A guide to our favorite monthly happenings and can’t-miss events
ONGOING
AERIAL DREAM VIEWS OF LAND AND SEA
Ocala International Airport
through June 20
Ocala artist Maggie Weakley has a solo show as part of the Art in City Spaces program hosted by the city of Ocala. Paintings in her Water Collection comprise multiple techniques, including use of acrylics, spray paint, glitter, mica powder, plaster and more. “My intention is to remind us of how we feel when we stand by the ocean’s edge,” she shares. Free to the public. For more info, maggieweakley.com
LEVITT AMP OCALA MUSIC SERIES
Webb Field
May 5, 12 & 19
This series of free music concerts is sponsored by the city of Ocala and the Marion Cultural Alliance and spans all genres. Performers this month are: May 5, The Harlem Gospel Travelers; May 12, Shayna Steel (soul); and May 19, The Malpass Brothers (classic country). The events include artist displays, nonprofits and food vendors. For more info, check out facebook.com/levittampocala
FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK
Downtown Ocala
May 5
This event finishes up the monthly art walk season, which will resume in September. Each event includes artists, craftspeople and entertainment. Food is available from downtown eateries and vendors, and stores stay open late for shopping. For more info, ocalafl.org
KENTUCKY DERBY VIEWING PARTY & HAT PARTY
World Equestrian Center/Grand Arena
May 6
The viewing party is free and open to the public, with the “most exciting two minutes in sports” on the Jumbotron. The Hat Party offers chef-attended food stations and tickets start at $225 per person. For more info, worldequestriancenter.com
MAGNOLIA ART XCHANGE ART HEIST
Ocala Union Station
May 6
This fundraiser supports the MAX mission of creating a resource hub for artists, educators and art lovers. Guests can purchase tickets in a prize drawing and those with a winning ticket can select from original artwork by local artists. If someone else chooses the piece you had your eye on, it can be “stolen” for a price. Admission is free. Tickets for the heist game are $25 per person; $50 for three and $100 for seven. For more info, facebook.com/maxocala
8TH ANNUAL GARDEN SHOW AND SPRING FESTIVAL
Cedar Lake Woods and Gardens, Williston
May 6-7
The $10 admission fee includes a self-guided tour of the garden areas at this botanical paradise and you also can check out plant vendors, grab some eats from food trucks and enjoy live music by local musicians. For more info, cedarlakeswoodsandgarden.com
SPRING FESTIVAL, PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND 5K RUN/WALK
World Equestrian Center
May 13
Burn up some calories doing the 5K run/walk, then wolf down some calories at the pancake breakfast. The all-day festival includes a farmer’s market, live music, games, a kids’ zone and more. The 5K and breakfast require tickets; the festival is free and open to the public. See worldequestriancenter.com/events
AN EVENING WITH MACEY MAC
Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale
May 13
The Southern songstress brings her mix of blues, rock and gospel talents to the stage. Often compared with Dolly Parton, Janis Joplin and even Elvis Presley, Mac has been performing since she was 11 years old. Tickets are $25-$50 from obopry.com
OCALA TAYTAY PARTY
Reilly Arts Center Black Box Theatre
May 13
If dancing the night away to Taylor Swift tunes is your style, check out this party with a DJ, raffles of merchandise and signed goodies. This is not a seated event and is recommended for ages 18 and up. Tickets are $20 in advance; $30 day of show. See reillyartscenter.com for info and tickets.
HISTORIC HOME & GARDEN TOUR
Ocala Historic District
May 13
In addition to its annual home and garden tour, the Historic Ocala Preservation Society this year will offer ticketed workshops on floral arranging, candle making and how to create a charcuterie board, all at the Bryant House, along with vendors offering floral arrangements, gift items and more. Food and drinks will be available for purchase at select locations. Tickets are $25 and are available from Your Heart’s Desire Gift Shop or bit.ly/3UlerzG
SYMPHONY UNDER THE STARS
Ocala Golf Club
May 14
This Mother’s Day tradition continues with Fine Arts For Ocala’s annual concert in partnership with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra. Gates open at 3pm with a DJ playing tunes and Left on Broadway takes the stage at 5pm. The concert begins at 7pm and fireworks are planned for about 8:45pm. Bring your own food and drinks, or purchase from food trucks. Chairs, tables and blankets are okay, but no tents, grills or pets. Admission is $20 for adults; free for ages 17 and younger. VIP packages are $80 and include special parking, a cash bar, a catered meal in the dining room and a VIP viewing zone. To buy tickets, go to fafo.org
LEAF SERIES: HEALING VIBRATIONS
Sholom Park
May 19
Guest speakers Donna Davis, RN, and Norma Anderson, LMT, are reiki masters and will demonstrate how sound bathing can calm the nervous system. $5, with advance registration required at
bit.ly/3KJosU8
CAR, TRUCK & MOTORCYLE FESTIVAL
War Horse Harley-Davidson
May 21
This is the third year for the festival and proceeds will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Marion County. The event includes vendors and live music. For more info, facebook.com/warhorseharley
36th annual Sunshine State Mopar Car Show
Florida Horse Park, Ocala
May 26-27
Friday welcome party begins at 5pm; tickets are $25 and include dinner and dancing. Car show registration on Saturday is 8-10am. Herb McCandless car clinic at 11am. Free admission; $10 parking fee. For details, go to floridamoparassociation.com
Coming Up:
STREETLIFE SERENADER, TRIBUTE TO BILLY JOEL
Reilly Arts Center
June 3
Presented by WindFM, this tribute performance will offer Joel’s biggest hits. Tickets are $25-$40 from reillyartscenter.com
