352 (352today.com) – This weekend features a variety of activities for unique and engaging fun with markets, a food fest, a medieval faire and more around Ocala, Gainesville and Belleview. Locals can enjoy these free outings for a weekend of family-friendly fun, girl power, shopping and entertainment. Here are the top pick events in the 352.

Downtown Winter Market Series

  • What: This weekend marks the second-to-last weekend of the Downtown Winter Market Series with a theme of Music Showcase. Guests will have a lively preview of the Big: Cultural & Arts Festival set for April as well as a crochet skill share for active entertainment. Vendors and art and wellness spaces will be scattered throughout the area for attendees to explore while listening to live music.
  • When: Friday-Saturday, Jan. 16- 17 from 4-10 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18 from 12-5 p.m. Skill Share will take place on Sunday from 11 a.m.-1p.m.
  • Where: The Streatery, SW 1st Street, from S Main St. to SW 2nd St., Gainesville.
  • Cost: Free to attend.

Learn more here.

Friday Foodie Fest

  • What: The monthly Friday Foodie Fest is here for an evening of delectable bites from one of the many food trucks in attendance as well as shopping at the variety of vendors featuring businesses, organizations, unique crafts and local artisans. Live entertainment will be available throughout the evening for everyone with music, face painting, train rides and crafts.
  • When: Friday, Jan. 16 from 5-9 p.m.
  • Where: Lake Lillian, SE Robinson Rd., Belleview.
  • Cost: Free to attend.

Learn more here.

Ocala Oddities Market

  • What: The Ocala Oddities Market is back for the start of the new year with their January incarnation of odd finds and creative looks. Vendors with unique crafts, handmade clothing and jewelry, taxidermy and more bewitching items will be present for a vibrant shopping experience. Food trucks will be on-site for quick meals and snacks for a break between shopping.
  • When: Friday, Jan. 16 from 6-10 p.m.
  • Where: The Ocala Downtown Market, 403 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala.
  • Cost: Free to attend.

Learn more here.

Maurice O’Sullivan: Florida Noir

  • What: Join Dr. Maurice O’Sullivan as he delves into the crime fiction of Florida and its history. Learn how Florida influenced the modern genre of crime fiction during the re-invention of the genre.
  • When: Saturday, Jan. 17 starting at 11 a.m.
  • Where: Headquarters – Ocala Public Library, 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala.
  • Cost: Free to attend.

Learn more here.

Hoggetowne Medieval Faire Preview

  • What: Check out a preview of the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire for a chance to check out some of the performances with a welcome from the King and Queen, the Gypsy Guerrilla Band and Jerry Berry & Craig Boers. Guests are encouraged to stay through the day to catch the Living Chessboard standoff between recognizable characters for the main event.
  • When: Saturday, Jan. 17 from 1-4 p.m.
  • Where: Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave., Gainesville.
  • Cost: Free to attend.

Learn more here.

Winter Wonderland Girls Night Out

  • What: Girls Night Out is back for the new year with a winter theme under twinkling lights with plenty of female-owned businesses setting up shop for a lively shopping trip for a special night out with the girls. DJ Rae Bae will once again be providing live entertainment with high-energy girl power anthems with a free photo opportunity provided by Legacy Rhythm Entertainment and Crystal Events by The Crafty Heifer. There will be raffles, specialty drinks such as hot cocoa, cocktails and mocktails at the on-site food trucks, along with on-site experiences such as fairy hair, permanent jewelry and more.
  • When: Saturday, Jan. 17 from 6-9 p.m.
  • Where: The Ocala Downtown Market, 403 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala.
  • Cost: Free to attend.

Learn more here.