Things to Do This Weekend in Ocala

The heart of Ocala's weekend scene. Stroll the historic square lined with boutique shops, local restaurants, coffee houses, and galleries. The square is walkable, shaded, and anchored by the Marion County courthouse. Start at Magnolia Avenue and work your way around for the full experience.

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On the first Friday of every month from September through May, downtown Ocala transforms into an open-air gallery. Over 30 artists display original work along the square, accompanied by live music, food vendors, and open galleries. It's one of the most popular recurring events in Marion County and a perfect way to kick off the weekend.

Every Saturday morning, 80+ vendors gather at the Market of Marion for Ocala's largest outdoor market. Find fresh produce, local honey, baked goods, artisan crafts, prepared foods, plants, and handmade goods. Arrive early for the best selection. The market runs rain or shine and has become a Saturday morning tradition for locals and visitors alike.

Full Farmers Market Guide →

Marion County is built on springs, forests, and trails. Silver Springs State Park offers glass-bottom boat tours over crystal-clear water. Rainbow Springs maintains a constant 72-degree swimming area year-round. Santos Bike Trails provides 75+ miles of world-class mountain biking. Sholom Park offers 44 acres of manicured gardens and meditative walking paths, free to the public every day.

Ocala has a surprisingly deep live music scene for its size. O'Malley's Alley has nightly music on the second floor including acoustic jams, rock, and free oysters on Friday evenings. Brick City Southern Kitchen hosts live acts every Thursday at 8 PM paired with $3 beers. Reilly Arts Center books touring musicians, comedy, and symphony performances. The Crazy Cucumber features regular live bands and salsa nights.

Full Live Music Guide →

Downtown Ocala has become a dining destination with options for every taste and budget. Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille serves Cajun-inspired fare daily. Brick City Southern Kitchen focuses on farm-to-table Southern cooking. For weekend happy hours, several downtown bars offer specials starting as early as 2 PM. Brunch is a weekend institution at multiple spots around the square.

Beyond the parks and springs, Marion County offers kayaking on six different waterways within 45 minutes of downtown, tubing down Rainbow River, fishing at Rodman Reservoir and Lake Weir, and horseback riding through rolling horse country. The Ocala National Forest is the southernmost national forest in the continental US, with swimming holes, campgrounds, and wilderness trails accessible year-round.