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Marion County just wrapped ten weekends of free horse shows at World Equestrian Center, and Saturday night downtown swaps saddles for candlelight. The Ocala Civic Theatre is dimming the house lights for a string quartet playing two very different sets back to back. Here's what else is worth your time this week.
Local Events
Candlelight: Tribute to British Rock Legends & 90s Hip-Hop on Strings | Ocala Civic Theatre, Appleton Cultural Center | Saturday, Aug 15, 4 PM & 6:30 PM
A string quartet plays two candlelit sets in one night, Queen and Beatles favorites at 4, then 90s hip-hop hits at 6:30.
For: Adults. Learn more
Ocala Summer II Horse Trials | Florida Horse Park | Saturday-Sunday, Aug 15-16
Eventing riders take over the Horse Park for a weekend of dressage, cross-country, and show jumping, free to watch from the rail.
For: Families. Learn more
Downtown Ocala Market | Downtown Square | Saturdays, 9 AM to 2 PM
Local produce, crafts, and live music return to the square for a slow Saturday morning downtown.
For: Adults and Families. Learn more
From Our Partners
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Explore Florida
Florida's Real Mermaids Still Swim in 74-Degree Spring Water
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park puts on its famous live mermaid show in a 74-degree spring, plus kayaking and a wilderness river cruise. About an hour and a half from Ocala, an easy day trip when the heat won't quit.
Retirement and Money
Your Mid-Year Retirement Check-Up
Kiplinger walks through seven money moves worth a second look at the midpoint of the year: tax withholding, account contributions, Social Security timing, and your emergency fund.
Key Takeaway: A quick August review beats a rushed one in December.
Healthy Living
Small Food Swaps That Add Up for Older Adults
A curated list of small, research-backed dietary tweaks, not a diet overhaul, that can meaningfully improve energy and focus over time.
Key Takeaway: Small, consistent swaps beat any short-term diet.
Seasonal / Homeownership
Hurricane Season Is Halfway Through. Is Your Home Ready?
Peak season runs through October, and a wind mitigation inspection is one of the few home upgrades that can lower your insurance bill and your risk in the same visit. Florida insurers are required to offer credits for qualifying features.
Key Takeaway: A wind mitigation inspection can lower your insurance bill and your risk in the same visit.
What's Selling for Under $200K
$60,000 | Room to Build Your Own Story in Dunnellon
A blank homesite in Dunnellon, ready for whatever you want to build next, no rush, no compromises.
Listed by Joe Jackson.
Room to Grow Under $500K
$374,750 | Golf Course Living in Sherwood at Spruce Creek
3BR / 2BA Summerfield home in the Sherwood section of Spruce Creek Golf & Country Club, with room to spread out and a course-side lifestyle.
Listed by Diane Siefkas.
Looking for a place to Rent?
$1,600/month | More Space, With Ocala Charm
3BR / 2BA rental in southeast Ocala with room for the whole family.
Market Pulse
Active | Pending | Sold | |
|---|---|---|---|
This week (Aug 2-8, 2026) | 231 | 170 | 161 |
Last year (Aug 3-9, 2025) | 299 | 204 | 144 |
Marion County has fewer homes on the market than it did a year ago, but more of them are closing, a signal that this market is leaning a little more toward sellers than it was twelve months ago.
Median sold price (last 30 days): $280,000 | Average sold price: $317,401
Based on information from Stellar MLS and sourced by RE/MAX Premier Realty for the period August 2 through August 8, 2026, for Residential properties in Marion County. Median and average sold price reflect the last 30 days (July 11 - August 10, 2026).
Sponsor
Hosting family in town for the horse shows? Baymont by Wyndham Ocala Suites keeps rooms ready minutes from I-75.
That's It for This Week
That is it for this week. Providing the Ocala community with clear, data-driven home insights.