Marion County Public Schools First Day of School (2026–2027)

Hospice of Marion County Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Empath Hospice of Marion County, has named Rochelle Kelly Wristen as its new Executive Director. Wristen brings more than two decades of senior hospice and philanthropy leadership to Ocala.

On Saturday, April 25, Ocala runs from dawn to dusk. Kimberly's Race Against Child Abuse kicks off at 8 AM in Calesa Township; the second-annual Cogent Bank Ocala Cup 5K closes Citizens' Circle ten hours later at 6 PM. Finish both and the exclusive Sunrise to Sunset medal is yours.

Remember when you could just show up at Rainbow Springs? Those days are over. Starting April 29, reservations will be required to enter the headsprings — a sign of just how much Marion County has grown.

Midtown Station's 2nd Annual Oyster Fest on April 18 blew past all expectations — 12,000 oysters sold out in just three hours, leaving organizers stunned and already planning to double down for 2027.

Easter Sunday 2026 falls on April 5, and Ocala has a full weekend of events lined up — from upscale Easter brunches at the World Equestrian Center and Stone Creek Golf Club to free family fun at the Appleton Museum and the Brick City Beer & Wine Festival.

The City of Ocala celebrates a major milestone in its recreational facilities with the grand opening of the expanded Ocala Skate Park on March 28, featuring legendary skateboarder Rodney Mullen as the guest of honor.