Fun Summer Events in Ocala/Marion County
Summer is time for family, friends and vacation! With activities like swimming in cool, spring-fed lakes, biking and horseback riding under shaded canopies, zip-lining, and so much more, North Central Florida offers plenty of ways for you to enjoy Florida summers.
Here are some fun summer events for you and your family to check out in Ocala/Marion during your vacation this year.
Ocala Summer Series
June 3 - August 9, 2026
Here's an event for horse lovers! The horse show season is no longer limited to the cooler months. With multiple large, climate-controlled, indoor arenas, World Equestrian Center – Ocala is changing the game and hosting equestrian events year-round, rain or shine. The Ocala Summer Series features 10 weeks of elite hunter/jumper competition.
Make the most of your visit to a horse show by dining at a local restaurant, shopping, renting a golf cart to explore the property, and getting a treat at the candy shop!
Summer Kids Film Series
June 3-July 24
Whether the day is a rainy one or you are looking for sun time out of the sun, a movie at the Marion Theatre in downtown Ocala is a great way to unwind with the kids. The Summer Kids Film series runs from June 3 through July 24 and offers select shows at just $5 for children 12 and under! The $5 includes juice, popcorn and fruit snacks.
To see the full list of events, which is updated daily, check out our Events Calendar.
Ocala’s Bull Bash & Country Music Festival
June 20, 2026
Back by popular demand at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, the ultimate mix of heart-pounding professional bull riding and live country music returns to Marion County. Dust off your boots early to catch local opener Noah Hunton when gates open at 4:30 p.m., watch top-tier riders compete at 7:00 p.m., and cap off the night with a full, raucous headlining performance by multi-platinum country icon Gary Allan around 8:40 p.m.
Visit the Ocala Bull Bash event page for more information and tickets.
Annual Father’s Day Kids Fishing Rodeo
June 21, 2026
Looking for the ultimate way to celebrate Dad? From 9 am to 12 pm, cast a line at Tuscawilla Park for the inaugural Father’s Day Kids Fishing Rodeo! Designed for kids ages 6–15, this family event is all about making memories on the water. Beyond learning angling tips from the pros, kids will discover the importance of conservation and protecting our local waterways. The first 100 kids registered score a free fishing pole, a can of worms, and an event T-shirt. Stick around after the big catch—hotdogs and hamburgers will be sizzling on-site for a perfect lakeside lunch.
South Florida Soul Rodeo
June 27, 2026
Experience the thrill of the South Florida Soul Rodeo at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion! This action-packed event brings together top-tier athletes for an evening of professional rodeo competition and high-energy entertainment. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer night with the family while celebrating rodeo culture in the Heart of the Horse Capital of the World®.
Visit the South Florida Soul Rodeo event page for more information and tickets.
Red, White And Oso Blue Concert
June 27 - 28, 2026
Get into the American spirit with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra at the Reilly Arts Center for a night of patriotic marches, music from the film The Patriot and a salute to our troops. The show starts at 3 p.m. For more information and tickets, visit the Reilly Arts Center Event Page.
July 4th + America 250 Events
There are a number of patriotic events leading up to America's 250th Birthday and on July 4 in Ocala/Marion County! For a round up of what do, and a full list of summer patriotic events like firework shows, a parade, concerts, history celebrations and more, visit our America 250 page.
Weekends At The Orange Blossom Opry
After a long day filled with fun in the Florida sun, what sounds more relaxing than kicking back in an air-conditioned room and listening to some good jams? Almost every weekend this summer, the Orange Blossom Opry in Weirsdale is putting on a country concert! For tickets to these events, visit OBOpry.com.
Rock the Country
August 28 - 29, 2026
Prepare to ROCK! This years lineup features timeless rock icons like Brooks N' Dunn, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Jon Pardi and more! Are you ready to embrace the music, the freedom, and the camaraderie? Then join us at Rock The Country 2026. Where the beer flows, the love pours, and the music rains down like a monsoon. With every note that fills the air, every raised glass, and every shout of excitement, we create memories that honor the spirit of We The People. *Artists subject to change
This is an all ages event. For ticketing information click here. Children 2 and under are free.
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