The Big House – Local Festivals

When you visit The Big House in Tavares, Florida, don’t think that you can only have a good time by driving over to the nearby city of Orlando. Visitors can have a ton of fun in Tavares because there are local festivals that take place throughout the year.

Whether you’re looking to shop, party, or just spend a day out in the sun, check if one of these festivals is taking place while you’re in town.

Renninger’s Antique and Collector’s Extravaganza

Renninger’s Antique and Collector’s Extravaganza takes place three times throughout the year in January, February, and November. There is a price for admission, but guests can also receive a discount if they opt for a three-day pass.

This isn’t your average flea market. Nearly 800 vendors from all over the country come to Renninger’s Florida Twin Markets in Mount Dora, Florida, which is a 19-minute drive from The Big House, to sell antiques and collectibles. Whether you’re new to antique shopping or a long-time collector, this is a great opportunity to see pieces offered from around the United States. Maybe you’ll take home a really unique souvenir.

Renninger’s Steampunk Industrial Show

Science, fantasy, literature, industry, Victorian clothing; you can find all of that and more at Renninger’s Steampunk Industrial Show. Gear up for this event at Renninger’s Antique Center, which is roughly 12 miles from The Big House. Months for this event are subject to change. In the past, it has been hosted in January and October, so check Renninger’s website for up-to-date scheduling information.

Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction that is heavily influenced by 19th-century industrialization. At the Steampunk Industrial Show, guests enjoy live entertainment from music performances to fire dancers and magicians. Over 100 vendors also come to this event to sell specially crafted items, such as lockets, steampunk-style goggles, and artwork. Guests can also partake in horse and carriage rides, the best-dressed contest, and Splendid Teapot Racing. Admission and parking for this event are free.

Mount Dora Civil War Festival

Also taking place at Renninger’s Antique Center is the Mount Dora Civil War Festival. During the first weekend of February, guests can spend the weekend seeing history come to life.

Both days include the Battle of Townsend’s Plantation reenactment. Other happenings taking place over the weekend are the Ladies Tea, Commander’s Meetings, Dress Ball, and Old Time Chapel meetings on the battlefield. If you’re interested in being transported back in time, take an 18-minute drive from The Big House.

Mount Dora Arts Festival

The Mount Dora Arts Festival occurs during the first weekend of February. This annual festival takes place in Downtown Mount Dora at the Mount Dora Center for the Arts, which is a 17-minute drive from The Big House.

Artists have tents filled with their artwork and line the streets down Donnelly Street near the Mount Dora Center for the Arts. There are also merchants that set up shop along the streets. In addition to viewing work by featured artists, guests can enjoy live music performances. Being in the downtown area of Mount Dora, guests will have access to delicious festival food and local restaurants.

Come spend the weekend immersed in the artwork of a diverse community and see why this festival won the Sunshine Artist Award in 2017, ranking seventh out of 200 best art festivals nationwide.

Thundering Spirit Pow Wow

If you’re at The Big House during the first week of March, take a 19-minute drive to the Renninger’s Twin Markets to have a blast at the Thundering Spirit Pow Wow. Guests can experience the culture and creativity of Native Americans.

There are vendors selling jewelry, dreamcatchers, clothing, and crafts. You can also try dishes specific to Native American cultures, such as Indian tacos, fry bread, and buffalo burgers. Throughout the event, listen to storytellers, singers, drummers, and flutists and watch dancers perform in traditional dress. Be sure to bring blankets and chairs to comfortably hang out. Donations are required to attend.

Florida Vintage Raceboat Club Spring Event

Get revved up in March for the Florida Vintage Raceboat Club Spring Event. At this springtime event, you can watch vintage race boats out on Lake Dora. When you arrive at Wooton Park, which is only about three and a half miles from The Big House, you will probably see boats on display as well. This is a great way to spend a day out by the water on a warm, sunny day.

Planes, Trains & BBQ

Another major March happening is the Planes, Trains & BBQ festival. Like the vintage raceboat event, it is hosted at Wooton Park, which is located close to The Big House.

There’s quite a lot for visitors to do throughout this free festival. Planes, Trains & BBQ starts at noon. There is a free concert, classic car show, and family fun zone. Also, train rides are available for $5. Beers and barbecue foods can be purchased too. Later in the evening, the air show runs at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

This is a fun-filled event, so it gets packed pretty quickly. Bring a folding chair with you because seating is limited.

Rocktoberfest

When October hits, get ready for Rocktoberfest. Free entry to this festival includes a rock concert and car show. You can also purchase food and beer from the various vendors. There’s a beer garden to chill out at, or you can play corn hole while you drink.

Free music, local tastes, and cold beer; what more can you ask for? Held at Wooton Park, there’s no reason to miss out on this event when it is so close to The Big House.

Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire

Ever just want to escape the realities of the modern world? If so, spend a day or a full weekend in mid-November in the fantasy world of the Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire. You won’t have to go far to join in the medieval festivities because it is hosted down the street from Lake Idamere Park, which is less than two miles away from The Big House.

The setting of the fair is set for the year 1606 during the Gunpowder Plot, in which Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes almost succeeded in killing King James I and all of Parliament. This is also when Lady Arabella Stuart, who was considered the rightful successor of the throne, was set to marry William Seymour, Duke of Somerset. King James I believed this to be a dangerous match because it threatened his reign. The king employed Captain Malcolm Wolfe to help and protect him. At this festival, it is your job to protect the king through interactive games.

Aside from the role-playing and games, there is also music, dancing, and sword fighting. Crafts, clothing, and food will also be for sale throughout the event. All the money raised goes to the teachers and students in Lake County Public Schools.

Light Up Mount Dora

In late November, Donnolley Park becomes the site for Light Up Mount Dora. Take the 18-minute drive from The Big House to the park and arrive by 4:30 p.m. to see the live pre-show music.

After an hour, the Christmas show begins! Over two million sparkling lights ignite Donnolley Park. There is also an appearance by Santa. Following the Christmas show, there is a Christmas Tree lighting in Sunset Park. If you’re in Tavares during November, this is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.