Springtime is officially arriving in splendid style this sunny, warm weekend (according to the Weather Channel).
Enjoy outdoor events in Leesburg and Mount Dora, and some notable performances hit the stage across Lake and Sumter counties.
Melon Patch Players to ‘Ride the Cyclone’
Melon Patch Players Artistic Director Dustin Lavine describes “Ride the Cyclone” as a “hilarious and outlandish story,” centering on the (after) lives of six teenagers from a Canadian chamber choir; lives cut short “in a freak accident aboard a roller coaster.” Runs March 20-April 4. Details: melonpatchplayers.org/#cyclone
African Children’s Choir to perform in Groveland
The African Children’s Choir performs at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 20, at Hope International Church, 13806 State Road 33, Groveland. Said the group’s representatives: “We have 17 children in the Ugandan choir, ages 8 to 10. Local families host the group in their homes, where they share and learn about new customs, food and culture.” Details: 352-429-4722.
See ‘Percy Jackson’ live in ‘The Lightning Thief’
The Bay Street Players in Eustis will be performing “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” on Thursday-Saturday, March 29-21, at 7:30 p.m. The show continues through March 29 and stars Nick Allison as Percy Jackson, Briana Lopez as Nick Allison and Crosby Dold as Grover Underwood.
On March 27, the cast will perform a visually impaired-assisted performance with audio descriptions that help theatergoers who are blind or have low vision enjoy the show. See the Greek Mythology-inspired coming-of-age adventure at the State Theatre (similar adaptation to hit Disney Plus TV series), 109 N. Bay St., Eustis. Tickets and other details at eustisstatetheatre.org
Spring concerts kick off in Lady Lake
The Town of Lady Lake is once again presenting the annual Sounds of Spring Concert Series. The free fest is aimed at bringing the community together to enjoy pleasant weather, fun, food and live entertainment, under the lush oak canopy of Snooky Park, 120 Lady Lake Blvd.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, March 21, the town presents the sounds of the ’60s, featuring “Peace of Woodstock,” the first of a three-part concert series headlined by tribute and cover bands. Attendees can also enjoy food trucks, beverages and more. The fest returns April 18 with Think Big as the headliner.
New this year, Lady Lake is offering seven levels of VIP service, including, at a minimum, a picnic blanket rental, two chair rentals, a souvenir picnic basket with snacks for two and water. Beer and wine are available for purchase. Details: Call Amy Alicea at 352-205-3826 or text SpringConcerts26 to 38276.
‘Guys & Dolls’ continues at IceHouse Theatre
Set in a mythical Manhattan of the 1950s, the Tony-winning “Guys and Dolls” is charming, funny and sassy with a brassy score, such as the aforementioned “Luck Be a Lady”; “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” and “I’ve Never Been in Love Before,” Take Back Your Mink, along with other classic numbers. The show runs from March 20 through April 12.
The cast includes Britton Hollingsworth as Sky Masterson, Christie Duffer as Sarah Brown, Kevin Kriegel as Nathan Detroit, and many other local and regional performers. Darlin Barry directs. The theater is located at 1110 N. Unser St., Mount Dora. Details: 352-383-4616 or icehousetheatre.com.
Blooms & Brews usher in springtime in Leesburg
Join Leesburg for the third annual Blooms & Brews on Saturday, March 21, from noon “until supplies last” (or 3 p.m.) at Leesburg Towne Square.
The event is free and first-come, first-served and is open to guests ages 21 and older. Instructions: “Check in at Towne Square to receive your official stroll map, then explore participating local businesses throughout downtown. Each stop will provide a beautiful flower along with a featured beer sample or specialty drink. By the end of your stroll, you will have a handcrafted bouquet in one hand and have enjoyed refreshing samples along the way.”
See the event page on Facebook for details.
‘Meet Florida Meat’: beefy sendoff at Great Scott Farms
Meet Florida Meat (formerly Meet the Meat) is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, March 21-22 with more than 20 Florida farmers and ranchers selling farm-direct products that are 100% born, fed, and processed in the state. The festival is one of the last at Great Scott Farms, 26216 County Road 448A, Mount Dora, before the farm relocates elsewhere. Email farm@longandscottfarms.com
Mount Dora Spring Festival of Arts & Crafts returns
The Mount Dora Spring Festival of Arts and Crafts is consistently ranked as one of the top craft festivals in America by Sunshine Artist Magazine. It’s a free two-day celebration featuring more than 250 curated exhibitors showcasing an eclectic mix of original fine art and handmade crafts, including jewelry, pottery, textiles, and woodwork. Visitors can stroll through the vibrant streets from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, Saturday and Sunday, March 21-22, to browse artists and vendors while enjoying festival food, beer, wine and cocktails. Details: MountDoraSpringfest.com
72nd annual Regatta to set sail on Lake Dora
The 72nd annual Sailboat Regatta sets sail on Saturday, March 21, and Sunday, March 22, with events at the lakefront parks of Mount Dora. The historic regatta is one of the oldest in the state. Details: 352-735-7183.
Jay and the Americans at The Villages
Catch a real-life band from the mid-to-late 20th century this weekend in The Villages at the Savannah Center at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 21. The singers in Jay and the Americans are known for “powerful, multi-octave vocals … combined with a polished, Phil Spector-influenced, and often dramatic orchestration, as noted by HistoryofRock.com. Their hits include “Come a Little Bit Closer,” “Cara Mia,” and “This Magic Moment.” Expect to hear their hits and covers at 1545 N. Buena Vista Blvd. Details: thevillagesentertainment.com
East Lake Heritage Festival celebrates local history in Sorrento
The 12th annual East Lake Heritage Festival entertains and enlightens Lake County folks curious about local lore this Saturday and Sunday, March 21-22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Rock Springs Run State Reserve, 30601 County Road 433, Sorrento. Admission is free.
Presented by the East Lake Historical Society, the Wekiva Wilderness Trust, and the Friends of Ethel, this year’s festival is also a celebration of America’s 250th Birthday and will feature storytelling by reenactors, who demonstrate life in the late 1800s when the nearby (ghost) town of Ethel was a thriving community before mysteriously disappearing in the 1920s. Rumor has it that a replica of an 1888 pioneer log cabin is expected to be unveiled.
The event also features live music, arts and craft vendors, historical exhibits, and activities for kids. Details: https://www.facebook.com/p/East-Lake-Historical-Society-Inc-100064789923892/
‘Whose Line is it Anyway’ stars to headline The Tracy
Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood: “Asking for Trouble” stars two titans of improv comedy, especially Mochrie, who comes across as low-key and polite but can get zany and oh-so-clever onstage. His and Sherwood’s touring show is a completely improvised performance that relies heavily on audience suggestions and participation to create a unique, unscripted evening of comedy. They’re both known for their longstanding stints on “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” See the dynamic comedy duo live at The Tracy Performing Arts Center at shows scheduled for Sunday and Monday, March 22 and 23, which were rescheduled from January dates. Details thetracy.com
Read a fun, in-depth interview with Mochrie at dailycommercial.com
A look ahead …
Pig on the Pond brings springtime fun to Clermont
Join Clermont for a fun-filled day at Waterfront Park from Friday, March 27, through Sunday, March 29, during the city’s annual Pig on the Pond Community Festival, which raises funds for local students’ scholarships with proceeds from barbecue vendors and others. Expect live music and a variety of entertainment. Waterfront Park is at 100 Third St., Clermont. Details: eventbrite.com
First-ever ‘Japan Festival’ comes to Eustis
Immerse yourself and your family in all things Japanese at the Japan Festival Eustis, an extensive cultural celebration presented by the Arching Oaks Art and Culture Center and the city of Eustis. The inaugural event has a wide array of events planned in downtown Eustis all day on Saturday, March 28.
Visitors can expect a packed schedule featuring Taiko drum performances, traditional Japanese dance, and Koto harp music, along with martial arts demonstrations such as Kyudo (archery) and Kendo. Hands-on experiences such as mini-arts classes in Shibori and Origami, a dedicated kids’ zone, an interactive gaming area and a cosplay contest are just some of the events planned.
“With authentic food vendors and a large-scale Shodo calligraphy demonstration, the festival serves as a bridge for cultural exchange and community connection in Central Florida,” organizers say. Details: archingoaks.org/festival-event-info-page.html
‘Food Wars’ invade Wooton Park
The 2026 Taste of Tavares Food Wars features samplings, entertainment and a business expo from 6 to 9 p.m. on April 2 at Wooton Park along the shore of Lake Dora in Tavares. The event features 500 samples, sponsorship and samplings with live entertainment (to be announced) and a centerpiece contest. Attendees cast ballots for their favorites in boxes at the vendor’s booths. Food trucks and a bounce house are also planned. Early bird pricing is $45. First responder discount: $5. Cost at the event is $50. For more information, call the Tavares Chamber at 352-343-2531.
Leesburg to fry up fun again at Mote Morris House
The 8th Annual Leesburg Fish Fry 2026 will bring all ages together for a time-honored tradition to the downtown community from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, at the historic Mote-Morris House, 195 W Magnolia St.
Says the Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce: “It’s not just about the food — this event is all about community, great company, and Southern hospitality at its best. Kick back with live music, share laughs with friends, and soak in the festive atmosphere. Come hungry, bring your crew, and let’s fry up some fun!” Tickets cost $35 in advance, $40 at the event. (Kids’ tickets are only available at the door or by calling the chamber.) Visit zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/fish-fry-16
Celebrate Easter with the kids at Amber Brooke Farms
Amber Brooke Farms Easter Celebration in Eustis is always one of the farm’s favorite spring events, we’re told. More details coming. The event takes place Saturday and Sunday, March 28-29 and on Saturday, April 4, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Details: amberbrookefarms.com/eustis
5K planned for Child Abuse Awareness Week in Tavares
The Tavares Police Department, in collaboration with the Tavares Police Charity, is organizing a 5K race in Wooton Park at 100 E. Ruby St., Tavares, on Saturday, April 4. The city hopes to raise awareness and support efforts to prevent child abuse in a community where a tragic child murder committed by parents made national headlines in 2024.
The race will begin at 8 a.m. and check-in will begin at 7 a.m. Registration fee is $35. Says the city: “We encourage anyone interested to sign up and ask that all participants and attendees wear the color blue in support of Child Abuse Awareness Month.” https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Tavares/ChildAbuseAwareness5K or the Tavares Police Department and Tavares Police Charity Facebook pages.
Ice Cream Stroll to cool off downtown Mount Dora
The Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce announced that the Mount Dora Ice Cream Stroll is returning from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 12, and is “expanding significantly this spring,” according to the city. This year’s event will feature 25 ice cream flavors served at 25 downtown businesses as part of a self-guided tasting tour through historic downtown Mount Dora. The event is also introducing a first-ever Pup Walk, powered by DogTuff, welcoming dogs to join the stroll with special treats along the route. Details: mountdora.com
Leesburg Bikefest 2026 rocks historic downtown
Leesburg Bikefest runs from Friday, April 24, to Sunday, April 26. This world-renowned event features dozens of concerts, bike shows and pro wrestling in historic downtown Leesburg, with the main stage, headlined by Lita Ford, Everclear and Sister Hazel at the Towne Hall Square, 501 W. Meadow St.
Here’s what to expect so far:
.Details: leesburgbikefest.com
The Mount Dora Blueberry Festival returns
The Mount Dora Blueberry Festival is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, April 25-26. The event features local blueberry vendors, crafts, and live entertainment at Donnelly Park, 530 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora. Details: 352-735-7183.
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: 12 things to do this weekend (plus a look ahead)
Reporting by Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial / Daily Commercial
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
