Good morning, Ocala.

Heartwood Music Fest X took place Saturday at the Heartwood Soundstage — a local venue for family-friendly fun — where residents enjoyed live music.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.