OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Downtown Ocala was abuzz with creativity and holiday cheer during the First Friday Art Walk on Dec. 6. Local artists showcased their talents, musicians entertained crowds, and families enjoyed a cool, comfortable evening under the glow of the city’s Christmas lights.

Visitors look over works of art during First Friday Art Walk in Ocala, FL on Friday, December 6, 2024. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Visitors look over works of art during First Friday Art Walk in Ocala. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Families pose by the big Christmas tree on Ocala’s Downtown Square. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Families pose by the big Christmas tree during First Friday Art Walk. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Visitors enjoy the lights and The Mudds performance. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
It was a cool, comfortable night for a festive edition of Ocala’s First Friday Art Walk on the Downtown Square, with the city’s Christmas lights providing a backdrop to the lively music and interactive arts. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today

Kris Pearson and Justin Alsedek were among the artists setting up displays of their work, inviting visitors to admire their creative expressions. Gaby’s handmade polymer clay earrings and photographer Michael’s puzzles, crafted from his local photography, drew interest from attendees exploring the event.

Artist Kris Pearson sets up her paintings during First Friday Art Walk in Ocala, FL on Friday, Dec. 6. 2024. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Photographer Michael talks about the puzzles made from his local photographs during First Friday Art Walk in Ocala, FL on Friday, December 6. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Artist Gaby shows her hand made polymer clay earrings during the First Friday Art Walk Downtown Ocala, FL on Friday, December 6, 2024. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Artist Justin Alsedek sets up his work during First Friday Art Walk. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today

The Mudds performed in the gazebo, filling the Downtown Square with festive tunes as families gathered by the Christmas tree for holiday photos.

The Mudds perform in the gazebo on Ocala’s Downtown Square during First Friday Art Walk. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
The Mudds perform during First Friday Art Walk. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Local artists show their artwork, and visitors are entertained on the downtown square the First Friday of the month through May 2025. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today

The event, which occurs the first Friday of each month through May 2024, features live music, interactive art, and a showcase of local talent. It serves as a community hub for residents and visitors to connect, celebrate, and enjoy Ocala’s cultural scene.