Spring Events Are Blooming in Ocala/Marion County, Florida

Spring is in the air in Ocala/Marion County, where morning hikes through canopied woods give way to afternoons spent exploring neighboring towns and festivals while evenings are typically filled with live music and unique entertainment.

Whether you are looking for your next great outdoor adventure or after an unforgettable experience surrounded by the area's rich culture, Ocala/Marion County is the perfect destination to enjoy springtime in Florida.

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

March 4, 2023
McPherson Complex
601 SE 25th Ave
Ocala, FL 34470

Experience peak-of-the-season family fun at the Habitat Strawberry Festival, where you’ll find live music, a farmers’ market, a kids zone with zip line, pet parade and much more, including the Miss Strawberry Beauty Pageant. This free event helps raise funds to build homes in the Ocala community and supports Habitat for Humanity’s mission to strengthen local neighborhoods, so not only is it a sweet treat for the whole family, but you’ll also be helping the Ocala/Marion County community by attending. For more information on activities, visit HabitatOcala.org/StrawberryFestival or call 352-351-4663.

FLORIDA SPRINGS FEST

March 4-5, 2023
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Silver Springs State Park
5656 E Silver Springs Blvd
Silver Springs, FL

Experience cultural richness and learn about the significance of springs in Florida at the Florida Springs Fest. This annual festival takes place the first weekend in March at Silver Springs State Park and features family fun with live music, food trucks and fun. Educational sessions from the park rangers will showcase history, science and sustainability.. Admission is just the cost to enter the park, $2 a person! For more information visit the event’s Facebook Page.

SANTOS FAT TIRE FESTIVAL

March 9-12, 2023
3080 SE 80th St
Ocala, FL 34480

Santos Fat Tire Festival will be taking over Santos trails for three days of mountain bike fun. You can camp and ride all weekend with a ticket option that provides meals and entertainment, Epic Ride registration, shirts and more. The vendor village is free to attend and open Friday noon-5 pm, Saturday 10 am-5 pm, and Sunday 10 am-2 pm. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your set of wheels or you’re a thrill-seeker after an off-road adventure, the festival features more than 100 vendors and accommodates all skill levels. Vendors include major bike manufacturers, bike accessory booths, food trucks and more. There is a self-guided 50 mile ride on Saturday and free bike clinics. For more information visit SantosFireTire.com.

MARION COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS' SPRING FESTIVAL

March 11-12, 2023
Southeastern Livestock Pavilion
2232 NE Jacksonville RD
Ocala, FL 34470

Mark your calendars for the biggest plant sale and educational expo in the region! The Spring Festival brings together commercial and educational vendors and representatives from community services. Attendees can find everything they need for gardening and landscaping with vendors selling lots of plants, garden décor and plant-related accessories. Hear from the experts directly during in-garden talks and seminars covering all things plants, from raising your garden and fruit to composting. There is even a Kids Gardening Zone for children to flex their green thumbs.

This year, the festival’s theme will be Florida-Friendly Landscaping (FFL). Learn about creating low-maintenance landscapes that save water and provide habitats for wildlife.

March 11 hours: 8am - 4pm, March 12 hours: 9am - 4pm

Cost: $3 per person (12 and under free) Pay at the gate. Cards accepted, cash preferred.

SOUTHEASTERN PRO RODEO

March 17-18, 2023
7:30 p.m.
Southeastern Livestock Pavilion
2232 NE Jacksonville Rd.
Ocala, Florida 34470

Grab your cowboy boots and get ready for two wild and fun nights at the Rodeo! The action-packed event includes saddle and bareback bronc riding competitions, roping, barrel racing, and steer wrestling and bull riding!

Performances begin at 7:30 p.m., with gates opening at 5:30 p.m.

For tickets and more information about the event, visit OcalaRodeo.com.

RAINBOW SPRINGS ART FESTIVAL

March 18, 2023
9 a.m. - 5p.m.
20804 West Pennsylvania Avenue
Dunnellon, Florida

Located right in downtown Dunnellon, the Rainbow Springs Art Festival is an annual event offering two days full of art, fine crafts, music, food, fun activities and more! Shop for unique items like handmade jewelry, glass art and woodworking. Additionally, festival goers can enjoy a car and truck show. The event is hosted by Rainbow Springs Art and is free to attend!

BRICK CITY BEER AND WINE FESTIVAL

April 8, 2023
Citizens’ Circle
151 SE Osceola Avenue
Ocala, FL 34471

Head to Citizens Circle in Downtown Ocala for an afternoon of live music and drink samplings. The Brick City Beer and Wine Festival is from 2- 6 pm and not only features beer and wine locally and from afar, but also a battle of the bands! Food trucks are also on site in case you get hungry. For more information, visit https://www.brickcitybeerandwinefest.com/.

DUNNELLON BOOMTOWN DAYS FESTIVAL

April 15, 2023
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Corner of Cedar St. and West Pennsylvania Ave.
Dunnellon, FL

Find yourself transported back in time and catch a glimpse of Ocala/Marion County’s mining history at Dunnellon’s Boomtown Days Festival. This annual festival is a springtime tradition in the area, where you’ll find unique opportunities for fun and excitement, including a craft fair, antique car show, food truck competition and the Queen and King of the Rainbow Beauty Pageant. With free admission and more adventures to be had than any previous year, the Boomtown Days Festival is the perfect way to spend time with the family in the April sunshine. For more information on Boomtown Days, call 352-489-2320 or visit the Dunnellon Chamber & Business Association website.

EARTHFEST: CELEBRATE ARBOR DAY

April 22, 2023
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tuscawilla Park
829 NE Sanchez Avenue Ocala, FL 34470

Celebrate the great outdoors at this year’s Earthfest! At this family-friendly event, guests can get close to nature and try tree rappelling, participate in a fishing derby, feed live butterflies and climb the rock wall! Gain an interactive learning experience by meeting local and regional organizations that promote conservation and sustainability. Enjoy live music, food trucks and craft vendors lakeside at our beautiful Tuscawilla Park!

OCALA’S FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK

First Friday of every month through May 2023

6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Downtown Ocala

Whether you are an artist looking for some inspiration or a collector searching out your next purchase, downtown Ocala’s First Friday Art Walk offers an absolutely unique way to experience modern art. During this event, Downtown Ocala’s historic streets are transformed into a one-of-a-kind gallery, featuring talented local artists from the Ocala/Marion county area. The event covers 15 city blocks through the restaurant and business districts, with open-air spaces that host visual and performing artists providing the night’s live entertainment. If you wish to participate, contact the Cultural Arts at artwalk@ocalafl.org or call 352-629-8447.

If you’re looking for even more springtime activities, the calendar at OcalaMarion.com/events features upcoming festivals, events and more, so you’re always connected to all that Ocala/Marion County has to offer.