Get ready to throw some beads and see an alarming amount of runners in 18th century attire. It’s Mardi Gras in the Streets in downtown Leesburg and the Running of the Georges in downtown Eustis. Plus Jane Austen fest in Mount Dora. Check out all these great events happening this weekend:

Friday 

Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball
Where: Venetian Center in Leesburg
When: Friday 7 p.m.
Details: Join us for the crowning of King Rex and Queen Divine, live music, cash bar, face painting, food provided by Lake Port Square.
LeesburgPartnership.com

Veterans Benefit Concert
Where: Living Drama Theatre in Eustis
When: Friday 7 p.m.
Details: K&D Unique Entertainment Presents a Veteran’s Benefit Concert. A unique variety show raising funds to go to our Veterans of the United States of America.Performances by Missie Jordan , David Allen Potter Steve Brannon, Six Strings & A Fiddle, Ella Oakes, Tate Graham and a special tribute to the late entertainer, Peter Alden, and David Allen Potter will be the Master of Ceremonies.
LivingDramaTheatre.com

Jane Austen Fest
Where: Donnelly Park in Mount Dora
When: Friday Saturday and Sunday
Details: It’s a wonderful gift – this 18th century woman who wrote only 6 novels in her lifetime but has stood the test of time, whose works have been relevant for movies, plays and reading in the 21st Century, who is known the world over as the number one writer on many lists, has inspired many writers to research her life and written many thesis and hundreds of books about her, and is only a mere 247 years old this month! – having been born December 16 1775.
https://janeaustenfest.com/

Saturday

Mardi Gras Party in the Street
Where: Downtown Leesburg
When: Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Details: Come celebrate Mardi Gras with three parades, vendors, food, entertainment and more. The kids parade begins at 1 p.m., pet parade at 3 p.m. and the main parade at 7 p.m. Plus listen to New Orleans-style marching Jazz Bands, Blues and more all live on two stages.
LeesburgPartnership.com

8th Annual Running of the Georges
Where: Ferran Park in Eustis
When: Saturday 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Details: Come out run in our 8th Annual Running of the Georges 5K and new this year, our 1 Mile Kids Fun Run.
eustis.org

Strawberry Festival
Where: Amber Brooke Farms Eustis
When: Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.
Details: The 2nd annual strawberry festival is full of strawberry-themed activities, treats, arts and crafts vendors, plus all of your favorite farm activities like our thrilling slide hill, jump pads, and more! Tickets are $13 in advance, $15 at the door. Tickets are required for all guests 3 years old and older.
facebook.com/ABFEustis

Spanish Springs Arts & Craft Festival
Where: Spanish Springs Town Square in The Villages
When: Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Details: Come see all the handcrafted items. You will find jewelry, pottery, ceramics, photography, plants & soap to just name a few things you can find at the festival. Admission is free. 

Leesburg High School Baseball Cornhole Tournament and BBQ lunch Fundraiser
Where: Mote Morris House in Leesburg
When: Saturday 11:30 a.m.
Details: Fundraiser to help pay for the baseball teams swag and necessities. Cornhole starts at 12. adults $25 and students $15, lunch plates $10 served between 11:30 a.m. and 1 pm. Raffle prizes too. Come out and enjoy Mardi Gras and join us for a good time to support a good group of guys who love baseball.

Spread the Love PB & Jelly Food Drive
Where: 1703 Kurt St. in Eustis
When: Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Details: Join us for this fun food drive! Snap photos at our photo booth while dropping off your PB& Jelly at our 4th annual food drive!Live Performance at 11:00, Photo Booth, Raffle Table, Fire Truck and Free Face Painting. Let’s top our 1,088 lbs from last year! All donations go to Lake Cares. 

Kids Learn to Fish Day
Where: Mount Dora Boating Center and Marina
When: Saturday 9 a.m. to non
Details: Learn about speck and bluegill fishing – we’re going to be teaching the basics of how to catch fish using the hook and bobber method. Skills learned will include how to rig your pole, baiting a hook, and landing fish! Kids Learn to Fish Day will take place on Saturday, February 11 at Mount Dora Boating Center & Marina.
mountdora.com

Sunday

Valentine’s Pink Car Meet

Where: Lake Square Mall in Leesburg
When: Sunday 2 to 6 p.m.
Details: This is a valentines themed car meet to bring together all the pink vehicles, their owners & other people who would like to see some pink cars. All types of pink vehicles are welcome (cars, trucks, bikes, etc.) This is a family friendly event, meaning no rowdy behavior, NO burn outs or excessive engine revving will be tolerated.
LakeSquareMall.com

Don’t see your event? Post it below in the comments!