OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department has released the official event map and full schedule for Patriotic Skies, the city’s annual Fourth of July celebration.

The family-friendly event is set to take place on Thursday, July 4, with activities beginning at 6 p.m. and fireworks capping the night at 9:30 p.m.

Map of Ocala’s 2025 Patriotic Skies event at Tuscawilla Park showing locations for kids’ zone, main stage, food vendors, shuttle stops, fireworks area, and other festival features.
The official 2025 Patriotic Skies event map outlines key attractions at Tuscawilla Park, including food vendors, entertainment stages, kids’ activities, shuttle stops, and the fireworks viewing area. Courtesy: City of Ocala

Entertainment and Activities

The Main Stage will open at 6 p.m. with the Presentation of the Colors and the National Anthem. Musical performances include local artists Emma Forgette from 6–7:30 p.m. and Bryce Mauldin from 8–9:15 p.m. The evening will conclude with a fireworks show presented by Ocala Main Street at 9:30 p.m.

Families can enjoy a dedicated Kids Stage featuring DJ Karim playing upbeat, family-friendly music from 6–9 p.m. Nearby, kids’ zones will offer inflatable games, crafts, and face painting (a small fee applies). The activities are designed to provide a safe and engaging experience for children of all ages.

Food and Drink Options

More than a dozen food vendors will be on site offering a wide range of cuisine, from barbecue and Puerto Rican dishes to pizza, lemonade, and sweet treats. Participating vendors include The Dancing Empanada, Kona Ice, Royal Hibachi, Junkie Fries, and others.

Transportation and Parking

To ease congestion, free shuttle service will be available from 5–11 p.m. Pickup locations include Marion Technical Institute, E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, Ocala City Hall, and the Marion County Parking Facility. All shuttles are ADA accessible and run at intervals between 15 and 30 minutes.

Map of Ocala highlighting four shuttle pickup and two drop-off locations for the 2025 Patriotic Skies event, including Marion Technical Institute, City Hall, and E.D. Croskey Recreation Center.
A map shows shuttle pickup and drop-off locations for Ocala’s Patriotic Skies Fourth of July celebration. Free shuttles will run from 5 to 11 p.m. to help attendees access the downtown event. Courtesy: City of Ocala

City officials encourage residents and visitors to review the event map, plan ahead, and enjoy a safe and festive Independence Day celebration in Ocala’s Midtown.

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