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!

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 four action-packed days, from Thursday, September 3 to Sunday, September 6. 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: September 3-6, 2026
Where: World Equestrian Center
1750 NW 80th Ave Ocala, Florida 34482

From music and markets to the rodeo and barrel races, Ocala/Marion County is packed this Labor Day Weekend with plenty of events to fill up your free time.

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 country concerts on Friday and Saturday, including a performance by Doug Stone. Additionally, there is almost always live music at many of the restaurants in Downtown Ocala as well as on the historic square.

Discover the venues and experiences in Downtown Ocala!

When: September 4-5, 2026
Where: Orange Blossom Opry
16439 SE 138th Terrace Weirsdale, Florida 32195

Ocala Shrine Rodeo

Grab your cowboy hat and boots for a good time at the annual Ocala Shrine Rodeo. Grab tickets for Friday and Saturday, September 4-5, 2026 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: September 4-5, 2026
Where: Southeastern Livestock Pavilion
2228 NE Jacksonville Road Ocala, Florida 34470

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
4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd Ocala, FL 34470

Appleton musum exterior in Ocala/Marion County FL

Summers End Horse Show

Start celebrating the long weekend early at Summers End Horse Show, a free event at the World Equestrian Center, Arena 3. Watch Morgans, Saddlebreds, and Arabians strut their stuff while competing in Saddle Seat, Hunt Seat, Western, Driving, Jumping, and Dressage.

When: September 2-6, 2026
Where: World Equestrian Center
1750 NW 80th Ave Ocala, Florida 34482

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

Girls Night Out

Head a few blocks south of the square to the fantastic Ocala Downtown Market for Girls Night Out. Shop around the open-air market pavilion with Central Florida women-owned businesses offering boutique fashion, handmade jewelry, home décor, sweet treats, and more. There will be a DJ, free photo booth, and food trucks. While you are downtown, make sure to stop into the local shops and grab dinner at one of the many choices in the area.

When: September 5, 2026
Where: Ocala Downtown Market
403 SE Osceola Ave. Ocala, Florida 34471

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