Events in Marion County today

This friendly, hands-on painting workshop at the Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center invites people of all abilities to explore art in a supportive setting. While open to all, it is thoughtfully designed to encourage participation from individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and ESE students are welcome. There is no fee, materials are included, and no prior art experience is needed. With appreciation to the James E. and Betty J. Huffer Foundation, these sessions offer a warm space to paint, create, and share in the joy of making art.

At RLE Community Center, toddlers can enjoy a playful session that pairs enjoyable activities with early enrichment to support growing minds. The focus is on age-appropriate fun and gentle stimulation in a warm, child-friendly setting.

A weekly Vibe Tribe community gathering centered on connection, expression, and music, designed for all ages. The evening begins with a guided support circle that offers a welcoming, nonjudgmental space to check in, listen, and feel heard. Speaking is optional, and there is no fixing or preaching, just people showing up as they are. After the circle, the energy shifts into an open, collaborative jam where instruments come out, ideas flow, and feelings are expressed through sound. No experience is needed, and all instruments and skill levels are invited. Come to share, to listen, to make music, or simply to be present. Say what you need, then let the music carry the rest.

Explore reverse appliqué in a fresh way with an Added Dimension workshop led by Margaret Willingham, a seasoned instructor known for her signature, non-traditional approach. The session covers both hand and machine techniques and presents the process in simple, engaging steps. Centered on Eye of the Beholder’s Trace, Baste, Snip & Stitch method, it guides participants through each stage to add dimension with confidence.

Explore Vegso Racing Stables in Ocala, Florida, on a guided field trip that offers an up close look at the Thoroughbred world. Led by instructor Arturo Rodriguez, the visit follows a horse’s path from broodmares and foals through training and into retirement. The farm, established by Peter Vegso, publisher of Chicken Soup for the Soul, has produced notable runners, including Virginia Derby winners on three occasions and the champion filly Caledonia Road. Expect time by the track, opportunities to help feed a few horses, and a small take-home goodie bag. This is Course #TRI244. Members pay $5, and the general public pays $10. Participants provide their own transportation.

The annual HBE PTO fall festival featuring a touch-a-truck experience takes place at Hammett Bowen Jr. Elementary School. Admission is free. Enjoy games and activities with optional unlimited play wristbands, a touch-a-truck area, inflatable slides for $1 per slide, and concessions priced at $2 each. Presale wristbands are available to save money and reduce wait times, with options at $10 and $15, and $20 at the door. Proceeds from wristbands, slide tickets, and concessions support programs and classroom resources for HBE students and staff. Aligned with the Mission: Possible initiative, the event brings together families and the HBE community to create lasting memories and strengthen school connections.

Explore flowing color as you pour paint over a pumpkin, watching hues blend and move to create patterns that are never the same twice. Every piece is unique and works well for fall decor, a gift, or display any time of year. Choose your paint colors during the workshop. Due to curing and drying needs, pumpkins must remain in the studio afterward.

Head to the RLE Clubhouse for the Rainbow Lakes Estates Dominoes Club, a welcoming setting to play, socialize, and meet new people. Dominoes sets are provided, and players of every experience level are encouraged to take part. Annual dues are $10 for residents and $15 for non-residents. For more information, contact Angel Colon at 352-229-0753.

Multiple award-winning harmonica player, singer and songwriter Jason Ricci brings a vibrant mix of jazz, funk and blues shaped by a remarkable life story. He has collaborated with esteemed figures across blues, jazz, rock and New Orleans music, performed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and appeared on a Grammy-winning recording with Johnny Winter. His accolades include three Blues Music Awards along with numerous nominations from The Blues Foundation. Drawing on experiences that span addiction, homelessness, time in jail and a determined return, his performances pair heartfelt songs with fiery harmonica work, resonating with devoted fans and welcoming new listeners.

This FNM has a $3 entry fee, features one on one Commander play, and follows the official WotC banned list.

Kick off your Saturday with a relaxed gathering. Arrive with your car and spend time with friends and family for a welcoming start to the day.

This trail maintenance outing brings together Black Bear members and other trail enthusiasts to care for the path. The group will stage at Forest Veterinary Clinic, then head out for collaborative upkeep that helps keep the route in good shape.

A toddler and preschool t-ball program running for eight weeks with age-based sessions. Families can choose options for ages 18 months to 3 years, 3 to 5 years, or 2 to 4 years. The registration fee is $135. For details or to register, contact Toddler ATime at 352-425-0385.

This Halloween-themed Dungeon Bowl tournament at Warpfire Minis features four rounds with fresh twists and turns. A rules pack is coming.

This event features a 300-point Infinity tournament as part of Ocala’s Fall Offensive. TeamOps is permitted. Convention admission is $15 and includes entry into a raffle with prizes such as board games, miniature figures, and dice sets. Food trucks will be on site to provide lunch options.

Shine Creative Club presents a hands-on, sparkle-filled workshop where kids transform everyday accessories into personalized treasures. Participants decorate a compact mirror with eye-catching gems, mix their own shimmery lip gloss, and brighten up a makeup or pencil case with rhinestones and playful embellishments. All materials are provided so the focus stays on creativity and fun. It is a welcoming space to meet other young creators and let unique style shine.

Explore your own practice of magic, learn ways to manifest your intentions, and craft personal spells tailored to you. For details or to sign up, contact Audrey at 352-414-8813.

Ghouls Night Out fills the Ocala Downtown Market in Ocala with a playful blend of spooky and glam, from pink pumpkins and cobwebs to ghosts, festive cocktails, and a magical Halloween vibe. Promoted as the largest edition of the year, this curated, high-energy shopping experience showcases nearly 100 Central Florida women-owned businesses offering boutique fashion, handmade jewelry, home decor, sweet treats, luxurious body care, and more. A soundtrack of feel-good hits, Halloween favorites, and empowering anthems sets the tone while guests capture memories at a free photo booth hosted by Legacy Rhythm Entertainment. The annual costume contest offers chances to win prizes, and raffle giveaways pop up throughout the evening. Local food trucks serve dinner, with beverages, festive cocktails, mocktails, and desserts available as you shop and stroll. On-site extras include permanent jewelry, fairy hair, chair massages, hat bars, and henna tattoos. Free and open to the public, rain or shine.

Set outdoors in a pavilion, this event offers an open-air experience with the comfort of a covered space. Attendees can enjoy fresh air while staying under shelter, creating a relaxed and breezy atmosphere.

Jaded brings a high-energy salute to Aerosmith to the Reilly Arts Center in Ocala, channeling the band’s signature style with convincing vocals, stage presence, and musicianship. The set spans early favorites like Mama Kin through hit singles including Walk This Way, Dream On, and Sweet Emotion, recreating the feel of an arena show in a refined concert hall.

Connect with other singles in their 50s and 60s at an in-person speed dating event in Ocala presented by Pre-Dating. Through a series of six minute conversations, meet at least five and up to twelve local participants, then indicate who you would like to speak with again while the organizers handle the matching. The atmosphere aims to be friendly, efficient, and low pressure, offering a straightforward alternative to endless swiping. Pre-Dating has been hosting events since 2001, has produced more than 38,000 speed dating gatherings nationwide, and has been featured by outlets including CNN, BBC, The Wall Street Journal, CBS, Axios, Bravo, and TLC’s 90 Day Fiance, among others. This gathering is part of the Gainesville and Ocala lineup for Florida singles.

Take part in a weekly One Piece store tournament, with a $5 fee to enter.

Explore a wide selection of travel trailers, fifth wheels, and motorhomes at the Supercenter Supershow at the General RV Supercenter in Ocala. Admission is free, and attendees can take advantage of show-only pricing on many models. Financing perks include no money down and payments deferred until 2027. Browse the lineup and compare options to find the right RV, with limited time deals available during the show.

Salsa and bachata instruction is offered at Too Your Health Spa in Belleview, with separate sessions for intermediate salsa, bachata, and beginner salsa. The regular price is $15. A special rate is available at $10 per person, per class when paying with cash, or $12 when paying by credit card. Information is also available in Spanish.

Women Connecting Women hosts a monthly gathering focused on building genuine business relationships through participation, collaboration, referrals, and mutual support. Each meeting includes open networking, brief business introductions, member presentations, and educational talks, with plenty of opportunities to share resources and refer one another. The opening portion is dedicated to conversation and making connections, followed by a structured session with introductions and learning. Attendees can strengthen relationships, grow their referral network, share their expertise, learn from other women in business in the area, and explore ways to work together. Guests are welcome to attend, introduce their business, and see whether WCW is a good fit. Bring business cards and clear goals, and arrive ready to connect, contribute, and grow.

Neighbors gather for a relaxed plant swap where participants trade plants, cuttings, seeds, pots, and other gardening supplies, then leave with something new to grow. The atmosphere welcomes beginners and seasoned growers alike, with plenty of chances to share tips and chat about plant care. Bringing an item to exchange is optional, and some attendees may even go home with a small cutting to start their own plant. Free to attend and open to all.

Salsa and bachata take center stage at PM Respiratory Services in Ocala, offering a sequence of classes for different experience levels. The lineup features a beginner salsa class, a bachata session, and an intermediate salsa class, each taught separately. Regular admission is $15 per person, with a current special of $10 per class when paying in cash or $12 with a credit card. Information is available in English and Spanish.