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.
1. Levitt AMP Music Series
Fridays, April 14 - June 23, 2023
Summer event lineups should always include good music! Levitt AMP returns to Ocala this spring and summer. Beginning April 14, through June 23, 2023, every Friday night (excluding Memorial Day weekend), there will be a free music concert at Webb Field at the Martin Luther King Jr Recreation Complex. These events are family-friendly and held from 7- 9 p.m. Food trucks will be there to provide tasty bites. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and/or blankets. For more information, click here.
2. Festival of Speed & Kentucky Hat Party
May 6, 2023
Taking place on the Kentucky Derby’s biggest race day, Festival of Speed at the World Equestrian Center is bringing horse power to Ocala with exotic, classic and muscle cars. Dress in your best race attire, big hat and all while watching the Kentucky Derby on the jumbotron in the Grand Plaza and enjoy themed cocktails and fine wines. In Expo Centre 2, the lineup of incredible car designs include Porsche, Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Lamborghini, Aston-Martin, McLaren and more. The event is 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Tickets are $20.00 per person. Children 12 and under Free. For more information about the event, click here.
3. Symphony Under the Stars
May 14, 2023
Fine Arts For Ocala is putting on their annual Symphony Under the Stars concert on Mother’s Day! Join the community to celebrate moms at the Ocala Golf Club with music, food, fireworks and more fun. Gates open at 3 p.m., with the first concert beginning at 7 p.m. Admission is free for kids 17 and under. Bring your own chairs and blankets, even your own snack if you like, but there will be food, beer and wine available for purchase. For tickets to this event, click here!
4. WEC Spring Festival
May 13, 2023
Formerly the Blueberry Festival , WEC’s Spring festival is a celebration of spring 8 am – 4 pm! Start off with a Daisy Dash 5K run at the World Equestrian Center. Family-friendly activities include a pancake breakfast, farmer’s market, live music on the plaza, yard games, a kid’s zone. Leashed dogs are even welcome! For more information, click here.
5. Historic Home & Garden Tour
May 13, 2023
The Historic Ocala Preservation Society’s Spring Home & Garden Tour is back! Seven historic homes are available for viewing in Ocala’s downtown Historic Districts. Complimentary drinks will be provided at select locations. Purchase online here & in person at Your Heart's Desire located at 915 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala FL 34470.
This year, guests can purchase separate tickets (in limited quantity) for four one-hour workshops on floral arranging, baking, candle-making, and creating festive charcuterie boards for the spring season. Local vendors will have spring plants, paintings, and gift items for sale at the Bryant House (712 E Fort King Street).
6. SPOOKALA
June 9-11, 2023
Starting Friday, June 9th and through the weekend, have a hair-raising experience at Spookala at WEC! If you are a horror movie fan, there will be a number of celebrities from classic scary movies, vendors, movie props, live music, discussion panels and plenty more spooky activities
7. Ocala Summer Series
June 13 - August 13, 2023
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, the World Equestrian Center – Ocala is changing the game and hosting equestrian events year-round, rain or shine. The Ocala Summer Series features 9 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!
8. 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.
9. Summer Kid's Film Series
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 offers select shows at just $3 for children 12 and under! Adults are only $5. The $3 includes juice, popcorn and fruit snacks.
10. Red, White and OSO Blue
July 2, 2023
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 ReillyArtsCenter.com.
For more 4th of July activities, check out 5 Ways to Spend Your Independence Day Weekend in Ocala/Marion County.
11. North Central Florida Outdoor Expo
August 12, 2023
Outdoor lovers, nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers are all invited to the North Central Florida Outdoor Expo at the World Equestrian Center this summer. Explore hundreds of vendors offering everything you can think out for the outdoors, but in the comfort of a massive air-conditioned expo center! For more information, visit the event’s Facebook Page.
To see the full list of events, which is updated daily, check out our Events Calendar.
