NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA (352today.com) – Happy Friday. Are you ready for a great weekend?

North Central Florida knows how to spend the summer, with weekends jam packed full of events from rockin’ concert lineups to local vendor markets to foodie festivities. If you’re overwhelmed by all of the options you have for weekend fun, let our top picks be your guide.

|WEEKEND WEATHER: Stifling, sticky and soggy but cool contest will make it feel like it’s Christmas in July

Taylor Shines – The Laser Spectacular: The Reilly Arts Center is hosting 2 hours of a non-stop Taylor Swift party on Friday, July 19, at 5 and 8 p.m. The show features large-screen video projection, 3D glasses, and a spectacular light show that the whole family will enjoy. Tickets range from $25 to $50 and the address is 500 NE 9th St. in Ocala.

Date Night at the Discovery Center: Grab a loved one for a new way to do date night. On Friday, July 19 at 6:30 p.m. head to the Discovery Center at 701 NE Sanchez Ave. in Ocala for this interactive experience exploring the wonders of Earth with hands-on science activities. This event is 18+ and costs $30 per couple.

Zookeeper Day: Discover the many roles of a zookeeper at this behind-the-scenes experience on Saturday, July 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This day will feature demonstrations, zookeeper talks, live music, and more. Tickets are $10. Children 12 and under are $6. Zookeeper day is held at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, located at 3000 NE 83rd St. in Gainesville.

The City of Wildwood Back to School Bash: Start your back-to-school preparations on Saturday, July 20, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at this bash featuring school supply giveaways, haircuts, vision screening, vendors, and bounce houses for the kids to enjoy. The festivities are FREE to enjoy and will be at the Wildwood Community Center, located at 6500 Powell Rd. in Wildwood.

Girls Summer Night Out: Head to the Ocala Downtown Market on the corner of SE 3rd Street and SE 3rd Avenue for this market on Saturday, July 20, from 6 to 10 p.m. The market is FREE to enter and will feature nearly 100 central Florida female-owned vendors with a wide variety of clothes, food, crafts, and other products.

WindFM Rocks the Reilly – Absolute Queen: Rock out to Queen’s greatest hits on Saturday, July 20, at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy an opening set by WindFM’s Battle of the Bands winner, Horde of Culture, before the tribute band Absolute Queen takes the stage at the Reilly Arts Center. Tickets start at $25, but don’t wait because this show is close to selling out.

Loosey’s Summer Cocktail Cook-off: This throwdown between downtown Gainesville’s favorite bartenders will be on Sunday, July 21, at 6 p.m. Tickets to experience this summertime refreshment contest are $10, and the event is 21+. Loosey’s is located at 120 SW 1st Ave. in Gainesville.

Discover more things to do in North Central Florida by browsing the 352today events page.