MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Enjoy a weekend full of food, live entertainment and supporting both children and the arts. From Foodie Fest to a pirate’s journey, here are the top picks for events in the 352 this weekend.
Friday Foodie Fest
- What: Join the community for a delicious gathering of a variety of foods. Foodie Fest takes place every third Friday of the month, allowing locals to try bites from a variety of food trucks, check out local craft vendors and jam out to live music. Kids will have free activities to keep them entertained between snacks.
- When: Friday, April 17 from 5-9 p.m.
- Where: Lake Lillian, SE Robinson Rd., Belleview.
- Cost: Free to attend.
Learn more here.
Marion County Children’s Alliance Spring Soiree
- What: Support the Marion County Children’s Alliance with a lively evening of community gathering at this soiree featuring hors d’oeuvres and live music. All donations and gifts go directly to support programs providing care for children in Marion County.
- When: Friday, April 17 from 6-9 p.m.
- Where: Midtown Station, 235 NE Watula Ave., Ocala.
- Cost: $85
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Fairy Fantasy Fest Craft fair
- What: Dress up and experience the magic at the Fairy Fantasy Fest Craft Fair, where guests will engage in a vibrant evening. There will be free games with prizes, storytelling, karaoke, treats and plenty of craft vendors. Everyone is encouraged to come in costume or bring spare clothes for the children’s splash pad.
- When: Saturday, April 18 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Where: Citizen’s Circle, 151 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala.
- Cost: Free to attend.
Learn more here.
National Water Dance & Festival
- What: Visit Silver Spring’s beautiful park while watching dancers from local high schools and Arts in Health Ocala Matro. There will also be exhibitors throughout the area with local artistry and informational sections sharing the importance of Florida’s springs. This dance and festival is being held in honor of and to celebrate Ocala’s Mammoth Spring.
- When: Saturday, April 18 from 12-5 p.m.
- Where: Silver Springs State Park, 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Silver Springs.
- Cost: $2 park admission.
Learn more here.
April’s Finest Craft Fair
- What: Small businesses, local crafters and artisans from around Marion County will be stopping by the Ocala Downtown Market for an evening of spring celebration and crafts. Grab a bite from food trucks and vendors, check out handmade jewelry, purchase new décor and more at this market.
- When: Sunday, April 19 from 12-4 p.m.
- Where: Ocala Downtown Market, 403 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala.
- Cost: Free to attend.
Learn more here.
The Pirates of Penzance
- What: The University of Florida Opera Theatre and UF Symphony Orchestra will be performing a grand pirate journey for one matinee performance only at the Reilly Arts Center. The afternoon will be full of laughter, mischief and lively tales of Frederic, a new pirate to the scene joining for an unexpected whirlwind of fun.
- When: Sunday, April 19 starting at 3 p.m.
- Where: Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala.
- Cost: $10 for students, $46-$58 for regular admission depending on seating and $270 for box seating.
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
