Happy weekend, Ocala! In today’s happening-today edition: July Fourth plans, an America 250 exhibit, and a true crime dinner show + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
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01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Patriotic fun across town: Ocala will celebrate America’s 250th on July Fourth with free events at Tuscawilla Park, Discovery Center, and Aquatic Centers, featuring performances by Emma Forgette and Cliff Dorsey -- see what’s planned for July Fourth.
Celebration of local heritage: Ocala’s Heart of the Park will open the America 250 Exhibit and Education Center on June 28, with Living History Day and a Picnic in the Park time capsule dedication -- explore the America 250 exhibit.
New leadership takes shape: Ocala Main Street introduced Sara Lambert as executive director, after leading efforts with Marion County Parks and Recreation Department and the Junior League of Ocala, promising momentum toward downtown revitalization -- meet the new director.
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03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Dial in your swing: Been meaning to treat yourself to a proper track close to home? Country Club of Ocala rolls 18 tree-lined holes through pretty oaks, with a legit practice setup, a resort-style pool, and pickleball to keep the crew happy. Feels local, plays big.
Seafood cravings, solved: Keep dinner easy this week with Graffiti Seafood & More, a fast casual local spot turning out no-fuss seafood that actually hits the spot. Quick pickup and delivery options make it perfect for a low-effort weeknight win, whether you’re craving something crispy or saucy.
Trails at your doorstep: Weeknight sanity check, sorted. WhimCycle Trail RV Park puts you right by the Greenway with direct trail access, full-hookup RV spots, and cozy cabins, so you can sneak in pre-dinner laps or a lazy morning roll without crossing town, then claim you’re “outdoorsy” all week.
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04 — Our recommendations
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🏡 Cruising The Corridor Home Tour Along SW 49th Avenue Road @ Ocala Crossings South | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Trade your errands for a leisurely cruise down SW 49th Avenue Road, touring new spots in Ocala Crossings, Derby Creek, Winding Oaks, and Ridge at Heath Brook. Peek at model homes, compare lanais and pantry sizes, then debate quartz, granite, and HOA gossip.
🍓 Preserve with a Purpose: A Beginner's Jam Making Class @ AR Workshop | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Whether you grew up canning with Grandma or want better toast, this beginner jam workshop teaches low sugar, small batch magic with blueberry, peach, or strawberry. Learn from LaNeshia of Jayda's Jam, BYOB, and leave with your batch, supplies, pectin, and a recipe book. $85.
✈ Tractors, Tailwheels, and Tasty Treats fly-in @ Shady International Airport | Saturday (6/20) at 11:00 AM – Aim your bird at Shady International FA49 in Ocala for a backyard fly-in with neighborly vibes. Burgers, dogs, and ice cream until they vanish, tractors and tailwheels showing off, tricycle gear welcome, hangar door open, just follow planes, people, and the We be Flyin flags.
🛒 June Market @ The Rose Barn - Drive Thru Flower Shop | Saturday (6/20) at 3:00 PM – Swing by The Rose Barn’s June Market for local vendors, food and drinks, a DIY bouquet bar, and Father’s Day cheer. Kids score face paint, photos, and Spider-Man with Princess Belle, you browse in peace, raffle optional.
🐂 Ocala Bull Bash and Country Music Festival @ UF/IFAS Extension Marion County | Saturday (6/20) at 4:30 PM – Ocala finally gets its own Bull Bash and country throwdown as Tampa Bay Rodeo brings big-time bucking, live tunes, and that dusty, loud energy to the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion. Think bulls, bands, and beer, plus plenty of reasons to admire hats, grit, and better company.
🔪 True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show @ Ocala Golf Club | Saturday (6/20) at 6:00 PM – Trade your dinner circuit for an interactive true crime dinner show where suspects sit beside you, the laughs land, and the prime rib has an alibi. The Dinner Detective plays it in real time, with actors in the crowd, and you might be the suspect.
🎨 Fathers Day Painting Event - Yoda Best Dad @ Picasso's Palette | Sunday (6/21) at 11:00 AM – If you want a Father's Day plan that skips another tie and adds art, laughs, and zero pressure, try the Baby Yoda painting workshop. Paint a 9 x 12 canvas with guidance, supplies included, $3 for snacks, $25 per painter, and Dad gets bragging rights. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Ocala report Weather forecastToday — High: 91°F — Low: 74°F — Precip: 86%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8am and noon, then showers and thunderstorms between noon and 2pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy. High near 91, with temperatures falling to around 89 in the afternoon. Heat index values as high as 106. West wind 2 to 6 mph, with gusts as high as 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 2am. Mostly cloudy. Low around 74, with temperatures rising to around 75 overnight. Heat index values as high as 100. Northwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tomorrow — High: 91°F — Low: 75°F — Precip: 39%
A slight chance of rain showers between 8am and 11am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny. High near 91, with temperatures falling to around 89 in the afternoon. Northwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Chance of precipitation is 40%. This house is wildThis custom 4-bedroom, 3-bath pool home in gated Laurel Wood blends polished comfort with easy everyday style. High ceilings and wood floors set the stage, while the stacked stone gas fireplace, built-ins, and French doors add charm. The granite kitchen, spa-like primary suite, summer kitchen, updated pool deck, and fenced yard round out the appeal.
Take a peek inside → |
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