From world-class equestrian competitions and live concerts at the Reilly Arts Center to seasonal festivals and community gatherings, Ocala and Marion County host hundreds of events every year. Browse our live calendar below to find concerts, food festivals, family activities, holiday celebrations, and more happening this week in the Horse Capital of the World.
Live music, tribute bands, symphony performances
Horse shows, polo, dressage, breeders' sales
Tastings, festivals, cook-offs, farmers markets
Seasonal celebrations and community gatherings
Kids activities, holiday events, outdoor fun
No-cost community happenings and programs
Only In Ocala features 260+ upcoming community events in Marion County, Florida including festivals, concerts, equestrian competitions, sports events, and family activities. Events are updated daily and verified by local organizers serving Ocala and the Horse Capital of the World.
Find events that match your interests
Join the Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership for their premier annual luncheon event. Celebrate the achievements of local businesses and hear from keynote speakers about the economic outlook for Marion County.
Originating as The Tennessee River Boys in the '80s, Diamond Rio went on to become one of the most successful country music groups of all time. With hits like "Meet in the Middle," "One More Day," and "Beautiful Mess," they bring their signature harmonies to the Orange Blossom Opry.
Experience the most beautiful ballet of all time. Dance Alive National Ballet brings Tchaikovsky's masterpiece Swan Lake to life with stunning choreography and world-class dancers.
Bourbon in the Barn returns to Ocala for an unforgettable evening of fine bourbon, great company, and meaningful impact. Hosted by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Marion County at the College of Central Florida Vintage Farm Campus, this annual charity benefit features premium bourbon tastings from local distilleries, gourmet catered food, live music, and both silent and live auctions. VIP reception begins at 6 PM with the main event from 7 to 9 PM. All proceeds support youth development programs in Marion County.
Get ready for an exhilarating and flavor-packed experience at the 2026 King of the Wing, hosted by MCBIA in support of The Arc of Marion. This highly anticipated wing competition brings together local restaurants and chefs competing for the crown at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion. Sample a variety of bold wing flavors, enjoy great company in a festive atmosphere, and vote for your favorites. The event also features the MCBIA Blood Drive running from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM — walk-ins welcome. This family-friendly fundraiser is one of Ocala's most exciting annual events.
Florida's premier mountain bike festival returns to Ocala for four days of world-class riding, community celebration, and trail culture at the Santos Trail System. Hosted by the **Ocala Mountain Bike Association (OMBA)**, the Santos Fat Tire Festival draws thousands of riders and spectators from across the country to one of the most celebrated mountain bike trail networks in the southeastern United States. The 2026 festival runs **March 5-8** at Santos Trails, 3080 SE 80th St, Ocala, FL 34480. ## The EPIC 50 Ride The centerpiece of the festival is the **EPIC 50 Ride**, a self-paced 50-plus mile journey through the Santos trail network. This is not a race — riders start anytime on Saturday morning and have until 5:00 PM to complete the course. The route winds through more than 80 miles of IMBA-certified award-winning singletrack maintained by OMBA volunteers. Supported sag stops are positioned at Coyote Corner, the Landbridge, Nayls North, and Ross Prairie to keep riders fueled and hydrated. Every rider who completes the course by the 5:00 PM cutoff receives a finisher medal. The EPIC 50 is included with your camping wristband purchase, or can be registered for separately. ## Vendor Village The Vendor Village is **free and open to the public** from March 6 through March 8, with approximately 100 vendors showcasing the latest mountain bikes, gear, apparel, nutrition products, and cycling accessories. Hours are 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Friday and Saturday, and 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Sunday. Whether you're in the market for a new bike, looking to demo the latest suspension technology, or just want to browse, the Vendor Village is worth the trip on its own. If you need last-minute bike repairs or rentals, [Santos Bike Shop's trailside location](/businesses/santos-bike-shop-trailside) is right at the trailhead, and their [main shop](/businesses/santos-bike-shop-ocala) is just minutes away. ## Festival Schedule Highlights The festival kicks off **Thursday, March 5** with camping check-in at Santos Campground. **Friday, March 6** features free bike clinics led by certified instructor Misty Mahoy of All About Balance, a ladies-only group ride, and Soul Jam live entertainment in the evening. **Saturday, March 7** is the big day with the EPIC 50 Ride launching in the morning and the Kids Epic Ride at 10:00 AM. **Sunday, March 8** wraps up the festival with raffles, final vendor hours, and one last morning of riding. ## Free Bike Clinics Throughout the festival, free bike clinics are available for riders of all skill levels. Led by certified instructor **Misty Mahoy** from All About Balance, these clinics cover fundamentals like body position, braking technique, cornering, and trail etiquette. No pre-registration is required — just sign up the day of at the clinic booth near the Vendor Village. These clinics are a fantastic opportunity for newer riders or anyone looking to sharpen their skills on Santos' diverse terrain. ## Kids Epic Ride Families are a big part of the Fat Tire Festival. The **Kids Epic Ride** launches at 10:00 AM on Saturday in partnership with **Grom Squad MTB**. Young riders choose between the Mini EPIC (approximately one hour and 10 miles of trail) and an advanced group ride covering roughly 20 miles. It's a great way to introduce kids to mountain biking on some of the best purpose-built trails in Florida. [Scott Springs Park](/parks/scott-springs-park) also has a bike skills area for younger riders looking to practice before or after the festival. ## Camping and Accommodations The full festival experience starts with **tent camping at Santos Campground**, right next to the trails. Camping wristbands include breakfast Friday through Sunday, dinner Friday and Saturday, live entertainment each evening, a swag bag with the event T-shirt, and entry into the EPIC 50 Ride with finisher medal. It's the best way to immerse yourself in the mountain bike community for the weekend. If tent camping isn't your style, the [World Equestrian Center](/businesses/world-equestrian-center) hotel offers upscale accommodations just 15 minutes from the trailhead. For those who prefer a more rustic option with additional outdoor activities, [Silver Springs State Park](/businesses/silver-springs-state-park) has campgrounds and is home to Florida's famous glass-bottom boat tours. The [Ocala National Forest](/businesses/ocala-national-forest) also offers camping and is worth exploring for a multi-day outdoor trip. ## Where to Eat and Drink After Riding After a long day on the trails, head into downtown Ocala for some of the area's best food and drink. [Infinite Ale Works](/businesses/infinite-ale-works) is a local favorite craft brewery with a rotating tap list — perfect for a post-ride pint. [Big Hammock Brewery](/businesses/big-hammock-brewery) and [The Lodge](/businesses/the-lodge-ocala) are also excellent spots for unwinding. For a sit-down meal, [Hooked on Harry's](/businesses/hooked-on-harrys) serves fresh seafood and steaks, [Bank Street Patio Bar & Grill](/businesses/bank-street-patio) has a lively outdoor dining scene, and [Black Sheep on Broadway](/businesses/black-sheep-broadway) offers a creative menu in a charming downtown setting. ## About the Santos Trail System The Santos trail network is one of the premier mountain biking destinations in the United States, with over 80 miles of singletrack ranging from smooth beginner-friendly paths to technical expert terrain. The trails are built and maintained entirely by OMBA, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization funded by donations, memberships, and events like the Fat Tire Festival. Proceeds from the festival go directly toward trail maintenance, new trail construction, and land preservation. Ocala itself is known as the [Horse Capital of the World](/horse-capital-world), but its cycling scene has grown enormously thanks to the Santos trails and the dedicated OMBA community. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning rider, the Santos Fat Tire Festival is the best way to experience everything this trail system and the surrounding [Ocala community](/things-to-do-ocala) have to offer. If you're looking for a rest-day activity during the festival, the [Appleton Museum of Art](/businesses/appleton-museum) is a world-class art museum just a short drive away, offering rotating exhibitions and free admission on the first Saturday of every month.
The First Friday Art Walk takes place the first Friday of each month, October through May, from 6 to 9 PM in downtown Ocala. This free community event features local galleries, artists, live music, and entertainment throughout the downtown arts district.
The Marion County Strawberry Festival is one of Central Florida's most anticipated spring celebrations, drawing thousands of visitors to Ocala each year. Now in its twelfth year, this community event has evolved from humble beginnings into a full-day celebration of local agriculture, family entertainment, and charitable giving. Hosted by Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, the festival serves a dual purpose: bringing the community together while raising funds for affordable housing initiatives throughout the region. Every dollar spent at the festival—from vendor purchases to parking fees—helps local families achieve the dream of homeownership. The festival transforms the McPherson Complex into a vibrant marketplace featuring over 235 vendors offering everything from fresh-picked strawberries and strawberry-themed treats to handcrafted goods and local artisan products. Visitors can sample strawberry shortcake, chocolate-dipped strawberries, strawberry lemonade, and countless other berry-inspired creations that have become synonymous with this beloved event. Entertainment spans the entire day, with live music performances keeping the energy high from morning until evening. The event also showcases high-flying BMX Trickstars stunt shows that thrill audiences of all ages with gravity-defying tricks and professional performances. Families with children will find endless activities in the dedicated kids' zone, complete with a petting zoo where young visitors can interact with friendly farm animals. The annual pie-eating contest draws enthusiastic participants across all age groups, with competitors racing to finish their strawberry pies in record time. Car enthusiasts flock to the festival's car show, which features an impressive display of classic cars, trucks, motorcycles, and custom vehicles. The festival operates entirely through the efforts of over 700 volunteers, demonstrating the remarkable community spirit that makes this event possible. Admission to the festival is free, making it accessible to all families regardless of budget. A modest five-dollar parking fee per vehicle represents the only required cost, with proceeds benefiting both Habitat for Humanity and the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association.
Enjoy free admission to the Appleton Museum on the first Saturday of every month. Explore world-class art collections, special exhibitions, and educational programs. Perfect for families and art enthusiasts of all ages.
The 35th Annual Live Oak International Combined Driving and Show Jumping Tournament returns to Live Oak Stud, a 5,000-acre thoroughbred breeding farm just 12 miles west of Historic Downtown Ocala. America's largest combined driving and show jumping event — and the only tournament in the United States to offer international combined driving and show jumping at the same competition — draws more than 25,000 spectators over four days to watch top athletes from Europe and North America compete. Attendees can sit under covered bleachers or on lawn chairs and blankets, explore a flourishing vendor area, and enjoy hospitality opportunities. Guest shuttles run throughout the day. The event also features a Tailgating Competition with prizes.
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Ocala, Florida is far more than the Horse Capital of the World — it is one of Central Florida's most vibrant communities for live events, festivals, and cultural happenings. With a growing population and a calendar packed with over 200 annual events, there is always something to do in Ocala and Marion County whether you are a long-time local or visiting for the weekend.
No conversation about Ocala events is complete without mentioning the equestrian scene. The World Equestrian Center — one of the largest equestrian complexes in the United States — hosts weekly hunter/jumper competitions, grand prix events, and dressage shows that attract riders and spectators from around the globe. The Florida Horse Park adds polo matches, cross-country eventing, and carriage driving competitions to the mix, while events like the Ocala Breeders' Sales draw international Thoroughbred buyers to Marion County multiple times a year. Whether you ride or simply love to watch, equestrian events are a defining part of life in Ocala.
Ocala's live music scene has grown significantly in recent years. The Reilly Arts Center in downtown Ocala hosts intimate concerts ranging from acoustic sets and jazz to national touring acts, plus its popular Dueling Pianos series and Sit Down for Stand Up! comedy nights. Circle Square Cultural Center brings in major tribute bands and touring musicians with shows nearly every weekend. For country and bluegrass fans, the Orange Blossom Opry in Weirsdale offers a beloved old-school performance hall experience. And the Ocala Symphony Orchestra brings classical music to venues throughout the county, including the magical outdoor Symphony Under the Stars concerts.
Foodies will find plenty to love on the Ocala events calendar. The annual King of the Wing cook-off pits local restaurants against each other in a fierce wing competition benefiting The Arc of Marion. Bourbon in the Barn brings bourbon tastings and gourmet food to the scenic College of Central Florida Vintage Farm Campus. The Ocala Beer and Wine Festival showcases craft beverages, and farmers markets throughout the week offer fresh local produce and artisan goods. Restaurant weeks and food truck rallies round out a food event scene that keeps growing year after year.
Ocala celebrates the seasons with enthusiasm. The holiday season kicks off with Light Up Ocala in November, a massive downtown celebration that draws over 100,000 visitors for a night of lights, music, and community spirit. Christmas light displays pop up throughout Marion County, from Sholom Park to private neighborhood tours. In spring, the Habitat for Humanity Strawberry Festival is a community favorite, while summer brings Fourth of July fireworks at Silver Springs State Park and other locations. Fall features trunk-or-treat events for families, pumpkin patches, and Oktoberfest at the World Equestrian Center. Every season in Ocala has its signature events.
From intimate performing arts theaters to world-class equestrian arenas, these are the venues that make Ocala's event scene thrive.
Equestrian & Large Events
Ocala
Concerts, Comedy & Theater
Downtown Ocala
National Touring Acts
On Top of the World
Equestrian & Outdoor Events
Ocala
Cultural Programs & Exhibitions
College of Central Florida
Film, Performing Arts & Community
Downtown Ocala
Fairs, Food Events & Markets
NE Ocala
Country, Bluegrass & Comedy
Weirsdale
Dive deeper into specific event types with our dedicated guides.
Upcoming shows at Reilly, Circle Square, and more
No-cost community events, art walks, and programs
Annual wing competition benefiting The Arc
Charity bourbon tasting at CF Vintage Farm
WEC shows, polo, sales, and horse events
German beer, food, and family fun
Holiday light displays across Marion County
Fourth of July and holiday fireworks shows
Habitat for Humanity's beloved spring event
Family-friendly Halloween celebrations
Fall farm visits and pumpkin picking
Ceremonies and community tributes
Exotic cars and motorsports showcase
Craft beverage tasting event
Outdoor classical music experience
Ocala hosts dozens of events every weekend including live music at venues like Reilly Arts Center and Circle Square Cultural Center, farmers markets, equestrian competitions at the World Equestrian Center, community festivals, and family-friendly activities throughout Marion County. Use our live calendar above to filter by date and find exactly what is happening this weekend.
Many Ocala events are free to attend, including the Appleton Museum of Art's Free First Saturday program, downtown Ocala art walks, library programs across Marion County, community park events, and many seasonal celebrations. Visit our dedicated free events guide at onlyinocala.com/free-events-ocala for a comprehensive list.
Ocala's biggest annual events include the Ocala Arts Festival (January), Light Up Ocala (November), King of the Wing (March), Ocala Breeders' Sales (multiple dates), the Marion County Fair, the Habitat for Humanity Strawberry Festival, Oktoberfest at World Equestrian Center, and the Festivals of Speed. These events draw tens of thousands of visitors each year.
Ocala's top concert and performance venues include the Reilly Arts Center (intimate concerts, comedy, theater), Circle Square Cultural Center (national touring acts), the Marion Theatre (classic downtown venue), the World Equestrian Center (large-scale events), and the Appleton Museum of Art (cultural performances). Many restaurants and bars also host live music weekly.
As the Horse Capital of the World, Ocala hosts world-class equestrian events year-round. The World Equestrian Center hosts weekly hunter/jumper and dressage competitions, the Florida Horse Park hosts polo matches and cross-country events, and HITS Ocala runs a winter circuit. Major sales events like the Ocala Breeders' Sales draw international buyers.
Ocala is packed with family events including seasonal celebrations like trunk-or-treat events and Christmas light displays, the Marion County Public Library's extensive children's programming, splash pad activities at Tuscawilla Park, outdoor movie nights, festivals with kids' zones, and educational programs at the Discovery Center and Appleton Museum.
Ocala's food scene hosts regular tasting events including King of the Wing (March), Bourbon in the Barn, the Ocala Beer and Wine Festival, restaurant weeks, and farmers markets. Food trucks gather at rotating locations throughout the week. Use the category filter on our calendar above to find all upcoming Food and Drink events.
Ocala celebrates every major holiday with community events. Highlights include Light Up Ocala and the downtown Christmas parade in November/December, New Year's Eve celebrations at the downtown square, Memorial Day ceremonies, Fourth of July fireworks at Silver Springs and other locations, Halloween trunk-or-treat events across Marion County, and Easter egg hunts at local parks.
For live music in Ocala tonight, check our calendar filtered by Music and Concerts. Regular live music venues include Reilly Arts Center, Circle Square Cultural Center, the Orange Blossom Opry, numerous downtown restaurants and bars, and seasonal outdoor concert series. Many spots offer live music Thursday through Saturday evenings.
If you are organizing an event in Ocala or Marion County and would like it featured on our calendar, please contact us through the Only in Ocala website. We verify all event details including date, time, venue, and pricing before adding them to ensure our calendar remains accurate and trustworthy for the community.
Our team of Ocala locals keeps this calendar updated weekly so you always know what is happening in Marion County. From the biggest festivals to hidden-gem community gatherings, if it is happening in Ocala, you will find it here.