In case you missed the Easter season fun, it’s not too late. Enjoy free all-American festing this weekend at Easter egg hunts in Mascotte and during Discover Leesburg on Saturday, as well as the 2nd Friday Block Party in Groveland and the Mount Dora Chamber of Commerce’s annual Ice Cream Stroll in the city’s historic downtown on Sunday.
Learn more and check out what else is going on below:
Hunt Easter eggs at Discover Leesburg
Head to downtown Leesburg for its second Friday celebration from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 10, for the Discover Leesburg Easter Egg Hunt. The event will feature live music, food trucks and a hunt for colorful Easter eggs, each packed with surprises from local merchants. “No maps, no registration, no stress,” the city’s special events folks say.
Music headliner Johnathan O’Gilvie is an Orlando-based artist and producer who specializes in “R&B with a personal twist,” adding elements of “smooth, dreamy, dark synth sounds” into his music. Check the Discover Leesburg Facebook event page for details and updates, or call 352-365-0053.
2nd Friday Block Party packs free fun in Groveland
It’s time again for the 2nd Friday Block Party at Lake David from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 10, at 450 S. Lake Ave, Groveland. The free, family friendly event takes place at Lake David Park off Broad Street and Lake Avenue, and features a street market filled with artisans and vendors. Live music can be enjoyed from the park’s bandshell while exploring a diverse food truck rally and a “Kid Zone.” Since seating at the venue is limited, it is highly recommended to bring your own lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the performances comfortably on the lawn. Details: Email parks-rec@groveland-fl.gov.
The Lake County Fair returns to Eustis
The 105th annual Lake County Fair returns to Eustis April 10-19 at 2101 County Road 452. Expect the usual: rides, livestock auctions, entertainment and food. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. on weekdays and from 1 to 10 p.m. on weekends. Details: lakecofair.com
Spring Craft Market 2026 at Sumter farm venue
The Brown’s Spring Craft Market 2026 offers a day of shopping and community fun with free parking and admission at Brown’s Adventure Farm, 13940 U.S. 301, Oxford. Starting at 10 a.m. and running until 3 p.m. Saturday, April 11, you can wander through a massive selection of more than 150 vendors offering everything from handmade jewelry and wreaths to garden decor, beauty products, and homemade baked goods. On-site food trucks will feed hungry attendees. To stay updated on specific vendor and food truck profiles, be sure to follow their Facebook event page or visit brownsadventurefarm.com.
Lake Beautyberry Native Plant Sale in Mount Dora
The Lake Beautyberry Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society is hosting a native plant sale from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 11, at the W.T. Bland Public Library in Mount Dora. Browse plants that naturally grow in Florida, including trees, shrubs, and pollinator-friendly flowers, with expert advice available, at 1995 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora. Details: lakebeautyberry.fnpschapters.org
Interactive murder mystery ‘Just Desserts’ premieres
Get out your magnifying glass and Sherlock Holmes hat for an evening of mystery, laughter and audience participation at the Grand Oaks Resort, when Stellar Stage Multimedia Productions presents “Just Desserts,” an interactive murder mystery play written by Craig Sodaro, Thursday-Saturday, April 9-11, at 5 p.m.
Set during a charming Victorian-style bake-off, “Just Desserts” invites guests to step into the story as more than just spectators. When tensions rise and a crime is committed, audience members are encouraged to follow the clues and help solve the mystery alongside Miss Peabody, the show’s determined sleuth. Adding to the fun, guests are invited to participate in a Victorian-themed costume contest, with prizes awarded for best dressed. Winners will receive free tickets to an upcoming Stellar Stage production.
The evening also includes dinner, with menu selections featuring baked chicken, baked flounder, and tortellini with pesto. Tickets are $60 general admission and $68 VIP (first three rows). Group discounts are also available. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit StellarStageShows.com. For group rates, call 916-439-3600.
Worth the trip: Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa
The 2026 Gasparilla Music Festival, aka GMF, appeals to music lovers of diverse tastes and takes place Friday-Sunday, April 10-12, at the new 11.5-acre Meridian Fields venue, located at 101 S Meridian Ave. in Tampa. The event runs from 3 to 11 p.m. all three days. Wu-Tang Clan’s GZA, with live band Funky Nomads, headlines Friday night. Other acts include Drive-By Truckers, Mt. Joy, Shakey Graves, Gov’t Mule and many more. Details: Tampa.gov.
Sand Ballerz Candy Land Showdown volleyball and fest in Tavares
Join Tavares for the Sand Ballerz 6th Annual “Candy Land Showdown” Sand Volleyball Tournament Festival. We’re told it’s a “highly entertaining, festival atmosphere,” with hourly prize giveaways, humorous team names, a costume contest, food vendors and a DJ. Saturday and Sunday, April 11-12, at Hickory Point Recreational Park27341 State Road 19, with games from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Details: https://volleyballlife.com/event/34670?tab=information
Voices of Oz Benefit Concert at Eustis’ State Theatre
The historic State Theatre in Eustis will host the Voices of Oz Benefit Concert at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, featuring music from “Wicked” and “The Wizard of Oz” alongside character meet-and-greets. The free, family-friendly event includes a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction to support live theatre in Lake County, with donations encouraged to help maintain the landmark venue. Learn more about the event on the Facebook event page. The State Theatre is located at 109 N. Bay St., Eustis. Learn more at eustisstatetheatre.org
Last chance to see ‘Guys & Dolls’ 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 Thursday, April 11, through Sunday, April 12.
Starts 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.
Easter Egg hunt and autism awareness event in Mascotte
Join the city of Mascotte for its Hop Into Autism & Easter Egg Hunt Event from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, at the Mascotte Civic Center. The event celebrates Autism Awareness with Easter activities for families. The Easter Egg Hunt will begin promptly at 3:00 p.m., so be sure to arrive early and get ready for the fun at 121 N. Sunset Ave., Mascotte. Details: 352-557-8847, community@cityofmascotte.com
‘Sunday Funday’ with insects at Trout Lake Nature Center
Discover the hidden world of insects at Trout Lake Nature Center’s final Sunday Funday of the season from 1 to 3 p.m. on April 12. Designed for families, curious learners and nature enthusiasts of all ages, the interactive afternoon runs from 1 to 3 p.m. and highlights the vital roles insects play in keeping ecosystems healthy and thriving.
Explore hands-on learning stations at your own pace, gaining a closer look at how insects help grow our food, enrich soil, and sustain the birds and wildlife we see every day. Two guided trail walks led by Clyde Stephens will provide an up-close look at insects in their natural habitat at Trout Lake Nature Center, with walks scheduled from 1:15 to 1:45 p.m. and 2:15 to 2:45 p.m. Visitors are also welcome to explore the trails independently for their own discoveries. No registration is required. $5 per vehicle for non-members. Details: troutlakenaturecenter.com
Ice Cream Stroll & Pup Walk in Mount Dora
The Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce’s 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.
Waffles & Cream and Mystic Ice Cream are new additions to the event. Mystic recently opened a new location in Mount Dora and is known for its smooth, all-natural ice creams and rotating lineup of more than 30 flavors, including a standout selection of adult, alcohol-infused creations. Flavors featured during the stroll include Kahlúa Fudge Brownie, Bailey’s, Butterscotch Crunch and other luscious blends.
During the stroll, you can sample tempting flavors at Waffles & Cream, including Amaretto Cherry, Cool Mint Cookie, Eskimo Kisses, and Moose Tracks, along with pineapple Dole soft serve available at the Waffles & Cream storefront.
Scoops on 5th, an established favorite in downtown Mount Dora, serves a wide selection of Hershey’s Ice Cream and homemade Sweet Alps Ice Cream. Ice Cream Stroll flavors include Award-Winning Chocolate, Coffee, Cookie Monster, Cotton Candy Cloud, Cookies & Cream, Banana Crunch Toffee, Pistachio, Biscoff, Ooey Gooey Butter Cake and Wild Strawberry.
Twenty-five downtown Mount Dora businesses will serve as official Ice Cream Stroll stops. 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
A look ahead …
Free ‘Thoreau’ event at Mead Botanical Gardens
WUCF will host a free community screening and conversation in celebration of Earth Month, featuring the revered voice of American literature on living “deliberately” and cherishing our natural surroundings. Scenes from the multipart Ken Burns documentary ‘Henry David Thoreau’ will be featured at Orlando’s Mead Botanical Gardens on Thursday, April 16, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
According to the University of Central Florida’s public radio station, “the event is part of a broader, grant-supported initiative that enables WUCF to extend the impact of the documentary beyond broadcast. WUCF received funding through a national grant from WETA, with support from multiple foundations, to bring the film into the community and develop related educational resources.
“This support allows us to take a national program and make it meaningful at the local level,” said Jennifer Cook, executive director of WUCF, in a media release. “It’s about creating opportunities for our community to engage with these ideas in ways that feel relevant to their own lives and surroundings.” Details: wucf.org
Prom night inspired by ‘Coming to America’
Enjoy regal elegance, African-inspired culture and dancing at the Coming 2 America Prom, presented by Kids of Distinction Childcare Learning Centers in partnership with Christian Worship Center.
Inspired by the regal beauty and rich heritage portrayed in the Eddie Murphy classic ’80s comedy “Coming to America,” this unforgettable night will feature an atmosphere of elegant, vibrant decor, guests are encouraged to come dressed in their finest formal or African-inspired attire for fellowship, music, photos and more, 7 p.m. Friday, April 17, at the Venetian Center, 1 Dozier Circle, Leesburg. Tickets are $25 per person. Tickets at ChristianWorshipCenters.com. Details: 352-365-1709.
Sounds of Spring Concert Series 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.
The next installment takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, 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.
Red, White & Blueberry Festival at Amber Brooke Farms
Amber Brooke Farms invites the community to celebrate the height of the season at the inaugural Red, White & Blueberry Festival, festing it up across two weekends, April 18-26. The inaugural event celebrates the nation’s 250th anniversary and marks the official opening of the farm’s blueberry fields, located at 36111 County Rd 44A, Eustis.
Attendees can enjoy a full day of patriotic-themed farm fun, starting in the fields with 20% off all U-Pick blueberries. Beyond the picking rows, the festival grounds will feature a display of military vehicles, festive photo opportunities, and over 20 family-friendly activities, including the Sunflower Express farm tour, a petting zoo and pony rides.
Expect live music and a variety of local food trucks serving seasonal fare. For adults, the event features Island Grove wine tastings and a daily happy hour from 2 to 3 p.m. Details: amberbrookefarms.com
Pop-up concert series in downtown Eustis
It’s beginning to feel more like summer in Florida, so the North Bay Collective is moving the start time of its monthly downtown concert series to bring “cool, soulful sounds to the heart of downtown Eustis later in the day.”
The Pop-Up Concert Series will feature a distinguished New York multi-instrumentalist, Brian Scherer, as its April headliner, who’ll be performing live on Saturday, April 18, along McCulloch’s Alley in downtown Eustis. According to his bio, Sherer is a “central New York favorite,” and he has been a regular performer with the Desantis Orchestra, Funky Jazz Band, ESP, Blue Norther, Stroke and several others.
“To maximize community comfort and take advantage of the changing daylight hours,” the North Bay Collective has changed the start time of the concert in McCulloch Alley to 4 p.m. to allow attendees to “enjoy the transition from afternoon into the cooler ‘golden hour’ as the sun drops behind the historic buildings.” Details: pinesmoke.com
Community Church Family Night: ‘Experience Cuba’
Community United Methodist Church, 309 College Ave., Fruitland Park, is hosting Experience Cuba as part of its Family Night events at 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, in the Family Life Center. Admission is free and includes dinner, crafts, games, photos and stories of life in Cuba. Family Game Night is at 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 3. Also free. Details: 352-787-1829 or visit communityumc.church.
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:
The VIP option offers exclusive perks like a buffet of brunch favorites, including shrimp & grits, crispy chicken & waffles, and all the fixings, plus private VIP restrooms, complimentary Bloody Mary or mimosa, access to a private cash bar and up-close access to the front of the stage.
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.
Lake County History Celebration in Tavares
Join the community for a day of family-friendly fun from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, at the Lake County History Celebration. The free event takes place, fittingly, at the Lake County Historical Museum, located at 317 W Main St., Tavares, in the old county courthouse. Attendees of all ages can enjoy a variety of activities, including a petting zoo, face painting, arts and crafts, live music, and food. For those feeling lucky, $5 raffle tickets will be available for a chance to win exciting prizes such as Orlando Magic tickets and golf rounds. Details: LakeCountyHistoricalMuseum.org
Inaugural ‘Cultures Around Us’ in downtown Leesburg
New in Leesburg, the Cultures Around Us festival and exhibition will debut on Sunday, May 3, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. with international foods, dance, music and art at South Fourth Street and Artist with a Purpose. The event’s exhibition will feature Melina Alegría, whose work is rooted in her Puerto Rican heritage, “using bold colors, movement, and powerful figures to honor history while reflecting the present,” according to her artist statement. Alegria will debut three new works created for the ‘Cultures Around Us’ exhibition. Also featured: Gabriela Burlamaqui, who focuses on “showing the beauty of nature in a unique way, highlighting details that are often missed.” Brazil’s culture, landscapes, plants, and fruits inspire her most. Details: eventbrite.com
City of Leesburg Memorial Day Program
Promoted as a “solemn and meaningful morning of remembrance” event, Leesburg’s Memorial Day Program will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, at Veterans Memorial Park. According to the Leesburg Special Events folks, the event will be held “in honor of the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation and marks the 250th anniversary of America. “This gathering is a time for reflection, gratitude, and unity within our community,” the city officials added. The event will feature Tunnels to Towers Ambassador, John Manning, ceremonial tributes and a patriotic musical performance by the King Guys Band. Details: Call 352-365-0053 or email specialevents@leesburgflorida.gov
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: 13 things to do this weekend (plus a look ahead)
Reporting by Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial / Daily Commercial
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
