Only in Ocala, Florida
Springs you can swim in, horse country and a brick downtown square. The local guide to things to do, events and businesses in Ocala and Marion County.
Coming up in Ocala
Full events calendar (350 upcoming)Only In Ocala is a local business directory for Ocala and Marion County, Florida, featuring 736 business listings, 350 upcoming events, and local news. We serve Ocala and surrounding communities in horse country with expert local knowledge and a rigorous 7-step verification process for every listing.
What Can You Do in Ocala, Florida?
From outdoor adventures and world-class dining to equestrian events and family fun, explore our comprehensive guides to life in Marion County.
What is Ocala, Florida?
Ocala is a city in Marion County, Florida, and has been the county seat since 1846, according to the City of Ocala. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates its population at 71,753 as of July 1, 2025. Marion County is known as horse country.
Ocala is also called the Brick City: after a fire nearly destroyed the center of town on Thanksgiving Day in 1883, it was rebuilt in brick. Sources: City of Ocala history, U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts.
- County seat of Marion County since
- 1846
- Residents, U.S. Census Bureau estimate for July 1, 2025
- 71,753
- The Thanksgiving Day fire, after which downtown was rebuilt in brick
- 1883
What are the top things to do in Ocala?
The top things to do in Ocala are the glass bottom boats at Silver Springs State Park, a horse show at the World Equestrian Center, the downtown square, the springs of the Ocala National Forest and Rainbow Springs, and the Appleton Museum of Art. The ten below link to our full guides.
- 1Silver Springs State ParkGlass bottom boat tours on the Silver River, kayaking and trails; $8 per vehicle.
- 2World Equestrian CenterThe largest equestrian complex in the United States, with horse shows, dining, shops and a spa.
- 3Downtown Ocala squareThe historic Brick City center, with the Saturday Ocala Downtown Market nearby.
- 4Ocala National ForestMore than 600 lakes and rivers, plus Juniper Springs and Silver Glen Springs.
- 5Rainbow Springs State ParkA first-magnitude spring in Dunnellon for swimming, tubing and paddling.
- 6Appleton Museum of ArtA College of Central Florida museum with more than 24,000 objects; free on First Saturdays.
- 7Reilly Arts CenterOcala Symphony Orchestra concerts, plus films and comedy at its Marion Theatre downtown.
- 8Sholom ParkA privately owned garden park, free and open to the public every day from 8 a.m.
- 9Ocala Discovery CenterThe city's hands-on children's science center at Tuscawilla Park.
- 10The Canyons Zip Line & Adventure ParkZip lines, horseback rides and kayaking across two canyons and four lakes.
The full list, with addresses, hours and a day-by-area plan, is in our guide to things to do in Ocala, Florida. Also see free things to do, things to do with kids and the best restaurants in Ocala. For springs, beaches and towns within about two hours, with drive times from downtown, see our guide to day trips from Ocala.
What is on in Ocala this fall and holiday season?
- Light Up Ocala 2026Nov 21, Downtown Ocala Square. Free
- 23rd Annual Symphony Under the LightsDec 4, Tuscawilla Park. Free
- Festival at Fort KingDec 5 to Dec 6, Fort King National Historic Landmark. Free
- Ocala Christmas Parade 2026: A Red, White, and Blue ChristmasDec 12, Ocala Christmas Parade Route (start: SE 25th Ave & SE Fort King St). See website for details
More dates: this season in Ocala and the full events calendar.
Voting in the Nov. 3, 2026 general election? Early voting sites, hours, ID rules and what is on the ballot are in our Marion County voting guide.
What's Happening in Ocala
Stay informed with the latest stories from Marion County
Ocala City Council Nov. 17: A $10 Million Power-Cost Gap, $600,000 More for Sidewalks and New Turn Lanes on Maricamp
The Ocala City Council meets Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026, at 4 p.m. at City Hall. The agenda asks council to cover a $10,005,487 power-cost shortfall at Oc...
Two New Marion County Commissioners Take Their Seats Nov. 17, and the First Agenda Is Full of Roads
Marion County Is Asked for $120,000 for the WEC Winter Series. It Is Bed-Tax Money, Paid Only for Booked Rooms
The Nest Wants to Be Southwest Ocala's New Gathering Spot, With a Stage, Five Kitchens and Room for Your Pets
Local Events & Recurring Activities
Discover exciting events happening in Ocala and Marion County. From weekly markets to special celebrations, there's always something happening in horse country.
Marion County Parks and Recreation brings its Destination Yoga class to Carney Island Recreation & Conservation Area, 13275 SE 115th Avenue in Ocklawaha, on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 8 to 9 a.m. Destination Yoga
Marion County Parks and Recreation hosts its Family Camp Experience on Saturday, November 14, 2026, with a family day trip to Topgolf that departs at 9 a.m. from Brick City Adventure Park, 1211 SE 22nd Road in Ocala. Reg
Veterinary staff from the Florida International Teaching Zoo hold a low-cost pet vaccination clinic at the Ocala Downtown Market, 403 SE Osceola Ave. in downtown Ocala, on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noo
The Downtown Vintage Market sets up at Citizens' Circle, 151 SE Osceola Ave. in downtown Ocala, on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.. The November edition is billed as a "Friends Giving" market. The org
Silver Springs State Park offers a public tour of its pioneer "cracker" village on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon, starting at the Silver River Museum, 1425 NE 58th Avenue in Silver Springs State Park.
Trinity Catholic High School hosts Jeans and Jerseys 2026, its fundraiser, on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 6 to 11 p.m. at the school, 2600 SW 42nd Street in Ocala. Guests wear jeans and a favorite team jersey for a
The Landbridge Trail 5K runs on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 8:30 AM from the Landbridge Trailhead, 11100 SW 16th Ave in southwest Ocala, on the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. The well-marked 5K loop fol
The Run for the Dogs 5K takes place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 9:00 AM at the Baseline Road Trailhead, 4255 SE 58th Ave in Ocala, raising support for animal shelters and animal charities. Runners and walkers can
South Marion High School hosts the SMHS Family Fun Run/Walk 5K on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 8:00 AM on its campus at 1350 SW 165th Street in southern Marion County. The 5K is open to runners and walkers of all ages
The ultimate Pink Floyd journey featuring iconic songs from "The Wall," "Dark Side of the Moon," and more. Experience the legendary progressive rock sounds with stunning visuals and faithful recreations.
The Ocala Downtown Market holds its weekly Saturday market on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 9 AM to 2 PM at 403 SE Osceola Ave in downtown Ocala, at the corner of SE 3rd Street and SE 3rd Avenue. The market advertise
Emma's Patisserie at the World Equestrian Center hosts Emma's Chocolate Tasting Class on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Aston's Meeting Room at The Equestrian Manor, 1750 NW 80th Ave in Oca
Discover all 350+ events happening in Marion County
Featured Local Businesses
Discover exceptional businesses that make Ocala special
Notice Me Marketing and Media
Notice Me Marketing and Media stands as Central Florida's premier full-service marketing and promotional products company, transforming businesses through innovative marketing solutions, custom appare
District Bar & Kitchen
District Bar & Kitchen is a restaurant and bar at 110 SW Broadway St in downtown Ocala. Its website says nearly everything on the menu is made from scratch in-house, including Detroit-style pizzas and
Radical Runs LLC
Radical Runs LLC represents the pinnacle of professional race timing and full-service event management throughout Central Florida, combining cutting-edge RFID technology with comprehensive event plann
Everything You Need to Know About Ocala
Get answers to the most common questions about living, visiting, and doing business in Florida's Horse Country
Still Have Questions?
Can't find what you're looking for? We're here to help you learn more about Ocala and Marion County.
What Legal and Insurance Resources Are Available in Marion County?
Educational information about legal and insurance topics for Marion County residents. These resources are for informational purposes only - always consult qualified professionals.
Elder Law Information
Comprehensive guide to elder law topics including healthcare directives, long-term care planning, and senior rights protection.
Wills & Trusts Information
Learn about estate planning documents, revocable trusts, and testamentary planning options for Marion County residents.
Probate Process Information
Understanding the probate process in Marion County Circuit Court and how proper planning can affect estate administration.
Home Insurance Information
Home insurance considerations for Ocala homeowners, Florida-specific requirements, and local factors affecting coverage.
Auto Insurance Information
Auto insurance requirements for Marion County drivers, Florida laws, and coverage options to consider.
Umbrella Insurance Information
Learn about umbrella coverage that provides additional liability protection beyond standard insurance limits.
Important Disclaimer: All information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or insurance advice. For guidance specific to your situation, consult with qualified professionals in Marion County.
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How Can You Stay Connected with Ocala?
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Only In Ocala is a local directory for Ocala and Marion County, Florida, with 736 business listings, 350 upcoming events, and guides to dining, outdoor recreation, and community life. Ocala, the county seat of Marion County, is known for horse country, natural springs such as Silver Springs State Park FL, and the World Equestrian Center. Start with our guide to things to do in Ocala, Florida.
- -736 local business listings across dining, services, shopping, and professional categories
- -350 upcoming community events including equestrian shows, festivals, and live entertainment
- -Curated guides to natural springs, horse farms, downtown dining, and Marion County neighborhoods