A guide to our favorite monthly happenings and can’t-miss events
LIVE OAK INTERNATIONAL
Live Oak Stud
March 13-16
Live Oak International is the largest international-level combined driving and show jumping tournament in the country. The event will welcome leading drivers, riders, trainers, coaches and owners from Europe and North America. Gate opens daily at 8am. The event includes a vendor village. General admission is $15 per person and children under 6 are admitted free. Tickets are available online and at the gate. Proceeds go to selected area charities and nonprofits. For information about VIP opportunities, tailgating and more, go to liveoakinternational.com
SOUTHEASTERN PRO RODEO
Southeastern Livestock Pavilion
March 14 and 15
Two performances will offer competitions in breakaway roping, saddle and bareback bronc riding, tie down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing and bull riding. Gates open at 5:30pm and performances begin at 7:30pm. Learn more at ocalarodeo.com
LEVITT AMP OCALA MUSIC SERIES
Webb Field
March 14 – May 16
The Marion Cultural Alliance, in partnership with the city of Ocala, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission of Marion County and Juneteenth Celebration Commission, will host the 2025 Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series. The free, outdoor concert series will offer 10 weeks of live music. Concerts take place every Friday from 6 to 8 pm. Beginning March 14, the lineup includes Joslyn and the Sweet Compression, Okan, The Mexican Standoff , The Sweet Lillies, The Dollyrots, Larry McCray, BettySoo, Nattali Rize, Larry & Joe and the McCrary Sisters. Each event will feature food trucks, interactive activities and a spotlight on a local nonprofit. Find details at ocalafl.gov
LONGINES LEAGUE OF NATIONS
World Equestrian Center
March 18 – 23
See five-star Jumping during the final week of the 2025 Winter Spectacular Show Series and the Longines League of Nations qualifier on March 22. The world’s 10 best teams compete for more than $1.4 million in awards and prize money. Learn more at wec.net
MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS
Ocala Civic Theatre
March 20 – April 6
In 1934, the famed Orient Express hurtles through wintry western Europe with iconic detective Hercule Poirot among the passengers. The train becomes stuck in a snowdrift and morning reveals an even more chilling discovery: an American tycoon found stabbed to death in his locked compartment. Over two terrifying days, Poirot investigates the eight suspects for this shocking crime, following the tracks of blackmail and revenge to the tragedy of a murdered child. All aboard for Agatha Christie’s classic murder mystery. Get tickets at ocalacivictheatre.com
EVIL WOMEN – THE AMERICAN ELO
Reilly Arts Center
March 30
This multi-media concert celebration of the music of ELO features 12 musicians and the fusion of pop and classical arrangements where cellos co-exist with guitars and classically tinged rock intersects with pop. Mr. Blue Sky, Roll Over Beethoven and Evil Woman are among a list of over 20 instantly recognizable chart-topping hit songs. See more at reillyartscenter.com
KING OF THE WING
Southeastern Livestock Pavilion
March 25
The Marion County Building Industry Association’s annual fundraiser brings together local businesses and organizations for a day of flavorful fun in support of The Arc of Marion. A $25 ticket includes wing samplings and two beverages. Learn more at fb.com/mcbia.kow
PARTY IN PURPLE FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place
March 28
This event is organized by the Marion County Health Department, Marion County Children’s Alliance Family Violence Prevention Workgroup and Fully In Tune Temple, LLC, to help break the silence against domestic violence in the community. It will feature local Zumba, MixxedFit and Dance Fitness licensed and certified Instructors. Free Domestic Violence Awareness t-shirt for registrants while sizes and supplies last. All proceeds raised from ticket sales, vendor and sponsor raffle prizes will be donated to Marion County Domestic Violence Victims and Survivors. Get tickets at eventbrite.com
ODE TO JOY: BEETHOVEN’S NINTH SYMPHONY
Reilly Arts Center
March 30
Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony continues to inspire and move audiences around the world. Under the baton of Maestro Matthew Wardell, the Ocala Symphony Orchestra with the College of Central Florida Patriot Singers and Ocala Symphony Chorus, led by the talented Joshua Mazur, will join forces with four world-class soloists to bring this epic work to life. The symphony culminates with the Ode to Joy, a universal anthem of hope and brotherhood. For details and tickets, go to reillyartscenter.com
FREE FIRST SATURDAY
Appleton Museum of Art
April 5
Every first Saturday of the month offers free admission to the College of Central Florida Appleton Museum of Art. Many times, special guest lectures or other events are part of the day. Guests can explore the permanent collection, special exhibitions and enjoy family-friendly artmaking activities in the Artspace. Free First Saturdays are supported in part by CAMPUS USA Credit Union, Marion Cultural Alliance and National Endowment for the Arts. To learn more, go to appletonmuseum.org
STEELN’ PEACHES: A TRIBUTE TO THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND
Reilly Arts Center
April 18
Celebrate 55 years of the of Allman Brothers Band. This seven-piece ensemble brings the iconic sound into the 21st century. With exceptional talent, dynamic chemistry and a commitment to honoring the Allman Brothers Band’s expansive jams and virtuosic compositions, Steeln’ Peaches delivers an electrifying experience that resonates with audiences old and new. Find out more at reillyartscenter.com
EARTHFEST: CELEBRATE ARBOR DAY
Tuscawilla Park
April 19
This city of Ocala event will include tree giveaways, a youth fishing derby, rock wall and tree climbing, a live butterfly encounter, eco-friendly vendors, yoga in the park, live music and food trucks. Learn more at ocalafl.gov
Ocala Big Bloom Home & Garden Show
World Equestrian Center
April 25-27
One place. One weekend. All your projects solved. The Ocala Big Bloom Home and Garden Show is here to help you turn your home improvement and outdoor projects from fantasy… to reality. Ocala’s largest garden centric show. Learn more at ocalabigbloom.com
