Ocala Gazette

Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band - Veterans Light the Stars Concert at Veterans Park
2025-11-09 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park, 2601 SE Fort King St, Ocala, FL, 34470, United States
The Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band, under the direction of J. Craig Lilly, presents its annual “Veterans Light the Stars” concert, Sunday, November 9th, 6:30 PM at the Ocala/Marion County Veterans’ Memorial Park. A resounding tribute to our veterans, we invite you to bring your family, friends and lawn chairs for this very special evening of music, fireworks and American spirit. Admission is free! For more information, visit www.kingdomofthesunband.org

Ocali Country Days Festival
2025-11-09 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-08 09:00 - 16:00 | Silver River Museum, 1445 NE 58th Avenue, Ocala, FL, 34470, United States
Ocali Country Days is back this fall. Visitors experience the Florida of yesteryear with Living History exhibits highlighting life during the 1800s. Pioneer cabins, old time skills demonstrations, sugar cane syrup making, blacksmith shop, wood-fired pottery kiln, live music and the Silver River Museum. The festival runs through the weekend of November 8-9 with live music, historic displays, vendors, great food, unique crafts for sale and more! $10 per person with children 5 and under free.
This project is supported in part by Marion Cultural Alliance.
For More Information, call (352) 236-5401 OR Visit https://silverrivermuseum.com/ocali-country-days-festival/

First Friday Art Walk
2025-11-07 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-03 18:00 - 21:00 | Ocala Downtown Square, 1 SE Broadway St, Ocala, FL, 34470, United States
The First Friday Art Walk takes place the first Friday of each month, October through May from 6 to 9 p.m. First Friday Art Walk is a free event located within Ocala’s historic downtown. Event festivities include over 30 artist displays, monthly live entertainment, free family art activities provided by local arts organizations and extended shopping hours. The public is invited to enjoy an evening of art, live performances, and downtown shops and restaurants.

Brick City Cat Hospital Open House
2025-11-01 14:00 - 16:30 | Brick City Animal Hospital, 702 S. Magnolia Ave, Ocala, FL, 34471, United States
OPEN HOUSE: A Lifetime of Care
Brick City Cat Hospital — 702 S. Magnolia Ave, Ocala
Saturday, Nov 1, 2025 • 2:00–4:30 PM
Locally owned & operated • Celebrating 25 Years
What to Expect (Timeline)
2:00–2:15 — Welcome & Check-In → pick up your Station Passport (visit stations to collect raffle tickets)
2:00–4:15 — Stations & Unguided Hospital Tours (drop-in, ~10-min mini-sessions)

Room 1: Kitten Care
Room 2: Behavior (litter box wins, enrichment, scratching)
Room 3: Declawing Awareness (humane alternatives & nail care)
Room 4: Dental Health (home brushing, diets, when COHAT is needed)
Adoption Corner: Sheltering Hands
Planning for the Future: PerpetualCare.org
Unguided hospital tours (treatment areas, lab, dental suite)

Doctor Talks (Lobby — each repeated twice)

2:30 & 3:30 — Feline Nutrition (life-stage diets, weight, picky eaters)
3:00 & 4:00 — Senior Pet Care (comfort, mobility, common conditions)

Food & Raffles

Food platters available in the Staff Lounge (please complete your Station Passport before entering)
Raffle Drawings at 4:30 PM

Why “A Lifetime of Care”?
From first vaccines and behavior foundations to dentistry and senior comfort, our team supports your cat at every life stage.
(352) 732-7877 • brickcitycat.com

Oak Run Community Craft Fair-hosted by your Ambassadors!
2025-11-01 09:00 - 13:00 | Oak Run Community, 6951 SW 115th Street Road, Ocala, FL, 34476, United States
Oak Run Craft Fair – All Are Welcome!
Join us for Oak Run’s signature Craft Fair, where artistry and community come together!
– Featuring crafted goods by our talented 55+ residents
– Enjoy food from Lucky’s Kitchen
– Enter to win exciting raffles and a LOTTO-sized 50/50 drawing
– Take advantage of our convenient Golf Cart Valet Service
– Visitors will receive a Passport to guide their journey through the fair.
Our gates will be open for easy access, with full security monitoring in place.
Whether you’re shopping for seasonal sparkle, supporting local artisans, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, this is a fair you won’t want to miss.

Ocala Arts Festival (FAFO)
2025-10-26 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-10-25 10:00 - 17:00 | Downtown Ocala, S Magnolia Ave, Ocala, FL, 34471, United States
Discover breathtaking works of art at the Ocala arts festival.
October 25 & 26, 2025 – From 10am – 5pm
The annual Ocala Arts Festival celebrates the stunning pieces of talented artists from around the country, showcasing the creations of more than 150 artists. This event is organized by the Fine Arts for Ocala Organization and will be held in downtown Ocala. The festival features an array of art selections, mouthwatering eats, live performances, and more. Whether you’re looking for exciting things to do or seeking new ways to dive into Ocala’s art scene, this event offers unforgettable fun for all festival goers.

Women Empowering Women: Retire Smart
2025-10-23 18:30 - 19:45 | Country Club of Ocala, 6823 SE 12th Circle, Ocala, FL, 34480, United States
Women Empowering Women: Retire Smart
Join us for an evening of light bites, meaningful conversation, and empowering insights designed to help women build a secure, confident retirement.
Learn smart strategies for saving on taxes, creating lifelong income, and protecting your legacy through estate planning.
Whether you’re pre-retirement or already retired, this event is for you! Let’s sharpen each other’s iron and thrive—together.

Coffee with the Conductor
2025-10-15 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-08-13 10:00 - 11:00 | Ocala’s Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave, Ocala, FL, 34471, United States
These free, educational and engaging sessions give audiences the opportunity to learn more about each concert repertoire, the history behind the pieces and composers, and participate in an informal Q&A with Maestro Matt Wardell.
Season Preview with Matt Wardell
Wednesday August 13, 2025 – 10:00 AM at the Marion Theatre
Coffee with the Conductor: Opening Night
Wednesday October 15, 2025 – 10:00 AM at the Marion Theatre
Coffee with the Conductor: Romantic America
Wednesday January 21, 2026 – 10:00 AM at the Marion Theatre
Coffee with the Conductor: To Spring! and the Young Artists Competition
Wednesday March 18, 2026 – 10:00 AM at the Marion Theatre
Coffee with the Conductor: I Got Rhythm and Closing Night!
Wednesday April 8, 2026 – 10:00 AM at the Marion Theatre

Belleview Farmer’s Market at Timberline Farms
2025-10-11 09:00 - 13:00, 2025-10-04 09:00 - 13:00, 2025-09-27 09:00 - 13:00 | Timberline Farm, Timberline Farm 3200 SE 115th St, Belleview, FL, 34420, United States
Belleview Farmer’s Market at Timberline Farm to enjoy Fresh Local Produce, Local Crafts,
Community Artisan Bake Goods & More! Open on Saturdays, 9am-1pm
If you are interested in becoming a vendor apply, click HERE to apply! Locally farmed/handmade produce, foods, crafts, and gifts. Offering to small farms a 10×10 space at the market free of charge to test if they would be a good fit for the Belleview Farmer’s Market at Timberline Farm.

Wear Your Wings 5K Fun Run/Walk
2025-10-11 08:00 - 17:00 | College of Central Florida Dassance Fine Arts Center, 3001 SW College Rd, Ocala, 34474, United States
Come join Marion County Children’s Alliance Family Violence Prevention Work group (FVPW) as they are hosting its annual Wear Your Wings 5K Fun Run/Walk to raise awareness and funds to provide resources, services and temporary shelter for victims and survivors of domestic violence.
Race Information
Date: Saturday October 11, 2025
Location: College of Central Florida Dassance Fine Arts Center Ocala, FL
Race Start: 8:00 AM
Onsite Packet Pickup: Race Day at 6:30 AM & ends 30 minutes before race start
All walkers and runners must register on RunSignUp
All proceeds go to: Marion County Children’s Alliance Family Violence Prevention Workgroup
Sponsorships and Donations accepted
There are no refunds
This family friendly event is perfect for walkers and runners of all ages and fitness levels. Participants can choose to either walk or run at this event and complete a 5K distance (3.1 miles). Individuals, teams, company groups are highly encouraged to participate. This fun run/walk event will start and finish at College of Central Florida Ocala campus. Shirts guaranteed to the first 150 registrants. Medals guaranteed to the first 150 finishers. Awards for top 3 finishers in each age group and overall male/female. Let’s come together as a community and support the FVPW mission to break the silence against Domestic Violence.
Race Highlights

Well organized course through College of Central Florida campus
Official Race shirt for all participants
Unique finisher’s medal
Post-race celebration
Refreshments & snacks
Awards for top finishers

Sponsors
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or donating please call Valerie 352-438-5990

Party in Purple
2025-10-04 10:00 - 12:30 | Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1812 NW 21st Avenue, Ocala, Florida
Let’s come together to Party in Purple to raise awareness and critical funds for victims and survivors of domestic violence.
Proceeds of the dance fitness party will benefit local victims and survivors of domestic violence. To learn more, call the Marion County Children’s Alliance at (352) 438-5990 and find the event on Eventbrite.
Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave., Ocala
10am-12:30pm

Pack Walk
2025-09-28 09:00 - 10:30 | Marion County Animal Services, 5701 SE 66th St., Ocala
Meet dogs from Marion County Animal Services and help support the park. Participants help walk the shelter dogs, interact with them and learn if one might be a good fit for adoption. Park admission is $2 per person. Learn more at animalservices.marionfl.org

Hispanic Heritage Festival
2025-09-27 11:00 - 16:00 | College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Rd, Ocala, FL, 34474, United States
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Hispanic Heritage Festival at the Ewers Century Center on the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road. On Saturday, Sept. 27, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., enjoy a family event with free parking, food trucks, community resources, vendors, live music and more. CF admissions staff will be available to help you submit your CF application for free and answer any questions you have about our programs.
This event is co-hosted by Hispanic Business Council.

7th ANNUAL FALL ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW
2025-09-27 09:00 - 13:00 | Countryside Presbyterian Church of Ocala, 7768 SW Hwy 200, Ocala, FL, 34476, United States
Countryside Presbyterian Church is hosting its 7th Annual Fall Arts & Crafts Show
From 9am–1 pm • 7768 SW Hwy 200 in Ocala
The show features a variety of handmade items from talented local craftsmen and artisans as well as the popular basket raffle and bake sale.
Food and drink will be available at the Country Café.

Zachary Bartholomew: Tribute to Chick Corea
2025-09-26 19:30 - 21:30 | Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala, FL, 34470, United States
Join award-winning pianist Dr. Zachary Bartholomew and his trio, as they deliver an endearing and interactive musical performance remembering jazz icon Armando “Chick” Corea. Renowned pianist-composer and prolific explorer of jazz and classical music, Chick is a DownBeat hall-of-famer, NEA Jazz Master, 27-time Grammy winner, and one of the most creative and prolific musical forces in American music this last century. This dynamic show will feature his musical compositions spanning from the beginning to the end of his career. Additionally, the concert will feature some of Bartholomew’s original music that pays homage to this larger-than-life musical legend who passed away in 2021.
Zachary Bartholomew – piano
Brandon Robertson – bass
Derris Lee – drums

Night of Hope
2025-09-25 17:30 - 20:00 | College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Rd, Ocala, FL, 34474, United States
The annual event honors victims and survivors of domestic violence. There will be dinner, music, giveaways, survivor testimonies and vendors. The keynote speaker will be Melissa Dohme Hill, a survivor and advocate, and executive director of Hands Across the Bay. Free childcare offered for youngsters age 2 and older. For details, call the Marion County Children’s Alliance at (352) 438-5990. For tickets please go to: https://mcchildrensalliance.networkforgood.com/events/88655-night-of-hope-2025

Belleview Farmer's Market at Timberline Farms
2025-09-20 09:00 - 13:00 | Timberline Farm, Timberline Farm 3200 SE 115th St, Belleview, FL, 34420, United States

POW/MIA Recognition Day
2025-09-19 09:00 - 17:00 | Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park, 2601 SE Fort King St, Ocala, FL, 34470, United States
POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed on the third Friday of September, on September 19 this year, to recommit to full accountability to the families of the more than 80,000 veterans captured or still missing from wars that the United States has participated in. According to accounts, during the first ceremony of POW/MIA Day at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., fighter airplanes from the military base in Virginia flew in the ‘missing man formation’ in their honor.

Call (352) 671-8422 to learn more.

Blues in the Box: Matt Schofield
2025-09-16 19:30 - 2025-09-19 21:30 | Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala, FL, 34470, United States
British born and now US-based, Matt Schofield continues to push the frontiers and reshape the boundaries of the British Blues tradition. A multi-award winning guitar virtuoso, singer, songwriter, producer and band leader, after more than 30 years of performing, and 20 years into his solo career, Schofield’s impact as one of the most influential and distinctive guitarists of his generation is unquestionable.
Along with a storied career that has taken him and his band to nearly 30 countries worldwide comes awards, industry and critical acclaim – three time “British Blues Guitarist of the Year”, “British Blues Album of the Year” and the first guitarist inducted into the “British Blues Awards Hall of Fame”. Mojo Magazine “Blues Album of the Year”and Guitar & Bass Magazines “Top Ten British Blues Guitarist of All Time” alongside Eric Clapton and Peter Green.
Schofield’s fluid and melodic playing and iconic tone has inspired legions of guitarists, and a sought after line of signature instruments and equipment including a Two-Rock Matt Schofield amplifier.
What remains ever impressive is Schofield live. From main stages at prestigious festivals such as Montreal and North Sea Jazz, to packed houses in legendary clubs like New York’s Iridium or London’s 100 Club, Schofield’s ability to connect with audiences immediately and profoundly is unforgettable. His authenticity, mastery of guitar, emotive vocals, and improvisational brilliance are brought to life within his innovative original compositions.
A renowned musical educator, in 2018 Matt released “Blues Speak”, his highly acclaimed TrueFire instructional series. As a clinician he has taught from Tokyo to Texas and all points in between.
Matt’s upcoming record reunites him with his original and much loved organ trio line-up, to mark the 20th anniversary of the album and band that launched his solo career.

That’s Entertainment! Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band, Inc.
2025-09-14 15:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-13 14:00 - 17:00 | Marion Technical Institute, 1614 SE Fort King Street, Ocala, FL, 34471, United States
The Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band proudly presents its first concert of the 2025-26 season, “That’s Entertainment!”, Saturday, September 13th at 2pm and Sunday, September 14th at 3pm at the Marion Technical Institute Auditorium, 1614 E. Ft. King Street in Ocala. Music Director J. Craig Lilly will be joined by guest conductor Brian Lackey and vocalists from Once Upon A Party in a program of current and nostalgic favorites. Pre-concert music begins an hour prior featuring the band’s very own KOS Polka Band. All concerts are free, with donations happily accepted. For more information, call 352-390-0491 or visit www.kingdomofthesunband.org.

Free First Saturday
2025-08-02 10:00 - 17:00 | Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL, 34470, United States
Visit the Appleton on August 2 for Free First Saturday! Admission to the museum is free from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Explore the permanent collection, special exhibitions, and enjoy family-friendly artmaking activities in the Artspace.
At 2 p.m. in the auditorium, Dr. David Morton will present “A Motion Picture Paradise! A History of Florida’s Film and Television Industry,” and how Florida became a “third coast” to the American film and television industries over the past 100 years. Free as part of Free First Saturday; no reservation needed to attend.
Cora’s Kitchen food truck will be onsite throughout the day, as will LifeSouth Community Blood Centers.
Saturday hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Unboxed Productions presents Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest”
2025-07-27 16:00 - 18:00, 2025-07-26 16:00 - 18:00 | Online
Unboxed Productions presents the comedy of errors, manners and mores by Oscar Wilde. The play is directed by Jan Thomas, co-founder of UP, an online-only theater company. Actors are directed live with costuming, props and backdrops. Audience and actors meet after the show. Audience members may make a suggested donation and receive a link to the show through UP’s gofundme page. Disarming Love, a nonprofit for children of the incarcerated will be a beneficiary. To learn more, go to unboxedproductions.org or email co-founder Kim Sandstrom at info@unboxedproductions.org.
FREE REGISTRATION: https://zoho.us8.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=5ab8ddbb0ae141d7032c62f49&id=2f00dc4054

Creativity born of chaos
