15 things to do in Lake & Sumter (and nearby) plus a look ahead

15 things to do in Lake & Sumter (and nearby) plus a look ahead

Movies, theater, concerts, storytelling, old-timey trucks and strawberries?!

Here's what's happening the weekend of Jan. 23-25, as well as other upcoming events in Lake and Sumter counties (and nearby).

Florida Storytelling Festival in Mount Dora

Enjoy spinning a yarn or listening to a good tale? Local, national and state storytellers convene Jan. 22-25 at Mount Dora's Lakeside Inn for the annual Florida Storytelling Festival featuring workshops, performances, slams and more.

Good at fooling people? Sign up for the festival's Tall Tales Liar’s Contest. Just show up at 3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 23, and put your name in the hat to become the "champion liar of the festival." For edgy content, check out the Fringe Tellers at 9:15 p.m. on Friday, when three tellers will be chosen at random to give a 45-minute storytelling performance.

Hear tales from Megan Wells, Michael Reno Harrell, George Otieno, Mij Byram and Janel Woodland. Details: flstory.com/festival

'Candlelight: Best of Hip-Hop' at botanical gardens

Experience a multi-sensory performance by the Listeso String Quartet, worth the drive, featuring classical interpretations of iconic tracks from artists like Lauryn Hill, Jay-Z, and Outkast, illuminated by thousands of candles. Shows are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m., Friday, Jan. 23. at the Mead Botanical Garden, 1300 S. Denning Drive, Winter Park. Details: meadgarden.org

Film fest returns to Mount Dora

The Central Florida Film Festival is a three-day celebration of independent cinema with 176 screenings across all genres, plus nightly mixers and panel discussions. Takes place Friday, Jan. 23 through Sunday, Epic Theatres at Mount Dora, 2300 Spring Harbor Blvd., Mount Dora.

Known as CenFlo, the annual wintertime fest screens the latest independent movies, shorts and documentaries from auteurs around the world. Screening schedule at cenflo.us/2025-schedule

Learn more about CENFLO's backstory in a past profile of the event at dailycommercial.com

Malpass Brothers return to Weirsdale 'Opry'

According to Orange Blossom Opry, the Malpass Brothers "promote the work and music of classic country artists they treasure while creating new music and making their own mark in the lineage of a rich American cultural heritage." See them perform at the historic live music venue located just above the Lake-Marion County line at 16439 SE 138th Terrace, Weirsdale, Friday, Jan. 23, at 7 p.m. Details: obopry.com

Herman's Hermits & Peter Noone in The Villages

Enjoy 1960s pop gems from Herman's Hermits & Peter Noone, tunes like "I'm Into Something Good" and "Henry the VII, I am" and other hits at the Savannah Center in The Villages. According to The Villages' spokespeople, it will be "a night of nostalgia, sing-alongs and unforgettable energy" at 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 23, at 1545 N. Buena Vista Blvd., The Villages. Tickets: aspireseats.com

'Old Mansplaining with Tom Briscoe' in Clermont

Laugh at the foibles of getting older and a how-to on enjoying "the ride of the generational divide" during a one-man 90-minute show starring Tom Briscoe, who is married with two daughters, grown up and out of the house.

Briscoe, "has hilarious slants and rants on bad jobs," and muses on his "good marriage, travel mishaps, raising daughters, empty nesting, ungracefully aging, unsolicited advice and living each day as a cautionary tale," according to his press. We're also told "no politics, no cringe, and no worries." The show goes on at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 23, at the Clermont Performing Arts Center, 3700 S. U.S. 27, Clermont. Tickets: tix.com

Vintage Trucks of Florida ATCA Winter Nationals in Wildwood

Like trucks, new and old? A major truck show featuring antique to modern machines, a "Kid Zone," and valve cover races. Held Friday and Saturday, Jan. 23-24, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sumter County Fairgrounds, 7375 Powell Road, Wildwood. Find out more to do in Sumter County at discoversumterfl.com

Leesburg in Bloom debuts community garden

Leesburg in Bloom, an affiliate chapter of the national America in Bloom organization, is beautifying the town and is organizing a community garden. Organizers are inviting gardeners from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Jan. 24, at 1041 County Road 468, Leesburg. Details: facebook.com/LeesburgInBloom

Booksville Fest at Hernando County Fairgrounds

That's right, Booksville. Not a typo, but the free event happens to be in Brooksville. The second annual Booksville Festival features activities and adventures for the whole family, lots of ways to celebrate the joy of storytelling. Takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, at 6436 Broad St., Brooksville. facebook.com/booksvillefestival

'In the Alley' concert in downtown Eustis

On Saturday, Jan. 24, downtown Eustis merchants host their monthly pop-up concert presented by downtown merchants. In the Alley features musician Adam Grayford amid Eustis' most historic downtown trappings. Takes place from noon to 4 p.m. at 112 McCullochs Alley. Details: 407-543-2337 Pinesmoke Bee Co.'s Facebook page

Book Expo returns to The Villages

The Villages' annual event has become something to look forward to for local bookworms. This year's BookExpo will take place 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Eisenhower Recreation Center on Sunday, Jan. 25. Headliners include Drake Shepard performing "Leonardo Da Vinci Comes Alive" and Robert Moore (accounts of near-death experiences). The event takes place at 3560 Buena Vista Blvd. in The Villages. Admission is free. Visit writersleagueofthevillages.com for more information.

Anthem Edition performs at Grace Bible Church

Hear the inspirational tunes of Anthem Edition at Grace Bible Baptist Church, 1703 Lewis Road, Leesburg, at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 25. The group goes back to 2003, "with loads of enthusiasm and ministry experience," the Grace Bible Church tells us. They originated as the Old Paths Quartet in Atlanta is considered one of the most influential Christian groups in Southern Gospel. A nursery is provided for children younger than 3. Details: 352-326-5738.

The John Ford Blues Society Live at Eden Brewing

Enjoy a live performance of blues music with a beer or ale in the trappist trappings of Eden Brewing Community at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Jan 25, 405 S. Highland St. Details: johnfordblues.com/shows

IceHouse's 'The Cottage' continues madcap run in Mount Dora

The talented thespians at IceHouse usher in 2026 with laughs by way of a witty comedy, "The Cottage," by Sandy Rustin. The production runs Thursday, Jan. 16, through Sunday, Feb. 8 at the Sonnentag Theatre, 1100 N. Unser St., Mount Dora. The play's plot involves a crazy love quadrangle with the misunderstandings and tropes of a daytime drama, starring Christie Duffer, Jackie Prutsman, Christopher Fahmie, John Gracey, Aspen Thompson and Britton Hollingsworth.

Directed by Darlin Barry, the production features scenic design by Buddy Fales, lighting design by Diego Ford and Philip Lupo, and costume and sound design by Barry. Tickets are $27 for adults with group rates and other discounts. "The Cottage" is rated "PG-15" for "grown-up humor and situations." More details at icehousetheatre.com

Have a 'berry' good time at Amber Brooke Farms

The Eustis Amber Brooke Farms location is kicking off 2026 with country fair fun and u-pick strawberries priced at $4.95 a pound, hand-picked zinnias for $2 a stem, live music and family entertainment. It's where you can get cozy with fire pits, s'mores and hot chocolate, and cavort with the kids playing games and participating in fun activities. Highlights include Slide Hill, Jump Pillows, playgrounds, Barrel Train, Sunflower Express and the Ball Zone.

The event runs Thursdays through Sundays through Feb. 8, and a more jam-packed annual strawberry festival is planned mid-February in time for Valentine's Day, after the Strawberry U-Pick events end. Admission prices vary by day. Amber Brooke Farms is located at 36111 N. CR 44A, Eustis. Details and tickets: amberbrookefarms.com

50th annual Mount Dora Arts Festival

This nationally ranked fine arts festival attracts around 300 artist vendors from all over the world, displayed throughout historic downtown Mount Dora, luring hundreds of thousands of visitors, on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entertainment, beer, wine, cocktails, music and food vendors round out the milestone weekend for Mount Dora Center for the Arts. Details and event map: mountdoraart.com/mount-dora-arts-festival

Howey Artisan Market at Mission Resort + Club

Featured on the last Saturday of each month, the Howey Artisan Market at Mission Resort & Club offers fresh produce vendors, local purveyors, and fun, family-friendly activities. Takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31, on the clubhouse lawn of the Mission Resort and Club in Howey-in-the-Hills. Details: missionresortandclub.com

Free crochet Olympics at Leesburg Library

The first Crochet Olympics will take place on Saturday, Jan. 31, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Leesburg Public Library (Meeting Rooms A & B), located at 100 E. Main St., Leesburg. The free community event features unique competitive challenges, including a Symbol Identification quiz, Yarn and Hook Tosses, and a "Fanciest Toss" judged on creativity and flair.

Attendees are also encouraged to bring a homemade item for the "Fan Favorite" display. For registration forms or additional inquiries, participants can visit Gary Lee Sligh Fabric Arts in downtown Leesburg or contact the library directly; you may also visit the official Crochet Olympics Facebook page for more information.

Umatilla Black Bear Fest offers exploration and fun

Held annually in Lake County's "Gateway to the Ocala National Forest," the Umatilla Black Bear Festival is a free, family oriented community event that has been taking place for more than 25 years. This year's event can be enjoyed from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31, at 1 Cassady St., Umatilla. The fest not only celebrates the Florida black bear but also has live music, food trucks, and arts and crafts, and teaches us about habitat preservation with interactive, hands-on activities, including educational exhibits from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

A festival must-do includes guided, in-depth bus tours of the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway and field trips into the forest at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Experts offer insights into natural bear habitats. Make sure you book in advance by emailing Jim Thorsen at thor1505@aol.com with the subject line "FBBSB Tour Reservation – Bear Festival."

If you stay put, the fest also features library activities in tandem with the event, which features a "Book Nook," archery, and the "Come Be a Bear" interactive journey for children. Presented by the Umatilla Chamber of Commerce, the city of Umatilla, and various wildlife organizations. Details: 352-669-3511 or umatilla@umatillachamber.org

Enjoy free snacks, story time, crafts, winter-themed activities and games, and a visit from the snow queen from 10 a.m. to noon. Saturday, Jan. 31, at the event lawn of Wildwood Community Center, 6500 Powell Road, Wildwood. Details: facebook.com/WildwoodParksRecEvents

Annual festival in Orlando salutes legendary author

Celebrate famed author Zora Neale Hurston with art, culture, music and more at the ZORA! Festival, an annual celebration hosted in Hurston’s historic childhood hometown of Eatonville, the community that inspired the setting of Hurston’s "Their Eyes Were Watching God." The ZORA! Outdoor Festival of the Arts (Jan. 30 – Feb. 1). Additional lectures, art exhibitions and more take place throughout the year. Details: ZORA! Festival

Music and more: Black History Month in Tavares & Leesburg

The Tavares African American Heritage Festival Weekend, Feb 6-7, is a celebration of culture, history, and community. Enjoy an After Hours Concert: Willie Green and Soul Therapy Band at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb 6, at the Tavares Public Library. The concert kicks off African American History Month with a "Legacy of the Black Cowboy" theme. Later on in February, Leesburg’s Black-owned art gallery Artist with a Purpose will be featured in the Harlem Fine Arts Show in New York during Black History Month (more coming soon). Orisirisi African Folklore (Feb 20) puts on an interactive performance featuring drumming, dance, and song at the Leesburg Library. Find out more at lakecountyfl.gov/calendar

Grand opening of Friendly Grounds Cafe in Clermont

Central Florida Dreamplex presents the official launch of the Friendly Grounds Café at The Friendship Place, a new vocational training café staffed by adults with special needs and disabilities through real-world job skills and inclusive employment opportunities. The café will officially open with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 11, on National Latte Day, at 2400 S. U.S. 27, Clermont. Those interested in attending should RSVP at cfldreamplex.com/friendly-grounds-grand-opening.

Chinese New Year celebrated in Groveland

Usher in the Chinese New Year in Groveland at the city's February Second Friday Block Party. Never mind that it's on Friday, the 13th. Leave that medieval superstition at the door and opt for a far more ancient tradition that goes back more than three millennia. Instead, celebrate the Year of the Horse from 5 to 9 p.m. on Feb. 13 at Lake David Park with a fashion show, live music, food trucks, vendors, and festive performances. Admission is free. The park is located at 450 S. Lake Ave., Groveland. Details: groveland-fl.gov

Free movie at Leesburg baseball stadium

Take the kids to see a free movie this Friday evening, Jan. 16, as part of the Home Run Flicks series in Leesburg. The screening is part of a family movie night series with free films on the big screen at Pat Thomas Stadium, home of the Leesburg Lightning, located at 240 Ball Park Road, Leesburg. The next movie is Mufasa: The Lion King. Movie starts at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 20. Proceeds go to Leesburg Arts Center. Bring blankets & chairs. Details: facebook.com/leesburgspecialevents

Sak brings top-notch improv to Lake County

Prepare to laugh at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, when the improvsters of Orlando's SAK Comedy Lab bring spontaneous, audience-interactive comedy to the Clermont Performing Arts Center. The show is suitable for all ages and performed by a Central Florida favorite for more than 25 years.

The troupe was voted “Best Comedy” in the Orlando Weekly Reader’s Poll. Current and past SAK performers have gone on to write or appear on the Disney Channel, Showtime, HBO, Warner Brothers, Broadway and more, including Aaron Shure, writer and executive producer of “Everybody Loves Raymond” and “The Office”; Wayne Brady of “Let’s Make a Deal” and “Whose Line is it Anyway?,” and SAK founder Clare Sera and Karey Kirkpatrick, writers of the Warner Brothers animated musical, “Smallfoot.” Tix: tix.com

Strawberry Festival brings fun to Brown's Adventure Farm

Enjoy some sweet and juicy fun at Brown’s Adventure Farm from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 21-22. The Oxford farm's "Strawberry Festival — A Berry Sweet Weekend on the Farm." Admission includes live music and entertainment, Legacy of the Wild West shows (three shows daily), candy cannon blasts, free face painting (select times), more than 30 attractions and activities, strawberry photo opportunities and festival backdrops, big giveaways (twice daily), and a strawberry pie eating contest with prizes.

Receive 20% off U-Pick strawberries with paid admission (when available; availability depends on field conditions). Festival food and sweet treats, including strawberry favorites, are available for purchase. Tickets are $17.95 online or $21.95 at the gate. The farm is located at 13940 N. U.S. 301, Oxford. Details: brownsadventurefarm.com

'Camp GeorgeFest' celebrates Washington's birthday in Eustis

The city of Eustis has announced that the theme of the 124th annual Georgefest celebration will be “Camp Georgefest,” imparting a spirit of adventure with concerts, live shows, carnival rides, food, games and a variety of returning favorites and new additions. The oldest continuous annual festival in Lake County returns Feb. 21-28 at historic downtown Eustis and Ferran Park.

The eight-day, family friendly event celebrates George Washington’s bBirthday with daily activities designed to bring the community together. According to the city, "the event draws thousands of local attendees and an increasing number of out-of-state visitors each year. It is recognized as the longest continuously running celebration of George Washington’s Birthday in the nation." Details: www.eustisgeorgefest.org

Red, White, & Blues-BQ in downtown Leesburg

Enjoy two quintessential American experiences: blues music and barbecue, and 250 years of America from 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Red, White & Blues-BQ festival in downtown Leesburg. Dale Bandy &The Blue Cans and Sheba Queen of the Mississippi perform. Food from Hurt's BBQ , Grandma's BBQ and Shaws Ooh Wee.

St. Patrick's Day rocks at Shamrockin' Fest in Leesburg

The 13th annual Shamrockin’ BBQ & Beer Festival is getting Lake County's Irish up again, returning to downtown Leesburg on March 13-14. The fun begins Friday, March 13, at 5 p.m. on the Shamrockin’ Stage, with music from the Black Thorn Brigade. Vendors and food trucks keep festgoers busy, along with the Shamrockin’ Chili Cook-Off and Whiskey Business tastings.

Following an Irish parade, the street party continues on Main Street until 11 p.m., with free live entertainment on multiple stages. On Saturday, the festival reopens at 11 a.m. with more live shows, including pub-style sing-alongs with Scuttered the Bruce and traditional music from the Nae Breeks South Pipe Band.

A major highlight is the Florida BBQ Association-sanctioned competition, where visitors can sample and vote for their favorite entries from over 25 top Southern teams. Guests can also relax in the new Wine & Beer Garden, offering curated flights and craft selections.

The festivities conclude Saturday night with a headline performance by Def Lepprechaun and more live music at McCracken’s Irish Pub. While festival entry and music are free, tasting tickets for food and spirits are required and can be purchased through the Official Shamrockin' Fest Website. Hosted by the Firefighter Charity of Central Florida, this event serves as a vital fundraiser for the Florian Fund, providing support to local firefighters facing medical crises. Visit shamrockinfest.com for more information.

4th Street Art Experience returns in March

Postponed until March, see talented creatives turn downtown Leesburg into a "living canvas" at the 4th Street Art Experience, and you might even be able to join a dance party at a festive, creative block party from 5 to 9 p.m. on the fourth Friday of the month at Fourth Street off Main Street. "Whether you're painting, vending, or enjoying the atmosphere — there’s no cost to attend and plenty of local talent to experience," organizers say. Details: Artistwap.com