A guide to our favorite monthly happenings and can’t-miss events
1 | Greater than 17
College of Central Florida Webber Gallery
October 1-28 | 10am-4pm Monday-Thursday
This exhibition, from the collection of CF Associate Professor Tyrus Clutter, features works by more than 150 artists who were influenced by the techniques of British painter and printmaker Stanley William Hayter, who had a profound impact on 20th-century art, specifically the graphic arts and the Surrealist and Abstract movements. The exhibit will include several events, such as an opening reception on the 1st from 5-7pm. For details, visit cf.edu or call (352) 854-2322, ext. 1664.
2 | Sunshine State Open Pleasure Show
Florida Horse Park
October 2-3 | 9am
Youth and adult riders will show off their equestrian skills in this competition featuring both Western and English styles. Spectators are welcome. Visit sunshinestatepleasureshowseries.com
2 | Cops & Cars
Ocala Police Department
9am
Cars, trucks and motorcycles will compete for prizes and the always-popular SWAT and emergency response vehicles will be on display at this family-friendly event, which will benefit United Way of Marion County. Visit fb.com/ocalapolicedepartment
2 | Cookbook Release Party
Kimberden Farms
12pm
The Humane Society of Marion County is releasing Belly Rub Recipes, a cookbook with recipes and stories about adopted animals. Visit thehsmc.org for more information.
7 | Soundtrack of Your Life
Southeastern Livestock Pavilion
6pm
An evening of live music with dueling pianos Felix And Fingers and a speed painting performance by “Paintman” Dale Henry. The event will benefit Hospice of Marion County. Call (352) 291-5143 for tickets and more information.
9 | Not Fade Away: Rock ‘n’ Roll Reignited
Reilly Arts Center
7:30pm
This young group is taking the country by storm with their amped-up renditions of classic hit songs from early rock ‘n’ roll legends including Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Roy Orbison and many others. Visit reillyartscenter.com for tickets.
9 | Brick City Carnival
Brick City Adventure Park
5-8pm
This popular family event returns with safe trick or treating, costume contests, live entertainment, face painting and carnival games. Call (352) 671-8560 for details.
9 | Heart of the Horse
Appleton Museum of Art
October 9-April 24, 2022 | Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12-5pm
The beauty and complexity of horses is revealed through 40 black-and-white photographs by Juliet van Otteren in the Appleton Museum’s new exhibit. The artist will speak about her inspiration, processes and history in an online talk on November 18 at 7pm. Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.
18 | Easy Posse
Marion Theatre
8pm
This Tampa-based country band has a true appreciation for classic hits by legends such as Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson and Hank Williams Sr. Visit mariontheatre.org for tickets.
23 | Halloween Run 5K and Candy Crawl
Paddock Mall
9am and 5-8pm
Dress up the whole family for a morning 5K with a kids’ fun run, costume contest and live entertainment. Come back in the evening for safe trick or treating. Visit paddockmall.com to register.
24 | STRIDE Dressage Schooling Show
Florida Horse Park
8am
STRIDE is an active riding and driving club for all dressage enthusiasts, beginner to advanced and traditional or Western. Visit stridedressage.org for more information.
27 | Howl-O-Ween Paw-Ty
Southeastern Livestock Pavilion
5-8pm
The third annual event to benefit the Humane Society of Marion County will include a costume contest, trunk or treat for kids, refreshments and games. Visit thehsmc.org for more information.
29 | Horse-O-Ween
Ocala Downtown Market
5-9pm
This free annual event is a great opportunity for the kids to do a little trick-or-treating. Meet and greet different breeds of horses dressed in costume, enjoy a carriage ride and take advantage of a family photo opportunity. Costume contest for children at 6pm, your pets at 6:30pm, and for the horses at 7pm. Visit fb.com/ocaladowntownmarket
30 | Partners of the Park Schooling Show
Florida Horse Park
October 30-31 | 8am
Equestrians will compete in dressage, stadium jumping and cross-country events to raise funds for the Florida Horse Park. Visit fb.com/partnersoftheparkpop
31 | Bark in the Park – A Doggy Expo
Ocala Downtown Market
1-4pm
The Senior Resource Foundation of Ocala will host an array of vendors, food trucks, music and demonstrations. There will be a costume contest for kids and pets. Proceeds will benefit both the local Meals on Wheels program and Marion County Animal Services. Visit fb.com/srfofocala