A guide to our favorite monthly happenings and can't miss events.
The Boozy Cauldron
Marion Theatre
July 2-3 | 7 & 9pm
This pop-up cocktail experience features beverage arts professor Dolohov Draven leading guests on a magical journey through the tavern’s famous buttered beer and other signature cocktails, along with stories of the ghosts that haunt the establishment. Visit mariontheatre.org for tickets.
Reading with Rangers and Friends
City of Ocala Parks
July 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 | 11am
Each Friday, park rangers, police and fire rescue representatives will host a free children’s storytime in a different Ocala park. For more information, visit ocalafl.org/recpark
Summer Sunset Polo
Florida Horse Park
July 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 | 6pm
Spectators are invited to tailgate and bring chairs and a picnic for a family experience watching equine athletes playing the sport of kings. Visit teamresolutepolo.com for details.
Ocala NSBA Summer Horse Show Series
World Equestrian Center
July 9 – August 15 | 8am Wednesday-Sunday
WEC hosts 10 weeks of hunter/jumper competitions with a weekly $50,000 Grand Prix on Saturdays. Spectators are welcome. For more information, visit wec.net
Cooks and Books
Belleview Public Library
3pm
Author Amy Paige Condon will share A Nervous Man Shouldn’t Be Here in the First Place, her biography of journalist William Calhoun “Bill” Baggs, who reported on historical events from the Cuban Revolution to the Kennedy assassination for the Miami Herald. The paired cooking demonstration from the Fiery Chef will be healthier Arroz Con Pollo. Call (352) 438-2500 to register.
Sunshine State Open Pleasure Show
Florida Horse Park
9am
Youth and adult riders will show off their equestrian skills in this competition featuring both Western and English styles. Spectators are welcome. For more information, visit sunshinestatepleasureshowseries.com
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.
Ageless Adventures
Master the Possibilities
July 12-16 | Times vary
This generation-blending series of workshops, on a wide variety of art, science, history, wellness and entertainment topics, is open to youth participants and a parent or grandparent. Visit masterthepossibilities.org to register.
Art in the Attic
Brick City Center for the Arts
July 17, 11am-4pm | July 20-24, 10am-5pm
For this annual art resale fundraiser, the Marion Cultural Alliance invites the community to donate unwanted art and purchase “previously loved” treasures. A VIP Sip & Shop reception and artist market on Friday, July 16 at 5pm will offer ticket holders early shopping, bubbly and live music. Visit fb.com/mcaocala for details.
Summer Classic
Florida Horse Park
8am
The Florida Quarter Horse Association will host its summer show, featuring youth and adult competitors in pleasure, riding, horsemanship and driving classes. Visit fqha.net for more information.
Music in the Air
Marion Technical Institute Auditorium
July 17, 2pm | July 18, 3pm
The Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band will perform a free, family-friendly concert of musical selections ranging from movie and musical tunes to military band favorites. Visit kingdomofthesunband.org for more information.
Early Settlement and Life in East Marion County
Marion County Museum of History and Archaeology
2pm
Sixth-generation Marion County resident, genealogist and historian Celeste Godwin Viale will present the program, followed by a reception with refreshments. For more information, call the museum at (352) 236-5245.
Partners of the Park Schooling Show
Florida Horse Park
July 24-25 | 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.
Back to School Fest
Paddock Mall
9am-12pm
Students and parents are invited to enjoy live entertainment, crafts and activities. AdventHealth will offer giveaways and health information. Paddock Mall will give away school supplies and backpacks to more than 6,000 Marion County students who must be registered in advance. Visit paddockmall.com for details.
Darryl Worley
Orange Blossom Opry
7pm
Worley is known for such No. 1 country hits as I Miss My Friend, Awful, Beautiful Life and Have You Forgotten. Visit obopry.com for tickets.
