A guide to our favorite monthly happenings and can’t-miss events.
Levitt AMP Music Series
Webb Field
Every Friday through August 2
The third Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series will once again take place at the Martin Luther King Jr Recreational Complex’s Webb Field from 6-9pm. Presented by the Marion Cultural Alliance, this year’s lineup includes genres such as blues, jazz, funk, soul, hip hop, classical, Latin and R&B. Each event will also feature food trucks and vendors, craft and nonprofit booths, and beer and wine for sale. The Summer Break Spot will provide free dinners for those 18 and under in attendance, and each concert spotlights a local nonprofit organization. Headlining Acts: June 7 – Dr. Nativo, June 14 – Remember Jones, June 21 – Canon, June 28 – Tonina www.concerts.levittamp/ocala.
The Addams Family: A New Musical
Ocala Civic Theatre
Through June 9
They’re creepy and they’re kooky, and they just might be one of America’s most beloved families. This production brings the classic TV show to life, except now Wednesday is all grown up and in love with a regular Midwestern boy. When the future in-laws visit the Addams’ mansion to meet the family, terror and humor ensue. Show times and ticket prices vary. www.ocalacivictheatre.com.
Big Hammock Race Series Season 4 Kickoff
Paddock Mall
June 5
Global Running Day seems like the perfect day to celebrate the launch of Season 4 of the Big Hammock Race Series. The meet and greet takes place inside the Belk Courtyard at Paddock Mall at 5:30pm. At 6:15pm, take part in an indoor 1-mile walk or a 3-mile outdoor run/walk led by Coach Pezz. While there, purchase a BHRS Season 4 pass. For upcoming race registration and details, visit www.bighammockraceseries.com.
Bee Life
Fort King
June 6
This two-hour program geared toward children ages 5-15 will cover the life of pollinators and why they are so important to our ecosystem. As part of Fort King Environmental Days, this Summer Shorts event takes place from 10am-12pm, and the cost is $10. Participants will also make a mason bee house out of recycled materials. Register online at www.ocalafl.org, or call (352) 368-5535 for more information.
Do Not Bleach: Stephanie Brown
Appleton Museum of Art
June 8-October 20
Do Not Bleach celebrates the skin we’re in. Dark-skinned, light-skinned, or somewhere in between, mixed-media exhibit encourages compassion and love for everyone, regardless of their skin color. An interactive selfie station will feature Stephanie’s signature Do Not Bleach T-shirts, and shirts will be available for purchase in the Appleton gift shop. www.appletonmuseum.org.
Programs in the Parks
June 7 and 28
The City of Ocala will offer a variety of summer activities, including Nature Games & Tracking on June 7 at Tuscawilla Park. Guests will enjoy nature-related outdoor games and animal tracking adventures. On June 28, the Tremendous Trees program will allow participants to learn about trees and go on a fun scavenger hunt, complete with prizes. Both events run from 12-1pm and are free. For more information, call (352) 368-5517.
Speaker Paul K. Chappell
College of Central Florida
June 13
Paul K. Chappell is the peace literacy director of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation and author of the seven-book Road to Peace series about ending war, waging peace, the art of living and our shared humanity. The first six published books in this series are Will War Ever End?, The End of War, Peaceful Revolution, The Art of Waging Peace, The Cosmic Ocean and Soldiers of Peace. Chappell teaches college workshops and classes, lectures across the nation and leads a peace curriculum series for grades K-12 and higher learning. The goal of Peace Literacy is to develop our human capacity for reason, conscious, empathy and realistic hope. Chappell will be bringing his positive message (free of charge) to the College of Central Florida. Check out www.peacefulrevolution.com for more details on Chappell and his curriculum.
One Stop Pony
Circle Square Cultural Center
June 22
Whether your favorite is Paul Simon, Neil Diamond, Billy Joel, Tom Petty, Jimmy Buffett or any number of other top artists, chances are singer, songwriter and musician Brian LaBlanc does a great rendition of them. Brian, along with his group One Stop Pony, will perform at the Circle Square Cultural Center at 7pm. Doors open at 6pm, and tickets range from $22 to $26. www.csculturalcenter.com.
Ocala Comic Con
Hilton Ocala
June 22-23
Ocala’s Comic Con returns to the Hilton Ocala for a seventh year. This multi-genre pop culture event gets bigger each year with costume contests, speakers, cosplayers, comic book creators, gaming, vendors and more. The event will include special media guests Mitsuhiro Arita, Elizabeth Maxwell, Eddie Pittman, E. Jason Liebrecht and Justin Cook. Show hours are Saturday, 10am-6pm and Sunday, 11am-6pm. www.ocalacomiccon.com.
