This Charming Mount Dora Festival Is A Must-Visit For Blueberry Lovers In Florida

Blueberry season is about to burst in Mount Dora, and you can taste it at Donnelly Park. The Mount Dora Blueberry Festival lands April 25-26, 2026, 9am-5pm, and admission is free. Come for fluffy blueberry pancakes, student-baked pies, live music, crafty finds, and sips of blueberry beer and wine.

Stay for the 2PM pie eating contest, big smiles, and baskets of peak Lake County berries.

1. Festival Guide: What to Expect

Mount Dora Blueberry Festival returns to Donnelly Park with two sweet days of local flavor. Mark your calendar for April 25-26, 2026, 9am-5pm, and enjoy a free, family friendly celebration set among shady oaks and downtown charm. You will find peak season berries from Lake County farms, friendly vendors, and a relaxed small town vibe that makes browsing effortless.

Stroll the park, listen to live music, and sample everything from classic shortcake to inventive savory bites. Kids can join simple lawn games while adults sip blueberry beer or wine. Arrive early for easier parking, or use shuttle options if offered by the city.

Bring a small cooler or insulated bag so your fresh berries get home perfectly chilled.

2. Blueberry Pancake Breakfast

The blueberry pancake breakfast is a beloved morning ritual, and it sells out fast. From 9am to 12pm both days, volunteers flip golden stacks topped with Lake County blueberries that taste like sunshine. Grab a plate, find a picnic table under the pines, and fuel up before exploring the booths and music stages.

You can ask for extra berries, warm syrup, or a pat of butter for that perfect bite. Bring cash or tap to pay, then keep your fork handy for samples nearby. If you arrive right at 9am, lines move quickly and portions are generous.

Save room for dessert later, because the pies start appearing before noon and you will absolutely want one.

3. Student-Baked Blueberry Pies

Do not skip the fresh baked blueberry pies created by Umatilla High School culinary students. Buying a pie supports their program while delivering buttery crust, bubbling fruit, and the smell that stops you mid step. Whole pies and slices sell quickly, so check the booth early, then circle back for pickup closer to lunchtime.

Ask about limited crumb toppings or whipped cream, and be ready to celebrate if you snag the last slice. Volunteers share reheating pointers to keep the filling luscious without sogginess. You will taste Lake County berries at peak ripeness, balanced with lemon and just enough sugar.

It is community, flavor, and pride in one pastry box you will be thrilled to carry.

4. U-Pick Farm Adventures

One of the joys of this festival is discovering nearby u-pick farms, then planning a side trip after the park fun. Several Lake County growers open their fields, so you can fill buckets with berries still warm from the sun. Ask vendors for directions and hours, since fields can close early once rows are picked.

Wear hats, sunscreen, and closed toe shoes, and bring water for the drive. Most farms accept cards, but small bills help with entry or containers. Keep berries shaded in your car and refrigerate soon after returning to Mount Dora.

Later, bake muffins, freeze a few trays, and save some for breakfast, so the festival feeling lasts long past the weekend.

5. Live Music and Local Makers

Live music rolls through Donnelly Park all day, creating that easy soundtrack for browsing and snacking. Local artists, duos, and bands keep the groove upbeat without drowning conversation, so you can chat with makers lining the streets. Handcrafted soaps, woodwork, jewelry, and blueberry themed gifts make perfect souvenirs for friends and future host gifts.

Circle the stage between sets to catch shade and dance for a song or two. Kids can wiggle up front while you plan the next tasting stop. If something catches your eye, buy it then, because the best pieces disappear by mid afternoon.

You will love how Mount Dora’s historic storefronts frame the park, adding color, character, and postcard ready photo spots.

6. Blueberry Beer and Wine Garden

Ready to toast the harvest. Blueberry beer and wine flow at pop up bars positioned conveniently near the main paths. Breweries and wineries highlight balanced fruit notes rather than candy sweetness, so the pours pair well with savory bites.

Sip slowly, hydrate, and enjoy responsible tasting while you listen to the band and plan your next snack.

Ask servers about limited releases, flights, or souvenir cups you can take home. If you prefer zero proof, look for blueberry lemonade and spritzers that sparkle in the sun. Keep IDs handy and follow festival rules about designated areas.

The relaxed, small town setting makes it easy to linger with friends and discover a pour you will crave next spring.

7. Pie Eating Contest and Festival Tips

The 2PM pie eating contest fires up both days, with youth and adult divisions and prizes for quick, messy champions. Spectators crowd the stage area to cheer, laugh, and grab photos of crust covered smiles. Sign up early at the information booth, then arrive ten minutes before start time so you do not lose your spot.

Wipe stations and water jugs help everyone clean up fast, and winners earn bragging rights all year. Between contests, explore vendors or relax in the shade. Parking can be tight during peak hours, so come early, carpool, or check for shuttles.

Donnelly Park’s central location makes walking downtown easy, and you will end the day full, happy, and blueberry stained.