Blog Posts

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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Huge Antique Extravaganza returns to Mount Dora on November 15, 16 & 17

11/1/2024

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For those seeking priceless treasure or others just curious about the oddities, Mount Dora’s Antique Extravaganza never disappoints. Once again, the city will be home to Central Florida's massive and eclectic shopping experience this month at Renningers Antique Center. The sprawling indoor and outdoor venue hosts the event, regarded as the mother lode of vintage and antique shopping, three times a year among picturesque hills under majestic oaks.

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 event that boasts 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.

RELATED: Find the holiday events for Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis.

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 show up in droves to uncover treasures, find the best deals and practice their haggling.

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 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 for the Extravaganzas. Renninger’s 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.

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Chalk art challenge to spice up Mount Dora on October 30

10/19/2024

ABOVE: Screenshot of scene from Spice Frontier by Steamroller Animation.

Art lovers can take in a colorful event in downtown Mount Dora this week as teams of animation artists compete in a chalk art challenge. The artists hail from Steamroller Animation headquartered only a few blocks away from the site of the competition.

During the friendly competition on October 30, Sunset Park’s sidewalks will transform into a vibrant canvas of chalk art as teams battle it out to create stunning artwork inspired by their original animated episode, Spice Frontier. Mount Dora Mayor Crissy Stile will judge the pieces and crown the top team.

Spice Frontier is a post-apocalyptic series created by Steamroller with its first episode currently in production. The animated pilot features a struggling chef and an eclectic cast of adventurers as they traverse the cosmos on their spaceship in search of rare spices from Earth. The series is based on an award-winning short film the studio created five years ago with the same title.

The community is invited to watch the Spice Frontier artists showcase their artistic expression during the chalk art challenge in Sunset Park on the corner of Alexander Street and Fourth Avenue from noon to 5 p.m.

From its downtown Mount Dora building, Steamroller Animation creates original stories with its team of character, creature, and facial animators and other inspired artists as well as partners in some of the largest gaming and film studios across the globe.

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 Craft Fair returns October 26 & 27

10/1/2024

As fall temperatures slowly return, so does one of Central Florida's biggest events. The streets of downtown Mount Dora transform into a sprawling craft fair on October 26 and 27 with hundreds of crafters from across the country.

The Mount Dora Craft Fair is a nationally ranked craft fair and features an eclectic mix of handmade items ranging from jewelry, photography and textiles to paintings, leather goods and woodwork. The two-day event has previously attracted approximately 100,000 visitors, according to its organizers.

Crafts aren’t all there will be in downtown Mount Dora that weekend.  Its many unique stores and seemingly endless restaurants are also open during the craft fair’s 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 during the festival is limited, so as visitors drive into Mount Dora, they are encouraged to look for signs for park-and-ride shuttles. There are also private parking lots with paid parking available closer to the event.

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.

Rocktoberfest rocks Downtown Tavares in October

10/1/2024

Every year the City of Tavares ushers in the season with a splash. RocktoberFest and the Monster Seaplane Fly-in feature family friendly activities, live rock music concerts, seaplane competitions, and food and merchandise vendors in lakefront Wooton Park.

The all-day October 19 event kicks off with the Monster Splash Seaplane Fly-In beginning at 11:00 a.m. Seaplanes fly in from across Florida to participate in the flying competitions, like the crowd-favorite “Pumpkin Drop” contest. While the pilots are competing, pumpkin decorating kits will be given to the first 100 kids at the Pilot Registration Tent. Spectators can meet the pilots from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and get photos with their planes.

RELATED:  Check out the Local Entertainment Calendar

Following the seaplane contests, RocktoberFest will feature a rock show with music from the seventies, eighties and nineties. continues with a performances by Duplicity, Brother Brownlow, Switch, and headliner Atomic Punks, a Van Halen tribute band.

Admission is free, but seating is limited, so guests are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket. The event begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 10 p.m. Free parking is available on the street and at the nearby parking garage located at 200 N. Sinclair Avenue in downtown Tavares.

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.

Far Reach Scream Park takes 'haunted' to next level

10/1/2024

A frightful October awaits visitors who dare set foot on one seriously spooky Tavares farm. Far Reach Ranch, a usually peaceful family farm,has been successfully transformed into an exceptionally ghoulish seasonal experience rightfully dubbed Far Reach Scream Park. Instead of the ripe u-pick blueberries that typically draw droves of visitors to the former cattle ranch, the sprawling farm venue has become an eerie destination with three haunted attractions where ghostly and creepy characters partake in terrorizing antics.

RELATED: Video of this year's Fear Reach Scream Park here

The farm’s three intensely haunted attractions, Bloodline Barn, Grimoire Manor, and Chainsaw Chase, challenge even guests with nerves of steel not to scream. Guests who enjoy a little less intensity can head over to the devilish competition in the midway with ax throwing and old-school carnival games at Dr. Deviant’s Game Emporium. There are also family-friendly yard games like cornhole, giant Jenga, ring toss, plus an area for creating smores.

The Pitchfork Parlor and Bar serves up special ghoulish drinks as a Halloween-themed rock band jams on the nearby stage. A food truck is also on-site in case guests need a break from the terror.

Fear Reach Scream Park is open Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. through October 31. It is also open the last two Thursdays in October. The attractions open at dark, and lines close at 11:30 p.m. Tickets start at $20 and vary through the season. Speed Pass upgrades, which allow guests to skip the lines, start at $10 per person, and also increase throughout the season. Tickets must be purchased online and in advance. Costumes are not allowed so guests are not confused with costumed employees.

"Fall in the Field" kicks of the season on October 5 & 6

10/1/2024

In sunny Central Florida the change of seasons isn't signaled by the color of leaves. Instead, every year there is one reminder that a cooler time of year is approaching evergreen Mount Dora.

The big tell is the annual Fall in the Field outdoor event at Renningers Antique Center. The two-day event among big live oak trees blends an exotic heirloom pumpkin patch with plenty of primitive fall decor and a large dose of vintage shopping. This year the event is October 5 and 6 and celebrates its 13th anniversary.

In addition to the shopping experience, the weekend also features make–and–take crafts for kids at the complimentary craft tent. Fall in the Field 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. Be sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz's Instagram and Facebook page for more local info.

Guide to fireworks and more in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

7/1/2024

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Once again residents get to enjoy lively festivities and fireworks across the Golden Triangle on three separate nights to celebrate the nation’s independence. Here’s the 411 on the best celebrations and firework displays in Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis.

JULY 3: Freedom on the Waterfront
Time: 5-10 p.m.
Where: Elizabeth Evans Park, Mount Dora.
What to expect: Live music, acrobatic shows, a kids’ zone, and fireworks at 9:15. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets.

JULY 4: Independence Day Parade
Time: 5 p.m.
Where: Main Street, downtown Tavares
What to expect: This small-town parade route heads east on Main Street from the Courthouse past City Hall to St. Clair Abrams Avenue. An evening of festivities to follow in Wooton Park,

JULY 4: Independence Day festivities
Time: 4:45 p.m.
Where: Main Street and Wooton Park in downtown Tavares
What to expect: Family-friendly street party, live music in Wooton Park featuring the Groove Slayers, family fun zone, food trucks, vendors, and fireworks at 9 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets.

JULY 5: Eustis Hometown Celebration
Where: Ferran Park in downtown Eustis
Time: 5-10pm
What to expect: A performance by the Central Florida Show Ski Team is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Lake Eustis, live music with headliner Frankie Moreno takes the stage on the Bandshell at 8 p.m., plus food trucks, kids’ activities, and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets.

RELATED: 10 Best Spots to Watch Fireworks in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit Mount Dora Buzz's website, its Instagram and Facebook page. Download the area's free mobile app for info on the go. For local food recommendations, follow Mount Dora Foodie's Facebook and its official Instagram account.

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Eustis announces headliner for July 5th Hometown Celebration

7/1/2024

Area residents are in for another great event in July, with Eustis’s annual Hometown Celebration on Friday, July 5, 2024. The event, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. in downtown Ferran Park, includes the Central Florida Ski Show, kid’s activities, vendors, food trucks, and entertainment, followed by a grand fireworks display over Lake Eustis.

RELATED: Find the fireworks information for Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis

The headlining entertainment is Las Vegas performer Frankie Moreno who has 17 top-ten albums, 118 top-ten singles, an Emmy nomination, and being crowned “Headliner of the Year” in Las Vegas five times. Moreno consistently showcases his talents in venues on the famed Vegas strip and around the country and will be performing at the Bandshell in Ferran Park at 8 p.m.
It will be an exciting evening on July 5th as Eustis celebrates the nation’s birthday and welcomes the community to its waterfront. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit Mount Dora Buzz's website, its Instagram and Facebook page. Download the area's free mobile app for info on the go. For local food recommendations, follow Mount Dora Foodie's Facebook and its official Instagram account.

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Arts & Entertainment

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

Huge Antique Extravaganza returns to Mount Dora on November 15, 16 & 17

Chalk art challenge to spice up Mount Dora on October 30

Mount Dora Craft Fair returns October 26 & 27

Rocktoberfest rocks Downtown Tavares in October

Far Reach Scream Park takes 'haunted' to next level

"Fall in the Field" kicks of the season on October 5 & 6

Guide to fireworks and more in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

Eustis announces headliner for July 5th Hometown Celebration

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