A guide to our favorite monthly happenings and can’t-miss events
FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK
Downtown Ocala
Oct. 7
The monthly art walk runs through May and features artists and entertainers. Have dinner at a downtown restaurant or food and snacks from a vendor. Stores are open late for shopping. For more info, ocalafl.org
GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG CLUB OF AMERICA SHOW
World Equestrian Center
Oct. 7-15
Classes and trials include conformation, agility, scent work, herding and obedience. Parking and admission are free. For more info, worldequestriancenter.com
COPS & CARS
Ocala Police Department Headquarters
Oct. 8
Check out classic, modern and muscle cars, along with the police SWAT vehicle. DJ music, vendors and food trucks. Trophies in 24 categories, including Most Likely to Get a Ticket, Best Jeep and Best Classic Ford, Mopar and GM vehicles. Free to spectators. The event benefits United Way of Marion County.
FALL MAKER’S MARKET
Grumbles House Antiques & Garden Shop, Dunnellon
Oct. 8
This fall festival features the artists and craftspeople who off er creations throughout the year in the gift shop. Live music and vendor booths. Free to attend. See dunnellonfloridaantiques.com for more info.
APPLAUD THE ARTS
Reilly Arts Center
Oct. 8
Enjoy tapas, cocktails, art experiences and music as the Marion Cultural Alliance celebrates our area’s artists. Art grant awards will be announced. The event theme is A Whimsical Wonderland. For more info, check out mcaocala.org
MARION COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION CARNIVAL
Southeastern Livestock Pavilion
Oct. 8
This county fall carnival will include bounce houses, food trucks, costume contests, candy treats, giveaways and more. Family-friendly and free to all; call (352) 371-8560 for more info.
CHAMPAGNE DREAMS GALA
CF Vintage Farm Campus
Oct. 14
The Transitions Life Center hosts its annual fundraiser gala, with entertainment from Radlin Rootz, known for their eclectic sound, rich covers and original music. Tickets are $150 and include dinner and dancing. For more info, tlcocala.org
TWO RIVERS MUSIC FESTIVAL & FOOD TRUCK RALLY
East Pennsylvania Avenue, Dunnellon
Oct. 15
Live bands will appear in Ernie Mills Parks. Vendor booths and food trucks will be set up along Bostick Street. For more info, FB.com/tworiversmusicfestivaldunnellon
PHANTASMAGORIA XIII POE, THROUGH THE TALES DARKLY
Reilly Arts Center
Oct. 15
Using music, puppetry, dance and storytelling, this troupe presents Victorian horror with a modern-day celebration of Edgar Allan Poe’s work. The show includes The Raven, The Tell-Tale Heart and Annabel Lee. Tickets are $25; see reillyartscenter.com for more info.
OCALA CARS AND MUSIC SHOW
Tuscawilla Park
Oct. 15
Enjoy food trucks, music by Left on Broad-way, Glass Onion and the Kimber Davis Band, and more. Jenkins Auto Group sponsors this free event. Arts vendors include Magnolia Art Exchange, Ocala Arts Group, NOMA Gallery and the Marion Cultural Alliance. See reillyartscenter.com
BARK IN THE PARK DOGGY EXPO
Ocala Downtown Market
Oct. 16
The Senior Resource Foundation sponsors this event, with costume contests, vendors, food trucks, music and demonstrations. Pets will be available for adoption. Proceeds benefit Marion County Animal Services and Meals on Wheels. Free to all. For more info, see srfofocala.org/events
JUNIOR LEAGUE AUTUMN GIFT MARKET
Southeastern Livestock Pavilion
Oct. 21-22
This event features holiday shopping, food trucks, snacks and drinks, and raffles. Tickets are $15 for the Friday evening opening event; $5 for the Saturday market. For more info, ocala.jl.org
FLORIDA WALKING AND RACKING HORSE SHOW
Florida Horse Park
Oct. 22
Tennessee Walking horses are the stars of this event, showing off their unique running walk and other breed-specific gaits. Classes include Show Pleasure and Trail Pleasure. For more info, flhorsepark.com
OCALA ARTS FESTIVAL
Downtown Ocala
Oct. 22-23
More than 150 artists are expected to show their wares, including featured artist Kwang Cha Brown. The square bandstand will feature a variety of musicians. Food trucks scheduled are Big Lees BBQ, Papa Pineapple, Curbside Cuisine, Kona Ice, Humble-Wood and the Krafty Kettle. Free to attend. For more info, fafo.org/festival
4TH ANNUAL HOWL-OWEEN PAWTY
Southeastern Livestock Pavilion
Oct. 26
Treats, games, kids’ activities, refreshments, vendors and a costume contest are on tap for this Halloween celebration. $5 for adults; free ages 12 and younger. Proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Marion County. For more info, thehsmc.org
SPELLBINDING BEGINNINGS
Reilly Arts Center
Oct. 29-30
The Ocala Symphony Orchestra starts its season with classic performances of music that will chill and thrill you, such as The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Night on Bald Mountain and The Golden Spinning Wheel. Tickets are $15-$40; see reillyartscenter.com for more info.
MARION CIVIC CHORALE CONCERT
St. George Anglican Cathedra
Oct. 30
This show kicks off the new season with patriotic selections to honor the military. Con-certs are free to attend and donations to fund the Grat L. Rosazza music scholarship are welcome. For more info, marionchorale.org
Upcoming:
NEVER GIVE UP ON COUNTRY CONCERT
World Equestrian Center
Dec. 9
This benefit concert for the Travis Mills Foundation, which supports injured veterans and their families, features Colt Ford and Kidd G, with headliner Jimmie Allen. A pre-concert block party with Chris McNeil will have contests, food trucks, a parachute show and more. Tickets are $78-$202. For more info, travismillsfoundation.org
