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 (368 upcoming)Only In Ocala is a local business directory for Ocala and Marion County, Florida, featuring 742 business listings, 368 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
Two New Marion County Commissioners Take Their Seats Nov. 17, and the First Agenda Is Full of Roads
Mike Crimi and Jeff Bairstow are sworn in at the start of the Nov. 17, 2026 Board of County Commissioners meeting, and Matt McClain and Craig Curry ar...
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
Six Decades of Service to Cattlemen and Young Exhibitors: Frank Markham Joins the Marion County Agricultural Hall of Fame
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.
BCS Insulation LLC celebrates its new office and warehouse with a ribbon cutting and open house on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 1100 SW 6th Ave. in Ocala. The ribbon cutting kicks off the open h
Marion County Public Schools hosts its annual School Choice Magnet and Community Resource Expo on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. in Expo Center 2 at World Equestrian Center, 1750 NW 80th Ave., Ocala. Famil
The World Equestrian Center hosts Fireside Sound Bath & Yoga on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the courtyard of The Riding Academy Hotel, 1615 NW 81st Terrace Road in Ocala. The 60-minute cla
Grandview Clydesdale Farm & Tours hosts Christmas with the Clydesdales at its farm at 10020 SW 125th Court Road in Dunnellon, near Ocala, from Thursday, November 12, 2026, through Thursday, January 7, 2027. The two-hour
The College of Central Florida Wind Symphony performs on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at the Dassance Fine Arts Center on CF's Ocala Campus, 3001 SW College Road. The concert is free and open to the public,
Neat Streak Events hosts Twilight & Trinkets, an evening market, on Friday, November 13, 2026, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Ocala Downtown Market, 403 SE Osceola Ave. in downtown Ocala. It is the first event of the organizer
The Nancy Renyhart Dementia Education Program of Hospice of Marion County hosts its free monthly Memory Café on Friday, November 13, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at The Elliott Center, 3231 SW 34th Avenue in Ocala. Prese
Crispy Cones celebrates the grand opening of its Ocala shop on Friday, November 13, 2026, from noon to midnight at 8075 SW Highway 200, Unit 107, in the Canopy Oak Center on State Road 200 in southwest Ocala. Guests who
Marion County Parks and Recreation leads its monthly Kayak & Koffee guided paddle on Friday, November 13, 2026, at 8 a.m. The interpretive trip explores area springs, with difficulty increasing each month, and begins wit
The City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department presents Kendall Street Company as part of the Sunset Songs Series on Friday, November 13, 2026, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Citizens' Circle, 151 SE Osceola Ave. in downtown Oca
The 4th Annual Ocala Holiday Craft Show takes over Expo 1 at the World Equestrian Center, 1284 NW 87th Court Road in Ocala, from Friday, November 13, through Sunday, November 15, 2026. More than 350 artists and crafters
The Reilly Arts Center presents Dueling Pianos on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the Midgett Black Box at 500 NE 9th St in Ocala. Guests sit at cafe tables while two pianists perform sing-along soft rock and pop
Discover all 368+ 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
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
Christ Community Church
Christ Community Church is a congregation at 37 Dogwood Road in southeast Ocala, in Marion County, Florida. The church describes itself as a group of friends from diverse backgrounds pursuing Christ,
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 742 business listings, 368 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.
- -742 local business listings across dining, services, shopping, and professional categories
- -368 upcoming community events including equestrian shows, festivals, and live entertainment
- -Curated guides to natural springs, horse farms, downtown dining, and Marion County neighborhoods