A guide to our favorite monthly happenings and can't miss events.
Ocala NSBA Summer Horse Show Series
World Equestrian Center
August 1-15 | 8am Wednesday-Sunday
WEC hosts 10 weeks of hunter/jumper competitions with a weekly $50,000 Grand Prix on Saturdays. Spectators are welcome. Visit wec.net for more information.
Western Dressage
Florida Horse Park
All day
All horse breeds compete in a variety of Western dressage classes. Visit westerndressageassociation.org for more information.
Quarterly Book Sale
Ocala Public Library
August 6, 12-5:30pm | August 7, 10am-3pm
The Friends of the Ocala Public Library group is holding its first book sale of the year, with hardcover books priced at 50 cents and paperbacks for 25 cents. Proceeds from the sale support library programs. Visit friendsoftheocalalibrary.org for more information.
Creature Feature
Brick City Center for the Arts
August 6-28 | 10am-5pm Tuesday-Friday, 11am-4pm Saturdays
A new exhibit of animal art by Marion Cultural Alliance member artists captures how and why animals—from house pets to mythical creatures—excite the human imagination. The opening reception will be August 6th at 5pm. Visit mcaocala.org for more information.
Steeln’ Peaches
Marion Theatre
8pm
Brought together by the mantra “Music plus friends equals family,” this six-piece band plays tribute to the Allman Brothers Band with flawlessly executed favorites and new interpretations of deep cuts by the founding fathers of Southern rock. Visit mariontheatre.org for tickets.
Marion County Community Cleanup
West State Road 40
9am-12pm
Volunteers are invited to help clean up our community by picking up litter. In addition to bags, gloves and vests, water and snacks will be provided. Visit fb.com/keepmarionbeautiful for more information.
War Horse Warrior Fest
War Horse Harley-Davidson
12pm
This fundraiser for the 50 Legs Foundation, which provides prosthetics for amputees, will include music by The Chad Montana Band, food trucks, a 50/50 raffle, face painting, three-legged races and other family-friendly activities. Visit warhorseharley.com for more information.
North Central Florida Outdoor Expo
World Equestrian Center
9am-3pm
More than 100 vendors plus community organizations will offer products, information and giveaways for outdoorsy, adventure-seeking nature lovers. Free admission with a suggested $1 donation to 10 CAN, the Christian Adventure Network, which serves military and first responder families. Visit 937kcountry.com/events/ncfoutdoorexpo for details.
Southeast Baroque Horse Show
Florida Horse Park
All day
A dressage and working equitation show for all breeds. Visit southeastbaroque.com for more information.
Top of the World: A Carpenters Tribute
Circle Square Cultural Center
7pm
Backed by a seven-piece band of top musicians who recreate Richard Carpenter’s complex musical arrangements, singer Debbie Taylor authentically captures Karen Carpenter’s rangy, melodic vocals on all their greatest hits. Visit csculturalcenter.com for tickets.
She Swims With Alligators
Live Oak Hall
1pm
Brave or crazed? Florida author Diana K. Kanoy lets you decide. In her book, she uses prose, poetry and photography to share true tales of living on a lake. Books will be available for purchase and signing after her talk. Visit masterthepossibilities.org to register.
Ocala Summer Horse Trials
Florida Horse Park
All day
A 3-day competition with dressage, show jumping and eventing. Visit flhorsepark.com for more information.
Elvis Tribute Artist Concerts
Orange Blossom Opry
August 21-22 | 7pm
World champion Elvis tribute artist Cote Deonath performs two themed concerts, Elvis! Movies to 1970 on Friday, followed by A Night With Elvis: Walk in his Shoes on Saturday, both backed by the Double Trouble Show Band. Visit obopry.com for tickets.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Ocala Civic Theatre
August 26-September 19 | 2 & 7:30pm
The Broadway musical adaption of the classic film starring Michael Caine and Steve Martin delivers all the hilarious hijinks and clever capers in a jazzy musical romp along the Riviera. Visit ocalacivictheatre.com for tickets and showtimes.
Summer Dressage Show
World Equestrian Center
August 27-29 | 8am
This dressage competition is open to spectators. Admission and parking are free and leashed dogs are permitted. Visit wec.net for more information.
Partners of the Park Schooling Show
Florida Horse Park
August 28-29 | 8am
Equestrians will compete in dressage, stadium jumping and cross-country events to raise funds for the Florida Horse Park. Visit fb.com/partnersoftheparkpop for more information.
