MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – This weekend is full of high-energy fun and exciting ways to give back to the community. Easter egg hunts and Geek Fest for local delights with The Big Cheese and a Stop Children’s Cancer fundraiser will keep calendars full of uplifting entertainment. Here are our top picks for weekend fun in Ocala, Marion County and North Central Florida.
Rainbow Lake Estates Annual Easter Egg Hunt
- What: Rainbow Lake Estates will be hosting their annual Easter extravaganza where kids can hunt for eggs, parents can check out some local crafts and the whole family can indulge in snacks and grab pictures with the Easter Bunny. Categories for egg hunts are ages six and under, kids 7-12 and teens from 13-17.
- When: Saturday, March 28 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Where: Rainbow Lake Estates Community Center Complex, 4030 SW Deepwater Ct., Dunnellon.
- Cost: Free to attend.
Learn more here.
2nd Annual “The Big Cheese”
- What: The Ocala Business Leaders group is hosting their 2nd annual The Big Cheese event wherein restaurants compete by creating handcrafted grilled cheese and mac and cheese. Guests will receive tickets they can use to sample food and vote for the people’s choice awards. This year, the event is sponsored by Ferrentino & Son Construction with proceeds going to five local nonprofit organizations.
- When: Saturday, March 28 from 12-3 p.m.
- Where: Midtown Station, 235 NE Watula Ave., Ocala.
- Cost: $20 for adults and $5 for children.
Learn more here.
37th Annual Stop Children’s Cancer Fantasy Event
- What: Support the fight against childhood cancer at the “Sapphire Soiree.” This annual event will be celebrating its 45th year with a fantasy celebration. Guests can support by donating auction items, becoming a sponsor or purchasing tickets. Proceeds from this event will be benefitting Stop Children’s Cancer.
- When: Saturday, March 28 from 5:30-10 p.m.
- Where: J Wayne Reitz Union Grand Ballroom, 686 Museum Rd., Gainesville.
- Cost: $225 per person.
Learn more here.
3rd Annual Spring Craft Fair
- What: Pointe Grand Communities is hosting another year of spring crafts and handmade collections. Booths will line the area with artisans and crafters featuring jewelry, home décor, artwork, candles, pottery and more handcrafted goods for anyone to take a peek or purchase.
- When: Saturday and Sunday, March 28-29
- Where: World Equestrian Center, 1750 NW 80th Ave., Ocala.
- Cost: $5 in cash or $5.50 on card with kids aged 12 and under free.
Learn more here.
The Horseman Symposium
- What: Join a community of dedicated, thoughtful horsemen for two days of equine connections. Guests will have the opportunity to refine or perfect skills with horses whether just starting out or joining for another year. This international gathering will allow the equine community to come together for a weekend of connecting with other trainers, riders and horsemen.
- When: Saturday and Sunday, March 28-29 starting at 8 a.m. on both days.
- Where: Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Rd., Ocala.
- Cost: Regular tickets are $197 and VIP tickets are $400. Tickets cover entry for both days.
Learn more here.
Geek Fest
- What: More than 60 vendors will be flooding the Ocala Downtown Market for the March 2026 edition of Geek Fest. Booths will feature video games, vintage toys, comic books, Pokémon cards, Funko Pops and much more for everyone to geek out on. During the event, guests will have the opportunity to LARP and participate in a costume contest at 3 p.m.
- When: Sunday, March 29 from 12-4 p.m.
- Where: Ocala Downtown Market, 403 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala.
- Cost: Free to attend.
Learn more here.
