The Weekend Lineup: March 20-22
Spring has officially sprung, and the weather is practically begging you to make plans. Whether you're chasing live music, hunting for vintage treasure, or dragging the family to a corn dog festival (yes, really), this weekend has something for every vibe.
Friday
Rocky and The Rollers -- The Villages
Twenty-seven years of packing the square and they're still bringing the energy. Rocky and The Rollers hit Spanish Springs Town Square at 1:00 PM ET with their signature all-eras, all-genres set. Free, loud, and the perfect way to kick off the weekend.
The Edge Of Rock + Car Show -- The Villages
Classic rock meets classic cars at Lake Sumter Landing. The Edge Of Rock brings high-energy covers while the car show rolls out from 1:00-4:00 PM ET. Free admission, waterfront setting, and plenty of chrome to admire.
Polo Match at The Villages Polo Club -- The Villages
Surprisingly one of the best afternoon outings in the area. Spring season polo matches run Fridays at 3:00 PM ET at The Villages Polo Club. Tickets are $10-25 and it's a vibe you didn't know you needed.
Lady K Live -- Inverness
Solo guitar session at Storm Distillery from 2:00-6:00 PM ET. Craft spirits, intimate setting, and a chill start to your weekend in downtown Inverness.
Live Music Friday at Broad Street Brewing -- Brooksville
Local bands take the stage at Broad Street Brewing Co. every Friday from 2:00-5:00 PM ET. Food trucks on site. Grab a pint and settle in.
Saturday
Gary Sinise & The Lt. Dan Band -- The Villages
This is the headliner of the weekend. Honor, gratitude, and rock & roll -- Gary Sinise & The Lt. Dan Band have been uplifting the nation's heroes for over 20 years, and they're bringing it to Lake Sumter Landing at 2:30 PM ET. Free show, but expect a crowd -- bring folding chairs and plan to arrive by golf cart. This one's going to be packed.
National Corn Dog Day Festival -- Williston
Only in Florida can you get historic train rides, live music, pro wrestling, a comedy show, AND a corn dog eating contest in one place. Kirby Family Farm hosts this gloriously weird one-day celebration with amusement rides and an Italian carousel. Gates open 10:00 AM-4:00 PM ET. Bring the whole family.
Mount Dora Spring Festival of Arts & Crafts -- Mount Dora
The 29th annual festival takes over downtown Mount Dora with 250+ hand-selected exhibitors showcasing handcrafted art and goods. Free admission, plus wine tasting, beer, cocktails, and food. This is the kind of event that makes Mount Dora, Mount Dora.
Leesburg Blooms & Brews -- Leesburg
The 3rd annual spring tradition hits Towne Square in downtown Leesburg starting at noon. First come, first served and free. Flowers and craft beer -- what's not to love?
Wild Foods Foraging -- Bushnell
Ever wondered what you can eat in the Florida wild? Expert park staff and volunteers lead this foraging adventure at Dade Battlefield Historic State Park from 9:00 AM-12:30 PM ET. Educational, hands-on, and genuinely interesting.
Lead Foot City - Drag Racing Competition -- Brooksville
Drag racing, burnouts, and a car-truck-bike meet at the 8th Street Dragstrip. Lead Foot City is the only city in America where street racing is legal, and Saturday brings a full competition day starting at 10:00 AM ET. Vendors and food on site.
Blue Stone Circle -- The Villages
The ultimate party band hits Spanish Springs Town Square at 5:00 PM ET. Rock, country, R&B, reggae, Top 40, Latin, pop -- Blue Stone Circle plays it all. Free.
CLUB CTRL Feat. DJ Lu-S -- The Villages
Brownwood Paddock Square goes full club mode at 5:00 PM ET. DJ Lu-S takes CTRL, flipping the switch with beats and lights all night. Free.
Sunday
Mount Dora Jazz Band: Swing into Spring -- Mount Dora
A 13-piece jazz band performing tunes in the style of Frank Sinatra and Bobby Darin at W.T. Bland Public Library, 10:00 AM ET. Free, classy, and the kind of Sunday morning that makes you feel like you've got your life together.
Sheila & The Sound -- The Villages
From Aretha to Journey, Sheila & The Sound bring the power, passion, and pipes to Spanish Springs Town Square at 5:00 PM ET. A retro-fueled dance floor under the evening sky. Free.
Billy Buchanan & His Rock N'Soul Revue -- The Villages
Soul, early rock, and blues from the '50s to the '80s and beyond at Lake Sumter Landing, 5:00 PM ET. Billy Buchanan delivers the kind of Sunday night set that makes Monday feel far away. Free.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park -- Crystal River
See Lu the hippo, manatees, Florida black bears, bobcats, and native birds in a natural spring setting. The underwater observatory lets you watch from below the surface. $13 adults -- worth every penny for a Sunday nature day.
Pine Needle Basket Class -- Bushnell
Learn traditional pine needle basketry from experienced volunteers at Dade Battlefield Historic State Park, 10:00 AM-1:00 PM ET. All materials provided. A surprisingly meditative and rewarding way to spend a Sunday morning.
Quick Hits
Friday:
- Slickwood at Brownwood Paddock Square, 1:00 PM ET -- Jamgrass with exceptional harmonies
- The Brothers Jukebox at Sawgrass Grove, 1:00 PM ET -- Country and classic rock
- Wine Tasting Dinners at Katya Vineyards, Ocala -- Multi-course pairings on the square
- Karaoke Night at Sauced Hogs in Crystal River, 2:00 PM ET
Saturday:
- Brownwood Farmers Market at Brownwood Paddock Square, 9:00 AM ET -- 70+ vendors
- Ocala Downtown Market at Ocala Downtown Market Pavilion, 9:00 AM ET
- Handpicked Trio at Sawgrass Grove, 8:00 AM ET -- Bluegrass with fiddle, banjo, and great vocals
- Renninger's Flea & Farmers Market at Renninger's, Mount Dora, 8:00 AM ET
- Sheltair Run the Runway 5K at Ocala International Airport, 8:00 AM ET -- Run on an actual runway
- Night Sky Viewing at Dade Battlefield, 8:00 PM ET -- Constellations and planets with the Villages Astronomy Club
- The Voodoo Gypsies at Eastport, 2:00 PM ET -- Classic rock from the '60s, '70s, '80s
- Crystal River Cruise-In at Kings Bay Plaza, Crystal River, 1:00 PM ET
- Downtown Street Market in Brooksville -- Spring market spotlighting youth makers
Sunday:
- Dance Express at Brownwood Paddock Square, 5:00 PM ET -- Motown and top 40
- Steve Hogie Band at Sawgrass Grove, 5:00 PM ET -- Classic rock
- Mount Dora Village Market at Sunset Park, 1:00 PM ET -- Fresh produce and local goods
- Villagers Feud at Eastport, 3:00 PM ET -- Survey-says game night, teams of 4
- Sunday Siesta & Soul: Lupe Live at District Bar and Kitchen, Ocala, 11:30 AM ET
Weather
| Friday | Saturday | Sunday | |
|---|---|---|---|
| High | 79°F | 81°F | 78°F |
| Low | 58°F | 60°F | 57°F |
| Conditions | Mostly sunny | Partly cloudy | Sunny |
| UV | High (7) | High (8) | High (7) |
Got plans we missed? Email [email protected]