Mount Dora Art Festival 2025

Wonderful art will fill the charming downtown streets of Mount Dora. Explore the unique vision of many artists ready to share their inner world!

The Mount Dora Spring Festival of Arts and Crafts, formerly the Mount Dora Antique Show, occurred on the banks of Lake Dora alongside the Antique Boat Show. Established in 1997, this festival aimed to attract attendees of the Boat Show to support local businesses. When the boat event relocated to nearby Tavares, FL, the festival transformed into the Spring Collectibles and Crafts Show. The event has shifted away from antique and collectible vendors, displaying only handcrafted goods and original artwork.

The annual Mount Dora Art Festival ranks among the top 100 art festivals across the United States for artist sales and draws art lovers from all over the country. Mount Dora is known as an "art town" thanks to its local galleries, art shops, and annual events like this festival that enhance its artistic atmosphere.

In a juried event like the Mount Dora Art Festival, artists submit their work to a panel of judges before the festival begins. Acceptable work is limited to original art created and presented by the creating artist. The judges, established professionals in the art world, evaluate each submission based on quality, creativity, and craftsmanship. This process ensures that the festival features a high standard of artistry.

Mark the dates: February 1 and 2, and join us on the streets of historic downtown Mount Dora!

What to Expect When Attending Mount Dora Art Festival 2025

As you walk along the streets lined with Victorian-style buildings, you’ll encounter over 250 artists from all over the country. Their work spans different mediums, from stunning paintings and photography to intricate sculptures and fine jewelry. You can find unique pieces to take home, ranging from one-of-a-kind paintings to fun crafts that make great souvenirs or gifts.

In addition to the impressive art displays, the Mount Dora event offers many entertainment options. Live music performances are scattered throughout the event, and you will also encounter street performers and interactive exhibits. If you’re coming with your kids, you can visit a creative kids' art zone where children can explore their artistic abilities through hands-on activities and fun projects.

While the focus is on art, you can also enjoy delicious festival food from vendors offering various options, from savory snacks to sweet treats. Each year, Lake County honors the local blueberry industry during the height of Blueberry season at this event. Local blueberry farms will offer freshly picked berries alongside delightful blueberry treat products.

For those looking to explore more than the festival, Mount Dora offers a charming small-town atmosphere with antique shops, local boutiques, and beautiful views of Lake Dora.

The weather in Mount Dora, Florida, is typically mild and pleasant in February. Daytime temperatures range from the low 60s to mid-70s F (around 15–24 C), with cooler evenings dipping into the 40s and 50s F (5–15 C). It's a great time for outdoor activities, as there is a mix of sunny and partly cloudy days, with a slight chance of rain.

The festival is free, but you should bring cash if you want to purchase food from vendors or buy a souvenir or gift.

Security Protocols

The Mount Dora Art Festival implements several security protocols to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees. These include bag checks at entry points, visible security personnel stationed throughout the festival, and crowd management strategies to maintain safe flow in busy areas. 

The event is supported by local law enforcement and private security, and there are established emergency protocols, including first aid stations and quick coordination with emergency services. Additionally, certain items like weapons and large bags are prohibited, and child safety is prioritized with procedures in place to reunite lost children with their families.

How to Get To or From the Event

Reaching the festival is easy, thanks to its location in downtown Mount Dora, a charming town in Central Florida. Here are the best ways to get to the event:

• Car: Mount Dora is easily accessible by car from several major highways. If you’re driving from Orlando, the event is about a 40-minute drive via FL-441 N or FL-429 N. For those coming from Tampa, it's a 1.5-hour drive via I-4 E and FL-441 N. Once you arrive in downtown Mount Dora, designated parking lots and street parking will be available. Keep in mind that parking can be limited, so it's recommended to arrive early, especially if you're attending during peak hours.

While Mount Dora doesn’t have a direct public transit system to the festival, you can take public transportation to nearby cities and then use a ride-sharing service or taxi to reach the event. The nearest larger city with public transit options is Orlando, and from there, you can use a combination of bus services (like Lynx) or Uber or Lyft for a more direct route to the festival.

Mount Dora Art Festival 2025 Bag Policy

Remember that you can't attend the festival with large bags. The venue doesn't provide an area to store them, so you can contact Bounce for help!

Bounce is the largest luggage storage network, and it's everywhere you are, with 15,000+ locations in 4,000+ cities worldwide. Whether you're sightseeing, catching a flight, or simply want a break from your bags, Bounce lightens your journey wherever you are. With $10,000 in bag protection and a 4.9-star rating in the App Store, you can rely on Bounce to keep your belongings safe, no matter your location. Book in a few taps, drop off your bags and make the most of your day.

Mount Dora Art Festival 2025 Bag Storage

Store Your Luggage With Bounce and Get Lost in the World of Art

The process of booking is easy!

Search for a desirable area in the town, then look on Bounce's website or mobile app for a facility in that area. You can then simply book the facility and pay online.

For only $4.10 per day, no cancellation fee, and round-the-clock support, you can enjoy the 50th annual Mount Dora Arts Festival with other art enthusiasts!

How to Stow Your Bag at Mount Dora Art Festival 2025 With Bounce

• Book: Choose a location, book a store, and pay online.
• Store your bags: Go to the chosen store, show the payment confirmation, and drop off your luggage.
• Have fun: Make the most out of your visit to Mount Dora. After all the fun, return to the store and pick up your bags.

How to Make the Most Out of Mount Dora Art Festival 2025

• Bring family and friends: Attending the festival with friends or family greatly enhances the experience. You can explore the art together, discuss your favorite pieces, and enjoy the interactive activities as a group. It’s a wonderful opportunity to bond and create memories with loved ones!
• Explore art: Since it’s a juried event, the Mount Dora Art Festival features high-quality artwork from many artists. Take your time to visit each booth and engage with the artists. They are happy to talk about their work, process, and inspiration, and this can lead to a deeper appreciation of the art. Consider purchasing a piece to take home as a lasting reminder of the festival.

Visit Mount Dora for a unique and immersive experience. Store your bags with Bounce while you're there, and have fun surrounded by colorful artwork!