Labor Day Fun in Ocala/Marion County

Work and school schedules are finally getting back to normal, so naturally, everyone is in need of a long holiday weekend!

From arts, history and music to the rodeo and polo matches, Ocala/Marion County is packed this Labor Day Weekend with plenty of fun things to fill up your free time.

Here is our list of some fun activities to help plan your holiday.

Person riding a bucking horse at the Ocala Shrine Rodeo in Ocala/Marion County FL

The Rodeo

Grab your cowboy hat and boots for a good time at the Annual Ocala Shrine Rodeo. Grab tickets for Friday and Saturday, August 29-30, 2025 at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, which is just a couple miles north of Downtown Ocala. What will you get to see at the rodeo? Exactly what you are probably imagining— barrel racing, bull riding, roping and more!

When: August 29-30, 2025
Where: Southeastern Livestock Pavilion

Labor Day Barrel Blast at WEC

Get ready for a thrilling weekend of youth barrel racing at the World Equestrian Center! The Labor Day Barrel Blast takes place over five action-packed days, from Thursday, August 28 to Monday, September 1. Witness the speed and agility of young equestrian stars as they compete. The excitement kicks off in Arena 5, where these talented riders and their horses will battle it out for the top spot.

When: August 28 - September 1, 2025
Where: World Equestrian Center

Close up of person playing an acoustic guitar in Ocala Marion County FL

Live Music

Music always makes celebration better, and Ocala/Marion County is full of tunes this Labor Day Weekend. For country music fans, Orange Blossom Opry is hosting three country concerts on Friday and Saturday, including two Shania Twain tribute shows. Additionally, there is almost always live music at many of the restaurants in Downtown Ocala as well as on the historic square.

When: August 29 - August 30, 2025
Where: Orange Blossom Opry
DETAILS

couple looking at art on display along sidewalk during the OMC Art Walk in Ocala Marion County fl

First Friday Art Walk

Join the community the following weekend, Friday, September 5 in Downtown Ocala to kick off the FIRST First Friday Art Walk of the season! The art walks fall on the first Friday of each month from September through May, 6-9 pm, and this one will launch the town into the autumn season. The event is free and takes place right on the historic downtown square with live music under the gazebo, family-friendly art activities, dozens of displays by local artists and more. While you are downtown, make sure to stop into the local shops, which extend their hours and grab dinner at one of the many choices in the area.

The next day, just a few blocks south of the square, is the fantastic Ocala Downtown Market which is held every Saturday from 9 am – 2 pm. Shop around the open-air market pavilion with vendors offering everything from fresh produce and locally-made dog treats to unique boho décor and a make your own bouquet flower cart.

When: September 5, 2025
Where: Downtown Ocala
Details

Appleton musum exterior in Ocala/Marion County FL

First Saturday At The Appleton

Continue your enjoyment of art at First Saturday at The Appleton Museum of Art, a tradition opening up the stunning museum for free on the first Saturday of each month. Wander the remarkable permanent collection and check out the current exhibits including a photography exhibit featuring the works of a Ocala-based artist and an exhibit featuring hand-sewn Pinecone Quilts by Florida-based artist Betty Ford-Smith. In addition to the exhibits, the Artspace offers fun, hands-on activities for kids and adults, and the beautiful outdoor grounds features a large scale sculpture that makes for a great photo-op.

When: September 6, 2025
Where: The Appleton Museum of Art
Details

To see all the events going on in the destination, take a look at our full calendar of events.