Leesburg, Tavares and Mount Dora events are more than a matter of ‘Taste’

The Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce presents Taste of Lake once again at the Venetian Center at 6 p.m. on March 6.

It’s one of three big tasting fests happening in Lake County this spring.

With eight years of experience, tantalizing taste buds, the Taste of Lake is a great kickoff to the tasting season, offering a smorgasbord of local favorites and emerging food establishments serving samples of appetizers, entrees, desserts and beverages.

“This year, we unite family owned businesses Cousin Vinnie’s Family Sports Restaurant and the new Cousin’s Kolaches in Tavares,” said Ari Walls at the Leesburg Chamber.

According to Walls, about 33 establishments will be doling out samples of food and drink at the Venetian Center.

At the event, attendees vote for favorites, stopping by festively decorated booths that in the past have competed for a prize at the end of the night.

If you’re feeling claustrophobic in the crowd, there’s a garden patio area to offer some fresh air, or enjoy live entertainment from Nayme Brand, a Mount Dora-based husband-and-wife duo who describe themselves as high-energy and building community through music.

Along with food, expect to try a variety of local beers, wines, ales and ciders, or mocktails, if alcohol isn’t your thing, at Taste of Lake.

Admission is $40 in advance general admission, $50 at the event. Military, first responders and teachers pay $35 in advance and $40 at the event.

The Venetian Center is located at 1 Dozier Circle. Tickets available at zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/8th-annual-taste-of-lake

Here’s a siege we can get behind

This year’s 2026 annual Taste of Tavares will feature food wars and a business expo from 6 to 9 p.m. on April 2 at Wooton Park.

The annual event was on hold after the COVID-19 pandemic but returned in 2025 to sell out almost as soon as tickets went on sale last year.

The Taste of Tavares Food Wars enlists attendees to vote for their favorite foods in four categories: appetizers, entrees, drinks and desserts.

The event features 500 samples, sponsorship and samplings with live entertainment (to be announced) and a centerpiece contest. Attendees cast ballots for their favorites in boxes at the vendor’s booths.

Food trucks and a bounce house are also planned.

“Everyone’s been so excited,” said Tavares Chamber of Commerce CEO/President Stephanie Hayes about her event-planning team. Why is the event on a Thursday? “Weekends are their moneymakers,” Hayes said of the local participating restaurants. “It worked out for them to do it on a Thursday.”

The Tavares Chamber of Commerce event will be inside and outside an event tent at Wooton Park.

“Last year, we had 40 vendors,” Hayes added.

Participating businesses include local favorites such as Puddle Jumpers, Tiki West, and newer establishments like Angelo’s Wood Fired Pizza, Ironworks, Taste of Lebanon and Cousin’s Kolachis.

“To participate in the event, you don’t have to be a chamber member,” Hayes clarified. “You don’t have to live in the city of Tavares, either.”

According to Hayes, sponsorships have gone down in price with the presenting sponsor slot costing $1,000, a maitre d’ sponsorship costing $300 and a connoisseur sponsorship at $500.

Early bird pricing is $45. First responder discount: $5. Cost at the event is $50. For more information, call the Tavares Chamber at 352-343-2531.

Also, in Mount Dora …

Tickets for the Mount Dora Taste & Craft Beer Fest from 6 to 10 p.m. on May 2 can be purchased through the Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce starting in early April.

While official 2026 pricing has not been finalized, past events have seen general admission tickets ranging from $45 to $65, with VIP options often priced between $75 and $90.

In past years, the festival has featured 15 to 20 local restaurants and several regional craft breweries.

Frequent participants and past award winners include local favorites such as 1921 Mount Dora, Pisces Rising, and the Lakeside Inn. Craft beer enthusiasts can expect a wide selection of brews from vendors like Eden Abbey Brewing Community, alongside various fine wine and spirit distributors.

Because this event is known to sell out quickly each year, it is highly recommended to purchase tickets as soon as they are released on the official Chamber of Commerce website. The festival is held rain or shine at Sunset Park in downtown Mount Dora, and please keep in mind that pets are generally not permitted at this major town event. Visit https://www.mountdora.com/chamber-annual-events for more information.

This story was created by reporter Julie Garisto, [email protected], who has been assigned to use the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (Al). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday/ethical-conduct

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