Press Releases

Office of Strategic Engagement

Welcome to the City of Ocala's News and Press Release page. Here you will find press releases from the City of Ocala's Office of Strategic Engagement.

First Friday Art Walk is Friday, May 7

Post Date:04/20/2021 6:15 PM

OCALA, Fla. (April 20, 2021) – The First Friday Art Walk will take place in downtown Ocala Friday, May 7, 6 to 9 p.m. The First Friday Art Walk occurs on the first Friday of each month, September through May. The following activities will be included in May’s event: 

  • Hands-on art activities and demonstrations for all ages provided by local non-profit arts and cultural organizations, local artists selling their works throughout downtown and participating businesses with extended hours.
  • 22 artists throughout the downtown area, including My Uncle’s Friend playing ambient music
  • Six art organization booths will be located around the downtown square
  • Live musical performance on the square by The Allens

Hands-on art activities, which are provided by the participating community arts organizations, will be a one-use, make and take item. Sanitation protocols will be in place at each art station, and each activity provided will be health and safety conscious.

The City of Ocala has taken the following safety measures and precautions due to the COVID-19 outbreak:

  • Implementation of a sanitizing station at the Information Booth (Downtown Square)
  • Digital Art Walk map available by QR code
  • Artist and organization locations will be properly social distanced
  • Provide signage to communicate safety measures throughout downtown

Attendees are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings, maintain social distancing of six feet, frequently sanitize their hands, and utilize cashless transactions where applicable.

Participating Artists and Organizations will be encouraged to wear face coverings, sanitize their booth frequently, provide hand sanitizer, provide cashless transactions (i.e. Venmo, Square, etc.), and practice social distancing at their booths.

In the event of inclement weather, the First Friday Art Walk will move to the Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St.

For more information, please contact the City of Ocala Cultural Arts Department at 352-629-8447 or artwalk@ocalafl.org; or visit www.ocalafl.org/artwalk.

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City Events

All advertised city events are scheduled to take place, as planned.  However, the final disposition of these events will be evaluated, based on guidance from local health department officials and current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.  As such, all city events are subject to postponement or cancellation based on the current recommendations and guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Events that do take place as scheduled will be implemented with health and safety protocols in place.  Visitors choosing to participate are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines for face coverings and social distancing.
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