A guide to our favorite monthly happenings and can’t-miss events
FREE FIRST SATURDAY
Appleton Museum
July 1
Admission is free, and you’re invited to peruse the regular and special collections, enjoy the grounds and make your own art in the Artspace. This month, see free screenings at 11am and 2pm of Creature from the Black Lagoon, partly filmed in Silver Springs. New this month will be Billy’s Cheesesteaks and the Donut Express food trucks. Ongoing exhibits include Eternal Summer and Equine Art. Check out appletonmuseum.org for more info.
OCALA POLO CLUB SUMMER SUNSET GAMES
Florida Horse Park
July 1 (also 8, 15, 22 and 29)
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. Tailgating on the sidelines is free. This month’s match themes are the Independence Cup, Hat Day, Life’s a Beach Day, Holidays in July and the Horsepower Cup. Matches often have a charity component. Dogs on leashes are welcome. For more info, ocalapolo.com
WILDLIFE WEDNESDAYS
Scott Springs Park
July 5 (also 12, 19 and 26)
Park staffers lead these free educational presentations and hikes. Talks are focused on native species. For more info, ocalafl.org
ALL BREED DOG SHOW
World Equestrian Center
July 7-9
The Citrus County Kennel Club’s annual AKC All-Breed Show will feature classes including owner handler, junior handler and Best Puppy in Show. The event is free for spectators. WEC has onsite food and beverage options. See worldequestriancenter.com for more info.
AMERICAN RANCH HORSE ASSOCIATION WORLD SHOW
World Equestrian Center
Through July 8
Ranch horses will showcase their skills and versatility in this championship show with quarter-horse types from all over the United States competing. Classes focus on Western disciplines and include trail, versatility and cattle wrangling, with youth and senior classes, roping, ranchmanship and working cow horse. No charge for spectators. WEC has food and drink options onsite. For more info, worldequestriancenter.com
FLEETWOOD MAX, TRIBUTE TO FLEETWOOD MAC
Reilly Arts Center
July 8
This Tampa-based band covers iconic Mac hits like Rhiannon, Go Your Own Way, and Don’t Stop and includes some of Stevie Nicks’ solo hits. Get out your top hats, chiffon scarves and tall boots, and get ready to rock on. Tickets are $25-$40. See reillyartscenter.com for more info.
SUMMER MUSIC CAMPS
Reilly Arts Center
July 12-14, July 17-21
The three-day music camp is an introduction to band and orchestra instruments. Suitable for grades 3-6, students will have a chance to play each instrument. The five-day camp is for students in grades 6-12 and a studio musician will teach guitar techniques and standard chords. Snacks are included in the $100 tuition. The Community Music Conservatory sponsors these events. Scholarships are available. See reillyartscenter.com for more info and to register.
ART IN THE ATTIC
Brick City Center for the Arts
July 15-22, reception July 14
The Marion Cultural Alliance has collected a variety of art items for this annual sale, which will take place July 15-22. A VIP reception on July 14 lets buyers get in early for a first look and will include bubbly and snacks, live music and some of the artists who created the works. Paintings, prints, drawings, photographs and more will be sold to raise funds for the alliance’s cultural programs. Entry for the sale is free. Online tickets for the reception are $20 for MCA members and $25 for non-members, with admission at the door $25 for all. See mcaocala.org/art-in-the-attic
HOT GUITAR PICKIN’: DARELL MORGAN & JON ROMAN
Morgan’s Music Junction, Summerfield
July 15
Covering a range of genres, from Southern rock to classic and new country, Morgan and Roman will offer a night of tunes to get your toes tapping. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more info, see morgansmusicjunction.com
TOTALLY ‘80s DANCE PARTY WITH THE SPAZMATICS
Circle Square Cultural Center
July 20
With an homage to Devo and other ‘80s neo-electronic bands, this dance party is the place to wear your leg warmers and tease up your hair. The band is high-energy and will take you back to a yesteryear of MTV and Miami Vice fashions. Tickets from $25 are available from csculturalcenter.com
GENTLE CAROUSEL MINIATURE HORSES
Belleview and Sankofa libraries
July 27
The Gentle Carousel miniature therapy horses travel the world bringing joy and inspiration to first responders, victims of trauma and others. Meet a world-famous hero horse during appearances at 10:30am at the Belleview Public Library and 3pm at the Sankofa Public Library inside the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place. See gentlecarouseltherapyhorses.com for more info.
