Lake County is known for its natural beauty and charming small towns, but its thriving arts and culture scene is also pretty high on the list. The Mount Dora Arts Festival is nationally recognized, and it recently celebrated its 50th year in 2025. In addition to the festivals, there are art museums, galleries, and performing arts theaters to visit year-round.
Art Galleries
The art galleries around the County host regular exhibitions, events, and classes. There’s something for every level of art lover, from the serious collector to the casual admirer. The galleries offer various courses, from advanced techniques to hobby painting to arts and crafts for kids.
- The Lake County Museum of Art in downtown Tavares has regular visiting hours and hosts a rotating lineup of shows featuring art from many different mediums.
- The Mount Dora Center for the Arts organizes the annual Mount Dora Arts Festival. It offers exhibits and other unique events, like the Plein Air Paint Out, where artists set up their easels around the downtown area to create works of art live in front of attendees.
- The Leesburg Center for the Arts hosts its annual two-day festival in March. At the Center, you can take art classes and sign up for private lessons.
- South Lake Art League occupies the Montrose Art Gallery in downtown Clermont. They hold two member canvas art shows and two member photography shows each year. They also offer special themed classes, such as Mixed-Media Art and Journaling.
Theater
Lake County is also a great place to see a local theater production, a variety show, or a headliner band. At the local theaters, you can watch an original piece or a renowned play. Performing arts doesn’t only mean stage plays: the options range from musicals to comedy acts to orchestras to singers and bands.
- The Clermont Performing Arts Center’s main stage hosts national headliners, tribute bands, and stage shows. The center also has a smaller black box theater featuring comedy acts and dueling pianos.
- Established in 1951, the Melon Patch Players have produced approximately 400 live stage productions to date! The group recently moved into a new home at The Tropic, a historic theater in downtown Leesburg.
- The Bay Street Players is housed in the historic State Theater in Eustis, a venue that has offered live performances for more than 100 years. Their longstanding Young People’s Theatre educates students and showcases young talent.
- The Sonnentag Theater at the IceHouse began in an ice plant in 1949, and its current facility was built in 1957. The theater prides itself on “high standards of production quality in diverse genres.”
Public Art
In addition to art festivals, galleries, and performing arts venues, Lake County has public art installations that are worth an itinerary stop. These beautiful murals raise awareness of the arts and enhance community pride.
- Murals on the Trail is a public art project along the Minneola Trail underpass. It was organized by Minneola Artworx, “a group of community arts advocates volunteering to integrate art into our community.” During its inception, spots were reserved for students and other local artists.
- The Downtown Clermont Art Walk features large murals created by local artists and organizations. Plan your visit for one of the monthly wine strolls and sample wine at more than 20 participating locations. Don’t miss the unique mural sponsored by Discover Lake County Florida!