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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\n‘Nights in the Gardens of Spain’<\/h2>\n
The Ocala Symphony Orchestra begins its 50th anniversary season with 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>\nHOPS Walking Ghost Tours<\/h2>\n
These walking tours through downtown Ocala will be held 6:30 and 8 p.m. Oct. 18 and 25. Cost is $15. For details, call 352-484-0502.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n‘Phantoms In The Fort’<\/h2>\n
The city of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department, in partnership with the Marion County Library System, hosts this event 5-10 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E. Fort King St., Ocala.<\/p>\n
“This free, family-friendly event will feature a variety of activities beginning at 5 p.m., including hands-on archaeology demonstrations, outdoors games, educational exhibits, food trucks, and live bluegrass music by The Sandy Back Porch Band,” organizers say. “As the sun sets, guests are invited to take a lantern-lit stroll through the historic grounds. From 7 to 9 p.m., Marion County Library storytellers will share spooky tales inside the fort; and as the night grows darker, the stories grow spookier.”<\/p>\n\nLimited seating; bring chairs or blankets. Parking at the Kline Lot on Northeast 41st Avenue. More at fortkingocala.com<\/a> or 352-368-5517.<\/p>\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>\nCOMING SOON<\/h2>\n\n‘Beware the House on Haunted Hill’<\/h2>\n
College of Central Florida theater students will stage this show, a parody of the 1959 film, Oct. 23-26. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for non-CF students. Tickets at cf.universitytickets.com<\/a> or 352-873-5810. Tickets are free for CF students, faculty and staff with valid ID. More at CF.edu\/theatre<\/a><\/p>\nHocus Pawcus Canine Costume Contest<\/h2>\n
This free event will be 5-7 p.m. Oct. 25 at the World Equestrian Center’s indoor Exposition Center 2, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala. Dress your dog in a Halloween costume “and compete for cash prizes, dog swag, WEC merchandise and more,” organizers say. Pre-registration is encouraged; walk-up entries will be accepted as space allows. Pre-register at https:\/\/www.showclix.com\/event\/2025-hocus-pawcus?utm_source=WEC&utm_medium=email+launch&utm_campaign=2025<\/a><\/p>\n\nMore at wec.net\/events<\/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
<\/p>\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 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\n‘The Crucible’<\/h2>\n
Ocala Civic Theatre stages Arthur Miller’s classic Oct. 30\u2013Nov. 16. The show is rated PG-13. More at ocalacivictheatre.com<\/a> or (352) 236-2274.<\/p>\n\nWEC Halloween Celebration<\/h2>\n
Families are invited 6:30-9 p.m. Oct. 31 for trick-or-treating on the World Equestrian Center’s Grand Plaza, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala. “Kids can collect treats, decorate cookies and pumpkins and enjoy live music, face painting, a spirited balloon artist and festive photo ops,” organizers say. More at wec.net\/events<\/a><\/p>\nFree First Saturday Event at Chelsea Art Center<\/h2>\n
This program, 1-2 p.m. Nov. 1, features Rip Read, internationally renowned Star Muralist, who will teach students how to hand paint glowing and twinkling stars, using a chopstick for a paint brush. Seating is limited. Register now. The Chelsea Art Center is at 3305 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. (352) 804-1272 and chelseaartcenter.com<\/a><\/p>\nFifth annual Ocala Food & Wine Festival<\/h2>\n
This event will be Nov. 7-9 at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala. “Guests will enjoy world-class cuisine, expert-led tastings, and an exciting student culinary competition \u2014 all set against the stunning backdrop of WEC for the ultimate weekend getaway,” organizers say. More at https:\/\/worldequestriancenter.com\/ocala-fl\/events\/food-and-wine-festival\/<\/a><\/p>\nMcIntosh 1890s Festival<\/h2>\n
This annual event will be 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 8 in downtown McIntosh, U.S. 441 between Ocala and Gainesville (GPS address is 5835 Avenue G, McIntosh FL 32664.) Free admission. Parking in privately owned residential and not-for-profit church and school lots. Food vendors, art, arts and crafts, antiques and more. Sponsored by the Friends of McIntosh. More at https:\/\/mcintosh1890sfestival.com\/<\/a> and https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/mcintoshfestival<\/a><\/p>\n\nONGOING<\/h2>\n‘Elements in Abstract’<\/h2>\n
This exhibition is up 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\n‘Noctourn: A Show of Good Spirits’<\/h2>\n
This exhibition is up through October at The Brick Gallery, 23 SW Broadway St., Ocala. The gallery is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. More at https:\/\/mcaocala.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n‘Color Me Courageous: Glimpses of a healing journey through art expressions’<\/h2>\n
This is 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, is up at the gallery, 2880 NE Eighth Road, Ocala, through March 31, with viewing by appointment: 352-723-5444.<\/p>\n
New 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
‘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\nThe 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
‘Nights in the Gardens of Spain’<\/h2>\n
The Ocala Symphony Orchestra begins its 50th anniversary season with 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 These walking tours through downtown Ocala will be held 6:30 and 8 p.m. Oct. 18 and 25. Cost is $15. For details, call 352-484-0502.<\/p>\n The city of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department, in partnership with the Marion County Library System, hosts this event 5-10 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E. Fort King St., Ocala.<\/p>\n “This free, family-friendly event will feature a variety of activities beginning at 5 p.m., including hands-on archaeology demonstrations, outdoors games, educational exhibits, food trucks, and live bluegrass music by The Sandy Back Porch Band,” organizers say. “As the sun sets, guests are invited to take a lantern-lit stroll through the historic grounds. From 7 to 9 p.m., Marion County Library storytellers will share spooky tales inside the fort; and as the night grows darker, the stories grow spookier.”<\/p>\n Limited seating; bring chairs or blankets. Parking at the Kline Lot on Northeast 41st Avenue. More at fortkingocala.com<\/a> or 352-368-5517.<\/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 College of Central Florida theater students will stage this show, a parody of the 1959 film, Oct. 23-26. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for non-CF students. Tickets at cf.universitytickets.com<\/a> or 352-873-5810. Tickets are free for CF students, faculty and staff with valid ID. More at CF.edu\/theatre<\/a><\/p>\n This free event will be 5-7 p.m. Oct. 25 at the World Equestrian Center’s indoor Exposition Center 2, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala. Dress your dog in a Halloween costume “and compete for cash prizes, dog swag, WEC merchandise and more,” organizers say. Pre-registration is encouraged; walk-up entries will be accepted as space allows. Pre-register at https:\/\/www.showclix.com\/event\/2025-hocus-pawcus?utm_source=WEC&utm_medium=email+launch&utm_campaign=2025<\/a><\/p>\n More at wec.net\/events<\/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 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 Ocala Civic Theatre stages Arthur Miller’s classic Oct. 30\u2013Nov. 16. The show is rated PG-13. More at ocalacivictheatre.com<\/a> or (352) 236-2274.<\/p>\n Families are invited 6:30-9 p.m. Oct. 31 for trick-or-treating on the World Equestrian Center’s Grand Plaza, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala. “Kids can collect treats, decorate cookies and pumpkins and enjoy live music, face painting, a spirited balloon artist and festive photo ops,” organizers say. More at wec.net\/events<\/a><\/p>\n This program, 1-2 p.m. Nov. 1, features Rip Read, internationally renowned Star Muralist, who will teach students how to hand paint glowing and twinkling stars, using a chopstick for a paint brush. Seating is limited. Register now. The Chelsea Art Center is at 3305 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. (352) 804-1272 and chelseaartcenter.com<\/a><\/p>\n This event will be Nov. 7-9 at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala. “Guests will enjoy world-class cuisine, expert-led tastings, and an exciting student culinary competition \u2014 all set against the stunning backdrop of WEC for the ultimate weekend getaway,” organizers say. More at https:\/\/worldequestriancenter.com\/ocala-fl\/events\/food-and-wine-festival\/<\/a><\/p>\n This annual event will be 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 8 in downtown McIntosh, U.S. 441 between Ocala and Gainesville (GPS address is 5835 Avenue G, McIntosh FL 32664.) Free admission. Parking in privately owned residential and not-for-profit church and school lots. Food vendors, art, arts and crafts, antiques and more. Sponsored by the Friends of McIntosh. More at https:\/\/mcintosh1890sfestival.com\/<\/a> and https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/mcintoshfestival<\/a><\/p>\n This exhibition is up 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 This exhibition is up through October at The Brick Gallery, 23 SW Broadway St., Ocala. The gallery is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. More at https:\/\/mcaocala.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n This is 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, is up at the gallery, 2880 NE Eighth Road, Ocala, through March 31, with viewing by appointment: 352-723-5444.<\/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 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>\nHOPS Walking Ghost Tours<\/h2>\n
‘Phantoms In The Fort’<\/h2>\n
Will McLean Foundation Sunday Sampler Concert Series: Passerine<\/h2>\n
COMING SOON<\/h2>\n
‘Beware the House on Haunted Hill’<\/h2>\n
Hocus Pawcus Canine Costume Contest<\/h2>\n
Ocala Arts Festival<\/h2>\n
Gainesville Brass Quintet<\/h2>\n
‘There\u2019s Nothin\u2019 to Do in Slowcala!?’<\/h2>\n
‘The Crucible’<\/h2>\n
WEC Halloween Celebration<\/h2>\n
Free First Saturday Event at Chelsea Art Center<\/h2>\n
Fifth annual Ocala Food & Wine Festival<\/h2>\n
McIntosh 1890s Festival<\/h2>\n
ONGOING<\/h2>\n
‘Elements in Abstract’<\/h2>\n
‘Noctourn: A Show of Good Spirits’<\/h2>\n
‘Color Me Courageous: Glimpses of a healing journey through art expressions’<\/h2>\n
New traveling exhibit at the Discovery Center: ‘Alma’s Way’<\/h2>\n
‘Harvest of Color’<\/h2>\n
‘Deconstructing Self: Work by Seth P. Benzel’<\/h2>\n
\u2018The Human Pulse\u2019<\/h2>\n