Things To Do

Hundreds of artists fill Mount Dora during annual Arts Festival

The Mount Dora Arts Festival is celebrating its 45th year of bringing fine arts to Central Florida Feb. 1 and 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

More than 285 of the nation’s leading artists in 14 different mediums will fill historic downtown Mount Dora as they compete in a juried art show ideal for art enthusiasts, casual festival-goers and families.

In addition to the rows of fine art, including oil paintings, watercolors, acrylics, clay, sculpture and photography, the festival features local and regional musical entertainment at a main stage in Donnelly Park several times a day.

Families will want to take time to explore the Kids Art Zone area with kid-friendly projects, activities, space to play and face painting.

Festival goers who work up an appetite can choose from a wide variety of festival food in the event’s food courts.

Downtown Mount Dora is known for its New England architecture and breathtaking views of Lake Dora as well as its eclectic mix of restaurants and shops that will be open during the event.

Other Mount Dora spots to explore during the festival include the iconic lighthouse, Palm Island Boardwalk and the oversized Adirondack chair, located at Grantham Point Park.

The Mount Dora Arts Festival is free to attend, and is the main fundraising event for Mount Dora Center for the Arts year-round art programming.