A guide to our favorite monthly happenings and can’t-miss events.
Cattle Drive & Cowboy Roundup
Tuscawilla Park
February 9 | 10am-4pm
Grab your little cowboys and cowgirls, put on your hats and boots, and get ready to hoot and holler. Watch the cattle drive parade through downtown Ocala to Tuscawilla Park for a day of festivities, including an authentic cow camp, kids’ corral, entertainment by Cowboy Tom and live music. ocalafl.org
Cinema Sunday
Marion Theatre
February 10 | 3-6pm
Don’t Get Trouble in Your Mind: The Carolina Chocolate Drops’ Story documents the popular North Carolina string band. The story follows three young African-Americans who reclaimed a lost tradition and revived 19th-century fiddling and banjo picking—from busking on the street and playing major festivals to winning a Grammy in 2010. ocalafilmfoundation.org
Five Points of Life Race Weekend
The Hotel Indigo, Gainesville
February 16-17
Runners and walkers of all ages and fitness levels are invited to participate in a 5K, kids’ marathon, half-marathon or full marathon. This event benefits LifeSouth Community Blood Center’s blood, apheresis, marrow, cord blood, organ and tissue donation programs and is part of the year-long Big Hammock Race Series of fitness challenges to support local charities. bighammockraceseries.com
Trinity Catholic Winter Carnival
Trinity Catholic High School
February 21-24
One of Marion County’s top events, this annual community favorite offers traditional carnival rides, midway games and–of course–fair food. trinitycatholichs.org
Art Outside the Lines
Tuscawilla Park
February 22 | 5:30-7:30 pm
During this special event, your stroll through the Tuscawilla Art Park will be accompanied by live music from cellist and singer-songwriter Ben Sollee. This is the second in the 2019 five-event Art Park Series, and will also feature guided tours of Ocala’s public art as well as a reception at city hall’s “Art in City Spaces” gallery. ocalafl.org/performingarts
Habitat Strawberry Festival
McPherson Complex
March 2 | 9am-5pm
Get your fill of strawberries at this fun family festival, which features a car show, pet contest, pie-eating contest, kid zone, thrill rides, arts and crafts, vendors and a farmers market. Live entertainment includes local America’s Got Talent contestant Macey Mac, the winners of Ocala’s Got Talent and Brodie the Trick Dog. This event raises money for Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, which provides dignified housing solutions in our community, to build the 2019 Strawberry House. habitatocala.org
Florida Springs Fest
Silver Springs State Park
March 2-3 |10am-4pm
Celebrate Florida’s amazing natural resources and learn about sustainability at this special event featuring artists, crafters, live entertainment, demonstrations and a student art show. Take advantage of half-off specials on glass bottom boat rides, and enjoy ranger-led programs, gardens, trails and paddling on the Silver River. silversprings.com
Live Oak International
Live Oak Plantation
March 7-10
As the only equestrian event of its kind in the U.S., combined driving and show jumping athletes and horses from more than 20 countries come to Ocala to compete at this world-class meet. Family favorite Grandview Clydesdales will make an appearance, and visitors can enjoy a biergarten, food vendors and boutique shopping. liveoakinternational.com
Horse of the Year Gala
Circle Square Cultural Center
March 11 | 5:30pm
This annual Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners’ Association fundraiser brings equine lovers together for an evening to benefit the Florida Thoroughbred Charities. Bid on special horse-related experiences and one-of-a-kind art and memorabilia at the auction, and enjoy cocktails, dinner and the annual awards ceremony. ftboa.com
Ocala Open Charity Pro-Am
Candler Hills Golf Club
March 20
Amateur golfers can take advantage of a rare opportunity to pair with local golf professionals for this charity event that kicks off the Ocala Open and raises money for Hospice of Marion County and Interfaith Emergency Services. The morning begins with a chef-prepared breakfast before the shotgun start and ends with a barbecue and awards luncheon. The field is limited to 30 teams, and participants must register by March 5. ocalaopen.com
