Things are heating up this month – and we aren’t just talking about the weather! Backyards are filled with families, friends, barbecues and more as we gather to celebrate our Independence on the during the month of July. Discover Ocala and all that it has to offer by checking out events happening around town. We even listed a few places where you can watch the fireworks!
July 1st
Scallop Season | Crystal River & Homosassa |
2019 Scallop season in Crystal River & Homosassa runs from July 1 through September 24. Part snorkeling experience, and part underwater Easter Egg hunt, scalloping provides a salty adventure to water lovers of all ages. These bay scallops rest under about four to six feet of water, just offshore along the grassy lip of the Gulf of Mexico. All it takes is a snorkel, a mask, a mesh bag and a saltwater fishing license to get in on the action. Get more information about scalloping season.
The Villages Balloon Festival | The Villages Polo Club | 6:30am – 9:30pm
Featuring hot air balloon flights, tethered balloon rides, entertainment as well as retail and arts and crafts vendors. Exciting new food offerings will be available in the “Fly Me to the Food” alley – refreshing beer and wine for sale in the “Bottoms Up Beer Garden”. For the younger crowds lots of free entertainment in The Kids Zone.
**This event is put on by The Villages Polo Club and The Villages Polo Club Event Staff.**
Just remember, the event goes on – rain or shine!
July 2nd
Over The Edge – Got OVER IT Party! | Brick City Center for the Arts | 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Celebrating Edgers, Volunteers, and Sponsors and world premier of the OTE 2019 Video
Something pretty amazing happened on Saturday, May 18th. Nearly 70 supporters of MCA rappelled down Springhill Suites by Marriot and it’s time to celebrate. Join us for libations and tapas as we thank our edgers, volunteers, and sponsors. The event includes awards for top fundraisers, costumes, the world premier of the OTE 2019 video AND the announcement of the date for OTE 2020.
Pints, Pies & Paws | Infinite Ale Works | 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Come enjoy some refreshing brews and delicious pie with your pup! 10% of Sales from Pizza & $1 from select Pints will be donated to the Humane Society of Marion County. There will be a “Best Dressed” Dog Contest at 8:00pm.
4th of July Paintings | Painting with a Twist- Ocala | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Fun paintings to celebrate the 4th of July for ages 10 and up- bring the family to create a fun memory!
July 4th
Annual God & Country Day 4th of July Festival | Golden Ocala Properties | 2:00 PM
This year will be the 50th annual God and Country Day festival by the JCI Ocala Jaycees. The festival and firework show was founded in 1970 and has provided Independence Day entertainment for the Marion County community ever since. Activities begin at 2:00pm and continue until the fireworks end. Bring the family and enjoy old fashioned kid games, train rides, inflatable water slide, bounce houses and more. Entertainment to come. Come visit our arts and crafts expo and grab a bite to eat from the food vendors. When night falls, come see the large firwork display put on by Skylighters of Florida. There is a parking fee of $5 at the entrance. Come on out for some food, fireworks and fun!
The festival will be held on Golden Ocala Property at 7340 US-27, Ocala, FL 34482. The parking entrances are off of 225A, South of Hwy 27.
City of Alachua 20th Anniversary July 4th Celebration | Hal Brady Recreation Complex | 3:00pm – 10:00pm
The City of Alachua has dubbed its celebration “The Largest Small Town Fireworks Display in America.” The annual event draws more than 30,000 people to Alachua and has great economic impact on businesses in the area. Entertainment to include bounce houses, rock wall climbing, bungee jumps, water slides, spray park and skateboard park located on site. Adults can enjoy several unique vendors, bingo contests, dancing groups and live musical entertainment. Fireworks to start at 9:30 PM.
Free to the public, venue location: 14300 NW 146 Terrace, Alachua, FL, 32615
City of Williston’s 4th July Celebration | Williston | 6:00pm
Family, Fun, Food, Fireworks, & Parades are all on hand as we celebrate Old Glory! The parade begins on Noble Ave. by the High School at 5:00 PM. Immediately following the parade festivities continue in Williston Horseman’s Park located 1 mile south of Williston on Hwy 41. The gates open to the public at 6:00 PM. There is no admission fee and children’s amusement rides and entertainment all evening long are all free. The public is asked for a $2 donation to park. The festival features several food and beverage vendors as well as many other July 4th holiday vendors. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and the whole family for an American Spirit filled evening. Fireworks will be set off at dusk
Red, White & OSO Blue: A Salute to Independence | Reilly Arts Center | 3:00pm – 6:00pm
The orchestra is joined by the Ocala Symphony Orchestra Chorus for a tribute to our independence and a celebration of all things patriotic! This annual special event sells out every season, so get your seat while it’s still available!
This concert is generously sponsored by HIERS BAXLEY FUNERAL SERVICES.
July 5th
First Friday Art Walk | Downtown Ocala | 6:00pm – 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.
July 6th
Yoga in the Park | Silver Springs State Park | 8:30am – 9:30am | First Saturday of Each Month |
Yoga in the Park: 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.
Ocala Downtown Market | Downtown Ocala | 9:00am – 2:00pm
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 Ocala Downtown Market (ODM) is the place where a diverse array of farmers, artisans, craftspeople, and food trucks come together to sell their products to customers from Ocala, Marion County, and beyond. A true destination location, ODM is set just blocks off of the Ocala Downtown Square, in a beautiful open-air Market Pavilion. Besides permanent roof cover, the facility also includes large overhead fans, restrooms, a nearby ATM, and water fountains.
Vendors have a variety of booth choices to choose from, including both indoor and outdoor, booths with water and/or electric, and more!
Museum Day | Appleton Museum of Art | 10:00am – 5:00pm
Join us for Museum Day, where all ages are invited to enjoy the permanent collection, special exhibitions and ARTSpace with free admission all day. Appleton members always receive free admission but we encourage you to bring your nonmember friends! The education department will host an open house where visitors can see art-making demonstrations in our studios, plein air painting in the courtyard, meet the staff and teachers — and even create some art!
July 7th
Ranger Program | Silver Springs State Park | 2:00pm – 3:00pm
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).
July 12th
Programs in the Park – Awesome Owls | Fort King National Historic Park | Noon – 1:00pm
This program is a HOOT! Enjoy a lesson on owls, followed by a fun owl themed activity! *These free natural resource programs are for all ages, presented by your city park rangers.*
After Dark in the Park | Jervey Gantt | 8:45pm
THE GREATEST SHOWMAN [PG] – Popcorn, hot dogs and drinks available for a small fee. Remember to bring your lawn chairs and blankets!
July 13th
Thoroughbred Aftercare – Clambake Fundraiser | The Beach Ocala | 10 AM – 2 PM
Join us for a fun evening of great food, music, friends and Thoroughbred horse “tails” and learn more about our organization and the 2019 Florida Thoroughbred Expo where we hope to be able to offer $50,000 in prize money to Off-Track Thoroughbreds!
All ages welcome!
Tickets are $50 and include dinner + 2 well drinks
Tickets may be purchased here on Facebook via Eventbrite, in person at The Beach Ocala or by calling Laurine @ (774)328-1760
Cracker Village Tour | Silver River Museum | 10 AM – 2 PM
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. A typical homestead of the time would have included a cabin and outbuildings such as a barn, pantry, smokehouse, and outhouse. Schoolhouses, churches, and blacksmith shops would have been found in settlements that homesteaders visited to attend social gatherings and barter for supplies. During the tour, these 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.
Additional Information:
Enter the park through the camping & museum entrance, 1425 NE 58th Avenue, (also known as State Road 35 or Baseline Rd.) to access the Silver River Museum. For information on the tour, please call 352-236-7148.
July 15th
Pickin’ in the Park | Silver Springs State Park | 1 – 2 PM
Enjoy local and visiting musicians perform 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 or just listen and enjoy. This event is free with paid park admission.
July 18th
CEP Business After Hours | Ocala/Marion County CEP | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Join Young Professionals Ocala at the Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership‘s monthly networking event, Business After Hours!
Drinks | Prizes | Food
Each month on the third Thursday
No RSVP required | Bring your business cards
FREE for CEP Partners
$30.00 Potential Partners
July 21st
Pickin’ in the Park | Silver Springs State Park | 1:00pm
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!
Additional Information: This event is free with paid park admission. Enter the park through the main entrance located at 5656 East Silver Springs Blvd. (SR 40
July 25th
Don’t miss this first look, first buy VIP reception! You won’t believe the art we’ve collected. Start or expand your art collection with some great finds!!!
$15 for Members
$20 for Non Members
(All you can drink champagne is included) – Tickets will be available at the door.
Marion Cultural Alliance’s y-ART Sale is a fundraising event that features previously enjoyed art at yard sale prices! Hundreds of works will be for sale including paintings, prints, drawings, photographs, and ALL will be sold at affordable prices! Early birds get the art treasures, Saturday’s “birds” get the deep discounts! For more information, call us at 352-369-1500, or email ashley.justiniano@mcaocala.com.
July 26th
If you have any art collecting dust that you no longer desire, old art that no longer compliments your decor, or just an artist looking to reduce inventory…you can donate today! Please deliver artwork to the Brick City Center for the Arts. You must include your name, address, email, title of the piece, medium and estimated value on a blank 5×7 card to go along with the piece. We will be collecting donation at The Brick Gallery through July 23 at 4pm. Visit MCA for more info.
Programs in the Park – Fantastic Frogs | Tuscawilla Park | Noon – 1:00pm
Learn why frogs are so important to our environment with a fun activity. * These free natural resource programs are for all ages, presented by your city park rangers.*
River Rhythms | Silver Springs State Park | 4:00pm – 6:00pm
You’re invited for an evening full of music, featuring a live drum circle. From 4 p.m. to sundown, join this musical experience, or 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.
Additional Information: Held the forth Friday of the month. River Rhythms is from 4 p.m. to sundown. Enter through the main Silver Springs State Park entrance located at 5656 East Silver Springs Boulevard (State Road 40).
Program is free with paid park admission.
July 27th
After the paddle we will be having lunch at the park for those who wish to stay and explore. Along the river we will discover plentiful fish life, several springs, native plant life, Reese monkeys, alligators, manatees and native Florida birds.
Rental options:
Bote inflatable stand up paddle board $65/PP
Bote gatorshell stand up paddle board $65/PP
Single kayak $35/ PP
3rd Annual Eco-Friendly Adventure Day | Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens – Williston | 9:00am – 1:00pm
Discounted Admission to Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens (all admission fees are applied to Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens):
Adults: $8
Children (6-13): $5
Children under 6: Free
Eco-Friendly Adventure Day is presented by Solutionary Events, a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational outreach initiative promoting healthy, compassionate, and eco-friendly living. Learn more at www.SolutionaryEvents.org.
July 28th
A Day of Bridal Bliss | Golden Ocala | 12:30pm – 4:00pm
This expo is designed around the bride who deserves it ALL!
THE EXPERIENCE – Tour the luxurious Golden Ocala venue and learn about the various amenities available for your big day.
THE TALENT – Find over 40 local industry leading event professionals dedicated to helping you bring your vision to life!
THE FOOD – Sample top of the line catering provided by Golden Ocala’s award-winning in-house catering team.
THE SWEETS – Treat yourself to the famous dessert bar masterfully crafted by Golden Ocala’s in-house Chef.
THE PRIZES – In addition to the thousands of dollars in giveaways/door prizes provided by the professionals participating in this expo, ONE lucky bride will win a FREE 4 day getaway for two courtesy of The Central Florida Wedding Expo!
For ticket information, click here!
July 29th
Bingo & Balsamic | Olive Obsession | 6:00pm- 8:00pm
B-I-N-G-O Night! Prizes to include Extra Virgin Olive Oils, Balsamic, Vinegars, Honey, Pasta, 455 Sauce, and MUCH MORE!
Cost is $10 per person for 15 games – Three cards per game. (Additional Cards Will Be Available for $5 Each)
Our Famous Balsamic Cocktails, Wine, and Snacks Will Be Provided. Space is Limited So Sign Up To Reserve Your Spot!
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.
