MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – As Valentine’s Day swiftly approaches, gatherings are popping up for couples, friends and family to celebrate love and appreciation for each other. This year features a variety of events for celebrations of all kinds. From relaxing nights out such as moonlight paddling and a glass-bottom boat tour just before the sun sets to energetic festivities such as an ’80s-themed game night and markets, this month will be host to something for everyone.
Bows & Arrows
Silver Springs Archery Range invites fathers and daughters to come together for a day of Valentine’s-themed fun. Whether seasoned or new, guests can learn how to shoot arrows with games, treats and goodie bags for a morning of daddy/daughter bonding time.
This event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 10 a.m.-noon at 5231 NE 35th St., Silver Springs. Each father and daughter pairing is $25
Learn more here.
Hug A Horse
Fallen Oak Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation invites the community to come to Hug A Horse, where guests can learn about equine health, nutrition and rehabilitation. During the event, College of Central Florida students will demonstrate how to take temperature, pulse and respiration in horses and Ian Robb will host an information stand on Bemer therapy. For those looking for an interactive experience, the J&J Tack Shack pop-up booth and a treat station will have equine items for sale.
Hug A Horse will take place on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at 1 SE 123rd Street Rd., Ocala.
Learn more by calling 240-440-0807 or visiting their website here.
Crafty and Cute Galentine’s
Hammer and Stain invites guests to join them for a Galentine’s craft event where attendees will have the opportunity to decorate a trinket tray, a whipped cream-inspired photo frame and a hand-painted 4×6-inch frame. Guests will dine on charcuterie and sip on BYOB beverages.
This Galentine’s event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 6-9 p.m. at 6158 SW SR 200, Ocala. Registration is required to accommodate limited seating at $55 per person.
Learn more or purchase tickets here.
2nd Sunday Maker’s Market
Heart of the Park will be hosting a Valentine’s Maker’s Market where guests can shop at one of the many vendors featuring handmade crafts, art, florals and baked goods. Local artisans and guests can gather to support the local arts community.
This market will take place on Sunday, Feb. 8 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 516 NE Sanches Ave., Ocala. This market is free and open to the community.
Learn more here.
Galentine’s ’80s Night
Meeple Movers Board Game Café invites all the ladies to a special Galentine’s ’80s Night featuring retro games, ’80s music trivia, and special menu options. Guests are encouraged to dress the part for a free drink.
This groovy gaming session will take place on Friday, Feb. 13 from 5:30-9 p.m. at 3101 SW 34th Ave., Ocala.
Learn more by calling 352-572-5637 or purchase tickets here.
Downtown Vintage Market
The community will be gathering at Citizen’s Circle for an afternoon of vintage clothes from and inspired by trends between the ’50s and ’90s, in addition to decor, knick-knacks and other handmade items. Food trucks and live music will be onsite for continuous fun.
The market will take place on Saturday, Feb. 14 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at 151 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala. This market is free to attend and open to everyone.
Learn more here.
Love, Bites & Beats
Circle Square Commons will be host to an evening of entertainment with plenty to experience for everyone. The Sweet Talkers will be performing live throughout the event while guests shop at one of the many local vendors. Food trucks will be onsite with delectable food. A fun feature at the market will be Cirque Ma’Ceo where performers will perform breathtaking acts.
This celebration will take place on Saturday, Feb. 14 from 3-9 p.m. at 8405 SW 80th St., Ocala. This event is free and open to everyone for shopping and entertainment. Cirque Ma’Ceo adult tickets range from $35-$65 depending on seating and children’s tickets are $20.
Learn more about the market here.
Valentine’s Day in Paradise
Silver Springs State Parks invites couples to join a romantic evening starting with an end-of-day glass-bottom boat tour where guests will cruise over the Silver River. Guests will then move over to Mammoth Deck for a glass of Champagne while looking over the river before taking a stroll along the river and through the gardens. The evening will end in the Paradise Ballroom where guests will be treated to a choice of entrée, sides and desert.
The glass-bottom boat tour will take place on Saturday, Feb. 14 starting at 4:50 p.m. at 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Silver Springs. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets early to cater to limited seating. This experience is $50 per person, not including the $2 park entrance fee.
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Valentine’s Day Moonlight Paddle
KP Hole Park will be host to a Valentine’s paddle along the river where a guided tour will take couples along the streams with safety gear provided. After the paddle, guests can enjoy refreshments and will receive roses to pass to Valentine’s.
This romantic paddle will take place on Saturday, Feb. 14 starting at 5:30 p.m. at 9435 SW 190th Avenue Rd., Dunnellon. Guests can paddle at the river for $75 per couple.
Learn more by calling 352-671-8560 or purchase tickets at here.
Wine Glass Painting & Sangria Making Experience
The Pavillion at Green Gaits and TAP! are joining forces to host a wineglass painting session where guests will have the opportunity to create two glasses and learn how to craft sangria with a licensed bartender. Guests will enjoy sangria and hors d’oeuvres while taking home a carafe of the hand-crafted sangrias made.
The Wine Glass Painting & Sangria Making Experience will take place on Saturday, Feb. 14 starting at 6 p.m. at 7029 FL 40, Ocala. Guests can bring items to save on the $85 entry fee per person.
Learn more by calling 352-300-3530 or purchase tickets here.
Girls Night Out
Join the Ocala Downtown Market for another Girls Night Out with DJ Rae Bae playing girl-power anthems all evening. The event will feature female-owned vendors with curated items perfect for all girls need. A free photo booth will be available onsite with a chance to win a raffle giveaway prize.
This girl’s night out will take place on Saturday, Feb. 14 from 6-9 p.m. at 403 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala. The market is free to attend and open to everyone.
Learn more here.
Valentine’s Date Night
Meeple Movers Board Game Café will be hosting Valentine’s Date Night, an evening of games, appetizers, desserts and the special gift of a “Meeple Valentine’s Keepsake.” This Valentine’s gaming event is a perfect mix of laughter and intimacy for a lively and special date night.
This stress-free, high-energy date night will take place on Saturday, Feb. 14 from 6-9 p.m. at 3101 SW 34th Ave., Ocala. Entry to this event is $30 per couple, which includes two game passes, two drinks and one appetizer and desert to share.
Learn more by calling 352-572-5637 or purchase tickets here.
Galentine’s Market
The Ocala Downtown Market is hosting a special Galentine’s market for a celebration of friendship and community. The market will feature vendors showcasing crystals, vintage clothing, jewelry, handmade crafts and more for gift giving and appreciating loved ones.
This girl’s night out will take place on Sunday, Feb. 15 from noon-4 p.m. at 403 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala. The market is free to attend and open to everyone.
Learn more here.
Vampentine’s – Victorian High Tea
Artify Ocala invites guests to join them for a gothic high tea with a twist. The elegant evening is perfect for anyone, whether celebrating Valentine’s with friends, couples or alone with live entertainment by Becky Baby.
This vampiric high tea will take place on Sunday, Feb. 15 from 2-4 p.m. at 1013 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. Admission is $40 per guest and includes patisserie, aperitifs and tea for a royally stunning experience.
\Learn more and purchase tickets here.