Ultimate Guide to Ocala, Florida

Entertainment & Things to Do in Ocala, Florida

Discover what's happening now in Ocala! From upcoming events and annual traditions to world-famous natural springs and horse capital experiences in the Heart of Florida.

What are you interested in?

32+

Upcoming Events

600+

Horse Farms

40+

Annual Traditions

Year-Round

Entertainment

Happening Now in Ocala

Events and activities you can join in the next 10 days

TODAY

Music & Concerts

Today

The Beat Goes On – Starring Lisa McClowry as Cher

Recent Tribute Artist of the Year winner delivers Broadway-style show with eight costume changes, celebrating six decades of Cher's iconic hits, fashion, and attitude.

2026-01-31 • 7:00 PM

Circle Square Cultural Center

$30-$35

TODAY

Comedy & Entertainment

Today

T.J. Miller

Deadpool star T.J. Miller brings his quirky humor and stand-up comedy to the Marion Theatre. Known for his roles in Silicon Valley and Deadpool, Miller delivers unpredictable and hilarious performances.

2026-01-31 • 7:30 PM

Reilly Arts Center - Marion Theatre

Tickets available online

TODAY

Business & Networking

Today

SCORE: Strengthen & Protect Your Value

Learn how to build and protect the value of your business. This SCORE workshop covers intellectual property, brand protection, competitive advantages, and strategies for long-term business value.

2026-01-31 • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Power Plant Business Incubator

Free

TODAY

Family & Kids

Today

Truckin' It To Preschool

A fun, hands-on event for preschoolers and their families! Children can explore real trucks, construction vehicles, and emergency vehicles up close. Perfect for little ones who love big machines.

2026-01-31 • 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Marion Oaks Community Center

Free

TODAY

Community

Today

FIDO Project Pet Adoption Event

Meet adoptable dogs and cats at Mr. Mocha's coffee shop! The FIDO Project brings furry friends looking for their forever homes. Enjoy coffee while you meet your potential new best friend.

2026-01-31 • 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Mr. Mocha's Coffee

Free to attend; adoption fees apply

TODAY

Film & Theater

Today

Ice Age – Family Film Screening

Bring the whole family for a screening of the animated hit Ice Age at the Marion Theatre. Follow Manny the mammoth, Sid the sloth, and Diego the saber-toothed tiger on their hilarious prehistoric adventure.

2026-01-31 • 11:30 AM

Reilly Arts Center - Marion Theatre

See website for pricing

Equestrian

1 day

Horsepower Cup - Car Show

A unique combination of polo and car show at Florida Horse Park. Bring your car to compete for Player's Choice Awards in three vehicle classes: Classic (pre-2000), Modern (post-2000), and Modified. Prizes awarded for best in class and player selections. Gates open at noon with the polo match beginning at 1pm. All tickets include polo match admission for one carload of spectators. Online reservations close January 17th. The sideline is grass - bring chairs or a picnic blanket.

2026-02-01 • 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Florida Horse Park

Free with advance registration; $10 gate registration; Tailgate: $30-$60

Equestrian

1 day

Grandview Country Fest

The day after the Grandview Invitational concludes, celebrate at Country Fest on Sunday, February 1st. This post-show celebration includes dinner and live music at the Florida Horse Park. Tickets are $75 when purchased online in advance or $85 at the gate. Country Fest caps off the Grandview Invitational weekend, Florida's Premier Draft Horse Show where up to 100 Clydesdales, Belgians, and Percherons compete for championships including the Horse Capital of the World All Breed Six Horse Hitch title.

2026-02-01 • Evening - See website for details

Florida Horse Park

$75 online / $85 at gate (includes dinner)

Ocala's Cherished Traditions

Annual events that bring our community together year after year

Marion County Strawberry Festival

March 7th

12th annual community celebration with 235+ vendors, live entertainment, kids' activities, car show, and BMX stunt shows benefiting Habitat for Humanity.

March 7, 2026 • 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

McPherson Complex

Free admission ($5 parking)

Light Up Ocala

November 22nd

The official kickoff to Ocala's holiday season with 100+ vendors, live entertainment, and the magical downtown lighting ceremony.

November 22, 2025 • 3:00-8:00 PM

Downtown Ocala

Free

Ocala Christmas Parade

December 13th

Celebrating 70 years! Join the beloved Christmas Parade featuring "Christmas Through the Decades" theme through downtown Ocala.

December 13, 2025 • 5:30 PM

Downtown Ocala Route

Free to watch

Reindeer Run

Same Day as Parade

Holiday-themed fun run through downtown before the Christmas Parade. Participants receive t-shirts and medals.

December 13, 2025 • 7:00-10:00 AM

Downtown Square

$30 registration

Entertainment & Attractions by Category

From world-famous natural springs to horse capital experiences, discover the best entertainment and attractions that make Ocala a unique Florida destination.

Outdoor Adventures

Natural springs, forests, and outdoor recreation

Nature

3-4 hours

Silver Springs State Park

Famous glass-bottom boat tours over crystal-clear springs. Florida's first tourist attraction with 100+ years of history.

Silver Springs

$15-25

Best time: Year-round

Glass-bottom boats

Wildlife viewing

Historic attraction

Swimming/Water

4-6 hours

Rainbow Springs State Park

Crystal-clear 72°F springs perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and tubing year-round.

Dunnellon

$8 per vehicle

Best time: Year-round

Swimming

Tubing

Snorkeling

Hiking/Camping

Full day

Ocala National Forest

130,447 acres with 80+ square miles of waterways. Featured on National Geographic's Best of the World 2025.

Ocala National Forest

Free-$5

Best time: Fall through Spring

Hiking trails

Camping

Wildlife

Biking

2-6 hours

Santos Bike Trails

30 miles of paved trails plus single-track mountain biking through beautiful Florida woodlands.

Santos

Free

Best time: Year-round

Paved trails

Mountain biking

Bike rentals available

Running/Fitness

1-8 hours

Ocala Running Trails

Premier running destinations from well-lit urban parks to wilderness trails. Over 300 miles of diverse terrain for all fitness levels.

Multiple locations

Free (most trails)

Best time: Year-round

15+ trail destinations

Year-round weather

Active community

Horse Capital Experiences

World-class equestrian attractions and horse farms

Equestrian

4-8 hours

World Equestrian Center

Largest equestrian facility in the U.S. with events, shopping, dining, spa, and hotels.

Ocala

Varies by event

Best time: Year-round

Horse shows

Shopping

Dining

Tours

2-3 hours

Horse Farm Tours

Visit working horse farms in the heart of Horse Capital of the World. Over 600 farms in Marion County.

Various farms

$25-50

Best time: Year-round

Farm tours

Meet the horses

Learn about breeding

Art/Culture

2-4 hours

Painted Horse Trail

Self-guided tour of dozens of colorfully painted life-size horse statues throughout Ocala.

Throughout Ocala

Free

Best time: Year-round

Public art

Self-guided

Photography

Equestrian

3-4 hours

Ocala Polo Club

Watch exciting polo matches at Florida Horse Park. The "Sport of Kings" features fast-paced action, tailgating, and special themed events throughout the season.

Florida Horse Park

Free-$60

Best time: January-March

Polo matches

Tailgating

Divot stomp

Family Fun

Kid-friendly attractions and family activities

Education

2-3 hours

Discovery Center

Hands-on science museum with interactive exhibits covering biology, ecology, engineering, and technology.

Ocala

$8-12

Best time: Year-round

Interactive exhibits

STEM learning

Kids activities

Animals

1-2 hours

Petting Zoo Ocala

Family-friendly farm with alpacas, llamas, camels, lemurs, and more animals for petting and feeding.

Ocala

$15-20

Best time: Year-round

Animal feeding

Petting zoo

Educational

Nature/Walking

1-3 hours

Sholom Park

44-acre botanical garden with 2+ miles of paved trails and over 100 plant species.

Ocala

Free

Best time: Year-round

Botanical garden

Walking trails

Events

Arts & Culture

Museums, theaters, and cultural attractions

Museum

2-3 hours

Appleton Museum of Art

Preeminent art institution in the Southeast with 18,000+ objects including European, American, and Asian art. Don't miss their Free First Saturday events!

Ocala

$12-15

Best time: Year-round

World-class art

Rotating exhibits

Free First Saturdays

Historic/Shopping

2-4 hours

Historic Downtown Ocala

Walkable downtown square with restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and cultural exhibits.

Downtown Ocala

Free to browse

Best time: Year-round

Historic architecture

Local shops

Dining

Entertainment

2-3 hours

Reilly Arts Center

Premier venue for live performances including theater, concerts, and cultural events.

Ocala

Varies by show

Best time: Check schedule

Live theater

Concerts

Cultural events

Dining & Nightlife

Local restaurants and entertainment venues

Dining

1-3 hours

Downtown Dining District

Concentrated area of restaurants around the historic square including fine dining and casual options.

Downtown Ocala

$15-50 per person

Best time: Year-round

Variety of cuisines

Historic setting

Walkable

Fine Dining

2-3 hours

La Cuisine French Restaurant

Authentic French restaurant in downtown Ocala, Florida Trend Golden Spoon winner for 9 years.

Downtown Ocala

$30-60 per person

Best time: Year-round

French cuisine

Award-winning

Romantic atmosphere

Entertainment

3-4 hours

Orange Blossom Opry

Live country music venue featuring regional and touring acts in an intimate setting.

Weirsdale

$15-25

Best time: Check schedule

Live music

Country entertainment

Local venue

Adventure & Sports

Golf, adventure parks, and recreational activities

Golf

4-5 hours

Championship Golf Courses

20+ championship golf courses throughout Marion County offering world-class golfing.

Various locations

$40-120

Best time: Year-round

Championship courses

Year-round play

Various skill levels

Adventure

3-4 hours

The Canyons Zip Line & Adventure Park

Exciting outdoor adventure park with zip lines and challenging courses, 15 minutes from WEC.

Near Ocala

$35-65

Best time: Weather permitting

Zip lines

Adventure courses

Outdoor thrills

Tours/Wildlife

1-2 hours

Captain Bob's Airboat Tours

Exhilarating airboat rides through Florida backwaters with wildlife viewing including alligators.

Near Ocala

$25-35

Best time: Year-round

Airboat rides

Wildlife viewing

Florida nature

Running/Fitness

30 min - 8 hours

Running & Trail Running

Discover Ocala's premier running destinations with comprehensive trail guide, safety tips, and local community connections.

Multiple trails

Free

Best time: Year-round

15+ destinations

All fitness levels

Local running groups

Best Times to Visit Ocala

Ocala is perfect year-round, but each season offers unique experiences and activities to match Florida's beautiful climate.

Spring (Mar-May)

Perfect weather for outdoor activities and horse show season

Horse shows at WEC
Hiking in Ocala National Forest
Spring festivals
Outdoor dining

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Beat the heat with springs and indoor attractions

Swimming at Rainbow Springs
Indoor museums
Air-conditioned shopping
Evening events

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Ideal weather returns with harvest festivals

Fall festivals
Perfect hiking weather
Outdoor concerts
Farm tours

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Mild Florida winter perfect for all activities

All outdoor activities
Holiday events
Peak tourist season
Snowbird season

Perfect Day Trip Itineraries

Make the most of your visit with these carefully planned itineraries designed for different interests and travel styles.

8 hours

Perfect Family Day

Kid-friendly activities and attractions for the whole family

Start at Discovery Center2 hours

9:00 AM

Lunch downtown1 hour

11:30 AM

Petting Zoo Ocala1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Sholom Park walk1 hour

3:00 PM

Ice cream downtown30 min

4:30 PM

Dinner at family restaurant1.5 hours

5:30 PM

8 hours

Nature Lover's Adventure

Explore Ocala's natural springs and outdoor attractions

Silver Springs glass-bottom boats2 hours

8:00 AM

Drive to Rainbow Springs45 min

11:00 AM

Swimming at Rainbow Springs3 hours

12:00 PM

Picnic lunch at park1 hour

3:30 PM

Sunset at spring overlook1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner in Dunnellon1.5 hours

6:30 PM

6 hours

Horse Capital Experience

Immerse yourself in Ocala's equestrian culture

World Equestrian Center tour2 hours

9:00 AM

Horse farm tour2 hours

11:30 AM

Lunch at WEC restaurant1 hour

2:00 PM

Painted Horse Trail self-tour2 hours

3:30 PM

Dinner downtown1.5 hours

6:00 PM

7 hours

Arts & Culture Day

Explore Ocala's cultural attractions and downtown scene

Appleton Museum of Art2 hours

10:00 AM

Lunch downtown1 hour

12:30 PM

Historic Downtown walking tour2 hours

2:00 PM

Shopping and galleries1.5 hours

4:30 PM

Fine dining dinner2 hours

6:30 PM

Evening entertainment (if available)2 hours

9:00 PM

Parks & Natural Attractions

Explore Ocala's natural beauty and outdoor recreation

City Park

Tuscawilla Park

Community park featuring sports facilities and a pavilion for gatherings. Perfect for baseball enthusiasts and tennis players.

Ocala

Baseball field

Tennis courts

Pavilion

Recreation Complex

Jervey Gantt Recreation Complex

Large recreation complex with multiple sports fields and facilities. Features both football and softball fields, tennis courts, and a spacious pavilion.

Ocala

Football fields (A and B)

Softball fields

T-ball fields

Recreation Complex

Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex

Comprehensive recreation facility offering multiple sports fields and large pavilion space. Ideal for football, baseball, soccer, and community events.

Ocala

Baseball fields

Football fields

Soccer fields

City Park

Lillian F. Bryant Park

Family-friendly park featuring the popular Lily's Splash Pad. Perfect for children and families with a softball field, playground, and cooling water features.

Ocala

Lily's Splash Pad

Softball field

Pavilion

Nature Park

Scott Springs Park

Beautiful nature park with walking trails, bike paths, and a scenic boardwalk to the grotto. Features a bicycle skills area and playground equipment.

Ocala

Bike trail

Walking trail

Boardwalk to grotto

Downtown Park

Citizens' Circle

Downtown urban park featuring a popular splash pad and open green space. Located in the heart of Ocala, perfect for families to cool off and relax.

Ocala

Splash pad

1.4 acres of open space

Walking paths

Where to Eat in Ocala

Local favorites and must-try restaurants

Dining

Verified

Chicken Guy! - Ocala Walmart

Chicken Guy! brings celebrity chef Guy Fieri's bold flavors and signature sauce-forward cooking style to Ocala through a convenient fast-casual dining experience located inside the Walmart Supercenter on Southwest 19th Avenue Road. Born from the creative partnership between Food Network star Guy Fieri and veteran restaurant industry executive Robert Earl, this vibrant concept launched in 2018 and has rapidly expanded across multiple states, with the Ocala location opening in October 2025 as part of the brand's continued Florida expansion strategy.

Ocala

Dining

18 South Restaurant

18 South Restaurant stands as downtown Ocala's most exclusive and sophisticated dining destination, occupying a meticulously restored 1895 three-story building on the prestigious west side of the historic town square at 18 South Magnolia Avenue, where global culinary artistry meets refined elegance in an atmosphere of unparalleled luxury. This premier establishment redefines fine dining in Marion County through extraordinary cuisine featuring the world's finest ingredients, an exceptional wine collection exceeding 150 varieties, and exclusive membership privileges that create an intimate, members-only experience unavailable anywhere else in Central Florida.

Ocala

Dining

District Bar & Kitchen

District Bar & Kitchen stands as downtown Ocala's premier entertainment destination and culinary showcase, occupying a magnificent two-story, 6,700 square foot venue at 110 SW Broadway Street that delivers an unparalleled combination of modern American cuisine, craft cocktails, live music, and spectacular rooftop views that overlook the heart of Central Florida's historic downtown district. This high-energy restaurant and bar represents the perfect fusion of upscale dining and dynamic entertainment, accommodating over 200 guests across multiple levels while providing both intimate dining experiences and lively social gatherings that celebrate the vibrant culture of Ocala's evolving downtown scene.

Ocala

Dining

Mesa de Notte Italian Ristorante

Authentic Italian fine dining restaurant established in 2011, offering made-from-scratch Italian cuisine with the freshest ingredients. Family-owned establishment featuring an upscale, festive atmosphere perfect for intimate dining or special occasions.

Ocala

Dining

Three Six Bistro

Intimate fine dining restaurant featuring the modernist culinary artistry of Chef Sean Langan. Contemporary American cuisine with West Coast flair in a cozy 24-seat setting, offering dinner and weekend brunch with innovative scratch recipes.

Ocala

Dining

Salted Brick at Ocala Preserve

Open-to-the-public restaurant featuring regional favorites and American classics using locally-sourced fresh ingredients. Exhibition kitchen with wood-fired oven where entrees are grilled to perfection above a natural flame.

Ocala

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about visiting Ocala, Florida

What are the top 10 things to do in Ocala, Florida?

The top things to do in Ocala include: 1) Silver Springs glass-bottom boat tours, 2) World Equestrian Center, 3) Rainbow Springs swimming, 4) Ocala National Forest hiking, 5) Appleton Museum of Art, 6) Downtown Ocala dining and shopping, 7) Horse farm tours, 8) Discovery Center for families, 9) Championship golf courses, and 10) Painted Horse Trail art tour.

What can you do in Ocala Florida for free?

Free activities in Ocala include: walking the Painted Horse Trail, exploring Sholom Park's botanical gardens, hiking trails in Ocala National Forest, browsing Historic Downtown Ocala, visiting local parks, attending free community events, and enjoying the Santos bike trails.

Is Ocala Florida worth visiting?

Yes, Ocala is definitely worth visiting! As the Horse Capital of the World, Ocala offers unique equestrian experiences, world-famous natural springs, 130,447 acres of national forest, championship golf courses, and a vibrant downtown scene. The year-round mild climate makes it perfect for outdoor activities.

What is Ocala Florida most famous for?

Ocala is most famous for being the Horse Capital of the World with over 600 horse farms and the World Equestrian Center. It's also known for Silver Springs (Florida's first tourist attraction), the Ocala National Forest, and as a gateway to natural springs and outdoor recreation.

How many days do you need in Ocala Florida?

Plan 2-4 days to experience Ocala's highlights. One day for natural springs (Silver Springs and Rainbow Springs), one day for equestrian attractions, one day for downtown and cultural sites, and an optional fourth day for outdoor adventures or nearby attractions.

What is the best time to visit Ocala Florida?

The best time to visit Ocala is October through April when temperatures are mild (60s-80s°F) and humidity is lower. Spring (March-May) is ideal for outdoor activities and horse show season. Summer can be hot and humid but great for spring activities.

Discover More of Ocala

Your entertainment journey doesn't end here. Explore what makes Ocala a truly special place to visit, live, and love.

Horse Capital Heritage

Discover why Ocala is the Horse Capital of the World with champion farms, the World Equestrian Center, and equestrian culture.

Living in Ocala

Learn about schools, neighborhoods, parks, and what makes Ocala a great place to call home year-round.

Local Businesses

Support local entrepreneurs, discover unique shops, restaurants, and services throughout Marion County.

Local Expertise

Meet our team of local experts with deep community knowledge and years of Ocala experience.

Plan Your Visit

Ready to Experience Ocala?

Start exploring what's happening now in Ocala! Check out current events, discover annual traditions, and find entertainment that makes your visit unforgettable.