Daily
Ocala
Sunday, April 5th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 5th of April.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Heartwood Music Fest X took place Saturday at the Heartwood Soundstage — a local venue for family-friendly fun — where residents enjoyed live music. WCJB
- ➤ On Friday, April 3, young dancers from Dance By Shelia performed in downtown's First Friday Art Walk and Spring Sunset Songs Series, showcasing local talent and community creativity. The event celebrated art and music for enthusiastic residents. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ The Brick City Beer and Wine Festival took place Saturday, Apr. 4 at Citizens’ Circle in Ocala, where locals sampled a variety of craft beers + the event showcased local brewers in a festive setting. Ocala Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Marion County Public Schools will break ground for a $63 million middle school in Silver Springs Shores on Tuesday, April 7 at 9:30 a.m. at 685 Oak Road where the new facility with 43 classrooms and sports fields will serve over 1,400 students and open in August 2027. Ocala-News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Firefighters are battling a 2,700-acre wildfire stretching from north central Florida into Georgia as they work to control the blaze and reduce its threat to local communities. WCJB
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Steve Albright, FSGA president and lifelong Ocala resident, was named Golfweek Senior Amateur Player of the Month for March. The commercial real estate appraiser won several local tournaments and now prepares for future competitions. Ocala StarBanner
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Orange Blossom Classic
8 a.m. – 8 p.m. — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — Varies — Experience top-level Quarter Horse competition with significant prize money on the line.
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Art Park Literary and Poetry Festival
10 AM - 5 PM — Tuscawilla Art Park — Free entry — Celebrate the power of language with live poetry, author showcases, and musical performances.
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A Sudden Impulse Quarter Horse Show
8 AM – 8 PM — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — $735,000 in guaranteed prize money — Experience thrilling competition with AQHA and NSBA classes at this premier equestrian event.
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Hot Cars and Cool Cats Car Show
10 AM — The Hot Cars and Cool Cats Car Show at The Nassiveras — $10 entry for vehicles — Experience custom trophies, great food, music, and support a good cause at this fun-filled car show.
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Ocala Big Bloom Home & Garden Show
12-6 p.m. — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — Free admission — Discover a vibrant showcase of flowers and hands-on gardening activities for all ages.
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International Jazz, Art & Poetry Festival Ocala
6-8 PM — Appleton Museum of Art — Fundraising event — Immerse yourself in jazz, vibrant art, and soulful poetry while honoring jazz legends Dizzy Gillespie and Alice Coltrane.
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Extravaganza 2026
9 AM – 10 PM — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — Free entry — Experience three days of premier paso fino horse competition at this prestigious event.
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One time never before seeing Home
Don’t miss your chance to see this perfect 3/2/2 plan offered at $269,500. Hurry, It will not last!
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Arnold Irchai and Dale Fedele Concert
3-4 p.m. — Reilly Arts Center — $4 – $185 — Experience intimate chamber music with virtuosic musicians from the Ocala Symphony in a unique performance setting.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Ocala
Welcome to the Daily Ocala, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Ocala, Florida community. If you like the Daily Ocala, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Ocala.
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