From watermelons to mojitos, it’s a summer-iffic weekend in Lake and Sumter counties, and beyond, this weekend. Enjoy stand-up comedy in Eustis and Mount Dora, and even a unique improv show featuring celeb Ben Schwartz, or take a giant leap out of a plane for National Skydive Day in Sumter County. Check out what’s below for more:
Watermelon fest at Discover Leesburg
Enjoy a mellow evening stroll at Discover Leesburg in the city’s historic downtown from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, July 11. This month’s theme is a watermelon fundraiser fest that will surely be refreshing and offer a throwback to a big watermelon fest that used to be a big part of Leesburg summers in the 20th century. Browse vendors and take in live music, vendors and exhibitors who wrap around the scenic Towne Square at 510 W. Main St. Email: dtleesburgevents@gmail.com
Art Walk & Pop Up Artists’ Reception
Browse works by versatile artists in the Mount Dora Arts League from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 11. Features music by Vic and refreshments at 138 E. Fifth Ave., Mount Dora. Takes place during the 2nd Friday Art in the Alley and Gallery Walk. Email mornasart46@gmail.com for info.
Groveland’s Second Friday lakeside fest
Groveland’s monthly block party features live entertainment, food vendors and more on Friday, July 11, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Lake David Park, State Road 50 and North Lake Avenue. Details: Groveland-FL.gov
Jersey night at Leesburg Lightning game
Catch the Winter Park Diamond Dawgs play the Leesburg Lightning Jersey at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 11, at The Pat. Represent your favorite team, sport or player and wear a jersey to the game. 240 Ball Park Road, Leesburg. Admission is free. Details: leesburglightning.com/print/schedule.php
Saxy Dan Murphy at Hamrick in downtown Leesburg
Dan Murphy, aka “Dan the Sax Man,” performs jazzy numbers and versatile styles from 7 to 9 p.m. at Hamrick Family Vineyards, 118 S. Second St., Leesburg. Details: hamrickfamilyvineyards.com
‘Welcome Home Comedy Show’ in Eustis
Devin Siebold and other jokesters will bring the laughs to the Hideaway Performing Arts Center for a family-friendly show on Saturday, July 12. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show begins at 7.
Headliner Siebold, a “comedy powerhouse who has taken the Bored Teachers Comedy Tour and host of the popular podcast “Crying in My Car: A Podcast for Teachers,” shares insights and laughs about the teaching profession.
Joining him will be Joe Latham, a “seasoned writer and performer” who has written scripts for the BBC and MTV, and James Yon, a comic who is “bursting with energy and comedic joy. Tickets are available for purchase at www.hideawaypac.com.
Celebrate Mojito Day with $1 Cocktails in Orlando
Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar is celebrating National Mojito Day with $1 classic mojitos. The restaurant is located at 9101 International Drive, Orlando. Details: cubalibrerestaurant.com/en/orlando
National Sky Dive Day hits the skies of Central Florida
Do you skydive? … Um, would you skydive? If so, you can participate in breaking last year’s record of 30,000 jumps worldwide, including participants from 51 countries. Saturday, July 12, is World Skydiving Day. The international event unites jumpers across continents in a bold attempt to break the world record for most skydives on this day.
Numerous local drop zones are participating by collaborating with four of the largest skydiving associations in the world, including the U.S. Parachute Association. Near us, you can take to the skies from Florida Skydive: Central Florida Airpark in Coleman. Additional Florida drop zones can be found here.
Barbie fashion show and dinos at Lake Square Mall
Dress in your best summer attire as Barbie, Skipper, Ken and the gang at Lake Square Mall. “Barbie’s Spectacular Fashion Show” invites parents and the kids, and anyone else, to walk the runway at the grand finale. Noon, Saturday, July 12, at the mall’s center court arena. Also, Lake Square Mall will be 45 this September, a feat for indoor shopping malls. Read our story at dailycommercial.com for more about the exhibit’s designer and long-range plans for Lake Square.
Also at the mall: Lake Square Mall’s Jurassic Mall Event features more than 70 creatures, designed with accurate scientific specifications, including feathered Avian theropod dinosaurs. A Godzilla panel, “Jurassic Park” panel and more may also be featured at mall events. $5 to see the Jurassic Mall Event. Details: Lakecollectacon.com; Lake Square Mall is located at 10401 U.S. 441, Leesburg.
Five-Alarm Feast Fundraiser for Leesburg Fire Rescue
Chow down on pasta for a good cause at the Warehouse Club at 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 12. The event features a prize drawing and live music by Mixed Bag. $10 for dinner. Includes spaghetti and sides, tea from HTeaO, and Carrabba’s is donating their famous bread and salad. Best part: Firefighters will serve the dinner. The Warehouse can be found at 312 S. Second St., Leesburg, two blocks south of Main Street. Details: 352-616-1911.
Downtown Leesburg Luau-style pub crawl
The Summer Shenanigans series continues with the Downtown Leesburg Luau Pub Crawl on Saturday, July 19, from 4 to 8 p.m. The tropical twist on your favorite local night out starts with a check-in at Turner’s Bar + Kitchen beginning at 3:30 p.m. Ticket includes a self-guided or guided group option. Guided groups will leave from Turner’s at 4 p.m. Admission is $25 (plus $3.52 fee).
Venues also include McCracken’s Irish Pub, Marmaduke’s Lodge, Burns Drugstore Speakeasy Lounge, Sipping Garden & Bistro, Brick & Barrel Public House, Great Chicago Fire Brewery, Wolf Branch Brewing, Mystic Ice Cream, Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe, Hamrick Family Vineyards, The Warehouse, Prime 3 Steakhouse and Vanderbrew Coffee Shop. Details: dtleesburgevents@gmail.com.
Comedian Ryan Holmes headlines in Mount Dora
Get comic relief from the heat this summer in Mount Dora as the “2025 REAL Comedy Series” takes over the stage at the historic Mount Dora Music Hall at the Community Building, 520 N. Baker St. The series’ second installment features comedian Ryan Holmes on Saturday, July 12.
According to the city’s spokesperson, “The evening promises big laughs, great company, and a full dose of summer fun. Known for his sharp wit and hilarious storytelling, Holmes will take the stage alongside special guests for another unforgettable night of live stand-up.”
Hosted by Angel Rivera of “Monsters in the Morning,” 104.1 FM, fame. Doors open with social hour at 6:30 p.m. Show is at 8. General admission, $20; VIP, $40. Tickets and full details available at: MountDoraMusicHall.com
See ‘The Child Stealer’ at Grace Bible Church
The Academy of Arts at Grace Bible Church will perform “The Child Stealer” at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 13, at Grace Bible Baptist Church. The hourlong production tells the true story of Amy Carmichael, an Irish missionary who bravely went to India as a single woman. Her daring and courage became widely known as she opened a safe house to rescue children from trafficking in Hindu temples.
She served in India for 55 years without a furlough, and her faith has inspired many Christians to become missionaries and remain steadfast in their faith. The church is located at 1703 Lewis Road, Leesburg. Admission is free. Details: 352-326-5738.
Ben Schwartz & Friends in Orlando
Ben Schwartz, who’s best known as the voice of Sonic the Hedgehog and for his douchy-adorable Jean Ralphio turn on “Parks & Recreation” and as Clyde Oberholt in “House of Lies,” brings his uniquely unscripted ensemble comedy show to the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center. The “off-the-cuff comedy where every line is whipped up on the spot” happens at 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, at 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. Details drphillipscenter.org
A look ahead …
Santa makes early appearance at Groveland’s Christmas in July
Christmas … in July! Yes, Virginia, there is a summertime Santa Claus! Groveland’s third annual Christmas in July Toy Drive, Outdoor Expo & Car Show gets us in the spirit five months early, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, at the city’s Ace Hardware, 1007 State Road 50. Proceeds will go to the Groveland Police’s Holiday Toy Drive and the Groveland Police Explorers.
The charitably fun event will also feature prize drawings of items donated by sponsors, including around 60 prizes. Educational booths from the City Conservation Department and Lake County bird and bee experts will showcase local wildlife, urban farming, hunting, fishing and more. Food vendors serving tacos, cookies, macaroons, marshmallows, ice cream, shaved ice and drinks will also be onsite. Details: 352-557-1218.
Fiesta de Las Americas at Lake Square Mall
HOLCA’s third annual Fiesta de las Americas is a celebration of cultures found here in Lake County. This event celebrates cultures across North, Central, and South Americas, including foods, dances and clothing, from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, at Lake Square Mall, 10401 U.S. 441, Leesburg.
“We will have 10 countries in attendance with educational displays and even some goodies,” the organization said, adding that attendees will get the chance to fill out a survey at a check-in booth to receive a passport card. Visit each of the 10 countries to receive a stamp on the card, and once stamped by all, turn the passport back in for a chance to win a variety of prizes, including Sony EarPods, gift baskets or a brand new television. Details: holca.net/fiesta
Carver High & Lake County Training School Reunion
Many might not know that a good number of Leesburg citizens attended segregated schools. The first was founded in 1876, and two of its church locations were destroyed by fire. In 1922, the school board opened the school, renamed Lake County Training School, with fewer than 100 students and five faculty members. The first high school class graduated in 1933, and enrollment had increased to 300 students.
During the weekend of July 18-20, alumni from both schools will gather for their annual reunion celebration. Registration to attend events on Friday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A scholarship banquet will take place later, 7 to 10 p.m.
On Saturday, July 19, participants can enjoy a historic bus tour from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. That evening, a reunion dance will gather alumni from 7 to 10 p.m. Participants will gather for a worship service on Sunday, July 20, at 10 a.m., followed by a farewell luncheon. For more information, call Bessie Rawls at 352-396-0221.
Gather for Good at Grace O’Malley’s
Something good and free to do, fun and karma-riffic: Central Florida Dreamplex will host Gather for Good as part of its broader Soar Into Summer Campaign, both designed to support inclusion for children and adults of all abilities right here in our community. Takes place on Thursday, July 24, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Grace O’Malley’s, 2400 S U.S. 27, Clermont. Free admission, featuring light bites, a complimentary drink, raffle prizes and a cornhole tournament.
The Central Florida Dreamplex provides inclusive sports, recreation, therapy, education and employment programs, ensuring that people of all abilities feel welcome and supported. For more information, visit cfldreamplex.com/gather-for-good
Grace O’Malley’s deserves kudos for supporting the community and hosting nightly affordable meal specials. Check out their specials board at facebook.com/GraceOMalleysPub
Stepping Out for Education kicks it in Leesburg
Stepping Out for Education, the Education Foundation of Lake County’s fundraising version of “Dancing with the Stars,” will feature a big-top circus theme and bring its 2025 ballroom festivities to the Venetian Center, 1 Dozier Circle, Leesburg, on Friday, July 25, and Saturday, July 26.
The local celebs in this year’s event include Leesburg City Commissioner Allyson Berry; Justin Allender, a community banker and commercial loan officer at the First National Bank of Mount Dora; West Germeroth, sales and project manager, Lake Jem Farms; Ariel Rolon, project manager at Wharton-Smith; Marlene Straughan, regional executive director for Lake County Schools; and Ericka Wright, assistant vice president and branch manager at Addition Financial.
Details: E-mail edfoundation@lake.k12.fl.us or visit edfoundationlake.com. Read our story, “Stepping Out for Education,” at dailycommercial.com for more about the foundation, the event and its fundraising successes.
Jimmy Buffett luau show at Grand Oaks Resort
Parrothead alert: Stellar Stage Multimedia Productions and Legends Entertainment will present on Saturdays, July 26 and Aug. 23, “Jim & Annie’s Island Party,” a luau-style event with tunes by the late great Jimmy Buffett. The Grand Oaks Resort is located at 3000 Marion County Road, Weirsdale. For details and reservations, email stellarstageshows@gmail.com
21st annual Lily in the Valley Women’s Conference
Rev. Dr. Isaac Deas Ministries presents the 21st annual Lily in the Valley Women’s Conference at GraceWay Church, 10200 Morningside Drive, Leesburg, on Saturday, Aug. 16, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A $20 offering includes breakfast and lunch to be collected at the door. Speakers will include Elis Forman, Dr. Melanie Simpson, Nikki Harden and testimonies from many others. Open to all women ages 13 and older. Childcare is available. Dress is casual. Details: gracewaychurch.us
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This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: A dozen or more fun things to do this weekend in Lake and Sumter counties
Reporting by Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial / Daily Commercial
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