Thru April 21
Exhibit: Pastel Society of Central Florida
Mount Dora Center for the Arts Gallery, 138 E. 5th Ave., Mount Dora
Members of the pastel art group meet monthly in downtown Leesburg September through June, offer pastel workshops and regularly produce and sponsor juried member exhibits. Visit https://pastelsocietyofcentralflorida.com. Visit mountdoraart.com/gallery.
Thru May 31
Watercolor Show
First Presbyterian Church Mount Dora, 222 W 6th Ave., Mount Dora
The paintings of Nancy Staffieri will be available for viewing Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.– 3 p.m.
Ongoing
2024 UPICK Blueberry Season
Far Reach Ranch, 1255 S. Dora Blvd., Tavares
The family-owned blueberry farm is open for berry picking Wednesdays–Saturdays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. In addition, Vinyl Brunch will be offered Sundays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., with hayrides, live music, a bounce house, yard games and more on Thursdays, 5–9 p.m. Special events will be the Far Reach Record Fair April 28 and Mother’s Day May 11–12. Visit https://www.farreachranch.com or call 352-343-7389.
April 17
Water Wednesday Gardening Workshop
UF/IFAS, Lake County Extension Office, 1951Woodlea Rd., Tavares
April 17
Tavares City Council Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers, 201 E. Main St., Tavares
Regular meetings are held the first and third Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Call 352-742-6209.
April 18
Wild Florida
Leesburg Public Library, Room B, 100 E. Main St., Leesburg
Highlander Chapter of Florida Trail Association will host author, photographer and conservationist Kirsten Hines, who will discuss her explorations of Florida’s ecosystems and her candid photos of the state’s wild residents, 6:15 p.m. Email Lavonsilvernell@gmail.com.
April 18
Cooking in an Instant
UF/IFAS Extension, Lake County, 1951 Woodlea Rd, Tavares
This hands-on cooking class, with two sessions, will focus on making Lebanese cuisine dishes using an electric pressure cooker via an Instant Pot and an air fryer. Learn the basics of the equipment, tips, hands on practice and sample recipes, 2–4 p.m. or 6–8 p.m. All materials are provided. Register ($15) at http://tinyurl.com/3j2rbu2j.
April 18
Cherry Blossoms Concert with Spring Pops Impressions
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lake County, 1235 Mount Homer Rd., Eustis
The final Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra concert of the season will be led by guest conductor Shungo Moriyama, 7:30 p.m. Visit www.FloridaLakesSymphonyOrchestra.com.
April 20
Driving Miss Daisy
Plaza Theatre Eustis, 431 Plaza Dr., Eustis
The Pulitzer Prize-winning play is set in Atlanta and spans 25 years, from 1948 to 1973, and explores the experience of aging, along with the discomfort of prejudices, 7 p.m. Visit https://www.plazatheatreeustis.org/tickets.
CAPTION: Last year’s butterfly release.
April 20
Butterfly Release
W.T. Bland Public Library, 1995 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora
The day will include children’s crafts in the library, tours of the Nunan Butterfly Garden, refreshments and more, with the butterfly release scheduled for 10:35 a.m.
April 20
Bode’s Law
Trout Lake Nature Center, 520 East CR 44, Eustis
Learn about Bode and how 250 years ago scientists were able to predict how far planets were from the sun with a simple math game, 1:30 p.m. Presenter Mike Ryan is a retired planetarium director for Lake County Schools. Entrance fee is $5 per vehicle but free to members. Visit troutlakenaturecenter.com, email tlnc.director@gmail.com or call 352-357-7536.
April 20
Saturday in the Gardens: Rain Barrels
UF/IFAS Extension, Lake County Auditorium, 1951 Woodlea Road, Tavares 32778
Learn about the benefits and purpose of adding rain barrels to your garden/landscape, 10 a.m. Cost is $65 and includes educational material and a rain barrel. Limited to 20 participants; remember to bring a vehicle large enough to bring home a barrel. Pre-registration is required: http://lakediscoverygardensprograms.eventbrite.com.
April 21
Jazz in the Afternoon: Elodie Germain Sings the Great American Songbook
Howey Mansion Front Lawn, 1001 Citrus Ave., Howey-in-the-Hills
The final Howey Music Series concert will feature Elodie Germain, an accomplished singer/songwriter based out of Orlando who has performed with many a capella groups around Central Florida, including the Voices of Liberty at Walt Disney World. Also performing will be the Chuck Archard Trio. General admission tickets are $45/advance, $50/at the door. Visit www.howeymusicseries.org.
April 22–26
Earth Week Celebration
Victory Garden, 1951 Dora Ave., Tavares
Enjoy an entire week of interactive nature and gardening workshops. Shop organic produce, local honey and more, create your own tea blends, learn how to craft kombucha, enjoy nature crafts and new recipes, starting at 9 a.m. each day. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/earth-week-celebration-tickets-859041545387?aff=ebdsoporgprofile.
CAPTION: Trout Lake Nature Center board of directors wearing it wild for Earth Day.
April 22
Wear It Wild for Earth Day
In 2023, the World Wildlife Federation started a fundraising campaign to “Wear it Wild for Wildlife” on Earth Day. Trout Lake Nature Center encouraged people to participate, however leaving out the fundraising component. Once again, TLNC asks people to Wear It Wild for Earth Day by wearing a jungle or animal print, Earth Day or environmental t-shirt, animal mask (or face paint), an animal costume or hat, or whatever else fits the theme. Take a photo of you, your friends, classmates or family, share it on social media and tag the Trout Lake Nature Center to celebrate Earth Day.
April 23
Board of County Commissioner’s Meeting
Board Chambers, County Administration Building, 315 W. Main St., Tavares
The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. Call 352-343-9888.
April 24
Farm to Table Class: It’s All About the Slaw
Great Scott Farms, 26216 County Road 448 A, Mount Dora
This UF/IFAS Lake Extension class will focus on culinary inspiration for slaw combinations using cabbage, 10–11 a.m. To register ($5), visit https://www.visitgreatscott.com.
April 25
Widowed Support Group
First United Methodist Church of Mount Dora, 439 E. Fifth Avenue, Mount Dora
The group meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m. in Friendship Hall and is open to men and women who have experienced loss. Call 352-383-2005 or visit www.mtdorafumc.org.
April 25–28
Gator Spring Bike Rally
Gator Harley-Davidson, 1745 US-441, Leesburg
Events will include a Friday morning pancake breakfast, Friday bikini contest and tattoo expo. Bands will perform each day. Visit https://gatorharley.com/springbikefest-at-gator-harleydavidson.
April 26–28
27th Leesburg Bikefest 2024
Downtown Leesburg
Free concerts will include LOCASH on Friday, Sugar Ray on Saturday and Austin Snell on Sunday. The event also will feature stunt shows and vendors with motorcycle accessories and parts to apparel, leather goods and more. Visit www.LeesburgBikefest.com.
April 26–27
Lake Eustis Spring Showdown
Ferran Park, Eustis
Drag boat races start at 11 a.m. Saturday and noon on Sunday. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Vendors, bounce houses, food trucks and more, Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday noon–4 p.m. The event is a partnership between the City of Eustis and the Southern Outlaw Dragboat Association. Visit https://www.eustis.org/Residents/Events/Lake-Eustis-Spring-Showdown.
April 27
Field Meet Custom Bike Show and Sound Off
Lake County Fairgrounds, 2101 County Rd. 452, Eustis
There will be vendors, food, games and live entertainment, 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m. All are welcome including MC, RC, independent and motorcycle enthusiasts. Registration times are 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Entry fee is $35 per class. Call 352-636-3292.
April 27
2nd Annual Water Day Celebration
Wooton Park, 100 E. Ruby St., Tavares
Interactive exhibits, games and prizes will be on hand, as the city’s utilities staff shares their knowledge on water conservation, water pollution control, stormwater systems and wastewater, starting at 9 a.m.
April 27
Cruise-In Classic Car Show
Downtown Eustis
The fourth Saturday of each month, about 150 classic cars cruise in to the historic downtown, 4–7 p.m. For information on how you can show your car, visit https://www.eustis.org/Residents/Events/Downtown-Cruise-In-Classic-Car-Show.
April 27 & 28
10th Annual Mount Dora Blueberry Festival
Donnelly Park, 530 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora
Enjoy family-friendly fun, delicious blueberry-themed treats and a showcase of local talent and businesses. Visit https://mountdorablueberryfestival.com.
April 28
Bugs and Bunnies Hike
Lake May Reserve, 36300 County Road 44A, Eustis
The reserve hike will begin at 9 a.m.
May 1
Mount Dora Planning and Zoning Commission Special Meeting – JPA Presentation
City Council Board Room, 510 N. Baker St., Mount Dora
The session will begin at 10:30 a.m. Visit https://ci.mount-dora.fl.us/1417/Agendas-Minutes-Live-Meetings.
May 2
National Day of Prayer
Donnelly Park, 530 North Donnelly St., Mount Dora
The annual observance held on the first Thursday of May invites people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. This Mount Dora Ministerial Association community prayer will begin at noon and include prayers by local community leaders. Call 352-383-2005.
May 3
Fruitland Park Farmers Market
Fruitland Park City Hall, 506 W. Berckman St., Fruitland Park
The first Friday of each month, shop local produce and other local merchandise, and enjoy food from food trucks, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/836452154572563.
May 3
First Friday
Downtown Eustis, 111 N. Eustis Street, Eustis
The monthly family-friendly street party features live music, vendors and fun foods, 6–9 p.m. Call 352-483-5491. Visit https://www.eustis.org/Residents/Events/First-Friday.
May 4
Mount Dora Lawn Bowling Club Open House
125 N Edgerton Court, Mount Dora
Try the sport and enjoy free lessons, 9:30–11:30 a.m. Call 352-383-2294 or just stop by.
May 4
Survivor: Mother/Son Edition
Snooky Park, 120 W. Lady Lake Blvd., Lady Lake
The Lady Lake Parks and Recreation Department program is an adventurous twist on the traditional mother-son dance, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Courageous mothers and maternal figures and their adventurous sons ages 6-17 should be prepared to outwit, outplay and outlast the competition for a chance to bring home prizes for their combined skills. Games include everything from rubber ax throwing, giant lawn bowling, memory games and more. Tickets ($10 per person) must be purchased in advance. Call 352-205-2826.
