, April 8
$25 unlimited-rides wristband (gate admission separate)

Saturday, April 9
$30 unlimited-rides wristband (gate admission separate)
Wristband is good from open to close

Sunday, April 10
$30 unlimited-rides wristband (gate admission separate)

Monday, April 11
$2 Day. Tickets only available in person on that day.

Tuesday, April 12
$20 unlimited-rides wristband (gate admission separate)

Wednesday, April 13
$60 Carload Night
Carload special includes admission and unlimited ride wristband. Each person must be in a seat belt, maximum of 8 people. No carload specials are sold after 9 p.m.
Carload tickets are not available online.
Regular walk-in tickets are also available.

Thursday, April 14
$25 unlimited-rides wristband (gate admission separate)
Wristband is good from open to close

Friday, April 15
$30 unlimited-rides wristband (gate admission separate)

Saturday, April 16
$30 unlimited-rides wristband (gate admission separate)
Wristband is good from open to close.

Sign up for the free Mount Dora Buzz' monthly updates here.   For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.

Creativity to bloom at Mount Dora's Vintage Garden Show

4/1/2022

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 2 & 3. The annual, two-day event will host local and out-of-state vendors selling everything from up-cycled outdoor decor, fresh herbs and 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, this month, click here. Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

Easter Bunny to host Mount Dora's annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 16

4/1/2022

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Mount Dora residents don’t need to look far to find the Easter Bunny. He’ll be making his annual appearance on the front lawn of the W.T. Bland Public Library with a little help from Mount Dora Fire Department on Saturday, April 16, 2022. An old-fashioned Easter egg hunt will follow after the Easter Bunny’s 10 a.m. arrival. The egg hunts are separated by children’s ages and abilities. Kids of all ages are welcome and every child will receive a free new book, courtesy of the Friends of the Library.

Sweet treats and PAWS therapy dogs will be on hand, as will volunteers from local service organizations.

No registration is required for this event. W.T. Bland Library is located at 1995 N. Donnelly Street in Mount Dora. Overflow parking is available at Church of Christ located at 1801 N. Donnelly Street, just one block south of the Library.

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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Tavares hosts free concerts during Planes, Trains & BBQ

3/24/2022

MARCH 29 UPDATE: This event has been postponed due forecasted inclement weather. No new date has been set.

Lake County is the place to be for country music concerts and barbecue in April. The annual fest, dubbed ‘Planes, Trains & BBQ,’ kicks off on Friday, April 1 in downtown Tavares with an evening of mouth-watering barbecue, country music concerts, plus a cornhole tournament and a variety of vendors. The fun continues on Saturday, April 2 with more concerts, barbecue and seaplane events.

The two-days of festivities at Wooton Park will also feature a Kids Zone, fireworks and an air show. The park is located at 100 E. Ruby Street at the downtown Tavares waterfront. Seating is limited in the park’s concert area, so visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. Parking is available nearby in the parking garage located at 200 N. Sinclair Avenue.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

FRIDAY, APRIL 1
4:00 - 9:00 p.m.: Live music, BBQ, plus more food vendors and merchandise
4:00 p.m.: Crossfire Creek Band
4:00 p.m.: Vendors ready to serve BBQ
7:00 p.m.: Cornhole Tournament
7:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.: Drew Parker country music concert

SATURDAY, APRIL 2
11:00 a.m.: Seaplane contests
11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.: Family Fun Zone in Tavares Square with interactive games for all ages and a trackless train
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.: Dallas Tyler Band concert
4:30 - 7:45 p.m.: Hayfire concert
7:50 p.m.: Twilight Airshow and fireworks
8:30 - 9:45 p.m.: Headliner concert featuring Girl Named Tom
This trio’s distinctive harmonies, musicality and heartfelt performances earned them the top prize on NBC’s “The Voice." The sibling group of Bekah, Caleb and Joshua Liechty landed four songs on the iTunes Top 10 charts, with two of them reaching number one.

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.

MARCH 29 UPDATE: This event has been postponed due forecasted inclement weather.

Mount Dora Sailing Regatta sets sail on March 26 & 27

3/1/2022

ABOVE: Sailboats racing at Mount Dora Yacht Clubs annual Sailing Regatta. (Photo by Ingrid Zagers, Z.ePhotography)

Once again, colorful sails will gracefully litter Lake Dora near the end of March. The 69th Annual Mount Dora Sailing Regatta is expected to draw dozens of boats over the two-day event beginning March 26.

The races are spread over three courses across a portion of Lake Dora to take advantage of the wind and provide ample space for competitive races. All ages are invited to participate.

The Regatta is open to all classes, including Optis, Lasers, 420s, Flying Scots, Hunters, Open Bics, Sunfish, Hobies, Wayfarers, and Catalinas.

The first race typically kicks off Saturday in the early afternoon. and the last race usually finishes close to 4 p.m. Typically, three to four races will be sailed that afternoon, depending on the weather. The 4th Avenue docks, Lighthouse Point, and Palm Island Boardwalk provide excellent vantage points for spectators. Sunday's first race usually starts at 9:30 a.m. and no races begin after 12 p.m.

The regatta, organized by Mount Dora Yacht Club (MDYC) is the longest running annual event in the city. MDYC, the oldest inland yacht club in Florida, held its first regatta in 1913. At that time the event featured powerboats and was reportedly such an exciting event that local businesses closed so everyone could attend. In 1953, the regatta transitioned to sailboats to alleviate a noise issue.

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.

Vintage boat festival evokes nostalgia on Lake Dora

3/1/2022

ABOVE: Vintage boat docked at Wooton Park during Vintage Boat Festival (Mount Dora Buzz file photo)

At first glance, Lake Dora seems far removed from glitz and glamour. However, once a year she flashes her more refined and alluring attributes when visitors are transported to the glamorous Sinatra era.

The downtown Tavares lakefront is gearing up for the 41st Annual Sunnyland Antique and Classic Boat Festival, the largest classic wood boat show in the country. From 250 to 300 meticulously restored boats are typically displayed in the water and along one third of a mile of Lake Dora shoreline at Wooton Park during the multi-day event on March 25 through 27.

The waterfront festival is the ideal place for dreamers and boaters to spend their day. In previous years, the Antique and Classic Boat Festival boasted eye candy that ranged from perfectly varnished Gar Wood race boats of the 1930s to intriguing concept boats like the Evinrude Lark, as well as vessels of fantastical design like the 1956 Lone Star Meteor and the 1955 Chris-Craft Cobra. The prestigious event, which reportedly draws between eight and ten thousand visitors, was previously held along downtown Mount Dora’s waterfront, and before that in Sanford.

Another feature of the festival is the Nautical Flea Market where more than eighty vendors peddle everything from old boat parts and lanterns to shiny chrome accessories and wooden oars. Due to a number of stunning vintage boats for sale, nautical dreamers are advised to bring just a little extra pocket change.

The event’s hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday the show is from 9 a.m. to noon. Parking is available at the City of Tavares Parking garage. 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.

“Off the Beaten Path Florida Arts Tour” returns to local artists’ studios in February

2/1/2022

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After a hiatus in 2021, Lake County artists will once again open their private working studios to visitors during the annual Off the Beaten Path Florida ArtsTours.

The local self-guided tour of eight participating studios takes place on February 26 and 27 and features 12 artists spread across Eustis, Mount Dora, Leesburg, Tavares and Weirsdale. Various cultural institutions such as art museums will also be open to the public during the hours of the tour.

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

On each day of the tour, all studios will be open free of charge from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For interactive maps to the Lake County studios and information on each artist click here.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the Mount Dora Buzz website and download the free mobile app. Free subscriptions to Mount Dora Buzz monthly updates are available here.

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Mount Dora's last Antique Extravaganza of the season comes Feb. 18-20

2/1/2022

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For the last time of the season, Mount Dora will play host to Central Florida's massive and eclectic shopping experience on February 18, 19 and 20.

Three times a year Renningers Antique Center organizes the Antique Extravaganza, the motherlode of vintage and antique shopping, set in the rambling hills under majestic oaks.

Make no mistake. There is antique shopping and then there is the “Extravo” shopping. That’s the term seasoned buyers and “pickers” use for the event that boasts over 800 dealers during its three-day run spread on a scenic portion of a 130-acre property.

Dealers from across the U.S. descend on Mount Dora to offer a tremendous variety of vintage finds and fine antiques at every price. Eager collectors, decorators and vintage shoppers from across Florida show up in droves to uncover treasures and find the best deals.

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

Parking is free. Admission is $10 on Friday, $6 on Saturday, and only $4 on Sunday. A three-day pass is $15. Renninger’s Antique Center is located at 20651 US Hwy 441.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. For local things to do, click here and for the area's free mobile app, click here.

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Mount Dora hosts Scottish Highland Festival on February 19 & 20

2/1/2022

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ABOVE: The collection of flags flying at the previous Scottish Highland Festival in Mount Dora. (Mount Dora Buzz file photo)

Kilts, bagpipes, Scottish-themed vendors, live music and traditional Scottish athletic games will fill downtown Mount Dora parks for two days during what’s become a nine-year tradition. Mount Dora Scottish Highland Festival will take place February 19 and 20 at Donnelly Park and Elizabeth Evans Park. The family-friendly festival features tartan parades, Highland games, bagpipes and drums, Scottish reenactors, border collies, Highland dancing, and more.
Once again, Evans Park on the waterfront will host the Highland Athletics and a British Car Show on February 19th and border collie demonstrations on the 20th.
Festival-goers can enjoy live music throughout the weekend at Donnelly Park. The lineup features Celtica Nova, an international act blending Great Highland bagpipes with melodic rock. The Byrne Brothers, Tom Keefer, Ennis Pruitt, and Celtic Conundrum will also be performing.
Máiréad Nesbitt, founding member of Celtic Woman, will have a concert at the Mount Dora Community Building located at 520 N. Baker Street at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets to the show are $25 and $35.
Mount Dora Scottish Highland Festival hours are 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Entrance into Donnelly Park requires a $10 ticket for admission each day. All events at Evans Park are free.
The Medieval Mile is a new addition to Mount Dora Highland Festival. It’s a one-mile run on February 19 that starts at 8:00 a.m.at Elizabeth Evans Park at the southern end of Donnelly Street.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the Mount Dora Buzz website and download the free mobile app. Free subscriptions to Mount Dora Buzz monthly updates are available here.

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Mount Dora Arts Festival draws top artists on February 5 & 6

2/1/2022

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ABOVE: Mount Dora Art Festival. (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

Mount Dora Arts Festival draws top artists on February 5 & 6
Historic downtown Mount Dora will transform its New England-style charm into a sea of vibrant art on February 5 and 6, when hundreds of the United States’ best artists show their works at the 45th annual Mount Dora Arts Festival.

The juried festival, organized by Mount Dora Center for the Arts, has been ranked among the top 20 art festivals in the country and provides art lovers the opportunity to shop for fine arts, artisan jewelry, and pottery created by approximately 300 of the most talented professional artists from all over the United States.

Downtown Mount Dora’s many diverse restaurants will be open to satisfy the culinary cravings of visitors, plus all of the historic district’s unique shops will be open for more opportunities to find something special.

This family friendly event will feature a Kids Zone located at Donnelly Street and 6th Avenue next to the stage.

The free festival is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. Visitors who arrive early may be able to find free street parking within walking distance. Other patrons may find a space at nearby private parking lots, or park-and-ride shuttles located at 900 Lincoln Avenue and Mount Dora Christian Academy at 301 W. 13th Avenue in Mount Dora. Due to large crowds and narrow streets, pets are strongly discouraged for their own well being and that of other visitors.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the Mount Dora Buzz website and download the free mobile app. Free subscriptions to Mount Dora Buzz monthly updates are available here.

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Eustis gears up for 120th Annual GeorgeFest

2/1/2022

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The City of Eustis is gearing up to celebrate George Washington’s birthday with lots of festive activities scheduled. This year marks the 120th time the city will gather its community, neighboring cities and visitors to honor the country’s first president. GeorgeFest is the longest running celebration of its kind in Florida and the second longest running in the entire U.S. This year’s theme is “Let the Good Times Roll.”

GEORGEFEST CARNIVAL (FEB. 24-27)
The annual Georgefest Carnival will once again be set in Historic Downtown Eustis. There will be rides for all ages, along with food vendors and carnival games. It kicks off on Thursday, February 24 at 5:00 p.m. and continues through Sunday, February 27 closing at 9:00 p.m. Thursday Night (Wristband Night) tickets are available for pre-sale for only $15 and include unlimited rides.

Hours:
Thursday 5:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Friday 5:00 - 11:00 p.m.
Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sunday 12:00 - 9:00 p.m.

FIREWORKS SHOW (FEB. 25)
Eustis ends the first night of Georgefest with a bang! The GeorgeFest Fireworks Show takes place right over Lake Eustis at 9:00 p.m. Spectators gather at Ferran Park to enjoy the best vantage point.

GEORGEFEST DOG JOG (FEB. 26)
GeorgeFest Parade kicks off with a one-mile Dog Jog, the much-loved tradition that shows off patriotic pooches as they walk or jog along the parade route beginning on the corner of Bay Street and Stevens at 9:45 a.m. Prizes are awarded for the top finishers, as well as for the most patriotic dog.

WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY PARADE (FEB. 26)
Starting at 10 a.m., the streets of Eustis will be flooded with families eager to view the artistic floats that will glide through Bay Street.

GEORGEFEST ANNUAL BASS FISHING TOURNAMENT (FEB. 27)
Anglers will get their lines in the water early to compete for the guaranteed $8,000 in prizes (based on 100 boats). Co-presented by Florida BASS Nation, the annual tournament is in honor of Private First Class Derek Gibson, a Bronze Star recipient from Eustis killed in action during Operation Iraqi Freedom on April 2, 2007.

GEORGEFEST HEADLINER CONCERT (FEB. 27)
Enjoy a free concert at Ferran Park’s bandshell stage on the edge of Lake Eustis starting at 1 p.m. This year the event features Thomas McClary, founder of The Commodores. McClary, a Eustis native, and the Commodores are known for classic hits like “Brickhouse,” “Three Times A Lady,” and “Easy.” Bring your own lawn chair or blanket.

Scroll down for the complete schedule of events for GeorgeFest weekend.  For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online event calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

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Time-travelers trek to Mount Dora for the Steampunk Industrial Show on Jan. 22 & 23

1/11/2022

What happens when you combine Victorian costumes with innovative technology and the industrial age? To make it really interesting, add heaping spoonfuls of drama and fantasy.

The result is Steampunk, a fantastical world where Albert Einstein, the wild west and Mad Max collide.

Renninger's Steampunk Industrial Show has grown to what is arguably the largest festival of its kind in the Southeast. The free event is set under the oak trees of Mount Dora and features some of the best people-watching in Central Florida. Goggled time-travellers stroll among the show’s vintage vendors, steampunk entertainers, impressive live music and artists. The event takes place twice a year in January and October.

RELATED: View the local entertainment calendar for Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

“Steampunk,” first coined in 1987, refers to the Victorian age of steam-powered machines melded with the “punk” attitude of non-conformity, creativity and unrestrained individuality. This increasingly popular science-fiction genre is present in art, music, fashion, film and especially literature.

The family-friendly Steampunk Industrial Show runs January 22 through 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Renninger's Antique Center, 20651 US 441, Mount Dora. Watch the local entertainment calendar for the upcoming schedule of events. Parking and admission are free.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here.   For local things to do, click here and for the area's free mobile app, click here.

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Arts & Entertainment

Tavares hosts free concerts during Planes, Trains & BBQ this weekend

Best local country roads to see wildflowers

Eustis Music Festival returns this weekend

5 things to know before heading to Lake County Fair

Creativity to bloom at Mount Dora's Vintage Garden Show

Easter Bunny to host Mount Dora's annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 16

Tavares hosts free concerts during Planes, Trains & BBQ

Mount Dora Sailing Regatta sets sail on March 26 & 27

Vintage boat festival evokes nostalgia on Lake Dora

“Off the Beaten Path Florida Arts Tour” returns to local artists’ studios in February

Mount Dora's last Antique Extravaganza of the season comes Feb. 18-20

Mount Dora hosts Scottish Highland Festival on February 19 & 20

Mount Dora Arts Festival draws top artists on February 5 & 6

Eustis gears up for 120th Annual GeorgeFest

Time-travelers trek to Mount Dora for the Steampunk Industrial Show on Jan. 22 & 23

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