Weekend Extravaganza: From Bright Star to Pirates and Parrots!

Weekend Extravaganza: From Bright Star to Pirates and Parrots!

This weekend in Lake County, there’s no shortage of exciting activities that cater to a wide array of interests. Whether you’re in the mood for live music, artsy markets, or engaging community events, you’re sure to find something that tickles your fancy.

To kick off the spotlight, the Bay Street Players are launching their thrilling 2025-26 season with the much-anticipated musical „Bright Star,“ co-written by the brilliant Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. This heartwarming production opens at the State Theatre in Eustis on August 29 and will grace the stage until September 14. Drawing from a true story, „Bright Star“ is set in the American South during the interwar years and follows the journey of literary editor Alice Murphy as she navigates love, loss, and redemption. Notably, it features a Tony®-nominated score that promises a deeply emotional experience for attendees. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling, with content that, while touching on serious themes, offers an uplifting theatrical journey. For those in the area, a night out at „Bright Star“ could be just the ticket to add some sparkle to your weekend. As the Eustis State Theatre notes, this production is certainly one not to miss—especially with a robust team of directors and designers at the helm.

Weekend Highlights

Moving beyond the theatre, there’s plenty more happening this weekend. The Howey Artisan Market makes its debut at Mission Resort and Club in Howey-in-the-Hills on August 30, where you can expect a delightful mix of local produce, crafts, live entertainment, and mouth-watering food trucks. It’s a wonderful opportunity to support local artisans while soaking up the community vibe.

For the fitness enthusiasts, the first annual “Run The Resort” 5K is scheduled for the same day, promising a fun and invigorating morning at Mission Resort. While you’re there, don’t miss Rob Nichols, who will be celebrating Jimmy Buffett Day at Lake Minneola Inn’s Tiki bar on August 29 from 5 to 9 p.m., bringing island vibes and great music, a perfect way to wind down after a busy day.

The celebration continues with a Jimmy Buffett extravaganza at Holy Shmokes in The Villages on August 30 from 1 to 8 p.m., featuring music, trivia, and plenty of fantastic food. Meanwhile, the Pirates and Parrots Festival in Mount Dora will bring its own charm, starting at 2 p.m. and continuing until 10 p.m., complete with live music and a tribute band to keep the festivities alive.

• Jazz and blues fans can catch Harry O performing at Hamrick Farms Vineyard & Emporium in Leesburg on August 30 at 7 p.m.
• For those looking to stretch their creative muscles, a dinosaur panel building workshop awaits at Lake Square Mall in Leesburg, kicking off at noon on August 30.
• An animal rescue benefit event will also take place at Fire Rock in the Ocala National Forest, showcasing community spirit on August 31 from 2 to 6 p.m.
• Don’t forget about the “Ditches to Riches” event at Grace O’Malley’s Public House in Clermont on August 31 from noon to 3 p.m.

Upcoming Attractions

Looking ahead, Lake County continues to impress with an array of upcoming cultural events. The Melon Patch Players will present “Nana Does Vegas” at the Tropic Theater in Leesburg from September 5 to 21, followed by an expressive group exhibition titled „Expressions“ at the Leesburg Arts Center opening September 12. Notably, McCracken’s Irish Pub will be buzzing with energy as it gears up for its Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Party on September 13, starting at 4 p.m.

On September 20, the town’s first Mount Dora Book Expo invites literature lovers to Donnelly Park for a day filled with author signings and book discussions, while a quirky Bigfoot & Skunk Ape expo will take place simultaneously in Ocklawaha. Also not to be missed is the Viva La Frida Festival celebrating the iconic Frida Kahlo on September 30 in Mount Dora, promising an artistic and cultural experience.

With so much going on, Lake County not only showcases its vibrant community spirit but also enriches the lives of residents and visitors alike. This region is a treasure trove of events that remind us of the importance of culture and community, something residents of Lake County, Florida, can truly take pride in. Whether you’re drawn to theatre, music, or festivals, there’s something here for everyone, highlighting the charm and charm of Florida’s local happenings. For more details on these exciting upcoming events, Daily Commercial has you covered, alongside updates from the Eustis State Theatre’s 2025-2026 season and further insights into Lake County’s offerings at Lake County Ohio Events.