March 1st
First Friday Art Walk | Downtown Ocala | 6 PM-9 PM
Every year, the First Friday Art Walk occurs from 6 PM-9 PM on the first Friday of every month from September until May. Located within Ocala’s historic downtown, event festivities include over 40 artist’s displays, acoustic entertainment, free family art activities, and extended shopping hours.
March 2nd
3rd Annual Strawberry Jam 5k | McPherson Complex | 8AM – 10AM
Back for our third sweetest race ever!! A deliciously sweet addition to the Annual Habitat Strawberry Festival in Ocala. The Strawberry Jam 5K along with the Habitat Strawberry Festival are fundraisers to raise enough funds to build the 2020 Strawberry House for a low-income family. Habitat for Humanity of Marion County is a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization.
Join us 10am to 4pm at Silver Springs State Park to learn about Florida Springs! History, science, sustainability, fun, music, MERMAIDS, food and friends, all for $2 park admission! Glass bottom boat rides are not included with your park entry.
March 5th
Ocala Winter Finals | HITS Post Time Farm | 8 AM- 5 PM
Week 8 of the 2019 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit featuring Hunter, Jumper, and Equitation classes from Leadline to Grand Prix riders. Sunday admission is $5 for the $50,000 Summit Joint Performance Grand Prix. Free parking. Kids 12 and under are free.
March 7th
Live Oak International Parade of Nations & Breeds | Ocala Downtown Square | 4 PM
Our 3rd Annual Horse Parade on the Ocala Downtown Square will have lots of music, fun, food, family fun and of course, your favorite horses and teams. Photo opportunity with the horses as well.
The nation’s only combined driving and show jumping tournament. Live Oak International brings many of the world’s top equestrian athletes to Ocala for a weekend of exciting sport!
March 9th
Pottery Show & Education Day | Silver River Museum | 9AM – 4PM
Pottery show featuring three artists. Handcrafted pottery for sale. Wood-fired kiln show & tell. Guided Museum tours. Pottery making for kids. Pottery talks by experts. Folk pottery display. Cracker pioneer village tours.
Master Gardeners Spring Festival | Southeastern Livestock Pavillon | March 9th 10th, 8AM – 4PM (SAT) 9AM – 4PM (SUN)
The area’s largest all-in-one plant sale and gardening expo! Visit vendors selling an array of plants, garden décor and plant-related accessories. Attendees can find almost everything they need for gardening and landscaping in one place.
Learn from the experts during in-garden talks and seminars on everything from trees to raised gardens and tropical fruits to composting. Bring the whole family – the Kids Gardening Zone will educate and entertain even the youngest green thumb.
Admission: $2
12 and under FREE
Get more information about the event!
March 11th
FTBOA Horse of the Year Gala Sapphire & Diamonds| Florida Thoroughbred Breeders & Owners’ Association | 5:30 PM
This grand event, the annual Gala honors the champion thoroughbred horses and connections, includes a Florida Thoroughbred Charities fundraiser with silent and live auctions.
March 12th
FAFO Presents Symphony Under the Stars | 3130 East Silver Springs BLVD | Gates open at 4PM
Gates open at 4:00 pm; Opening Act Miranda MADison 5 pm, Concert begins at 7:00 pm, Fireworks approx. 8:45 pm, FREE Kid’s Art Tent sponsored by the Appleton Museum of Art. We will also have Tonya DeRose Face Painter, and a Flower Vendor. The evening will conclude with a spectacular Fireworks Display! Children 17 & Under are FREE & Adults are $20 in advance. Click here for tickets!
What to bring: Picnic related items — Food, water, soft drinks, beer and wine, chairs, tables, blankets, flashlights, etc. OR Don’t bring anything- you can get the food, the drinks and rent the chairs, make it easy for you and your family. No tents, umbrellas or pets.
March 16th
9th Annual St. Paddy’s Day 5K | Downtown Ocala | 8 AM – 11 AM
Join United Way on Saturday, March 16 for the 9th annual St Paddy’s Day 5K Run/Walk in downtown Ocala to benefit the United Way of Marion County’s work in health and wellness. Sign up!
We are proud to be race #8 and the last super race in the Big Hammock Race Series. Learn more and register for the series at www.bighammockraceseries.com.
March 17th
Diamond Rio LIVE! | The Orange Blossom Opry | 2:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Formed in 1989 in Nashville, TN the band consists of Gene Johnson (mandolin, tenor vocals), Jimmy Olander (lead guitar, acoustic guitar, banjo), Brian Prout (drums), Marty Roe (lead vocal), Dan Truman (keyboards), and Dana Williams (bass guitar, baritone vocals).
March 22nd
26th Annual Southeastern Pro Rodeo| Southeastern Livestock Pavilion |March 22 -23, 7:30 PM
Get ready for two jam-packed performances filled with exciting competition in saddle and bareback bronc riding, tie down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing and the always popular and most dangerous eight seconds in any sport, Bull Riding!
FRIDAY is “WRANGLER NATIONAL PATRIOT NIGHT at THE RODEO” recognizing the men and women who have served and are currently serving our Country and First Responders serving our Communities.
SATURDAY is “WRANGLER TOUGH ENOUGH TO WEAR PINK NIGHT at THE RODEO” in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness and in support of the Michelle-O-Gram Foundation. We encourage all to wear pink in support.
The Villages Balloon Festival takes place 22nd to 24th March 2019, featuring competition balloon flights, hot air balloon glows each evening, a carnival, retail vendors, food trucks and so much more!
The event has a per vehicle admission fee, so fill those cars!!
March 24th
Great American $1 Million Grand Prix | HITS Post Time Farm | 1 PM – 4 PM
Join us for the Sixth-Annual Great American $1 Million Grand Prix. Time of event is subject to change. For more information call 352.620.2275 during the Horse Show. General admission is $10, children 12 and under are FREE. Free parking.
March 30th
Marion County 175th Anniversary Celebration | 601 SE 25th AVE | 10 AM – 4 PM
Marion County is excited to celebrate its 175th anniversary in 2019, with a community festival taking place March 30. Organizations that want to participate in telling Marion County’s story in a fun, informative and interactive way are invited to have their own booth at the event.
Join the Junior Leauge of Ocala and Infinite Ale Works for our 4th Pints for Parks.
-Beer Tasting
-Brewery Tours
-Food Trucks
-Raffles
-Cornhole
-Live Entertainment
– & more!!
Proceeds benefit: R.E.A.C.H (JLO’s partnership with Oakcrest Elementary and Marion County Public School) and the Ocala Recreation and Parks department to help send local students to summer camp.