‘Bright Star’ to add musical sparkle to Eustis theater
The cast and crew of Bay Street Players are kicking off their company’s 2025-26 season — their 50th “golden season” — with a feel-good, folksy musical featuring tunes and a script co-written by Steve Martin and Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Edie Brickell.
The production of “Bright Star” brings to a Lake County stage, for the first time, a beloved musical that debuted on Broadway in 2016, garnering a Tony nomination for Best Original Score. Read more about the production’s behind-the-scenes’ stuff and cast at dailycommercial.com
“Bright Star” can be seen at the State Theatre in Eustis, 109 N. Bay St., from Friday, Aug. 29, through Sept. 14. Visit the Bay Street Players website at eustisstatetheatre.org for details and tickets.
Artisan market and 5K at Mission Resort + Club
This weekend marks the debut of the Howey Artisan Market at the Mission Resort and Club in Howey-in-the-Hills, Lake County. The market on Aug. 30, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to the Mission Resort’s spokesperson, “will feature local produce, handmade goods, crafts, live entertainment, food trucks, unique gifts, and plenty of surprises for visitors of all ages.” It will take place on the last Saturday of each month.
If you’re feeling energetic, kick off the day with the first annual “Run The Resort” 5K. If you enjoy 5Ks, the Mission is a great spot for one, offering European-inspired scenery, rolling hills and lush tree canopies. Mission Resort and Club is located at 10400 County Road 48, Howey-in-the-Hills. Details: missionresortandclub.com
Jimmy Buffett celebrations in Lake County
Local performer Rob Nichols invites all to grab your flip-flops — but don’t step on a pop top — and toss on your loudest shirt, and head to Lake Minneola in Clermont.
Nichols will be playing live at Lake Minneola Inn’s Tiki bar for Jimmy Buffett Day this Friday, Aug. 29, from 5 to 9 p.m. Nichols will be playing some Buffett classics, “a little country, a little southern rock, and a whole lotta good vibes” and will toast the island life in Clermont. Lake Minneola Inn is located at 508 S. Main Ave., Minneola. Details: 352-394-2232.
The parrothead shenanigans continue in The Villages this Saturday, Aug. 30, from 1 to 8 p.m. at Holy Shmokes cigar and wine bar. In its second year, the celebration features a full day of island vibes, music, food and fun as Holy Shmokes honors Jimmy Buffett DJ Tim & Moe spin Buffett favorites, share memories and trivia.
A Caribbean-inspired buffet will be served 2-5 p.m. Mystic Ice Cream will provide desserts 4-6 p.m. Live music from The Crimson Sunset Duo and island music will also be on tap. Holy Shmokes is located at 1521 Buenos Aires Blvd., The Villages. Details: 352-298-3691.
In Mount Dora, Buffett fans can head to the Pirates and Parrots Festival from 2 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30, at Evans Park, 100 N. Donnelly St. Propaganjah plays its island-inspired tunes from 2 to 5 p.m., and then the Jimmy Buffett Tribute band, the Landsharks, plays at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $25. Details: Call Brian Gamble at 352-388-5055 or email info@firefightercharityCF.org
Harry O at Hamrick in downtown Leesburg
Treat yourself or your sweetheart to a cozy-chic date night at one of downtown Leesburg’s friendliest lounges. At 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30, Harry O plays jazz and blues while you knock back a cab.
Who is Harry O? He’s Harry O. Jackson, a veteran musician who performs througout our area and is a guitarist for bands like Harry O and Friends and the Mount Dora Jazz Band. He’s played with Chico Banks, The Bel-Aires, Buddy Guy, Michael Hill’s Blues Mob, Sonny Rhodes and Bobby Rush other noteable musicians.
Hamrick Farms Vinyard & Emporium is located at 118 S. Second St., Leesburg. Details: hamrickfamilyvineyards@gmail.com
‘Build a dinosaur panel’ and exhibit at Lake Square Mall
Want to add some extra pow to the kids’ room? Take them to learn how to build a dinosaur panel with Planet Earth Sculpture, the designers behind the Jurassic Mall exhibit at Lake Square Mall in Leesburg. The workshop takes place at noon on Saturday, Aug. 30, in Room 50 next to Treasure Marts. Seating is first-come, first-served. The true-to-life dinosaur sculpture exhibit also continues this weekend. Details: 352-787-1200.
Animal rescue benefits offer good karma and fun
Help raise money and supplies for a O-HAR Open Hands Animal Rescue at Fire Rock in the Ocala National Forest, around 20 minutes from Altoona, 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 31. While you spend money on four-legged cause, The Horde of Culture will be rocking the crowd, and Fire Rock Pub will have 50/50 raffles all day. For every donation made, you will recieve a raffle ticket for our Firerock Swag basket.
The Munchie Hut food truck be on hand too. Donations needed for the animal rescue include towels, sheets, blankets, puppy pads, pet food, snacks, toys, large dog beds and healthcare items. Details: 352-289-4494.
If you live further south, head to Grace O’Malley’s Public House for “Ditches to Riches.”Come out and meet the Rescue Rebels team along with some of their adorable alumni on Sunday, Aug. 31, from noon to 3 p.m. at 2400 S. U.S. 27, Clermont. Details: 352-227-3155.
A look ahead …
Gal-pal comedy kicks off Melon Patch Players’ season
It’s almost fall. That means that the Melon Patch Players are kicking off their first full season at the Tropic Theater with “Nana Does Vegas,” which runs Sept. 5-21 at the Tropic Theater in Leesburg.
The endearing comedic play, written by Katherine DiSavino, follows an elderly woman, Nana, who moves to Las Vegas with pal Vera after they receive an unexpected offer to work as seamstresses for a show. As you can imagine, the duo experiences challenges and madcap adventures while in Sin City.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students with IDs. Shows are Friday and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday. The Tropic Theater is located at 122 W. Main St. in Leesburg. MPP’s 2025-26 season also features “Godspell,” Oct. 24-Nov. 9, and “A Christmas Carol,” Dec 5-21. Details: melonpatchplayers.org.
Hispanic Heritage Month art show and fiesta in Leesburg
The Leesburg Arts Center will open a new group exhibition, “Expressions,” on Friday, Sept. 12, featuring works curated by Vidal Torres and Wanda Pedrosa. The show kicks off with an opening reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Featured artists include Andres Rivera, Blanca Rosado, Fernando A. Martinez, Jose Sanchez, Luis Mendez, Sara de Jesus, Vidal Torres and Wanda Pedrosa.
The exhibition is held in conjunction with two events produced by Leesburg Special Events: Discover Leesburg, also on Sept. 12, and Fiesta en la Plaza, at Leesburg Towne Square on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 5 to 9 p.m., an evening filled with live music, cultural foods and other fun. DJ Boom and Latin Bridge Band are scheduled to entertain the crowd.
For details about the art show, email director@leesburgarts.com. To inquire about Discover Leesburg and the Fiesta en la Plaza, email specialevents@leesburgflorida.gov
Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day celebration at McCracken’s
It isn’t too early to get yer Irish up. McCracken’s Irish Pub celebrates St. Patty’s twice this year. Head to the popular downtown Leesburg bar and grill for their annual Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Party from 4 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13.
They are serving up Irish food and drink specials including corned beef, Scotch eggs, green beer, shamrock sours, shots and more. Trivia buffs can play free team trivia. Sign up at 4:30 p.m. or compete in the “Split the ‘G’ contests for Guinness lovers all day.
According to Food Republic, the game has fans of the cherished stout gulping down enough of their draught so that when the glass is set back down, the horizon between the residual beer and foam bisects the word “Guinness” labeled on the pint.
There’s also a costume contest at 7 p.m. that awards revelers showing off the most Irish pride. A free 360 photobooth, giveaways and prizes will also be featured. The pub-restaurant is located at 719 W. Main St., Leesburg. Details: facebook.com/mccrackensirishpub
Father-Daughter dance in Lady Lake
Dance the Charleston and enjoy an evening of 1920s glitz and glamor at the Town of Lady Lake’s Roaring ’20s Father-Daughter Dance on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Held at the Lady Lake Community Building, 237 W. Guava St., the dance encourages dressing up in flapper dresses, feathered headbands, pinstripes, and fedoras for a chance to win the costume contest and take part in a fun selfie challenge with great prizes. The evening includes dancing, dinner and themed décor that will transport guests back to the 1920s.
Tickets are $10 per person and must be purchased in advance by Wednesday, Sept. 10. Tickets are available at the Lady Lake Library and Town Hall during regular business hours. Details: Call 352-205-2826 or email events@ladylake.org.
Book fair premieres in Mount Dora
Barrel of Books and Games presents the first-ever Mount Dora Book Expo on Saturday, Sept. 20. Fifteen authors from the Writers League of The Villages and others will be featured from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Donnelly Park, 530 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora.
Books by the featured authors cover a wide range of genres, including children’s books, science fiction, thrillers, mystery, poetry, self-help and history. Many of the exhibitors have won top awards in state and international competitions.
Bestselling children’s author Taryn Souders and Publisher/Editor Bill Opperman will speak and answer questions. Aspiring authors are encouraged to attend. Barrel of Books is located at 530 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora. Details: https://barrelofbooksandgames.com/pages/2025-book-expo
Bigfoot & Skunk Ape expo in Ocklawaha
Bigfoot World, Cryptids and the Paranormal Researchers of Central Florida gathers Floridians curious about weird lore at 777 S. 314A, Ocklawaha, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20. Participants will share exclusive clips of their reported evidence collected deep within the Ocala National Forest. Attendees can check out Bigfoot structures, signs and theories from their fieldwork.
Dive into the paranormal side of Central Florida’s strangest happenings. Meet local researchers, investigators and “fellow believers.” Light refreshments will be provided. Contact Kathy Westerman on Facebook for details.
Viva La Frida Festival in Mount Dora
Kick off Hispanic Heritage Month with a festive bang and enjoy a colorful, culturally enriching homage to the late great Frida Kahlo on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mount Dora Center for the Arts celebrates the diversity and artistic creativity of the famous Mexican artist with an outdoor fiesta that features a variety of food vendors, dancing, music and a free kids art zone.
Come dressed up like Frida to compete to win a basket of goodies. Community outreach groups will also be on hand to offer services to Spanish-speaking families. Details: facebook.com/MountDora
Phantasmagoria XVI: ‘Hauntingly Whimsical Tales’
The roving multitalented performers of Phantasmagoria take us on a journey through the tales of author Edward Gorey in celebration of his 100th birthday. Expect nods to “The Beastly Baby,” “The Wuggly Ump” or “The Gashlycrumb Tinies” along with other Gorey stories, reimagined through performative storytelling, ghostly dances, puppetry, projections, original music and more.
“Renowned for his intricate pen-and-ink drawings, clever storytelling and a distinctive blend of elegance and playful whimsy, he left an indelible mark on the worlds of art, literature, and design,” says the Edward Gorey website, EdwardGorey.org.
The Melon Patch Players will pay tribute to the legendary and darkly enchanting author/illustrator on the weekend of Oct. 3-4 at the Tropic Theater, 122 W. Main St., Leesburg. Check out the event’s Facebook page for ticket link and updates.
Back the Blue 5K at Leesburg Int’l Airport
Talk about a project runway! The Leesburg Blue Foundation 5K invites runners to hoof it again on the runway of the Leesburg International Airport. Presented by Sunair Aviation, the event returns on Saturday, Oct. 4. As per tradition, all proceeds raised will go to the Leesburg Police Department through the Leesburg Blue Foundation. Participants can walk or run. Check in at 6 p.m. Race is at 7. Details: runsignup.com/…/Leesburg/LeesburgBlueFoundation5K
Gulf tournament to support disaster relief efforts
The Orange Blossom Gardens Lions Club has announced a $1,000 sponsorship of the First Annual District 35-O Golf Tournament. The event raises funds for disaster relief initiatives across Central Florida. The tournament, organized by Lions Club District 35-O, takes to the greens on Saturday, Oct. 4, at Harbor Hills Country Club in Lady Lake.
The tournament will feature an 8 a.m. shotgun start, with check-in beginning at 7 a.m. The entry fee is $100 per person or $400 for a team of four, which includes lunch. Attendees can also participate in raffles and compete for prizes throughout the day. Details: outreach@obglions.com
Planning an event? Email us details and photos at news@dailycommercial.com
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: 10 things to do this weekend plus a look ahead in the greater Lake County area
Reporting by Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial / Daily Commercial
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