Fourth of July festivities spill into the first weekend in Eustis and Leesburg.
Nature enthusiasts prove to us that it is still safe to recreate outdoors — you just go in the morning or late afternoon hours, dress appropriately and bring bug spray.
Live music in Clermont and comedy at a newly revamped and renamed venue round out the offerings for July 5-7.
If you're reading this online before or on July 4, check out our online Independence Day guide:
More 4th of July fun:When are the fireworks in Leesburg on 4th of July? Check out our guide.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
FRIDAY
Eustis' 2024 Hometown Celebration, concert and ski show
Expect all-American fun at the city of Eustis' 2024 Hometown Celebration on Saturday, July 6, from 5 to 10 p.m. in Ferran Park.The Central Florida Ski Show, kids activities, vendors, food trucks and live music highlight the festivities.
Rockabilly/pop performer Frankie Moreno fittingly brings his Elvis/Jerry Lee Lewis gyrations to the park's vintage bandshell at 8 p.m. Emmy-nominated for his national TV special “Songs at Home," Moreno stars in a PBS special concert titled “Frankie Moreno In Concert." A fireworks finale caps it off at 9:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. P.S. It's also the city's First Friday monthly fest.Check the city's page on Facebook for details and updates.
Friday party at Warehouse Social Club & Eatery
Eat, drink, sing karaoke and play Firelink arcade games at a nonprofit venue that benefits local veterans and first responders. The Warehouse is located at 312 S Second St., Leesburg, two blocks south of Main Street. Details: 352-616-1911 or mfpsa.us.
SATURDAY
First Saturday birding at Trout Lake Nature Center
Join expert birder Bob Wexler to discover the birds living or visiting the Trout Lake Nature Center at 8 a.m. on July 6. Dress comfortably and "be prepared to whatever the Florida weather will be," the center says, adding that Wexler has birded around the world and throughout Central Florida. He has insight into the many birding spots in our area. The nature center can be found at 520 East County Road 44, Eustis. $5/vehicle entry fee; TLNC members enter for free. Details: 352-357-7536 or troutlakenaturecenter.com.
Carnival Splash Party benefits autism and special needs nonprofit
Bring the kids to the Warehouse Social Club & Eatery at 312 S Second Street, Leesburg, to enjoy splashy fun for a good cause. Bring a $20 donation for up to four people; additional tickets are $5. Includes meals, summer games and activities, an inflatable waterslide, water activities for younger children, prize drawings eligible to all entrants, snacks and more. Proceeds go to the Meaningful Milestone Academy in Umatilla. Details: 352-616-1911 or mfpsa.us.
Exploration evening hike at PEAR Park
Join staff on an early evening hike to get some exercise and explore nature at the Palatlakaha Environmental and Agricultural Reserve, also known as PEAR Park. Begins at 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 7, at 4800 University Blvd, Leesburg. A brochure for PEAR is available on the county's website. Details: Justin Pouliot, 352-516-7011.
'Laugh Freely Clean' comedy show at Hideaway theater
An eclectic posse of comedians headlines the Hideaway Performing Arts Theater, from 7 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 6. Veteran comedian Goldiee, known for his quick wit and engaging stage presence, emcees "Laugh Freely Clean" at the venue formerly known as Plaza Theatre, 431 Plaza Drive, Eustis.
Sharing the spotlight with Goldiee will be comics Tony Black, Patrick Sisk and headliner Whodi, a familiar face from "BET’s Comic View," Shaquille O’Neal’s "Next All Star" and Black Comedy Central’s "Da Laughin’ Barrel." His performance style capitalizes on a natural charisma, a unique perspective on life and Southern charm. Whodi has shared billings with Tony Rock, John Witherspoon, Tony Woods, Don "DC" Curry, Lavell Crawford, Tony Roberts, Gary Owens and Mike Epps.
Tickets for the comedy show are available now and can be purchased online at EventBrite.com or at the Hideaway Performing Arts Theater box office. Details: 352-541-0041.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
Glow-in-the-dark bocce, indoor picnic at Holiday RV park
Holiday RV park will host a Stars and Stripes Weekend in celebration of the nation's birthday. Festivities include a cookout at noon ($5) followed by glow-in-the-dark bocce ball at 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 6. On Sunday, July 7, head to the climate-controlled activity center at 3 p.m. for hot dog bar, games and prizes. Tickets are required but they're free and available at the park's lifestyle office. Located at at 28229 County Road 33, Leesburg. Details: facebook.com/holidayrvvillage or 352-787-5151.
Wine down with live music at Lakeridge Winery
You can always count on Weekends at Winery for a free fun outdoors event in Lake County. Bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy live music at the Lakeridge Winery this Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Dave Capp and France Neil set the mood Saturday and Maria Salerno serenades the crowd on Sunday. Admission and parking are free. Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards is at 19239 N U.S. 27, Clermont. Details:lakeridgewinery.com/WATW.
A look ahead ...
Discover Leesburg, a new summer tradition
On the second Friday of the month, when the summer's sweltering afternoons begin to cool off, the city of Leesburg will feature the new free summer event, Discover Leesburg, from 5 to 9 p.m. on the second Friday of July and August.The event features live music, vendors, food trucks and an evening market on Fifth Street.
Plus, downtown businesses will be encouraged to stay open later and offer exclusive discounts on this night, and soulful singer-songwriter Miguel Larsen will entertain attendees at the Leesburg Town Square.
"Our goal is to create a fun ambiance and encourage residents to come down, grab a beverage, ice cream or snack at one of our downtown establishments, stroll around and discover Leesburg," said Maggie Lyden, the city's special events manager. Call the city of Leesburg at 352-728-9786 for details.
Saddle-up for Leesburg's Wild West Pub Crawl
We're told "a rootin' tootin' good time" can be had at theWild West Pub Crawlhappening onJuly 27in downtown Leesburg. Participants can dress in cowboy boots and hats and saddle up to downtown Leesburg bars(and bars for the night) such as McCracken's Irish Pub, Marmadukes Lodge, Sipping Garden & Bistro, Brick & Barrel Public House, Great Chicago Fire Brewery, Turner's Kitchen + Bar, Two Old Haggs Wine Shoppe, Wolf Branch Brewing, Hamerick Family Vineyards, The Warehouse, Prime 3 Steakhouse and Breakfast at Tiffany's. Click here for tickets.
Lake County veterans outreach event
Are you or a loved one a veteran residing in Lake County? The Lake County Veteran Services Office will host an event to provide information on services to veterans from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 11, at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Eustis. The free event will help Lake County veterans navigate disability compensation, pension benefits, VA mortgages, VA educational programs, healthcare and burial benefits. Details: lakecountyfl.gov/news/5048
Family fun planned at Sunsational Farms
Sunsational Farms has some fun community events planned. On July 20, they'll host the Family Field Day, presented by TLC (Toddlers of Lake County), from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration and more information are available on the TLC's Family Field Day FB event page.
Beginning Aug. 17, Umatilla's Sunsational Farms will team up with B-Box & Bags to offer a new local-centric marketplace for the community and a way to support small businesses. Expect produce, eggs, honey, meats, artisan breads and baked goods, pickles, soaps, homemade pet treats, home remedies and more. A kids' activity area will entertain the little ones. If you're hungry, the Big Orange Grill will serve burgers, salads, wraps and fries. Ice cream and Sno Biz shaved ice will be for sale in the farm store.
This will take place every Saturday, starting in August, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 40541 Roger Giles Road, Umatilla. More details: sunsationalfarms.com.
Are you hosting an event in Lake County? Email us information and a high-res image at news@dailycommercial.com.
