Go batty in Gainesville, or enjoy concerts, fall fests, theater and other events that bless us with a multitude of marvelous outing options this weekend.
Also, check out our Halloween 2025 Events Guide for haunted houses and other Halloween fun.
Leesburg High taunts us with ‘Secret Play’
Join the LHS Drama Department for a play they say is so scary they can’t tell you the name at 4 and 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24, and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25. Tickets are $16. Leesburg High School is at 1401 Yellow Jacket Way. Details: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086540156175
Bay Street Players revive ‘Evil Dead The Musical’
Eustis’ Bay Street Players describes their production of ‘Evil Dead’ as a “cult-classic horror comedy” that is “packed with over-the-top laughs, killer tunes, and buckets (literally, buckets) of blood.” Seriously, there’s a splash zone in the theater. Runs Fridays-Sundays, Oct. 17-Nov. 2 at 109 N. Bay St. Tickets are $17.50 – $37.59. Questions? Email info@baystreetplayers.org. For tickets, visit eustisstatetheatre.org
The historic Mote Morris House in downtown Leesburg.
Haunted Mote Morris House
The Leesburg Parks and Recreation Department hosts a Halloween attraction in a beloved historic landmark, the historic Mote Morris House at 1195 W. Magnolia St. — an estate so old that some think that it’s haunted IRL. Takes place Friday through Sunday, Oct. 24-26, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Admission is $5 at the door, and organizers say it’s appropriate for all ages. For more information, call the Leesburg Recreation Complex at 352-728-9885 or email them at recreation.dept@leesburgflorida.gov.
A Flock of Seagulls transports Mount Dora back to the 1980s
Mount Dora has become a favorite tour stop for A Flock of Seagulls’ founder Mike Score. Score/A Flock of Seagulls is performing again, third year in a row, with its updated lineup at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24, at the Mount Dora Music Hall, 512 N. Baker St. If you haven’t seen them, it’s a fun show regardless of how well you know the tunes.
While just about everyone knows their chart-topping hit “I Ran (So Far Away),” the band that formed in Liverpool also enchanted 1980s teens and counter-culture new wavers with the dreamy “Space Age Love Song” and “Wishing (If I Had a Photograph of You)” from their groundbreaking self-titled debut album in 1982.
Other underrated and iconic ’80s acts playing the Hall in the coming weeks include Lene Lovich (Oct. 29) and Thomas Dolby (Nov. 6). Black Flag coheadlines with The Queers at the Mount Dora Music Hall on Nov. 21. Details: https://ci.mount-dora.fl.us
41st Mount Dora Craft Fair in historic downtown this weekend
Stroll and socialize at the Mount Dora for the 41st annual Mount Dora Craft Fair in the city’s historic downtown from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 25 and 26. The anticipated event features more than 350 of the best hand crafters in the USA. Organizers say you can finish your Christmas shopping in two days “with the most unique gifts you will find anywhere). Dogs are allowed but not recommended. Admission is free. Navigate to 510 N. Baker St, Mount Dora. Parking and shuttle information at www.MountDoraCraftFair.com
Market honors Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Mission Resort
Featured on the last Saturday of each month, the Howey Artisan Market at Mission Resort & Club offers fresh produce vendors, local purveyors, and fun, family-friendly activities. According to the resort, the October installment of the last-Saturday monthly market “is extra special with a Breast Cancer Cornhole Tournament, a Pet Costume Contest, Fall Photo Shoot, Pumpkin Patch, and plenty more fun for the whole family.” Takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, on the clubhouse lawn of the Mission Resort and Club in Howey-in-the-Hills. Details: missionresortandclub.com
Harvest some fun at local farm fests
Umatilla Farmers Market & Fall Festival: Bring the whole family out for a day packed with bounce houses, carnival games, a play barn, petting zoo, local vendors, food, and more from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Sunsational Farms, 40541 Roger Giles Road, Umatilla. Admission is free. The event kicks off with a kids’ costume contest from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Details: facebook.com/sunsationalfarms
Amber Brooke Farms in Eustis transforms into what they describe as a “harvest wonderland” every Saturday and Sunday through Nov. 2. Take the family or your other half for festive fun, live entertainment, harvest-themed attractions and more. Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets start at $15.95 at 36111 N. County Road 44A, Eustis. Details: amberbrookefarms.com/eustis
Brown’s Adventure Farm invites kids and your inner-children to romp in a 7-acre corn maze, pet barnyard animals, and enjoy more than 30 attractions, along with free fireworks on Saturdays, Oct. 11 and 25. You can also be entertained by Six Guns Territory Wild West Shows (select times), candy cannon Blasts, a mega slide, Amish-built playsets and photo opps. Takes place weekend through Oct. 26 at Brown & Brown Farms, 13940 U.S. 301, Oxford. Tickets can be purchased at brownsadventurefarm.com/five-weeks-of-fall
Clermont’s Southern Hill Farms is loaded with wholesome fun, including a 5-acre corn maze, pet animals, ride the Southern Hill Express (motorized train) and more from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at 16651 Schofield Road, Clermont. No entrance after 5:30 p.m. Pets are not allowed. Details: 407-986-5806.
Great Scott Farms in Mount Dora is hosting its festive fall fests through Nov. 16, where you can get lost in a corn maze, challenge gravity on the Jumping Pillow (socks required), and swish on the Super Slide. Let the kids go Medieval on their Castle Playground or hop aboard hay rides. The pumpkin patch is open during the regular fest hours, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Night mazes open till 10 p.m. On Saturday, Oct. 25, there’ll be a Latin night, and on Nov. 8, a glow night.
Large Malayan Flying Fox bats snack on watermelon during a previous Florida Bat Festival at the Lubee Bat Conservatory. This year’s event will run Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Florida Bat Festival: worth the drive to Gainesville
Since January, the Lubee Bat Conservatory in Gainesville has acquired 12 Indian Flying Foxes, known for their huge ears, and they’ve added a new educational display where guests can browse representations of some of the world’s largest animals, whales included. New games like “Find the lost Skunk Ape, vendors, an expanded beer garden, live tunes fromJig to a Milestone and Aisle 14, and performances by the Gainesville Bellydancers.
Takes place on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lubee Bat Conservancy, 1309 NW 192nd Ave., Gainesville. Admission is $10 for ages 13 and older, $5 for ages 5-12, and children 4 and younger get in free. lubee.org/flbatfestival
Bring the kids to Tavares’ Boo! Fest
Have some Halloweenie fun with the kids at a family-friendly event that features a large trunk or treat with tons of free candy, carnival games, live DJ music, food vendors, the Creepy Tent for kids sponsored by the YMCA, a costume contest and more, 6-9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24, at Wooten Park, 100 E. Ruby Street, Tavares. Details: Call 352-742-6319.
Who says you can’t die from the frightful noise of a lawn mower at 8 a.m.? Ask this Jack o’ Lantern in Lady Lake.
Lady Lake’s Not Too Scary Halloween
For families with little ghosts and goblins, the fun continues on Saturday, Oct. 25, with the Not Too Scary Halloween Boo Bash at the Guava Street Athletic Complex (221 W. Guava St.) from 6 to 8 p.m. This free annual event is packed with fun, including Halloween-themed bounce houses, a costume contest, music, and food trucks. Prizes for the costume contest are sponsored by the Lady Lake Library, with categories 4 and under, 5–8, 9 and up, and family groups. For information, text LLHalloween25 to 38276 or contact Amy Alicea at events@ladylake.org, call 352-205-2826, or visit ladylakefl.gov.
Eustis’ Trunk-or-Treat Haunted House
Eustis presents its first Trunk-or-Treat and Haunted House event, hosted by the Eustis Parks and Recreation Department. The free event will be on Friday, Oct. 24, from 6 to 9 p.m. in Carver Park, 2214 Bates Ave., Eustis.
Expect decorated trucks from the city of Eustis departments, candy giveaways for children, games and a haunted house. Visitors amble through a spooky, family-friendly haunted house that will wind through the facility in Carver Park. Costume prizes will be awarded, and contestants will be called up by age group. For more information, visit eustis.org.
Local youth dress up while going trick-or-treating in downtown Mount Dora at a past Halloween event.
Trick or Treat on Leesburg’s Main Street
Kick off your Halloween weekend with a spooktacular evening of fun and frights at Trick or Treat on Main St. The fun takes place from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25. The fun is headquartered at the Towne Square, 501 W. Main St., Leesburg. Parents can dress up with the kids and stroll through downtown Leesburg as local businesses hand out treats. Free bounce house to help burn off the sugar high. More info at LeesburgFlorida.gov
Growl-O-Ween in the Villages
The final day of The Villages’ Hometown Halloween Festival brings furry fun with the fourth annual Growl-O-Ween, a pet walk and costume contest for your four-legged family members. All proceeds go to the Humane Society of Sumter County. Takes place Sunday, Oct 26, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Brownwood Paddock Square. Cost is $20; $10 per additional dog; includes participation in the pet walk and participation in the costume contest. More details at thevillagesentertainment.com
Trout Lake Nature Center Pack Walks invite dogs and their owners for stroll through the Eustis woods the last Sunday of the month fall through spring.
Trout Lake Nature Center ‘Pack Walks’ are back
If you’re yearning for a walk in the woods with your four-legged sweetie, take advantage of the milder weather at the Trout Lake Nature Center, which is resuming its monthly Pack Walks on Sunday, Oct. 26, at 1:30 p.m. Walks take about one hour and usually end at the TLNC Education Dock. All dogs must be well-mannered, have all shots, be on a 6-foot non-retractable lead, and their person is responsible for picking up waste. Dress for the Florida weather and wear closed-toed shoes. No reservation required. Takes place at 520 E. County Road 44, Eustis. $5. Pack Walks take place on the last Sunday of the month through March 2026. Details: troutlakenaturecenter.com
A look ahead …
Warning: Adults will be dressing up too this Halloween.
Scaremont — Halloween on the Trail
The Clermont Police Department and the Clermont government are hosting a “scary good time” at Waterfront Park from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28. The free event will feature Clermont Police Department along with other organizations hosting trick-or-treat stations and the Creepy Clermont Costume Contest, Halloween-themed activities, and a showing of the movie “Goosebumps” starting at 7:15 p.m. Details: clermontfl.gov.
‘Tall, Terrifying Tales, And True-Ish Stories’ in Umatilla
Hear local legends and lore told after dark at Umatilla Public Library from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29. $15 suggested donation; networking reception. Bring your own beverages but heavy hors d’oeuvres by Chef Ben Roche will be served. Umatilla Public Library is located at 412 Hatfield Drive; details: 352-669-3284.
Groveland Trunk-or-Treat
Enjoy music spun by a DJ, and escort the little ones around for free candy. Spooky awards will be given for the best decorated trunks and costumes. It all happens on Halloween day, Oct. 31, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at Cherry Lake Park, 131 Wilson Lake Parkway, Groveland. Event page on Facebook.
Botánico Halloween Costume Contest in Mount Dora
Botánico Tacos & Tequila invites adult revelers to enjoy a costume contest and nightlife shenanigans from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 31. Free drinks for ladies before 10 p.m. Details: https://facebook.com/botanicomtdora
Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire returns to Tavares
Huzzah! The 2025 Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire brings us back in time again with contemporary twists Nov. 1-2, and 7-9. Education Day this year will be held on Friday, Nov. 7. For more information, visit LakeRenFaire.com
The Fall Country Jamboree at the Barberville Pioneer Settlement is an annual tradition, drawing people from throughout Central Florida. Pictured: Lloyd Baldwin from Branford.
Barberville Fall Country Jamboree: nearly a half-century strong
The Barberville Pioneer Settlement — a collection of historic buildings presented as a replica of an authentic Florida pioneer community — hosts the 49th Annual Fall Country Jamboree, the settlement’s biggest event of the year, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1, and 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 9.
Breathtaking in scope, its concert lineup features a staggering regional artists and bands along with storytellers, dancing and workshops. You can check out the schedule on the Barberville Pioneer Settlement’s Facebook page.
Located at 1776 Lightfoot Lane, Barberville, the settlement is a few miles east of Astor and northeast Lake County. Expect a corn boil, soup wagon, nine stages of constant live music, two nonstop jam tents, an antique car show, arts and crafts, farm animals and more. Details: 386-749-2959. No firearms allowed; service animals only. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids 5 and older.
Burn in the Burg Chili Cook-Off spices up Leesburg
The heartburn in the Burg is back at the Leesburg Towne Square for a night of flavorful food sampling, festive decorations and fun activities for the whole family, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1. $10 admission includes unlimited chili tastings from local favorites and live music. Cotton candy, kettle corn and fresh lemonade will be available for purchase, along with adult beverages. Tickets and info: leesburgchamber.com
Burn in the Burg Chili Cook-Off has drawn 1,000-plus revelers to the Leesburg’s Towne Square in downtown in previous years.
Lady Lake Centennial Celebration Events Week
A momentous occasion and an opportunity to honor the past, celebrate the present, and envision the future, The Town of Lady Lake’s Centennial will include a week of special events in November, including the Stroll Through History – Farmers Market at Rolling Acres Sports Complex, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4; History Haul – Heritage Park, 3-6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 5; and the Centennial Cake Cutting – Veterans’ Park Log Cabin, 6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 6.
One of the more festive highlights includes the Taste of Lady Lake Speakeasy at Lady Lake Library, 6:30-9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7: On Saturday morning, Nov. 8, there’ll be a pancake breakfast in Snooky Park, 8-10 a.m., and it all caps off with a bang on Saturday evening, Nov. 8. The Centennial Celebration features fireworks at the Guava Street Athletic Complex, 5-9 p.m. Details: Contact Amy Alicea at events@ladylake.org, call 352-205-2826, or visit ladylakefl.gov.
Dancing Under the Stars benefits New Beginnings
New Beginnings hosts its popular annual fundraiser gala, Dancing Under the Stars, on Saturday, Nov. 8. The annual benefit pairs local celebs with dance instructors at the Clermont Arts & Recreation Center. Details:Â nbcfl.org/gala
Lake County Comic Con gets new digs
Lake County Comic Convention returns on Saturday, Nov. 22, at a new venue, Minneola, 800 U.S. 27, Minneola. “We’re leveling up for 2025 with more guests, vendors, cosplay and family fun,” organizers say. Details: lakecountycomiccon
Clermont Garden Club and art events in South Lake
The Clermont Garden Club hosts its annual plant sale on Saturday, Nov 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at their headquarters at 849 West Ave. Plants grown by Garden Club members, as well as gently used garden items (ex., tools, pots, etc.) will be available for sale. There will be chances to win raffle baskets. Cash, check and credit cards accepted.
On Saturday, Nov. 22, the club will collaborate with the South Lake Art League on the Art Stroll, a free event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Clermont Garden Club. Artists will demonstrate, display and share their works throughout the grounds. Additional items include: raffles, a kids’ craft table, and a scavenger hunt for all ages. Light refreshments will be available for purchase. Details: Email rabanog@gmail.com
TV’s Tony Danza comes to Clermont
Tony Danza, the beloved star of TV classics “Taxi” and “Who’s the Boss?” Tony Danza will show up with his four-piece band at the Clermont Arts & Recreation Center to perform “Standards & Stories,” on Saturday, Nov. 22. In his new live show, the TV music with humor, storytelling, singing and even playing the ukulele. Read about it in our story at dailycommercial.com
Planning an event? Email us at news@dailycommercial.com
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: 13 things to this weekend in Lake or Sumter County plus a look ahead