Ultimate Guide to Ocala, Florida

Entertainment & Things to Do in Ocala, Florida

Discover what's happening now in Ocala! From upcoming events and annual traditions to world-famous natural springs and horse capital experiences in the Heart of Florida.

What are you interested in?

65+

Upcoming Events

600+

Horse Farms

40+

Annual Traditions

Year-Round

Entertainment

Happening Now in Ocala

Events and activities you can join in the next 10 days

TODAY

Business & Networking

Today

1 Million Cups Ocala

Caffeinating Ocala's Startup Community. Weekly networking event connecting and inspiring local entrepreneurs. Each week features startup presentations and community building opportunities.

2026-02-11 • 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Power Plant Business Incubator

Free

TODAY

Music & Concerts

Today

Cocktails with the Conductor

An intimate evening at the NOMA Black Box featuring cocktails and conversation with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra conductor ahead of the upcoming Film Music Spectacular concert. RSVP required.

2026-02-11 • 6:00 PM

Reilly Arts Center - NOMA Black Box

RSVP Required

TODAY

Music & Concerts

Today

Eric Johanson at Orange Blossom Opry

Blues-rock guitarist and singer-songwriter Eric Johanson performs at the Orange Blossom Opry. Known for his powerful vocals and virtuosic guitar work, Johanson blends blues, rock, and soul into an electrifying live performance.

2026-02-11 • 7:00 PM

Orange Blossom Opry

$15 - $45

Arts & Culture

1 day

Golden Anniversary Gala (SOLD OUT)

Celebrate 50 years of arts in Ocala at this prestigious gala benefitting arts programming and music education. A special evening of elegance, entertainment, and community celebration. This event is sold out.

2026-02-12 • 6:00 PM

Reilly Arts Center - Main Theater

SOLD OUT

Equestrian

1 day

WEC February Dressage CDI3* presented by Hampton Green Farms

The 2026 dressage competition calendar at World Equestrian Center, sponsored by Hampton Green Farms, showcases international-level dressage competition. This CDI3* event brings top dressage riders to compete in the world-class facilities of the Horse Capital of the World. Free admission for spectators.

2026-02-12 • All Day

World Equestrian Center

Free admission for spectators

Community & Social

1 day

Black History Celebration

A free community celebration of Black History Month featuring arts and crafts, entertainment, food trucks, and a stage production "I Was Born in 1925" starring Mrs. Audrietta Coleman-Izlar as Ms. Eleanor Johnson. This cultural event celebrates the rich heritage and contributions of the African American community in Marion County.

2026-02-12 • 5:30 PM

See event website for venue

Free

Music & Concerts

1 day

Classic Country Night at Orange Blossom Opry

An evening of classic country music at the Orange Blossom Opry featuring timeless songs from the golden era of country music. A celebration of the genre that shaped American music.

2026-02-12 • 7:00 PM

Orange Blossom Opry

$22 - $37

Comedy & Entertainment

2 days

Sit Down for Stand Up Live

Live stand-up comedy featuring three talented comedians at the historic Marion Theatre. Enjoy an evening of laughter with a diverse lineup of comedic performers in an intimate setting.

2026-02-13 • 7:30 PM

Reilly Arts Center - Marion Theatre

Tickets available online

Ocala's Cherished Traditions

Annual events that bring our community together year after year

Santos Fat Tire Festival

March 5-8

Florida's premier mountain bike festival at the Santos Trail System. Four days of riding, the EPIC 50 Ride, 100+ vendor village, free bike clinics, and live entertainment benefiting OMBA.

March 5-8, 2026

Santos Trails

Free Vendor Village

Marion County Strawberry Festival

March 7th

12th annual community celebration with 235+ vendors, live entertainment, kids' activities, car show, and BMX stunt shows benefiting Habitat for Humanity.

March 7, 2026 • 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

McPherson Complex

Free admission ($5 parking)

Light Up Ocala

November 22nd

The official kickoff to Ocala's holiday season with 100+ vendors, live entertainment, and the magical downtown lighting ceremony.

November 22, 2025 • 3:00-8:00 PM

Downtown Ocala

Free

Ocala Christmas Parade

December 13th

Celebrating 70 years! Join the beloved Christmas Parade featuring "Christmas Through the Decades" theme through downtown Ocala.

December 13, 2025 • 5:30 PM

Downtown Ocala Route

Free to watch

Reindeer Run

Same Day as Parade

Holiday-themed fun run through downtown before the Christmas Parade. Participants receive t-shirts and medals.

December 13, 2025 • 7:00-10:00 AM

Downtown Square

$30 registration

Entertainment & Attractions by Category

From world-famous natural springs to horse capital experiences, discover the best entertainment and attractions that make Ocala a unique Florida destination.

Outdoor Adventures

Natural springs, forests, and outdoor recreation

Nature

3-4 hours

Silver Springs State Park

Famous glass-bottom boat tours over crystal-clear springs. Florida's first tourist attraction with 100+ years of history.

Silver Springs

$15-25

Best time: Year-round

Glass-bottom boats

Wildlife viewing

Historic attraction

Swimming/Water

4-6 hours

Rainbow Springs State Park

Crystal-clear 72°F springs perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and tubing year-round.

Dunnellon

$8 per vehicle

Best time: Year-round

Swimming

Tubing

Snorkeling

Hiking/Camping

Full day

Ocala National Forest

130,447 acres with 80+ square miles of waterways. Featured on National Geographic's Best of the World 2025.

Ocala National Forest

Free-$5

Best time: Fall through Spring

Hiking trails

Camping

Wildlife

Biking

2-6 hours

Santos Bike Trails

30 miles of paved trails plus single-track mountain biking through beautiful Florida woodlands.

Santos

Free

Best time: Year-round

Paved trails

Mountain biking

Bike rentals available

Running/Fitness

1-8 hours

Ocala Running Trails

Premier running destinations from well-lit urban parks to wilderness trails. Over 300 miles of diverse terrain for all fitness levels.

Multiple locations

Free (most trails)

Best time: Year-round

15+ trail destinations

Year-round weather

Active community

Horse Capital Experiences

World-class equestrian attractions and horse farms

Equestrian

4-8 hours

World Equestrian Center

Largest equestrian facility in the U.S. with events, shopping, dining, spa, and hotels.

Ocala

Varies by event

Best time: Year-round

Horse shows

Shopping

Dining

Tours

2-3 hours

Horse Farm Tours

Visit working horse farms in the heart of Horse Capital of the World. Over 600 farms in Marion County.

Various farms

$25-50

Best time: Year-round

Farm tours

Meet the horses

Learn about breeding

Art/Culture

2-4 hours

Painted Horse Trail

Self-guided tour of dozens of colorfully painted life-size horse statues throughout Ocala.

Throughout Ocala

Free

Best time: Year-round

Public art

Self-guided

Photography

Equestrian

3-4 hours

Ocala Polo Club

Watch exciting polo matches at Florida Horse Park. The "Sport of Kings" features fast-paced action, tailgating, and special themed events throughout the season.

Florida Horse Park

Free-$60

Best time: January-March

Polo matches

Tailgating

Divot stomp

Family Fun

Kid-friendly attractions and family activities

Education

2-3 hours

Discovery Center

Hands-on science museum with interactive exhibits covering biology, ecology, engineering, and technology.

Ocala

$8-12

Best time: Year-round

Interactive exhibits

STEM learning

Kids activities

Animals

1-2 hours

Petting Zoo Ocala

Family-friendly farm with alpacas, llamas, camels, lemurs, and more animals for petting and feeding.

Ocala

$15-20

Best time: Year-round

Animal feeding

Petting zoo

Educational

Nature/Walking

1-3 hours

Sholom Park

44-acre botanical garden with 2+ miles of paved trails and over 100 plant species.

Ocala

Free

Best time: Year-round

Botanical garden

Walking trails

Events

Arts & Culture

Museums, theaters, and cultural attractions

Museum

2-3 hours

Appleton Museum of Art

Preeminent art institution in the Southeast with 18,000+ objects including European, American, and Asian art. Don't miss their Free First Saturday events!

Ocala

$12-15

Best time: Year-round

World-class art

Rotating exhibits

Free First Saturdays

Historic/Shopping

2-4 hours

Historic Downtown Ocala

Walkable downtown square with restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and cultural exhibits.

Downtown Ocala

Free to browse

Best time: Year-round

Historic architecture

Local shops

Dining

Entertainment

2-3 hours

Reilly Arts Center

Premier venue for live performances including theater, concerts, and cultural events.

Ocala

Varies by show

Best time: Check schedule

Live theater

Concerts

Cultural events

Dining & Nightlife

Local restaurants and entertainment venues

Dining

1-3 hours

Downtown Dining District

Concentrated area of restaurants around the historic square including fine dining and casual options.

Downtown Ocala

$15-50 per person

Best time: Year-round

Variety of cuisines

Historic setting

Walkable

Fine Dining

2-3 hours

La Cuisine French Restaurant

Authentic French restaurant in downtown Ocala, Florida Trend Golden Spoon winner for 9 years.

Downtown Ocala

$30-60 per person

Best time: Year-round

French cuisine

Award-winning

Romantic atmosphere

Entertainment

3-4 hours

Orange Blossom Opry

Live country music venue featuring regional and touring acts in an intimate setting.

Weirsdale

$15-25

Best time: Check schedule

Live music

Country entertainment

Local venue

Adventure & Sports

Golf, adventure parks, and recreational activities

Golf

4-5 hours

Championship Golf Courses

20+ championship golf courses throughout Marion County offering world-class golfing.

Various locations

$40-120

Best time: Year-round

Championship courses

Year-round play

Various skill levels

Adventure

3-4 hours

The Canyons Zip Line & Adventure Park

Exciting outdoor adventure park with zip lines and challenging courses, 15 minutes from WEC.

Near Ocala

$35-65

Best time: Weather permitting

Zip lines

Adventure courses

Outdoor thrills

Tours/Wildlife

1-2 hours

Captain Bob's Airboat Tours

Exhilarating airboat rides through Florida backwaters with wildlife viewing including alligators.

Near Ocala

$25-35

Best time: Year-round

Airboat rides

Wildlife viewing

Florida nature

Running/Fitness

30 min - 8 hours

Running & Trail Running

Discover Ocala's premier running destinations with comprehensive trail guide, safety tips, and local community connections.

Multiple trails

Free

Best time: Year-round

15+ destinations

All fitness levels

Local running groups

Best Times to Visit Ocala

Ocala is perfect year-round, but each season offers unique experiences and activities to match Florida's beautiful climate.

Spring (Mar-May)

Perfect weather for outdoor activities and horse show season

Horse shows at WEC
Hiking in Ocala National Forest
Spring festivals
Outdoor dining

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Beat the heat with springs and indoor attractions

Swimming at Rainbow Springs
Indoor museums
Air-conditioned shopping
Evening events

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Ideal weather returns with harvest festivals

Fall festivals
Perfect hiking weather
Outdoor concerts
Farm tours

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Mild Florida winter perfect for all activities

All outdoor activities
Holiday events
Peak tourist season
Snowbird season

Perfect Day Trip Itineraries

Make the most of your visit with these carefully planned itineraries designed for different interests and travel styles.

8 hours

Perfect Family Day

Kid-friendly activities and attractions for the whole family

Start at Discovery Center2 hours

9:00 AM

Lunch downtown1 hour

11:30 AM

Petting Zoo Ocala1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Sholom Park walk1 hour

3:00 PM

Ice cream downtown30 min

4:30 PM

Dinner at family restaurant1.5 hours

5:30 PM

8 hours

Nature Lover's Adventure

Explore Ocala's natural springs and outdoor attractions

Silver Springs glass-bottom boats2 hours

8:00 AM

Drive to Rainbow Springs45 min

11:00 AM

Swimming at Rainbow Springs3 hours

12:00 PM

Picnic lunch at park1 hour

3:30 PM

Sunset at spring overlook1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner in Dunnellon1.5 hours

6:30 PM

6 hours

Horse Capital Experience

Immerse yourself in Ocala's equestrian culture

World Equestrian Center tour2 hours

9:00 AM

Horse farm tour2 hours

11:30 AM

Lunch at WEC restaurant1 hour

2:00 PM

Painted Horse Trail self-tour2 hours

3:30 PM

Dinner downtown1.5 hours

6:00 PM

7 hours

Arts & Culture Day

Explore Ocala's cultural attractions and downtown scene

Appleton Museum of Art2 hours

10:00 AM

Lunch downtown1 hour

12:30 PM

Historic Downtown walking tour2 hours

2:00 PM

Shopping and galleries1.5 hours

4:30 PM

Fine dining dinner2 hours

6:30 PM

Evening entertainment (if available)2 hours

9:00 PM

Parks & Natural Attractions

Explore Ocala's natural beauty and outdoor recreation

City Park

Tuscawilla Park

Community park featuring sports facilities and a pavilion for gatherings. Perfect for baseball enthusiasts and tennis players.

Ocala

Baseball field

Tennis courts

Pavilion

Recreation Complex

Jervey Gantt Recreation Complex

Large recreation complex with multiple sports fields and facilities. Features both football and softball fields, tennis courts, and a spacious pavilion.

Ocala

Football fields (A and B)

Softball fields

T-ball fields

Recreation Complex

Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex

Comprehensive recreation facility offering multiple sports fields and large pavilion space. Ideal for football, baseball, soccer, and community events.

Ocala

Baseball fields

Football fields

Soccer fields

City Park

Lillian F. Bryant Park

Family-friendly park featuring the popular Lily's Splash Pad. Perfect for children and families with a softball field, playground, and cooling water features.

Ocala

Lily's Splash Pad

Softball field

Pavilion

Nature Park

Scott Springs Park

Beautiful nature park with walking trails, bike paths, and a scenic boardwalk to the grotto. Features a bicycle skills area and playground equipment.

Ocala

Bike trail

Walking trail

Boardwalk to grotto

Downtown Park

Citizens' Circle

Downtown urban park featuring a popular splash pad and open green space. Located in the heart of Ocala, perfect for families to cool off and relax.

Ocala

Splash pad

1.4 acres of open space

Walking paths

Where to Eat in Ocala

Local favorites and must-try restaurants

Dining

Verified

Chicken Guy! - Ocala Walmart

Chicken Guy! brings celebrity chef Guy Fieri's bold flavors and signature sauce-forward cooking style to Ocala through a convenient fast-casual dining experience located inside the Walmart Supercenter on Southwest 19th Avenue Road. Born from the creative partnership between Food Network star Guy Fieri and veteran restaurant industry executive Robert Earl, this vibrant concept launched in 2018 and has rapidly expanded across multiple states, with the Ocala location opening in October 2025 as part of the brand's continued Florida expansion strategy.

Ocala

Dining

18 South Restaurant

18 South Restaurant stands as downtown Ocala's most exclusive and sophisticated dining destination, occupying a meticulously restored 1895 three-story building on the prestigious west side of the historic town square at 18 South Magnolia Avenue, where global culinary artistry meets refined elegance in an atmosphere of unparalleled luxury. This premier establishment redefines fine dining in Marion County through extraordinary cuisine featuring the world's finest ingredients, an exceptional wine collection exceeding 150 varieties, and exclusive membership privileges that create an intimate, members-only experience unavailable anywhere else in Central Florida.

Ocala

Dining

District Bar & Kitchen

District Bar & Kitchen stands as downtown Ocala's premier entertainment destination and culinary showcase, occupying a magnificent two-story, 6,700 square foot venue at 110 SW Broadway Street that delivers an unparalleled combination of modern American cuisine, craft cocktails, live music, and spectacular rooftop views that overlook the heart of Central Florida's historic downtown district. This high-energy restaurant and bar represents the perfect fusion of upscale dining and dynamic entertainment, accommodating over 200 guests across multiple levels while providing both intimate dining experiences and lively social gatherings that celebrate the vibrant culture of Ocala's evolving downtown scene.

Ocala

Dining

Mesa de Notte Italian Ristorante

Authentic Italian fine dining restaurant established in 2011, offering made-from-scratch Italian cuisine with the freshest ingredients. Family-owned establishment featuring an upscale, festive atmosphere perfect for intimate dining or special occasions.

Ocala

Dining

Three Six Bistro

Intimate fine dining restaurant featuring the modernist culinary artistry of Chef Sean Langan. Contemporary American cuisine with West Coast flair in a cozy 24-seat setting, offering dinner and weekend brunch with innovative scratch recipes.

Ocala

Dining

Salted Brick at Ocala Preserve

Open-to-the-public restaurant featuring regional favorites and American classics using locally-sourced fresh ingredients. Exhibition kitchen with wood-fired oven where entrees are grilled to perfection above a natural flame.

Ocala

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about visiting Ocala, Florida

What are the top 10 things to do in Ocala, Florida?

The top things to do in Ocala include: 1) Silver Springs glass-bottom boat tours, 2) World Equestrian Center, 3) Rainbow Springs swimming, 4) Ocala National Forest hiking, 5) Appleton Museum of Art, 6) Downtown Ocala dining and shopping, 7) Horse farm tours, 8) Discovery Center for families, 9) Championship golf courses, and 10) Painted Horse Trail art tour.

What can you do in Ocala Florida for free?

Free activities in Ocala include: walking the Painted Horse Trail, exploring Sholom Park's botanical gardens, hiking trails in Ocala National Forest, browsing Historic Downtown Ocala, visiting local parks, attending free community events, and enjoying the Santos bike trails.

Is Ocala Florida worth visiting?

Yes, Ocala is definitely worth visiting! As the Horse Capital of the World, Ocala offers unique equestrian experiences, world-famous natural springs, 130,447 acres of national forest, championship golf courses, and a vibrant downtown scene. The year-round mild climate makes it perfect for outdoor activities.

What is Ocala Florida most famous for?

Ocala is most famous for being the Horse Capital of the World with over 600 horse farms and the World Equestrian Center. It's also known for Silver Springs (Florida's first tourist attraction), the Ocala National Forest, and as a gateway to natural springs and outdoor recreation.

How many days do you need in Ocala Florida?

Plan 2-4 days to experience Ocala's highlights. One day for natural springs (Silver Springs and Rainbow Springs), one day for equestrian attractions, one day for downtown and cultural sites, and an optional fourth day for outdoor adventures or nearby attractions.

What is the best time to visit Ocala Florida?

The best time to visit Ocala is October through April when temperatures are mild (60s-80s°F) and humidity is lower. Spring (March-May) is ideal for outdoor activities and horse show season. Summer can be hot and humid but great for spring activities.

Discover More of Ocala

Your entertainment journey doesn't end here. Explore what makes Ocala a truly special place to visit, live, and love.

Things to Do with Kids

Family-friendly events, parks, museums, and activities perfect for kids of all ages in Ocala and Marion County.

Horse Capital Heritage

Discover why Ocala is the Horse Capital of the World with champion farms, the World Equestrian Center, and equestrian culture.

Living in Ocala

Learn about schools, neighborhoods, parks, and what makes Ocala a great place to call home year-round.

Local Businesses

Support local entrepreneurs, discover unique shops, restaurants, and services throughout Marion County.

Local Expertise

Meet our team of local experts with deep community knowledge and years of Ocala experience.

Plan Your Visit

Ready to Experience Ocala?

Start exploring what's happening now in Ocala! Check out current events, discover annual traditions, and find entertainment that makes your visit unforgettable.