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A HANDY GUIDE TO GET YOU GOING AND KEEP YOU BUSY THIS MONTH.
FREE PROGRAMS AT THE OCALA LIBRARY // THROUGHOUT MAY
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The Ocala headquarters branch of the Marion County Public Library is starting up its free, in-person programming this month. Programs for teens include the MANGAlicious Teen Club (May 6, June 3 and July 1) for anime and manga fans, the Show and Sketch Teen Artist Club (May 10, June 14 and July 12) where young artists of all skill levels can share their art and learn new techniques, and the Geekfest! Fandoms and Comic Club (May 26, June 23 and July 28) where teens can explore the world of pop culture and comics. These three clubs take place from 4:30-6pm. The library also hosts a virtual adult book club. Upcoming dates and books include Giver of Stars on May 11, Britt-Marie Was Here on June 8, Hello, Summer on July 13 and The Turn of the Key on August 10. Call (352) 671-8551 to register for the book club. Learn more at library.marionfl.org.
NATIVE ALIENS: WE ALL COME FROM SOMEWHERE // MAY 8
Join The Culture Curators and Magnolia Art Xchange from 7:30-10pm for an art exhibition like none other. Native Aliens will showcase art inspired by cultures from all over the world. Expect the unexpected! Native Aliens will feature artwork from local artists Ryan Neumann, Jordan Shapot, Teddy Sykes, Drake Arnold, Aaron Thomas and Manny Morales. Drinks will be supplied by The Tipsy Skipper, while V’s Latin Flavor Cafe will offer an incredible selection of food. Entry is free along with two complimentary drinks. $5 prints will also be available for purchase, as well as an array of other artwork. For more information, visit maxocala.org or theculturecurators.com.
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LEVITT AMP OCALA MUSIC SERIES // MAY 7, 14, 21
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After a year hiatus, the Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series is back and better than ever. The City of Ocala and Marion Cultural Alliance is excited to bring back this free, familyfriendly, outdoor music series, featuring a diverse lineup of seasoned artists, every Friday night through June 25 (excluding May 28 for the Memorial Day weekend). Concerts take place at Webb Field at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center. If there happens to be inclement weather, the concerts will move indoors to the E.D. Croskey Recreation Center. Attendees should bring their own blankets or chairs, and socially distanced seating through family/social pod circles will be provided. Sanitation stations and procedures to sanitize hightouch areas will take place throughout the series, and face coverings are encouraged. Food truck vendors will be on-site. Learn more at ocalafl.org/levittamp.
KIDS NIGHT OUT AT BRICK CITY // MAY 7 & 21 Marion County Parks and Recreation is excited for the upcoming Kids Night Out program, taking place this month at Brick City Adventure Park. Kids will play, eat, jump, run and much more, so make sure the kiddos come dressed ready to play for a night full of friends, pizza and kickball. The event takes place from 5-9pm both evenings and is open to kids ages 9-13. Register online at https://bit.ly/39uDqdk, or call (352) 671-8560 to register over the phone.
Ocala Library photo by John Jernigan courtesy of the Ocala Public Library; Native Aliens artwork by Teddy Sykes; Levitt AMP photos by Demilio Photography; Symphony Under the Stars photos courtesy of Fine Arts For Ocala; Artist’s Outlook Image: Matthew Bennett, “Primary Color,” 2017, Oil on Panel. Gift to the people of Ocala from the David and Lisa Midgett Foundation, 2019; Million Dollar Quartet image courtesy of Ocala Civic Theatre
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THINGS TO DO IN THE 352 :