A guide to our favorite monthly happenings and can’t-miss events
CHAD SMITH BENEFIT EXTREME RODEO
Florida Horse Park
August 3
The event will include some of the best riders and wranglers from all over the world, as well as bulls from multiple stock contractors. It will include live music, a cornhole tournament, food and a full bar for guests 21 and older. Call (352) 857-6716 or visit bit.ly/XtremeRodeo2024 for tickets.
BRICK CITY ODYSSEY SUMMER CAMP
Brick City Adventure Park
August 5-9
Hosted by Marion County Parks & Recreation, this camp is called a “modern twist on traditional fun” for children of all ages. It includes field days, trips to Easy Street, indoor skydiving at SkyZone and other activities. Visit bit.ly/3yO7iRB to learn more.
KIDZ FEST – THE ULTIMATE FAMILY FUN EXPO
World Equestrian Center
August 10-11
The event will include animal interactions, character meet and greets, Touch A Truck, bounce houses, interactive games, entertainment, face painting, giveaways and family friendly exhibitors. Free parking; concessions on site. Learn more at bmgevents.ticketspice.com/ocala-kidz-fest
PATRIOT SERVICE DOGS STORY AND VETERAN/SERVICE DOG GRADUATION
Marion Theatre
August 10
Celebrate 15 years of service at this free event. Hear the story of the organization from its inception, with guest speakers and beneficiaries. New dogs graduating into service roles, with demonstrations from animals and handlers, will be featured. Visit reillyartscenter.com/events/veteran-service-dog-graduation for more information.
HEAR US ROAR!
Ocala Civic Theatre
August 16
This is a dual fundraiser for The ARC Marion and Arts in Health Ocala Metro to support client arts programs promoting self-esteem and wellness. Enjoy a live performance of The ARC clients onstage with AIHOM musicians Becky Baby, Megan Miles and Carl Page. Paintings created by the clients during workshops led by AIHOM artist practitioner Christopher Hershberger will be available for bid in the silent auction. VIP tickets include sparkling wine and light hors d’oeuvres as well as early access to silent auction bidding. Learn more at bit.ly/arc-hear-us-roar
BLUFFETT: A TRIBUTE TO JIMMY BUFFETT
Reilly Arts Center
August 16
Bluffett takes on the atmosphere of a Jimmy Buffett concert, with lots of audience participation during the uncanny re-creation by this group. Break out the Hawaiian shirts and beach sandals and start steaming the clams. Let Bluffett set the beach-pace and take you to Margaritaville. Tickets range from $20 to $55, available at reillyartscenter.com
ARTIST TALK WITH CHARLITA RAE WHITEHEAD
Appleton Museum of Art
August 18
Discussing her solo exhibit Every Fiber of my Being, Whitehead will provide insight into the world of tufting, a form of art that combines weaving and needle embroidery with technological innovation, creating tapestries, looms and more. Free to attend. For more information, visit appletonmuseum.org
WATKINS GLEN SUMMER JAM ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Reilly Arts Center
August 23
The concert will commemorate the 51st anniversary of the Watkins Glen Summer Jam of 1973. Recreating the classic bands the Allman Brothers Band, The Grateful Dead and The Band, are Steelin’ Peaches, Unlimited Devotion and Hannah Harber and Thomas Wynn, respectively. For tickets and VIP access, visit reillyartscenter.com/events/watkins-glen-summer-anniversary-celebration, or contact the box office at (352) 351-1606.
OCALA DOG RANCH AND EPIC REHAB CENTER PET EXPO
Equine Performance Innovation Center
August 23-25
The event will feature a mobile dock for dog jumping games, rescue group vendors and concessions. The center features rehabilitation facilities for horses. Visit epicdogdays.com for more information.
