Local Happenings | September in Ocala

September 1st

Matilda: The New Musical | Ocala Civic Theater | AUG 29th – SEP 22nd

Matilda is a clever little girl with the extraordinary ability to move things with her mind. Unloved by her cruel parents, Matilda also is mistreated by Miss Trunchbull, her school’s child-hating headmistress who lives to dream up terrible punishments. But Matilda’s teacher, sweet Miss Honey, loves her for being a bright, brave young dreamer. The kindness of just one person, plus Matilda’s own vivid imagination, empowers her to find the courage to change her destiny. Inspired by the dark whimsy of Roald Dahl’s book and the beloved 1996 film, this is a thrilling, joyous, girl-power romp full of catchy songs and high-energy dance numbers. Children and adults alike will fall in love with Matilda!

Ranger Program | Silver Springs State Park | Sundays at 2:00PM

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. The program begins at 2 p.m. The program is free with park admission.

Enter through the Silver Springs State Park main entrance located at 5656 East Silver Springs Boulevard (State Road 40).

September 6th

MCA Juried Show Opening – “Pleasures” | Marion Cultural Alliance | 5:00 PM -6:00PM

Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA) is proud to present our first juried exhibition! This September, let’s step out of the hustle and bustle and explore the simple PLEASURES that inspire us all. As artists, you draw inspiration from profound beauty and simplicity. From the simplicity of sparse lines, intense color, to varying perspectives. It’s the simple elegance of the natural world that defines a simple pleasure. Artists are to create work inspired by the theme PLEASURES.

This exhibit is sponsored by The Lisa Irwin Midgett & David Midgett Foundation.

First Friday Art Walk | Downtown Ocala | Fridays 6:00 PM -9:00PM

Be inspired! ~ Art! ~ Shopping! ~ Entertainment!
The First Friday Art Walk takes place the first Friday of each month from 6 to 9 p.m. First Friday Art Walk is a free event located within Ocala’s historic downtown. Event festivities include over 30 artist displays, monthly live entertainment, free family art activities provided by local arts organizations and extended shopping hours. The public is invited to enjoy an evening of art, live performances, and downtown shops and restaurants. Pick up your map on the square and take a self-guided tour of local artists displaying their works for sale in front of our downtown business. Stop to take in the performing artists stationed along the way.

Classic Albums Live: Queen’s A Night at the Opera | Reilly Arts | 7:30 PM – 10:30PM

Classic Albums Live performs Queen’s ground breaking album “A Night at the Opera” note for note, cut for cut. Featuring the songs “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Love of My Life” and “You’re My Best Friend.” After intermission the band plays from the catalog of Queen’s extensive greatest hits collection. Founded in 2003 by Craig Martin, Classic Albums Live has become the ultimate destination for music lovers wanting to hear the greatest albums performed live without all the gimmickry and cheesy impersonations. Relying only on the music, using what Martin refers to as ‘the world’s best musicians,’ Classic Albums Live has defined itself as a mainstay in Performing Arts Centers across North America.

September 7th

Ocala Western Dressage Series | Florida Horse Park

WDAA/USEF Local Licenses -Western Dressage Competition.

Series Championships. Riders must have competed at least one day in 3 out of the 5 shows to be eligible. Riders will be required to keep track of their own scores to enter the Championships.

Four different Judges throughout the weekend

Heather Stalker “R”
Megan McGee “R”
Judge 3 TBD
Judge 4 TBD

Prize List to be posted on the Florida Horse Park website.

Offering all Western Dressage Tests on the new Martin Collins Clopf Fiber Arenas

Ocala Downtown Market | Downtown Ocala | Saturdays 9:00 AM – 2:00 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: Saturdays 9am-2pm Rain or Shine

Yoga in the Park | Silver Springs State Park | First Saturday of Every Month at 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM

Open to all, beginners and advanced!

Fees
$2 Park Admission
$10 Participation Fee*
*Cash Only

Class led by Haley Miller,
Certified Instructor

In order to participate in this program, one:
• Must have the ability to follow visual and/or verbal instructions independently or with the assistance of a companion.
• Must have the ability to withstand exposure to the outdoors for a period of up to 10 minutes.
• Must have the ability to perform physical movements that include standing, bending over, sitting on the ground, supporting self on hands and knees, placing body weight on hands and knees, laying on the front and back of the body.

HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis | Reilly Arts Center | 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Colin Mochrie (Whose Line is it, Anyway?) presents HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis featuring Master Hypnotist Asad Mecci! Hypnosis and Improv — two art forms that have mystified and entertained fans, skeptics and everyone in between for decades worldwide – come together as two masters of their crafts unite for a totally unique comedy experience. Twenty random volunteers from the audience will be put under hypnosis by Master Hypnotist Asad Mecci, their inhibitions evaporated and their minds no longer their own. The contestants are methodically and hysterically whittled down until the five best are left on stage whe…

September 8th

Garden Tour | Silver Springs State Park | 1:00 PM – 1:45 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.

Enter the park through the main entrance located at 5656 East Silver Springs Boulevard (State Road 40).

The program is free with paid park admission.

September 11th

City of Ocala Town Hall Meeting | Lillian Bryant Community Center | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

At these meetings, residents will have an opportunity to ask questions and engage with one or more Ocala City Council members and the Mayor in an open forum setting. Topics covered during these meetings will be limited to those within the jurisdiction of the City of Ocala. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the conversation.

For more information, please contact the City Manager’s Office at 352-401-3977.

September 13th

After Dark in the Park | Ocala Skate Park | 8:00 PM

Featured Movie: LORDS OF DOGTOWN [PG-13] , Popcorn, hot dogs and drinks available for a small fee. Remember to bring your lawn chairs and blankets! Get the full list of movie titles to be shown.

September 14th

Ocala Plein Air Painters | Silver Springs State Park | 9:00 AM – 11:30 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 main entrance to discover art created in real time of the beautiful Silver Springs State Park.

Enter the park through the main park entrance located at 5656 East Silver Springs Boulevard (State Road 40).

The event is free with paid park admission.

3rd Annual Ocala Recovery Festival | Tuscawilla Park | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Join us at Tuscawilla Park on Saturday, September 14th to celebrate those in recovery and to increase awareness for those struggling with mental or substance-use disorders.

Listen to great music, taste local foods, share your story and learn about the services available to help with recovery.

The Doobie Others: The Doobie Brothers Experience | Circle Square Cultural Center | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

The Doobie Others are the New York/Tri-State area’s prolific tribute to none other than, The Doobie Brothers. In addition, as the great American originals are driven by superior songwriting, powerful harmonies, and high-energy performances, so are the Doobie Others, the next best thing to the world-renowned superstars. Get more information about The Doobie Brothers Experience.

An Evening with the BoDeans | Reilly Arts Center | 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Long known as one of the best live acts in the business, BoDeans continue to tour year round and continue to deliver amazing, high-energy performances. Chart topping songs like “Fadeaway,” “Only Love,” and “Dreams” won them Rolling Stone‘s readers poll for Best New American Band in 1987, and they were part of a small contingent of bands that inspired a new radio format known as Adult Alternative, Album Rock-Triple A. Their reputation for delivering a dynamic live show garnered support slots with U2/Joshua Tree Tour, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Tom Petty, George Thorogood, The Pretenders, David Bowie, and appearances at Farm Aid, Summerfest, and ACL, among others. They’ve been featured on SNL, Letterman, Today, Imus, CNN, ESPN, and many more. In the nearly 30 years that followed, the band released several albums which embody multiple more songs played heavily at radio, in TV shows, and movies, and defined a sound that a generation embraced.

September 15th

Pickin’ in the Park | Silver Springs State Park | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Come jam to 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, join in, and jam with the group!

September 21st

Be a Lifesaver Adoption Event | PETCO | 11:00 AM

At the Petco Foundation and BOBS From Skechers, we believe everyone can Be A Lifesaver for animals. This summer, join us to help save animal lives by adopting, fostering, volunteering or donating in Petco stores.

Golf Tournament | Juliet Falls | 7:30 AM

Project Lift, a non-profit in Marion County, will be holding a golf tournament to support at-risk teen boys in our area.
The event will be on Sept. 21st with registration beginning at 7:30 and shotgun start at 9:00. You can Pre-register or can call 352-465-9009 for more information.
We will have prizes, putting tournament, helicopter ball drop and more. Please plan now to attend!

September 22nd

Pack Walk | Silver Springs State Park | 10:00 AM

In 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. For just a small investment of time, you can make a huge difference in the life of a shelter dog. Hikers and walkers are welcome to join the group, even if they don’t want to hold a leash. Please note: only visitors 16 years and older may walk a shelter dog.

Enter through the Silver Springs State Park main entrance located at 5656 East Silver Springs Boulevard (State Road 40).

The Pack Walk is free with paid park admission.

September 27th

River Rhythms | Silver Springs State Park | 4 PM – 6 PM

You’re invited for 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. Audience participation is encouraged, including singing and dancing. For your comfort, please bring a blanket or chair. Whether you participate or just watch, it’s a great time for everyone. This program is free with paid park admission.

Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple | Reilly Arts Center | 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM

This classic comedy opens as a group of the guys assemble for cards in the apartment of divorced Oscar Madison. And if the mess is any indication, it’s no wonder that his wife left him. Late to arrive is Felix Unger, who has just been separated from his wife. Fastidious, depressed, and none too tense, Felix seems suicidal, but as the action unfolds, Oscar becomes the one with murder on his mind when the clean freak and the slob ultimately decide to room together with hilarious results as The Odd Couple is born.

September 28th

Marion County Heart Walk | Baseline Trailhead | 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM

Be a Heart Walk hero and help us save lives from heart disease and stroke by attending the 2019 Marion County Heart Walk on Saturday, Sept. 28 at Baseline Road Trailhead!

Your participation supports scientific research that makes more healthy heartbeats possible. Research that created the first artificial heart valve. Research that can save lives. And research that gives us more time to create lasting memories with loved ones and friends.

The Heart Walk is family-friendly (and dog-friendly!). Walkers can enjoy a vendor expo with fun, interactive activities, a short program, and a 1-mile or 3-mile walk.

Fall Festival | Lake Lillian, Belleview | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Festival-goers can meet and/or shop with many types of vendors, including art and crafts, business and food. Arts and crafts vendors will have displays that range from ceramics, fiber, wood, leather and metalwork to jewelry, and much more.

The youngsters won’t want to miss the Kid Zone, featuring children’s activities including face painting, inflatable fun, and more! Hosted by the Belleview/South Marion Chamber of Commerce, this admission-free, family-friendly event features something for everyone.