Stories, Spots & Sizzle from the Heart of Ocala 
For the week Of March 13, 2026

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St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, and here in Ocala and The Villages we know how to celebrate. From cozy Irish pubs and festive patios to craft breweries pouring the perfect stout, this week’s episode of The Ocala Sizzle Podcast highlights six local spots bringing the flavor, music, and community spirit to the holiday. If you’re planning where to grab corned beef, raise a pint, or enjoy some Irish-inspired fun, we’ve got your St. Patrick’s plans covered.

Get this weeks Ocala Sizzle Podcast Show Notes

Extra Tidbits from Wendell

🍀 O’Malley’s Alley – Ocala

A true downtown Irish pub experience. Expect classic favorites like corned beef, shepherd’s pie, and perfectly poured Guinness in a cozy brick-walled pub atmosphere.

🍀 Mojo Grill & Catering Co. – Ocala

Known for bold flavors and festive vibes. Mojo often rolls out St. Patrick’s drink specials and creative corned beef dishes during the holiday.

🍀 Pi on Broadway – Ocala

A modern downtown hangout with creative cocktails and lively energy. A great spot to start or end a St. Patrick’s celebration with friends.

🍀 McCall’s Tavern – The Villages

A welcoming neighborhood pub known for crispy fish and chips and classic tavern fare, especially popular during holiday celebrations.

🍀 Fenney Grill – The Villages

A bright patio-style restaurant where guests enjoy live music, themed drinks, and relaxed Florida-style celebrations.

🍀 Infinite Ale Works – Ocala

Craft beer lovers won’t want to miss this industrial-style taproom known for locally brewed stouts and seasonal pours during St. Patrick’s festivities.

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Tickets are now available for the opening of the musical "Cats" next week at the Savannah Center.

The performances will be held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with both matinee and evening shows available.

Visitors can purchase tickets online or by phone.

The popular musical, based on T.S. Eliot's book "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats," features an ensemble cast of performers portraying feline characters.

Don't miss your chance to see this beloved production live on stage in The Villages.

13th - National Wingman's Day

14th - National Have A Heart Day

15th - National Hippo Day / Daytona 500

16th - President's Day

17th - Mardi Gras

18th - Hockey is for Everyone Day

19th - National Arabian Horse Day

📜 March 18, 1513 – Florida Was First Sighted by Europeans

• One of the most famous moments in Florida history happened this week. On March 18, 1513, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León first sighted the Florida peninsula during his expedition from Puerto Rico.

  He named the land “La Florida,” meaning “Land of Flowers.” The name likely referred both to the region’s lush landscape and to the Spanish Easter season known as Pascua Florida, which was being celebrated around that time.

  Ponce de León later landed along Florida’s east coast in early April, making Florida one of the earliest parts of what is now the United States explored by Europeans.

  Today, more than 500 years later, Florida’s name still reflects that same image — a warm, vibrant place known for sunshine, natural beauty, and a culture unlike anywhere else in the country.

🎨 Ocala Downtown Market
📅 March 14, 2026
🕒 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Ocala Downtown Market, Ocala
🎟️ Free event
📄 Shop fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and local specialties while supporting small businesses and artisans from across Marion County.

🍀 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at O’Malley’s Alley
📅 March 17, 2026
🕒 Afternoon & Evening celebration
📍 O’Malley’s Alley, Downtown Ocala
🎟️ Free entry (food & drinks available for purchase)
📄 Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Irish food specials, festive drinks, and live entertainment at one of Ocala’s favorite downtown pubs.

🛍️ Micanopy Antique Festival
📅 March 14–15, 2026
🕒 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Historic Downtown Micanopy
🎟️ Free entry
📄 Explore one of Florida’s most famous antique festivals featuring vintage collectibles, art vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment.

🎭 Gainesville Community Playhouse Production
📅 March 13–15, 2026
🕒 Evening performances
📍 Gainesville Community Playhouse, Gainesville
🎟️ Ticketed performance
📄 Enjoy a live stage production presented by one of Florida’s longest-running community theaters featuring local actors and performers.

🎣 Leesburg Saturday Fishing Tournament
📅 March 14, 2026
🕒 Early morning start
📍 Venetian Gardens, Leesburg
🎟️ Registration required
📄 Anglers gather along the Harris Chain of Lakes for a friendly fishing competition and community gathering along the waterfront.

Arnette House – Ocala

Arnette House provides shelter, counseling, and support services for at-risk youth in Marion County. Their programs help young people build stability, confidence, and a path toward a brighter future.

If you’re looking for a way to give back locally, Arnette House continues to make a meaningful difference in our community.

👉 Learn more or donate:
https://arnettehouse.org