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<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhat are the best restaurants in Florida? Here’s 15 of our favorites.<\/p>\n
Discover the best restaurants in Florida as recommended by the USA TODAY Florida Network’s food journalists for 2024.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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THIS WEEKEND<\/h2>\n\nFirst Friday Art Walk<\/h2>\n
The art walk returns 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 3. Art, music, live performances, hands-on activities for all ages and more. The event is held in downtown Ocala. More at www.ocalafl.gov\/artwalk<\/a>. This year the city is including the Sunset Songs Series, with performances 7:30-9 p.m. at Citizens\u2019 Circle, 151 SE Osceola Ave., during the October, November and December art walks. Performing on Oct. 3 will be Seranation (Reggae.)<\/p>\nThe art walk will be canceled in the event of inclement weather; the concerts will take place rain or shine, though they may be canceled if there is severe weather. For details about Sunset Songs Series, call 352-368-5517 or email recpark@ocalafl.gov. For details about First Friday Art Walk, call 352-629-8447 or email artwalk@ocalafl.gov.<\/p>\n
All-breed Horse Capital of the World Parade<\/h2>\n
This parade will be at 10 a.m. Oct. 4 on the downtown square in Ocala. “This parade will showcase horses of all breeds and disciplines, highlighting the heart of our community and its world-renowned equine industry,” organizers say. The public is invited to this free event.<\/p>\n\n‘Color Me Courageous: Glimpses of a healing journey through art expressions’<\/h2>\n
This will be the inaugural exhibition at Arts in Health Ocala Metro’s new Healing Arts Gallery, which organizers describe as “a new space dedicated to art that speaks to the innate connection between creativity and healing.” The exhibition, by abstract artist Roseprimevere, opens with a public reception 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 4 at the gallery, 2880 NE Eighth Road, Ocala. It is up through March 31, with viewing by appointment: 352-723-5444.<\/p>\n\nSumi-E demonstration<\/h2>\n
The public is invited to a free demonstration of Sumi-E, the Japanese art of painting with brush and ink on rice paper, from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Chelsea Art Center, 3305 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. Fontaine Rodgers will lead the demonstration. Seats are limited. “This special event is part of the First Saturday Tour of Studios and Galleries in Ocala, a group of about 12 participating art venues in Ocala,” organizers say. More at (352) 804-1272 or chelseaartcenter.com<\/a><\/p>\nGiven To Fly \u2013 The Pearl Jam Experience<\/h2>\n
This Pearl Jam tribute will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala. Tickets from $34. More at reillyartscenter.com <\/a>or (352) 351-1606<\/p>\n<\/p>\nCOMING SOON<\/h2>\n‘Elements in Abstract’<\/h2>\n
This exhibition opens with a reception 5:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at the SouthState Bank Second Floor Gallery, 1632 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. “Curated by Kayla Moffatt, resident artist at The MAX Ocala, the exhibition brings together ten Florida artists \u2014 photographers, painters, fabric artists, and illustrators \u2014 each interpreting the elemental forces of earth, water, air, and fire through abstraction,” organizers say. Admission is free.<\/p>\n
Kingdom of the Sun Ceremonial Band<\/h2>\n
\u201cA Walk Down Memory Lane\u201d will be presented at Countryside Presbyterian Church, 7768 SW State Road 200, Ocala, at 3 p.m. Oct. 12. The band will play tunes of Stevie Wonder, a Dick Clark tribute, military marches and more. Free concert with love offering taken. More at 352-237-4633.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n‘Nights in the Gardens of Spain’<\/h2>\n
The Ocala Symphony Orchestra begins its 50th anniversary season with these performances at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18 and 3 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala. Selections will include Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Capriccio Espagnol,” de Falla’s “Nights in the Gardens of Spain,” selections from Bizet\u2019s “Carmen\u201d and the United States premiere of “Castilla” by Mar\u00eda de Pablos. More at reillyartscenter.com<\/a> or (352) 351-1606.<\/p>\n\nWill McLean Foundation Sunday Sampler Concert Series: Passerine<\/h2>\n
This concert will begin at 2 p.m. Oct. 19 in the historic Dunnellon Depot, 12061 S. Williams St., Dunnellon. “Passerine\u2019s music occupies a zone somewhere between modern folk, progressive bluegrass, and Americana,” organizers say. Donation is $15 (cash) at the door. More at www.facebook.com\/profile.php?id=61577696114027<\/a><\/p>\nOcala Arts Festival<\/h2>\n
The annual Fine Arts for Ocala (FAFO) Ocala Arts Festival will be 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 25 and 26 in downtown Ocala. Artists, vendors, food, live entertainment and more. See full details at https:\/\/fafo.org\/festival<\/a><\/p>\nGainesville Brass Quintet<\/h2>\n
This concert, part of Joy Lutheran Church’s \u201cSeasons of Joy” concert series, will be at 4 p.m. Oct. 26 at the church, 7045 SW 83rd Place, Ocala. Free admission; a reception follows the concert.<\/p>\n\n‘There\u2019s Nothin\u2019 to Do in Slowcala!?’<\/h2>\n
This exhibition from local photographer Tommy Cuevas “captures the everyday vibrance, human and hidden beauty of a community alive with activity,” organizers say. It will be up at the CF Webber Gallery from Oct. 27-Dec. 11. The community is invited to a free opening reception 4:30-6:30 p.m. Oct. 30. The gallery, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala, is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday. More at 352-854-2322, ext. 1664.<\/p>\n
ONGOING<\/h2>\nNew traveling exhibit at the Discovery Center: ‘Alma’s Way’<\/h2>\n
“Alma\u2019s Way: Welcome to My Neighborhood!” is up at the Discovery Center through Jan. 3. “Based on the hit PBS KIDS animated series ‘Alma\u2019s Way,’ the immersive exhibit brings the life of six-year-old Alma Rivera to Ocala. Guests can step into Alma\u2019s world by exploring her family duplex, shopping at a neighborhood bodega, visiting a pet clinic, and even taking a subway ride on the iconic six train,” organizers say.<\/p>\n\nThe center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala, is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. More at 352-401-3900 or www.mydiscoverycenter.org<\/a><\/p>\n‘Harvest of Color’<\/h2>\n
This exhibition is now up at the Chelsea Art Center, 3305 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. The show features “57 vibrant and unique works by 31 talented local artists,” according to organizers. “Harvest of Color” can be viewed noon-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday through November.<\/p>\n\n‘The Gap Between Art and Life’<\/h2>\n
The College of Central Florida Webber Gallery presents this exhibit Sept. 1-Oct. 16. “After reviewing 97 entries from artists across the southeastern United States, the jury panel selected eight standout artworks by seven artists. These pieces each offer something truly unexpected, breaking from tradition and challenging the typical gallery experience,” organizers say.<\/p>\n
The Webber Gallery, 3001 SW College Road, is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Admission is free. More at CF.edu\/Webber<\/a> or 352-854-2322, ext. 1664.<\/p>\n‘Deconstructing Self: Work by Seth P. Benzel’<\/h2>\n
This exhibition will be up at the Appleton Museum of Art through Jan. 4. on the second-floor Preview Gallery. These are “two- and three-dimensional paintings” described by organizers as “a compelling exploration of transformation and identity through the lens of abstract painting.”<\/p>\n
The Appleton is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. More at 352-291-4455 or AppletonMuseum.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\u2018The Human Pulse\u2019<\/h2>\n
This photographic series by John Elliott is up at the Appleton Museum of Art’s Balcony Gallery for Florida Artists June 21-Jan. 18. It features 42 black-and-white prints from the Ocala-based photographer\u2019s ongoing \u201cThe Human Pulse\u201d series.<\/p>\n
First Friday Art Walk<\/h2>\n
The art walk returns 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 3. Art, music, live performances, hands-on activities for all ages and more. The event is held in downtown Ocala. More at www.ocalafl.gov\/artwalk<\/a>. This year the city is including the Sunset Songs Series, with performances 7:30-9 p.m. at Citizens\u2019 Circle, 151 SE Osceola Ave., during the October, November and December art walks. Performing on Oct. 3 will be Seranation (Reggae.)<\/p>\n The art walk will be canceled in the event of inclement weather; the concerts will take place rain or shine, though they may be canceled if there is severe weather. For details about Sunset Songs Series, call 352-368-5517 or email recpark@ocalafl.gov. For details about First Friday Art Walk, call 352-629-8447 or email artwalk@ocalafl.gov.<\/p>\n This parade will be at 10 a.m. Oct. 4 on the downtown square in Ocala. “This parade will showcase horses of all breeds and disciplines, highlighting the heart of our community and its world-renowned equine industry,” organizers say. The public is invited to this free event.<\/p>\n This will be the inaugural exhibition at Arts in Health Ocala Metro’s new Healing Arts Gallery, which organizers describe as “a new space dedicated to art that speaks to the innate connection between creativity and healing.” The exhibition, by abstract artist Roseprimevere, opens with a public reception 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 4 at the gallery, 2880 NE Eighth Road, Ocala. It is up through March 31, with viewing by appointment: 352-723-5444.<\/p>\n The public is invited to a free demonstration of Sumi-E, the Japanese art of painting with brush and ink on rice paper, from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Chelsea Art Center, 3305 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. Fontaine Rodgers will lead the demonstration. Seats are limited. “This special event is part of the First Saturday Tour of Studios and Galleries in Ocala, a group of about 12 participating art venues in Ocala,” organizers say. More at (352) 804-1272 or chelseaartcenter.com<\/a><\/p>\n This Pearl Jam tribute will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala. Tickets from $34. More at reillyartscenter.com <\/a>or (352) 351-1606<\/p>\n This exhibition opens with a reception 5:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at the SouthState Bank Second Floor Gallery, 1632 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. “Curated by Kayla Moffatt, resident artist at The MAX Ocala, the exhibition brings together ten Florida artists \u2014 photographers, painters, fabric artists, and illustrators \u2014 each interpreting the elemental forces of earth, water, air, and fire through abstraction,” organizers say. Admission is free.<\/p>\n \u201cA Walk Down Memory Lane\u201d will be presented at Countryside Presbyterian Church, 7768 SW State Road 200, Ocala, at 3 p.m. Oct. 12. The band will play tunes of Stevie Wonder, a Dick Clark tribute, military marches and more. Free concert with love offering taken. More at 352-237-4633.<\/p>\n The Ocala Symphony Orchestra begins its 50th anniversary season with these performances at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18 and 3 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala. Selections will include Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Capriccio Espagnol,” de Falla’s “Nights in the Gardens of Spain,” selections from Bizet\u2019s “Carmen\u201d and the United States premiere of “Castilla” by Mar\u00eda de Pablos. More at reillyartscenter.com<\/a> or (352) 351-1606.<\/p>\n This concert will begin at 2 p.m. Oct. 19 in the historic Dunnellon Depot, 12061 S. Williams St., Dunnellon. “Passerine\u2019s music occupies a zone somewhere between modern folk, progressive bluegrass, and Americana,” organizers say. Donation is $15 (cash) at the door. More at www.facebook.com\/profile.php?id=61577696114027<\/a><\/p>\n The annual Fine Arts for Ocala (FAFO) Ocala Arts Festival will be 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 25 and 26 in downtown Ocala. Artists, vendors, food, live entertainment and more. See full details at https:\/\/fafo.org\/festival<\/a><\/p>\n This concert, part of Joy Lutheran Church’s \u201cSeasons of Joy” concert series, will be at 4 p.m. Oct. 26 at the church, 7045 SW 83rd Place, Ocala. Free admission; a reception follows the concert.<\/p>\n This exhibition from local photographer Tommy Cuevas “captures the everyday vibrance, human and hidden beauty of a community alive with activity,” organizers say. It will be up at the CF Webber Gallery from Oct. 27-Dec. 11. The community is invited to a free opening reception 4:30-6:30 p.m. Oct. 30. The gallery, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala, is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday. More at 352-854-2322, ext. 1664.<\/p>\n “Alma\u2019s Way: Welcome to My Neighborhood!” is up at the Discovery Center through Jan. 3. “Based on the hit PBS KIDS animated series ‘Alma\u2019s Way,’ the immersive exhibit brings the life of six-year-old Alma Rivera to Ocala. Guests can step into Alma\u2019s world by exploring her family duplex, shopping at a neighborhood bodega, visiting a pet clinic, and even taking a subway ride on the iconic six train,” organizers say.<\/p>\n The center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala, is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. More at 352-401-3900 or www.mydiscoverycenter.org<\/a><\/p>\n This exhibition is now up at the Chelsea Art Center, 3305 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. The show features “57 vibrant and unique works by 31 talented local artists,” according to organizers. “Harvest of Color” can be viewed noon-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday through November.<\/p>\n The College of Central Florida Webber Gallery presents this exhibit Sept. 1-Oct. 16. “After reviewing 97 entries from artists across the southeastern United States, the jury panel selected eight standout artworks by seven artists. These pieces each offer something truly unexpected, breaking from tradition and challenging the typical gallery experience,” organizers say.<\/p>\n The Webber Gallery, 3001 SW College Road, is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Admission is free. More at CF.edu\/Webber<\/a> or 352-854-2322, ext. 1664.<\/p>\n This exhibition will be up at the Appleton Museum of Art through Jan. 4. on the second-floor Preview Gallery. These are “two- and three-dimensional paintings” described by organizers as “a compelling exploration of transformation and identity through the lens of abstract painting.”<\/p>\n The Appleton is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. More at 352-291-4455 or AppletonMuseum.org<\/a><\/p>\n This photographic series by John Elliott is up at the Appleton Museum of Art’s Balcony Gallery for Florida Artists June 21-Jan. 18. It features 42 black-and-white prints from the Ocala-based photographer\u2019s ongoing \u201cThe Human Pulse\u201d series.<\/p>\nAll-breed Horse Capital of the World Parade<\/h2>\n
‘Color Me Courageous: Glimpses of a healing journey through art expressions’<\/h2>\n
Sumi-E demonstration<\/h2>\n
Given To Fly \u2013 The Pearl Jam Experience<\/h2>\n
COMING SOON<\/h2>\n
‘Elements in Abstract’<\/h2>\n
Kingdom of the Sun Ceremonial Band<\/h2>\n
‘Nights in the Gardens of Spain’<\/h2>\n
Will McLean Foundation Sunday Sampler Concert Series: Passerine<\/h2>\n
Ocala Arts Festival<\/h2>\n
Gainesville Brass Quintet<\/h2>\n
‘There\u2019s Nothin\u2019 to Do in Slowcala!?’<\/h2>\n
ONGOING<\/h2>\n
New traveling exhibit at the Discovery Center: ‘Alma’s Way’<\/h2>\n
‘Harvest of Color’<\/h2>\n
‘The Gap Between Art and Life’<\/h2>\n
‘Deconstructing Self: Work by Seth P. Benzel’<\/h2>\n
\u2018The Human Pulse\u2019<\/h2>\n