PHOTO VIA LADY OF THE LAKES RENAISSANCE FAIRE
One of Central Florida’s longest-running community traditions is not returning this year. The Education Foundation of Lake County (Website) announced Monday that the Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire will not take place in 2026 after losing access to its location in Tavares. This would have been the faire’s 25th year.
The foundation’s board of directors says it reviewed alternative sites but found no feasible replacement. Moving forward under uncertain conditions, the announcement said, could jeopardize the funding the event generates for Lake County schools.
“The success of the Renaissance Faire was made possible by the passion and dedication of our vendors, volunteers, partners, and supporters,” said Executive Director Elizabeth Johnson. “We are incredibly grateful for the memories we’ve created together and look forward to exploring opportunities for future events and initiatives.”
The Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire was the largest fundraiser for the Education Foundation of Lake County, the direct support organization for Lake County Schools, providing financial support for programs that include Teacher Classroom Grants, Back to School Backpack Distributions, Take Stock in Children, Apple-Mart shops for teachers, and Teacher of the Year recognition. Every dollar raised from the event went to teachers and students in Lake County Public Schools, and organizers estimated the faire carried a $4 million economic impact on the county.
The faire drew tens of thousands of visitors each fall to an outdoor site near Lake Idamere in Tavares, featuring more than 100 performers in period costumes, nine entertainment stages, jousting, food vendors, and an interactive storyline that changed each year. It was one of the few community events in the region that doubled as both a major fundraiser and an education day with Lake County school groups regularly bused in for a curriculum-connected field trip experience.
The only previous cancellation came in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the foundation to pivot to a virtual format.
The foundation says it is developing new fundraising strategies to continue supporting Lake County schools.
