A guide to our favorite monthly happenings and can’t-miss events
4 | Summer Sunset Polo
Florida Horse Park
September 4, 11, 18 & 25 | 6pm
Spectators are invited to tailgate and bring chairs and a picnic for a family experience watching equine athletes playing the sport of kings. Visit teamresolutepolo.com for details.
9 | Summer’s End Horse Show
Southeastern Livestock Pavilion
September 9-12 | 11am Thursday, 10am Friday, 9:30am Saturday, 10am Sunday
This equestrian competition will include Morgan horses, American saddlebreds, dressage, carriage driving, hunter over fences and pony classes. Visit fmha.net for more information.
9 | Forward Momentum – Annual Luncheon
Signature Brands Gymnasium at Dr. HR Harrell Club
11:30am-1pm
Boys & Girls Clubs of Marion County invites the community to celebrate the past year’s accomplishments and preview how they will support local youth in the year to come. RSVP required. Visit fb.com/bgcofmarion or call (352) 690-7545 for more information.
10 | 9/11 Memorial
Ocala/Marion County Veterans
Memorial Park
September 10-19 | 7am-7pm
The traveling 9/11 memorial will be on view at the park September 11-19.
Other special events include:
September 10 | 10am
A motorcycle police escort will accompany the 9/11 traveling memorial wall from War Horse Harley-Davidson to the park.
September 11 | 9am
Opening ceremony for the exhibit.
September 12 | 10am & 3pm
A memorial service will be led by local chaplains at 10am. The Kingdom of the Sun Band will perform at 3pm.
September 19 | 10am & 1pm
A closing memorial service will be conducted by chaplains at 10am. The closing ceremony will take place at 1pm. Call (352) 671-8422 for more information.
11 | Ocala Comic Con
World Equestrian Center
September 11-12 | 10am-6pm
The comic book culture convention will include vendors, guest actors and artists, cosplay and anime. Visit ocalacomiccon.com for tickets and more information.
17 | Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches Fundraiser
War Horse Harley-Davidson
10am-4pm
This event will include a bike wash, live music, food vendors and raffles and a silent auction to benefit the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches. Visit warhorseharley.com for details.
18 | PacWest Barrel Racing
Southeastern Livestock Pavilion
September 18-19 | 9am
In this quick-paced rodeo event, horses and riders attempt to complete a cloverleaf pattern around barrels in the fastest time. Visit pacwestbarrelracing.com for more information.
18 | An Evening with Macey Mac
Orange Blossom Opry
7pm
The local teenage country music sensation and America’s Got Talent contestant will headline, backed by the Orange Blossom Opry Band. Visit obopry.com for tickets.
24 | Art for Animals
Ocala Downtown Market
3-8pm
The fifth annual celebration to benefit the Humane Society of Marion County will feature family-friendly arts and crafts, dog yoga, live music and food vendors. Visit fb.com/humanemarion for more information.
25| NPD Classic Car Show and Beer Fest
Ocala Downtown Square
11am-3pm
National Parts Depot and Ocala Main Street host this free car show featuring family fun, live music and food trucks. For beer fest tickets or to enter a classic car, visit ocalamainstreet.com
29 | The Championship Show
World Equestrian Center Ocala
September 29-October 24 | All day
This equestrian event, offering a $2 million purse, will feature competitions including Western pleasure, barrel racing, cutting, hunter, reining, ranch and youth classes. Visit wec.net for more information.
30 | Night of Hope
College of Central Florida
5:30-8pm
This event, which honors victims and survivors of domestic violence, will include dinner, music, giveaways and vendors. Call (352) 438-5993 or visit breakthesilenceonviolence.org for more information.
11/2 | Hackin’ It For Hospice
Country Club of Ocala
7am-12pm
This four-person charity golf scramble for men and women will include breakfast, lunch, contests, prizes and a silent auction to benefit Hospice of Marion County. Call (352) 421-9292 for more information.