Holiday Music Brunch Gala

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place 1812 NW 21st Avenue, Ocala, Florida

This holiday lunch is a fundraiser for the Ocala Steel Orchestra and helps celebrate the season with special guest speakers Ruth Ford Reed and Mary Sue Rich. Early bird tickets are $35; after Dec. 11 tickets are $45. Visit ocalasteelorchestra.org/events for more information and tickets.

Dance Alive Nutcracker Ballet

Reilly Arts Center 500 NE 9th St., Ocala, FL, United States

This holiday favorite has three performances by the Dance Alive National Ballet. The classic tale of Clara and the Nutcracker Prince comes to life. Tickets are $10 for students, and $15-$35 for adults. See reillyartscenter.com for more information and tickets.

Marion County Board of County Commissioners Meeting

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala, FL, United States

The commission meets the first and third Tuesday of the month. The zoning portion starts at 2pm. Agendas, minutes and video are available at marionfl.legistar.com/calendar.aspx

Marion County Board of County Commissioners Meeting

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala, FL, United States

The commission meets the first and third Tuesday of the month. The zoning portion starts at 2pm. Agendas, minutes and video are available at marionfl.legistar.com/calendar.aspx

Brown’s Junk in the Trunk

Brown's Country Market 13940 US-301, Oxford, Florida

This monthly yard sale involves dozens of private vendors. Visit brownandbrownfarms.com/attractions/junk-in-the-trunk for more information.

First Saturday Market in the Park

Ernie Mills Park Bostick St, Dunnellon, FL, United States

A variety of vendors set up their booths at Ernie Mills Park. Many Dunnellon stores also offer Saturday Specials. See dunnellonchamber.com/event/first-saturday-market-in-the-park for more information.

Red Sand Project

Ocala Downtown Square 1 SE Broadway St, Ocala, FL, United States

The Marion County Human Trafficking Task Force, in partnership with the Lisa Irwin Legacy for Arts and Culture (LILAC) and Grace Episcopal Church, will host the Red Sand Project, a participatory art project bringing people together to raise awareness about human trafficking. The seams in the sidewalks will be filled with red sand in recognition […]

Compassion Hills United Methodist Church Block Party

Former Druid Hills United Methodist Church site 1712 SE Lake Weir Ave, Ocala, Florida

The church celebrates its opening block party with guest speakers including Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano, Mark Imes, June Edwards, Rondo Fernandez, Kendall Lane, Betti Jefferson and others. A bounce, food trucks, games, face painters and pony rides will be part of the festivities. The church house plans a holistic residential housing program for women and […]

Jubilee Program NAACP

Mount Zion AME Church 623 S Magnolia, Ocala, Florida

The Marion County NAACP hosts Bishop Frank Madison III, who will speak to recognize the signing of the proclamation to end slavery. Donations are welcome. Email marioncountyflnaacp@gmail.com for more information.

Marion County Development Review Committee

Office of the County Engineer 412 SE 25th Ave, Ocala, Florida

The first step for new development projects, the committee reviews and votes on waiver requests to the Land Development Code, major site plans and subdivision plans. The committee meets weekly on Mondays. See marionfl.legistar.com/calendar.aspx for agendas and minutes.

Dunnellon Planning Commission Meeting

City Hall - Dunnellon 20750 River Dr, Dunnellon, Florida

Agendas, minutes and video are available at dunnellon.org/government/agendas-minutes

Online Medicare Classes

Online Online

Topics are: Medicare Basics on Jan. 10 at 2pm; Medicare Part C on Jan. 11 at 10am; and Prescription Drug Coverage on Jan 11 at 12:30 pm. Visit agingresources.org or call (352) 692-5209 to register.

Hunter/Jumper Show Series

World Equestrian Center 1390 NW 80th Ave, Ocala, FL

This winter series continues with a variety of classes for amateurs and professionals. Free and open to the public. For more information, visit worldequestriancenter.com

Houston Keen

The Yellow Pony at The World Equestrian Center 1390 NW 80th Ave, Ocala, FL

Tyke Hike in the Parks

Tuscawilla Park 825 NE Watula Ave., Ocala, FL, United States

The topics and locations vary; this week is all about fish. Designed for kids ages 4 and younger, these hikes enrich and educate children about the environments in our city parks. Visit ocalafl.gov/recpark for details, dates and locations.

OTOW Farmers Market

The Ranch Fitness Center 8385 SW 80th St, Ocala, Florida

Note the new temporary location for this month. Browse local farmers’ goods with fresh seasonal produce as well as baked goods, plants, handmade soaps and more. The market recurs every Thursday. Visit circlesquarecommons.com for more information.

Online Medicare Classes

Online Online

Topics are: Medicare Basics on Jan. 10 at 2pm; Medicare Part C on Jan. 11 at 10am; and Prescription Drug Coverage on Jan 11 at 12:30 pm. Visit agingresources.org or call (352) 692-5209 to register.

Jeff Jarrett

The Yellow Pony at The World Equestrian Center 1390 NW 80th Ave, Ocala, FL

Mike Smithson

Charlie Horse 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL, United States

“A Cracker at the Ritz”

Reilly Arts Center 500 NE 9th St., Ocala, FL, United States

The two-act social satire skewers Florida living when Earlene, a true Florida cracker, rants, raves and sings about living in this crazy state. Tickets are $35. See reillyartscenter.com for more information.

Charity Cox

The Yellow Pony at The World Equestrian Center 1390 NW 80th Ave, Ocala, FL

Kenny & the Heads

Charlie Horse 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL, United States

US Mounted Games Southern Series

Florida Horse Park 11008 South Hwy 475, Ocala, FL, United States

Playing games on horseback is the event, with relay races, pole bending, balloon popping and more. Free to the public. Vendors for food and drink onsite. For more information, visit usmga.us

Prayer Breakfast & Youth Day

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place 1812 NW 21st Avenue, Ocala, Florida

To honor Martin Luther King Jr., a prayer breakfast will begin at 9am, and a ticket is required; free youth activities are slated to start at 1pm. Call Dwanette Dilworth at (352) 207-6036 for more information.

Beginner Bird Walk

Tuscawilla Park 825 NE Watula Ave., Ocala, FL, United States

Join Marion Audubon on a free bird walk. This location is ideal for birders of all levels, especially for beginners and wildlife photographers. Bring binoculars if you have them. RSVP (not required but preferred) at meetu.ps/e/ML67S/zncng/I For more information, visit marionaudubon.org/events

Wreath Laying

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park 500 SW Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Ocala, FL, United States

A wreath-laying ceremony will honor the legacy of Dr. King. The event is free and open to the public.

Prayer Breakfast & Youth Day

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place 1812 NW 21st Avenue, Ocala, Florida

To honor Martin Luther King Jr., a prayer breakfast will begin at 9am, and a ticket is required; free youth activities are slated to start at 1pm. Call Dwanette Dilworth at (352) 207-6036 for more information.

The Grass Roots

Orange Blossom Opry 16439 SE 138th Ter., Weirsdale, Florida

Dive back into the ‘60s. Tickets are $34-$49. Check out obopry.com for more information.

The Mudds

The Yellow Pony at The World Equestrian Center 1390 NW 80th Ave, Ocala, FL

Still Kickin

Charlie Horse 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL, United States

The Grass Roots

Orange Blossom Opry 16439 SE 138th Ter., Weirsdale, Florida

Dive back into the ‘60s. Tickets are $34-$49. Check out obopry.com for more information.

KennaDee

Horse & Hounds 6998 US Hwy 27, Ocala, Florida

The Amazzing Steel Drums

Countryside Presbyterian Church of Ocala 7768 SW Hwy 200, Ocala, FL, United States

A free concert celebrates the new year with the “happiest music on earth.” Love offerings accepted. For more information, call (352) 237-4633.

33rd Annual Young Artist Competition: Honors Recital

Reilly Arts Center 500 NE 9th St., Ocala, FL, United States

The junior division features students who haven’t completed high school; the senior division has artists who have. Instrumental and voice artists will perform, and finalists each receive a $200 cash award. Two winners will go on and perform in March with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra. Tickets are $10 from reillyartscenter.com

Ecumenical Church Service

Fort King Presbyterian Fellowship Hall 13 NE 36th Ave, Ocala, FL, United States

All are welcome at this service to celebrate Dr. King.

Doug Adams & Friends

Charlie Horse 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL, United States

Martin Luther King Day March and Day in the Park

Downtown Ocala Square 1 SE Broadway St, Ocala, FL, United States

Participants will gather at the downtown square and the march will end at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex at 1510 NW 4th St. After the march, there will be a Day in the Park event, featuring food, vendors and entertainment. To learn more, call Kelvin Richardson at (352) 207-9558 or go to www.facebook.com/events/s/marion-countys-dr-martin-luthe/228625070065653/?mibextid=9l3rBW

Martin Luther King Parade

Heritage Park - Williston NW 1st Ave., Williston, Florida

The parade will start at the Heritage Park pavilion adjacent to Williston City Hall and end at Cornelius Williams Park, with other activities. For further information, go to the MLK Celebration-Levy County page at fb.com/groups/335697230479047

Belleview City Commission

City Hall - Belleview 5343 SE Abshier Blvd, Belleview, FL, United States

The commission meets the first and third Tuesday of the month. Agendas, minutes and video are available at belleviewfl.org/200/Agendas-Minutes

Hunter/Jumper Show Series

World Equestrian Center 1390 NW 80th Ave, Ocala, FL

This winter series continues with a variety of classes for amateurs and professionals. Free and open to the public. For more information, visit worldequestriancenter.com

Ocala January Dressage

World Equestrian Center 1390 NW 80th Ave, Ocala, FL

The high-stepping horses hit the arena with multiple levels and classes competing. The event is free to attend. For more information, visit worldequestriancenter.com

Perdue Barrel Race

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion 2232 N Jacksonville Rd, Ocala, FL, United States

This classic rodeo event features barrel racers, racing around three barrels without knocking any of them over. For more information, email mbrandonperdue@gmail.com

Garden Groupies: Camellias

Grumbles House Antiques & Garden Shop 20799 Walnut St, Dunnellon, Florida

Master gardener and camellia grower Sally Layendecker gives growing tips and advice about these hardy plants. The event is free to attend and the garden shop will have camellias for sale. For more information, visit grumbleshouseantiques.com/events

The Spitfire Grill: From Screen to Stage

Ocala's Marion Theatre 50 S Magnolia Ave, Ocala, FL, United States

Thirsty Cobbler, Ivy on the Square, ending at Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala - A VIP reception with a special cocktail, an hors d’oeuvres buffet and then a screening of the award-winning movie “The Spitfire Grill” takes place to honor the Ocala Civic Theatre’s upcoming live stage performances. The play’s cast will be attending […]

Hunter/Jumper Show Series

World Equestrian Center 1390 NW 80th Ave, Ocala, FL

This winter series continues with a variety of classes for amateurs and professionals. Free and open to the public. For more information, visit worldequestriancenter.com

“A Cracker at the Ritz”

Reilly Arts Center 500 NE 9th St., Ocala, FL, United States

The two-act social satire skewers Florida living when Earlene, a true Florida cracker, rants, raves and sings about living in this crazy state. Tickets are $35. See reillyartscenter.com for more information.

World’s Greatest Baby Shower

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place 1812 NW 21st Avenue, Ocala, Florida

Two sessions of the baby shower will offer gifts, attention and education with experts covering everything from pregnancy to how to care for an infant. With games, a scavenger hunt, prizes and more, the event is free to attend and open to expecting parents or those with a child under 12 months. For more information, […]

World’s Greatest Baby Shower

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place 1812 NW 21st Avenue, Ocala, Florida

Two sessions of the baby shower will offer gifts, attention and education with experts covering everything from pregnancy to how to care for an infant. With games, a scavenger hunt, prizes and more, the event is free to attend and open to expecting parents or those with a child under 12 months. For more information, […]

Mid-Florida Tractor Pull

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion 2232 N Jacksonville Rd, Ocala, FL, United States

See the big engines hauling big stuff at this tractor pull. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 7-14; kids under 6 are free. Tickets are sold in person only and are available at K&K Truck and Trailer Parts, 2031 NW 4th Ave.

Marion County Planning & Zoning Meeting

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala, FL, United States

Meets the fourth Monday of the month; agendas, minutes and video available from ocala.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx