Reilly Arts Center Ocala
Ocala's premier performing arts venue. Concerts, comedy, Dueling Pianos, the Music Box Series, and more in a historic downtown setting with a 705-seat main hall and intimate Black Box theater.
About the Reilly Arts Center
The Reilly Arts Center stands as Ocala's premier performing arts venue, bringing world-class entertainment to the heart of Marion County. Located at 500 NE 9th Street in the historic Elk's Lodge building, the center has established itself as a cultural cornerstone for the community, hosting a diverse calendar of concerts, comedy shows, theater productions, and special events throughout the year.
The venue features two distinct performance spaces designed for different types of experiences. The main hall seats approximately 705 guests and serves as the primary stage for larger concerts, symphony performances, and touring productions. The space offers excellent sightlines from virtually every seat, and the acoustics benefit from the building's historic architecture. The main hall has hosted everything from rock and country concerts to classical performances by the Ocala Symphony Orchestra.
The NOMA Black Box Theater provides a more intimate setting with seating for fewer than 100 audience members. This smaller space is home to some of the Reilly's most popular recurring events, including the Dueling Pianos shows where two pianists take audience requests and battle it out in a high-energy, interactive performance that blends music with comedy. The Black Box also hosts the Music Box Series, which brings singer-songwriters to a listening-room style setting where audiences can experience artists up close and personal.
Comedy fans have come to rely on the Reilly's Sit Down for Stand Up! series, which brings touring stand-up comedians to Ocala's stage. The series has provided Marion County residents access to professional comedy acts that would otherwise require a drive to Orlando or Tampa. Past performers have included nationally recognized comedians across a range of comedic styles, from observational humor to storytelling to improv.
The Reilly Arts Center's programming extends well beyond music and comedy. The venue hosts community theater productions, dance performances, film screenings, and educational events. It has become a gathering place for the arts community in Ocala, serving as both a performance venue and a catalyst for cultural engagement across Marion County. The center also makes its spaces available for private events, including weddings, corporate functions, and fundraising galas.
Located in downtown Ocala, the Reilly Arts Center is within walking distance of restaurants, bars, and shops, making it easy to build an entire evening around a show. Many patrons combine a performance with dinner at one of downtown's restaurants or post-show drinks at a nearby bar. The venue's location in the cultural district reinforces its role as an anchor of Ocala's growing arts scene.
Tickets for most events can be purchased through the Reilly Arts Center's official website at reillyartscenter.com. Popular shows, particularly Dueling Pianos and special concert events, frequently sell out, so advance ticket purchases are recommended. The box office is also open on event nights for walk-up purchases, subject to availability. For those looking to explore Ocala's broader entertainment options, the Reilly is a natural complement to the city's live music scene and weekend activities.
Dueling Pianos
Interactive piano battles in the intimate NOMA Black Box. Audience requests, comedy, and high energy in a setting of fewer than 100 seats. Sells out regularly.
Music Box Series
Singer-songwriter showcases in a listening-room format. Intimate performances where audiences connect directly with touring and regional artists.
Sit Down for Stand Up!
Touring stand-up comedy in the main hall. Professional comedians bring nationally recognized acts to Ocala without the drive to Orlando or Tampa.
Concerts & Tours
Touring musicians and bands perform on the 705-seat main stage. Genres range from rock and country to jazz, blues, and classical symphony performances.
Theater & Dance
Community theater productions, dance performances, and special stage presentations round out the diverse programming calendar at the venue.
Private Events
Both the main hall and Black Box are available for weddings, corporate events, fundraising galas, and private celebrations. Contact the venue for availability.
Venue Details
Location
500 NE 9th Street, Ocala, FL 34470
Capacity
Main Hall: ~705 seats, Black Box: ~100 seats
Events
Year-round concerts, comedy, theater, and private events
Tickets
Online at reillyartscenter.com or box office on event nights
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Reilly Arts Center located in Ocala?
The Reilly Arts Center is located at 500 NE 9th Street in Ocala, Florida. The venue is housed in the historic Elk's Lodge building in the northeast part of downtown Ocala. The location is easily accessible from major roads and has on-site parking available for patrons attending events.
How many seats does the Reilly Arts Center have?
The Reilly Arts Center has two performance spaces. The main hall seats approximately 705 guests and is used for concerts, symphony performances, and larger productions. The NOMA Black Box Theater is a smaller, intimate space that seats fewer than 100 people and hosts events like Dueling Pianos and the Music Box Series.
What is Dueling Pianos at the Reilly Arts Center?
Dueling Pianos is a recurring interactive show held in the NOMA Black Box Theater at the Reilly Arts Center. Two pianists take audience song requests and compete in a high-energy performance that blends music with comedy. The intimate Black Box setting creates an up-close experience. These shows frequently sell out, so purchasing tickets in advance is recommended.
What is the Music Box Series at the Reilly Arts Center?
The Music Box Series is a recurring concert series at the Reilly Arts Center that brings singer-songwriters and musicians to an intimate, listening-room style setting. The series is designed to showcase artists in a close, acoustic-friendly environment where the audience can connect directly with the performers. Past acts have included regional and national touring artists across multiple genres.
How do I buy tickets for Reilly Arts Center events?
Tickets for Reilly Arts Center events can be purchased online through their official website at reillyartscenter.com. You can also purchase tickets at the box office on event nights, subject to availability. For popular shows like Dueling Pianos and special concerts, buying tickets in advance is strongly recommended as many performances sell out.
Does the Reilly Arts Center host comedy shows?
Yes, the Reilly Arts Center hosts a recurring comedy series called Sit Down for Stand Up! which features touring stand-up comedians performing in the main hall. The series has brought in a variety of comedic talent and provides Ocala audiences with professional comedy entertainment without having to travel to larger cities like Orlando or Tampa.
Can I rent the Reilly Arts Center for a private event?
Yes, the Reilly Arts Center is available for private event rentals including weddings, corporate events, fundraisers, and community gatherings. Both the main hall and the NOMA Black Box Theater can be rented. Contact the venue directly through their website for rental availability, pricing, and event coordination details.
Experience the Arts in Ocala
From Dueling Pianos to touring concerts and stand-up comedy, the Reilly Arts Center brings world-class entertainment to Marion County.