Events
Downtown Ocala
4 – 9 PM
About Light Up Ocala
Light Up Ocala is a longstanding community tradition to kick off the holidays that attracts thousands to downtown Ocala. This year marks the 39th anniversary of the holiday merry making event!
Light Up Ocala will have over 100 vendors including crafts, art and plenty of food options to choose from! Live entertainment will fill the air with festive sounds and an interactive kids zone will keep the whole family entertained. You won’t want to miss the Junior Sunshine holiday parade with a special appearance by Santa. All of which culminates in the most exciting part of the event: lighting up downtown Ocala!
Sponsors
Light Up Ocala would not be possible without the support from our sponsors. Please download our Sponsorship Guide to see available opportunities and contact Brooke Perry at bperry@ocalafl.gov for additional information.
The Discovery Center is Ocala’s local children’s science center! Located at Tuscawilla Park, the Discovery Center is a place for kids to learn in a fun, hands-on way. From rotating exhibits to STEAM-centered classes, there is plenty of reasons to check out what’s new at Discovery Center!
Center Hours
Tuesday – Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM*
Monday & Sunday: Closed
*Please note that last entry is 30 minutes prior to closing.
MORE DETAILS AT https://www.lakecountyfl.gov/calendar
OCT 4
Kids Crafts
Relax with crafts. For elementary school students.
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OCT 4
First Presbyterian Pet Blessing
Bring your animal pets to the the grassy lawn in front of the First Presbyterian church at West 6th avenue between McDonald & Alexander streets. Pets can be brought up for the individual blessings by Dr. Brenda Loyal on the shady front porch.
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OCT 6
Downtown Clermont Food Trucks
Stroll through Downtown Clermont and enjoy 25+ food trucks and vendors. Sip, Shop and Enjoy!
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Date: 10/21/2023 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Downtown Square
1 SE Broadway St., Ocala, Florida 34471
A free and encouraging event full of music, the art of worship, art, baptism, and prayer. For details, please contact Chris Dolan of Chris Dolan Music, Inc. at 352.304.1659.
Date: 09/30/2023 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Fort King National Historic Landmark
3925 E Fort King St., Ocala, Florida 34470
Step back in time and explore Ocala’s history with a guided lantern tour at the fort. Meet the legends of Fort King’s past as they tell you of a time gone by. Enjoy pioneer games and food while you wait for your tour to start. Guests should arrive 30 minutes before their tour time starts to ensure prompt transportation to the fort. There will be no parking onsite, parking will be available at the Klein lot. $10 per person. For details, please contact Kathleen Ramirez, Outdoor Historical Resource Archaeologist, at Fort King National Historic Landmark, at 352.368.3355.
DINING WITH DIABETES
September 5, 2023 @ 6:00 PM
Eustis Women’s Club
227 North Center Street, Eustis
$40
Contact Lori Johnson at 352-343-4101 or email lorijohnson@ufl.edu.
https://eustis.recdesk.com/Community/Program
Led by Lori Johnson, Family & Consumer Sciences Agent Location: Eustis Women’s Club 227 North Center Street, Eustis Cost: $40 per person, space is limited This is a 4 week series with hands-on-cooking Class Dates are September 5, 19, 28 and Oct 3rd
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LET’S WALK FLORIDA
September 5, 2023 @ 8:00 AM
$30
Contact Lori Johnson at 352-343-4101 or email lorijohnson@ufl.edu.
6 week virtual physical activity education program. Sept. 5 through Oct. 15. Participants will be provided e-guides and asked to submit physical activity minutes weekly. Each participant will receive a smart watch to track steps. Continue reading
Join us for special events and programs exclusively for Ocala adults ages 50 and older. From walking clubs to learning a new crafting skill, we have plenty of opportunities to get involved. See City of Ocala website for more.
Year Round Programs
Artistic Touch Crafts- $5 per session
Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place | 1821 NW 21st Ave.
Year round | First and Third Tuesday of the month | 10 AM – Noon
Get crafty with these fun DIY workshops to renew and discover your artistic abilities! Every session we will work on a new craft project for you to take home to display. You bring the creative spirit; we’ll bring the supplies. Registration required for each session.
Footloose Line Dancing – FREE
Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place | 1821 NW 21st Ave.
Starting Jan. 17 | Tuesdays | 11 AM – NOON
Come join us for an hour of dancing fun. This class is for anyone who loves to dance, whether you are experienced, or new to the dance floor. You will learn the basic steps of many soul and line dances while getting a workout at the same time.
Ocala Recreation and Parks offers a variety of sports, programs, activities and events for kids! Whether your three-year-old wants to Start Smart with playing soccer or you are looking for after school programs, there are plenty of options for kids of all ages in Ocala!
T-Ball
Start Smart T-Ball League | Ages 5 – 6
Mondays & Wednesdays | Sept. 4 – Oct. 18 | 6 – 7 PM
Jervey Gantt Park | 2200 SE 36th Av.
$65/person
Little Batter Up! We’ll help your mini 5-6 year old athlete get started on their athletic journey. This program will help participants develop their talents and learn sportsmanship in a safe and encouraging environment.
Basketball
Skills and Drillz | Ages 6 – 8
Aug. 9 – 30 | Wednesdays | 5:30 – 6:30 PM
Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place | 1821 NW 21st Ave.
$20 per person
Help your mini athlete gain a competitive advantage while participating in youth sports. Kids will compete in fun and exciting drills designed to sharpen hand, foot and eye coordination.
FOUR CORNERS 1ST SATURDAY FOOD TRUCK
August 5, 2023 @ 5:00 PM
Four Corners 1st Saturday Food Truck
Cagan Crossings
600 Cagan Oaks Dr, Clermont
Contact Sandy Farnsworth at 352-617-8788 or email sandyfcdp@gmail.com.
https://www.EventsbySG.com
Band, crafters, food trucks, bounce house, and more! Bring the family and join us for a fun evening.
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QUARTERLY BIRD & BUTTERFLY SURVEY
August 5, 2023 @ 7:30 AM
Quarterly Bird & Butterfly Survey
Lake May Reserve
36300 County Road 44A, Eustis
Contact Gallus Quigley at 352-253-4950 or email parksandtrails@lakecountyfl.gov.
https://www.lakecountyfl.gov/parks-and-trails
Assist park staff with surveying the birds & butterflies of Lake County’s conservation lands.
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