Events

Date: 03/28/2026 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Location: Ocala Skate Park, 517 NE 9 St., Ocala, Florida 34470

Join Ocala Recreation and Parks in partnership with The Boardr as we celebrate the completion of the Ocala Skate Park expansion!

This FREE, family-friendly event will feature: Live Music; Food Trucks; Trick Competitions; Prizes & Giveaways

Special Guest: Skateboarding legend Rodney Mullen will speak during the ribbon-cutting ceremony and participate in meet-and-greet opportunities.

About Rodney Mullen: Widely regarded as one of the most influential skateboarders in history, Mullen invented foundational tricks like the kickflip, heelflip, and 360 flip. He’s a Skateboarding Hall of Fame member and has appeared in skate films and video games, inspiring generations worldwide.

About the Park: The newly expanded Ocala Skate Park now includes additional street and bowl features, improving flow, increasing competition capacity, and creating new opportunities for community programming and regional skate events. Continue reading →

Date: 03/21/2026 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Location: Tuscawilla

800 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala, Florida 34470

Date: 03/21/2026 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Location: Jervey Gantt Recreation Complex

2200 SE 36 Ave, Ocala, Florida 34470

The First Friday Art Walk takes place the first Friday of each month, October through May from 6 to 9 p.m. First Friday Art Walk is a free event located within Ocala’s historic downtown. Event festivities include over 30 artist displays, monthly live entertainment, free family art activities provided by local arts organizations and extended shopping hours. The public is invited to enjoy an evening of art, live performances, and downtown shops and restaurants.

Feb 01 Exploration Hike

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM  PEAR Park Gateway in Leesburg

Join staff for an early evening walk to get some exercise and take in the sights and sounds of nature.

 

Feb 03 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.

 

Feb 06 Exploration Hike

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM  Ferndale Preserve in Montverde

Join staff as we explore the habitats and species of Ferndale Preserve.

 

Feb 07 Wetland Excursion

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM  Sawgrass Island Preserve in Umatilla

Join us for a fast paced guided hike at Sawgrass Island Preserve to explore the diverse ecosystems within the preserve, including the plants and animals…

 

Feb 07 Quarterly Bird & Butterfly Survey

7:30 AM – 11:00 AM  Pine Meadows Conservation Area in Eustis2/74/48/2910/3

Assist staff with surveying one of Lake County’s conservation lands for birds and butterflies. These surveys assist with the long term management… Continue reading →

OCALA, Fla. (January 15, 2026) – The Reilly Arts Center welcomes a variety of national and local artists for performances of rock, jazz, classical and more. Unless otherwise indicated, events are held at the Reilly Arts Center located at 500 NE 9th St. Ocala, FL 34470.  Tickets can be purchased at reillyartscenter.com or by contacting the Reilly Arts Center box office at (352) 351-1606. Box office hours are 10 AM – 2 PM, Tuesday through Friday. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Reilly Arts Center during box office hours.

As the Reilly Arts Center celebrates its 10th anniversary, we’re proud to continue our Celebration Series! A special lineup featuring performances from six nationally acclaimed artists and bands – leading up to our 10th birthday party on February 28, 2026. This series leads our community into a milestone year, honoring a decade of growth, creativity, and unforgettable performances at the Reilly. The Celebration Series is sponsored by Angie Lewis State Farm.

Yellow Brick Road – A Tribute to Elton John
Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 7:30 PM | AdventHealth Mainstage

Tickets from $23

Experience an unforgettable evening as Brann, the incredible Elton John tribute artist, takes the stage with his talented five-piece band! From his spot-on vocals and piano playing to the iconic costumes and signature glasses, Brann brings Elton’s music to life, performing hit after hit. Sing along to ‘Rocket Man’ and ‘Your Song,’ sway to ‘Candle in the Wind,’ and dance to ‘Crocodile Rock’ in a high-energy show that captures the magic of the Piano Man himself! Continue reading →

Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 | 1 – 7 p.m.

Gates Open: 12:30 p.m.

Show Starts: 1:30 p.m.

Citizens’ Circle | 151 SE Osceola Ave.

Join us for the third annual Brick City Bluegrass Festival in beautiful downtown Ocala, Florida! This family-friendly outdoor music festival features dynamic bluegrass bands including nationally recognized artists, creating an unforgettable experience for music lovers of all ages.

Set at Citizens’ Circle in the heart of historic downtown Ocala, the festival offers more than just music—enjoy delicious eats from popular Ocala food trucks, sip on refreshing beverages, and explore the vibrant community atmosphere. Whether you’re a longtime fan of bluegrass music in Florida or just looking for fun things to do in Ocala, this event is a must-attend. Continue reading →

The First Friday Art Walk takes place the first Friday of each month, October through May from 6 to 9 p.m. First Friday Art Walk is a free event located within Ocala’s historic downtown. Event festivities include over 30 artist displays, monthly live entertainment, free family art activities provided by local arts organizations and extended shopping hours. The public is invited to enjoy an evening of art, live performances, and downtown shops and restaurants.

Jan 01

Open House

9:00 AM – 3:00 PM  Ellis Acres Reserve in Paisley

Nature center will be open and a naturalist will be on site to answer questions.

Event Website

Jan 02

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.

Event Website

Jan 03

Wetland Excursion

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM  Lake Norris Conservation Area in Eustis

Ring in the New Year with a hike at Lake Norris Conservation Area. Limit 15 participants. Reservations required. No facilities. Hike intensity: Moderate.

Event Website

Jan 04

Exploration Hike

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM  PEAR Park (Gateway) in Leesburg

Joint staff on an early evening hike to get some exercise while exploring nature at P.E.A.R. Park.

Event Website

Jan 05

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 they refuel and rest along migration routes.

Event Website Continue reading →

Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center brought the magic of the 1950s back to life at this year’s vibrant Sock Hop fundraiser. From poodle skirts and saddle shoes to leather jackets and slicked-back hair, guests stepped into a night of pure nostalgia—all for a meaningful cause.

with casino tables, silent auctions, a Chinese auction, and raffles—all set to the timeless hits that defined the decade. Attendees filled the dance floor with swing, twists, the hand jive, and plenty of laughter. The energy was contagious, fueled by themed beverages (including the crowd-favorite Sour Betty), delicious treats, and an impressive array of auction items generously donated by community supporters.

But beyond the excitement, the heart of the evening centered on Stirrups ‘n Strides’ mission: empowering individuals with disabilities through the healing power of horses. For many riders, these horses offer more than a lesson—they provide balance, strength, confidence, and emotional connection. The rhythmic movement of the horse mimics the human walk, helping riders build core stability, while the bond between horse and rider fosters trust, independence, and joy. It’s a partnership that changes lives in ways no classroom or clinic can replicate.

Thanks to the incredible support from attendees, sponsors, and devoted volunteers, the event was a tremendous success, raising essential funds for the horses, programs, and riders who rely on Stirrups ‘n Strides every day. It was truly a Happy Days evening—one filled with joy, generosity, and community.

So many wonderful photos were taken during the event and are still being processed by Julie Bartoli, All About You Photography! The link below is from Rachel Doeberl Photography, Every Memory Matters Photobooth! She was a blast to work with and captured so many incredible moments. The photos are amazing, and her energy made the night even more fun. If you were a part of the event and would like to share photos, please send to Brandi at 352-286-2519.

Stirrups & Strides and Gala of the Royal Horses are joining forces for a very special collaboration!

On December 27th, our show will not only bring the magic and beauty of the horses you love — it will also help spread awareness and raise funds for the incredible work Stirrups & Strides does within our community.

This performance is filled with heart, purpose, and holiday spirit… and it also makes the perfect Christmas gift for the horse lovers in your life.

Join us for an unforgettable night that supports an unforgettable cause.

https://galaoftheroyalhorses.com/

Buy Tickets Now!