Friday and Saturday are the kind of blue-sky, mid-to-upper-80s weather people retire here for -- burn-the-patio-umbrella good. Sunday turns moodier with a 37% chance of afternoon thunderstorms rolling across Central Florida (NWS). Leesburg Bikefest takes over downtown Leesburg all three days with free general admission, and Belleview's 26th annual Greek Festival is running Friday through Sunday with free entry.
Friday
Leesburg Bikefest -- Downtown Leesburg, Free general admission, Opening Ceremony Noon ET
The rally takes over downtown Leesburg April 24-26. Opening Ceremony kicks off at noon, and Lita Ford headlines tonight. Free general admission to all shows -- you only pay for food, drinks, vendors, or VIP upgrades.
St. Mark Greek Orthodox Church Greek Festival -- St. Mark Greek Orthodox Church, Free admission, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM ET
The 26th annual Greek Festival in Belleview -- gyros, loukoumades, live music, traditional dancing, vendors, and raffles. Free admission, but it's a cashless event so bring a card. Continues Saturday 11-8 and Sunday 11-6.
Beginning Birding -- Chinsegut Conservation Center, Free, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM ET
A guided intro to bird identification at Chinsegut: feeders first, then a short walk. Binoculars available to borrow. Free, but reservations are required -- contact Bev at 352-686-0460 or [email protected].
Tyke Time (Ages 4 and Under) -- Mary Sue Rich Community Center, Free, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET
A structured play session for kids four and under -- age-appropriate sports and games. Free. A good option if you need to wear out a toddler before the afternoon heat kicks in.
The Reading Derby: Ready, Set, Library! -- All Library Locations, Free, 10:00 AM ET
National Library Week kickoff across every Marion County library branch. Grand prize drawings happen on Derby Day, the first Saturday in May. Easy to fold into a morning errand run.
Evening in Paris -- The Mount Dora Bistro, $78/pp, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM ET
A prix-fixe French dining experience at The Mount Dora Bistro -- chef's "Table d'Hôte" menu, three hours, $78 per person. Reservations recommended. Call 352-729-2280.
After Work Fridays + Fiesta Fridays -- Loft Ocala, No cover before 11 PM, 9:00 PM - 2:00 AM ET
Two parties in one building: DJ NYO on the main floor and Fabian Hernandez running Fiesta Friday on the third floor. Shot specials all night. Free entry before 11 PM.
Saturday
Leesburg Bikefest -- Downtown Leesburg, Free general admission
Day two of the rally. Everclear headlines tonight. Fog burns off by mid-morning per NWS and it climbs to 89°F, so park early.
Mayor's Spring Clean Up Day -- Tuscawilla Park, Free, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM ET
Ocala's Earth Day effort. Volunteers meet at Tuscawilla Park at 8 AM to be released to their cleanup areas. Registration recommended.
Kimberly's Center 5K Race Against Child Abuse -- Ina A. Colen Academy, $40-$45 registration, 8:00 AM ET
14th annual fundraiser 5K and walk through Calesa Township, benefiting Kimberly's Center for Child Protection. Packet pickup at 7 AM, race starts at 8. Late registration $40 through April 24 at 3 PM, day-of $45. Kids 10 and under $10.
Brownwood Paddock Square Hometown Market -- Spanish Springs Town Square, Free, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM ET
Saturday morning market -- fresh local produce, handmade goods, and outdoor vendors. Free to wander; bring cash for purchases.
Sunday
Leesburg Bikefest -- Downtown Leesburg, Free general admission
Sister Hazel closes out the rally. Sunday has a 37% chance of showers and thunderstorms per NWS -- outdoor events here tend to push through Florida afternoon storms, but keep an eye on timing.
Sunday Brunch at Eden Abbey -- Eden Abbey, Menu items $6-$20, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM ET
Sunday brunch at Eden Abbey Brewing in Mount Dora. Live music in the taproom 12:30-2:30. Chicken & Waffle Sandwich is the signature. No cover -- you only pay for what you eat and drink.
The Full Lineup
Find all 179+ events this weekend at villacalalineup.com/events/.
Got a tip or event we should know about? Email [email protected]
