A guide to our favorite monthly happenings and can’t-miss events
FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK
Downtown Ocala
November 3
Downtown is a lovely place to enjoy the monthly Art Walk, which features artists, performers, craftspeople and arts activities. Stroll the square and nearby streets to enjoy live music from the gazebo main stage as well as buskers. Food and drinks will be available from restaurants and vendors, and shops stay open late. Free to attend. For more information, go to ocalafl.gov
OCALA FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL
World Equestrian Center
November 3-5
There will be demonstrations and samples from celebrity chefs such as Lorena Garcia, Timothy Hollingsworth, Rashad Jones and Yohann Le Bescond, along with tasting options from local restaurants, wineries, breweries and distilleries. This year’s charity of choice is the Public Education Foundation of Marion County, which supports youth development in the culinary and hospitality industries. The event is for ages 21 and older. Tickets start at $95 and VIP packages are available, at ocalafoodandwinefest.com
FIRST SATURDAY MARKET IN THE PARK
Downtown Dunnellon and Ernie Mills Park
November 4
Vendors will offer a variety of wares, there will be live entertainment and businesses will have sales and specials. A kids’ playground will keep the tots busy while you browse. Pick up a map and get ready to shop. For more info, dunnellonchamber.com/blog/first-saturday-market-in-the-park
MARION COUNTY CHILI COOK-OFF
Southeastern Livestock Pavilion
November 4
If you like your chili hot—or not—there’s sure to be something here to appeal to your taste buds. The annual event features food, craft beers, vendors, live music, a kids’ play zone, a car show and more. Sample the chili options and vote for your favorite. Awards include Judged Chili, Judged Booth, Morgan von Trapper Spirit Award, People’s Choice Booth and People’s Choice Chili. The car show will award prizes for Pre ‘90s Original, Pre ‘90s Modified, Modern Original, Modern Modified, People’s Choice and Best in Show. The event benefits Cornerstone School. For details, go to marioncountychilicookoff.com
PETTY HEARTS: THE ULTIMATE TOM PETTY EXPERIENCE
Circle Square Cultural Center
November 10
If you like your music with a Southern accent, check out this Florida-based band that has toured nationally to great renown with its tribute show. It’s sure to include classic hits like American Girl, You Got Lucky, Don’t Do Me Like That, Free Fallin’, Here Comes My Girl, Mary Jane’s Last Dance and Breakdown. Tickets are $27-$34. See csculturalcenter.com for more info.
VETERANS LIGHT THE STARS CONCERT
Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park
November 11
The Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band honors veterans again this year with a celebration concert to share the gift of music with veterans and their loved ones. J. Craig Lilly conducts this all-volunteer band in its 12th annual event. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy an evening of music, American spirit and fireworks. For more information, see kingdomofthesunband.org
OCALI COUNTRY DAYS FESTIVAL
Silver River Museum campus (inside Silver Springs State Park)
November 11-12
This event lets you step back in time and learn about homestead skills and the pioneer lifestyle of Old Florida. There will be hands-on craft demonstrations such as old-time cooking, traditional Seminole cooking and arts, building log cabins, spinning, weaving and quilting, and other home crafts, plus information about pioneer cattle and horses. The day includes live music, historic displays and access to the museum, a tram ride through the state park, vendors, food options and more. Tickets are $8 per person; free for ages 5 and younger. For more info, go to bit.ly/ocali-days
GIDDY UP GALA
College of Central Florida Vintage Farm
November 11
The Horse Protection Association of Florida hosts its biggest fundraiser of the year with this evening out, which includes dinner, dessert, open bar and chocolates, plus a kissing booth with mini-equines from the Miracle Minis. Black tie optional; tickets are $150. See hpaf.org/event/gala
HORSE FARMS FOREVER CONSERVATION SUMMIT
Ocala Breeders’ Sales
November 16
The annual summit will feature world-renowned photographer Carlton Ward Jr. talking about his work with the endangered Florida panther, which helped lead to the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act and $800 million in funding to preserve green space throughout the state. Ward will sign copies of his book, Path of the Panther. Mallory Lykes Dimmitt from the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation and Traci Deen from Conservation Florida also will speak. Tickets are $40 and include light fare. See bit.ly/hff_summit_2023 for details.
PERFECT BLACK: EXHIBITION OPENING
College of Central Florida, Webber Gallery
November 17
A reception and awards presentation will showcase Perfect Black: Visual Expression of the Southern, Rural African American Experience. The artworks focus on the artists’ personal experiences and will be judged by Steve Prince, an artist in residence at the Muscarelle Museum of Art at William and Mary University. The exhibition continues through December 7th and is free to view. For more info, see cf.edu/webber
LIGHT UP OCALA
Downtown Square
November 18
This is always a fun annual event that kicks off the holiday season in Marion County. It’s family-friendly and features a Junior Sunshine holiday parade that brings in special guest Santa. There will be dozens of vendors showing off arts, crafts, jewelry, home décor and more. In addition, enjoy food options, live entertainment and a kids’ activity zone. After the sun goes down, the celebration will culminate with the lighting of the Christmas tree and thousands of lights all around the square. Learn more at bit.ly/light-up-ocala
HOT CARS & COOL CATS
Nassiversa Farm, Highway 326
November 18
This fundraiser for the Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary (EARS) in Citra features a car show to benefit the big cats—lions, tigers, leopards, cougars and more—that are cared for by the rescue. The show will have categories for cars, motorcycles and trucks, along with lots of food options, live music, a 50/50 raffle, vendors and more. Free for spectators; car entries are $10. Trophies and prizes will be awarded. To learn more, go to earsinc.net/news-events
OCALA HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW
World Equestrian Center, Expo 1
November 18-19
More than 300 exhibitors and vendors will offer arts and crafts, jewelry, holiday décor, clothing, crafts, ceramics, artwork, glassworks, candles, leather goods, plants and more. Tickets are $7 for general admission; $6 for seniors; free ages 12 and younger. Food and drink options onsite. Free parking. Check out bmgevents.com/ocalacraftshow.html for more info.
GENTIVA OCALA DIWALI CELEBRATION
Citizens’ Circle
November 19
The Indian festival of light, Diwali, hosted by the Strategic Community Alliance, will be celebrated to show happiness, prosperity and the beginning of a new year. The community-wide cross-cultural event will offer a uniquely immersive experience of Indian culture, with opportunities to dance, sample food and learn about Indian history. Attendees can sign up to participate in cultural performances, the Indian Fashion Show, India Trivia Quiz and Saree Experience (saree draping). The event, which runs from 11:30am to 6pm, is open to all. For more information, visit scacommunities.org/events-news-and-activities
UPCOMING
SYMPHONY UNDER THE LIGHTS
Tuscawilla Park
December 1
The Ocala Symphony Orchestra continues its annual tradition of a free holiday concert in the park, surrounded by grandfather oaks and fabulous sculpture pieces. Bring chairs, picnic baskets and hot chocolate for an evening under the stars. The event, which is free to attend, will include a performance by the Ocala Youth Symphony. See reillyartscenter.com for more info.
POPS! GOES THE HOLIDAYS
Reilly Arts Center
December 2 & 3
The Ocala Symphony Orchestra keeps up the spirit with this special concert. Led by Maestro Matthew Wardell, the OSO will branch out with inventive takes on holiday classic songs and symphonies. Tickets are $15-$40; see reillyartscenter.com for more info.
