A guide to our favorite monthly happenings and can’t-miss events
LIBRARY BOOK SALE
Headquarters Library
August 5
The Friends of the Library put on regular book sales to help fund library programs such as the Born to Read books for children, program supplies for various events and producing the WORDS magazine. Admission is free and books for sale include paperbacks, hardbacks and more for very reasonable prices. For more info, friendsoftheocalalibrary.org
FREE FIRST SATURDAY
Appleton Museum of Art
August 5
Admission is free and you’re invited to peruse the regular and special collections, enjoy the grounds and make your own art in Artspace. This month, artist Charles Eady offers a gallery tour, focusing on his exhibit The Unscene South. It features the daily lives of “free Blacks” from the Civil War era. The food truck this month is the Donut Express. Ongoing exhibits include Heroes: Works from the Permanent Collection and Equine Art. Check out appletonmuseum.org for more info.
OCALA POLO CLUB SUMMER SUNSET GAMES
Florida Horse Park
August 5 (also 12, 19 and 26)
As the sun goes down, you’ll be up close to the “Sport of Kings.” Tailgating on the sidelines is free; you can pull up and set up your chairs and snacks. This month’s match themes are Throwback Day, Sportsmanship Cup, Citrus Cup and Super Hero Day. Dogs on leashes are welcome. For more info, ocalapolo.com
DOG DOCK DIVING AUGUST BARN BURNER
Dogwalker Ranch
August 5-6
It’s hot out there, but dogs frolicking in the pool and jumping for targets, what could be more entertaining? This tournament will have a variety of competitions, including Eclipse (air grab) and Velocity (speed swimming). Free for spectators. For competing canines, $20 per round in advance; $25 day of event. See ocaladogranch.com for more info.
SHARON OWENS: BARBRA STREISAND REMEMBERED
Circle Square Cultural Center
August 10
Recreating the look and sound of the iconic songstress, this show covers her early ‘60s hits to more recent offerings. Expect to hear the hits like Memories, Don’t Rain on My Parade and The Way We Were, along with Broadway tunes and more. Tickets are $29-$34. See csculturalcenter.com for more info.
FOREVER EVERLY: THE EVERLY BROTHERS ROCKUMENTARY
Reilly Arts Center
August 11
This blend of movie performances and live music covers the Everly Brothers era that also includes music from Paul Simon, The Beatles and others. Featuring brotherly harmonies, soft rock and ‘60s songs, you can dig out your bell-bottoms, find that leather patchwork vest and be ready to sing and dance along. Tickets are $20-$45. See reillyartscenter.com for more info.
RISING COUNTRY ARTIST CONCERT
Vivid Music Hall, Gainesville
August 11
Ocala’s own Noah Hunton headlines a mix of new country artists, including singer/songwriters Austin Hunter and Jagger Whitaker, and the band Myxed. General admission is $15; a meet and greet package is available for $30. The evening caps off with dancing and more music. For info and tickets, see noahhuntonmusic.org or bit.ly/risingcountry
WATKINS GLEN SUMMER JAM
Reilly Arts Center
August 18
With another nod to the past, this 50th anniversary celebration of the Watkins Glen Summer Jam concerts has live music from Steeln’ Peaches, Uncle John’s Band and Hannah Harber & Thomas Wynn. Musical performances will include nods to the Allman Brothers Band, the Grateful Dead and The Band. Tickets are $25-$55. See reillyartscenter.com for more info.
SALSA NIGHT ON THE SQUARE
Downtown Square
August 19
Slip on your dancing shoes and head to the square for this evening of cha-cha, salsa steps and hot music. Local dance school Baila Caliente puts on this party and offers free salsa lessons and dance how-tos. There will be food trucks and other vendors. See facebook.com/ocalacaliente for more info.
SUZANNE MORGAN TRIBUTE TO LINDA RONSTADT
Morgan’s Music Junction, Summerfield
August 19
This tribute is sure to have smooth tunes and stellar vocals. From her ‘60s hits to her standard covers, Ronstadt’s voice and vibe is recreated in her biggest hits. Tickets available from bit.ly/tribute-ronstadt, $15 in advance; $20 day of show. See morgansmusic.com for more info.
MARION COUNTY CAREERS AND COLLEGE EXPO
College of Central Florida
August 24
If you’re ready to get back to school (or work) students and their families are invited to talk with representatives from an estimated 60 educational institutions, professional and government organizations, and the military. For more information, visit cf.edu.
REAL STORY OF FORT KING
Silver River Museum
August 26
Kathleen Ramirez, city of Ocala outdoor and historical resource coordinator, gives a talk on the importance of Fort King during the Second Seminole War, about the founding of Ocala and Marion County, and the reconstruction of the fort. The talk is free with the $8 per vehicle fee, which includes the museum and exhibits. For more info, ruth.fletcher@floridadep.gov
ATLANTIC CITY BOYS
Circle Square Cultural Center
August 25
With their stellar harmonies and spot-on renditions of songs from the ‘60s and more, expect to hear hits from The Drifters, The Beach Boys, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Tickets are $33-$38. See csculturalcenter.com for tickets and more info.
UPCOMING
OCALA SHRINE RODEO
Southeastern Livestock Pavilion
September 1-2
The tradition continues in the 41st annual event, which raises money for the Shriners Hospitals for Children and local youth organizations. You’ll see bareback bronc riding, barrel racing, bull riding and team roping. The event is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. Tickets are $25 at the gate. Check out ocalashrinerodeo.com for more info.
OCALA COMIC CON
World Equestrian Center, Expo 1
September 16-17
Comic Con returns for its 10th year. With special guests Cameron Monaghan, Sam Witwer, Keith David, Cassady McClincy and Cailey Fleming, the convention spans comics, sci-fi fandom, manga, cosplay, trading cards and more. Weekend passes start at $40 and VIP packages are available. Free for ages 10 and younger with a paying adult. See ocalacomiccon.com for more info.
