July 1st
Horsey Yard Sale | Tack Shack of Ocala | 9am – 4pm
Come out and get great deals on all of your equine supply needs. Money donated to reserve vending spots will benefit the Marion County Horse Specialty 4-H club who will be there selling drinks and food for additional fundraising. During the Yard Sale, the Tack Shack of Ocala will be having a large in-store sale as well. Stores are open for shopping 8am – 6pm on Horsey Yard Sale Saturdays and 9am – 4pm on Horsey Yard Sale Sundays!
Join the OSO in a celebration of our country and those who have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice for our freedom. From sea to shining sea, this concert is a stunning salute to the USA. This concert is generously sponsored by HIERS BAXLEY FUNERAL SERVICES.
You’re invited to take part in a park ranger program. Topics vary with each program offering an opportunity to learn something new about Silver Springs State Park and Florida’s unique environment. The Ranger Program is held every Sunday, July 1st through 29th. The program begins at 2 p.m. The program is free with park admission.
July 2nd
Swing Dancing Lessons at Depot Park | Gainesville | 7 – 8 PM
Recurring event happening Mondays July 2nd – 30th. Join the Florida Swing Dancing Club on Mondays to learn swing dancing! No experience and no partner needed, family friendly, bring water and be prepared to have fun! Fee: $5 per person/per class. Depot Park features a Children’s Play Area with a custom splash pad of tumbling waterfalls, water soakers, and ground jets. A water’s edge promenade hosts special events like food truck rallies, art festivals, and musical performances.
July 3rd
University of Florida Bandshell at Flavet Field | Gainesville | 6 – 10 PM
Fanfares and Fireworks is the annual Independence Day celebration. Featuring local and regional bands, music, and the traditional fireworks display, the event draws thousands to the University of Florida bandshell. The fireworks will begin at approximately 9:40 PM
For safety reasons, no dogs, sparklers or alcohol are allowed at the event. Coolers are allowed but may be subject to search by the University of Florida Police Department. Free admission, Event Location: 605 Woodlawn Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611
July 4th
| Golden Ocala Properties | 2:00 PM
The 49th annual God and Country Day festival by the JCI Ocala Jaycees dates back to 1970! Activities begin at 2:00 pm and continue until the fireworks end. Bring the family and enjoy old fashioned children’s games, train rides, inflatable water slide, bounce houses and more. Stay for entertainment, arts and crafts, food vendors and of course fireworks!
$5 Parking fee at the entrance, parking entrances are off of 225A, South of Hwy 27. Festival location: 7340 US-27, Ocala, FL 34482.
The City of Alachua has dubbed its celebration “The Largest Small Town Fireworks Display in America.” The annual event draws more than 30,000 people to Alachua and has great economic impact on businesses in the area. Entertainment to include bounce houses, rock wall climbing, bungee jumps, water slides, spray park and skateboard park located on site. Adults can enjoy several unique vendors, bingo contests, dancing groups and live musical entertainment. Fireworks to start at 9:30 PM.
Free to the public, venue location: 14300 NW 146 Terrace, Alachua, FL, 32615
Family, Fun, Food, Fireworks, & Parades are all on hand as we celebrate Old Glory! The parade begins on Noble Ave. by the High School at 5:00 PM. Immediately following the parade festivities continue in Williston Horseman’s Park located 1 mile south of Williston on Hwy 41. The gates open to the public at 6:00 PM. There is no admission fee and children’s amusement rides and entertainment all evening long are all free. The public is asked for a $2 donation to park. The festival features several food and beverage vendors as well as many other July 4th holiday vendors. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and the whole family for an American Spirit filled evening. Fireworks will be set off at dusk
July 5th
Casual Karaoke at The Boxcar | Depot Park | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Wine and beer bar, covered patio with live music, patio with picnic seating and food truck, event space with private and public events… located in Depot Park. No cover fee, all ages are welcome, happening every Thursday in through July 27th!! Depot Park features a Children’s Play Area with a custom splash pad of tumbling waterfalls, water soakers, and ground jets. A water’s edge promenade hosts special events like food truck rallies, art festivals, and musical performances.
July 6th
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.
Market Hours: Fridays, 3pm-7pm and Saturdays 9am-2pm
12 Angry Men: Live on Stage! | Reilly Arts Center | July 6th – 7th
A 19-year-old man has just stood trial for the fatal stabbing of his father. “He doesn’t stand a chance,” mutters the guard as the 12 jurors are taken into the bleak jury room. It looks like an open-and-shut case—until one of the jurors begins opening the others’ eyes to the facts. Tempers get short, arguments grow heated, and the jurors become 12 angry men. The jurors’ final verdict and how they reach it—intense scenes that will electrify and keep you on the edge of your seat —add up to an experience you’ll be proud to have had! Showtimes: Fri Jul 6, 7:30 PM Sat Jul 7, 3:00 PM
Held at Ocala Wine Experience in Downtown Ocala, your senses will ignite with an intimate evening of Music and Art. Musician Ecliff Farrar will share the behind-the-scenes process of creating original music while performing on an art piece painted by Artist Teddy Sykes. Sykes, an Ocala-based artist, will be painting LIVE throughout the evening. Find more about ticket types. Ages 18+ only. Beer + wine served. Click “Information” for details on ticket levels.
Recurring event every Friday and Saturday from July 6th through the 28th. Head to the center of the park for Chess, Checkers, Jenga, Scrabble, Connect 4 …and maybe even more. If you have a board game, please bring it to play with your friends, or come out and make some new ones. Depot Park features a Children’s Play Area with a custom splash pad of tumbling waterfalls, water soakers, and ground jets. A water’s edge promenade hosts special events like food truck rallies, art festivals, and musical performances.
July 7th
Hunt Country Horse Show | Grand Oaks Resort | July 7th & 8th
Come see hunters & jumpers as they soar over fences and other obstacles! Events from 9 am to 5 pm at the Covered Arena, Front Arena, Fiber Arena & Racetrack Arena. No admission price, spectators welcome! Children’s events at the Front Arena (by the restaurant). Advanced participants at the Covered Arena. Please visit www.horseshowsinthepark.com for more information.
Home base for the Williston Horseman’s Association, the Park hosts family-oriented competitions and events from equestrian events to car exhibitions to dog shows. The WHA is a local non-profit organization whose mission is to support the community and its youth.
Join the Appleton for the annual Museum Day, all ages are welcome to enjoy the permanent collection, special exhibitions and ARTSpace with FREE ADMISSION all day. Featuring “Medieval to Metal: The Art & Evolution Of The Guitar,” plus paintings by Mel Fiorentino, other special exhibitions and art-making demonstrations all for free!
Kanapaha offers a guided tour of the Gardens the first Saturday of every month, starting at 10:00 AM. Regular admission price for non-members and members are admitted free of charge. Kanapaha Botanical Gardens (Gainesville, Florida) is comprised of 24 major collections visually accessible from a 1 ½ mile paved walkway. These include the state’s largest public display of bamboos and the largest herb garden in the Southeast.
Introductory kayak program that provides basic instruction to the inexperienced paddler. Equipment provided. Fee is $15 / person, plus park entry fee. Class meets at 9:30 am on Little Lake Weir. Location: 13275 SE 115th Ave, Ocklawaha, FL Ages: 10 and up
This is an excellent beginner program for participants, ages 8 to adult, who would like to explore an unimproved wild cave. Requires strenuous physical activity that includes climbing, crawling on hands and knees, and belly crawling on rocky surfaces in tight spaces. Participants should wear long pants, sturdy footwear and gloves. Caving gear provided. Fee is $30 / person. Last day for Internet registration: Jul 8, 2018
July 8th
Garden Tour | Silver Springs State Park | 1 PM
Join a park ranger for information about the gardens’ history, learn about the different seasonal flowers and blooms, as well as about pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies. The tour passes through the following gardens: Courtyard Garden, Crossroads Garden, Camellia Garden, Fire & Water Garden, and the tour ends at the Wildflower Garden. After the tour, visitors are free to continue exploring the garden pathways and trails or walk back along the river. The program is free with paid park admission.
July 11th
Florida 4-H State Horse Show | Tampa | July 11 – 14
Approximately 300 4-H’ers from around the state will compete for the opportunity to be one of the 70 Seniors and Intermediates representing Florida at the Southern Regional 4-H Horse Championships. The State 4-H Horse Show will be held at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center at the Florida State Fairgrounds.
July 13th
Jackpot Barrels $500 | Williston Horseman’s Association | 6 PM – 11 PM
Home base for the Williston Horseman’s Association, the Park hosts family-oriented competitions and events from equestrian events to car exhibitions to dog shows. The WHA is a local non-profit organization whose mission is to support the community and its youth. Exhibitions at 6 PM and races happening at 8 PM.
July 14th
El Dorado Estate Open House | 2220 SW 37th St, Ocala, FL 34471 | 10 AM – 2 PM
Join us this Saturday from 10am-2pm and see this Mediterranean-style estate. Tour the 5-bedrooms, 3.5-bathrooms, expansive eat-in gourmet kitchen, inviting fireplace, and executive office with custom built-ins and bar.
Well appointed with custom upgrades, including tray ceilings with ambient lighting throughout formal living and dining areas. El Dorado Estate is perfect for entertaining indoors and out near the lagoon-style pool with infinity spa and outdoor summer kitchen. On nearly 2 acres, this home greets you with a large circular driveway, detached 3-car garage and impressive entryway. Centrally located in Ocala near the Paddock Mall shopping area, Downtown Ocala, and nestled between World Equestrian Center and Florida Horse Park.
For more information contact Cindy Wojciechowski Realtor at 352.843.2431
The Sparr UMC Horse Show has been a vital part of the equestrian community for many years. With its deeply rooted community involvement, they strive to give both the new and the experienced an opportunity to show in a small venue with a warm family friendly environment while providing a safe environment for families to compete, learn and demonstrate horsemanship and sportsmanship. This is a recurring event free to spectators, happening every second Saturday of the month (except for December) at 9:00 AM.
You’re invited to watch canvases come to life as artists with Ocala Plein Air capture the beauty of Silver Springs State Park. Enter through the main entrance to discover art created in real time of the beautiful Silver Springs State Park. The event is free with paid park admission.
July 15th
Pickin’ in the Park | Silver Springs State Park | 1 – 2 PM
Enjoy local and visiting musicians perform acoustic music in a scenic area near the springs. You never know what you’ll discover from banjo, guitar and fiddle to and upright bass and accordion. You’re invited to bring your own instrument or just listen and enjoy. This event is free with paid park admission.
July 19th
2018 UF Livestock Judging Camp | Gainesville | Jul 19 – Jul 21
Welcoming Livestock Judges of all levels and experience, attend one on one workshops. The goal of this event is to prepare students for the Florida State Livestock Judging Contest and the National 4-H and FFA Livestock Judging Contest. All Proceeds Benefit the University of Florida Meat and Livestock Judging Teams. Check the event page for the full event lineup. Check the event page for boarding info.
July 21st
Florida Horse Park Luxe Lounge | Florida Horse Park | 9 AM
Showcase Properties of Central Florida invites you to Recharge, Relax, and Refresh in our Luxe Lounge at the Florida Horse Park during the POP XC Schooling Show along with the Florida Quarter Horse Association.
After the events, please join us from 5-7pm for wine and hors d’oeuvres at Sacramonte Farm, contact Chris Workman Realtor at 352-425-3184 and Valerie Dailey for an exclusive tour!
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.
Join WIND-FM for an incredible and authentic tribute to the world famous band Fleetwood Mac, featuring Fleetwood Max. Covering the entire career, to include hit songs, Fleetwood Max strives to go for the exact look and feel of the real Fleetwood Mac. The playing and vocal harmonies are top notch while Sharon’s portrayal of Stevie Nicks is a sight to behold
Home base for the Williston Horseman’s Association, the Park hosts family-oriented competitions and events from equestrian events to car exhibitions to dog shows. The WHA is a local non-profit organization whose mission is to support the community and its youth.
Head to Ocala Golf Club for the Ocala Men’s Golf Association Monthly Golf Scramble, 8 am Shotgun Open to any golfer with an active OMGA membership and active GHIN Handicap. Please call pro shop for more details (352) 401-6917. Fondly referred to as “Muni”, Ocala Golf Club was renovated in 2009 and named the Top Renovation of the Year by the GCBAA. Ocala Golf Club offers golf memberships, lessons, junior golf camps!
The Florida Quarter Horse Association, incorporated on September 13, 1945, is a non-profit organization of people, firms and corporations engaged in the cooperative activity of owning pure-bred American Quarter Horses, bettering existing types and strains of such horses, promoting the breeding of such horses, procuring desirable publicity for and holding or fostering shows and sales featuring American Quarter Horses. In general, FQHA promotes cooperation among breeders and owners of American Quarter Horses. Check the event flyer for the schedule and judge roster.
July 22nd
Partners of the Park 3-Phase Schooling | Florida Horse Park | 8 AM
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.
n partnership with the Marion County Animal Services, Silver Springs State Park presents an opportunity to make a difference in the life of a shelter dog. You’re invited to join volunteers and park staff as we walk a pack of well-behaved dogs through the park’s gardens and trails. This program gives the animals exercise and the chance to socialize with other dogs and other people. All of the dogs are available for long-term adoption but you can also “adopt” a dog for the morning and take it for a walk with the group. Please note: only visitors 16 years and older may walk a shelter dog. The Pack Walk is free with paid park admission.
July 27th
This program is free with paid park admission.
July 28th
Laugh Out Loud Comedy Show featuring Comedian Robert Powell | Reilly Arts Center | 9:00 PM
Join the Reilly for a comedy show unlike any other featuring headliner Robert Powell from FX’s hit TB show “Atlanta, HBO’s All Def Comedy Jam, Shaq’s Comedy All-Stars and Gina G 2 Funny – Recently voted Florida’s funniest female. $30 General Admission Tickets
$50 VIP
Moonlight Paddles | KP Hole, Dunnellon | 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Paddle the Rainbow River under the light of the moon. Launch from KP Hole and paddle to the head springs. Equipment provided. Fee $35 / person (equipment provided) or $20 / person using your own equipment. The launch will vary based on the moonlight schedule.
July 29th
Inspired Speakers Series: Howard Paul | Appleton Museum of Art | 2 – 4 PM
Designed to pose the question, “What inspires you?” the Inspired Speakers Series features individuals who are not only passionate but inspire others along the way. This month’s talk features Howard Paul. From jazz guitarist to Army officer to corporate executive, he is a man of many talents. A gifted musician and business leader, for years he has maintained dual careers in music and business. Check the event page for more details. Free for Appleton members and CF students; $10 for nonmembers. For questions, contact Griselle Gonzalez-Vazquez at gonzaleg@cf.edu. Advance ticket purchase is recommended.
July 30th
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