A guide to our favorite monthly happenings and can’t-miss events
YOUNG ARTIST COMPETITION: HONORS RECITAL
Reilly Arts Center
January 12
The Ocala Symphony Orchestra’s annual recital will feature finalists in junior and senior divisions. The winners will return in March to perform as soloists at the OSO’s Youth, Tricksters, and Metamorphosis
concert. Visit reillyartscenter.com to learn more.
DIXON’S VIOLIN
Ocala Civic Theatre
January 17
Dixon is a world-renowned violinist. With the help of electric looping, Dixon is able to perform as an entire orchestra. Go to ocalacivictheatre.com for tickets.
HYPNOTIST SHOW
Marion Theatre
January 18
The Aliens Are Among Us and They’re Hilarious show will feature Flip Orley’s unique act of comedy and hypnosis. For tickets, go to reillyartscenter.com
VIVE LA FRANCE!
Reilly Arts Center
January 25-26
Guest conductor Raymond Chobaz will lead the Ocala Symphony Orchestra through a medley of great French composers, including Debussy’s Trois Nocturnes, Camille Saint-Saëns’ Africa: Fantasy for Piano and Orchestra and Maurice Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloe Suite No. 2. For details go to reillyartscenter.com
OTRAK CHALK WALK
Tuscawilla Art Park
January 25
Watch as artists create works on sidewalks, visit vendors, listen to music and check out some food trucks. Free to attend. Learn more at ocalafl.gov/chalkwalk
GRANDVIEW INVITATIONAL
Florida Horse Park
January 30 – February 1
See Clydesdales, Belgians and Percherons in action. Gates open at 8am and shows begin at noon. Camping packages are available. Learn more at grandviewinvitational.com
NEVER GIVE UP ON COUNTRY CONCERT
Sheltair Aviation
January 31
Enjoy a patriotic evening of music featuring Chris Janson and Chris McNeil, to support the Travis Mills Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to assisting veterans, first responders and active service members. Learn more at travismillsfoundation.org
FREE FIRST SATURDAY
Appleton Museum of Art
February 1
Entry is free for all patrons on the first Saturday of each month, typically with special programming or presentations. For more information, visit appletonmuseum.org
DADDY LONG LEGS
Ocala Civic Theatre
February 6-23
Based on the 1955 film with Fred Astaire and Leslie Caron, this clever two-person musical reveals the secret of happiness. Visit ocalacivictheatre.com for all the details.
FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK
Downtown Ocala
February 7
Local artists and vendors will be found all around the square and there will be musical performances as well. Visit downtown restaurants and bars downtown to make it an evening out. Free to attend. Learn more at ocalafl.gov
SILVER RIVER KNAP-IN PREHISTORIC ARTS FESTIVAL
Silver Springs State Park
February 15-16
Expert flint knappers, archaeologists, shell carvers, potters, hide tanners, bow makers, dugout canoe carvers and other specialists in native skills will demonstrate their crafts. Hands-on activities will include archery and pottery making. Vendors will offer crafts and food for sale, and guests can tour the Silver River Museum. Learn more at silverrivermuseum.com
ART OUTSIDE THE LINES
Tuscawilla Art Park
February 15
Come for brunch and an art tour, and enjoy live music, art and mimosas. $30 brunch; $35 brunch and tour. Get tickets at ocalafl.gov/aotlbrunch
OPERA AT THE REILLY: PUCCINI LOVE AND LAUGHTER!
Reilly Arts Center
February 23
The Ocala Symphony Orchestra and University of Florida Opera Theatre will present some of the classic works of Giacomo Puccini. The one-act opera Suor Angelic is an operatic drama with a soaring orchestral score. The second performance will be Gianni Schicchi, a comedy translated into English and including “local references” for the Florida audience. For tickets, go to reillyartscenter.com
EIRINN ABU: TUNNEL
TO TOWERS FOUNDATION BENEFIT CONCERT
Circle Square Cultural Center
February 28
Eirinn Abu, Miami Sound Machine guitarist Manny Lopez and violinist Pedro Alfonso are set to deliver an exceptional performance with their Anthem tour, with proceeds benefiting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. For tickets, go to csculturalcenter.com/events
HITS OCALA WINTER CIRCUIT
HITS Post Time Farm
Through March 23
For four decades, the circuit has provided one of the largest equine shows in the country, with premier competitions for riders and horses of all levels. Learn more at hitsshows.com/hits-events/hits-ocala-winter-circuit
WINTER SPECTACULAR SHOW SERIES
World Equestrian Center
Through April 6
This series offers world-class hunter/jumper competitions sanctioned by US Equestrian (USEF) and the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). A CSI5* World Cup Qualifier is February 11-16. The second leg of the Longines League of Nations will return March 18-23. Learn more at wec.net
OCALA POLO: WINTER SEASON
Florida Horse Park
Sundays through March 23
Matches are family friendly and don’t worry if you don’t know anything about horses or polo, come ready for a fun time tailgating with friends and they will teach you the rest. To learn more, visit ocalapolo.com
COMING UP: LIVE OAK INTERNATIONAL
Live Oak Stud Plantation
March 13-16
This is the largest combined driving and show jumping competition in the United States and the weekend will feature plenty of equine action. For details, go to liveoakinternational.com
