A guide to our favorite monthly happenings and can’t-miss events
August 4 | Lil’ Leaf Series: Critters & Kids
Sholom Park
Take the kids (ages 4-10) on a wildlife adventure walk in the peaceful setting of Sholom Park. The park hosts a variety of critter species, including owls, hawks, bats, snakes, mice, rabbits, songbirds and even exotic koi in the pond. Children will have the chance to explore and learn about Florida wildlife during this two-hour workshop. $5 per child, registration in advance required. Call Master the Possibilities Education Center at (352) 861-9751 or register online at sholompark.org/events
August 5 | Friday Concerts in the Park
Heritage Park, Williston
Cam Wheaton will play for this party, hosted by the Williston Chamber of Commerce. Wheaton plays solo gigs and with a variety of Florida bands showcasing his rock, grunge and country musical influences. You can bring chairs and a picnic or buy from a local food truck onsite. Free to the public. For more info, visitnaturecoast.com/event
August 5-7 | Pac West Barrel Racing Show
Southeastern Livestock Pavilion
The quickest 20 seconds (or less) in sports! Barrel racing is an exciting rodeo event where horses enter the arena at a full gallop then run a pattern around barrels. Competition is so tight that sometimes winners are determined by thousandths of a second. Free to spectators. For information, check out selp.marionfl.org.
August 6 | Twilight Cruisers of Belleview Car Show
Kent Furniture Center, Belleview
Car enthusiasts can enjoy seeing restored, refurbished and retro cars of all kinds. From muscle cars of the ‘70s to classics of the ‘40s and ‘50s, heat up your summer and rev up those engines. Donations of food for Interfaith Emergency Services are encouraged. For more info, twilightcruisersflorida.com/upcoming-shows
August 6 | Free First Saturday
Appleton Museum
Continuing its tradition on the first Saturday of each month, you can view museum works, regular and special collections, and even create your own art in the museum’s interactive Artspace. Current exhibitions include Invented Observations: Photographs by Steven Benson; Depicting the Dancer: Artworks by Ernst Oppler; and A Strange and Picturesque Country: Etchings by Earl H. Reed. A central garden space that serves as a peaceful respite is available. Big Lee’s BBQ food truck will be onsite 11am-2pm. See appletonmuseum.org for more info.
August 6 | Ocala Polo Club Summer Sunset Games
(also 13, 20 and 27)
Florida Horse Park
The Ocala Polo Club continues its tradition of Summer Sunset matches. When the sun goes down, the breeze kicks in and you’ll be up close to the Sport of Kings. Sidelines tailgating is free and decorating prizes are awarded. This month’s themes are Ponytail Power, Horsepower Cup, Holidays in July and Life’s a Beach Day. Matches often have a charity component. Dogs on leashes are welcome. For more info, ocalapolo.com
August 6 | NAACP Day Meet the Candidates
Webb Field at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex
Hosted by the Marion County NAACP. Meet candidates for August general elections, talk to them about the issues you’re concerned about and enjoy food, entertainment and vendors. For more info, facebook.com/NAACPofMarionCounty
August 8-9 | Auditions: Dracula
Ocala Civic Theatre
Ever dream of sinking your teeth into a role and acting onstage? The Ocala Civic Theatre will hold auditions for the fall performance of Dracula and is looking for six men and women for this play based on Bram Stoker’s classic novel. Newcomers and acting veterans are welcome and scripts may be checked out in prep for auditions. The OCT’s Cue Sheet will detail role requirements and other info. See ocalacivictheatre.com/auditions for more info.
August 10 | Classic Albums Live-Dire Straits
Reilly Arts Center
The Reilly offers up the classic album from this influential British band. Brothers in Arms was released in 1985 and Dire Straits hit it big with their song, Money for Nothing. The combination of the animated video story, Sting’s backing vocals and the catchy tune helped send Dire Straits to the top of the charts. This live performance of the entire album, note for note, will include Brothers in Arms, Walk of Life and all of the album’s songs. Tickets are $20-$55 and available from reillyartscenter.com
August 13 | Fortunate Son, Tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival
Circle Square Cultural Center
Billed as the “World’s Greatest Tribute to CCR,” this show combines the spirit and authenticity of one of America’s best known rock bands, Creedence Clearwater Revival. Mixing rock, country, folk music and blues, singer Brad Ford leads this tribute band through CCR’s big hits. Expect to hear Born on the Bayou, Green River, Lookin’ Out My Back Door, Proud Mary, and, of course, Fortunate Son. Tickets are $28-$31. For more info, see csculturalcenter.com
August 13 | A Brother’s Revival-Allman Brothers Legacy Band
Reilly Arts Center
Band leader David Goldflies toured with the Allman Brothers throughout the U.S. and Europe, fine-tuning the bluesy, Southern rock sound of this unique American band. Expect to hear such Allman classics as Melissa, Ramblin’ Man, Soulshine, Whipping Post and Midnight Rider. Tickets are $20-$50. For more info, see reillyartscenter.com
August 13 | Nolan Hines concert
Morgan’s Music Junction, Summerfield
“Mr. Entertainer” Nolan Hines will perform a variety of songs in this show backed by Music Junction’s house band. Hines, from Gainesville, does a lot of Elvis Presley tunes, covers Frank Sinatra as well and specializes in standards and show tunes. Tickets are $14-$17. See morgansmusicjunction.com for more info.
August 19-20 | Elvis ’56 to Vegas and The Elvis Story
Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale
If rocking with the King is more your kind of swing, then World Champion Elvis tribute artist Cote Deonath will perform. Elvis’ early years from 1956 through his Vegas residency are highlighted the first night and the second evening covers the King’s entire musical life. Tickets are $30-$43; see obopry.com for more info.
August 20 | The Wildflowers
Reilly Arts Center
In this tribute show to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, the Wildflowers play many of the Gainesville boy’s greatest hits. Songs like American Girl, Even the Losers, You Got Lucky, Don’t Come Around Here No More, I Won’t Back Down, Refugee and Free Fallin’ are likely in the set list. The Wildflowers have the look, the sound and the vibe that made Tom Petty an American rock n’ roll icon. Tickets are $20-$55 and available from reillyartscenter.com
August 23 | Growing Orchids
Grumbles House Antiques & Garden Shop, Dunnellon
These exotic and often stunning tropical plants can be surprisingly easy to grow and manage in Florida’s heat and humidity. Their native habitat is similar to ours and most prefer indirect sun and no cold temperatures. Marion County Master Gardener Pat Burns will offers tips for growing these beauties— such as they typically need at least a 20-degree temperature difference between night and day in order to bloom. Free to the public. For more info, check dunnellonfloridaantiques.com/event
August 26 | Friday Foodie Fest
Lake Lillian Park, Belleview
Food trucks, live music, kids’ crafts and activities, face painting and local vendors will be on tap for this summer evening. For more info, see ocalamarion.com or belleviewfl.org
August 26-28 | Ocala Dressage XV
World Equestrian Center
Dressage has historical precedents and in its earliest incarnations was used for training military and warhorses. Today, dressage focuses on spectacular movements and highly trained horses and riders performing elaborate tests of skill and precision. Freestyle tests, moving to music, is one of the most popular parts of the sport, akin to dancing on horseback. In addition to classical music, dressage horses have been known to prance about to Lady Marmalade and Shut Up and Dance. For more info, see worldequestriancenter.com
August 27 | Classic Cruisers Cruise-In Car Show
Six Gun Plaza
For a different kind of horsepower, the Classic Cruisers car club hosts a monthly cruise-in at Six Gun Plaza. Spectators can stroll around show cars from many eras, talk to the owners and enjoy the gleam of polished metal and thoughts of riding the roads of yesteryear in a fabulous car. Sponsors help fund the prize monies that are awarded each show. Six Gun Plaza has lots of food options. Show entries and spectators welcome. Read more on classiccruisersocala.com/
September 2-3 | 40th annual Ocala Shrine Rodeo
Southeastern Livestock Pavilion
Pull on those cowboy boots and come check out all kinds of classic rodeo events, including team roping, steer wrestling, bull riding, barrel racing and bronc riding. Enjoy the sights and sounds of cattle, horses and riders showing off their rodeo skills. Burgers, hot dogs, BBQ and more available onsite, including beer. Tickets are $25 at the gate; free ages 5 and younger. See ocalashrinerodeo.com
