Events
January 20 – May 11, 2024
Explore the world of turtles and tortoises and learn about their various habitats, migration patterns, and the threats they face. Play a giant board game that helps you navigate a turtle’s migration route safely, see how shell shapes suit different lifestyles and habitats and design a turtle-friendly housing development. You can even find out what a loggerhead sea turtle sees as it swims! *This exhibit was provided with support from Jane’s Trust and the Institute for Museum and Library Services.
Our first Family Engagement District Advisory Council gathered in a call-to-action for parents and caregivers to partner with schools and the community. These parents are the core qualities of involvement and inspiration. They joined the Family FOCUS team in our commitment to effective family engagement by taking a stance to support their children’s success.
We look forward to growing our Family Engagement District Advisory Council. Our next meeting is on January 31st at 5 PM.
Join the Family FOCUS team in making a difference. For more information, email
EngageMCPS@marion.k12.fl.us.
Sincerely,
Alecia Randolph
Hammett L. Bowen, Jr. Elementary School PTO President
Sunset Song Series– Downtown Band
- Date:01/10/2024 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Location:Downtown Square
1 SE Broadway St.
Ocala, Florida 34471
Dr. MLK Jr Wreath Ceremony
- Date:01/13/2024 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
- Location:Webb Field at Martin Luther King Recreation Complex
1510 NW Fourth St.
Ocala, Florida 34475
JAN 4
Storytime Station
Ride the reading train into Storytime Station. Storytime Station is best for children aged 3 to 5 years, but all ages are welcome with a caregiver. Afterwards join us for craft time. Featuring Every Child Ready to Read pre-literacy skills.
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JAN 4
Teen Art
Learn to paint, draw or just explore art. Middle and High School aged teens are welcome.
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JAN 4
Towards Permanent Weight Management
9-week program, taking place on January 4, 11, 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. This program will provide a foundation for committing to change and choosing a healthier lifestyle.
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The City of Ocala seeks unique, thought-provoking exhibits that are appropriate for a public City space, where work will be viewed by citizens and guests of all ages. Only complete applications will be reviewed. Viewer engagement, artist intent, originality of ideas, and use of media and technique are all considered when an application is being reviewed for approval.
The City of Ocala recommends that artist(s) plan on delivering a minimum of 20 works to be exhibited. The gallery selection for displaying accepted works will be determined by the City based on the works submitted, space available, and needs of each gallery space. The City of Ocala will work with artists on the layout of the exhibit, however the City reserves the right to adjust the layout as appropriate for the space and based on past experience in the gallery space. Continue reading
Health Fair
- Date:11/01/2023 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Location:Ocala Downtown Market
SE 3 St. and SE 3 Ave.
Ocala, Florida 34471
First Friday Art Walk
- Date:11/03/2023 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Location:Downtown Square
1 SE Broadway St.
Ocala, Florida 34471
First Friday Art Walk will take place in Downtown Ocala Friday, November 3 from 6 to 9 p.m. First Friday Art Walk occurs on the first Friday of each month, September through May. The following activities will be included in November’s event: Continue reading
NOV 1
Birds of Lake May
Hike with staff to try and spot some of the birds that have been documented at Lake May Reserve. Learn about the habitats and species which utilize them. For beginners.
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NOV 2
Culinary Collection – Youth Program
Culinary Collection, Youth Program Soups and Salads Youth will create a homemade soup, homemade salad dressing and taste their creations. 4-H membership not required. Sign up in 4-H online or contact Stephanie Klein at stephanieklein@ufl.edu
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NOV 3
Downtown Clermont Food Trucks
Stroll through Downtown Clermont and enjoy 25+ food trucks and vendors. Sip, Shop and Enjoy!
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Saturday, Oct. 21 | 7 – 9 PM
All Ages | Free
Goblins and ghouls return to the Fort King for an evening of spine-tingling tales. Bring your own chair and listen to stories of the strange and eerie. The darker it gets, the spookier the stories!
Presented in partnership with Ocala Recreation and Parks, Marion County Public System, and Ocali Storytelling Guild, Inc.
Saturday, November 18, 2023
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.
AFTER DARK IN THE PARK
- Friday, Oct 6 – “Hotel Transylvania” starts at 7 PM at Citizens’ Circle
- Dracula, who operates a high-end resort away from the human world, goes into overprotective mode when a boy discovers the resort and falls for the count’s teenage daughter. Runtime 91 mins
- Rated PG
