Photo credit: Rachel Laxton
February 1st
68th Annual Florida Artists Group Exhibition | Central Florida Webber Gallery | 10 AM- 4 PM
All month long until March 9th , the Webber Gallery at the College of Central Florida will host the 68th Annual Florida Artists Group Exhibition. The exhibition will feature unique two and three- dimensional works by 73 Florida artists, and will be judged by Brooklyn-based painter Julie Heffernan. It is an extension of The Florida Artists Group, a non-profit organization of professional visual artists dedicated to the cultural development of Florida.
February 2nd
Florida Sheep, Wool, and Herding Dog Festival | Greater Ocala Dog Club
Two days of food, crafts, and everything sheep! The public is invited to enjoy fiber arts workshops, lamb lunches and dinners, lamb cooking classes, dog herding and sheep shows, wool competitions, and so much more. $10 entry fee. Learn more about all of the exciting events offered at this year’s festival.
A two-day showcase of antique, garden, and modern modified tractors and trucks at Ocala’s Southeastern Livestock Pavilion.
First Friday Art Walk | Downtown Ocala | 6 PM-9PM
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.
Classic Albums Live: Creedence Clearwater Revival Chronicle, Vol. 1 | Reilly Arts Center | 7:30 PM-9:30 PM
Experience a note-for-note performance of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s acclaimed album “Chronicle,” followed by renditions of some of the bands greatest hits.
February 3rd
Ocala Downtown Market | Downtown Ocala | 3 PM-7 PM
Come out to enjoy a celebration of local produce, crafts, and food trucks! Just around the corner from the square, the open-air market pavilion hosts a wide variety of local and regional vendors offering unique and quality products.
The Marion Audubon Society will be offering a free nature hike where the public can enjoy beautiful North Central Florida nature, and discover native birds and wildlife.
Join renowned ragtime pianist Terry Waldo for a journey through the birth of American music, and experience the musical genre that gave birth to jazz and swing.
February 6th
HITS Winter Circuit Ocala Winter Classic IV | HITS Post Time Farm
The excitement of the HITS Winter Circuit continues with the Ocala Winter Classic IV! Come experience world-class hunter-jumper sport as only horse country can deliver.
February 8th
Equiventures Winter Series Horse Trials | Florida Horse Park | 8 AM-5 PM
The Winter Series Horse Trials will feature many of the nation’s top eventers in an exciting three-day competition. Don’t miss some of the biggest names in eventing sport!
February 9th
Grand Oaks Classic Pleasure Driving Competition | Grand Oaks Resort and Museum | 8 AM
Don’t miss the final event of the Grand Oaks Winter Horse Festival! Come out for a fun, free day full of pleasure.
A night of Jazz-era drinks and entertainment hosted by the Marion Cultural Alliance, featuring a Widow Jane bourbon tasting and music by Shema Shine.
Come out for a spectacular weekend festival filled with craft vendors, food trucks, kid’s activities, pony rides, and live music! A portion of the Festival proceeds will be donated to Saving Paws & Hooves In Central Florida.
February 10th
2018 Cattle Drive and Cowboy Roundup | Tuscawilla Park | 10 AM-4 PM
This annual festival celebrates the rich history of Central Florida cattle ranching with a cattle drive through historic downtown, an authentic cow camp, food, vendors, and much more.
Come and experience a dynamic tribute to one of the greatest rock bands of all time! The setlist features hits and favorites, as well as deep cuts spanning The Who’s entire career.
February 11th
Bubba Army Winternationals | Bubba Raceway Park | 3 PM-10 PM
The Lucas Oil Winter Nationals, one of the foremost events in motorsports, will include a complete program of: Hot Laps, Time Trials, Heat Races, B-Mains, and a 50-lap, $10,000-to-win main event.
Enjoy an evening of Fitzgerald hits given new life by award-winning Chicago songstress Alexis J. Roston! Includes classics from Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, and more.
February 13th
HITS Winter Circuit Ocala Winter Festival V | HITS Post Time Farm
The HITS $1 Million Grand Prix draws closer with the Ocala Winter Festival. Come out to support your favorite champions!
February 14th
Partners of the Park XC Schooling Show | Florida Horse Park | 9 AM-3 PM
Partners of the Park is a volunteer organization of equestrians and equestrian enthusiasts dedicated to delivering a variety of schooling, dressage, and hunter-jumper shows for riders and spectators alike. Profits go toward building a better horse park for everyone to enjoy.
February 16th
Southeastern Youth Fair | Southeastern Livestock Pavilion
Running through the 23rd, the Southeastern Youth Fair is the premier event for 4-H and FFA students in Marion County, featuring livestock exhibitions and sales of all varieties, art competitions, barbeque contests, and much more. The fair is a non-profit event focused on helping Marion County’s youth learn responsibility and achieve personal development through local agricultural industries. Come out to support our young people and explore Ocala’s agricultural diversity!
This unique three-day driving competition is a pick-a-test, meaning competitors can choose which day to do their dressage test, and which day to do cones. Cones can be done on the same day as dressage, or can be split. Come check out this multi-discipline exhibition!
February 17th
Gypsy Vanner Horse Society | Grand Oaks Resort and Museum
Grand Oaks Resort welcomes the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society for their annual meeting, evaluations, and training seminars. Spectators are welcome to come and view the horses pulling carts and carriages, ridden in the dressage ring as well as over fences and, as western pleasure horses.
February 18th
Silver River Knap-In and Prehistoric Arts Festival | Silver Springs State Park | 9 AM-4 PM
Don’t miss the 2018 Silver River Knap-In and Prehistoric Arts Festival. Expert flint knappers, archaeologists, potters, hide tanners, bow makers and other specialists in prehistoric skills will gather from across the eastern U.S. to demonstrate and sell their arts. Vendors will offer reproduction stone tools, raw stone, flint knapping tools, unique crafts, food and more. There will also be archery and atlatl demonstrations.
Come enjoy local and visiting musicians perform acoustic music in a scenic area near the
springs. Instruments usually include a banjo, guitar, fiddle, upright bass, and accordion. Feel free
to bring your own instrument and join in or just listen and enjoy!
The Ocala Winter Circuit continues as the competition thins and grows more intense. Don’t miss
this exciting world-class equestrian event!
February 21st
Partners of the Park XC Schooling Show | Florida Horse Park | 9 AM-3 PM
Partners of the Park is a volunteer organization of equestrians and equestrian enthusiasts dedicated to delivering a variety of schooling, dressage, and hunter-jumper shows for riders and spectators alike. Profits go toward building a better horse park for everyone to enjoy.
February 23rd
The Petty Hearts: A Tribute to Tom Petty | Reilly Arts Center | 7:30 PM-9:30 PM
An evening with The Petty Hearts celebrating the life and music of Florida native Tom Petty, including all of the hits and even a few deep cuts from his masterful catalog.
February 27th
HITS Winter Circuit Ocala Tournament VII | HITS Post Time Farm
With the $1 Million Grand Prix only a few short weeks away, the HITS Winter Circuit competition is sure to only get more spellbinding.
February 28th
Partners of the Park Jumper Show and Dressage Fix A Test | Florida Horse Park | 8 AM-3 PM
Partners of the Park is a volunteer organization of equestrians and equestrian enthusiasts dedicated to delivering a variety of schooling, dressage, and hunter-jumper shows for riders and spectators alike. Profits go toward building a better horse park for everyone to enjoy.