WEEKEND TOP PICKS: Recurring Events to Keep Your Holiday Weekend Calendar Busy

ContributedThe World Equestrian Center hosts Labor Day Barrel Blast from Thursday, Aug. 28 to Monday, Sept. 1 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. World Equestrian Center

MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – From a captivating rodeo to fireworks on a lake, this weekend promises to be action-packed with an enthusiastic comedian and a spectacle for historic car buffs. These festivities only come once a month to twice a year, so take part while they’re in town. 

Labor Day Barrel Blast

  • What: Head to the World Equestrian Center for Labor Day Barrel Blast, where skilled riders and their horses race the clock in thrilling barrel competitions. A great way to cap off the holiday weekend with some rodeo-style excitement. 
  • When: Thursday, Aug 28. to Monday, Sept. 1 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. 
  • Where: World Equestrian Center, 1750 NW 80th Ave, Ocala, FL 34482 
  • Cost: Free admission for spectators 

43rd Annual Ocala Shrine Rodeo

  • What: Ocala Shrine Rodeo is hosting their 43rd annual rodeo with proceeds going to the Ocala Shrine Club and various youth organizations. Enjoy bull riding, saddle riding and more during today and tomorrow. 
  • When: Friday starting at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday starting at 10:30 p.m. 
  • Where: Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Rd., Ocala, FL 
  • Cost: $25 

Monthly Cruise in at Six Gun Plaza

  • What: Classic cars will be riding into town at the Six Gun Plaza and telling the stories of these car’s ventures. 
  • When: Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m. 
  • Where: Six Gun Plaza, 4901 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL 
  • Cost: Free 

Comedian Vance Taylor Live

  • What: Vance Taylor will be doing live comedy at the JOKE JOINT. Enjoy a free concert before the main event at 6 p.m. and follow up with dinner and drinks at 8 p.m. 
  • When: Saturday at 6 p.m. 
  • Where: JOKE JOINT, 10035 US 441, Belleview, FL 
  • Cost: $25 for entry, $30 to include 2 drinks and dinner. 

Floats and Fireworks

  • What: Celebrate the weekend with a night of fun in Lady Lake as Floats and Fireworks light up the sky. It is a perfect family-friendly outing for the middle of the holiday weekend. 
  • When: Sunday starting at 8:30 p.m. 
  • Where: 38405 Rolling Acres Rd, Lady Lake, FL 
  • Cost: Free