What's Happening in Ocala, Florida Today?

The All-Breed Horse Capital Parade returns to downtown Ocala on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., bringing horses of many breeds to the Historic Downtown Square at 1 SE Broadway St. The free parade showcases the many horse breeds that call Marion County home and gives families a close-up look at the animals behind Ocala's equine industry. The Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership (Ocala CEP) is the listed event contact, and admission is free for all ages. It anchors a busy downtown weekend that also includes the Ocala Downtown Market on Saturday morning.

The Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd in Ocala, opens its doors free of charge from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026 for Free First Saturday. Visitors can tour the permanent collection and special exhibitions, including the opening day of Jeffrey Kronsnoble: Master of Allusion, A Life of Art, and join family-friendly art-making activities in the ARTSpace. The museum also screens the 1946 film The Yearling, based on Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings' Pulitzer Prize-winning Florida novel, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in its auditorium, with free first-come, first-served seating. Free First Saturday is a monthly program of the College of Central Florida's Appleton Museum in Marion County.

US Road Running hosts the Haunted 5K, 10K and Half Marathon on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 8:00 AM at the Baseline Road Trailhead, 4255 SE 58th Ave in southeast Ocala. The Halloween-themed race offers three distances, and every finisher receives a medal. Registration is $30 for the 5K, $45 for the 10K, and $65 for the half marathon, with a $5 rate for ages 1 to 15. Organizers note that the small, local race has no EMS stationed on site and water only at the finish area.

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) hosts the FCA 5K on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 8:00 AM at Baseline Trailhead Park, 4255 SE 58th Ave in Ocala. The course follows a secluded, scenic route through the Greenway from the southeast Ocala trailhead, and organizers describe it as approachable for newer runners while drawing some of the strongest competition in the Marion County area. Registration is $30, with separate pricing for participants under 18, and every finisher receives a race shirt and medal.

Season-opening concert kicking off the Ocala Symphony's 51st Season at the [Reilly Arts Center](/reilly-arts-center-ocala). Two-night engagement.

Appleton Museum of Art offers free admission for the November Free First Saturday, featuring guided tours of the Florida horse-themed art collections. Children can design and paint horse figurines in the studio.