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Mount Dora Corn Festival returns on May 24

5/1/2025

The family-friendly Mount Dora Corn Festival returns to downtown’s waterfront on May 24. The one-day celebration will showcase locally-grown Zellwood Sweet Corn and feature a full day of festive activities, live entertainment, and corn-inspired food vendors.

Live entertainment includes headliner Blanco Brown with special guest Sean Holcomb. There will also be a Kid Zone with inflatables, games and a petting zoo. Meanwhile, adults can enjoy some friendly corn hole competition, a corn-eating contest, and a spicy corn challenge. There will also be strolling performers and interactive entertainment throughout the day.

Limited public parking is available in downtown Mount Dora, and a complimentary shuttle will run from First Baptist Church of Mount Dora located at 1000 E. 1st Avenue to Elizabeth Evans park at 100 N. Donnelly Street.

Admission for adults is $25 at the gate, while children ages 4 to 9 are $12. Children ages 3 and under are free. Veterans are $12 with a valid I.D. All-you-can-eat Zellwood Sweet Corn is included with each paid admission.

For more events and news in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. Find out what's happening locally with just a tap on your phone by downloading the area's free mobile app. Free monthly issues of Mount Dora Buzz are available here.

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Mount Dora Blueberry Festival celebrates local blueberries on April 26 & 27

4/22/2025

The Mount Dora Blueberry Festival returns to downtown Donnelly Park on April 26 and 27 for a weekend celebrating all things blueberry, including ripe local berries, baked goods, crafts, and blueberry plants.

In addition to Amber Brooke Farms and Far Reach Ranch selling their local blueberries, culinary students from Umatilla High School will be offering blueberry baked goods made from berries donated by Amber Brooke Farms. Proceeds will help purchase equipment for the school’s culinary program.

RELATED: Discover the area's local u-pick blueberry farms

Food and beverage vendors will feature themed offerings such as blueberry pies, blueberry BBQ with blueberry salsa, blueberry mochi, blueberry beer, and blueberry wine. Craft vendors will also be in the park selling a variety of handmade creations.

The event’s popular pie-eating contest will take place at 2 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday will also feature a Blueberry Pie Bake-Off with children and adult divisions. There is no entry fee to compete, but participants must register at the information booth before 1 p.m.

The free, two-day festival takes place in Donnelly Park, located at 530 N. Donnelly Street in downtown Mount Dora, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. A free shuttle will run Saturday and Sunday from 900 Lincoln Avenue in the northeast area of Mount Dora and take passengers downtown.

For more events and news in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. Find out what's happening locally with just a tap on your phone by downloading the area's free mobile app. Free monthly issues of Mount Dora Buzz are available here.

Art Center gets a second home in Mount Dora

4/1/2025

ABOVE: Mount Dora Center for the Arts new building on 5th Avenue and Highland Street. (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

After an impressive transformation, Mount Dora Center for the Arts (MDCA) will soon open its second site on the corner of 5th Avenue and Highland Street in uptown. The retro building with a modern twist was formerly a gas station and sat vacant for several years.

MDCA’s new building is approximately 2,000 square feet with ample on-site parking. The one-story building will have visual and performing art classes and a gallery space for art exhibitions. An outdoor space will be the venue for some of the art center’s community events.

The decades-long downtown location, on 5th Avenue across from Donnelly Park, will continue to have classes and art exhibitions. Earlier this year, G3 Development LLC (G3), the landlord at the downtown location, lost its attempt to evict the 50-year-old non-profit which supports the local art community and children's programs. That two-story building was owned and occupied by MDCA since 1995 until its former board voted in April 2024 to sell the building to G3, whose principal is Gerry Guenther, for approximately $1.3 million.

The complex deal to acquire the brick building had three agreements between the two parties, and has since resulted in ongoing litigation. There is a lease agreement whereby G3 would be MDCA’s landlord, a mortgage agreement whereby G3 would be the borrower and the art center would be the lender, and a sponsorship agreement with the developer becoming a long-term sponsor of the annual Mount Dora Arts Festival. Additionally, G3 was to construct a new 4,600 square-foot, custom-designed building for the non-profit to lease from the developer. The site of that building was to be in the vacant lot on Royellou Lane directly behind the existing MDCA building. To date, that building hasn’t come to fruition or broken ground.

In January a circuit court judge dismissed two counts without prejudice of a four-count lawsuit G3 brought against MDCA. One of the dismissals included the developer’s attempt to evict the art center from the building (see judge's rulings attached below). Despite the judge’s ruling, G3 recently placed an oversized “for lease" sign on the window of MDCA's gallery in the building and was cited by Mount Dora Code Enforcement. At press deadline the conspicuous violation remained.

judges_order_on_mdcas__motion_to_dismiss_g3s_lawsuit__1-23-2025.pdf
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judges_denial_of_g3s_eviction_of_mdca_1-23-2025.pdf
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In addition to organizing the top-ranked Mount Dora Arts Festival, MDCA also offers various art programs for all ages and experience levels throughout the year. Its annual summer camp for school-age children is one of the area’s most popular summer programs. The center’s ground-floor downtown gallery features monthly art exhibits of established and emerging artists.

For more events and news in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. Find out what's happening locally with just a tap on your phone by downloading the area's free mobile app. Free monthly issues of Mount Dora Buzz are available here.

Mount Dora hosts Earth Day celebration in Donnelly Park

4/1/2025

In addition to eco-friendly vendors and workshops, the 30th annual Mount Dora Earth Day Festival on April 12 will also feature a diverse lineup of free activities. Here’s the highlights of the day’s schedule of events in Donnelly Park from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

9:00
Round Lake Charter School Drumline – Kicking off the festivities with high energy at 9:00 AM.

9:30
Informative workshops every half hour on native plant species, proper pruning techniques, and best planting practices.

10:00
Martial arts performance by Lake County Capoeira.

10:00-Noon
Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival features artists of all ages creating vibrant chalk art near the park’s fountain.

10:00 - 1:30
Silent Auction to support local environmental issues.

11:30
Musical theatre students perform “On-the-Boards.”

Noon
Mount Dora Mayor James Homich delivers an official Earth Day message.

12:30
Eco-Fashion Show featuring innovative and upcycled fashions

In addition to the event’s activities, attendees can also take part in an electronic recycling opportunity by bringing old phones, laptops, cords, chargers, tablets, and other devices for responsible disposal.

Donnelly Park is located at 530 North Donnelly Street in downtown Mount Dora.

For more events and news in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. Find out what's happening locally with just a tap on your phone by downloading the area's free mobile app. Free monthly issues of Mount Dora Buzz are available here.

April brings the Vintage Garden Show to Mount Dora

3/27/2025

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 5 & 6. The two-day event will host vintage vendors selling everything from up-cycled outdoor decor, 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.

Stunning vintage boats to descend on Lake Dora on March 21-23

3/1/2025

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ABOVE: Vintage boat from prior year's festival (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

On most days, sleepy Lake Dora is far removed from glamour and nostalgia. However, once a year her waters transport visitors back to retro-vibe glossy wood boats that hearken back to old Hollywood movie stars.

The downtown Tavares lakefront is gearing up for the 44th annual Sunnyland Antique and Classic Boat Festival, the largest classic wood boat show in the country. Hundreds of 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 open to the public on March 21 through March 23. Saturday is the only full day for the public to view all of the classic boats, while Friday features only activities for Sunnyland boat club members.

RELATED: Discover the Local Entertainment Calendar for Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis, Florida.

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.

Other features of the festival include its Field of Dreams which offers boats for sale and the Nautical Flea Market, where dozens of vendors peddle everything from old boat parts and lanterns to shiny chrome accessories and wooden oars.

The event’s public hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday the show is from 9 a.m. to noon. Tickets are $10 and include admission for both days. Free parking is available at the City of Tavares Parking Garage on Sinclair Avenue.

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 Spring Festival of Arts & Crafts returns in March

3/1/2025

The Central Florida city known for its vibrant festivals won’t disappoint in March. The historic streets of downtown Mount Dora will be awash with visitors again on March 15 and 16 during the annual Spring Festival of Arts and Crafts, the quaint city’s celebration of the arrival of spring.

RELATED: Find more events on the Local Entertainment Calendar here

The free event showcases approximately 250 vendors selling a wide range of handmade creations, plus a variety of food vendors. In addition to the festival, downtown Mount Dora’s many unique stores and diverse restaurants will also be open to add to the experience. In 2024, the event ranked in the top 50 of Contemporary/Classic Craft Festivals in America by Sunshine Artist magazine. The event was originally the Mount Dora Antique and Collectible Show for several years before becoming Mount Dora Spring Show. In recent years, its name changed again to Mount Dora Spring Festival of Arts and Crafts, but it’s not associated with the impressive Mount Dora Arts Festival that occurs every February and has been voted “Best of Mount Dora” for several years running.

The event’s hours are Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. Admission is free and attendees are encouraged to leave their pets at home.
Arrive early for better public and private parking opportunities or watch for signs for the park-and-ride shuttles to the event from 900 Lincoln Avenue at the Corner of Highland Street. From 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., there is no charge for the shuttle, but there is a charge to park in the lot. Public parking can be found across the street from the First Methodist Church at 439 E. 5th Avenue. The lot is small so it’s best to arrive early. Some nearby residents and businesses also park cars in their parking spaces for a fee, typically around $10.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Follow Mount Dora Buzz's Facebook and Instagram for more local info.

Planes, Tunes & BBQ returns to Tavares on February 28 and March 1

2/26/2025

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Spring is in the air, and so is the smell of savory barbecue and high-flying seaplanes at the City of Tavares' 17th annual Planes, Tunes & BBQ on Friday, February 28 and Saturday, March 1. The free event features live music in Wooton Park, plus water ski shows, a drone show, and seaplane contests.

The festivities kick off on Friday evening with live music, barbecue, plus food and merchandise vendors. Central Florida singer/songwriter Reece will open the show with his unique country sound, then Nashville recording artist Maggie Baugh will perform.

On Saturday, barbecue will be dished out as seaplane pilots participate in Seaplane-A-Palooza flying competitions, including the fan-favorite, "melon bomb drop" Following the contests, Derek Trull and Easystreet will perform a variety of country, rock, and blues favorites. The Tampa Bay Water Ski Show Team returns to Tavares with some of the best show skiers in the world to perform two shows on Lake Dora. Next up will be a high-energy performance by The Shaelynn Band with its classic and soulful blues, funk, and rock. The performance's intermission will feature a state-of-the-art drone show featuring 100 drones.

Wrapping up the event will be an uplifting performance by international touring artist Welshly Arms and their mix of jazz, soul, gospel and blues, rock and alternative. The band is known for smooth melodies, momentous choruses, and bold guitar instrumentation.

Wooton Park is located at 100 E. Ruby Street in downtown Tavares. Free parking is available at the nearby municipal parking garage located at 200 N. Sinclair Avenue. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or a blanket because seating is limited. Below is the schedule of events:

FRIDAY (February 28: 4:00 pm -9:00 pm)
BBQ, Food & Merch Vendors
Live Music featuring:
Reece | 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Maggie Baugh | 7:30pm – 9:00pm

SATURDAY (March 1: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm)
BBQ, food & merchandise Vendors
Seaplane contests: 11:00 am
Water ski shows | 2:15 – 3:00pm and 5:15pm – 6:00pm
Drone show: approx. 8:10pm – 8:20pm
Live music featuring:
Derek Trull & Easystreet | 12:00pm - 2:00pm and 3:00pm – 5:00pm
The Shaelynn Band | 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Welshly Arms | 8:30pm - 10:00pm

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Follow Mount Dora Buzz's Facebook and Instagram for more local info.

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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.

"Snowflakes by the Lake" returns to Eustis in December

11/28/2024

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The City of Eustis is inviting everyone to enjoy the winter atmosphere at Snowflakes by the Lake throughout the month of December from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Ferran Park.

Snow will be falling on Friday, December 6, 13, 20 and 27 in Ferran Park every half hour for 10 minutes. The first night of Snowflakes by the Lake will coincide with the December First Friday event happening in Downtown Eustis on Black Friday.

Santa will be visiting the Alice McCelland Bandshell stage on the Fridays prior to Christmas. Children are encouraged to share their holiday wishes and take free pictures with Santa on the decorated stage.

Magical guest appearances by Queen Elsa and her sister will be on Friday, December. 27 at Snowflakes by the Lake. Families are invited to take photos with the roaming characters.

A new Christmas Tree Stroll event will be held at the historical Clifford House and feature trees decorated by local organizations in the gardens from Friday, November. 29 to Monday, December. 15.

Downtown Eustis and Ferran Park will be decorated with festive lights, wreaths and banners throughout December. The Christmas tree Ferran Park will have a lightshow display every night.

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 Instagram and Facebook page for more local info.

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Light Up Mount Dora switches it up this year

11/14/2024

From its quaint holiday charm, beautiful decorations and festive seasonal events, there are many reasons Mount Dora is the best little Christmas Town in Florida. Perhaps best known during the holidays for its millions of twinkling lights that glisten throughout its downtown, this year Mount Dora is switching up the timing of its long-held tradition of Light Up Mount Dora.

Instead of the Saturday after Thanksgiving, this year’s event takes place on Saturday, November 23. The temporary change allows downtown visitors more time to enjoy the holiday lights during a season cut short by Thanksgiving falling at the end of the month.

The free celebration begins at 4 p.m. in Donnelly Park and festivities will also take place in Elizabeth Evans Park and Sunset Park which are all within walking distance. A fireworks show over Lake Dora will take place at 6:30 p.m.

Event Highlights & Schedule

Donnelly Park
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Hosts Chad & Leslye from Magic 107.7 kick off the festivities in the heart of downtown on 5th Avenue and Donnelly Street.

Elizabeth Evans Park
4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy live music with a special appearance by Buddy the Elf, and end the evening with a holiday drone display at 7:30 PM. Evans Park is located on the lakefront at 100 N Donnelly Street.

Sunset Park
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Experience the musical Christmas tree lighting, meet Santa for photo opportunities, and cap off the night with a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Dora at 6:30 p.m. Sunset Park is located at 230 W. 4th Avenue

Parking Shuttles & Map

Shuttle buses will be available from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. to and from the following locations:

First Baptist Church, 1000 E. 1st Street (Free)
Highland Street Parking Lot, 1250 N. Highland Street (Free)
Mount Dora Christian Academy, 301 W 13th Avenue (Organization collecting a fee)

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 Instagram and Facebook page for more local info.

Mount Dora Plant & Garden Fair is paradise for plant lovers in November

11/1/2024

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Green thumbs will flock to downtown Mount Dora for the 30th annual Mount Dora Plant and Garden Fair on November 2 and 3.

The outdoor event is held under the tree canopy at Donnelly Park in the heart of the city’s historic downtown.

The free festival features almost 100 vendors selling native and exotic plants from nurseries across Florida, as well as merchants selling garden decor and nature-inspired gifts. Gardeners can expect to find blooming orchids, flowering shrubs, fruit trees and camellias, as well as succulents, bamboo, bromeliads, herbs, bonzai and other specialty plant vendors. There will also be vintage garden items and statuary for sale to enhance outdoor spaces. Experts will be on hand to offer advice on plant care and gardening-related topics.

RELATED: View the local entertainment calendar for more events

Food and beverages will be available for purchase and a limited number of volunteers will help cart plants to cars, so visitors don’t have to fret about buying plants too big to carry.

The hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Drivers should look for signs for nearby public and private parking lots.

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

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Arts & Entertainment

Mount Dora Corn Festival returns on May 24

Mount Dora Blueberry Festival celebrates local blueberries on April 26 & 27

Art Center gets a second home in Mount Dora

Mount Dora hosts Earth Day celebration in Donnelly Park

April brings the Vintage Garden Show to Mount Dora

Stunning vintage boats to descend on Lake Dora on March 21-23

Mount Dora Spring Festival of Arts & Crafts returns in March

Planes, Tunes & BBQ returns to Tavares on February 28 and March 1

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

"Snowflakes by the Lake" returns to Eustis in December

Light Up Mount Dora switches it up this year

Event Highlights & Schedule

Parking Shuttles & Map

Mount Dora Plant & Garden Fair is paradise for plant lovers in November

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