Annual Events in Lake County

What’s really going on in Lake County, Florida?

Lake County Events include events in the following cities: Altoona, Astatula, Astor, Bassville Park, Clermont, Eustis, Forest Hills, Fruitland Park, Grand Island, Groveland, Howey in the Hills, Lady Lake, Leesburg, Mascotte, Minneloa, Montverde, Mount Dora, Mount Plymouth, Okahumpka, Paisley, Sorrento, Tavares, Umatilla, Yalaha

Planning a trip to the darling little town of Mount Dora? Families flock to the historic streets of Mount Dora for the world famous flea market, quaint downtown shops and unique shopping experiences.  and although there are always a ton of things to do in Lake County, Florida, we have put together a list of some of the most important annual events that you won’t want to miss! Check out what’s going on each month.

 

January

  • Renninger’s Antique Extravaganza  – An antique lover’s dream! One of the largest gatherings of antique dealers in the south with over 800 dealers attending. Three times a year Renninger’s hosts this Extravaganza in the show field, antique center and under the on-site pavilions…rain or shine!. Location: Renninger’s Vintage Antique Center, 20651 US Hwy 441, Mount Dora. Contact the Twin Markets at 352-383-8393 or visit www.renningers.net 
  • Leesburg Soul Fest – Be entertained in downtown Leesburg for the inaugural Soul Fest that celebrates and touches the urban soul and culture! Always held on a Saturday in January. Music | Food | Art | Cars | Entertainment. Learn more

  • Rhythm on Ruby Street Party – Join the City of Tavares for our Annual Rhythm on Ruby street party event in our Downtown Entertainment District! 2 STAGES OF LIVE MUSIC, LOCAL FLAVOR, FOOD TRUCKS & VENDORS, ROAMING PHOTO BOOTH , STREET PERFORMERS & SHOWCASES. Seating is limited / Please bring a chair or blanket. Parking Garage: 200 N. Sinclair Avenue, Tavares, FL 32778. Learn more

February

  • Florida Storytelling Festival – The Florida Storytelling Festival is a premier storytelling event, known nationally for its unique combination of workshops, concerts, youthful voices and sense of community.  People come from across the state of Florida and beyond to explore and savor the art of storytelling. The festival officially kicks-off with a special Thursday afternoon welcome reception followed by an evening storytelling concert. Friday and Saturday offer opportunities to immerse yourself in workshops, storytelling concerts, story swaps, story slams and lots of informal gatherings. Our wonderful Story Store will offer a multitude of storytelling resources. Location: Lakeside Inn, 100 N. Alexander Street. Learn more
  • THE GREAT CLERMONT CAMPOUT is located at Waterfront Park in Clermont – What could be more than a family campout? If you’re looking for an activity to share with your family and friends, this event is a great opportunity to sleep under the stars in the safety of Clermont’s Waterfront Park. So, roll out your sleeping bags and pop up your tents and join us at the Great Clermont Campout! Learn more
  • Annual Arts Festival – This nationally ranked fine arts festival attracts about 300 artist vendors from all over the world. The fine arts are displayed throughout the downtown streets of Mount Dora, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors. This event is held each February in Downtown Mount Dora. Contact the Mount Dora Center for the Arts at 352-383-0880 for more info or Learn more
  • Renninger’s Antique Extravaganza – An antique lover’s dream! One of the largest gatherings of antique dealers in the south with over 800 dealers attending. Three times a year Renninger’s hosts this Extravaganza in the show field, antique center and under the on-site pavilions…rain or shine!.  Location: Renninger’s Vintage Antique Center, 20651 US Hwy 441, Mount Dora. Contact the Twin Markets at 352-383-8393 or visit www.renningers.net 
  • MOVIES UNDER THE STARS –  Waterfront Park February 16, February 23, and March 1, 2024 – All movies will begin at 8 PM
  • Leesburg Mardi Gras Party in the Street – A Favorite Family Event Since 1998 – Held every February. It all starts with a series of fun-filled parties to select King Rex & Queen Divine, followed by the Crowning Ball and finishes with the “PARTY IN THE STREET” as Historic Downtown Leesburg comes alive with the sights and sounds of N’awlins! Jugglers, Fire Eaters, Stilt Walkers Festive Foods, Vendors, 3 Parades and Live Music to keep the party going non-stop! The Clermont Parks and Recreation Department is bringing you great movies and awesome family fun. Join us for this event rain or shine at Waterfront Park for movies on a large projector under the Highlander pavilion.  Seating will not be provided, please remember to bring chairs or a blanket. Learn more
  • Annual Scottish Highland Festival – Enjoy Scottish Bands and musicians performing throughout the weekend, an afternoon of Highland Games on Saturday. Location: Gilbert Park, Mount Dora. Contact the City of Mount Dora Parks and Recreation Department at 352-735-7183 or Learn more

March 

  • Annual Mount Dora Spring Festival of Arts and Crafts – Over 200 arts and crafts vendors spread out through the streets of downtown to display their “Spring” treasures. Location: Downtown Mount Dora from  9AM – 5PM. 352-217-8390 or Learn more
  • PUPS IN THE PARK – Lake Hiawatha Park held each March. The City of Clermont presents Pups in the Park, a celebration for dogs of all sorts. Bring your pup to this free event starting at 8:30 a.m. Sat., March 16 at Lake Hiawatha Preserve, 450 12th Street. Learn more
  • Planes, Tunes & BBQ – Spring is in the air and in Tavares, so is the smell of savory BBQ, high-flying seaplanes and crankin’ country music! Come out to Wooton Park for this two day weekend event. We will be kicking off the festivities Friday evening with mouthwatering BBQ, a variety of food and merchandise vendors and live music. On Saturday, the savory smell of BBQ won’t be the only thing soaring through the air…the seaplanes will be arriving to participate in our Seaplane-A-Palooza flying competitions. You don’t want to miss the crowd favorite “melon bomb drop” contest! Vendors will be ready to serve you will you kick back and enjoy live country music, family fun and activities in the FREE Family Fun Zone!  Seating is limited / Bring a chair or blanket. Parking available in the parking garage @ 200 N. Sinclair Ave. Learn more
  • Annual Sail Boat Regatta – The oldest sail boat regatta in the state will prove to be a fun day for the whole family. Sit on the shore and watch these beautiful pieces of art coast through Lake Dora. Where: Lake Dora and connecting waterways from 12PM – 4:30PM, CONTACT: Call 352-385-1400 or visit mountdoraregatta.com
  • Leesburg Art Festival – Join us for the Annual Leesburg Art Festival, a tradition in Lake County, held annually in March. This art-filled two-day festival, presented by the Leesburg Center for the Arts, showcases artists, from throughout Central Florida and the Southeast, displaying their work along Main Street, in Downtown Leesburg, on Saturday and Sunday. Learn more

April

  • Annual Mount Dora Earth Day – Music, exhibits, raffle and lots of fun. Let’s celebrate our beautiful planet and figure out how we can do our part to help our environment! Location: Donnelly Park, Downtown Mount Dora from 9AM – 3PM. Learn more
  • CLERMONT EARTH DAY AND LAKE CLEANUP – Lake Hiawatha Park – April 20, 2024. Join us for this free way to celebrate Earth Day as a community. Featuring a Lake Clean up with Environmental education, kids zone, DJ, and more!
  • Annual Tavares Kayakathon – Join us in a community paddle for charity!  This is a pleasant paddle to benefit Camp Boggy Creek! The Tavares KAYAKATHON launches from 9AM-10AM on the shores of Lake Dora from beautiful Wooton park in Tavares, Florida and continues through the scenic Dora Canal onto Lake Eustis. Participants enjoy paddling on the Harris Chain of Lakes, which is the largest chain of lakes in the state of Florida! There will be multiple stops on the water with local waterfront dine and drink specials. The event continues after the return paddle to celebrate with an after party in Wooton park with live music, raffle and costume contest awards! Continue your crawl through downtown Tavares with participating restaurants. The total paddling distance is approximately three (3.5) miles. All paddle vessels are encouraged to attend! Eco-friendly kayak/paddle board decorations are encouraged and we will have great prizes for paddle craft costume contest! Learn more
  • ​Annual Mount Dora Blueberry Festival – A celebration of the rapidly growing blueberry agriculture business in Central Florida. We highlight local blueberry farms and celebrate all things blueberry such as: pie, short cake, wine, liquor, beer, fresh berries, scones and much more! Over 100 vendors, live entertainment and kids activities. Free event, open to the public. Donnelly Park, Downtown Mount Dora. 9AM – 5PM Call 352-217-8390  or visit mountdorablueberryfestival.com
  • Leesburg BikeFest – The world famous Leesburg Bikefest is held annually in April. It all began in 1997 and has since developed into one of the biggest and most thrilling motorcycle rallies in the nation. From casual amateurs to ardent bikers, what began as a tiny gathering of motorcycles has grown into a three-day event that draws riders of all stripes. It has grown to be an annual spring tradition, with over 250,000 visitors yearly. Leesburg loyalists claim this Bikefest is “The World’s Largest 3-Day Motorcycle and Music Event.” It’s packed into 30 blocks with 50-60 live music performances, over 200 vendors, and a handful of Hot Body contests. Learn more

May 

  • Annual Mount Dora Taste and Craft Beer Fest – A Chamber Annual Event. Join us for a spectacular evening of culinary delights. With samplings of fabulous cuisine from our restaurants, coupled with tents serving superior craft beer, a fabulous evening it will be! Many wonderful art pieces and more, will be displayed at the silent auction. Tickets available at MountDora.com by early April. Location: Sunset Park, Mount Dora. 6PM – 10PM.  Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce at 352-383-2165

June

  • JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION – Waterfront Park – June 15, 2024, 5PM- 8PM. Don’t miss our second Juneteenth event, a cultural and educational celebration of freedom. Come join us for an evening of art, music, and authentic cuisine.

July

  • Mount Dora Freedom on the Waterfront – Join us in Elizabeth Evans Park for an old-fashion celebration of our Independence Day. Festivities begin at 5 PM with live music, featuring Kid’s Zone with lots of fun activities, food trucks, beverages, and plenty of fun for everyone. This year we are proud to announce former Season 14 American Idol contestant Alexis Gomez with opening act David Letourneau will be playing live music on the stage. Th e festivities at Elizabeth Evans Park will end with a spectacular firework over Lake Dora. Presented by Mount Dora  Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Mount Dora. Contact Chris Carson 352-735-7183 or e-mail carsonc@ci.mount-dora.fl.us. – 5PM – Fireworks at Dusk
  • RED, WHITE, AND BOOM! –  Waterfront Park – July 4, 2024, 7PM – 10PM – 4th of July celebration at Waterfront Park filled with traditional Americana-type activities for all ages and ending with fireworks over Lake Minneola.
  • Leesburg 4th of July Celebration – Bring Your Family And Friends And Enjoy A Spectacular, FREE & Fun-Filled 4th Of July Celebration At The Lakefront (Ski Beach). The festivities officially kick off at 3pm, but the opening ceremony at the Lightning Baseball Game starts at 5:00pm. There are tons of fun things to do for the kids too. A Free Kids Zone at Ski Beach filled with bounce houses, slides, and other inflatables, face painting, a balloon artist, juggler, stilt walker and even a photo booth to capture memories and just have fun! And of course, all sorts of festive foods will be available and fun vendors. The Largest Fireworks display in Lake County will start at 9:00pm. It’s great viewing from all around Venetian Cove or from your own boat at the Boat Tailgate Party located between Monkey Island and the boat ramp at Venetian Cove Marina. Learn more
  • Independence Day Parade – Join us in downtown Mount Dora for a patriotic tribute parade celebrating our country’s independence! The City of Mount Dora is seeking entries for the annual Independence Day Parade in beautiful downtown Mount Dora. The parade begins at the corner of Donnelly and 7th Avenue and runs to Charles Avenue. 10AM – 11AM. CONTACT: Chris Carson at the City of Mount Dora Parks and Recreation Department at 352-735-7183 or carsonc@ci.mount-dora.fl.us for application

August

  • Annual Florida Highwaymen Art Show, Sale & Benefit – Annual Florida Highwaymen Art Show, Sale & Benefit presented by Heron Cay Bed & Breakfast Inn & Kelvin Hair, Son of Alfred Hair. Location:  Donnelly Park Pavilion (corner of 5th Avenue and Donnelly Street) 11AM – 5PM. CONTACT Heron Cay Bed & Breakfast 352-383-4050

September

  • CLERMONT SIPS AND SALSA FESTIVAL – Waterfront Park – This much-anticipated event will offer the community all things SALSA! A display of cultural cuisine will be available in a variety of exquisite dishes, accompanied by live salsa music and dancing. Lots of activities for the whole family including Fidos Fiesta Costume Contest, a domino tournament, kids’ zone, and much more! Learn more

October

  • Annual Mount Dora Bicycle Festival – The Mount Dora Bicycle Festival serves as ground zero for pedal power. Several hundred cyclists of varying skills are expected to take up the ride, and hundreds more will join the celebration. It is Florida’s oldest and largest bike festival. Details on https://www.cyclemountdora.com.
  • NATIONAL NIGHT OUT – Waterfront Park – 5PM – 8PM. The Clermont Police Department joins other law-enforcement agencies throughout the nation in this annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safe places to be. Learn more
  • Spirits on the Lake – Join us for this spooky event where you can experience the best “spirits” & food in Lake County! Get ready to have a spooktacular time at Spirits on the Lake brought to you by The Leesburg Partnership. This year’s event is packed with amazing entertainment, delicious food and drink tastings, and so much more. Whether you’re looking for a fun night out with friends or a memorable date night, Spirits on the Lake has something for everyone. The Venetian Center, 1 Dozier Circle Leesburg, Florida. Learn more
  • Rocktoberfest – The City of Tavares presents our Annual ROCKTOBERFEST featuring the hottest bands in music! Held on a Saturday in Wooton Park, 100 E. Ruby St., Tavares, FL 32778 you’re not going to want to miss this event for live rock music, seaplane competitions, food trucks and merchandise vendors!  ADMISSION IS FREE! Seating is limited, please bring a chair or blanket. Learn more
  • Eustis Fall Festival – Held in beautiful Ferran Park. The event will high-light area youth as they compete in our annual Costume Contest, while participating in various additional family activities. Sign up for the Costume Contest at the City of Eustis tent.  The contest will start with our littlest guests at 3:30 p.m., so arrive early to ensure you don’t miss your age category.  There will also be a bounce house, petting zoo, and fun vendors to shop. Ferran Park, 250 Ferran Park Drive, Eustis, 32726 Learn more
  • Annual Mount Dora Craft Fair  – More than 400 of the best exhibitors in the country come to Mount Dora to show & sell their fine art & fun crafts. Food, music, beer & wine tasting for adults and a free kid zone for the kids will round out the event. Location: Downtown Mount Dora. Learn more

 

November

  • Annual Mount Dora Plant and Garden Fair  – Vendors and nurseries from all over the state come to Mount Dora, Florida. With a wide variety of Florida native and exotic plants, garden ware along with arts & crafts at this annual event you will find something you need to take home. Get gardening advice from Experts and let our volunteers help you take your plants to your car. Location: Downtown Mount Dora. 9AM – 5PM. Phone 352-217-8390. Learn more
  • LETTERS TO SANTA – Victory Pointe – November – December – Stop by Santa’s mailbox at the Enchanted Tree Forest! Mail off your letter to Santa and Santa will write you back. Make sure you include your return mailing address. No stamps necessary – The North Pole doesn’t require stamps. Don’t worry if you didn’t bring a letter in advance there is stationary available next to the mailbox you are welcome to write a letter onsite to send! Learn more
  • THE ENCHANTED TREE FOREST – Located at Victory Pointe – November – December – The Enchanting tree forest is open on from November though January for viewing. There are 50 trees decorated by local organizations and businesses setup to view at Victory Pointe. you can walk on the trail to view, or park at the Clermont Boat House and walk over to Victory Pointe. check out the trees in the day and nighttime to get the full effect! Learn more
  • Leesburg Mainstreet Christmas Stroll – Experience An Enchanted Evening As Leesburg Transforms Into A Magical Winter Christmas Wonderland! Yes! There’s REAL SNOW in Leesburg and this year’s Christmas Stroll is better than ever before! It’s a wonderful evening that has become a tradition where family and friends come together and celebrate the Christmas holiday! It’s truly a magical winter wonderland! Stroll through the streets of Historic Downtown Leesburg and see an array of Christmas light displays, browse through the quaint shops, live entertainment and see the lighting of the 24’ high Magical Dancing Lights Musical Christmas Tree including a synchronized choreographed Towne Square Display! Learn more

December

  • LETTERS TO SANTA – Victory Pointe – November – December – Stop by Santa’s mailbox at the Enchanted Tree Forest! Mail off your letter to Santa and Santa will write you back. Make sure you include your return mailing address. No stamps necessary – The North Pole doesn’t require stamps. Don’t worry if you didn’t bring a letter in advance there is stationary available next to the mailbox you are welcome to write a letter onsite to send! Learn more
  • THE ENCHANTED TREE FOREST – Located at Victory Pointe – November – December – The Enchanting tree forest is open on from November though January for viewing. There are 50 trees decorated by local organizations and businesses setup to view at Victory Pointe. you can walk on the trail to view, or park at the Clermont Boat House and walk over to Victory Pointe. check out the trees in the day and nighttime to get the full effect! Learn more
  • ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING – Downtown Clermont – Join us downtown for our annual tree lighting at City Hall Park and Downtown Clermont! There will be live music, food trucks, DJ, music, carolers, photo opportunity with Santa and Mrs. Claus (provided by Kiwanis Club of South Lake) and more! This is one of Clermont’s most popular traditions! We can’t wait to see everyone again to watch Downtown Clermont to be lit up by countdown! Learn more
  • COOKIES AND COCOA – Downtown Clermont – Cookies and Cocoa provided at participating local downtown businesses. Stop by the stores for treats and visit some of the great locations Clermont has to offer. There will also be Community Acts performing at City Hall Park. Learn more
  • HOMETOWN PARADE – Downtown Clermont – Just as the title describes, the Clermont Hometown Parade is a parade that will go through Downtown Clermont! It starts at 10 a.m. from Waterfront Park and winds it way through downtown Clermont making a loop. Stay tuned on our social media for the parade route and parking options closer to the event! Even if the route is different the fun hasn’t changed! There will still be floats, bands, and many local groups attending the Hometown Parade. Learn more
  • Christmas Parade & Celebration – In preparation for Tavares Christmas Parade and Celebration the City will close the Wooton Park parking lot, close Rockingham Ave between Main and Ruby, close public parking lots along with Ruby / Rockingham, and two lots off New Hampshire, barricades will be set in front of Chamber parking lot for crowd safety, signs have already been placed along the affected downtown streets. The Christmas Parade starts at 5:30 PM on a Saturday. The parade route begins going east on Ruby Street to St. Clair Abrams Ave. The parade route turns north and continues west on Main Street to the roundabout. At 7 PM Barricades will be removed to allow traffic to flow normally. The barricades closing off Ruby Street and Rockingham will remain until the conclusion of the event at approximately 9 PM. Learn more

 

 

 

ONGOING EVENTS

  • FIRST FRIDAY FOOD TRUCKS – The First Friday Food Trucks are paired with Music on Montrose offer a great family friendly evening of live music, diverse food trucks and local shops to explore brought to you by the Downtown Clermont Partnership. Takes place on the first Friday of each month. For information call 321-202-5855.
  • Downtown Cruise In – Classic Car Show – Historic Downtown Eustis, 101 E. Magnolia Avenue, Eustis, 32726 – The fourth Saturday of each month, about 150 Classic Cars cruise in to Historic Downtown Eustis. Enjoy our downtown shops and restaurants, great music and cool cars. Want to show your car? Registration is free and will enter you into cash prize giveaways. Cruise-In times are 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Downtown streets do not close to traffic until 3:30 p.m., and registered vehicles will not be allowed to park for the show until that time. We ask that all participants be respectful of our Downtown merchants by not blocking parking until the streets close, and ensuring all sidewalks remain accessible throughout the event.  This event is sponsored by the Eustis Business Alliance in Partnership with the City of Eustis.
  • FARMER’S MARKET – The Farmers Market located in Downtown Clermont occurs every Sunday starting at 9 a.m. and offers fresh fruits and vegetables along with local vendors and shops to explore. For information please call 321-202-5855 or 352-989-0835.

As always, Shop Local… Shop All About the Sunshine State!