Ocala What's Up!

Weekly

Downtown Market (Sat)
Ocala: Shop 80+ vendors and local farmers offering organic produce, goat and dairy products, meats, honey, preserves, seafood, soaps, handcrafted gifts, jewelry, fresh flowers, food trucks and so much more at this family and pet-friendly open-air market. Free. 9am-2pm. Takes place on SE 3rd St and SE 3rd Ave. 
Info: WEBSITE

Weekly

Ocala Polo (Sat., through Oct. 26)
Ocala: Bring a picnic dinner or enjoy a Saturday tailgate from onsite food trucks followed by a night of amazing equine speed and agility as ponies and riders compete for prizes in one of the world’s oldest known sports. Don’t miss your chance for a halftime divot stomp “Pretty Woman” style! Tickets. Takes place 6pm at 11008 S Hwy 475. Info: WEBSITE

Weekly

Leavitt AMP Ocala Music Series (Fri)
Ocala: This free March-May weekly outdoor concert series will have you clapping your hands and tapping your toes as outstanding local and regional artists invigorate the community during 10 concerts highlighting a wide variety of musical genres. Free. Takes place 6-8pm at 1501 W Silver Springs Blvd. Info:   WEBSITE

Monthly

Sunset Songs Series 
(Weds., Sept-May)
Ocala: Grab a bite from a nearby restaurant and end your day on a high note with the best local and regional funk, blues, reggae, and country bands showcasing originals and favorite covers during this free monthly sunset concert series. Don’t forget to bring blanket or lawn chair. Takes place 6-8pm through May 28 at 1 SE Broadway St. Info: WEBSITE

Monthly

First Friday Art Walk
 (Sept – May)
Ocala: Visit 30+ artist displays, live entertainment, free family art activities, and an eclectic variety of historic downtown shops and restaurants – all open extended hours for your shopping enjoyment. Meet under the Marion Theater marquee to kick off the evening. Free. Takes place 6-9pm at 50 S Magnolia Ave. Info: WEBSITE

Monthly

Free First Saturday
Ocala: Start your month of culture with masterpieces from the museum’s permanent collection, enjoy special exhibitions, visiting artists and performers, get creative in the Artspace and enjoy a selfie or two in the sculpture garden before sampling fare from visiting food trucks. Free. Takes place 10am-5pm at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Info: WEBSITE

JUNE
June 13
All About Joel
Ocala: Don’t miss this stunning tribute to the Grammy Award® winning singer, songwriter and composer from fellow Long Islander David Clark, whose command of the ivories, lead vocals and engaging stage presence will make you believe it’s the Piano Man himself! Tickets. Showtime 7:30pm at 500 NE 9th St. www.reillyartscenter.com

June 27
Chi-Town Transit Authority
Ocala: This amazingly authentic tribute band brings down the house Chicago-style, featuring four decades of the chart-topping ballads and jazz-infused rock anthems that made the original band legendary in this high-energy performance that will have you dancing, singing, and shouting for more. Tickets. Takes place 7:30pm at 500 NE 9th St. Info: www.reillyartscenter.com

June 29
Red, White and OSO Blue: Salute to Our Troops
Ocala: Celebrate our nation’s 249th birthday featuring a stunning showcase of all-time favorite patriotic marches and musical scores as a special tribute to our veterans and evokes all the feels of red, white, and blue! Tickets. Takes place 3pm at 500 NE 9th St. Info: www.reillyartscenter.com

JULY
Patriotic Skies
Ocala: Rejoice in your independence with patriotic live music, kids’ games and family activities, food trucks offering savory snacks and sweet treats before a spectacular fireworks display lights up the night sky. Takes place 6pm at 800 NE Sanchez Ave. 
Info: www.ocalafl.gov

July 6
Independence Cup
Ocala: Discover a star-spangled demonstration of equine strength as horses and riders compete in the annual holiday polo match while enjoying a packed picnic dinner or delicious bites from onsite food trucks. Tickets. Takes place 6pm at 11008 S Hwy 475. Info: www.ocalapolo.com

July 18
In The Air Tonight
Ocala: Rick Snider channels Phil Collins like nobody else, featuring monster hits, deep cuts, and a live show that feels so much like an arena tour that you’ll forget where you are! Tickets. Takes place 7:30pm at 500 NE 9th St. Info: www.reillyartscenter.com

July 25
An Evening with Here Come the Mummies
Ocala: Were they cursed after deflowering a great Pharaoh’s daughter? Or reincarnated Grammy-winning studio musicians? Either way, this 8-piece, 5,000-year-old band with a one-track mind and not-so-ancient stage antics will surely bend your brain and melt your face. Tickets. Showtime 7:30pm at 500 NE 9th St. Info: www.reillyartscenter.com

SEPTEMBER
September 13
Flip Orley: Comedic Hypnotist
Ocala: Get ready to ‘flip’ out as “the best hypnotist in the country” gets the audience in touch with their subconscious in the funniest and craziest ways possible during a night of the zaniest off-the-wall comedy you’ve ever seen! Tickets. Showtime 7:30pm at 500 NE 9th St. Info: www.reillyartscenter.com

September 20 & 21
Comic Con
Ocala: Discover the world of cosplay, comic books and fantasy gaming with trading card games, autographs, the Jurassic Park replica JEEP, and special guests Katee Sackhoff, Simon Kassianides, and more! Tickets. Takes place Sat: 10am-6pm; Sun: 10am-5pm at 1284 NW 87th Ct. Rd. Info: http://www.ocalacomiccon.com/