Special Events

Mount Dora is an ideal environment to hold or attend a special event due to inviting weather, abundance of shops and activities, and year-round attractiveness to many visitors and residents. Mount Dora is a dynamic destination with exemplary art, entertainment, and culinary offerings.

The City recognizes special events as an important part of Mount Dora’s quality of life and the contribution they make to a sustainable tourism industry. Special events also provide economic benefits to local businesses and residents, while providing a love of place through unique civic, cultural, educational, recreational, and entertainment experiences.

The City hosts over 30 events throughout the year, enriching the lives of residents, bringing tens of thousands of visitors to the City, and benefiting local nonprofits, small businesses, and vendors. Community favorites include Light Up Mount Dora, where the entire City is decked out in holiday decorations; Snow in the Park, which allows many local children to go sledding in Donnelly Park in the heart of downtown; and Freedom on the Waterfront, which showcases an incredible fireworks show on Lake Dora. Our Back to School Rally and African American History Festival bring the community together for family-friendly activities. Mount Dora also hosts several large festivals, such as the Arts Festival sponsored by Mount Dora Center for the Arts, and the Craft Fair sponsored by Visit Mount Dora.

From 5Ks and bicycle festivals to wine walks and pet-friendly activities, we offer something for everyone. Special events play a large role in making Mount Dora "Someplace Special."

Contact Us

  1. Chris
    Chris Carson
    Cultural and Special Events Coordinator
    Email
    Ph: (352) 455-3171



February

Arts Festival

- First Weekend of February - A juried fine arts festival, for art lovers, casual festival-goers and families

African-American History Festival

- Second Weekend of February - Celebrate Black History Month during the African American History Festival at Cauley Lott Park. 


March


Taste in Mount Dora

- Second Weekend of March - A spectacular evening of culinary delights prepared by Mount Dora's finest restaurants. 

Mount Dora Spring Show

- Third Weekend of March - Over 300 vendors displaying treasures all throughout the downtown streets of Mount Dora.

Annual Easter Egg Hunt

- Last Weekend of March - Easter Egg Hunt for kids at the W.T. Bland Public Library.


Annual Sailboat Regatta

- Last weekend of March  - This oldest Sailboat Regatta in the state will prove to be a fun day for the whole family!


April
Earth Day Mount Dora

- Third weekend of April - Celebrate Earth Day with live music, exhibits, food, yoga, trash-to-trends fashion show, educational workshops, rain barrels and much more. 

Blueberry Festival 

- Last weekend of April - The 4th Annual festival returns with over 100 vendors on hand, live entertainment, kids activities and much more!

May

Twilight 5K Run 

- First weekend of May - Come walk or run through the historic downtown Mount Dora residential and business district.

July

Freedom on the Waterfront

- July 3rd - live music and a spectacular fireworks show after sun down at Elizabeth Evans Park.

4th of July Parade

- 4th of July - Celebrate your Independence with a traditional downtown parade. 

September

Seafood Festival

- Last weekend of September - The festival with over 100 vendors offering a variety of seafood, beverages, merchandise, kids area and live entertainment. 

October

Annual Bicycle Festival

- First weekend of October - Attracting over 1,000 cyclists annually, this is Florida's oldest and largest bicycling event.

Annual Craft Fair

- Last weekend of October - This nationally ranked juried event continues to attract over 250,000 visitors and over 350 of the best crafters in the country.

November

Mount Dora Plant and Garden Fair

- Second weekend of November - Central Florida's top growers bring more than 12,000 plants, herbs and garden antiques to this annual event in Donnelly Park.

Mount Dora Scottish Highland Festival

- Third Weekend of November - Enjoy the celebration of heritage and culture with Scottish music, Highland games, dancing and so much more at the Mount Dora Scottish Highland Festival.

Light Up Mount Dora

- Last weekend of November - Join us in lighting Donnelly Park and downtown Mount Dora with over 2 million sparking lights with an appearance by Santa! 

December

Christmas Walk

- First Friday after Light Up Mount Dora - : Family Friendly Street Party with Santa, music, food and street performers.

Annual Christmas Parade

- First weekend of December - Floats, Bands, Music and Marching, all down Donnelly Street in downtown Mount Dora.

Lighted Boat Parade

- First weekend of December - Come enjoy the lighted Christmas Boat Parade on Lake Dora beginning at the Lighthouse

Christmas Tour of Homes

- First weekend of December - Relive cherished memories and traditions or create new ones, while getting to know Mount Dora and its residents on the 2017 Holiday Home Tour.

Snow in the Park

- Second weekend of December - Snow in the park where the kids can sled down a slide, go ice skating, see Santa and enjoy all the festivities.

Mount Dora Half Marathon and 5K

- Third Weekend in December - The gentle rolling hills of Mount Dora give this course a uniqueness of its own. From the start to finish, you’ll remember the Mount Dora Half Marathon

New Year's Eve Celebration

- December 31 - Ring in the New Year at Sunset Park beginning at 9pm with live entertainment, food, beverages and fireworks at midnight.

All Holiday Event Listings

 -- Events Included are with Public Safety, Library, Community Building and City Events.