8 fun things to do in Lake County — 4-day weekend edition
For many families in Lake County, we're headed for a three-day weekend because Friday is an in-service day for teachers and a student holiday (some other counties have Monday off, which initially caused us some confusion). Check here for fun stuff to do outdoors and other entertaining outings as the weather cools off again and freshens things up again.
This weekend kicks off with another Friday, the 13th. Instead of holing up with horror movies about scary dudes wearing hockey masks, venture out with the spunky souls of Leesburg to sip and socialize at the anticipated Spirits on the Lake on Oct. 13.
Sample local adult beverages and food. Activities such as tarot card reading, master storytelling, dancing and a variety of merchandise from local retailers will keep you occupied between indulgences.
The ticketed event for adults 21 and older is $65 and takes place at Pat Thomas Stadium, 240 Ball Park Road, Leesburg. Visit spiritsonthelake.com for details.
Important update from Spirits on the Lake organizers: The recent weather is certainly stirring up the "spirits" for this highly anticipated event. In an effort to improve the attendee and vendor experience, the event will be moved to The Venetian Gardens (in the same complex). The weather is predicted to be perfect during the time of the event, but this change will allow for safer and cleaner walking paths. The parking area for the event is still in the same complex. Directional signage will be provided at the event.
Clermont’s annual Pig on the Pond Community Festival will have the town happier than a ... you fill in the rest.
The event runs Friday through Sunday at Waterfront Park, 330 Third St., and features carnival rides, crafters, vendors and a junior grillmasters competition. New this year: a silent disco will help you get your groove on for your ears only.
Parking is limited at the event; four shuttles are available. (Visit pigonthepond.org/parking for details.) Festival hours are from 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 13, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14, and on Sunday, Oct. 15, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission is $3, free for tiny ones younger than 2, and an all-you-can-ride wristband costs $25. For a full schedule and tickets in advance, visit pigonthepond.org. Proceeds go to Project Scholars.
If you missed last night's Art in the Alley event in Mount Dora, head there on Saturday for the 2023 Mount Dora Plein Air Paint Out, where artists will be creating art live in front of gawking spectators along some of the most picturesque streets and parks in Lake County all week long starting Saturday, Oct. 14, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The annual brushstroke bonanza presented by the Mount Dora Center for the Arts (MDCA) includes a people’s choice award and cash prizes. If something catches your eye, the works created by this year’s plein air artists will be available for sale in the MDCA gallery from Oct. 21 to Nov. 12.
If you have questions, visit the MDCA gallery at 138 E. Fifth Ave., Mount Dora, or visit mountdoraart.com.
Fashionista alert: Leesburg's Fall & Winter Fashion Show presents local models sashaying the runway at Lake Square Mall on Saturday, Oct. 14, at noon.
"Expect to be dazzled!" the mall folks said on Facebook. "It's not just a fashion show; it's an experience."
Lake Square Mall is located at 10401 U.S. 441, Leesburg. Call 352-787-1200 for details.
Come back to the mall later for the Scream Scenes: Abandoned haunted attraction by the Bath and Body Works at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 and $10 and the event takes place on select evenings throughout the month. Visit lakesquaremall.com/events for more information.
"If it's free, it's for me," you say? Then, head to Tavares, where the city presents its fifth annual Rocktoberfest featuring concerts by Gainesville's own Sister Hazel at 8 p.m.
The band is best known for its 1997 hit "All for You." Other music acts include Reece Gustafson (noon) Hypersona (2 p.m.) and The Ries Brothers (8 p.m.)
The free festival begins on Oct. 14 in Wooton Park, and will also feature food trucks and a variety of local vendors. Seaplanes fly into the Seaplane Capital of the World to participate in events such as the pumpkin drop contest.
Families can also partake in free pumpkin decorating kits distributed to the first 200 kids who show up at the pilot registration tent. The seaplane flying contests are scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. and a pilot-spectator meet and greet will take place from 1 to 3 p.m., where you can get photos with the pilots and their planes.
For information on parking and other details, visit tavares.org or check out the Rocktoberfest events page on Facebook.
Monday, Oct. 16, is Blind Americans Equality Day, and the city of Leesburg challenges the public to participate in a walk blindfolded in commemoration of White Cane Day 2023 at 10 a.m.
The event imparts the challenges faced by visually impaired residents and instructs how those limitations can be overcome. Meet at the Leesburg Public Library, 100 E. Main St. Participants will walk or travel approximately a half-mile.
No mobility training will be provided. Visit newvisionfl.org/events/whitecane/ for more information.
Amber Brooke Farms in Eustis is extending its fall festival hours to welcome kids and teens normally hunkered down in the classroom to the farm from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 13 and Monday, Oct. 16.
The Taco Truck and Amber Brooke Farms Cafe will serve up the vittles. Amusements included in the admission price are the crop maze, pumpkin painting, bubble barn, slide hill, wagon ride and several more fun things to do Sunflower fields, a petting zoo, a pumpkin patch, and some other favorites are accessible for an extra charge.
While there, you might see a Sulcata tortoise, donkeys, alpacas, llamas, goats, pigs, sheep, cows, ponies, a Clydesdale Mare, a baby kangaroo and even a camel.
Tickets are $13 online and $15 at the gate. Online tickets can be purchased at amberbrookefarms.ticketspice.com/eustis-tickets-passes.
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: School's out on Friday! What to do this weekend and on the day off
