Events in Ocala today

War Zone Airsoft brings a summer special to Wayne's World of Paintball with discounted walk-on entry priced at $20. Players can outfit themselves with rentals, choosing an entry package for $25 that includes a Mod-M or L AEG with one high-cap magazine, a bag of 1000 Valken .20 BBs, a 9.6 lithium battery, and an M1-3 thermal mask, or an advanced package for $45 that provides a Kilo or Tango AEG, two high-cap magazines, a 2200-count bottle of STRYKER .25 BBs, a 7.4 lipo battery, an M1-7 thermal mask, and a STRYKER chest rig. Add-on options are available, including 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 set the tone for the day. ANSI z87.1 rated full seal eye protection is mandatory on the field with no exceptions. Ages 10 to 15 must wear full face masks, ages 16 to 17 need full seal eye protection with mesh or plastic lower face protection, and ages 18 and up need full seal eye protection with face protection recommended. A red dead rag is required for all participants. All replicas are chronographed and tagged before play, random checks may occur, rentals must use approved or field-sold BBs, rate of fire is capped at 25 rounds per second, and before entering the safe zone replicas must have magazines removed with at least three rounds fired into a safe area to clear the barrel. Platform-specific limits are enforced. Pistols and shotguns must be under 1.45 joules with .20 BBs, rifles must meet 1.5 joules for AEG or 1.55 joules with .32 for HPA, SMGs must be at or below 1 joule with mid-cap magazines, LMGs must be under 1.5 joules, DMRs must be under 2.0 joules and run semi auto only, and bolt-action snipers must be under 2.25 joules. Minimum engagement distances depend on platform, including no minimum for semi pistols and semi shotguns, roughly 10 feet for semi rifles unless otherwise specified by the head referee, about 25 feet for most full auto use, 50 feet for full auto shotguns and LMGs, 75 feet for DMR, and 100 feet for snipers. Game types and firing options are announced by referees before each round, and referees have the final say. Players must call their hits, use a dead rag and head to respawn, avoid blind firing, keep obstacles in place, and maintain respectful conduct with no physical contact. Concerns about rule violations should be taken to a referee. A start clock and announcements are posted before play, and late arrivals wait for the next round. Only pyrotechnic grenades and smoke sold at the field are allowed and only in designated areas, throws must be underhand and never directed at a player, a 15 foot radius applies, lobbing into windows is permitted, hard cover applies only in milsim situations, and any detonation in a room eliminates everyone inside. Look forward to steady games, friendly faces, and plenty of fast paced action.

Ocala Toddler Soccer presents an eight-week fall program with age-based sessions for children 18 months to 3 years, 2 to 4 years, and 3 to 5 years. The cost is $135. For more details, contact Toddler Time at 352-425-0385.

A five round chess tournament comes to The Elliot Center at Hospice of Marion County, featuring a time control of game in 90 with a 5 second delay. Four sections are available for play: Open, U2000, U1600, and U1200. Each section offers cash awards of $500, $250, and $125, with trophies for the top three finishers, and first place in the Open is guaranteed. Additional class prizes of $100 are designated for U1800, U1400, and U1000. Unrated players are not eligible for under prizes and are limited to $100 in winnings except in the Open. Entry fees use a tiered structure, with an on-site option, and on-site payments are cash only. Registration closes shortly before the first round begins. Grandmasters, woman grandmasters, international masters, and woman international masters receive free entry, with $75 deducted from any prize won. Up to two half point byes may be requested before round two. US Chess membership is required, and participants should bring their own set, board, and clock. Mail-in and online registration are available, with checks payable to Ocala Chess Club. Equus Inn lists special room rates for participants when the event name is referenced during booking.

This weekly Ocala Downtown Market runs on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, rain or shine. You’ll find local vendors set up at the corner of SE 3rd St and SE 3rd Ave in Ocala.

A free community gathering featuring more than 20 vendor tables to browse and shop. A table with free items will be available while supplies last. Vendors are welcome to participate, and further information is available from the organizers.

Bring that unfinished craft that has been tucked away at home and give it the attention it deserves. This relaxed gathering invites women to pull out in-progress projects and spend time creating alongside others who are doing the same.

This flash tattoo fundraiser benefits Rescuing Ocala Wildlife. Wildlife and nature inspired designs are available in black and gray, with placement limited to arms and legs. Each tattoo is $40, with a limit of two per person. The ROW fundraising portion concludes before closing, and flash tattooing continues until close.

Get registered for a Florida concealed weapon license class at Pro Firearms Academy in Ocala. The registration page lists the session for August 8, 2026 at 3:00 PM.

Girls Night Out returns to the Ocala Downtown Market for a whimsical evening under lanterns filled with shopping, music, and end-of-summer vibes. Explore nearly 100 Central Florida women-owned businesses offering boutique fashion, handmade jewelry, seasonal candles, sweets, luxurious body care, and more. DJ Rae Bae will provide a soundtrack of feel-good music and girl power anthems. Capture moments at the free photo booth with Legacy Rhythm Entertainment, and look out for raffle giveaways with prize opportunities. Local food trucks and beverage vendors will be on site, serving options from dirty sodas to cocktails and mocktails. Treat yourself to experiences such as fairy hair, permanent jewelry, chair massages, hat bars, and henna tattoos. This event is free and open to the public, rain or shine.

Settle in for dinner as a laugh-filled whodunit unfolds around you. At The Dinner Detective, guests enjoy a full meal while piecing together a tricky case. The twist... the villain could be sitting at your table, and anyone might get pulled into the spotlight as a suspect. This modern, in-the-moment mystery is not your typical staged show. Performers blend into the crowd and the story plays out among the audience, creating a social, hands-on experience designed for adults. Touring nationwide since 2004, these performances mix intrigue, comedy, and spontaneous surprises for an evening that keeps everyone guessing from start to finish.

A weekly store tournament is open to players looking for some friendly competition. Register through the Bandai TCG+ app, and note that the entry fee is $5.

Designed for ages 7 to 12, this bilingual art class offers instruction in both English and Spanish. Young creators explore a range of mediums, from painting and scrap-based projects to inventive crafts that reuse materials. Expect activities like scrapbooking, card making, bookbinding, creative painting, and more, all in a friendly setting that encourages imagination alongside peers. The fee is $20 per class. Advance registration is requested so supplies can be prepared and a spot can be reserved; call or text (352) 804-1272 to share which session your child plans to attend.

At PM Respiratory Services, these dance classes focus on salsa and bachata with separate sessions for beginner salsa, bachata, and intermediate salsa. A special rate is available at $10 per class per person when paying in cash or $12 when paying by credit card, and the regular price is $15. Information is also available in Spanish.

Explore sourdough fundamentals in a hands-on DIY workshop led by Guest Instructor Miss Mae's Sweets and Sourdough. Learn how to feed and maintain a sourdough starter with in-depth guidance aimed at early success. Take home a starter along with a bowl or loaf pans, cheese cloth, a scoring tool, a loaf pan, a recipe book, a do's and don'ts list, and a sampling board. Pricing starts at $79. Participants may bring their favorite food or drink to fuel creativity. Registration closes 24 hours before the workshop.

Broken Toy Brigade brings a competitive twist to open mic comedy at Four Smokes BBQ. Each comedian takes the stage and the crowd helps decide how they did. Audience members receive a ballot to write in performer names and rate each set from 1 to 5. Those scores feed a running leaderboard that tracks who rises from rookie status toward the top. Promotions, bragging rights, and prizes are tied to the standings, so every set counts and every vote matters. Whether stepping up to the mic or enjoying the show, this interactive format puts the audience in the judge’s seat and shapes the outcome.

Bring your current handcraft project and connect with fellow makers at Marion County Public Library System - FL. Whether you practice cross-stitch, knitting, hand quilting, paper piecing, embroidery, or other handcrafts, this meet-up provides space to stitch and share ideas. The gathering takes place in Room A. No food is allowed, and only water with lids is permitted.

This is a weekly locals play session with a $5 entry fee.

Head to Charlie Horse - Ocala for a weekly DJ trivia night with free play. Teams are welcome, and prizes are up for grabs for the top finishers. Grab a table, order a drink, and put your knowledge to the test.

Kick up your heels at 18 South Restaurant and Saloon with an evening of line dancing led by Lauren Nelson. Whether you have years of experience or are stepping onto the floor for the first time, her approach makes learning easy and enjoyable for everyone. No partner is required. Expect lively music, friendly company, and plenty of opportunities to pick up new steps. Bring friends, enjoy favorite food and drinks, and make it a relaxed, social dance night.

Discover a friendly, hands-on painting workshop at the Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center that invites participants of all abilities to explore creativity. Sessions are open to everyone, with thoughtful encouragement for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and ESE students are welcome. Participation is free, supplies are included, and no previous art experience is needed. With appreciation to the James E. and Betty J. Huffer Foundation for its support.

At Bowlero East Ocala, the third annual Brown & Brown fundraiser brings the community together for an evening of bowling, food, and raffles. Teams take to the lanes to raise funds, and a prize recognizes the Most Creative Attire. Food and beverages are available at the venue, and raffle drawings feature items contributed by local businesses and sponsors. Proceeds benefit Arnette House, Inc., which provides shelter, counseling, crisis intervention, and support services for local youth ages 10 to 17. It is a welcoming gathering of donors, volunteers, and supporters focused on fun and philanthropy.

Live music fills the back patio at Charlie Horse - Ocala alongside wing night specials. The setting is relaxed and upbeat, creating a casual night out for music fans and wing lovers.