A guide to our favorite monthly happenings and can’t-miss events
LEVITT AMP OCALA MUSIC SERIES
Webb Field/Martin Luther King Jr. Recreational Complex
April 5, 12, 19 and 26
The series, sponsored in part by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, offers 10 free, family-friendly, outdoor concerts to the public. The goal is to inject new life into underused public spaces. The concerts offer a broad array of music genres and cultural programming. To learn more, go to ocalafl.gov/levittamp
FREE FIRST SATURDAY
Appleton Museum of Art
April 6
Entry to the museum is free for all patrons on the first Saturday of each month. As part of the program for April, Martha Strawn will lead a tour of her photographic exhibit “Across the Threshold of India.” Learn more by visiting appletonmuseum.org
CF INTERNATIONAL FILM SERIES
Appleton Museum of Art and the College of Central Florida
April 9
The Ira Holmes International Film Series at the College of Central Florida ends with the film Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom at 2pm at the museum (free for museum and film series members; admission fee for others) and for free at 7pm at the college. Learn more at cf.edu/filmseries
STEELN’ PEACHES
Reilly Arts Center
April 12
Experience the ultimate Allman Brothers tribute band. Tickets are $20 to $55. To purchase, go to reillyartscenter.com
PROGRAMS IN THE PARK-OWLS & BATS NIGHT FLIGHT
Heritage Nature Conservancy
April 13
You will get a chance to experience the bats flying out from the bat house as park rangers share interesting facts about the nocturnal world of bats and owls. Learn more at bit.ly/ocala-park-programs
FARMLAND PRESERVATION FESTIVAL
Majestic Oaks, 17500 N U.S. Highway 441, Reddick
April 13
The 16th annual event will include a farmer’s market, traditional farm and cottage crafts, farm animals, a petting zoo, hayrides and the popular horse and tractor parade. There will be live entertainment and food concessions. The event is organized by the nonprofit Save Our Rural Areas (SORA), which opposes urban sprawl on farmland, especially within the county’s designated Farmland Preservation Area. Admission is free; $5 for parking. To learn more, go to farmlandfestival.org
MELODIOUS ACCORD
Reilly Art Center
April 14
The Ocala Symphony Orchestra Chorus presents a concert of choral Americana, featuring arrangements of shaped-note tunes by Alice Parker, original works by Stephen Paulus, Randall Thompson and spirituals. Tickets are $15 to $40 at reillyartscenter.com
TRAVIS LEDOYT: SUN THE STARS CONCERT
Reilly Arts Center
April 19
Ledoyt has been dubbed “The World’s Best Young Elvis” by many who knew “The King” personally. See him live in concert, performing songs by Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and others. Visit bit.ly/ledoyts-sun-stars-tour for more information and for tickets.
EARTHFEST: CELEBRATE ARBOR DAY
Tuscawilla Park
April 20
Celebrate with tree giveaways, a youth fishing derby, rock wall climbing, eco-friendly vendors and live music. Learn more at bit.ly/ocala-earthfest
HISTORIC OCALA PRESERVATION SOCIETY WALKING TOUR
Start at 712 E. Fort King St., Ocala
April 27
Walk through time with HOPS in a tour that will take you through six historic homes in Ocala’s Southeast Historic District, starting at the Bryant House. Tickets are available at bit.ly/a-walk-through-time
JIMMY BUFFETT’S ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE BLOCK PARTY
Downtown Ocala
April 28
Visit downtown for changes in latitude and attitude as the Ocala Civic Theatre presents this block party. General admission tickets are $60. VIP tickets are $85 and include a front row section for the concert, separate bar and restrooms, and a special VIP location. Purchase tickets over the phone at (352) 236-2274, at the box office or at ocalacivictheatre.com
