OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The City of Ocala hosted another successful First Friday Artwalk on April 3, 2026, from 6-9 p.m. Guests gathered around the Ocala Historic Downtown Square to shop local vendors and watch live performances throughout the evening.

The City of Ocala Downtown Gazebo was host to Sandra and Alex, an acoustic duo who performed vibrant songs throughout the evening as crowds gathered around to listen. The square was host to sponsored vendors who showcased a variety of items for sale, activities for guests and informational displays. Some of the activities included learning to write calligraphy and a children’s crafts and drawing station. Toward the tail end of the event, dance troupes gathered, performing elegant and lively dances for crowds, earning loud applause for each performance.

Two performers play guitar and sing on a stage.
Three women sit behind a black table with a white table runner reading, "Ocala Calligraphy Guild." The table featured sign-up sheets and calligraphy activities.
A dance troupe poses together with five of the dancers in pink corsets with flowing, white dresses. In the middle is another dancer in a black gown with red roses displayed on it.

Surrounding the square, art vendors featured vibrant displays in front of local shops and restaurants. Some of the artwork featured throughout the area included paintings, woodworks, metalworks, resin art, jewelry, drawings, photos and more. Returning artists talked to guests, sharing experiences and explaining their displays while new artisans got a chance to meet other artists and show off their skills.

A man holds a bird behind a table decorated with various art displays.
A woman stands behind a table with resin art pieces on a yellow tablecloth.
A man stands in front of a metal wall with paintings hanging from multiple parts of the wall.
A man stands in front of a metal cage made into a wall with art hanging from it.
A man stands behind a table full of hyper-realistic art.
A man stands in front of a wall fill with paintings. Next to him is a table with more paintings scattered around it.
A table is full of woodworks in the shape of animals and small objects.
A metal cage made into a wall features paintings scattered and hanging throughout it.
Three people dressed in black sit behind a table with abstract art scattered on it.
A man holds a handmade instrument behind a table with a variety of woodworks and metalworks. In front of the table is a blue rack displaying more instruments.

Throughout the area, multiple additional performances took place to liven up the evening and showcase local talents. Aerial performer, Lizzie Steger, showcased a variety of moves on her hoop, amazing guests as they walked by. Colleen Dunlap dressed as a fairy, providing kid-friendly quests to young guests to walk around the area and earn coins. Some local vendors made art live including woodworking and painting.

A performer sits elegantly on an aerial hoop in front of a parking lot next to a theatre.
A crowd of costumed guests talk and laugh during an event in a town.

Guests walked around and enjoyed the art and entertainment between shopping and dining with restaurants getting packed and local shops seeing large crowds. The Marion Theatre also hosted the Serial Killer Speakeasy where some guests lined up after walking around the area, filling the sidewalks in front of the theatre.

People walk in a town setting in front of a historic theatre.
The Marion Theatre hosted a speakeasy performance during the April 2026 Frist Friday Art Walk on April 3, 2026. Courtesy: Amber Battillo/352today

Citizen’s Circle featured Perpetual Groove who performed live throughout the evening with crowds growing. Guests found seats on grass, walls, lawn chairs and park benches, watching the band perform while children ran around the area, played in the splash pad and threw inflatable balls around the circle.

Three performers play guitar and drums on a stage while a crowd watches.
Crowd of guests watch as performers sing on the stage in Citizen's Circle.

As the evening came to an end and vendor began packing up, guests began dispersing to local establishments or leaving the area with multiple artworks in hand, ending another successful First Friday Artwalk. To learn more about the art walks or for information about upcoming events, call the City of Ocala Cultural Arts at 352-629-8447.