5 fun things to do in Lake County this weekend
On the fall equinox, we honor "the balance and interaction of the light and the dark" and express gratitude for the changes that come with the passing of time, says the blog "Explore Deeply."
The beginning of fall also signals busier times, more events, gorgeous weather and, alas, shorter days.
Funny how life works.
It's a little less warm here in north central Florida and slightly more weather-appropriate for fall fashions and trendy pumpkin lattes.
Here's just a little trickle of events before the impending deluge of fall fests and fun stuff to come during the season.
Friday
Bay Street Players’ latest production hauls us toward a crazy contest to win a pickup truck. "Hands on a Hardbody," based on a true story, features songs by the formidable Trey Anastasio of the band Phish and solo acclaim, and the unique production transports audiences back to a time when down-on-their-luck Texans subjected themselves to an agonizing feat to win a Nissan pickup truck.
The musical’s mix of rockabilly, gospel, rock and country songs amplify playwright Doug Wright’s zany but touching allegory for today's middle-working class. Enjoy this hand-slapper at the historic State Theater, headquarters of the Bay Street Players in downtown Eustis. Tickets cost $15-$25. 8 p.m., 109 N. Bay St. eustisstatetheatre.org.
Saturday
Do your little ones have Picasso-like tendencies? Do you see a future Rodin when they play with Play-Doh, then take them to Rogers Park to participate in the Pop-Up Art Event presented by Artist With a Purpose with support from Leesburg Center for the Arts. Uniquely interactive art projects will keep kids engaged and entertained in one of Leesburg’s prettiest outdoor havens (next to the beautiful Venetian Gardens). Free. Noon-2 p.m. 610 S. Ninth St. Call 352-365-0232 for details.
Dogs from the Humane Society of Lake County will be looking for fur-ever homes at the Adoption Day at Bully Brewing Inc. event. Don’t worry if you can’t adopt; just show up to the family owned and operated microbrewery in downtown Leesburg and make a donation to help these sweet pups find other homes. Free, donations requested. 11 a.m.-3 pm. 2204 Griffin Road. facebook.com/BullyBrewing.
The 2023 Clermont Sips and Salsa Festival tantalizes the taste buds with all things tomato, onion, garlic and hot pepper, and for some of us, cilantro, at the city’s Waterfront Park. Whether you like it hot-hot-hot or a little mild, there will be a dip for you, prepared in and with all types of dishes, tacos, burritos and sandwiches. Live salsa music, of course, and dancing will add even more spice to the event. Family fun includes chihuahua races, a kids' zone, a domino tournament and more. 6-9 p.m. 330 Third St. N. For more information, visit clermontfl.gov.
Bully Brewing opening Feb. 29 in Leesburg
Sunday
Head to Eustis for the Amber Brooke Fall Festival Opening Weekend, the farm’s most anticipated event of the year. Partake of food truck grub from Asian Brothers, BBQ Brazil, Ovn Woodfire Pizza and the Pasta & Grill Food Truck. For entertainment, the SASS Duo (Copper Entertainment) delivers their spunky country as families navigate a crop maze, pumpkin patch (extra admission price) and sunflower fields. Fun activities include a bubble barn, jump pads, games, amusements and an immense variety of barnyard critters. $15. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 36111 County Rd 44A. amberbrookefarms.com.
A look ahead …
Dynomite! Bleep-boo-bap! Michael Winslow and Jimmie ‘JJ’ Walker will be performing at the Mount Dora Music Hall on Friday, Sept. 29. Jimmie ‘JJ’ Walker starred in Norman Lear’s iconic “scratching and surviving” ’70s TV series, Good Times. Winslow is known for his vocal sound effects and roles in the "Police Academy" movies as well as the Mel Brooks spoof on "Star Wars," "Spaceballs." $30-$80. 8 p.m. at the Mount Dora Music Hall, 520 N. Baker St. mountdoramusichall.com.
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Lake County fun: Weekend festivals, art, theater and cute pups
