MRION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – This weekend kicks off the new year with lively and active events for the community to enjoy. From a film screening and living history to a candlelight tribute and park fun, here are the top events in Ocala and Gainesville this weekend.

Free Film Screening, “The Trip to Italy”

  • What: Enjoy a free screening of “The Trip to Italy” at the Appleton Museum as a part of their monthly Free First Saturday.
  • When: Saturday, Jan. 3 with one screening at 11 a.m. and another at 2 p.m.
  • Where: Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala.
  • Cost: Free to attend.

Learn more here.

Living History Saturday

  • What: Locals are invited to take a step back in time to plant a seed or utilize old tools in a wood shop. Guests can walk around interact with living history guides wearing clothing representing an older time period while reenacting the culture and jobs of the time.
  • When: Saturday, Jan. 3 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Where: Morningside Nature Living Center Living History Farm, 3540 E. University Ave., Gainesville.
  • Cost: Free to attend.

Learn more here.

Special Kick Off: “Six Triple Eight”

  • What: The Star Center Theatre is presenting “Six Triple Eight,” the story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. The women-only U.S. Army unit served overseas sorting mail to ensure its delivery to soldiers while overcoming discrimination and harsh conditions during World War II.
  • When: Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 3-4 from 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
  • Where: Historic downtown Old Post Office Building, 25 SE 2nd Pl., Gainesville.
  • Cost: $16.80

Learn more here.

Armor Party with Thaliondor

  • What: Marion County Maker Collective is hosting a “make your own armor” party in partnership with Thaliondor. Experts from Thaliondor will be sharing tips to create amor and weaponry for those interested in amplifying cosplay, costumes for LARPing and for fun.
  • When: Saturday, Jan. 3 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Where: Marion County Maker Collective, 3650 NE 24th St., Ocala.
  • Cost: Free to attend.

Learn more here.

Candlelight: Tribute to Queen and The Beatles

  • What: The Ocala Civic Theatre is hosting a tribute concert to Queen and The Beatles performed by the Listeso String Quartet. Music will be played with candlelight surrounding the theatre in a soft glow.
  • When: Sunday, Jan. 4 from 8:30-9:30 p.m.
  • Where: Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala.
  • Cost: $35.50-$51 depending on seating.

Learn more here.

Perspectives in the Park

  • What: This month’s Perspectives in the Park is FrogWatch USA’s local calls and croaks of Alachua. The presenter will be Jade Woodling from the Conservation Education Curator Sante Fe College Teaching Zoo who will be teaching guests how to identify the call of local frogs.
  • When: Sunday, Jan. 4 from 1-2 p.m.
  • Where: Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Center, 1500 NW 45th Ave., Gainesville.
  • Cost: Free to attend.

Learn more here.