Community connector
FAFO’s annual Symphony Under the Stars fundraiser shows “how powerful the arts can be in bringing people together.”
Fireworks light the sky during the Symphony Under The Stars at the Ocala Golf Club for Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 10, 2026. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2026.
Every Mother’s Day in Ocala, the plush lawns of the Ocala Golf Club are filled with people stepping out for the signature fundraiser for Fine Arts For Ocala and one of the area’s most loved traditions, Symphony Under the Stars.
This year’s soiree, which took place the afternoon and evening of May 10, seemed to be a record setter in terms of how people were posting about it on social media. And it did help that fair skies prevailed, offering a clear view of the colorful bursts of fireworks to close out the event.
The gathering offers local entertainment and a performance by the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, along with vendors, a chance to bring your own picnic and, new this year, the VIP Maestro’s Meal experience and the Overture Oasis experience. Proceeds from Symphony Under the Stars help FAFO to present the Ocala Fine Arts Festival each year in the Fall.
“Our dedicated board members work so hard behind the scenes to make evenings like this possible. In a time when people can often feel disconnected from one another, it is wonderful to see our community come together through music, sharing smiles, conversations and experiences that remind us how powerful the arts can be in bringing people together,” Hutto added.
“We were thrilled to celebrate the 38th annual Symphony Under the Stars and continue a tradition that has become such a cherished Mother’s Day weekend event for our community. As Fine Arts For Ocala also marks its 60th anniversary this year, it was especially meaningful to see thousands gather for an evening of music, family and celebration,” offered Emily Andrews, president of FAFO.
“We were excited to welcome our new emcee, Kevin Christian, whose energy helped make the night even more special, and guests loved kicking off the evening with a fantastic performance from the Becky Baby Band. We’re incredibly grateful to our presenting sponsor, Palm Chevrolet, for more than a decade of generous support, and to Skylighters of Florida for once again delivering a spectacular fireworks finale. Events like this are only possible because of our sponsors, volunteers and community members who continue to support the arts in Ocala,” Andrews added.
To learn more, go to fafo.org
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