Things to do throughout the year
People move to Ocala, Florida for any number of reasons. Perhaps it is the climate, the low crime rates or the excellent schools. Whatever draws them here, most residents find that events in Ocala make their hometown even more memorable and special.
The city hosts many fun events each year. Which ones will become your favorites and your family’s can’t-miss traditions?
Head to Tuscawilla Park
Most residents love to attend the Cattle Drive & Cowboy Round-Up in Tuscawilla Park each year. This February event is the perfect time to watch an actual cattle drive and participate in activities that are fun for the whole family.
Each spring, Tuscawilla Park hosts the Tuscawilla Art Park Series, featuring live concerns, open-air art galleries and movies under the stars.
Earthfest Celebrate Arbor Day also happens in Tuscawilla Park each April. There’s something going on for everyone at this festival with its tree rappelling, rock climbing wall and youth fishing derby. With craft vendors, food trucks, live music and more, everyone will love this event.
Celebrate in Downtown Ocala
Downtown is a popular neighborhood with residents and visitors alike thanks to its many restaurants, shops and spas. However, this quarter deserves to be famous for its events as well.
Downtown is the scene of First Friday Art Walk. This event runs from September through May and features the work of more than 30 artists plus live entertainment and creative activities for the whole family. In March of each year, First Friday Art Walk celebrates a Retro Sounds theme with plenty of tribute bands.
If you are looking for even more fun in downtown Ocala, then come back in November for Light Up Ocala. The signature event of the holiday season brightens up the city each year. At the end of November, the city lights its official Christmas tree, and it is an occasion for a big celebration. Expect craft vendors, lots of delicious food and four stages featuring live entertainment. Two highly interactive kid zones make this event a favorite with little ones. Santa is there as well to listen to each child’s dearest wish.
Fort King National Historic Landmark
If you like to have your events tinged with a little bit of historical flavor, then plan to visit the Fort King National Historic Landmark at least a couple of times a year. Late in the winter, the site hosts the Fort King Grit Annual Strength Challenge. With competitions for all levels including beginning, intermediate and advanced, three-person teams are asked to move huge objects over challenging distances. This whole event has a fascinating historical component, as the participants move sandbags, barrels and logs.
Don’t want to participate? This event also is one of the most entertaining to attend as a spectator. Pick your favorite team and cheer them on.
December brings the Fight for Freedom: Attack on Fort King historical reenactment. This educational event chronicles tensions between Native Americans and European settlers during the period just prior to the Second Seminole War.
Horse-Centric Events in Ocala
Do you love horses? If so, then you have chosen the right place to call home. Ocala is well-known as horse country, and there are many stable facilities in the region. One of the most notable of these is the Florida Horse Park.
This 500-acre facility is the premiere venue for equine events in the region. Competitions, shows and events happen throughout the year. The Florida Horse Park Winter Classic is held here each year as is the Grandview Invitational Draft Horse show. Whether your interest is in cutting, dressage, show jumping or something else, you’ll find several exciting events every month.
The park further is host to many club-based organizations as well as eclectic offerings like an RV trade show.
Looking for More?
If you want to find even more family friendly fun and events, then look to neighboring communities such as Gainesville and Mt. Dora. Each one is only a short drive away, and you’ll love the warm and welcoming neighbors that you find here.
Gainesville offers memorable annual events like the Hoggtowne Medieval Faire, Jest Fest, the Alachua County Fair and the Downtown Festival and Art Show.
In Mt. Dora, you can enjoy a storytelling festival, Blueberry Festival and the Mount Dora Scottish Highland Festival.
Look for a Home in Ocala
More and more families are flocking to Ocala because of the incredible standard of living that is available here. If you are interested in knowing more about real estate in Ocala, then contact one of our Realtors today. Each one is an expert on the local market, making it possible for you to find the home of your dreams.
