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 3, 2025

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.

Rock the Country

May 9 - 10, 2025

Prepare to ROCK! Are you ready to embrace the music, the freedom, and the camaraderie? Then join us at Rock The Country 2025. Where the beer flows, the love pours, and the music rains down like a monsoon. With every note that fills the air, every raised glass, and every shout of excitement, we create memories that honor the spirit of We The People. This years lineup features timeless rock icons like Kid Rock, Nickleback, Logan Crosby, and more! *Artists subject to change

This is an all ages event. For ticketing information click here. Children 2 and under are free.

Symphony Under The Stars

May 11, 2025

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 5 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!

Ocala Summer Series

June 4 - August 10, 2025

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 29, 2025

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.

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 May 29 to August 2 and offers select shows at just $5 for children 12 and under! The $5 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