A guide to our favorite monthly happenings and can’t-miss events
Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville
Ocala Civic Theatre
May 2-19
Expect changes in latitude and attitude as the Ocala Civic Theatre presents Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville live on stage. Showtimes vary. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for ages 18 and younger, and can be purchased online at ocalacivictheatre.com, or by calling the box office at (352) 236-2274.
Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series
Webb Field, Martin Luther King Jr. Recreational Complex
May 3, 10, 17
The series is a joint project of the Marion Cultural Alliance, the city of Ocala, Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission and the Juneteenth Celebration Committee to provide free family-friendly public concerts. For a full list of performances, which begin at 7pm, visit levitt.org/amp-ocala-fl
First Friday Art Walk
Downtown Ocala
May 3
This is the last First Friday event until September. Visit the downtown square to check out art displays, local creators, arts and crafts and other family activities, live music and more. This event is free and open to the public. Visit ocalamarion.com/events/first-friday-art-walk for more information.
Free First Saturday at Appleton Museum
Appleton Museum of Art
May 4
At 11am, Gabi Sullivan, Water Resource Coordinator for the city of Ocala, will lead a presentation on the importance of water conservation. For more information, visit appletonmuseum.org
Festivals of Speed-Derby Edition
World Equestrian Center
May 4
Celebrate the 150th Running of the Kentucky Derby with 200+ exotic, classic, muscle cars, motorcycles and luxury brands. WEC has retail space, restaurants, craft cocktail bars and more. Cars will be displayed in front of the hotel on the grand plaza. Wear your best Derby attire. Get tickets at festivalsofspeed.com/events/derby-edition-ocala
Museum & Me Class
Appleton Museum of Art
May 7, 14, 21
Bring your preschoolers and introduce them to the world of art in this special class for toddlers and parents, with a guided tour of the museum and arts-and-crafts activities. To register, visit appletonmuseum.org/education/museum-me-pre-k-program-8.
Symphony Under the Stars
Ocala Golf Club
May 12
Celebrate Mother’s Day with Fine Arts for Ocala as they present the Ocala Symphony Orchestra’s annual concert. Maestro Matthew Wardell will lead orchestral classics, themes from hit movies and heart-warming melodies. A fireworks show will follow the concert. Bring picnic supplies; concessions will be available. Visit fafo.org/symphony-1 to learn more and for tickets.
Reilly Noir Series: Trenton Klaz
NOMA Black Box, Reilly Arts Center
May 15
Klaz is a pianist, composer and bandleader. He has been a featured jazz soloist for the Hippodrome Jazz Series, The Keys Grill and Piano Bar Jazz Series and University of Florida Jazz Band. His influences range from Chick Corea and Michel Camilo to Monty Alexander and Bill Evans. Trenton has performed with artists including Wycliffe Gordon, Bobby Shew, Maria Schneider, Troy Roberts, Dafnis Prieto, Brian Lynch and the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Guests will be seated at tables of four to six, so bring a group of friends or meet someone new. Learn more at reillyartscenter.com
