Events – December 04-10 2020
COMMUNITY
Now-1/2
Astronaut Academy
Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave.
Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm
Kids of all ages learn about space travel with hands-on exhibits exploring the space station, Mars rover and rockets. www.mydiscoverycenter.org
Now-12/24
Santa Photos
Paddock Mall, 3100 SW College Rd.
Monday-Saturday 11am-8pm, Sunday 11am-7pm
Socially distanced photos with Santa. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged; visit paddockmall.com for more information.
12/4
Bring the Harvest Home
Downtown Ocala Square
7:30am-1:30pm
Marion County asks the community to donate non-perishable food, hygiene products and baby items for Brother’s Keeper, Interfaith Emergency Services and the Salvation Army. Visit bringtheharvesthome.com for more information.
12/4
Marion Oaks Farmers Market
Marion Oaks Community Center, 294 Marion Oaks Ln.
9am-12pm
Fresh vegetables, artisan food products and handmade crafts.
12/4
Marion County Friday Market
McPherson Government Complex, 601 SE 25th Ave.
9am-2pm
Shop locally fresh fruits and veggies, cinnamon buns, jerky, freeze dried treats, olive oils and seafood.
12/4-5
Christmas Train
Kirby Family Farm, 19630 NE 30th St., Williston
6-10pm
View the farm’s thousands of Christmas lights from a train pulled by a 100-year-old locomotive and ride the 1950 Ferris wheel and Italian carousel. Admission includes a visit with Santa, petting zoo and magic show. Continues select dates through Dec. 27. Visit kirbyfarm.com for more information.
12/4
After Dark in the Park: The Muppet Christmas Carol
Tuscawilla Park
7pm
Ocala Recreation and Parks invites families to bring chairs and a blanket for a free movie. Visit ocalafl.org/holidays for more information.
12/5
Food Drive
Marion County Medical Society, 409 E Fort King St.
9am-12pm
Marion County Medical Society will host a drive-thru food drive to benefit Interfaith Emergency Services. Call (352) 732-8883 for more information.
12/5
Brownwood Farmers Market
2726 Brownwood Blvd., Wildwood
9am-1pm
More than 70 vendors offer fresh produce and crafts. Visit thevillagesentertainment.com for more information.
12/5
Ocala Downtown Market
SE 3rd Street and SE 3rd Avenue
9am-2pm
A variety of vendors offer local fruits and vegetables, meats and seafood, fresh pasta, honey, arts and crafts, rain or shine. Visit ocaladowntownmarket.com for more information.
12/5
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony
Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park, 2601 SE Fort King St.
10am
A remembrance ceremony will commemorate the attack on the Pearl Harbor naval base that led to the U.S. formally entering World War II. The ceremony will also be livestreamed at fb.com/marioncountyfl.
12/5
Tack and Christmas Gift Sale
Horse Protection Farm, 20690 NW 130th Ave., Micanopy
10am-1pm
The Horse Protection Association of Florida hosts a sale of tack, saddles, barn equipment and holiday gifts to help horses rescued from neglect and abandonment. Visit hpaf.org for more information.
12/5
Holiday Stories
Paddock Mall, 3100 SW College Rd.
11am-12:30pm
Children are invited to enjoy holiday stories with the Chick-fil-A Cow, read by special guests from the community and complete with milk, cookies and crafts. Multiple time slots available, each limited to 25 children. Admission benefits the Public Education Foundation of Marion County. Registration is required; visit paddockmall.com for details.
12/5
Dunnellon Christmas Parade
Downtown Dunnellon
5pm
The “Lights, Camera, Action” themed parade begins near Dunnellon Middle School and ends just past Blue Run Park. Attend in person or watch online. Visit dunnellonchamber.com for more information.
12/6
Ocala Cars & Coffee Toy Drive & Escorted Cruise
War Horse Harley-Davidson
7:30am-12pm
Bring a toy and enjoy a police-escorted cruise ending with lunch at Mojo’s to benefit local charities. Visit fb.com/carsandcoffeeocala for more information.
12/6
Toys for Tots Fundraiser
Charlie Horse, 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd.
12-7pm
The annual event includes live music by Rob Burr & Chris McNeil, Landslide and others; food and drink specials; a cornhole tournament and raffles. Follow Charlie Horse Ocala on Facebook for details.
12/8 & 10
Santa on the Square
Ocala Downtown Square
6-8pm
Take your own free, socially distanced photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Tuesdays and Thursdays through Dec. 17. Reservations are required by emailing lartis@ocalafl.org. Visit ocalafl.org/holidays or call (352) 368-5517 for more information.
12/8
Appleton Book Club: Remembering Paradise Park
Appleton Museum – virtual
7pm
The Appleton’s new virtual book club kicks off its first monthly meeting with a discussion of “Remembering Paradise Park: Tourism and Segregation at Silver Springs” by Lu Vickers and Cynthia Wilson-Graham. Everyone is invited and pre-registration is required. Visit appletonmuseum.org for details.
12/9
1 Million Cups Ocala
Power Plant Business Incubator, 405 SE Osceola Ave.
9:30-10:30am
Two local startups present their business idea to an audience of community entrepreneurs. Email ryan@ocalacep.com for more information.
12/9
CF Virtual Open House
College of Central Florida – virtual
10am-4pm
High school seniors and anyone looking to advance their career are invited to Zoom conference and receive assistance with the application process, financial aid, testing, advising and registration. Sessions are 10am-12pm and 2-4pm. Visit cf.edu/openhouse or call (352) 873-5800, ext. 1379 for more information.
12/10
East to the Dawn: the Life of Amelia Earhart
Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th St.
1-2:30pm
Master the Possibilities hosts author Susan Butler, who wrote a biography of the aviatrix. She will present stories about Earhart and her probable end. Visit masterthepossibilities.org for tickets and more information.
ARTS
Now-12/16
Best of the Season
CF Webber Gallery, 3001 SW College Rd.
10am-4pm
The College of Central Florida hosts the Visual Artists’ Society exhibition themed “Your (COVID) Best.” Works by CF students and professional and amateur artists from around the region in mediums including paintings, photographs, jewelry, sculpture and digital media are on display. Open Monday-Thursday. Visit cf.edu for more information.
Now-12/20
A Christmas Carol
Ocala Civic Theatre
2pm & 7:30pm
The timeless holiday story of Scrooge presented in live theater. Performances Thursdays-Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 2 and 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. Visit ocalacivictheatre.com for tickets.
Now-12/20
Playing with the Elements
8th Ave. Gallery, 1531 NE 8th Ave.
6-9pm
Enjoy an opening reception for the exhibition featuring the abstract works of Vandy Shake. Exhibit continues through December 20th by appointment only. Visit fb.com/8thavegallery for details.
Now-1/1
Hinterlands
City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave.
8am-5pm
Artist Megan Welch, a portrait painter and educator who lives in Northeast Florida, has created an exhibition of portraits in oil and graphite that portray the stories of those navigating the temporal nature of life, the unknown and the human condition. Open Monday-Friday. Call (352) 629-8447 for more information.
Now-1/3
The Spaces Between
Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd.
10am-5pm Thursday-Saturday; 12-5pm Sunday
A mixed media exhibition featuring the theatrical landscapes of Christian Duran. Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.
Now-1/3
Mid-Century Tourism on the Silver River
Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd.
10am-5pm Thursday-Saturday; 12-5pm Sunday
An exhibition featuring Bruce Mozert’s iconic Silver Springs photographs plus ephemera from Silver Springs and Paradise Park. Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.
Now-1/3
The Art of Adventure
Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd.
10am-5pm Thursday-Saturday; 12-5pm Sunday
The serigraphs of 1970s artist Clayton Pond highlighting his “Leisure-time Obsessions Series.” Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.
Now-1/15
Florida: Explored
City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Administration, 828 NE Eighth Ave.
9am-5pm
Ocala artist Dan McCarthy’s exhibition includes pieces created during his exploration of Indian Lake State Forest, a hidden gem in Marion County, capturing the mood and feeling of this wild space. Open Monday-Friday. Call (352) 629-8447 for more information.
12/4
First Friday Art Walk
Downtown Ocala
6-9pm
Stroll historic downtown Ocala and explore more than 20 artist displays, free, hands-on, make-and-take family art activities, live music on the square by Becky Sinn and extended shopping hours. Visit ocalafl.org/artwalk or call (352) 629-8447 for more information.
12/4
Winter Concert at the Park
Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park, 2601 SE Fort King St.
6:30pm
Lake Weir High School invites the community to a free concert. Bring your chairs and enjoy music by the school’s marching band, jazz band and pop ensemble. Visit fb.com/fmcvp for more information.
12/4
Explosion of the Flamboyans
Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St.
10am-5pm
A new solo exhibition featuring artwork by Alma Lugo. Opening reception and Marion Cultural Alliance holiday party Dec. 4, 5-6:30pm; exhibit open Tuesday-Saturday through Dec. 30. Visit fb.com/mcaocala for more information.
12/4-6
The Jingle Bell Pop-Up
NOMA Gallery
Friday-Saturday 10am-7pm, Sunday 10am-4pm
An artsy holiday shopping experience featuring one-of-a-kind gifts handmade by six local artists. Visit fb.com/nomaocala for more information.
12/5
A Tribute to Elvis
Ocala Drive-In
5:30-11pm
Elvis tribute artist Ted Torres Martin performs “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and other favorites. Visit ocaladrivein.info for tickets.
12/6
Christmas in the Park
Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park, 2601 SE Fort King St.
3pm
Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band invites the community to a free concert featuring favorite holiday tunes. Visit kingdomofthesunband.com for more information.
12/8
Teaching Tuesday: Winter Paper Quilling
Appleton Museum – virtual
10-10:30am
The Appleton Museum presents a live streaming art project that the whole family can make at home with basic art and craft supplies. Online at fb.com/appletonmuseum.
GOVERNMENT
12/7
Marion County Development Review Committee
Office of the County Engineer, 412 SE 25th Ave.
9am
The DRC votes on waiver requests, drainage/site plans, subdivision master plans, preliminary plats, improvement plans and final plats. Call (352) 671-8686 for more information.
12/7
City of Ocala Planning & Zoning Commission
Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. and virtual
5:30pm
Call (352) 629-8404 for more information. Visit https://zoom.us/j/97314299662 to participate online.
12/8
Marion Oaks MSTU for Recreation Services and Facilities Advisory Board
Marion Oaks Community Center annex, 280 Marion Oaks Ln.
9:30am
Call (352) 438-2828 for more information.
12/8
Marion Oaks MSTU for General Services Advisory Board
Marion Oaks Community Center annex, 280 Marion Oaks Ln.
10:30am
Call (352) 307-1037 for more information.
12/8
Soil and Water Conservation District Board Workshop
Marion County Growth Services, 2710 E. Silver Springs Blvd.
9:30am
For more information, call (352) 438-2475.
12/8
Marion County Hospital District Board and Committees
Hospital District office, 1121 SW First Ave.
12pm
The Hospital District Board of Trustees and Munroe Regional Health System grant, investment and operations committees will meet. Call (352) 622-3662 for more information.
12/8
Marion County License Review Board
Growth Services Training Room, 2710 E. Silver Springs Blvd.
5:30pm
The License Review Board hears and investigate complaints regarding competency of licensed contractors. Call (352) 438-2428 for more information.
12/8
City of Belleview Planning & Zoning Board
City Hall Commission Room, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview
5:30pm
Call (352) 245-7021 for more information.
12/8
City of Dunnellon Historic Preservation Board
Dunnellon City Hall, 20750 River Dr., Dunnellon
5:30pm
Call (352) 465-8500 for more information.
12/8
Silver Springs Shores Tax Advisory Council
Silver Springs Shores Community Center, 590 Silver Rd.
6pm
Call (352) 438-2810 for more information.
12/9
Marion County Code Enforcement Board
Growth Services Training Room, 2710 E. Silver Springs Blvd.
9am
The Code Enforcement Board hears and resolves cases in which there is a code violation dispute. Call (352) 671-8901 for more information.
12/9
Dunnellon City Council Workshop
Dunnellon City Hall, 20750 River Dr., Dunnellon
5:30pm
Call (352) 465-8500 for more information.
12/10
Marion County Development Review Committee Staff Meeting
Office of the County Engineer Bldg 1 Conference Room, 412 SE 25th Ave.
8:30am
Applicants may discuss proposed or current projects with county review staff prior to meeting formally with the Development Review Committee. Call (352) 671-8686 for more information.
ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR
12/4
Becky Sinn
Ocala Downtown Square | 6-9pm
12/4
Giselle Felice & Erik Abernathy
La Cuisine French Restaurant | 6:30-9:30pm
12/4
Chadwick Pierce
The Crazy Cucumber Eatery and Bar | 6:30pm
12/4
Fareeza
The Keep Downtown | 7-10pm
12/4
Tennessee Christmas
Orange Blossom Opry | 7pm
12/5
Tennessee Christmas
Orange Blossom Opry | 2:3pm
12/5
John Johnson
The Crazy Cucumber Eatery and Bar | 6:30pm
12/5
Doug Adams
Hiatus Brewing Company | 6:30pm
12/5
A Quiet Christmas
The Sharon | 7pm
12/5
Tantric
O’Malley’s Alley | 8pm
12/5
J. Lilley
The Corkscrew | 7pm
12/5
Humans in Disguise
Charlie Horse | 7pm
12/6
Jeff Jarrett
War Horse Harley-Davidson | 7:30-11am
12/9
Wynonna Judd & the Big Noise
Reilly Arts Center | 7:30pm
12/10
Jeff Jarrett
Bank Street Patio Bar | 6-10pm
12/10
The Big Bad
Pi on Broadway | 7pm
12/10
Bowzer’s Holiday Rock ‘n’ Roll Party
Circle Square Cultural Center | 7pm
12/10
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Reilly Arts Center | 7:30pm
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