Easter involves a basket of old religious and cultural traditions, but in the 21st century, the Easter egg hunt remains a favorite with event organizers hiding thousands of colorful plastic eggs filled with goodies and even deploying helicopters to drop them.
Here’s where to dispatch the kids to find eggs and where you can nosh and browse at free festivals and festivities, along with license-free fishing, this warm-weather weekend.
Eustis Easter Egg Hunt this Friday
Gather your posse of colorful egg retrievers and head to Ferran Park Eustis Easter Egg Hunt. Hunts will be scheduled by age. The schedule by age group is as follows:
The event takes place at 250 Ferran Park Drive, just outside downtown Eustis. Details: 352-357-7969 or email recreation@eustis.org
Bunny, egg hunt, craft fair at Lake Square Mall
Families can get their portrait taken with the Easter Bunny at Lake Square Mall. Prices range from $24 to $34, and sessions take place from 2 to 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, April 2-3, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 4. Also, this Saturday, the mall will host an Easter Egg Hunt from noon to 1 p.m. and the Hipppity Hoppity Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Flower arranger Sharon Danielhas designed the Blooming Bloo Rose Egg Experience, a floral installation at Lake Square Mall through Saturday, April 9. Lake Square Mall is located at 10401 U.S. 441, Leesburg. Details: lakesquaremall.com
Annual horseback Easter Egg Hunt returns to Umatilla
On Saturday, April 4, starting at 10 a.m., the anticipated annual Horseback Easter Egg Hunt at Black Horse Ranch is a Lake County favorite. The event includes a trail ride scavenger hunt, which invites riders to scope out gold and silver eggs along the way, a “candy bar” full of goodies, and camping opportunities. “Nestled in a nook of the Ocala Forest, Black Horse Ranch is a place to enjoy nature, horses, camping, and good company,” the owner says on Facebook.
Also, of his year’s event, owner JoAnn Cosgrove tells us to “stay tuned for the prizes that we will dish out this year.” … Last year awarded a stand-up hay feeder, handmade tack, cash and a group weekend stay at Black Horse Ranch. “The prize list was steep, and the competition was steeper.”
Text 352-718-2270 to book your camping stay and register for the event. You must register before the event. More details and updates on the Facebook event page.
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 death 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.
Celebrate decade of ‘Bikes & BBQ 4 Autism’
Get ready to rev your engines for a cause as Bikes & BBQ 4 Autism Inc. and Gator Harley-Davidson host their 10th annual Bikes & BBQ 4 Autism from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 4. The milestone community ride, aimed at raising awareness and acceptance, kicks off at Gator Harley-Davidson in Leesburg with registration at 9 a.m. and kickstands up at 10:30 a.m.
Whether you’re on two wheels or four — all vehicles are welcome — the route includes stops at Great Chicago Fire, Crossroads 44, and CR Sports Bar before heading to the Dirty South Saloon for a massive after-party. Starting at 11:30 a.m., a barbecue will be open to the public, provided by Gators Back Yard BBQ and live music from Catherine Wright and the Dive Bar Rockers. The celebration will also feature raffles, a silent auction and prizes for the best hand. Dirty South Saloon is located at 1850 U.S. 441, Leesburg. Details: 352-801-7962.
Four Corners Easter Event & Kid Business Fair
Stop by for fun for the whole family at the Four Corners Spring Festival & Kids Business Fair on Saturday, April 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. by the Cagan Crossings Community Library, 16729 Cagan Oaks, Clermont. Take the kids to snap a pic with the Easter Bunny, shop in the Kids Business Fair, pet critters, take a horse ride or jump in a bounce house, play games and more. Details: cagancrossings.com/four-corners-spring-festival
Groveland Easter Celebration & Egg Hunt
In Groveland, the hunt is on for kids in different age groups at the town’s annual Easter Celebration & Egg Hunt at Cherry Lake Park, 131 Wilson Lake Parkway, and there’s fun for all ages with crafters showing off their decor and wares, food and beverage vendors. Get a photo taken with the Easter Bunny, rock out to tunes spun by a DJ, and romp around a Kids Zone. The fun happens from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 4.
The following are egg hunt start times by age group:
Details: groveland-fl.gov
Arts & Crafts Fest and Hometown Market in The Villages
The Hometown Market, a weekly shopping event with fresh local produce and handmade goods. will move to Lake Sumter Landing on Saturday, April 4.
The Brownwood Paddock Square Arts & Crafts Festival will take place at the Wildwood-area community this Saturday and Sunday, April 4-5, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring creative works in a variety of media, live music and food trucks. Details: thevillagesentertainment.com/festivals-and-special-events
‘Double’ Easter egg drop at Brown’s Adventure Farm
Brown’s Adventure Farm & Country Store in Oxford will host its Easter Weekend Double Drop on Saturday and Sunday, April 4-5. The event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. features a unique helicopter egg drop at 2 p.m. on each day and 30-plus family activities, food and drink vendors, and live music at 13940 U.S. 301. Thousands of eggs will be dropped from a helicopter, with admission tickets available for $17.95 each online at brownandbrownfarms.ticketspice.com/2026-easter-weekend or $21.95 at the gate. Drop times are 2 p.m. on both days. Children 2 and younger are admitted free. For more information, visit the Browns’ Facebook event page.
Egg hunt and festival in Montverde
The Town of Montverde Easter Egg Scramble features bounce houses, prizes and more “at 10 a.m. sharp” on Saturday, April 4, at Kirk Park, 17436 Division St., Montverde. Details: 407-469-2681.
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. Families can enjoy U-pick strawberries and sunflowers, live music, a candy cannon, and farm activities like slides and jumping pillows. The event takes place Saturday, April 4, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Details: amberbrookefarms.com/eustis
Critters and more at Egg-Stravaganza Open Farm Event
The Easter Bunny joins the adorable baby goats, ponies and other cute animals at Lil’ Bit of Life Farm for Egg-Stravaganza Open Farm Event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, when a unique Easter adventure offers fun for kids and their parents —farm style. On arrival, attendees receive a riddle-filled map to guide them on an Easter egg hunt, and parents can keep an eye out for golden eggs with special prizes. Photo ops with the Easter Bunny from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., plus spring-themed portraits. $12 admission per person. Children ages 1 and under get in free. The farm is located at 2920 Robie Ave., Mount Dora. Details: lilbitoflife.com/events
ONE99 Inaugural Easter Egg Hunt in Leesburg
The ONE99 Church Easter Egg Hunt invites the community from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 4. The event takes place at the Sleepy Hollow Recreation Complex, located at 2775 Hollow Lane, Leesburg. For more information, contact organizers at 352-728-9885. For event details, visit Facebook.
‘Easter Egg Eggsplosion’ in Mount Dora & Clermont
Join Real Life Christian Church in Mount Dora from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, followed by fun family activities and the annual Easter Eggsplosion Egg Hunt. The Eggsplosion experience includes colorful, non-toxic powder in the air. “Wear white clothes to make the colorful fun even more exciting,” the church recommends.
Features age-based egg hunts for children ages 1 through 6th grade, a petting zoo with friendly animals, bounce houses, sensory games and food available for purchase, at 31205 Round Lake Road, Mount Dora. Event also at the Clermont Real Life church before and after Saturday service at 3 and 5 p.m. Details: real.life/easter
Food fest and regatta in Clermont
Clermont’s monthly Family Food Fest returns from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, in the city’s Historic Downtown. The event features a rotating lineup of food trucks, live music, and family-friendly activities throughout the historic streets. The Sunshine State Invitational Regatta takes place April 4-5 at the Lake County Boathouse. The major rowing competition brings teams to Lake Minneola for a weekend of competitive racing. Details: clermontdowntown@gmail.com
Mission Resort’s Easter Grand Brunch Buffet
The Mission Resort and Club’s Easter Grand Brunch Buffet is an annual tradition in Lake County and brings the glorious gluttony again on Easter Sunday, April 5. The feast at La Hacienda Restaurant takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and it claims to be the biggest Easter buffet in Central Florida. The event will also feature live entertainment and “an endless flow” of champagne for guests 21 and older. Reservations are required. The resort is located at 10400 County Road 48, Howey-in-the-Hills. Details: missionresortandclub.com
Easter Sunday egg hunt in Mount Dora
The Reninger’s Market Easter egg hunt takes place at 2 p.m. on the market grounds at 20651 U.S. 441, Mount Dora. Toddlers to 12-year-olds are invited to participate in three age groups. A vintage garden show will also take place this weekend. Details: 352-383-8393, doraantcenter@renningers.com
‘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 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.
License-Free Freshwater Fishing Days this weekend
The FWC says Florida residents and visitors can fish in freshwater bodies (like the Harris Chain of Lakes) without a license this weekend, April 4-5, though all other fishing regulations still apply. Details at myfwc.com/license/recreational/do-i-need-one/free-fishing/
A look ahead …
Discover Leesburg Easter Egg Hunt packs family fun
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 and food trucks and a hunt for colorful Easter eggs, each one packed with surprises from local merchants. “No maps, no registration, no stress,” the city’s special events folks say. Check the Discover Leesburg Facebook event page for details and updates, or call 352-365-0053.
Interactive murder mystery at Grand Oaks
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.
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 silent auction to support live theatre in Lake County, with donations encouraged to 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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: 18-plus things to do this Easter weekend plus a look ahead
Reporting by Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial / Daily Commercial
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