A guide to our favorite monthly happenings and can't miss events.
MTRA 5K Gallop
Virtual
Support the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association (MTRA) by running, cycling, walking, swimming, paddling or galloping your own 5K—anytime between the Kentucky Derby (September 5th) and the Preakness (October 3rd) to help MTRA provide the experience of therapeutic horseback riding and equine assisted learning activities to children and adults with physical, cognitive and emotional challenges. Contact Jenna Rovira at (352) 732-7300 or development@mtraocala.org for more information. www.mtraocala.org
Rockin the Ocala Drive-In
Ocala Drive-In
12-11:30pm
This live music festival offers all-day tailgating and socially distanced fun by the carload with a lineup of favorite local musical acts including Amusia, Arctic Red, Adam Rountree, Chris Ryals band, Ecliff Farrar, Life in Water, Left on Broadway and Friends, Peaches and Karim, Heather Lynne and Jeff and the Jarretts. Details and tickets available at www.eventbrite.com
Florida-Friendly Landscaping
Virtual
10am
Learn the first principle of Florida-Friendly Landscaping—Right Plant, Right Place—with IFAS Marion County Master Gardeners. Registration is required for this free online workshop. https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/marion/
Marion County Heart Walk Festival
Virtual
9am
This year you can heart walk wherever you are to support the American Heart Association. Register online and get more information at www.marionheartwalk.org
Watering Efficiently
Virtual
10am
Learn how over watering harms your lawn and landscape plants with IFAS Marion County Master Gardeners. Registration is required for this free Florida-Friendly Landscaping online workshop. https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/marion/
Fertilizing Responsibly
Virtual
10am
Learn how to appropriately fertilize your lawn and landscape plants with IFAS Marion County Master Gardeners. Registration is required for this free Florida-Friendly Landscaping online workshop. https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/marion/
ARTS
First Friday Art Walk
Downtown Ocala
6-9pm
First Friday Art Walk is back! Stroll Ocala’s historic district to view and shop local art and enjoy live music on the square. For details visit www.ocalafl.org
Pleasures 2.0
Brick City Center for the Arts
5pm | Opening reception: Sept. 4, on display through Sept. 26
Marion Cultural Alliance’s annual art competition and exhibit is back by popular demand. Artists were invited to create works inspired by the simple pleasures we all enjoy. Opening reception is Friday, September 4th, from 5 to 6pm; exhibit continues through September 26th. Masks will be required and social distancing guidelines will be followed. Call (352) 369-1500 or email ashley.justiniano@mcaocala.com for more information. www.mcaocala.org
Labor Day Pops Concert
The Sharon, The Villages
3pm & 7pm
Get tickets for The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra’s season opener before they sell out. www.thesharon.com
The Rocket Man Show
Savannah Center, The Villages
5pm & 8pm
This performer recreates the spectacular 1970s and ‘80s Elton John concerts with spot-on vocals and piano as well as boots, glasses, jumpsuits and a tuxedo all worn by Elton John himself. www.thevillagesentertainment.com
The Who: Who’s Next
Reilly Arts Center
7:30pm
This Classic Albums concert recreates an entire classic The Who album live on stage, note for note, cut for cut. www.reillyartscenter.com
Spike Heels
The Sharon, The Villages
7pm
Preview September 22nd-24th; performances September 25th-Oct. 24th. The Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol opens its fifth season with this hilarious play examining the power dynamic between men and women set in 1990s Boston. www.thesharon.com
Hotel California
Savannah Center, The Villages
5pm & 8pm
The only group ever authorized to perform the Eagles’ catalog of music has been giving audiences the live Eagles experience for more than three decades. www.thevillagesentertainment.com
Pump Boys and Dinettes
Ocala Civic Theatre
7:30pm
This upbeat country musical offers a rollicking good time with the down-home folks at North Carolina’s Double Cupp Diner. Performances continue Thursdays-Sundays through October 25th. www.ocalacivictheatre.com
Deborah
The Sharon (Virtual)
7pm
A staged play reading of the real story of Deborah Sampson, who dressed as a man and fought in the Revolutionary War. www.thesharon.com
Hollywood Nights
Savannah Center, The Villages
5pm & 8pm
This 10-piece tribute band re-creates the live Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band experience. www.thevillagesentertainment.com
COMMUNITY
Farmers Markets
Area farmers markets offer the enjoyable experience of shopping for the freshest produce and unique products from local vendors.
Thursdays, September 3, 10, 17, 24
Circle Square Commons
9am-1pm
At the central hub of On Top of the World, vendors gather under tents on the square with a variety of fresh, seasonal local produce and products.
Fridays, September 4, 11, 18, 25
McPherson Government Complex
9am-2:30pm
“Health happens” at this market on the lawn offering fresh produce, seafood, honey, baked goods and lunch items.
Saturdays, September 5, 12, 19, 26
Ocala Downtown Market
9am-2pm
Rain or shine, a diverse array of farmers, artisans and craftspeople, along with a number of food trucks, gather in the open-air pavilion, all accompanied by live music.
Saturdays, September 5, 12, 19, 26
Brownwood Farmers Market, The Villages
9am-1pm
More than 70 vendors offering fresh produce and crafts.
EVENTS CALENDAR
| Date | Time | Event | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 3, 10, 17, 24 | 7:00 pm | Orange Blossom Opry Showcase | Virtual, www.obopry.com |
| September 4 | 7:00 pm | Jeff Jarrett | Terry's Place |
| September 4, 11, 18, 25 | 7:00 pm | Friday Night Live | Virtual, www.obopry.com |
| September 5 | 7:30pm | Mel Tillis Jr. | Virtual, www.obopry.com |
| September 9 | 5:00 pm | The Big Bad | Bank Street Patio Bar |
| September 10 | 5:00pm | Gilly & the Girl | Bank Street Patio Bar |
| September 11 | 7:00pm | The Big Bad | The Crazy Cucumber |
| September 11 | 8:00 pm | Dueling Pianos | The Lodge, Ocala |
| September 12 | 7:30 pm | Dion Pride | Virtual, www.obopry.com |
| September 18 | 8:00pm | Side Piece | Bank Street Patio Bar |
| September 19 | 7:00 PM | Mike Oregano | Infinite Ale Works |
| September 19 | 7:30pm | Michael Twitty | Virtual, www.obopry.com |
| September 19 | 9:00 pm | Side Piece | Pi On Broadway |
| September 25 | 6:30pm | Gilly & the Girl | La Cuisine |
| September 26 | 6:00pm | The Mudds | Hiatus Brewing Company |
