OCALA, FL (352today.com) – There is no shortage of things to do around North Central Florida this weekend. You can start your weekend with a candlelit string quarter date night on Friday and spend Saturday morning enjoying a family day with a free movie. Or, kick off your weekend with a rockin’ concert at the Orange Blossom Opry and end it celebrating 80 years of the iconic Smokey Bear.
Whatever you do, we hope you stay cool, dry, and hydrated while you continue to enjoy the central Florida summer.
| MOVIE REVIEW: Deadpool & Wolverine
Our weekend top picks are your guide to this week’s diverse array of entertainment.
After Dark in the Park Movie Series: Welcome to the jam! On Friday, July 26, enjoy a FREE screening of Space Jam – A New Legacy. The movie will start at 7 p.m. at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center, located at 1821 NW 21st Ave. in Ocala. Be sure to bring a blanket or chairs to sit on. Concessions will be available for purchase at the park.
Friday Night Live at the Orange Blossom Opry: This electrifying evening of southern rock and country will feature the famous Orange Blossom Opry Band. The show kicks off at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 26, and will include hits from stars like George Strait, Travis Tritt, Charlie Daniels, Eagles, and more. Tickets start at just $19, and the concert is at 16439 SE 138th Terrace in Weirsdale.
Candlelight Concerts in Ocala: Don’t miss two unforgettable instrumental concerts on Friday, July 26. At 6 p.m., enjoy The Best of the Beatles, and at 8:30 p.m. the Listeso String Quartet will play a tribute to Adele. Tickets for each show start at $32. The shows are at the Ocala Civic Theatre, located at 4337 E Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala.
Smokey Bear’s Big Happy 80th Birthday Bash: Help Smokey Bear celebrate his 80th birthday with free cake and ice cream on Saturday, July 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Silver Springs State Park. The event will feature wildfire equipment, special merch, and photo opportunities with Smokey the Bear. Park entrance is $2, and the event is FREE once in the park. Smokey Bear will also be celebrating at the Marion County Public Library Headquarters at 2 p.m. with more fun surprises. The state park is located at 5656 E Silver Springs Boulevard in Silver Springs. The library address is 2720 E Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala.
| PARTY WITH AN ICON: Celebrate 80 years of Smokey Bear this Saturday in Ocala
Saturday Kids Films at the Marion Theatre: Kids can enjoy free popcorn at the 11 a.m. screening of Ice Age on Saturday, July 27. Tickets are $5, and the film is FREE for kids 12 and under. The film is showing at the Marion Theatre, located at 50 S Magnolia Avenue in Ocala.
Discover more things to do in North Central Florida by browsing the 352today events page.