Events
Madwoman
- Date:02/12/2025 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Location:Downtown Square, 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala, Florida 34471
Sunset Songs Series
Music lovers of all ages will enjoy Sunset Songs Series! This free concert series on the downtown square brings you the best local and regional artists performing funk, blues, reggae, and country originals as the sun goes down. Kick back and soak in the melodies with the perfect Wednesday night activity. If you love music and sunsets, the Sunset Songs Series is for you! End your day on a melodic high note at these not-to-be-missed community concerts.
- Monthly concerts September through May featuring top-notch musical talent
- All concerts are 100% free – just bring your lawn chair or blanket!
- Unwind and discover great new music in a gorgeous outdoor setting
- Grab a bite to eat at one of our many amazing local downtown restaurants
Join us for the 41st Annual Parade of Senior Services on Friday, March 21,2025, at the Ewers Century Center at Central Florida Community College in Ocala from l0:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
We anticipate over 45 agencies and organizations participating in this special event for our Senior Citizens; providing the opportunity to hand out literature, answer questions and offer their services.
Once again, the event will be held at The Ewers Century Center a beautiful facility that will accommodate it very nicely.
LaToya Artist
Feb 1
Tavares African American Heritage Festival
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Wooton Park in Tavares
The festival goal is to create events that serve the community, promote education, preservation and celebration of the African-American culture.
Feb 2
Exploration Hike
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM P.E.A.R. Park (Gateway) in Leesburg2/23/24/65/4 Plus More
Join staff on an early evening walk while exploring nature at P.E.A.R. Park. Hike Intensity: Light. Reservations required.
Feb 4
Who Lives Here?
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Lake May Reserve in Eustis
Explore the natural communities and plant species which support the animal life at the preserve. GPS N 28.52.20.05, W 81.37.47.6 Continue reading
- Date:01/08/2025 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Location:Downtown Square, 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala, Florida 34471
Music lovers of all ages will enjoy Sunset Songs Series! This free concert series on the downtown square brings you the best local and regional artists performing funk, blues, reggae, and country originals as the sun goes down. Kick back and soak in the melodies with the perfect Wednesday night activity. If you love music and sunsets, the Sunset Songs Series is for you! End your day on a melodic high note at these not-to-be-missed community concerts.
- Monthly concerts September through May featuring top-notch musical talent
- All concerts are 100% free – just bring your lawn chair or blanket!
- Unwind and discover great new music in a gorgeous outdoor setting
- Grab a bite to eat at one of our many amazing local downtown restaurants
Jan 1
Happy New Year Hike
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Wolf Branch Sink Preserve in Mount Dora
Ring in the New Year with a hike at Wolf Branch sink. Hiking intensity : vigorous.
Jan 3
Exploration Hike
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM Ferndale Preserve in Montverde
Join staff on a morning exploration of habitats and species at Ferndale Preserve. Hike intensity: Vigorous. Reservations required.
Jan 4
Umatilla Garden Club
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Umatilla Public Library in Umatilla
Connect with local garden enthusiasts and cultivate your green thumb!
Jan 4
Big Sit
7:30 AM – 11:00 AM McDonald Canal Boat Ramp in Mount Dora
A “Big Sit” is a semi-competitive birding event where participants count all the birds they can see or hear within a 17-foot circle.
Jan 5
Exploration Hike
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM P.E.A.R. Park (Gateway) in Leesburg
Join staff on an early evening hike to get some exercise while exploring nature at P.E.A.R. Park. Hike Intensity: light Reservations required
Jan 6
Take Flight, Birds of Winter
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Lake May Reserve in Eustis
Many bird species use Florida in the fall, winter and spring as a stop to rest and refuel on their way to some place else. Hike with staff to see if you…
Jan 8
Choo-Choo Babies
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM Umatilla Public Library in Umatilla1/81/151/221/29 Plus More
Bring your baby, aged 0-15 months, to the library for a sweet and simple lapsit program featuring Every Child Ready to Read pre-literacy.
Jan 8
Toddler Train
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM Umatilla Public Library in Umatilla1/81/151/221/29 Plus More
Quick-moving storytime for quick-moving toddlers aged 16-36 months featuring Every Child Ready to Read pre-literacy.
Jan 8
Water Wednesday
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Hickory Point in Tavares
Learn about wetland mammals and the ecosystems they call home. Sustainable activity: Identify and match wetland mammals with their adaptations. Reserva…
Jan 8
Kids Crafts
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Umatilla Public Library in Umatilla
Relax with crafts. After-school enrichment for KG-5th.
Jan 9
Storytime Station
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Umatilla Public Library in Umatilla1/91/161/231/30 Plus More
Ride the reading train into Storytime Station. This literature rich experience will bring books to life through story and song. Storytime Station is b…
Jan 10
Umatilla Literary Society
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Umatilla Public Library in Umatilla
In Literary Society book lovers get together and discuss whatever they are reading. They compare notes, make lists of new titles to try, and encourage e…
Jan 11
Quarterly Bird & Butterfly Survey
7:30 AM – 11:00 AM PEAR Park – WCA in Leesburg
Assist staff with surveying one of Lake County’s conservation lands for birds and butterflies.
Jan 11
Paddling Adventure – Lake Norris
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Lake Norris Conservation Area in Eustis
One of the best paddles in Lake County, join staff for a guided tour of the Black Water Creek, part of the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System.
Jan 15
Kids STEM
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Umatilla Public Library in Umatilla
Fun after-school enrichment for grades KG-5th.
Jan 16
Wildlife of Pine Meadows
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Pine Meadows Conservation Area in Eustis
Pine Meadows is composed mostly of wetland habitats which attracts a number of species which rely on these ecosystems to survive.
Jan 17
The New York Rockets – Mount Dora Music Hall
7:30 PM – 9:30 PM Mount Dora Music Hall in Mount Dora
The New York Rockets are coming back to MOUNT DORA THEATER Quite possibly the best 120min of 50’s, 60’s music
Jan 17
Zeroing in on Specific Soft Skills for the Workplace
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
In this training we cover communication, teamwork, emotional intelligence, customer service, conflict resolution, respect & civility.
Jan 18
Tracks and Scat
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Ellis Acres Reserve in Paisley
Who goes there and who left that? Join staff on a discovery of what animals left their signs, from bears to bugs.
Jan 19
Flatwoods of the Green Swamp
10:30 AM – 12:30 AM Pasture Reserve in Groveland
Join Parks’ staff on a hike and learn about the fire, flora, and fauna of the pine flatwoods ecosystem. Hiking intensity: Light. Reservations required.
Jan 24
Stories of Water – Scrub Point Preserve
10:00 AM – 12:30 AM Scrub Point Preserve in Clermont
Join us for a casual hike as we share the Story of Water at Scrub Point Preserve. Hiking intensity: moderate. Reservation Required.
Jan 25
Quarterly Bird & Butterfly Survey
7:30 AM – 11:00 AM Ferndale Preserve in Minneola
Assist staff with surveying one of Lake County’s conservation lands for birds and butterflies.
Jan 27
Growing Tomatoes IFAS/Master Gardener
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Umatilla Public Library in Umatilla
pre-register
LADY LAKE – The Town of Lady Lake is a community hub for warm holiday experiences this season. From cherished traditions such as Light up Lady Lake and our annual Christmas Parade, to new favorites, our events are designed to bring the community together and create lasting memories. Mark your calendars for these festive celebrations:
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A Night with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Kick off the holiday season with a magical evening at the library! Enjoy a cozy reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” and savor cookies and cocoa with Santa and Mrs. Claus. This free event is perfect for creating unforgettable family memories.
Date: Monday, Dec. 2
Time: 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Location: Lady Lake Library, 225 W. Guava St. Continue reading
Fridays & Saturdays | 6 – 8 PM Downtown Square
Live music while you shop, dine, & unwind downtown. Are you a fan of live music events? Look no further! The City of Ocala hosts a multitude of sensational live music events throughout the year. If you would like to stay updated on these exciting events, we invite you to sign up for our email newsletter specifically dedicated to live music.
Live On the Square– Halfway Hippie
Date:11/02/2024 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
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Live On the Square– Jeff Jarrett
Date: 11/08/2024 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
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Live On the Square– Becky Baby
Date: 11/09/2024 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
After Dark in the Park Movie Series
It’s movie time! Join us for FREE movies throughout the year at different City of Ocala parks. Be sure to bring a blanket or chairs to sit on. We will have concessions available for purchase like snacks, popcorn and soda. No registration is required to attend our movies, simply show up, get comfortable and enjoy the show!
Santa Buddies
- Citizens’ Circle | 151 SE Osceola Ave.
- Friday, Dec. 13 | 7 PM
When Puppy Paws, the feisty son of Santa Paws, forgets the true meaning of the season, it’s up to the Buddies to remind him that the true meaning of Christmas spirit is about things you can’t wrap in a box or tie with a bow. Unleash a stockingful of Christmas cheer for you and your family with this fun-filled film.
Nov 3 Exploration Hike
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM PEAR Park Gateway in Leesburg
Join staff on an early evening hike to get some exercise while exploring nature at PEAR Park.
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Nov 4 Florida Friendly Fruit Trees (UF/IFAS Master Gardener)
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Umatilla Public Library in Umatilla
In Florida, we are fortunate to have a climate that allows us to grow some pretty interesting plants. Fruit trees are a popular option for many.
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Nov 6 Evening Wildlife Bike Ride
3:30 PM – 6:30 PM Green Mountain Scenic Overlook & Trailhead in Montverde
Bring your bicycle and learn about the flora and fauna of Lake Apopka as you peddle away with Park Staff on an 8.5 mile round trip bike ride
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Nov 6 Ecosystem Warriors
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Hickory Point in Tavares
Learn about aquatic habitats while hiking on the wetland boardwalk. Ages: 6th – 8th grade. Limit 15. Reservations required.
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Oct 2
Kids Games
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Umatilla Public Library in Umatilla10/211/13
Play games with friends. KG – 5th grade.
Oct 2
Farm to Table – Not Your Average Corn
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Great Scott Farms in Mount Dora
A recipe demo and sampling is included.
Oct 3
Cooking in an Instant
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM UF/IFAS Lake County Extension Office in Tavares
Join us for this hands-on cooking class to make Fall favorite’s using an electric pressure cooker via an Instant Pot and an air fryer.