Fun Summer Events in Ocala/Marion County

Summer is time for family, friends and vacation! With activities like swimming in cool, spring-fed lakes, biking and horseback riding under shaded canopies, zip-lining, and so much more, North Central Florida offers plenty of ways for you to enjoy Florida summers.

Here are some fun summer events for you and your family to check out in Ocala/Marion during your vacation this year.

Festival Of Speed & Kentucky Hat Party

May 4, 2024

Taking place on the Kentucky Derby’s biggest race day, Festival of Speed at World Equestrian Center is bringing horse power to Ocala with exotic, classic and muscle cars. Dress in your best race attire, big hat and all while watching the Kentucky Derby on the jumbotron in the Grand Plaza and enjoy themed cocktails and fine wines. In Expo Centre 2, the lineup of incredible car designs include Porsche, Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Lamborghini, Aston-Martin, McLaren and more. The event is 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Tickets are $20.00 per person. Children 12 and under Free. For more information about the event, click here.

Symphony Under The Stars

May 12, 2024

Fine Arts For Ocala is putting on their annual Symphony Under the Stars concert on Mother’s Day! Join the community to celebrate moms at the Ocala Golf Club with music, food, fireworks and more fun. Gates open at 3 p.m., with the first concert beginning at 7 p.m. Admission is free for kids 17 and under. Bring your own chairs and blankets, even your own snack if you like, but there will be food, beer and wine available for purchase. For tickets to this event, click here!

Water Lantern Festival

June 1, 2024

Join the community for a water lantern festival at Tuscawilla Park from 5:30-9:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2024. Guests will be able to decorate their own lantern and participate in a launching ceremony during the last hour of the event. Food trucks, music and entertainment will be onsite throughout the evening. For ticket options and more information, visit the event's website here.

Ocala Summer Series

June 11 - August 11, 2024

Here's an event for horse lovers! The horse show season is no longer limited to the cooler months. With multiple large, climate-controlled, indoor arenas, World Equestrian Center – Ocala is changing the game and hosting equestrian events year-round, rain or shine. The Ocala Summer Series features 9 weeks of elite hunter/jumper competition.

Make the most of your visit to a horse show by dining at a local restaurant, shopping, renting a golf cart to explore the property, and getting a treat at the candy shop!

Red, White And Oso Blue

June 30, 2024

Get into the American spirit with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra at the Reilly Arts Center for a night of patriotic marches, music from the film The Patriot and a salute to our troops. The show starts at 3 p.m. For more information and tickets, visit the event page at https://www.reillyartscenter.com.

For more 4th of July activities, check out 5 Ways to Spend Your Independence Day Weekend in Ocala/Marion County.

Patriotic Skies: A Fourth of July Drone Experience

July 4, 2024

Celebrate the Fourth of July like never before on Thursday, July 4, 2024 at Tuscawilla Park. From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., guests can enjoy food trucks, family-friendly activities and live entertainment leading up to the captivating drone show. Watch the sky light up as drones showcase patriotic displays. For more information, visit the event's website here.

North Central Florida Outdoor Expo

August 17, 2024

Outdoor lovers, nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers are all invited to the North Central Florida Outdoor Expo at World Equestrian Center - Expo Center 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 17. Explore hundreds of vendors offering everything you can think out for the outdoors, but in the comfort of a massive air-conditioned expo center! For more information, visit the event's website here.

Weekends At The Orange Blossom Opry

After a long day filled with fun in the Florida sun, what sounds more relaxing than kicking back in an air-conditioned room and listening to some good jams? Almost every weekend this summer, the Orange Blossom Opry in Weirsdale is putting on a country concert! For tickets to these events, visit OBOpry.com.

Summer Kids Film Series

Whether the day is a rainy one or you are looking for sun time out of the sun, a movie at the Marion Theatre in downtown Ocala is a great way to unwind with the kids. The Summer Kids Film series runs from June to August and offers select shows at just $3 for children 12 and under! Adults are only $5. The $3 includes juice, popcorn and fruit snacks.

To see the full list of events, which is updated daily, check out our Events Calendar.

Summer Vacation

Whether you’re planning a trip with the family or looking for an adventure-filled getaway with that special someone, summer and travel go hand-in-hand.

Learn More