A guide to our favorite monthly happenings and can’t-miss events
Rainbow River Doggy Paddle & Scavenger Hunt
Rainbow Neighborhood Park, Dunnellon
Sept. 1
Got paddles? Got a dog? Then paddle with your dog and cruise the Rainbow River in this fundraising party for the Humane Society of Marion County. Tickets are $30 per person or $50 for a team of two. Check out Facebook.com/HumaneMarion/ for more info.
First Friday Art Walk
Downtown Ocala
Sept. 2
This monthly event runs through May and features artists, entertainers and craftspeople around the downtown square. Free family art activities provided by local arts organizations. You can have a sit-down dinner or purchase food from vendors. Stores are open late for shopping. For more info, ocalafl.org
40th Annual Ocala Shrine Rodeo
Southeastern Livestock Pavilion
Sept. 2-3
Pull on those cowboy boots and fancy shirts and come check out team roping, steer wrestling, bull riding, barrel racing and bronc riding. Burgers, hot dogs, BBQ and other concessions available. Tickets are $25 at the gate; free ages 5 and younger. Go to ocalashrinerodeo.com
Ocala Cars & Coffee
War Horse Harley-Davidson
Sept. 4
Get revved up on a Sunday morning with coffee, live music, vendor booths and dozens of flashy cars. Kids’ activities, face painting and more. Free to spectators. See warhorseharley.com
The Rocket Man Show–Tribute to Elton John
Reilly Arts Center
Sept. 8
Rus Anderson was Elton John’s body double for his Farewell Yellow Brick Road world tour. He gives a flamboyant, energetic performance with stellar vocals and keyboard artistry. The show includes some original costumes. Tickets are $25 to $95; see reillyartscenter.com
Dayve Stewart
NOMA Black Box at the Reilly Arts Center
Sept. 9
Orlando saxophonist Stewart brings his unique blend of smooth jazz, bebop and a variety of hits to this intimate setting. Stewart is known for really engaging an audience and ensuring everyone has a good time. Tickets start at $25; see reillyartscenter.com
Majestic Oaks Ocala Schooling Show
Majestic Oaks Ocala, Reddick
Sept. 10
This beautiful farm hosts schooling shows to help horses and riders prep for eventing competitions, with facilities for dressage, stadium jumping and cross country. Vendors and food trucks onsite. Learn more at majesticoaksocala.com
Meet the Dancers
NOMA Black Box at the Reilly Arts Center
Sept. 16
Join the Dance Alive National Ballet, based in Gainesville, for a special performance and the opportunity to meet the dancers. Tickets are $50 and include hors d’oeuvres. For more info, reillyartscenter.com
An Evening with Judy Collins
Reilly Arts Center
Sept. 17
Now is your chance to see this legendary songstress, who has recently released a new album, Spellbound, featuring her distinctive vocals, lyrical imagery, wordplay and heartfelt personal stories. Tickets are $35-$75. See reillyartscenter.com for more info
Ocala Comic Con
World Equestrian Center
Sept. 17-18
Ocala Comic Con celebrates all things comic books, cosplaying, gaming, creating and panels. The event welcomes actors, creators and directors including Dorian Kingi, Clifford Chapin and Kristen McGuire, along with Ross Marquand from The Walking Dead and Sean Young from Blade Runner. Tickets start at $20 for a single day pass; free for ages 10 and younger. For more info, check out ocalacomiccon.com/
History of Latin American Music
Appleton Museum of Art
Sept. 18
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15th-October 15th), the Appleton offers a presentation from Welson A. Tremura and Grammy-winning José V. Ruiz-Resto that includes musical demonstrations. Free to attend. See appletonmuseum.org
Spoken Word Open Mic
Brick City Center for the Arts
Sept. 20
Spoken Word Artists and the Marion Cultural Alliance invite you to this monthly performance. Poetry, prose and an artistic perspective abound. Free and open to the public. For more info, facebook.com/events/956871828541702/
Lake Lillian Foodie Fest
Lake Lillian Park, Belleview
Sept. 23
Held the fourth Friday of every month, this festival features food trucks, live music, kids’ activities, vendors and artists. For more info, ocalamarion.com/events/friday-foodie-fest-at-lake-lillian-8/
The Music of John Denver
Circle Square Cultural Center
Sept. 30
This tribute to John Denver by Jim Curry highlights the singer-songwriter’s storied hits from the ‘60s and ‘70s. Tickets start at $28; see csculturalcenter.com for more info.
Central Florida Peanut Festival
Heritage Park, Williston
Oct. 1
The 30th annual festival will feature more than 100 purveyors of food, crafts, jewelry and clothing, plus raffles and entertainment. Children’s activities include a petting zoo, bounce houses and mini train ride. Free grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. For more info, check out willistonflchamber.com
