9 fun things to do this weekend in Lake County
Thanksgiving is over and (almost) everything is illuminated for the holidays from Eustis to Mount Dora.
From live music to strolls to gift shopping and music and car shows, there's no shortage of fun for all ages this weekend. For more holiday fun, make sure you check out our comprehensive online holiday events guide at dailycommercial.com for more stuff to do to get into the spirit.
FRIDAY
Light Up Eustis
Light Up Eustis takes over the city's downtown with its luminous, bustling 36th annual festivities on Friday, Nov. 24, from 5 to 9 p.m.
Expect live entertainment, a snow slide, simulated snow fall in the park, free photos with Santa, vendors, carolers and more. The tree lighting ceremony happens at 6 p.m. Take a walk along the lake, enjoy food and check out the store that’s a winter wonderland all year-round, Peddler’s Wagon. Navigate to 250 Ferran Park, Eustis. Details at eustis.org.
SATURDAY
Big holiday spirit at 'Shop Small' & Whimsy events
Browse more than 90 vendors at the Sunsational Farms Festival and Market at 40541 Roger Giles Road, Umatilla. Pick up a Christmas tree, and take the kids to enjoy food trucks, tunes spun by a DJ, bounce houses, games and more on Saturday, Nov. 25, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Details at sunsationalfarms.com.
If you live further south in Lake County, you can buy local and forgo the corporate big box stores at the Shop Small Saturday Market at Lake David Park in Groveland.
Browse 60 retail vendors and shout out to your "friends in low places" with the Garth Brooks Tribute Band. A Kid Zone sponsored by Florida Tents and Events Inc. amuses the kids, while food, desserts, cocktails and mocktails please the adults. Adding to the fun is batting cages and a gel blaster course.
No pets or outside food or coolers allowed. Service dogs are welcome. Takes place Saturday, Nov. 25, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.. Lake David Park is at 450 S. Lake Ave. For more information, visit groveland-fl.gov.
A retro rockabilly delight
Talk about holiday magic. Andy Matchett and his cohorts travel back in time to the 1950s and transform into Johnny Wild and the Delights at the Orange Blossom Opry this weekend.
Matchett, a singer/guitarist from Orlando, gained acclaim with The Minks. He brought the house down in "Buddy! The Buddy Holly Story," and he also composed and starred in the Orlando Fringe Festival's "Key of E," a musical biography of Hank Williams.
The energetic performer puts us in the holiday mood with rockabilly flair this Saturday, Nov. 25, at 2:30 p.m. matinee show and at 7 p.m. Tickets are $27-$42. Expect "guest appearances" by Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper and jolly St. Nick. The Opry is at 16439 SE 138th Terrace, Weirsdale. Details: obopry.com.
Downtown Eustis Cruise-In Classic Car Show
Swoon and fantasize about long drives coasting the country back roads of Lake County in one of 150 shiny, colorful vintage cars from across Central Florida and beyond at the Downtown Eustis Cruise-In Classic Car Show. The popular free event takes place the fourth Saturday of every month and features live music, food from local vendors and browsing retailers. Cash prizes and more will be featured from 4 to 7 pm. on Saturday, Nov. 25, at 250 Ferran Park, Eustis. St. Email ckgentry52@gmail.com for details.
Mote-Morris House decorated for holidays
Visit Leesburg's favorite Victorian estate and historic landmark, which will be decorated for the holidays. The two-story home with a four-story turret was added to the National Register of Historic Places 49 years ago on Dec. 27, 1974. Tours take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25, at 1195 W. Magnolia St., Leesburg. For more information, email the Leesburg Heritage Society at Info@LeesburgMuseum.org or call 352-315-1800.
Everything is illuminated in Mount Dora
Downtown Mount Dora will be illuminated for its annual Light Up Mount Dora event at Elizabeth Evans Park and Sunset Park from 3:30 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25. Live music, fireworks and a pop-in from Jolly ‘Ol St. Nick add spirit to the event. Free shuttle service available from 1250 N. Highland Street and from the First Baptist Church (1000 E. First Ave.) from 3 to 9 p.m. Details: mountdora.com.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
Great Scott! Fall fest fun for the whole family
Kick off the holiday season by enjoying some old-fashioned farm fun at this year's Fall Festival at Great Scott Farms. Formerly known as Scott's Maze Adventure, the farm fest at 26216 County Road 448A, Mount Dora, offers a pumpkin patch, sunflower fields, specialty foods and drinks, photo opps, a 7-acre corn maze, jumping pillow, super slide, farm tours and more. Takes place 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 25 & 26, and this weekend is your last chance if you haven't visited yet. Tickets are $15.99 and can be purchased on Great Scott Farms' website at visitgreatscott.com.
Weekend Wine-down in Clermont
Clermont is a pretty town with hills, lakes and idyllic panoramas. Enjoy one the area's many scenic landscapes at Lakeridge's Weekends at the Winery while relaxing to live music by talented locals. The winery's free weekend series features food vendors and winery selections at an outdoor bar noon-4 p.m. No outside food, beverages or coolers allowed, and be bring lawn chairs or blankets.
On Saturday, The Dave Capp Project featuring Ms. France Neil takes the stage. The act nimbly shifts gears from jazz to blues, pop, ballads, R&B, Motown and rock. On Sunday, Identity Crisis, featuring Zack Denby and Malcolm Slick White play rock styles ranging from Elvis to southern, to old and new country. Details at lakeridgewinery.com/WATW.
Are you planning a fun Lake County weekend event? Email details four weeks in advance to news@dailycommercial.com.
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Concerts, cars, festivals & holiday cheer this weekend in Lake County
