OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Kids are out of school. Beaches are getting more crowded every weekend. The summer vacation season has arrived in North Central Florida.
As we near the end of a busy first half of the year, this weekend is the perfect time to spend quality time with loved ones. For some, that means planning a special night with your kids, finally going on that long-awaited date night, or making time for socializing with friends.
|WEEKEND WEATHER: Sunny, hot and start of hurricane season
Whichever it is, we’re here to help you plan your activities with our weekend top picks.
Bounce Town Bash: Mark your calendars for this end-of-school celebration on Saturday, June 1, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Over 30 wet and dry inflatables, food trucks, and a DJ will be set up at 250 Rolling Acres Road in Lady Lake. Tickets are $6 and each child must be accompanied by an adult. Don’t forget chairs, blankets, and towels while you enjoy the ultimate playground.
Appleton Museum Free First Saturday: Enjoy free admission all day on Saturday, June 1, to check out the permanent collection and special exhibits, including Water’s Margin. Artist Margaret Ross Tolbert will be giving a talk titled “Canvassing Florida Springs” about this exhibit, which closes on June 2. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The museum’s address is 4333 E Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala.
Mimosa Fest: Get ready for a bubbly weekend as you try different mimosas while enjoying a live DJ and great company on Saturday, June 1, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets to the fest, happening at the Reilly Arts Center, start at $15. The event is 21+ only. Address is 500 NE 9th St. in Ocala
Ocala Water Lantern Festival: Witness the magic of lanterns across the water at Tuscawilla Park, 213 NE 5th St. in Ocala. There will be food trucks and music, and you can design your very own lantern to launch. Gates open on Saturday, June 1, at 5:30 p.m. and the lanterns will launch at 8:30 p.m. Presale tickets are $28.33 for adults, $13.70 for kids 8-14, and FREE for kids under 8. Each ticket comes with a lantern kit.
|MOVIE REVIEW: “Ezra” tackles family challenges of having a child on the autism spectrum
Date Night at the Discovery Center: Discover a different way to do date night at the Discovery Center. On Friday, May 31, the center will open at 6 p.m. for attendees to explore the exhibits, take part in hands-on science activities, and enjoy light refreshments. The event takes place at 701 NE Sanchez Ave. and tickets are $30 per couple. Guests must be 18 and older.
Dueling Pianos: Pull up a seat and warm up your voice to sing along all night to soft rock and pop that spans decades. This show is on Friday, May 31, at 6 p.m. at the Reilly Arts Center, located at 500 NE 9th St. in Ocala. Tickets are $27, and guests will be seated at tables of 4 or 6 so bring a group or get ready to make new friends! If you want to release your wild side, opt for Dueling Pianos Uncensored, which starts at 9 p.m. Tickets for this edition of the show are $30.
70th Annual Chiefland Watermelon Festival: Bite into summer with free watermelon slices, craft and food vendors, and entertainment including a pig calling contest on Saturday, June 1, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The FREE festival is happening at 23 SE Second Ave. in Chiefland.
Discover more things to do in North Central Florida by browsing the 352today events page.