<\/p>\n
It’s beginning to feel like springtime in Lake and Sumter.<\/p>\n Oh, and bless you! The pollen counts are at a record high, too.<\/p>\n Enjoy the warmer weather at local festivals, the Sumter County Fair, or head out at night for live jazz or comedy. Find out more and what else is happening below:<\/p>\n The\u00a0annual Sumter County Fair<\/strong>\u00a0entertains with carnival rides, agricultural exhibits and comedy hypnotist Brad Matchett. On Friday night, March 6, strap on your boots for a barn dance and sing some karaoke from 6 to 11 p.m.<\/p>\n In conjunction with the fair, a separate concert festival will entertain country music fans on the Webster Flea Market property at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, featuring headliner Sarah Darling<\/a>, known for sweet-as-honey vocals and a blend of 1970s country pop with traditional country. The\u00a0Sumter County Fairgrounds\u00a0can be found at\u00a07620 State Road 471, Bushnell. Details: 352-793-2751. Find more details about the fair at facebook.com\/sumtercountyfair<\/a><\/p>\n Eight years of tantalizing taste buds, the Taste of Lake is back at Leesburg’s Venetian Center at 6 p.m. on March 6. The event offers a smorgasbord of local favorites and emerging food establishments serving samples of appetizers, entrees, desserts and beverages. Attendees vote for favorites, too. If you’re feeling claustrophobic in the crowd, there’s a garden patio area to offer some fresh air, and you can try a variety of local beers, wines, ales and ciders. Live entertainment, local business info and socializing are all a big part of the event, too. $40 in advance general admission, $50 at the event. Military, first responders and teachers pay $35 in advance, $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<\/a><\/p>\n Read more about the event and other “Taste” fests in Lake County at dailycommercial.com<\/a><\/p>\n Enjoy traditional Native American culture celebration featuring drumming, dancing by award-winning performers, storytelling, crafts, and food at the Thundering Spirit Family Pow Wow<\/strong> 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday & Saturday, March 6-7, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, at Renninger\u2019s Twin Markets, Mount Dora, 20651 U.S. 441, Mount Dora. Details on the Thundering Spirit Facebook event page<\/a>.<\/p>\n Enjoy a morning out in downtown Leesburg, browsing a curated garden market featuring plant and garden vendors, a bingo brunch, boutique shopping, gourmet goodies and fresh-baked sourdough breads. Takes place at Gary Lee Sligh’s historic home and makers’ collective at 1012 W. Main St., Leesburg. Email gryslgh@yahoo.com<\/p>\n Spend quality time under historic, majestic oaks at the Love of Life Festival, a community music and arts event from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 7. Expect live performances, local art and family activities. Grand Oaks Resort is located at\u00a03000 Marion County Road, Weirsdale. For details, contact the resort at\u00a0352-750-5500 or visit facebook.com\/loveoflifefest<\/a><\/p>\n Italians in Lake County? Si!<\/em> Based on census data, more than 23,000 Italian Americans live in Lake. That’s more than enough to fill Groveland’s Downtown Festival Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, at 117 N. Main Ave. The Italian Club of Central Florida is hosting its inaugural Taste of Italy festival in Groveland, bringing la dolce vita <\/em>with live entertainment, Italian food (of course), artists and crafters, and a variety of merchandise to browse. All proceeds go to Lupus Foundation and New Beginnings. Call 407-509-4802.<\/p>\n The 10th annual Umatilla Chili & BBQ Cook-Off <\/strong>is a fun, free and spicy event that’s been running a decade, this year at Cadwell Park, 1 Cassady St., from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 7. The event features blind-judged categories with cooks receiving cash prizes, including a People’s Choice award and best-decorated booth competitions.\u00a0Admission is $15 for adults and $7 for children (6-13); kids 5 and younger get in free. No outside coolers; bringing lawn chairs is recommended. Call 352-669-3511<\/p>\n Veteran clean comic Jeff Allen<\/strong> says he’s touring his “first ‘final’ farewell tour.” At 69, a farewell tour may be a tad early, but it isn’t that far<\/em> from a possibility. From his classic “Happy Wife Happy Life” bit to his takes on marriage<\/a>, family, and everyday life, Allen has enjoyed a prolific career and will be headlining Weirsdale’s most beloved venue this Saturday night. His promoters say it will be a night “that\u2019s hilarious, unforgettable, and uplifting.” See for yourself at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, at the Orange Blossom Opry, 16439 SE 138th Terrace, Weirsdale. Details: obopry.com<\/a><\/p>\n Cirque Italia Water Circus\u00a0<\/strong>has set up its striking tents in the parking lot of Lake Square Mall on U.S. 441 in Leesburg. The show features a traveling, animal-free, European-style circus and was established in 2012. Expect a custom-designed stage holding 35,000 gallons of water. It showcases high-energy acts, including aerialists, contortionists, and BMX bikers, performing amid fountains and rain curtains. Shows are held under a white and blue tent Feb. 27-March 2. Details: cirqueitalia.com\/About-Cirque-Italia<\/a><\/p>\n Spend your Saturday shopping and eating. On March 7,\u00a0The Fancy Flea at Family Food Fest<\/strong> offers the opportunity to browse a curated vintage market and purchase eats from a wide array of food trucks, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Clermont, 756 W. Montrose St.. Details: 352-394-8618.<\/p>\n The\u00a0Fernando Ferrarone Jazz Quartet<\/strong>\u00a0will perform at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 7. Led by an award-winning jazz trumpeter and saxophonist who’s received plaudits from Wynton Marsalis, the ensemble will feature music from their debut album “Now Till Forever” at the\u00a0Clermont Performing Arts Center,\u00a03700 U.S. 27, Clermont. Details:\u00a0352-394-4800.\u00a0<\/p>\n Amber Brooke Farms<\/strong>‘ anticipated Strawberry Festival in Eustis will run on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., from Feb. 28 through March 15. Attendees can still expect a range of activities as always, including food trucks, live music, and special offerings like a petting zoo featuring animals such as Zebu cows, donkeys, alpacas, lambs, and goats. The festival will also host strawberry-themed crafts and offer a U-pick service with strawberries available at a 20 percent discount. A happy hour from 2 to 3 p.m. offers 50 percent off alcoholic drinks.<\/p>\n Gel Blasters and an archery range can be enjoyed with separate admission fees. The Bubble Barn, Ball Zone, Jump Pads, Spider Webs, Corn Hole, Slide Hill, and Cow Train will also be available for families to enjoy. Those interested in exploring more can join the Sunflower Express, participate in Family Tug-O-War, play in the Playgrounds and Tire Sand Pit, complete with diggers, or partake in the Duck Race. Tickets for the festival can be purchased online for $17.95 or at the gate for $19.95. Tickets and details at amberbrookefarms.com\/annual-strawberry-festival<\/a><\/p>\n Billy Buchanan<\/strong>\u00a0will deliver his singular rock and soul stylings from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, at Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, 19239 U.S. 27, Clermont. Details: 352-394-8627.\u00a0<\/p>\n “Kim’s Convenience<\/strong>”\u00a0was a stage play before it became a hit Netflix television series<\/a>, written by Ins Choi. The play with the tagline “humor and heart on every aisle” premiered at the 2011 Toronto Fringe Festival, where it won the Patron’s Pick Award. Inspired by the experiences of Korean immigrants in Canada, the story served as the direct basis for a popular CBC sitcom, with some actors, such as\u00a0Paul Sun-Hyung Lee and Jean Yoon<\/a>, reprising their roles.\u00a0<\/p>\n Locally produced by Significant Productions with an all-professional cast, the comedic and heartwarming play can be seen at\u00a0The Studio Theatre Tierra Del Sol, 806 San Marino Drive, The Villages, through March 14. Yong Suk Yoo directs. An American Sign Language performance can be seen on March 3 (email Tickets@TheVillages.com<\/a>). Tickets are $40. More details at thesharonstudio.com\/10-kims-convenience.html<\/a><\/p>\n The Villages’ Electric Light Party<\/strong> has been moved from Feb. 6 to Friday, March 13. Taking place from 4 to 10 p.m., the “high-energy glow” fest features live music from Blonde Ambition on the main stage, a dedicated “Glow Lounge,” and free airbrush face painting at Lake Sumter Landing. Attendees are encouraged to dress in neon and light-up gear. Limited items will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Takes place at Lake Sumter Landing Market Square, 1020 Lake Sumter Landing, The Villages. Details: 352-753-1917.<\/p>\n The African Children’s Choir<\/strong> performs at 7 p.m. on Friday,\u00a0March 20 at Hope International Church, 13806 State Rd 33,\u00a0Groveland. Said the group’s representatives: “We have 17 children in the\u00a0Ugandan\u00a0choir, ages\u00a08 to 10.\u00a0Local\u00a0families\u00a0host\u00a0the group in their\u00a0homes, where they share and learn about new customs, food and\u00a0culture.” Details: 352-429-4722.<\/p>\n Meet Florida Meat<\/strong> (formerly Meet the Meat) is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, March 21-22 with more than 20 Florida farmers and ranchers selling farm-direct products that are 100% born, fed, and processed in the state. The festival is one of the last at Great Scott Farms, 26216 County Road 448A, Mount Dora, before the farm relocates elsewhere. Email farm@longandscottfarms.com<\/p>\n The\u00a0Mount Dora Spring Festival of Arts and Crafts<\/strong>\u00a0is consistently ranked as one of the\u00a0top craft festivals in America\u00a0by\u00a0Sunshine Artist Magazine. It’s a free two-day celebration featuring more than 250 curated exhibitors\u00a0showcasing an eclectic mix of original fine art and handmade crafts, including jewelry, pottery, textiles, and woodwork. Visitors can stroll through the vibrant streets from\u00a09 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, Saturday and Sunday, March 21-22, to browse artists and vendors while enjoying festival food, beer, wine and cocktails. Details: MountDoraSpringfest.com<\/a><\/p>\n The 72nd annual Sailboat Regatta<\/strong> sets sail on Saturday, March 21, and Sunday, March 22, with events at the lakefront parks of Mount Dora. The historic regatta is one of the oldest in the state. For contact details or race registration info, call 352-735-7183.<\/p>\n Immerse yourself and your family in all things Japanese at the Japan Festival Eustis<\/strong>, an extensive cultural celebration presented by the Arching Oaks Art and Culture Center<\/a> and the city of Eustis downtown. The inaugural event is scheduled for Saturday, March 28. Visitors can expect a packed schedule featuring Taiko drum performances, traditional Japanese dance, and Koto harp music, along with martial arts demonstrations such as Kyudo (archery) and Kendo.<\/p>\n Hands-on experiences such as mini-arts classes in Shibori and Origami, a dedicated kids\u2019 zone, an interactive gaming area and a cosplay contest are just some of the events planned. “With authentic food vendors and a large-scale Shodo calligraphy demonstration, the festival serves as a bridge for cultural exchange and community connection in Central Florida,” organizers say. Details: archingoaks.org\/festival-event-info-page.html<\/a><\/p>\n The 2026 Taste of Tavares Food Wars<\/strong> features samplings, entertainment and a business expo from 6 to 9 p.m. on April 2 at Wooton Park along the shore of Lake Dora in Tavares. 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. 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.<\/p>\n The Brown’s Spring Craft Market 2026<\/strong> offers a day of shopping and community fun with free parking and admission at Brown’s Adventure Farm, 13940 U.S. 301, Oxford. Starting at 10 a.m. and running until 3 p.m. Saturday, April 11, you can wander through a massive selection of more than 150 vendors offering everything from handmade jewelry and wreaths to garden decor, beauty products, and homemade baked goods. On-site food trucks will feed hungry attendees. To stay updated on specific vendor and food truck profiles, be sure to follow their Facebook event page<\/a> or visit brownsadventurefarm.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n The 105th annual Lake County Fair<\/strong> returns to Eustis April 10-19 at 2101 County Road 452. Expect the usual: rides, livestock auctions, entertainment and food. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. on weekdays and from 1 to 10 p.m. on weekends.\u00a0Details: lakecofair.com<\/a><\/p>\n Leesburg Bikefest<\/strong> runs from Friday, April 24, to Sunday, April 26. This world-renowned event features dozens of concerts, bike shows and pro wrestling in historic downtown Leesburg, with the main stage, headlined by Lita Ford, Everclear and Sister Hazel at the Towne Hall Square, 501 W. Meadow St.<\/p>\nIt’s time for the County Fair in Sumter<\/h2>\n
Taste of Lake is back at Leesburg’s Venetian Center<\/h2>\n
Pow Wow in Mount Dora March 6-8<\/h2>\n
Leesburg Garden Party & Market<\/h2>\n
Love of Life Festival at Grand Oaks<\/h2>\n
Taste of Italy festival debuts in Groveland<\/h2>\n
Umatilla Annual Chili & BBQ Cookoff<\/h2>\n
Comedian Jeff Allen opens up at Opry<\/h2>\n
Cirque Italia Water Circus at Lake Square Mall<\/h2>\n
Fancy Flea takeover of Family Food Fest in Clermont<\/h2>\n
Emerging jazz act to perform in Clermont<\/h2>\n
Strawberry Festival continues this weekend<\/h2>\n
Billy Buchanan headlines Clermont winery event<\/h2>\n
‘Kim’s Convenience’ sells ‘humor and heart’ onstage<\/h2>\n
A look ahead …<\/h2>\n
Electric Party to light up Lake Sumter Landing<\/h2>\n
African Children’s Choir to perform in Groveland<\/h2>\n
‘Meet Florida Meat’: beefy sendoff at Great Scott Farms<\/h2>\n
Mount Dora Spring Festival of Arts & Crafts returns<\/h2>\n
72nd annual Sailboat Regatta in Mount Dora<\/h2>\n
Lake County’s first-ever Japanese culture festival<\/h2>\n
APRIL<\/h2>\n
‘Food Wars’ invade Wooton Park<\/h2>\n
Spring Craft Market 2026 at Oxford farm venue<\/h2>\n
Lake County Fair returns to Eustis<\/h2>\n
Leesburg Bikefest 2026 rocks historic downtown<\/h2>\n