OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Enjoy a full weekend of exciting events with high energy performances and activities. Check out the opening week of a musical, enjoy an immersive rodeo and take some time for self-care with a wellness expo. Here are the top pick events in the 352.

RENT 

  • What: Join the Ocala Civic Theatre for the opening weekend of their latest musical, “RENT.” The performance will follow young artists and musicians as they traverse the struggles of HIV and AIDS while pursuing their dreams. 
  • When: Thursday-Friday, Sept. 3-4 starting at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5 with a matinee at 2 p.m. and an evening performance at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6 starting at 2 p.m. 
  • Where: Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. 
  • Cost: $17-20 for ages 18 and under and $35-40 adults, depending on seating. 

Learn more and purchase tickets here. 

Ocala Shrine Rodeo 

  • What: Enjoy two days of bareback bronc riding, barrel racing, bull riding, saddle riding, steer wrestling and much more at the Ocala Shrine Rodeo. Guests can watch as professionals take on intense challenges and showcase their skills. 
  • When: Friday-Saturday, Sept. 4-5 starting at 5:30 p.m. 
  • Where: Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2200 NE Jacksonville Rd., Ocala. 
  • Cost: $20 for children ages 6-11 on Friday night or $15 for purchasing online. $25 for adults and free for children ages 5 and under on both days. 

Learn more and purchase tickets here. 

Ocala Wellness Expo 

  • What: Experience a day of health, wellness and healing at the Ocala Expo. Vendors will take over the mall with wellness professionals, fitness experts, health services and more. Booths will feature natural products, interactive exhibits, fitness products, skincare products and nutritional items. 
  • When: Saturday, Sept. 5 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 
  • Where: Paddock Mall, 3100 SW College Rd., Ocala. 
  • Cost: Free to attend. 

Learn more here. 

Downtown Vintage Market

  • What: Shop local and step back in time at the Downtown Vintage Market in Ocala. The market will feature more than 50 vintage and handmade vendors, along with food trucks and live music.
  • When: Saturday, Sept. 5 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Where: Citizens’ Circle, 151 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala.
  • Cost: Free to attend.

Learn more here.

Downtown Car Meet

  • What: Cruise into the weekend at the Downtown Car Meet, featuring lowriders, classic cars, muscle cars, imports, trucks, and motorcycles. The event will include music, great food, and family-friendly fun, with all cars welcome.
  • When: Saturday, Sept. 5, from 5 p.m. until close.
  • Where: Mi Familia Mexican Restaurant, 4901 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Suite 503, Ocala.
  • Cost: Free to attend.

Learn more here.

Monday Night Pickleball Mashup

  • What: Sweat out your Labor Day Weekend shenanigans at Oxford Downs and sit down to a game of Hold ‘Em on the same evening. Only 60 spots are available, and this event is recommended for intermediate players 2.5-3.5.
  • When: Monday, Sept. 7, 6-9 p.m.
  • Where: Oxford Downs, 17996 U.S. HWY 301 South, Oxford.
  • Cost: $45 buy-in.

Learn more here.