June 1st
Couch Sessions at Infinite Ale Works | Infinite Ale Works | 8 PM
Couch Sessions is a fusion of music and art focused on the stories of artistic creation. Artists LIVE paint whilst the musician performs in historic downtown locations. Ticket Levels: $25 sit tickets include: 2 drinks and a seat at the show, $50 Support tickets include 2 drink tickets, a seat, and a print from the artist! Tickets available via the event page
Join MCA as we welcome a group exhibit by Artist – Alley with their June show, Florida Fun – Shine. We’re so excited to see what they’ve been working one! Times vary, check the event site for all your options. Founded in 2000, MCA supports local arts organizations through Cultural Grants, advocacy and fundraising.
Come enjoy 50 CENT CIDER featuring the delicious Ace Pineapple Cider in a fun Marley Mae cup for only 50 cents while supplies last! Sip and shop some of Marley Mae’s cute graphic tees & drinking vessels for sale
Live On Stage: “Mamma Mia!” | Ocala Civic Theatre | Times Vary
The irresistible ABBA musical “Mamma Mia!” is live on stage now through June 17th, this fabulously fun musical is full of ABBA’s greatest hits, with plenty of catchy, upbeat tunes like “Dancing Queen,” “Money, Money, Money,” “Waterloo,” and “Mamma Mia!”. Tickets are $28 for adults and $12 for full-time students (school ID required for college students). Group rates are available – make it a girls’ night out! For more information, call (352) 236-2274 or go to www.ocalacivictheatre.com.
Winning 5 Tony awards, Peter and the Starcatcher is a play based on the 2004 novel Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, adapted for the stage by Rick Elice with music by Wayne Barker. The play provides a backstory for the characters of Peter Pan, Mrs Darling, Tinker Bell and Hook, and serves as a prequel to J. M. Barrie’s Peter and Wendy. Don’t miss this incredible, whimsical, and touching theatre piece from director Chad Taylor and Insomniac Theatre with music director Matthew Wardell. Additional showings available
Silver Spurs Rodeo | Osceola Heritage Park | June 1-2
The 141st Silver Spurs Rodeo kicks off the start of summer with performances on June 1st and 2nd which include seven traditional rodeo events: bull riding, bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing, steer wrestling, and team roping. There will also be junior bull riding and barrel racing during each day and calf scramble for children 6 – 12 years old to participate in during the performance. All active and retired military personnel receive FREE admission to our June rodeo events with military ID!
Head to the Silver Spurs Arena at 5:30 pm for the 4th School’s Out Blowout where kids can enjoy bounce houses, inflatable games, rodeo games, and more, all for FREE!
June 2nd
#ForestStrong — Peter and the Starcatcher | Reilly Arts Center | 3 PM
A special free performance of Peter and the Starcatcher for all Forest students and staff, their families and first responders and their families. An MCPS, or first responder ID will be required per group entry at the performance. Seating is limited and will be given on a first come, first serve basis. Winning 5 Tony awards, Peter and the Starcatcher is a play based on the 2004 novel Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, adapted for the stage by Rick Elice with music by Wayne Barker. The play provides a backstory for the characters of Peter Pan, Mrs Darling, Tinker Bell and Hook, and serves as a prequel to J. M. Barrie’s Peter and Wendy.
Hunt Country Horse Show | Grand Oaks Resort | June 2 – 3
Join Hunt Country Horse Shows at the most luxurious horseshow destination in Florida—at the multi-million dollar “Grand Oaks” Equestrian Resort located just south of Ocala in The Villages, FL. Come see hunters & jumpers as they soar over fences and other obstacles! Events for all ages from 9 am to 5 pm in the Covered Arena, Front Arena, Fiber Arena & Racetrack Arena. Produced and Managed by Horse Shows in the Park, LLC at The Grand Oaks Resort just South of Ocala in The Villages. No admission price spectators welcome!
Old Town is home to one of the most well-known classic car cruises, the Saturday Nite Car Cruise®. Every Saturday night, Old Town invites show-quality 1987 and older hot rods, street rods, and antiques to join us as we cruise down memory lane. Old Town has been Kissimmee’s go to for classic, affordable, family fun for 30 years. Happening every Saturday through June 30th!
Join Ocala Recreations and Park for a FREE community event including a FREE hot dog dinner for each participant. Popcorn, soda and candy available for a small fee. This event will highlight the importance of finding your “Natural High” and staying drug-free. BYO chairs and blankets. Jumanji will be shown inside the Fort.
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. Happening June 2nd, 23rd, 30th
June 3rd
Community Yoga | Zen Yoga, Gainesville | 4 PM
Zen Yoga now offers community yoga! This is the perfect opportunity to dive into the benefits of this practice and to engage with the community. The class is donation based. $5-10 (cash only), Zen Yoga teachers will rotate for this all-levels class. That gives you the chance to try all styles while you have fun on the mat! Contact zenyogagnv@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Take part in Silver Springs State Park’s ranger program. Topics vary with each program offering an opportunity to learn something new about the park and Florida’s unique environment. The Ranger Program is held every Sunday, begins at 2 p.m. and is free with park admission. Enter through the Silver Springs State Park main entrance located at 5656 East Silver Springs Boulevard (State Road 40).
In 1854 Thomas Evans and Serena Chesnut Haile moved their family from Camden, South Carolina to Gainesville, Alachua County, Florida. Their 6,200 sq ft home was built by 56 enslaved laborers. The Historic Haile Homestead is unique in the Nation for its “Talking Walls.” For a reason lost to time, the Haile family wrote on the walls of their home – over 12,500 words in almost every room and closet! Come visit us this weekend and see this gem of history, frozen in time – let the walls speak to you of joys and sorrows of more than a century ago. Learn about the enslaved laborers as well as the Haile family. See the new Visitors Center and Museum! Tours: $5, under 12 free. Tours at 12:15 pm, 1:15 pm, 2:15 pm and 3:15 pm. Credit cards accepted.
June 4th
Hudson Bartender’s Competition | Brick City Southern Kitchen & Whiskey Bar | 8 PM
Head to beautiful downtown Ocala as you eat, drink and cheer on your favorite bartenders from the Ocala or Gainesville area and sip on some special craft Hudson Whiskey cocktails while you do so.
Equestrian Summer Camp | Osceola Heritage Park | June – July
Send your little ones to this year’s Equestrian Summer Camp at the Osceola Heritage Park from Monday through Friday, 9 to 3 p.m. With four sessions for you to choose from and two themed programs including Native American traditions and Pioneer Life Ways.
June 8th
Ocala Comedy Showcase | Reilly Arts Center | 8 PM
This hilarious show includes performances from Pete O’keefe, Jesse Chudeusz, Jason Henson and headling the show, James Yon (Host of Sling TV’s The Lowdown and Host of Real Laughs on 104.1 FM). With over a combined 30 years of comedy experience, critics have said that these four comedians are a perfect blend of silliness, energy, political incorrectness and just plain funny! Come watch them light up the stage at the Reilly as they will definitely have you laughing and saying “WOW” throughout the night! Lobby doors and full bar open at 7 PM. Adult Humor. Not suitable for children.
Join The Villages Polo Club for an evening of fun! Admission is $20 per vehicle fee or $10 per golf cart. Gates open at 5 pm and we expect to do a balloon glow at 8 pm each evening, tethered rides are available from 6 pm, subject to weather each evening for $20 per person. Beer, wine, vendors and activities will be available for purchase.
A tethered ride is experiencing a take off and a landing. The balloon goes up to a maximum of 100 feet on long ropes, and then returns to the earth. This experience lasts a few minutes and can accommodate four guests at a time. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT ALL BALLOONING ACTIVITY IS SUBJECT TO SUITABLE AND SAFE WEATHER CONDITIONS. Check the event page for more information.
Head to the Southeastern Livestock Pavillion for the Fun in the Sun Show! AMHR/ASPC classes held on Friday and Saturday followed by AMHA, PTHA and non rated classes held on Sunday. Last chance in Florida to qualify your horses for Nationals and/or World Show.
June 9th
2018 Yoga & Jazz 5K at Depot Park | Gainesville, FL | 8 PM
NBA Legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar will be in Gainesville for the Yoga & Jazz 5K and Gala, Saturday, June 9th. He will lead the 7:00 am Sunrise Yoga class, then at 8:00 am Mr. Abdul-Jabbar will give a pep talk to the 5K runners and walkers. The Kids Fun Run is at 9:00 am. Live jazz music, Food Trucks and vendors will help create a festive event for all ages. You don’t have to be in the 5K to come see Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and enjoy live Jazz music. Join the excitement and register NOW.
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.
June 11th
Five Ring Stable Summer Camp | Florida Horse Park | June 11- 16
The four coaches this year will be Kyle Carter, Natalia Neneman, Jen Carter, and Hawley Bennett.The cost of camp will be $850 this includes stabling for the week and 3 meals a day. The format for camp will be lessons on Tuesday-Friday riding with all trainers. Saturday will be Derby Day where you can test the skills you learned over the past week. We will be having demonstrations and activities during the day and evenings.
If you have any questions, please contact Catharine Clayton at catclayton1@yahoo.com or Victoria Clayton at 706-580-5975
June 15th
Levitt AMP Music Series: Velvet Caravan | Webb Field at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex | 7:30 PM
Velvet Caravan imbue classic swing jazz with vibrant gypsy, Latin and honky-tonk flavors for dynamic performances that dazzle audiences of all backgrounds. Come early and enjoy the opening act at 6 PM featuring Ocala based musical act “Left on Broadway ” as they treat audiences to acoustic lounge music. The Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series takes place every Friday night from June 15 to August 17, 2018, from 6 – 9 p.m. at Webb Field at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex. Bring your chairs, blankets, family and friends for an evening of FREE live music.
June 17th
Happy Father’s Day!
Planning on treating Dad to dinner on Father’s Day? We’ve put together a list of our favorite Ocala restaurants that provide great service, tasty food, and a welcoming atmosphere: the perfect places to take your Father. If you’re thinking something a little more down to earth, we recommend a Picnic in any of Ocala’s wonderful parks: Shalom Park, Tuscawilla Park, or Jervey Gantt Park, are family-friendly and absolutely beautiful parks perfect for a family outing.
Bring Dad to Painting with a twist and choose from two beautiful paintings. Choose either Family Fun “A Great Day Together Fishing” w/DAD from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, $25.00 per seat or Springtime Family Tree- Paint w/your favorite Dad! from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, $35.00 per seat. All ages welcome, parents are encouraged to let children work by themselves. Be sure to ARRIVE 10-15 MINUTES EARLY to get smocked & in your seat! Late arrivals may not be able to catch up.
Bring the family and walk through the natural beauty of Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. Dads of all generations will receive free admission on Father’s Day. 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.
June 22nd
Levitt AMP Music Series: Flor De Toloache | Webb Field at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex | 7:30 PM
New York City’s first and only all-female mariachi group, GRAMMY Award-winning ensemble Flor de Toloache, is pushing genre boundaries and getting concertgoers dancing with their fresh, versatile take on traditional Mexican music. Come early and enjoy the opening act at 6 PM featuring eclectic songstresses of the Alex and Jenny Duo play fun interpretations of songs from the 1960s, ranging from jazz, Top 40 and rock to pop dance and Latin. The Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series takes place every Friday night from June 15 to August 17, 2018, from 6 – 9 p.m. at Webb Field at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex. Bring your chairs, blankets, family and friends for an evening of FREE live music.
Cool off for the Summer by reliving the magic of Disney’s animated hit Frozen in a sing-a-long event the whole family can enjoy. Watch the beloved movie play out on a large screen and sing along to all of the movie’s most popular songs, including “Let It Go.” On-screen lyrics make it easy to join in the fun, and dressing up as your favorite character only adds to the enjoyment. “Let go” of your inhibitions because on this day, you’re the Snow Queen/Snowman of the night!
You’re invited to an evening full of music and entertainment featuring a live drum circle. From 4 p.m. to sundown, enjoy this musical experience, and bring your own percussion instruments for even more fun. For your comfort, please bring a blanket or chair. Whether you participate or just watch, it’s a great time for everyone! Enter through the main Silver Springs State Park entrance located at 5656 East Silver Springs Boulevard (State Road 40). The program is free with paid park admission.
June 23rd
WindFM Rocks the Reilly: “Jaded” A Tribute to Aerosmith | Reilly Arts Center | 7:30 PM
Join WIND-FM for some hard, fast, American Rock & Roll with Jaded, the Ultimate Aerosmith Tribute Band. They’ll cover all the hit songs from nearly half-century of America’s Greatest Rock & Roll Band with a concert-style, all ages friendly, high-energy representation of a live Aerosmith concert!
Join Hunt Country Horse Shows at the most luxurious horseshow destination in Florida—at the multi-million dollar “Grand Oaks” Equestrian Resort located just south of Ocala in The Villages, FL. Come see hunters & jumpers as they soar over fences and other obstacles! Events for all ages from 9 am to 5 pm in the Covered Arena, Front Arena, Fiber Arena & Racetrack Arena. Produced and Managed by Horse Shows in the Park, LLC at The Grand Oaks Resort just South of Ocala in The Villages. No admission price spectators welcome!
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.
“Camp alternative” Hunter / Jumper / Dressage at the Grand Oaks Resort brought to you by Horse Shows In The Park. 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. There’s no admission price, spectators welcome!
June 24th
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.
June 29th
Levitt AMP Music Series: Selwyn Birchwood | Webb Field at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex | 7:30 PM
Florida-native blues sensation Selwyn Birchwood unleashes his fiery steel-string guitar under raw, passionate vocals in upbeat tunes that that get concertgoers grooving. Come early and enjoy the opening act at 6 PM featuring funk, blues, folk and jazz, the Dan Signor Project fuses vibrant piano with soulful, smoky vocals. The Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series takes place every Friday night from June 15 to August 17, 2018, from 6 – 9 p.m. at Webb Field at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex. Bring your chairs, blankets, family and friends for an evening of FREE live music.
June 30th
Side-A-Test Super Clinic | The Grand Oaks Resort | June 30 – July 1
Join Central Florida Dressage for a lecture series from June 30th to July 1st and learn about many horse health and welfare subjects with Sue Mandas “S” and Sandra Hotz “S”. Admissions fee $25 Saturday or Sunday, weekend series fee $40. Central Florida Dressage is a not-for-profit club promoting the equine sport of dressage by educating and supporting the Rider, Trainer and Breeder. They help host clinics, securing industry professionals as speakers, recognizing individuals or groups for accomplishments, growing the membership and co-mingling with other Dressage Clubs specifically for their members and the Dressage Community.
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!
Don’t see an event that peeks your interest?
Take a look at these additional resources for even more local activities and events in our area.
