Events in Sumter County, FL

This event offers food and drinks from Edna's, a setting under oak trees, and entertainment throughout.

Enjoy five rounds of bingo with a pay-as-you-go format. Games one through three cost $2 per card, and games four and five cost $5 per card. Reservations are required, and exact change is requested.

Enjoy an open jam session featuring local talent, spontaneous collaborations, and music. Bring an instrument, bring friends, or simply relax and enjoy the atmosphere. A full backline is provided. There is a cover charge, and guests may bring their own beverages and snacks.

Enjoy a lively game of rock ’n’ roll bingo, with free play and prizes for the winners. Great food, plenty of drinks, and lots of fun are part of the experience.

Open play welcomes players of all levels. Player numbers vary by day and location, and you are welcome to show up with friends. Paddles are available in the shed at Rohan and Clarendon, while other recreation centers have paddles available to check out.

A monthly breakfast at Howies Family Restaurant in Bushnell brings together the amateur radio community for relaxed conversation about radios, antennas, and everyday life. Visitors are welcome and no membership is required. Attendees are asked to let Gene, KI4LEH, know ahead of time so seating can be arranged. For any updates or changes, check this event listing or the website.

Sue & Drew make their debut at Edna's Hospitality with a lively mix of rock and party favorites. The performance is free and open to the public. Enjoy the food and views while the duo keeps the energy high and gets the crowd dancing.

There will be two performances with non-reserved seating. A cash bar and snack bar will be available.

Laura Guy leads an interactive roundtable at Lake Okahumpka Recreation Center exploring practical ways to use artificial intelligence for everyday health, wellness, fitness, and healthy aging. Discussion will cover interpreting medical information and lab results, making informed nutrition choices, supporting exercise goals, understanding brain health and aging well, making sense of data from wearables and health apps, preparing better questions for medical visits, and researching health topics more efficiently. The group will also consider when not to rely on AI, including privacy concerns, the risk of misinformation, and the limits of these tools, with a clear emphasis that AI complements rather than replaces medical professionals. This is a hands-on conversation, not a lecture, with opportunities to share ideas and try tools together. Participants are encouraged to bring a phone and their questions. No prior AI experience is necessary, whether these tools are already part of your routine or you have never tried ChatGPT. Villager IDs or Village Guest passes are required, and RSVPs are not needed.

The Mudds Jazz & Blues Band brings a soulful, toe tapping blend of jazz and blues to Edna’s on the Green, shaped by a cozy Louisiana speakeasy vibe. Led by husband and wife Sam Mudd on vocals and guitar and Betsy Mudd on bass, the duo often expands into a full ensemble here, welcoming local musicians on drums and percussion, a second guitar with vocals, keyboard, harmonica, and saxophone. The setting rests beneath oak trees draped in Spanish moss, offering a laid back, backyard atmosphere with food and cold drinks.

America's Top Psychic Medium Matt Fraser, known from E!'s Meet The Frasers and as a New York Times bestselling author, brings his live show to the Savannah Center in The Villages, FL. The evening focuses on healing, hope, and meaningful connection, offering a warm and moving experience.

A monthly book club gathering pairs with an intentional friendship meetup at Fenney Rec Center. The room will be divided so one area hosts the Book Worms discussion while another offers a relaxed spot to sit, chat, and make new friends. Several book choices have been selected for the month, and attendees can read one or more, then join small discussion groups based on what they finished. New and curious readers are welcome to attend to meet members and learn about the club. Please RSVP if you plan to go and update your response if your plans change. Bring your own beverage and a fresh book recommendation for the following month to share as everyone celebrates a shared love of reading and time together.

Back at Sawgrass Grove in The Villages, The 789s power through a high-energy set that spans the 70s, 80s, and 90s, mixing classic hits with long-lost favorites. Rock anthems, pop sing-alongs, and disco grooves come with a fresh twist, creating a fun, dance-ready atmosphere from start to finish.

The Villages Charter High School Choral and Band groups join The Heart of Florida Barbershop Chorus for a Veterans Day tribute at The Tracy Performing Arts Center. The event features choral, instrumental, and barbershop performances honoring those who have served. Tickets are on sale, with additional ticket information to be announced.

This waltz class welcomes dancers of all levels, with progressive lessons that build from basic to intermediate skills and introduce new figures each week. Singles and couples are welcome. Practice music is provided before class, so dancers can be ready to begin when the lesson starts.

This no-cost prostate cancer conference for patients and caregivers is hosted at the Brownwood Hotel and Spa. Attendees receive free registration, a complimentary lunch, and morning refreshments. The program features a variety of sessions suitable for all attendees.

Settle in for refreshing drinks, tasty food, and music on the patio with your friends.

Time Machine will rock City Fire Sumter Landing.

Enjoy a festive crafting afternoon and create a holiday keepsake to take home or share. All supplies are provided, and no experience is necessary. New pajamas are also being collected for the Girl Scouts’ Pajama Drive.

Chris Rosser appears in the Florida Americana Music Series listening room at Eastport Hotel for an intimate, one of a kind music experience. A multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, composer, and producer, he has opened solo shows for artists such as John Mayer, Tom Rush, David Wilcox, Shawn Mullins, John Gorka, and Nickel Creek, and has released five solo albums: Archaeology, The Holy Fool, Hidden Everywhere, A Thousand Hands, and Worrying Boy. He is a member of the world fusion trio Free Planet Radio, where he plays Indian dotar, sarod, Turkish cumbus oud, melodica, piano, and guitar across five releases. His touring credits include work with Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Rhonda Larson’s ensemble Ventus, and Lizz Wright, with extensive performances in leading concert halls throughout the People’s Republic of China. His honors include wins at the Rocky Mountain Folk Festival and the Merle Watson Festival, showcases at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, and recognition as a New Folk finalist at the Kerrville Folk Festival. He has pursued studies in Hindustani classical music and sarod with Ali Akbar Khan, received songwriter and composer fellowships from the NC Arts Council, and collaborated with Chamber Music America on a commissioned three movement piece for Free Planet Radio with string quartet. Beyond the stage, Rosser has produced and engineered more than 200 albums at Hollow Reed Arts in Asheville, and his compositions have appeared in national commercials and on Animal Planet, TLC, Oprah Winfrey Network, and PBS. His song Make A Wish was featured on Jon & Kate + 8, he scored the pilot and eight episodes of United Bates of America, and he produced and engineered Unity for Sean Johnson & The Wild Lotus Band, which debuted at number one on the iTunes World Music chart. Ticket sales coming soon.

The Mudds Jazz & Blues Band, featuring Boston Bongo Bob, brings smooth jazz and toe-tapping blues to Hotel Eastport’s Boardwalk Bar. Relax with a drink, enjoy food from the bar menu, and take in the vista. The setting is pet-friendly, and the music moves indoors if the weather is too hot or rainy.

At Hotel Eastport in Lady Lake, this free networking meetup welcomes professionals who serve the Middleton, FL area. The focus is on building relationships and growing a strong referral network to support the local community. Sign-up is requested, and a local directory is available to help participants connect and expand their reach.

Tyler Glynn brings an acoustic classic rock performance to Cody's Original Roadhouse in Brownwood. The set spans the 1960s through the 1980s and features favorites from more than two dozen artists, including The Beatles, Elton John, Elvis Presley, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Eagles, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the Beach Boys.

Big Al and The Heavyweights ignite the room with a vibrant mix of blues, funk and Louisiana-rooted rhythms, touched with zydeco flair. The performance channels the spirit of the Gulf Coast with raw drive and contagious groove, turning the night into a joyful, dance ready celebration. Expect standout musicianship, big personality and rhythms that pull you in from the opening note.

Awards voting begins at Holy Shmokes for the OMG Musician Recognition Program, a community-driven effort from Open Mic Groups that recognizes and uplifts local musicians across Central Florida. The program’s purpose is to support local music, honor standout talent, and strengthen community connections. Each week, performers bring energy to restaurants, lounges, wineries, clubs, and other venues throughout the region, and this initiative highlights their impact while encouraging growth for artists, venues, and the wider community. An annual banquet is planned as the program’s centerpiece, featuring multiple professional bands and entertainers, creating additional paid performance opportunities and a memorable celebration of the local music scene. Funding is expected to come from sponsorships, advertising, donations, ticket sales, and partnerships, and volunteers will play important roles in outreach, planning, nominations, marketing, logistics, and community engagement. Developing future talent is a key goal, with recognition, networking, mentorship, and performance experience designed to foster professionalism and deeper involvement in live entertainment. The launch of awards voting marks the start of a sustained effort to celebrate excellence and support the continued growth of live music in the region.

Enjoy cold beverages and food in Brownwood while Crystal Vision Trio performs live at WOB Bar & Kitchen The Villages.

Wildwood City Hall hosts an annual Christmas celebration filled with festive fun for all ages. The evening features a sparkling nighttime parade and a community tree lighting, along with carolers, holiday crafts, and a visit from Santa. Children can enjoy a dedicated activity zone with bumper cars, a mechanical reindeer, train rides, and inflatables, and they can drop letters into the North Pole mailbox. Food trucks and vendors will be on site, and cozy treats like s’mores and hot cocoa add to the cheerful atmosphere. Admission is free and open to everyone. Behind City Hall, the Habitat for Humanity Jingle Build-Off playhouses will be on display. Vendor opportunities are available for local artisans and food and beverage trucks, and all arrangements are handled directly by the City of Wildwood Parks and Recreation Department. Community groups, schools, churches, clubs, and businesses can also enter parade floats at no cost, with limited space available. Please avoid third parties claiming to have vendor openings. For the comfort and safety of all, pets should remain at home. Leashed service animals are permitted.

Written by British actor David Payne, this one-man show combines humor, insight, and storytelling to explore Winston Churchill’s legacy. It shares stories of his adventures during the Boer War, political battles, and lasting connection with America and its presidents.

Food, drinks, and music take center stage on the patio at Cody's Original Roadhouse - Lake Sumter Landing. Settle into the open-air setting for a relaxed time with something to eat, something to sip, and tunes to set the mood.

Embrace the Christmas season with a gritty, groove-fueled night of blues as Mike Zito and his band bring their sound to The Villages Blues Society. From early days in St. Louis to performances around the world, Zito has earned a reputation for authenticity and heart. He picked up the guitar at five, rose to prominence in the St. Louis scene, and has kept moving forward ever since. The music aims straight for the soul and promises a deep blues experience.

Eastport Hotel hosts a singer songwriter concert featuring Nashville collaborators Jessee Lee and Cameron Wrinkle. Rooted in country and Americana, they frequently share original songs in intimate acoustic formats like writers rounds and song swaps, highlighting the easy rapport of two artists who regularly create and tour together. Jessee Lee is a Nashville recording artist and Texas touring act known for sharp, heartfelt writing and a rich, soulful voice that blends vintage country with soul influences. Early years gigging throughout the Texas Hill Country shaped her debut album, Dive Bar Superstar, which produced Texas radio entries including Where He Ain’t and the title track. Her resume includes performances with Pure Prairie League, Darryl Worley, Radney Foster, William Beckmann, and Kix Brooks, along with appearances at venues such as Gruene Hall, Luckenbach Dancehall, John T. Floore’s Country Store, and AT&T Stadium, plus festivals ranging from the Key West Songwriter Festival to Montana’s Forever West Fest. She has been recognized as Songwriter of the Year at the TIR Awards and won the Gruene Studios Songwriter Competition in Gruene, Texas. Raised around the craft by her father, Grammy-nominated and Texas Hall of Fame songwriter David Lee, she brings a storyteller’s touch to every set. Since 2022 she has also written with veterans through Operation Song at Warrior’s Heart Rehab. Cameron Wrinkle, a fifth generation musician from Tuscola, Texas, began writing songs in high school while working as a ranch hand, then spent several years in Nashville refining his skills. Now an independent Texas artist touring across the United States, he delivers an energetic, cowboy-influenced show shaped by traditional country, Texas red dirt, and a rock edge. His performances weave classic country covers with originals co-written alongside hit Nashville writers. He has shared stages with Josh Turner, Joe Nichols, Tracy Byrd, Lorrie Morgan, Pam Tillis, The Oakridge Boys, Chris Cagle, Wilder Blue, Ward Davis, and Bryan Martin. His first album, In My Heaven, was released in 2023. Ticket information will be available soon.

Rustic Ruby introduces a new Market & Mingle series with a Christmas edition that shines a light on local small businesses. This quarterly shopping gathering invites the community to come together in a relaxed, festive atmosphere. Attendees can browse gifts from local vendors, enjoy a sip while they shop, and find special items for holiday giving. Each installment will feature a seasonal theme, creating a welcoming space that nurtures connections and helps independent businesses grow. Details about participating vendors and additional highlights will be shared leading up to the event.

Ring in the new year with a mix of live country music and classic rock. A festive soundtrack to welcome the year ahead.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Eisenhower Recreation Center in The Villages with a lively variety dance hosted by Arlen and Keith. DJ Glenn will keep the floor moving with music suited to many styles. This is a ticketed event and reservations are required, with limited seating to ensure plenty of space for dancing and mingling. Light snacks, party favors, and a photo booth are included. Attendees may bring their own beverages or additional snacks. The event is open to everyone, and no guest pass or ID is needed.

A Landsharks concert is coming to Central Florida. Additional details about the event will be announced soon.

At The Sharon Performing Arts Center in The Villages, David Brighton leads Space Oddity, a David Bowie tribute show presented as the ultimate tribute experience. Fans of Bowie can look forward to a dedicated tribute performance.

The Mudds Jazz & Blues Band brings soulful, toe-tapping music to Edna’s on the Green. Led by Sam Mudd on vocals and guitar and Betsy Mudd on bass, the group has a sound reminiscent of a Louisiana speakeasy. For these performances, they often expand to a full band with local musicians playing drums or percussion, guitar and vocals, keyboards, harmonica, and saxophone. Edna’s offers an outdoor, backyard-style setting beneath Spanish moss-draped oak trees, along with food and cold drinks.

This educational discussion explores how the timing of a Social Security claim can affect retirement income. Learn about factors that may influence your claiming decision, how claiming age can affect monthly benefits, common questions retirees ask before filing, and how Social Security can work alongside other retirement income sources. The discussion also covers steps to prepare for retirement, and includes complimentary planning resources to help organize retirement decisions.