For art lovers, casual festival-goers and families, nothing compares to the Mount Dora Art Festival. This festival is one of the largest in the state with about 285 artists from all over the world. Kicking off the festival season in Florida, more than 300,000 visitors and potential buyers attend the two-day event, which is ranked in Sunshine Artist's Top 100 Festivals. While the fine art draws thousands to the quaint downtown, tourists journey to the festival to witness the striking beauty of the downtown itself.

It's a wonderful opportunity to meet real artists and to begin your own art collection. With its downtown streets lined with New England architecture, this hilly destination overlooks the breathtaking view of Lake Dora. Other than the endless rows of fine art, including oil paintings, watercolors, acrylics, clay, sculpture and photography, the festival features local and regional musical entertainment at a main stage in Donnelly Park. Festival food will be provided in separate food courts, while local downtown restaurants will remain open.

This Fine Arts Festival features some of the nation's leading artists selected by a panel of jurors from nearly 900 applicants. These Artists provide the quaint, historic downtown streets with a colorful array of fine art! Over $21,000 in awards is handed out to artists earning honors for best of show, judge's choice awards and best of category. This event is the premiere cultural event in the region. Local B&B's book early for this event , be sure to reserve your room in one of the many wonderful B&B's in town.