This weekend in The Villages, FL

Start the day with a 3.1 mile run through Universal Orlando Resort. A welcoming and diverse community supports all paces and experience levels, creating a friendly environment for participants. Attendance is free, although Universal Orlando Resort parking fees may apply. Ride share and guest drop off areas are available at no cost. Preferred and Premier Passholders receive complimentary parking. Guests staying on site can access the area via the Garden Walk pathways, shuttles, or water taxis.

The Orlando Heart Walk takes place at UCF Memory Mall. The event opens ahead of the walk, which gets underway afterward. Registration information is available.

Choose from several cycling groups and routes: the A group rides at 22 mph or faster on a roughly 60-mile Fort route and is drop, while the B and C groups ride Fort routes with options ranging from 35 to 60 miles at their respective pace ranges. An early ride covers 20 to 23 miles on I-way.

Presented by Orlando Speed World, Night of Fire delivers high-horsepower thrills with Top Fuel machines, funny cars, jet dragsters, a jet truck, and a fireworks show, with more attractions to be revealed. Updates will be shared as plans are finalized. For questions or additional details, contact osw@raceosw.com.

This volunteer work day supports The Retreat at Silver Springs. Volunteers can assist with general tasks such as cleaning, organizing, and caring for outdoor areas. Participation is welcome for a few hours or for the full day. Breakfast and lunch are included for volunteers. Optional overnight lodging is available before or after for $20 per person. For registration or questions, email The Retreat at theretreat@fldisciples.org.

Toddler Time offers a chance for children from crawlers through age 6 to play and explore in Launch Orlando’s 50,000-square-foot indoor park without older children around. The experience includes toddler-friendly music, a soft play playground, trampolines, and massage chairs for parents. Families can bring their own coffee, and the indoor setting provides fun in any weather. Admission is $15 for one toddler and one parent, with jump socks additional.

A golf tournament supported by sponsorship from Arrae Culmir.

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.

Working Equitation schooling sessions offer riders a chance to practice dressage and Ease of Handling in scheduled, independent sessions. Riders can practice on their own or bring a trainer, and new riders are welcome with trainer assistance. Options include a 60-minute dressage session, a 60-minute Ease of Handling session, or a 90-minute session covering both disciplines. Stalls are available with bedding and cleaning included; riders provide their horse’s feed and other supplies. Reservations are required, and riding times are assigned according to availability and the requested practice.

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.

Celebrate the season at a free, two day community festival and plant sale at Discovery Gardens. Browse plants, handmade items, and food from local vendors. Saturday also features a 4-H open house, UF/IFAS exhibits, and educational talks. Sunday focuses on vendor shopping. The event shines a light on gardening and community programs in the area. Pets are not permitted, and service animals are welcome. Organized by UF/IFAS Extension Lake County, the Lake County Master Gardener Volunteers, and Lake County 4-H.

Santa's Gingerbread Kitchen mini sessions invite children into a festive holiday scene for 20 minutes of hands-on fun with Santa. Little bakers mix cookie dough at Santa's side, decorate a gingerbread house, share laughter, and create memories while the moments are thoughtfully photographed. The atmosphere is relaxed and interactive, focusing on genuine smiles and natural connection rather than rigid poses. Each reservation includes eight professionally edited digital images to keep. A $75 retainer secures a spot, with the remaining balance due the week of the session. Availability is limited, with only eleven sessions still open.

The Downtown Ocala Market is a place to visit in Ocala.

Enjoy a welcoming, comfortably paced outdoor yoga class with room for beginners to explore poses and experienced practitioners to challenge themselves. Open to all ages and skill levels, the free community class takes place at Crescent Park. Bring your own mat, towel, and water, and dress appropriately for being outdoors.

Now in its 45th year, the Marion County Chili Cook-Off returns for another installment.

Maker Faire Orlando 2026 brings a world-renowned celebration of invention, creativity, and curiosity to Central Florida Fairgrounds and Exposition Park. Explore maker culture across a huge range of exhibits, large-scale art and spectacle, stage talks, competitions, and plenty of hands-on opportunities to build and learn. Creators who make, play, tinker, and hack share projects spanning robotics, cosplay, STEM and STEAM, content creation, science, electronics, tools and materials, and many surprising inventions you might not have seen before. Every ticket includes Robot Ruckus, the combat robot competition featuring teams from across the U.S., along with robots on display from the BattleBots TV show. Most exhibits and activity areas run throughout the weekend, while stage talks, panels, timed demonstrations, and competitions happen at scheduled times. Key details for attendees include rain-or-shine operation and a no refunds or exchanges policy. Tickets cannot be replaced or transferred to another Faire, but they may be transferred to another attendee before use. Student tickets apply to college students with a current college ID. First responders, active military, and veterans receive free admission with identification. Employees of schools, colleges, universities, and libraries also receive free admission with identification. Weekend passes are not shareable, and single day passes are valid for one day only. After purchase, tickets can be shown on a mobile device at the gate or printed at home. A dedicated Field Trip Day invites students, teachers, and homeschool families to experience hands-on learning, creativity, and innovation. Free on-site parking is available nearby. Outside food or beverages are not permitted unless required for medical, dietary, or religious reasons, and a variety of food options will be available for purchase. Strollers, backpacks, and a bottle of water are allowed. Pets are not permitted for their safety, while trained service animals as defined by the ADA are welcome. The event spans three large indoor exhibit halls and also features outdoor exhibits and competitions. Ticket proceeds benefit The Maker Effect Foundation, a 501(c)(3) educational charity in Orlando, Florida. Maker Faire Orlando is independently organized and operated under license from Make: Community, LLC, and the project is funded in part by Orange County Government through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program.

Celebrate the season with an autumn tea at Gardenia Inn Bed & Breakfast, featuring cozy surroundings, seasonal treats, and a comforting cup of tea. Expect fall flavors such as pumpkin, cranberry, and orange, all served in a warm and welcoming setting suited for time with friends and family or a relaxing solo outing. Limited seating is available, and reservations are required.

A community salute to service fills Downtown Tavares Wooton Park with a free, public celebration hosted by Tranquiliti Healing Arts & Wellness and sponsored by the City of Tavares. The event honors veterans and active-duty service members with opening ceremonies, a parade, a red, white, and blue themed classic car showcase, vendor booths, live music, and food trucks. The Phantom Airborne Brigade will honor the occasion with a tribute parachute jump into Lake Dora. Festivities also include a raffle and a people’s choice award for participating classic cars.

Build rotational power and support injury resilience through science-based, small-group golf training. Space is limited.

Explore spiritual methods and symbols in greater depth through this Reiki Second Degree course. Instruction covers distance and time treatments, and students receive a second-degree attunement.

Ladybug Bows will be at Fiesta in the Park, a family- and pet-friendly event featuring arts, crafts, food, and entertainment at Lake Eola.

Bank of America, Merrill, and Private Bank credit and debit cardholders can receive one complimentary general admission to Orlando Science Center through the Museums on Us program. The admission includes access to the Center’s four floors of exhibits and experiences, including giant-screen films and workshops in The Hive: A Makerspace for ages 8 and up. Cardholders must present their eligible card and matching photo ID at Guest Services. Non-cardholders, including children, are not eligible for free admission.

The luncheon at Oak Run Palm Grove Country Club brings a pirate and mermaid flair, with a Beta Boutique on site. Prizes will be awarded in a lighthearted contest for the most creative pirate hat or mermaid fascinator. A full meal will be served, and a homemade cake bar will cap off the celebration for dessert. Registration costs $45, with no refunds after the registration deadline. For registration details, contact Lisa Kinser at 352-895-8673 or lkinser4730@gmail.com. For Beta Boutique information, contact Pam Burrell at 352-208-7179 or bigmama4uf@gmail.com. For general questions, contact Jacqua Ballas at 352-239-3166 or ballasjl@gmail.com.

A brunch accompanied by live gospel music featuring The Montgomery Family, Jenni Piergrossi, and Elvis/Stevie G.

Explore a newly unveiled model home during this special showcase. Attendees can tour the space, enjoy a complimentary lunch, and enter for a chance to win a $100 gift card.

Explore the lifestyle taking shape at Cresswind at Hammock Oaks, a 55+ community by Kolter Homes near The Villages in Central Florida. The showcase features live entertainment, light bites and refreshments, interactive lifestyle stations, designer-decorated model home tours, clubhouse hard hat tours, and giveaways. Visitors can get a behind-the-scenes look at the future Club Cresswind and explore spacious floorplans, flexible living spaces, and personalization opportunities.

This beginner-friendly sewing class introduces foundational skills for students who are new to sewing or want to build confidence with long-line stitching. Participants will practice accuracy and straight stitching by making stitch samplers, a pillowcase, and a lap quilt using patterns from Winky Cherry’s book. A sewing machine, sewing kit, thread, and fabric are required. Projects can be kept or donated to children’s hospital charities. The series has a sliding-scale cost, with scholarship support available.

Enjoy an afternoon of poker, food, fellowship, auctions, raffles, and camaraderie. The tournament is hosted in partnership with the Citrus Valley Poker League, and lunch and the bar are available.

Enjoy a day of food, fun, and reconnecting at Carter Pavilion. The A3F will provide food and beverages, and guests are welcome to bring a dish to share, though it is not required. RSVPs are suggested to help organizers know who is coming. Park entrance fees apply: $2 per person, or $5 for a vehicle with more than one person.

Create the Marigold Desert Blanket by the Floral Hook as part of a six-month crochet-along. The project is suitable for advanced beginners and will be broken into manageable sections, with Emily available to help and YouTube tutorials offering guidance on techniques. Participants will use Cascade Yarns Sarasota, a DK-weight acrylic and cotton blend, with several colorways available. A yarn kit purchase is required and includes 32 skeins; unopened skeins can be returned if they are not needed. Attendance is free, and the pattern is available separately on Ravelry.

Compete in a Swiss-style Pokémon Trading Card Game tournament using the Standard format. Players should bring their Player ID, a completed deck list, a 60-card deck in good condition with matching sleeves, and dice or damage counters. Sleeves and dice are available for purchase at the store. Depending on participation, play will be divided into Junior, Senior, and Masters divisions. Prizes include promo cards and booster packs. Entry is $10.

Enjoy an afternoon of live music featuring Rob Nichols, whose sound blends country and southern rock with heartfelt lyrics and a gritty southern soul. The gathering offers food and cold drinks in a lakeside setting, with music to sing along to.

Enjoy Music Bingo featuring a mix of throwback classics and today’s favorites. Sing along and play for a chance to win.

Enjoy a brunch of Yacht Rock music bingo at Teak Neighborhood Grill, with smooth classics, familiar hits to sing along to, drinks, and a friendly race to bingo.

Bloom in Sound offers a two-part experience that blends playful release with deep rest. It begins with a pumpkin smash, where each participant receives a pumpkin and materials to write down fears, stress, emotions, or limiting beliefs, then uses a bat to break the pumpkin as a symbolic way to let go. After this cathartic start, the focus shifts to calm with a restorative sound bath featuring crystal and Himalayan singing bowls, gong, chimes, drums, tuning forks, and other therapeutic instruments. The flow moves from letting go into relaxation and a sense of reset, supporting the body and nervous system. After the session, there is time to explore Dirty Dog Organic Farm and even feed the animals.

Soak up tropical vibes on the waterfront at Elizabeth Evans Park in Mt. Dora, Florida with a full day of tailgating, live music, and Jimmy Buffett inspired food and drinks. Arrive early to set up and enjoy college football on TVs while spending time with friends and meeting new ones. Propaganjah opens the entertainment with Caribbean soul, followed by an authentic Hawaiian luau and knife dance show, then the Landsharks deliver a high energy tribute to Jimmy Buffett. Food trucks and vendors will be on site, and full bars are available with reasonable pricing. VIP sections offer covered or open seating, air conditioned restrooms, a dedicated bar, and prime viewing. A lawn section is available, and new cabana rentals add extra comfort.

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.

Learn about the Florida Concealed Carry Permit in a class that includes a shooting exercise at the range. This is the only class required for the permit, and the course fee is $50. Weapons and ammunition are not sold.

YourPhoenixIsRising energy musicians present a relaxing sound bath featuring crystal singing bowls, native drums, djembe, Tibetan bowls, rain sticks, and other instruments. Settle in as nature-inspired tones and rhythms from around the world are played at varying intervals. The experience unfolds as a gentle journey, with waves of sound that rise and fall to encourage deep rest and calm.

Experience an Orlando City match under the lights at Inter&Co Stadium. Wear purple and add to the match-day atmosphere with your cheers.

Enjoy Ric Mitchell’s Juke Box Bingo with a tapas menu featuring beef and chicken empanadas, mini meatballs, honey mustard chicken skewers, fruit kababs, barbecue ham sliders, antipasto skewers, and Parmesan toasties. Pink lemonade, water, and tea will also be available. Bingo prizes and door prizes are included, and groups of eight will have a reserved table.

The second annual Fall Fest returns with family friendly fun for all ages. Attendees can enjoy free food, games, and inflatables, along with additional activities. With a focus on community and fellowship, this celebration is designed to be a special evening for everyone.

The SCA’s MOST WANTED perform a free satirical comedy show inspired by banned books and other media suppressed by the state. In this imagined 2045, comedy is illegal, so the performers gather in secret to make it anyway. Guests can browse books banned by the state, contribute a word or line that speaks to them, and watch the performers turn those contributions into new comedy scenes. The experience also includes themed cocktails, such as the Thoughtcrime Martini and Redacted Mule, and entry requires saying a passphrase at the door.

The Burn in the Burg Chili Cook Off gathers the community in the Town Square in historic downtown Leesburg to celebrate local flavor, spark friendly competition, and support a stronger Leesburg. Businesses and organizations can showcase what they do, demonstrate community support, and build team spirit while competing for cash prizes. Cooker entry is $100 and includes a 10 by 10 space, a table, and four wristbands. Guest admission is $10, available at the gate or in advance.

Settle in for a true crime themed dinner where a laugh filled investigation unfolds as you dine. The story plays out in real time in the present day, and the culprit could be anyone in the room, even the person at your table. With performers mingling incognito among guests, expect surprises, plot twists, and the chance to become a prime suspect yourself. Designed for adult audiences, this interactive theater experience blends comedy, mystery, and dinner for a social night out. From The Dinner Detective, with shows presented across the country since 2004, it delivers intrigue and unscripted moments from beginning to end.

A spirited girls night takes over Ocala Downtown Market with a bold, playful theme inspired by animal prints, glam style, and fierce fashion. The evening centers on stepping outside the ordinary, celebrating confidence, and making memories with friends. This curated shopping experience features nearly 100 Central Florida women-owned businesses showcasing boutique clothing, handcrafted jewelry, home décor, sweet treats, luxurious body care, and more. Shoppers can explore a wide variety of finds while enjoying a lively atmosphere. DJ Rae Bae keeps the vibes high with feel-good favorites and girl power anthems. A free photo booth by Legacy Rhythm Entertainment offers a fun way to capture the night. Raffle giveaways pop up throughout the event for added excitement. Local food trucks serve dinner, and there are plenty of beverages to enjoy, including cocktails, mocktails, and dessert options for a sweet finish. On-site experiences add to the fun with permanent jewelry, fairy hair, chair massages, hat bars, henna tattoos, and other surprises. The event is free and open to the public, rain or shine.

Catch Your Breath is an emerging hard rock band from Austin, Texas, featuring vocalist Josh, guitarist Teddy, bassist Cianan, and drummer Onell. Their sound blends synth elements, imaginative production, and refined songwriting to create emotionally charged music rooted in relatable themes. The band combines contemporary alternative rock and metal with layered sounds beyond traditional instrumentation. Their single “Dial Tone” debuted on Sirius XM Octane, and the band has also received coverage from Knotfest.com.

Enjoy a heartfelt tribute to Patsy Cline as Lorri Lee and the Sweet Dreams Band revisit timeless country classics. Lorri Lee brings rich, expressive vocals to favorites like Crazy, Walkin’ After Midnight, and I Fall to Pieces, with more in the set. This performance is open to the public. All seats are $20.

A live concert from Landsharks Band takes place in Mount Dora as part of the Pirates and Parrots Festival. The performance is included in the festival programming in Mt. Dora, FL.

Comedian Pat McGann is heading to Orlando.

Enjoy handmade ice cream, including boozy options, in a groovy atmosphere filled with rock ’n’ roll music, fun, and prizes. The game is free to play.

Disney’s Aladdin in Concert Live to Film brings the 1992 animated favorite to the stage with the Ocala Symphony performing Alan Menken’s Academy Award-winning score in perfect sync with the movie. The full film appears on a cinema-quality screen above the orchestra, while the original dialogue and sound effects play through a state-of-the-art sound system. Maestro Matthew Wardell conducts more than 60 professional musicians, animating moments from Arabian Nights to A Whole New World. Presented in the 700-seat AdventHealth Mainstage at the Reilly Arts Center and presented under license from Disney Concerts, this family-friendly event blends the magic of film with the power of live symphonic music. Sponsored by Canopy Oaks Real Estate and Sonya Nasser with Berkshire Hathaway Realty. Funding provided by Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau, with additional support from Marion Cultural Alliance.

Experience legendary rock anthems, iconic sounds, and powerful performances in a celebration of music that has defined generations. The show features timeless classics and an energetic rock atmosphere.

Greensky Bluegrass performs at The Plaza Live in Orlando. The performance is open to all ages.

Experience memorable music from the indie game UNDERTALE in a live performance by a 25-piece orchestra, featuring newly arranged themes and gameplay footage displayed above the stage. Curated by creator and composer Toby Fox, the concert traces a musical journey through the Underground, from the Ruins to the adventure’s final moments. Iconic characters, battles, and emotional scenes are brought to life, and attendees are welcome to wear UNDERTALE cosplay.

Sam Tallent brings the energy of a live performance to the stage. The event takes place at Orlando Improv Comedy Club in Orlando, Florida.

Enjoy live music and a favorite cigar in a laid-back atmosphere. Contact the event organizers for more information and follow The Creative Cohort FL on social media for announcements and updates.

A Beyblade X playoff brings together teams, Bladers from different cities, and new players for six Swiss-format rounds. The event has a 64-player cap, with the top 16 advancing. Matches are first to four, best of three, with one reshoot per set for an out-of-stadium result. First-, second-, and third-place finishers receive custom gold, silver, and bronze Beyblade X and Dave & Buster’s T-shirts. For participants traveling from at least an hour and a half away who prepay, entry is $15 and includes a play card.

The Ruck Sack Race at Harbor Park, now known as Glenda Hood Park, is a family-friendly event supporting Camaraderie Foundation. Participants can walk, run, or complete a one mile ruck to honor veterans, service members, and their families. Registration and sponsorship information will be available soon.

Designed for grade school basketball players, this showcase blends focused skill development with spirited competition against peers. Participants take the court in a high-energy setting while sharpening game-ready fundamentals. The showcase places athletes in front of talent evaluators, media professionals, and scouts, creating meaningful opportunities for exposure. The organizers aim to challenge players now while supporting long-term goals, reflecting a genuine commitment to each athlete’s growth and future. That dedication has helped the Best of the Best Showcase Series build a reputation as one of Florida’s standout basketball events for players and families.

Explore a seven acre landscape at Here On The Farm with a guided look at 15 experimental gardens and diverse growing spaces. The route moves through vegetables, herbs and tea plantings, a Monet inspired area and shaded beds, a food forest, orchard and vineyard, pineapple and watermelon patches, wild blackberry brambles, a row of sugar cane, and a living bamboo fence. Along the way, the tour highlights sustainability in action, featuring a farmhouse designed for passive heating and cooling, rainwater harvesting, greywater filtration, a solar array, worm tea production, beehives, and erosion control supported by a lemongrass lined driveway, all rooted in regenerative farming practices. Farmer Banks leads with practical insights, stories, and a touch of dad humor. At times, locally known farmers stop in to share updates on new varieties and planting techniques. Seasonal tastings are part of the experience, so an appetite is welcome. Families are encouraged to attend, and participants may want a hat and plenty of curiosity.

Play a quota-based GHIN game with a $12 entry fee. Payouts are available for both the front and back, with closest-to-the-pin contests on each side. Regular greens and cart fees apply. Check in in front of the pro shop.

A longtime Downtown Orlando tradition, this farmers market brings the community together at Lake Eola Park. Visitors can browse local vendors and small businesses, including Local Tomatoes LLC, which offers fresh fruits, vegetables, seasonal produce, and farm-fresh eggs. Enjoy a walk around the lake while shopping local and supporting small businesses.

Free Family Funday at the Mennello Museum of American Art offers free admission, docent led gallery tours, and a hands-on fine art project. Each month brings a new activity inspired by current exhibitions, designed for children and families. Tours are open to everyone. Video instructions are available to recreate the projects at home. Presented with support from VyStar Credit Union and Orlando Health.

Enjoy an afternoon of live music with Tommy, featuring country and southern rock, heartfelt lyrics, and a soulful sound. The Lake Harris Hideaway offers lakeside vibes, food, and cold drinks while guests sing along to their favorite tunes.

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

This One Piece TCG event has space for up to 32 players and requires players to use one of the specified Heroines leaders. Alternate-art cards are also permitted. Sign-ups are available through the Bandai TCG+ app. Event plans may change or be cancelled.

Enjoy a karaoke session at The PUB at the Bowl in Lady Lake.

Enjoy a relaxed evening of painting and conversation with the Night Owl Book Society. Bring your own canvas, paints, and brushes, or use an affordable paint-by-color kit. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from the Milkhouse.

Enjoy fresh spaghetti paired with garlic toast at Kaleidoscope. The meal is available in limited quantities, so it may sell out.

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.

Enjoy Motown music bingo at Gators Dockside Eustis, with legendary soul hits accompanying the game.

Sweet Pill performs with special guests Heart To Gold and Stereosity. One dollar from every ticket sold supports Calling All Crows and its work mobilizing music fans and artists to advance feminist movements. The organization will also provide the band with mental wellness allyship training focused on recognizing and responding to challenges on the road.

Comedian and writer Matt McCusker, co-host of Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast, appears at The Plaza Live in Orlando. The event is open to all ages.