OCALA, FL (352today.com) – If you’re like us, then your summer went by in the blink of an eye. In just a matter of days kids all around North Central Florida will be back in the classroom for the first day of school.

The back-to-school sales tax holiday continues through Sunday, Aug. 11. School supplies and clothes are tax-free for this period. This is a great opportunity to support local businesses, where you can buy everything from new outfits and backpacks to everyday items like pencils and notebooks.

While the weather this weekend isn’t going to be ideal, there are some events you and the family can enjoy in between preparing for the severe weather threat, school supply shopping and getting the kids prepared for the first day of classes. Check out our top picks for events this weekend around North Central Florida.

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Kanapaha Botanical Gardens Guided Walk: Enjoy a guided tour of Gainesville’s botanical gardens on Saturday, Aug. 3, at 10 a.m. For the first Saturday of each month, this tour is no extra charge, just park admission is charged. Adults are $10, children 5-13 are $5, and children under 5 are free. The entrance to the gardens is 1 mile west of Interstate 75 on Southwest Archer Road in Gainesville.

France Comes to FAST: Cheer on Olympic champions in a venue where Olympians have trained and coached: Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training Center (FAST). This watch party will be on Sunday, Aug. 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is FREE for FAST members. Non-member prices are $10 for adults, $5 for kids. The center’s address is 4635 Southwest 67th Avenue Road in Ocala.

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Appleton Museum Free First Saturday: On Saturday, Aug. 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. visit the Appleton Museum of Art FREE of charge. See their permanent collection, special exhibitions like En Pointe: Expressions of Dance in Art, and make art in the Artspace. The Donut Express and Lad Boss Chef food trucks will be onsite. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Humane Society of Marion County will be onsite for a special pop-up cat adoption event. The museum’s address is 4333 East Silver Springs Blvd. in Ocala.

Doug Stone at the Orange Blossom Opry: Spend the evening of Saturday, Aug. 3, at the live show of Doug Stone, a contemporary country star. Stone is celebrating 34 years of hit making music. The show starts at 7 p.m., and tickets start at $40. The Orange Blossom Opry is located at 16439 Southeast 138th Terrace in Weirsdale.

Spritz, Stationery + Shopping at Marley Mae: Shop local and prepare for back-to-school on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy tax-free shopping on clothing and school supplies. The shop will even have complimentary spritzes for the stressed-out parents. Marley Mae Market is located at 16 South Magnolia Ave. in Ocala.

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