Thousands may be flocking to Bikefest this weekend, but that’s not the only game in town.
Get on your bikes and in your car and motor to some free festivals and cultural events happening throughout Lake and Sumter counties this weekend, plus a look ahead at what’s on the horizon.
Mount Dora celebrates Arbor Day
Celebrate Earth Month and the blessings that trees and nature provide from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Sunset Park.
Outdoor vendors, an IFAS booth, entertainment and Mount Dora Bagpipers will entertain revelers. Free trees, more than five different species comprising seedlings, 1-gallon and 3-gallon trees, will be available. The Urban Forestry Department and Mount Dora Friends of the Environment are organizing the event. Details: MountDora.com
The Mount Dora Blueberry Festival sweetens the weekend
The Mount Dora Blueberry Festival is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 25-26. The event features local blueberry vendors, crafts, and live entertainment at Donnelly Park, 530 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora.
Shop for fresh berries, indulge in blueberry pancakes, wine, beer and pies from local farms and vendors. Meet Miss Florida Blueberry and Miss Florida Blueberry Teen. Pie-eating contests will be held Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. for youth (under 12) and adults (12+), with free registration at the info booth. Local crafters and artisan vendors will showcase specialized items, and live music can be enjoyed throughout the weekend. Details: 352-735-7183
Howey Artisan Market at Mission Resort
Held on the last Saturday of each month, the Orange Blossom Market Co. presents the Howey Artisan Market at Mission Resort & Club, featuring fresh produce vendors, local purveyors, and fun, family-friendly activities. Takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 26, on the clubhouse lawn of the Mission Resort and Club in Howey-in-the-Hills. Details: missionresortandclub.com
Music on the Farm free for kids at Far Reach
Families are invited to a free, interactive concert presented by the Howey Music Series, featuring the Nova Classica String Quartet at 11 a.m. on April 25, at the Far Reach Ranch’s blueberry u-pick event. The program introduces children to a variety of musical styles and concludes with an instrument petting zoo, offering a hands-on experience with musical instruments. The ranch is located at 1255 S. Dora Blvd, Tavares. Details: farreachranch.com
Lake County Pride Fest
Billed as a free, family-friendly event, Lake County Pride Fest will feature live music, a local artisan market, food trucks, community resource booths and activities for all ages. Performances at 2 and 5 p.m. will bring a lineup of entertainers to the bandshell stage, including Crystal Vahzz, Billy Mick, the Orlando Gay Chorus, Tight Strings Bated Breath, Karl Withakay, Twisted T, Nova Celeste, Russell Infiniti, Kelly Jarrard and others. Kirk T. Da’Vinci will serve as MC, with Miss Florida Rabiosa Santlorans and DJ Johnty also scheduled to make appearances.
Another first for Eustis and for Lake County Pride, the organization’s first-ever public Pride Fest will take place from noon to 8 p.m. on April 26 at Ferran Park in downtown Eustis. Vendors and sponsors interested in participating can email danielle.olivani@gmail.com or tricia.lcpfl@gmail.com, or call 352-360-5835. Volunteers can sign up at volunteersignup.org/XF83P. Details: lakecountypride.org. See more about the event in our story at dailycommercial.com.
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 Festiva April 25-26. The inaugural event celebrates the nation’s 250th anniversary and marks the official opening of the farm’s blueberry fields, located at 36111 County Road 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
‘The Marriage of Bette and Boo’ continues run in Eustis
Hideaway Theater is blessing us with a play by Christopher Durang, one of the sharpest and funniest (but often challenging) playwrights of the 20th century, continuing its run at Hideaway Theater in Eustis through April 26.
His play, “The Marriage of Bette and Boo,” brandishes “acidic wit” and “choreographic zazz” according to its reviewers and has won Obie Awards, but over the years, the show has divided critics with its absurd, dark humor. Spanning three decades of a marriage, narrated by the titular couple’s son, Matt, it examines, with sometimes twisted humor, the ramifications of alcoholism, misogyny, stillborn babies, sociopathic in-laws and the Catholic Church.
It’s a play that’s not for the squeamish viewer but potentially amazing for people who love boundary-pushing theater. Says Hideaway: “This show is wildly funny” and “is an extremely dark comedy with absurd takes on sensitive issues that may make some viewers uncomfortable.” Hideaway Theater is located at 431 Plaza Drive, Eustis. Details: Call 352-541-0041 or email info@hideawaypac.com
A LOOK AHEAD …
A gardening social takes bloom in Leesburg
VerdeVin is inviting plant lovers and even brown thumbs, hoping to mend their ways, to the Jardín Botanical Spring Social in downtown Leesburg, described as “a place for gathering, for education and for community.”
Says owner Carla Garcia: “Come gather, connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts and be part of a vibrant community dedicated to green thumbs and blooming friendships. Enjoy refreshing drinks, delightful music, and light bites as you explore what Jardín has to offer. Plus, the first 25 attendees will receive a complimentary plant to take home.” Takes place May 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at VerdeVin, 1012 W. Main St., Leesburg. Get updates on VerdeVin’s Facebook page.
Umatilla celebrates moms early with Whimsy Market
Get a head start on your holiday shopping at the 5th Annual Mother’s Day Whimsy Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 2 at Sunsational Farms, 40541 Roger Giles Road, Umatilla. The market features a motherlode of merch from 50 unique craft vendors, local honey and farm-fresh treats. For more information, call 352-771-2046 or visit whimsy-market.com
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 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
Cinco de Mayo fun in Eustis
Say si to The North Bay Collective’s next McCulloch Alley Pop-Up Concert series. From 4:30 to 7 p.m. on May 2, the Collective will host a special Cinco de Mayo Pop-Up Celebration in downtown Eustis.
Downtown restaurant Sol de Mexico is spearheading the early celebration of Mexican culture, community and the start of the holiday weekend. The event will run from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., maintaining the Collective’s new “Golden Hour” schedule to ensure guests enjoy the best of late-spring weather as the sun sets over the historic district. Admission: Free and open to all ages. DJ Lu will be spinning a mix of festive beats and high-energy favorites. Takes place at McCulloch Alley behind the Ironblock Building. Details: follow @PinesmokeBeeCo and @Sol.De.Mexico on social media.
Free Comic Book Day in Clermont
Local comic book enthusiasts and families are gearing up for a global celebration of Free Comic Book Day on May 2. The Coliseum of Comics chain will host the festivities across its 10 Florida locations, including the Clermont store at 1730 E. State Road 50.
In addition to the giveaway, individual Coliseum locations are planning a variety of interactive experiences. Depending on the store, attendees can expect to see:
For more information on the event and specific store schedules, visit the Coliseum of Comics websiteor the official Free Comic Book Day site.
Taste of Mount Dora & Craft Beer Fest at Sunset Park
Bring your appetite to the Mount Dora Taste & Craft Beer Fest from 6 to 10 p.m. on May 2. Tickets may sell out and can be purchased through the Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce. The festival is held rain or shine at Sunset Park in downtown Mount Dora. Keep in mind that pets are generally not permitted at this major town event. Visit mountdora.com/chamber-annual-events for more information.
Inaugural ‘Cultures Around Us’ in downtown Leesburg
New in Leesburg, the Cultures Around Us festival and exhibition will debut on 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
Mother-Daughter Floral Workshop in Tavares
Enjoy the blossoming of precious new memories with the woman who raised you (or is like a mother to you). The Legacy in Tavares is hosting a Mother-Daughter Floral Workshop from 4 to 7 p.m. on May 9. For $100, you’ll get hands-on as you design and create either one large showstopper or two mini bouquets with expert guidance from Roots & Floral. The evening also includes light refreshments and a professional portrait by Bonnie Whicher Photography to capture the magic.
Want to bring the whole crew? You can add another “little bud” for just $10 so they can craft their own mini bouquet, too. Spots are limited at 311 N. Joanna Ave. Details: booking@thelegacytavares.com.
Take Mom to Grand Brunch at Hotel Eastport
Looking for something new? How about the Mother’s Day Grand Brunch on May 10, at the newly opened Hotel Eastport, 1010 Lake Shore Drive, Wildwood. The waterfront brunch features a chef-curated buffet and live music. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made at hoteleastport.com or by calling 352-646-1010.
Student job fair in Sumter County
Sumter County Schools will host a Hiring Fair for students on May 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at South Sumter High School, 706 N. Main St., in Bushnell. Twelfth-graders from South Sumter High School, The Villages High School, and Wildwood Middle High School, looking for employment on graduation, will be invited to participate. Juniors from all schools are also invited to participate in the event for possible summer employment or part-time/OJT options. Register online in advance. Details: Email casey.ferguson@sumter.k12.fl.us
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 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
Memorial Vietnam Traveling Wall in Clermont
See a substantial, heart-rending piece of history in a major tribute event held May 24-26, at the Clermont Highlander Building & Pavilion Complex, 330 Third St., Clermont. Details: southlakechamber-fl.com
Golf and Remembrance at Harbor Hills
Harbor Hills Country Club, located at 6538 Harbor Hills Blvd., Lady Lake, hosts its Memorial Day Tribute & Cookout on May 25. The day begins with an 8 a.m. shotgun golf start, followed by a formal tribute ceremony at 12:15 p.m. and a community cookout at 12:45 p.m.. For event registration, visit harborhills.com or call 352-753-7000.
Solemn Services in The Villages
The Veterans Memorial Park of The Villages Official Memorial Day Service on May 25 at 10 a.m. Located at 1000 Lake Shore Drive, Lady Lake, the popular community service includes a color guard, wreath-laying and a flag-raising ceremony. Call 352-205-0466 for program details.
Send your event info to news@dailycommercial.com
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: 7 things to do this weekend (besides Bikefest), plus a look ahead
Reporting by Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial / Daily Commercial
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
