Say hello to 2019 with all new activities for you to enjoy. From family time to gatherings with friends, we’ll make it easy for you to plan ahead with this month’s events blog featuring a full line up of live music, local brews and on stage performance at The Reilly Arts Center. Need a little fresh air? We’ve found the best of the best outdoorsy outings for you and your friends at the Florida Horse Park, Silver Springs State Park, Depot Park and so much more!
January 4th
Opening Reception – Uncovering Nature’s Great Mystery | Marion Cultural Alliance | 5 PM
January’s exhibit is one you will not want to miss, along with several educational talks and conversations with Scott Olsen, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Humanities Department, College of Central Florida. Providing a compilation of Professor Olsen’s discoveries and insights into the role of sacred geometry and its interface with canons of human proportion, genetics, physics, plant and animal growth, consciousness research, and the subtle energies and beauty captured by shamanic visionary artists in paintings from the rainforest in Peru. Learn about upcoming events at the MCA.
Grand Oaks Combined Driving Event | The Grand Oaks Resort | Jan 4 – 6
Come see exciting driving competition including a combined driving event with three phases of competition that include dressage, cones, and a marathon with hazards/obstacles. This competition is recognized by the American Driving Society (ADS)
Ocala Downtown Market | Downtown Ocala | 9 AM – 2 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. The market is open weekly, Saturdays 9am-2pm Rain or Shine
WHA Speed Series | Williston Horseman’s Association | 9:30 AM
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.
WindFM Rocks the Reilly: Van Halen “Completely Unchained” | Reilly Arts Center | 7:30 PM
Wind-FM presents Van Halen Completely Unchained. Four talented and creative musicians that re-create the ultimate Van Halen production – the attitude, sounds, excitement, energy and most of all the fun that Van Halen produced as one of the best rock bands in the world. Starting off by reproducing the very best of the original line up, then merging the “Van Hagar” era with some David Lee Roth solo hits, completes a whole catalog of the greatest hard rock songs ever recorded. Completely Unchained takes the concept of a tribute band and raises it to a whole new level. Not only is the music recreated with unsurpassed skill, but the stage energy and the production at a Completely Unchained show is unmatched. No one else brings the entire package together like Completely Unchained.
January 6th
Birds and Brews – Guided Bird Walks | First Magnitude Brewing Company, Gainesville | 6:45 PM
First Magnitude is teaming up with the Alachua Audubon society to host monthly bird walks! Meet at the front of the metal Maggie sign by the entrance to The Source. The group, led by volunteers from the Alachua Audobon society will head for Depot park at 7:00 PM. Once at Depot, there will be an hour long guided tour identifying all of our lovely aerial pals! The tour should return to the brewery around 8:00 PM. Check out more events at First Magnitude Brewery..
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. and is free with park admission.
January 10th
Pavlo | Reilly Arts Center | 7:30 PM
Pavlo, the internationally renowned, award-winning guitarist, recording artist, performer and songwriter, is currently on tour promoting his second PBS special “Live in Kastoria” Greece and has released 10 albums of his own music, plus two collaborative projects, including “Guitarradas” with Remigio Pereira of The Tenors, and 2009’s Trifecta with fellow guitar masters Rik Emmett and Oscar Lopez. His “Mediterranean music” – a blend of Greek, flamenco, Latin, and even Balkan flavours, wrapped in contemporary pop, has taken him all around the world. He has performed for royalty such as Prince Charles and worked and toured with artists José Feliciano, Jon Secada, Olivia Newton-John and The Tenors.
January 11th
Nashville Hurricane starring Chase Padgett | Reilly Arts Center | 7:30 PM
During the course of this one man masterpiece the audience learns about Henry Waltrip (the Nashville Hurricane) from his humble trailer park beginnings to the crazy gigs on the road with his blues playing mentor, Tyrone. The stories and songs unfold into hilarious rants on love and music, a riveting tale involving the dark side of show biz, and blazing guitar work any audience is sure to rave about such as the finale; a one man acoustic ‘Devil Went Down to Georgia.’
January 12th
Sorting Practice | Williston Horseman’s Association | 6 PM
As the 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.
The 2018 Couch Sessions Series, presented by the Reilly Arts Center, comes to a dramatic finale with an intimate evening of art and music to raise funds for the Reilly Arts Center. Begin your by evening enjoying pop-up artist galleries, crafted cocktails, and finding the perfect piece of art to take home! The Main Stage will open at 8 PM for a final performance by the 2018 musicians. Musicians and guests will be seated together on the Reilly stage! We will also be auctioning off the art furniture pieces crafted by our the 2018 featured artists. Guests will also have an exclusive VIP look at the 2019 Couch Sessions lineup and the opportunity to purchase your tickets before they go on sale to the public!
Orlando Dressage | The Grand Oaks Resort | Jan 12 – 13
The Grand Oaks Resort offers over 400 acres of rolling hills blanketed with sweeping canopies of ancient Granddaddy Oaks and is home to the world’s largest private collection of antique carriages & equine artifacts. Admission is free and spectators are welcome!
Ocala Plein Air Painters | Silver Springs State Park | 9 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.
Come and discover what life was like at the turn of the century in the Florida “Piney Woods.” The cracker homestead is a replica of a 19th-century pioneer settlement. This collection of buildings represents a small “Cracker” settlement dating to the 1890s. During the tour, replica buildings will be open for viewing and on most tours the blacksmith’s forge will be fired up. Meet at the Cracker Village across from the Silver River Museum. This is a reoccurring event check the event page for details.
4-H Horse Specialty Club Horse Show | Southeastern Livestock Pavilion | 8:30 AM
A 4-H Horse Show series run by youth and volunteer support with an emphasis on developing horsemanship skills through fun and fair competition. The series provides classes for all disciplines including English, Western, Dressage and Speed divisions. There is even a Walk/Trot division for beginners just starting out. With ribbons, prizes and even year end awards, the show series provides a fun environment to develop your riding skills and also learn the logistics of a horse show in all areas. A hands on environment for the entire family. Reach out to Kaylie Madore at 352- 572-5950 or email horsespecialtyclub@outlook.com for a show bill/entry form or additional information.
January 13th
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.
Remembering Red: A Tribute to Red Skelton | Reilly Arts Center | 3:00 PM
A Tribute to Red Skelton is back by popular demand! Reminisce with Brian Hoffman as he performs the jokes and routines that made Red Skelton famous. Brian’s expert portrayal of Red Skelton will have you in stitches as he re-creates some of Red’s most well known characters. Laugh with Clem Kadiddlehopper, that dim-witted country bumpkin. Giggle along with Gertrude and Heathcliffe, the two seagulls. Feel the love of Freddy the Freeloader, the hobo who lived in the city dump. Add a little “Guzzlers Gin” a couple of pantomimes and the Pledge of Allegiance making this a true tribute to Red Skelton, one of America’s favorite clowns.
January 15th
Live On Stage: The musical “First Date” | Ocala Civic Theatre | Ongoing
The Ocala Civic Theatre is volunteer based and is one of the largest community theatres in the state, serving more than 65,000 Marion, Citrus and Lake County residents each season. Producing live theatrical performances year-round, including musicals, comedies, and dramas. In addition, the Theatre offers an extensive education department with after-school classes and family productions.
January 15th
Ocala January Classic | HITS Horse Shows | Jan 15 – 20
HITS’ mission is to produce a series of horse shows over contiguous weeks, in desirable destinations, with first-class competition facilities and unmatched, professional operations. Additionally, the company aims to offer competitive opportunities for riders in a broad range of ages and skill levels.
January 18th
Laser Spectacular ft. the music of Pink Floyd | Reilly Arts Center | 7:30 PM
The perfect show for classic rock fans young and old, The Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular combines the music you’ve loved for years with today’s most advanced entertainment technology to create a rich, lush, sensory experience not to be missed! The Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular presents the original music of Pink Floyd like you’ve never seen before! Experience all of your favorite hits along with deep tracks accompanied by iconic psychedelic images and visuals.
January 19th
Ocala Western Dressage I | Florida Horse Park | Jan 19 – 20
The Florida Agriculture & Horse Park Authority is a 500-acre facility that holds events of all kinds. Join them Jan 19, 2019, through the 20th for a day of all Western Dressage Tests on the new Martin Collins Clopf Fiber Arenas.
January 20th
40th Collectors Day 2019 | Florida Museum of Natural History | 10 AM
Join the Florida Museum for the 40th celebration of collectors on Jan. 12, 2019 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Visitors may talk with collectors of all ages and learn the history and context of their treasures — from sports and Beatles memorabilia to classic cars, PEZ dispensers and antique cameras. Explore unusual and fascinating items with some of the region’s top collectors. This event is free with an admission charge for the “Butterfly Rainforest” and “Permian Monsters” exhibits.
Silver Springs State ParkJam out to acoustic music at Silver Springs State Park, from banjo, guitar and fiddle to upright bass and accordion. You’re invited to bring your own instrument, join in, and jam with the group! Located in the central and charming Ocala, Florida, Silver Springs State Park has been a natural landmark since the 1870s, enjoy kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, Glass Bottom Boat tours, biking, hiking, camping.
January 22nd
Ocala January Festival | HITS Horse Shows | Jan 22 – 27
HITS’ mission is to produce a series of horse shows over contiguous weeks, in desirable destinations, with first-class competition facilities and unmatched, professional operations. Additionally, the company aims to offer competitive opportunities for riders in a broad range of ages and skill levels.
January 24th
Cirque Italia- Gold Unit | Southeastern Livestock Pavilion | Jan 24 – 27
The Italian Water Circus with Jugglers, Contortionists, Venetian Aerialists and SO much more performing over a 35K gallon water stage with State of The Art water features that will leave you in awe! Get your tickets.
January 25th
Florida Little Britches Benefit Barrel Race | Williston Horseman’s Association | 5 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.
January 26th
2019 Little Britches Rodeo |Williston Horseman’s Association | Jan 26 – 27
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.
Hunt Country Horse Show | The Grand Oaks Resort | 5 PM
Come see hunters & jumpers as they soar over fences and other obstacles with events from 9 am to 5 pm at the Covered Arena, Fiber Arena & Racetrack Arena. No admission price, spectators welcome!
Southeast Baroque Working Equitation Show #3 | Florida Horse Park | 8 AM
Join the Southeast Baroque at the Florida Horse Park for their 3rd show in series for Working Equitation. Offering 3 Phases including Dressage, EOH and Speed, all levels available. B-rated Duel sanctioned, Confederation and WEUnited.
OSO Sub. 3: Amadeus: The Life and Times of Mozart | Reilly Arts Center | Jan 26 – 27
Principal guest conductor, Raymond Chobaz and narrator, Matthew Wardell, present a special look at our beloved Mozart through his life and Music. You’ll hear his overture to Don Giovanni, arias from The Magic Flute, Symphony No. 25, and a special guest performance by UF faculty member, Jasmin Arakawa, for Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 17.
January 27th
STRIDE 2019 Schooling Show #1 | STRIDE Dressage of Ocala | 8 AM
STRIDE is an active riding and driving Dressage Club located in the Ocala, Florida area. In addition to hosting five schooling shows a year, STRIDE sponsors many clinics, workshops and activities geared for ALL dressage enthusiasts, from beginner to advanced, in Traditional Dressage, Driven Dressage, or Western Dressage
Pack Walk | Silver Springs State Park | 10 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. 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.
January 29th
Ocala Premiere | HITS Horse Shows | Jan 29 – 30
HITS’ mission is to produce a series of horse shows over contiguous weeks, in desirable destinations, with first-class competition facilities and unmatched, professional operations. Additionally, the company aims to offer competitive opportunities for riders in a broad range of ages and skill levels.
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