MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – This weekend will feature plenty of family-friendly and festive fun. From Spooktacular Halloween parties to celebrating artisans, local community gathering is taking over the county. Here are the top pick events in the 352.
Friday, Oct. 23
Safe and Spooktacular Halloween Party
- What: Celebrate the season with the whole family at the Safe and Spooktacular Halloween Party. Guests will experience trick or treating, fire trucks and patrol cars for a safe and fun evening with plenty of candy.
- When: Friday, Oct. 23 from 6-8:30 p.m.
- Where: McPherson Government Campus, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala.
- Cost: Free to attend.
Learn more here.
‘The Illusion’: College of Central Florida’s Fall Play
- What: College of Central Florida students present Tony Kushner’s reimagining of a 17th-century French comedy, filled with romance, mystery, humor, and unexpected twists. Student-built sets and a student technical crew round out the production.
- When: Oct. 22–25 (Thu–Sat at 7:30 p.m., Sun at 3 p.m)
- Where: Dassance Fine Arts Center, College of Central Florida, Ocala
- Cost: Adults $12; non-CF students $6; CF students, eligible alumni, faculty, and staff free with valid ID. Tickets available through CF University Tickets or by calling 352-873-5810.
Learn more here.
Saturday, Oct. 24
Ocala Fine Arts Festival
- What: Support local artisans and explore more than 100 outdoor galleries during the Ocala Fine Arts Festival. Guests will have the opportunity to try out local food, listen to live music and experience a night out with the family.
- When: Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 24-25 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Where: Historic Downtown Ocala.
- Cost: Admission is complimentary.
Learn more here.
Emma’s Chocolate Tasting Class
- What: Emma’s Patisserie at World Equestrian Center – Ocala guides guests through chocolate’s journey from cacao fruit to finished confection, with tastings that explore origin, craftsmanship, and how to taste like a professional.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
- Where: Aston’s Meeting Room, The Equestrian Manor, World Equestrian Center – Ocala (8050 NW 17th Pl)
- Cost: Reservations required (prepaid; service fee, gratuity, and taxes additional). Space is limited. Reserve through the World Equestrian Center events page.
Learn more here.
Xtreme Bullz Fall Festival
- What: Catch an adrenaline-packed night of bull riding, barrel racing, and more at the Florida Horse Park, complete with fair food and a lively Western atmosphere.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 24 (gates open 2:00 p.m., VIP tour at 4 p.m., rodeo starts at 6 p.m)
- Where: Florida Horse Park, 11008 S. Highway 475, Ocala, FL
- Cost: Tickets: $25, Children 5 & under FREE, VIP Experience: $50
Learn more here.
Spooktacular Halloween and Trunk or Treat
- What: There’s plenty of family-friendly Halloween fun this weekend with the Spooktacular Halloween and Trunk or Treat event. Everyone is encouraged to dress up for truck or treating, kids’ crafts, a s’mores bar, cotton candy, festive activities and prizes.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 24 from 5-8 p.m.
- Where: Rainbow Lake Estates Community Center, 4030 SW Deepwater Ct., Dunnellon.
- Cost: Free to attend.
Learn more here.
Sumter County Trading Card and Memorabilia Show
- What: The first-ever Sumter County Trading Card and Memorabilia Show brings together vendors and collectors with sports cards, non-sports cards, Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, signed memorabilia, and more.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Where: Wildwood Community Center, 6500 Powell Rd., Wildwood
- Cost: Free admission.
Learn more here.
