Events in Ocala, FL

Enjoy an evening with Master Model Builder and designer and Makerspace member Parker, dedicated to showcasing favorite builds and developing fresh designs one brick at a time. Participants are welcome to bring their own creations, kits, and ideas, share what they have made, and draw inspiration from fellow model builders.

Pine Avenue Antique Mall marks its grand opening with the launch of two booths associated with JDJC. Nonna’s & Papa’s showcases distinctive vintage pieces and more. The shop is dog friendly. The mall notes that updates will be shared.

Interactive music sessions at the Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center invite participants to explore rhythm, sound, and song in a welcoming setting where every voice is valued. No prior musical experience is required, just bring energy and enthusiasm. The program is free and open to all, with special encouragement for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and ESE students are especially welcome. The atmosphere highlights inclusion, support, and creativity through hands-on music making. Gratitude is extended to the James E. and Bett J. Huffer Foundation.

Booth JDJC is moving in to share antiques with the Ocala community. Browse antique furniture and other antique pieces as this booth becomes part of the local antique shopping scene in Ocala, Florida.

Learn the rhythms of salsa and bachata through three consecutive group classes at PM Respiratory Services in Ocala. The lineup moves from a beginner-friendly salsa session to bachata, then an intermediate salsa class, so newcomers and returning dancers can choose the level that fits. A special price is currently available, with per-class rates of $10 when paying in cash or $12 by credit card. The regular cost is $15 per class.

Stephen Lopez performs live at 18 South Restaurant & Saloon, setting an easygoing tone with upbeat songs. Chilled drinks and from scratch comfort dishes round out the saloon atmosphere, which suits post-work relaxation or a relaxed night out with friends. Expect a midweek groove with good eats, friendly energy, and plenty of music.

This locals event takes place each Wednesday, and admission is $5.

Explore color and creativity at the Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center with a recurring hands-on painting workshop. The environment is welcoming and supportive, inviting participants of all experience levels to make art in community. The sessions place special emphasis on encouraging individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and ESE students are welcome. Participation is free, all supplies are provided, and appreciation is extended to the James E. and Betty J. Huffer Foundation for its support.

This event takes place in Ocala at a spot described as the place to see them. The venue is known for awesome beer and food.

An open mic gathering dedicated to spoken word welcomes the Ocala community to share original work or simply listen in a friendly setting. Held at Brick City Center for the Arts in downtown Ocala, the event features appearances from published voices alongside first-time performers, including authors, writers, poets, and spoken word artists. It is free and open to everyone, with space for both participants and observers. Activities take place either in the gallery or in the adjoining courtyard, offering a setting that highlights the local arts scene.

The Wire Birds appear as an eight-piece ensemble featuring guitar, pedal steel, a full string quintet, and tightly blended vocal harmonies. Their performance draws on folk, country, jazz, bluegrass, and classical influences, with a mix of original pieces and select covers. One of their songs received the Best New Florida Song honor from the Will McClean Foundation in 2026. Recent work focuses on Florida stories, places, and themes. Their first album, The Wire Birds Volume 1, is available on streaming platforms, and The Wire Birds Volume 2 is planned for release in March 2026.

Entry is $3 for a Friday Night Magic event featuring 1v1 Commander. Gameplay follows the official Wizards of the Coast ban list for deck building and matches.

Stop by the Downtown Ocala Market for a visit.

Downtown Vintage Market brings a lively day of treasures to Citizens Circle in downtown Ocala, featuring more than 50 vendors with vintage finds and handmade creations. Food trucks and sweet treats add to the experience, and live music sets the mood throughout the event. The atmosphere welcomes families and pets, with restrooms available on site. Free parking is offered in the garage next door, in lots in front of City Hall, and along nearby streets. Those interested in becoming a vendor can email Kayla at downtownvintagemarket.ocala@gmail.com.

Children in grades 1 through 5 can build reading confidence by sharing a story with a Humane Society of Marion County dog during scheduled sessions. Each class lasts one hour and begins promptly. Space is limited to 12 children per session, and advance registration is required. A parent or guardian must accompany the child and remain at the shelter in a separate area while the child reads. Reading to a dog without outside criticism can help children do better.

Pokémon Trainers can test their skills in a recurring League Challenge that typically takes place on the first Saturday of each month, with occasional shifts to the second Saturday during holiday months. The competition follows the Standard format and requires a completed deck list. Matches use Swiss pairings with best-of-one, 30 minute rounds. Entry is $10 and the field is capped at 32 players. Every participant receives one Prize Pack, and 100% of entry fees are returned to the top three finishers as in-store credit, scaling with attendance.

A playful, cat-centered experience created for children in grades 4 through 9. Participants spend time in a quiet, private room with a feline companion, with treats, toys, catnip, and other enrichment available to support friendly interaction. Sessions are arranged by grade level, with one for grades 4–6 and another for grades 7–9. The setting encourages kids to relax, play, and connect with a new feline friend.

Girls Night Out celebrates three years at the Ocala Downtown Market with a birthday-inspired evening filled with soft pink style, rose gold sparkle, golden confetti, and a bubbly, champagne-ready atmosphere. This curated, high-energy marketplace spotlights nearly 100 Central Florida women-owned businesses offering boutique apparel, handmade jewelry, home décor, sweet treats, luxurious body care, and more. DJ Rae Bae keeps the energy high with feel-good favorites and girl power anthems, while a complimentary photo booth by Legacy Rhythm Entertainment captures the fun. Expect raffle giveaways, dinner from local food trucks, and beverages to enjoy as you shop and stroll. On-site extras include permanent jewelry, fairy hair, chair massages, hat bars, and henna tattoos. For three years, this gathering has focused on uplifting women-owned brands, building connections, and creating memorable experiences. Free and open to the public, rain or shine. Vendors are advised to watch for scammers and to read the full application carefully before submitting.

This event offers lively music along with Midtown Bloody Mary drinks served in lunch-size portions.

Line dancing takes center stage at 18 South Restaurant & Saloon with Lauren Nelson guiding the moves. Newcomers and seasoned dancers can step onto the floor to country favorites. Lively drink specials and savory food specials keep the energy up, creating a festive saloon atmosphere to enjoy with friends.

A Dine to Donate night at Red Robin directs twenty percent of food purchases to Rescuing Ocala Wildlife, supporting the hundreds of native animals they care for each year. As part of early giving for Give4Marion, additional donations will be accepted onsite to help reach the fundraising goal. Attendees can enjoy a meal, connect with the team, and make a direct impact on local wildlife with every purchase.

Community town hall conversations with Superintendent Dr. Danielle Brewer offer a welcoming forum to pose questions, raise issues, and share feedback that can help guide the future of education in Marion County. Four sessions are planned at South Marion High School, North Marion High School, Vanguard High School, and Lake Weir High School, providing multiple opportunities to take part in the dialogue about students and schools.

Cardcala is a trading card show set in the Klein Conference Center at the College of Central Florida, featuring sports cards, Pokémon, and other trading card games. Promoted as the fastest growing trading card show in Central Florida, it centers on favorites across the hobby.

This two day catalog sale showcases a lineup of horses along with vendors and food trucks. The first day highlights competitions and preview sessions, with a schedule to be announced. The second day is devoted to the sale. Online bidding is available for remote participation, and consignments are currently open.

Keep pets protected at budget-friendly prices. Rabies vaccinations cost $14. A 5-way vaccine for dogs and puppies is $20, a 3-way vaccine for cats and kittens is $20, and a kennel cough vaccine is $20.

YourPhoenixIsRising energy musicians present a relaxing sound bath featuring crystal singing bowls, native drums, djembe, Tibetan bowls, rain sticks, and other instruments from around the world. Nature inspired tones and rhythms are layered and spaced to create gentle waves of sound that swell and fade. Settle in as the vibrations encourage calm, ease, and a sense of deep rest. This immersive experience offers a soothing journey through shifting textures and resonant harmonies.

The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show pairs dinner with a lively whodunit. A present-day case unfolds in real time as the meal is served, with performers blended into the crowd so the culprit could be right at the next table. Participants might even be questioned as suspects before the night is through. Created for adult audiences, this social and interactive format has toured nationwide since 2004, delivering a mix of humor, intrigue, and unexpected moments.

Brunch at Bank Street Patio Bar in Ocala, Florida features live music to accompany the meal.

The route begins at Snowbirds, continues to Ma Barkers, DJ & Ginas, and Dallas, then finishes at Charlie Horse. All proceeds will be divided equally between the Building Fund and OASN.

A mobile Fairy Hair pop up brings shimmering strands to Finch House Antiques for a fun, sparkly afternoon. Walk-ins are welcome and will be added to a wait list, with service provided in order of arrival as time permits. Appointments are optional but recommended for prompt service and can be scheduled through the Fresha platform up to 60 days ahead. Cash payment at the time of service can help avoid fees. A strict no-show policy is in place.

At Ocala Livestock Pavillion, this multi-day riding event offers flexibility to participate for one, two, or three days. Ride once and, if you add them, roll your time to sidepots, with opportunities to be included in average awards. You can opt to ride in the first 100 and choose which nights you stay. Amenities include dry camping, RV hookups, a bathhouse on the grounds, vendors, and food trucks. Pre-entry is available, or you can late enter at the show with no late fees, and payment at the show is cash only. Rodeo attire with a hat or helmet is expected, or you can purchase a tee shirt at the office and forgo rodeo attire, with PW tee shirts allowed at future events. There is a hat fine if hats come off in the arena. Segways and other motorized scooters are not permitted in barns, stands, or the vendor area. All dogs must remain on leashes at all times. For questions, text 904-545-4511.

Experience Psychic Fair brings an indoor weekend of spiritual exploration to the Ocala Shrine Club. Meet gifted psychics and healers, browse a range of vendors, and take part in free lectures offered throughout the weekend. Admission for the entire weekend is $10 and includes a free gemstone, and children 16 and under are admitted at no charge. Since most, but not all, vendors accept cards, bringing cash is recommended.

Chuck Owen and the Jazz Surge brings its acclaimed 19-piece big band to the Reilly Arts Center for a milestone stop on its first central Florida tour in more than three years, marking the ensemble’s 30th anniversary. With seven Grammy nominations and recognition from New York Music Daily as one of the nation’s standout large jazz ensembles, the band has earned praise from critics in more than 30 countries. The group unveils new compositions and fresh arrangements that reflect Chuck’s jazz foundation blended with American folk, roots, rock, and contemporary classical influences. The Florida-based ensemble includes artists from across the country, with New York violinist Sara Caswell playing a prominent role in the group’s vivid sound. Special guests on the tour include trumpet great Randy Brecker, NEA Jazz Master and three-time Grammy winner Terri Lyne Carrington, vibraphonist Warren Wolf, Grammy-nominated vocalist Kate McGarry, and local favorite Alison Nash. After the tour, the band moves directly into the studio to record its eighth album.

Spartan DEKA and Zone Health and Fitness bring a fitness challenge to Ocala that turns training into a game, celebrates progress, and measures overall ability. In the DEKA MILE format, ten functional stations are each kicked off by a 160 meter run, adding up to one mile of running alongside the work in the zones. Participants can earn a DEKA MILE Mark and use it as a stepping stone toward preparation for DEKA FIT 2026. Space is limited.

War Zone Airsoft brings a Summer Special to Wayne's World of Paintball with fast-paced play, friendly competition, and seasonal pricing. Walk-on entry is $20, making it easy to spend a day slinging BBs with a welcoming community and action-packed games. Rental options are available for all experience levels. The Entry package is $25 and includes a Mod-M or L AEG, a high cap magazine, a bag of 1000 Valken .20 BBs, a 9.6 lithium battery, and an M1-3 thermal mask. The Advanced package is $45 and includes a Kilo or Tango AEG, two high cap magazines, a bottle of 2200 STRYKER .25 BBs, a 7.4 lipo battery, an M1-7 thermal mask, and a STRYKER chest rig. Add-ons include a 9.6 lithium battery for $10, an M1-3 thermal mask for $10, a high cap magazine for $5, and a STRYKER chest rig for $20. Safety and fair play are the priority. Full seal eye protection rated ANSI z87.1 or higher is required on the field at all times. Keep masks and eye protection on while in play. Call your hits and use a red dead rag, then head to respawn. Blind firing is not allowed. Field structures must not be moved, altered, or jumped over. If there is a concern with another player, speak to a referee rather than arguing. Referees announce firing modes for each round and have the final say. A game clock is posted in the WZA store and a countdown is announced before heading out, and those who miss the briefing will need to wait for the next round. All replicas must pass chrono and receive a tag before play, with random checks during the day. Report suspected hot guns to a referee. Only approved pyrotechnic and smoke devices sold at the field may be used and only in designated areas. Once a device leaves a player’s hand, do not pick it up, kick it, or cover it. In the safe zone, clear your replica, remove the magazine, and switch to safe before taking off protective gear. Age and gear guidelines apply. Players ages 10 to 15 must wear full face masks. Players 16 to 17 must use full seal eye protection and mesh or plastic lower face protection. Players 18 and older must use full seal eye protection, with face protection recommended. A red dead rag is required for everyone. Rentals must use approved BBs or BBs purchased at the field. Chronograph standards are .32 for HPA and .20 for pistols, AEGs, and spring powered replicas. Rate of fire is capped at 25 rounds per second. Before entering the safe zone, remove magazines and fire at least three rounds into a safe direction to clear the barrel. Weapon class limits are enforced. Pistols must be at or below 1.45 joules with .20 BBs. Semi auto pistols have no minimum engagement distance, while full auto pistol use requires a 25 foot minimum. Shotguns must be at or below 1.45 joules with .20 BBs. Semi auto shotguns have no minimum engagement distance, while full auto use requires 50 feet. Rifles must meet 1.5 joules or less with .20 BBs for AEGs and 1.55 joules with .32 BBs for HPA. Semi auto rifle play typically carries a 10 foot minimum unless a head referee states otherwise, and full auto is only allowed in specific games and is rarely used. SMGs must be 1 joule or lower with .20 BBs, use mid caps, have no minimum engagement in semi, and 25 feet in full auto. They must be true SMG platforms or a fully automatic pistol platform such as a Glock 18, with examples including the MP7, MP5, UMP, PP-19 Bizon, MAC-10, Thompson SMG, and ARP-9. LMGs must be below 1.5 joules with .20 BBs. Burst fire requires 25 feet, full auto requires 50 feet, and continuous walking fire is not allowed unless the LMG can also fire semi. Examples include the M249 SAW, MK46, Stoner, Krytac LMG, RPK, CM16 LMG, and RPD. DMRs must be under 2.0 joules with .20 BBs, are semi only, have a 75 foot minimum, and use mid cap or real cap magazines, with platforms such as SR25, M14 series, SVD, and M1 Garand. Sniper rifles must be under 2.25 joules with .20 BBs, be bolt action, are semi only, and have a 100 foot minimum, with platforms like L96, M700, and M24. Grenade rules are straightforward. Only pyrotechnic and smoke grenades sold at the field are permitted and only where specified. Homemade devices are not allowed. Grenades must be tossed underhand, not thrown directly at players, though lobbing into windows is allowed. The effective radius is 15 feet. Hard cover counts only in milsim scenarios. Any detonation in a room eliminates all players inside. The goal is safe, fair, and exciting airsoft with clear expectations for players of all levels.

TEDxOcala 2026 presents Rhythm and Intersections at the Reilly Arts Center, a full day devoted to ambitious thinking, engaging dialogue, and powerful personal stories. The program features a lineup of speakers and opportunities for connection, all focused on innovation, creativity, and the strength of community. Discover how patterns and crossroads shape ideas and open doors to new possibilities.

The Fall Eats & Artisan Expo, presented by S & G Events, highlights community spirit with local talent, great food, music, and family-friendly entertainment. Look for artisans, food options, and activities for children, creating an experience that welcomes all ages. Admission is free. This event is hosted at The Arc Marion County, FL. For everyone’s safety, weapons, alcohol, and drugs are not permitted.

Irish comedian Katie Boyle delivers stand-up drawn from her life in New York, exploring American culture, dating, therapy and the awkward moments that come with them. She was selected as a New Face at the 2023 Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal and appeared in the NY Funniest showcase and the New York Comedy Festival in 2022. Her debut album and special, I'll Do It Myself, arrived in 2023 on Pinch Records, with the special surpassing half a million views on YouTube and the album reaching number one on the iTunes Comedy charts. She followed with a Don't Tell Comedy set in November 2023 and a second full-length special, Terapy, released in July 2025 on YouTube and Disruptor Comedy. She performed a full run of her one-woman dark comedy, Roe v. Wade versus Katie, at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August 2025, where The Scotsman named it among the Best of the Fest. Boyle has headlined clubs across the United States and Ireland, sold out four shows in Dublin and Cork in summer 2024, and been featured by The Hollywood Reporter, Irish Independent and The Irish Times, with appearances at Laughing Skull, Women in Comedy and Kansas City Irish Fest, as well as on SiriusXM. Beyond stand-up, she acts in sketches and shorts, has appeared in a commercial, collaborates with brands to create comedic content, produces and emcees a consistently sold out Irish comedy show at the Dead Rabbit, and hosts The Shift podcast, which looks at sex and dating from an Irish perspective.

Browse a large community yard sale at the Ocala Downtown Market, where many sellers gather in one convenient place. Shoppers can explore tools, clothing, furniture, electronics, and other household goods. Parking and entry are free. Vendor opportunities are available, with outdoor spaces starting at $30, indoor spaces at $35, and food truck spots at $75. For vendor inquiries, contact Matt Gray at 352.875.4224.

A breakout force in comedy, Ahren Belisle delivers sharp, fearless stand-up shaped by a rapid rise from newcomer to national spotlight. He captured widespread attention as a Top 10 finalist on America’s Got Talent and made a memorable first appearance on the podcast Kill Tony, where he now returns often. A former software engineer and mental health advocate, Belisle grew up in Northern Ontario, lives with cerebral palsy, and is nonverbal, timing his jokes and punchlines through his phone. His quick wit, unshakable charm, and anything-goes perspective have earned him a devoted online audience of more than a million, and his set blends bold laughs with messages of positivity, inclusion, and resilience.

At NOMA Black Box, JK & the Contraband bring a Central Florida sound that blends modern funk, jazz, and groove-focused fusion under the direction of guitarist John Krasula. The lineup features Patrick Moreno on keys, Thomas Milovac on bass, Daniel Bonnet on saxophone, and Johnbern Thomas on drums, with a reputation for precise playing and high-energy performances. This show centers on a 90s rock revue, channeling the drive of alternative and grunge through adventurous jazz improvisation and rhythmic pulse. The set features instrumental reimaginings of music by Nirvana, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Smashing Pumpkins, and Queens of the Stone Age, reshaped into atmospheric, groove-rich arrangements. Their debut album, Volume 1, highlights the group’s cinematic textures, tight interplay, and pocket-driven approach, a foundation that informs this tribute to an era they reinterpret with their own voice.

The Ocala Walk to End Alzheimer’s takes place at Tuscawilla Park. Activities include participant registration, an opening ceremony, and the walk itself.

Settle in for the newest class in the Late Nite Catechism series, as Sister moves from earlier lessons on saints, lesser sins, and limbo to a comic look at the Sacraments of Marriage and Last Rites. The format is interactive and includes her offbeat twist on a newlywed-style game that leans on audience participation. With a feisty couples-counselor vibe, Sister leads lively, classroom-style fun that suits pairs and anyone arriving with a solid sense of humor.

In response to popular demand, TOAST brings a heartfelt celebration of Bread to Ocala at Reilly Arts Center. Recognized as a top-tier tribute act, the band is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the soft rock trailblazers with a live sound that closely reflects the original recordings. Bread helped define the genre in the early 1970s and created enduring favorites such as Make It With You, If, Baby I’m-a Want You, and Everything I Own, along with 13 songs that reached the Billboard Top 100. With the group’s surviving members, David Gates and Robb Royer, enjoying retirement, TOAST carries the music forward with performances praised for their authenticity. The show blends tender ballads with upbeat classics that spark dancing, offering a warmly nostalgic experience for longtime fans and newcomers.

The Gray Family Halloween Festival fills the Ocala Downtown Market with family-friendly Halloween fun, and admission and parking are free. More than 60 vendors will be handing out candy at their booths for a full night of trick or treating, along with live entertainment, on-stage costume contests, food trucks, and other seasonal activities. For sponsorships or for vendor and food truck bookings, contact Matt Gray at 352.875.4224. Matt is the host and the only person who books vendors, and any other offers should be considered fraudulent. For questions, reach out to Matt at 352.875.4224.

The Famous Horsey Yard Sale is on the horizon, with more details to be shared as the event gets closer. Vendors can claim a 10 by 10 space for $15 per car load. Spaces are first come, first served with no reservations, and trailers are not allowed. Updates will be posted on social media.

Ghouls Night Out transforms the Ocala Downtown Market into a playful Halloween escape filled with pink pumpkins, spooky glam, cobwebs, ghosts, festive cocktails, and a once-a-year vibe. Promoted as the biggest event of the year, it features a curated, high energy marketplace showcasing nearly 100 Central Florida women-owned businesses with boutique fashion, handmade jewelry, home decor, sweet treats, luxurious body care, and more. DJ Rae Bae keeps the soundtrack lively with feel good hits, seasonal favorites, and girl power anthems, while a free photo booth by Legacy Rhythm Entertainment captures the memories. The annual costume contest offers chances to win prizes, and raffle giveaways pop up throughout the evening. Local food trucks serve dinner alongside beverages, festive cocktails, mocktails, and desserts, creating a relaxed setting to browse, sip, and celebrate. On site experiences include permanent jewelry, fairy hair, chair massages, hat bars, henna tattoos, and other treats. Celebrating women-owned businesses and the spirit of the season, this gathering has grown into a Central Florida Halloween tradition. Free and open to the public, rain or shine.

Stan Spencer and the Barker Boyz bring their show to Charlie Horse - Ocala for their first set at this stage. Many in Ocala will recognize Stan for his standout saxophone and guitar work, and for being the venue’s original performer years ago. It is a milestone evening that connects the venue’s history with a fresh debut.

Canadian vocalist Yvan Pedneault leads a faithful salute to Queen, delivering the band's classic catalog with a focus on authenticity rather than impersonation. First introduced to wide audiences when all four coaches turned for him on Canada's version of The Voice, Pedneault was later handpicked by Brian May and Roger Taylor to star as Galileo in the Canadian production of We Will Rock You, a Toronto hit that logged nearly 800 performances over two and a half years for more than a million theatergoers. His stage credits include RENT, Rock of Ages, and Notre-Dame-de-Paris, and in 2017 he released a self-titled album created with notable collaborators. He went on to develop Rhapsody, the Classics of Queen in Canada, and now brings Queen - A Royal Tribute to American audiences, backed by American musicians and a commitment to the sound Freddie Mercury made famous. Expect favorites such as Bohemian Rhapsody, Killer Queen, Bicycle Race, Another One Bites the Dust, Fat Bottomed Girls, You're My Best Friend, Don't Stop Me Now, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Somebody to Love, We Will Rock You, and We Are the Champions, with more to come. Brian May has praised Pedneault's voice, calling him the kind of performer one hopes to discover.

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

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.

A Halloween-themed baseball tournament presented by the Belleview Spartans brings a full weekend of games, spirited competition, and seasonal fun to Belleview Sports Complex. Teams can register through Tourney Machine, and space may be limited.

The 8th Annual Howl-O-Ween Pawty at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion offers a family-friendly evening that supports the animals of Marion County. Admission is $5 per person for ages 13 and up, while children 12 and under and pets are free. A refreshment ticket is included with entry. The event features food trucks, trunk-or-treat and games for kids, vendors, and plenty of festive fun. Costume, trunk, and booth contests include prizes.

A fine arts festival in downtown Ocala showcases work from more than 150 artists from across the country, alongside student art, performances by local talent, and on-site food trucks. The downtown setting brings together art, entertainment, and food in one place.

Combat Racing brings a Halloween-themed trail race to the Florida Greenway at Shangri-La Trailhead and Campground with the Greenway Trick R Trot. Participants can choose a 5K that can be run or completed with a ruck, a 10K, or take on the 5K + 10K Challenge by covering both distances in succession. A ruck division is available for every race, and those who carry the extra weight earn a patch. Look for an eerie vibe beneath towering live oaks and on moonlit trails. Costumes are encouraged. Headlamps are required for the 10K and the Challenge. Every participant receives a finisher medal, and top performers in each event earn awards.

Hall Pass to the Book Fair is The Cozy Bookshop Chapter 2's nostalgic book fair crafted for grown-up readers. Picture the excitement of school book fair day all over again, from crisp new pages and bright bookmarks to those must-have pens, posters, stickers, journals, and other little treasures... only this time with a grown-up budget. The day centers on browsing and shopping with independent bookstores, local authors, and bookish vendors, along with cozy surprises throughout. Expect a wide range of books, handmade goods and accessories, reading journals and bookmarks, stickers, tasty treats and drinks, giveaways, and nostalgic photo spots, all in a welcoming atmosphere made for readers. Whether you want to treat yourself, discover a new favorite, or simply bask in bookish vibes alongside fellow readers, this celebration invites you to embrace your inner bookworm. Ticket information and additional details will be shared soon.

Now in its 45th year, the Marion County Chili Cook-Off returns for another installment.

The luncheon at Oak Run Palm Grove Country Club brings a pirate and mermaid flair, with a Beta Boutique on site. Prizes will be awarded in a lighthearted contest for the most creative pirate hat or mermaid fascinator. A full meal will be served, and a homemade cake bar will cap off the celebration for dessert. Registration costs $45, with no refunds after the registration deadline. For registration details, contact Lisa Kinser at 352-895-8673 or lkinser4730@gmail.com. For Beta Boutique information, contact Pam Burrell at 352-208-7179 or bigmama4uf@gmail.com. For general questions, contact Jacqua Ballas at 352-239-3166 or ballasjl@gmail.com.

Ocala Downtown Market transforms into a wild and glamorous girls night out that swaps the usual fall décor for playful animal prints, bold style, and high-energy fun. Shop a vibrant marketplace featuring nearly 100 Central Florida women-owned businesses with boutique fashion, handcrafted jewelry, home accents, sweet treats, luxurious body care, and more. DJ Rae Bae keeps the vibe upbeat with feel-good hits, girl power favorites, and dance-ready tracks, while a complimentary photo booth from Legacy Rhythm Entertainment captures the memories. Attendees can enter raffle giveaways for chances to win prizes, enjoy dinner from local food trucks, and sip cocktails, mocktails, and other beverages as they browse. On-site extras include permanent jewelry, fairy hair, chair massages, hat bars, and henna tattoos for an added splash of fun. This event is free and open to the public and takes place rain or shine.

Now in its fourth year, the Ocala Holiday Craft Show transforms World Equestrian Center, Expo 1 into a festive marketplace of handmade treasures. Browse work from more than 350 artists and crafters featuring unique gifts, holiday décor, jewelry, home accents, specialty foods, and more, all under one roof. Enjoy live music while you shop, and capture free photos with Santa. Presented by Pointe Grand Communities. General admission is $10 for ages 13 and up, children 12 and under are free, and parking is free. An advance preview session offers limited crowds and dedicated shopping time, plus a tote bag and special gift, with tickets available in advance or at the door.

This powerhouse tribute unites the music of Kenny Chesney, Shania Twain, Keith Urban, and Luke Bryan on one stage. The performance is packed with hits and delivered with crisp musicianship, lively pacing, and polished stagecraft from start to finish. Led by seasoned professionals, the show aims to capture the scale and excitement of seeing the original artists, giving modern country fans four headliners celebrated in a single set.

Experience a Friends Giving themed market at Citizens Circle in downtown Ocala, featuring more than 50 vendors offering vintage finds and handmade goods. Enjoy food trucks, sweet treats, and live music. The event welcomes families and pets, and restrooms are available on site. Free parking is offered in the parking garage next door, in lots in front of City Hall, and along nearby streets. Vendor inquiries can be sent to Kayla at downtownvintagemarket.ocala@gmail.com.

An open horse show welcomes riders of all experience levels with classes for everyone. Look for fast-paced speed events alongside a full slate of English, Western, and ranch classes. New divisions are being added this year, and rookie divisions will award belt buckles to the winners.