entertainment · From the editor's notebook
The Weekend Lineup: April 24-26
Leesburg Bikefest runs all weekend with Lita Ford, Everclear, and Sister Hazel. Plus Belleview Greek Festival, Earth Day cleanups, and a Calesa 5K.
**Friday and Saturday are the kind of blue-sky, mid-to-upper-80s weather people retire here for -- burn-the-patio-umbrella good. Sunday turns moodier with a 37% chance of afternoon thunderstorms rolling across Central Florida ([NWS](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=28.55&lon=-81.75)). Leesburg Bikefest takes over [downtown Leesburg](/directory/downtown-leesburg/) all three days with free general admission, and Belleview's 26th annual Greek Festival is running Friday through Sunday with free entry.**
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## Friday
### [Leesburg Bikefest](/events/leesburg-bikefest-2026-04-24/) -- [Downtown Leesburg](/directory/downtown-leesburg/), Free general admission, Opening Ceremony Noon ET
The rally takes over downtown Leesburg April 24-26. Opening Ceremony kicks off at noon, and Lita Ford headlines tonight. Free general admission to all shows -- you only pay for food, drinks, vendors, or VIP upgrades.
### [St. Mark Greek Orthodox Church Greek Festival](/events/st-mark-greek-orthodox-church-greek-festival-2026-04-24/) -- [St. Mark Greek Orthodox Church](/directory/st-mark-greek-orthodox-church-greek-festival/), Free admission, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM ET
The 26th annual Greek Festival in Belleview -- gyros, loukoumades, live music, traditional dancing, vendors, and raffles. Free admission, but it's a cashless event so bring a card. Continues Saturday 11-8 and Sunday 11-6.
### [Beginning Birding](/events/beginning-birding-2026-04-24/) -- [Chinsegut Conservation Center](/directory/chinsegut-conservation-center/), Free, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM ET
A guided intro to bird identification at Chinsegut: feeders first, then a short walk. Binoculars available to borrow. Free, but reservations are required -- contact Bev at 352-686-0460 or [email protected].
### [Tyke Time (Ages 4 and Under)](/events/tyke-time-ages-4-and-under-at-mary-sue-rich-community-center-2026-04-24/) -- [Mary Sue Rich Community Center](/directory/forest-community-center/), Free, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET
A structured play session for kids four and under -- age-appropriate sports and games. Free. A good option if you need to wear out a toddler before the afternoon heat kicks in.
### [The Reading Derby: Ready, Set, Library!](/events/the-reading-derby-ready-set-library-2026-04-24/) -- [All Library Locations](/directory/all-library-locations/), Free, 10:00 AM ET
National Library Week kickoff across every Marion County library branch. Grand prize drawings happen on Derby Day, the first Saturday in May. Easy to fold into a morning errand run.
### [Evening in Paris](/events/evening-in-paris-the-mount-dora-bistro-2026-04-24/) -- [The Mount Dora Bistro](/directory/the-mount-dora-bistro/), $78/pp, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM ET
A prix-fixe French dining experience at [The Mount Dora Bistro](/directory/the-mount-dora-bistro-mount-dora/) -- chef's "Table d'Hôte" menu, three hours, $78 per person. Reservations recommended. Call 352-729-2280.
### [After Work Fridays + Fiesta Fridays](/events/after-work-fridays-2026-04-24/) -- [Loft Ocala](/directory/loft-ocala/), No cover before 11 PM, 9:00 PM - 2:00 AM ET
Two parties in one building: DJ NYO on the main floor and Fabian Hernandez running Fiesta Friday on the third floor. Shot specials all night. Free entry before 11 PM.
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## Saturday
### [Leesburg Bikefest](/events/leesburg-bikefest-2026-04-24/) -- [Downtown Leesburg](/directory/downtown-leesburg/), Free general admission
Day two of the rally. Everclear headlines tonight. Fog burns off by mid-morning per NWS and it climbs to 89°F, so park early.
### [Mayor's Spring Clean Up Day](/events/mayors-spring-clean-up-day-2026-04-25/) -- [Tuscawilla Park](/directory/tuscawilla-park/), Free, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM ET
Ocala's Earth Day effort. Volunteers meet at [Tuscawilla Park](/directory/tuscawilla-park/) at 8 AM to be released to their cleanup areas. Registration recommended.
### [Kimberly's Center 5K Race Against Child Abuse](/events/kimberlys-center-5k-race-against-child-abuse-2026-04-25/) -- [Ina A. Colen Academy](/directory/kimberlys-center-5k-race-against-child-abuse/), $40-$45 registration, 8:00 AM ET
14th annual fundraiser 5K and walk through Calesa Township, benefiting Kimberly's Center for Child Protection. Packet pickup at 7 AM, race starts at 8. Late registration $40 through April 24 at 3 PM, day-of $45. Kids 10 and under $10.
### [Brownwood Paddock Square Hometown Market](/events/brownwood-paddock-square-hometown-market-2026-04-25/) -- [Spanish Springs Town Square](/directory/spanish-springs-town-square/), Free, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM ET
Saturday morning market -- fresh local produce, handmade goods, and outdoor vendors. Free to wander; bring cash for purchases.
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## Sunday
### [Leesburg Bikefest](/events/leesburg-bikefest-2026-04-24/) -- [Downtown Leesburg](/directory/downtown-leesburg/), Free general admission
Sister Hazel closes out the rally. Sunday has a 37% chance of showers and thunderstorms per NWS -- outdoor events here tend to push through Florida afternoon storms, but keep an eye on timing.
### [Sunday Brunch at Eden Abbey](/events/sunday-brunch-at-eden-abbey-2026-04-26/) -- [Eden Abbey](/directory/eden-abbey/), Menu items $6-$20, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM ET
Sunday brunch at Eden Abbey Brewing in Mount Dora. Live music in the taproom 12:30-2:30. Chicken & Waffle Sandwich is the signature. No cover -- you only pay for what you eat and drink.
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## The Full Lineup
Find all 179+ events this weekend at [villacalalineup.com/events/](/events/).
*Got a tip or event we should know about? Email [email protected]*