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Halloween shows up early in downtown Ocala this year, with more than 60 booths handing out candy on Friday night. Add a free night of food trucks and live music at Circle Square and a big craft fair the following weekend, and your October calendar fills up fast. Here's what's worth a spot on it.
Local Events
The Gray Family Halloween Festival | Ocala Downtown Market | Friday, Oct 9, 6:00-10:00 PM
More than 60 vendors hand out candy from their booths, and admission and parking are free.
For: Families and Kids
Trucks and Tunes | Circle Square Commons, Ocala | Saturday, Oct 10, 7:00-10:00 PM
Food trucks, drinks, and live music from Groove 41, with free admission.
For: Adults and Families
Craft Fair | Circle Square Cultural Center, Ocala | Saturday, Oct 17, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
More than 100 crafters and free admission make this an easy head start on holiday shopping.
For: Adults and Seniors
Save the Date: Ocala Symphony Opening Night | Reilly Arts Center | Oct 24-25
The Ocala Symphony Orchestra kicks off its 51st season with Pictures at an Exhibition. Season tickets are on sale now and can save you up to 42% over single tickets, with the same great seats all season long.
Hands Down Some Of The Best 0% Interest Credit Cards
Pay no interest until nearly 2028 with some of the best hand-picked credit cards this year. They are perfect for anyone looking to pay down their debt, and not add to it!
Explore Florida
Make a Day of It at Crooked Can in Winter Garden
Crooked Can Brewing Company anchors Plant Street Market, a laid-back food hall in historic downtown Winter Garden. Pair it with a stroll down Plant Street or a ride on the West Orange Trail, and you've got an easy day trip.
Grab Your Quarter: This Week's ALDI Deals
Fall baking staples, weekly meat specials, and those fun ALDI Finds you didn't know you needed.
What's your favorite way to spend a fall weekend?
Retirement and Money
Scam Watch: Fake Property Tax Notices
Officials are warning about a scam that uses AI to send seniors fake property tax notices and phone calls. Real Florida tax bills start arriving in November, so now is a good time to know the warning signs.
Key Takeaway: If a tax notice demands fast payment, call the Marion County Tax Collector directly using the number on their official website.
Healthy Living
Helping Grandparents Age Well Helps You, Too
A researcher shares small, easy ways grandkids and grandparents can support each other's health, from regular check-ins to doing things together. Turns out the benefits flow both ways.
Key Takeaway: A weekly call or a shared hobby can do more for both generations than you'd think.
Around Town
Big Plans for the New I-75 Interchange in NW Marion
An Orlando-based developer wants to build a large mixed-use project at the new I-75 interchange in northwest Marion County, and the county's Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval. If you live or drive in that part of the county, it's one to watch as it heads to commissioners.
Luxury Living
$770,000 | Sunset Views From a Lanai Built for Hosting
3BR / 3BA Ocala home with a screened lanai that has it all: an outdoor kitchen, a bar, and wide-open views that glow at sunset. It's the kind of backyard where friends always seem to stay a little longer.
Listed by Suzanne Slowey.
Market Pulse
Active / Pending / Sold, week of 9/27/26-10/3/26:
County | Active | Pending | Sold |
|---|---|---|---|
Marion | 240 | 201 | 209 |
Median and average SOLD price, last 30 days (9/5/26-10/5/26 MLS report):
County | Median Sold Price | Average Sold Price |
|---|---|---|
Marion | $268,500 | $303,938 |
What it means: closed sales nearly kept pace with new listings this week, and homes that sold this past month closed at about 98% of asking after roughly two months, so buyers can take their time while sellers who price right still get close to list.
Based on information from Stellar MLS and sourced by RE/MAX Premier Realty for the period 9/27/26-10/3/26 (Active/Pending/Sold) and 9/5/26-10/5/26 (median and average sold price), for Residential properties in Marion County.
Sponsor
RE/MAX Premier Realty Vacation Rentals and Property Management
Family coming in for the holidays? Book a fully furnished vacation home in The Villages, many with pools and golf carts, at 352-460-4633. Own a rental home? We manage long-term rentals too, so call 352-671-7653.
Closing
That's it for this week. Providing the Ocala community with clear, data-driven home insights. Know a neighbor who'd enjoy this newsletter as much as you do? Forward this email or have them sign up right here: sign up here.