The I-75 Flea Market Fair is making an exciting comeback in Ocala from October 23–26, promising a weekend packed with vibrant entertainment and activities for all ages.

 

Held at 4121 NW 44th Avenue, the event features heart-pounding rides, classic carnival games, and the must-see Cirque Cyber thrill show, where daring performers tackle a spinning wheel of danger and the legendary globe of steel.

 

Families can also enjoy a petting zoo, live music, creative magic shows, and a lively 360 photo booth, plus an enticing range of carnival foods and quirky vendors.

 

Admission is $5 for anyone over 36 inches, with complimentary parking on-site.

 

Unlimited ride wristbands and discounted pre-sale options are available—perfect for those ready to make the most of every attraction.

 

Children under 18 must be accompanied by someone 21 or older, keeping the fun safe for everyone.

Chicken Guy!, the celebrated fast-casual chicken concept by Guy Fieri and Robert Earl, has opened in Ocala inside the Walmart Supercenter at 2600 SW 19th Avenue Road.

 

The restaurant features a menu centered around chicken tenders and sandwiches, each paired with a vibrant selection of over a dozen house-made sauces, including Fieri’s famous Donkey Sauce and flavors like Calabrian Hot Honey and Avocado Crema.

 

Chicken Guy! stands out for its preparation—chicken tenders are pounded flat for extra crispiness and brined in lemon, pickle juice, and buttermilk for a bold flavor.

 

Guests can choose from regular or spicy tenders, as well as salads and sides.

 

The Ocala franchise is locally operated by Golden Horse Group, LLC, with dine-in and take-out available daily and delivery options coming soon.

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers is set to open its first Ocala location on College Road, bringing its famous crispy chicken fingers and signature Cane’s Sauce to local fans in early 2026.

 

The new restaurant will be located at 2410 SW College Road in the Ocala West shopping center.

 

This project has been in the works since late 2024, following city approval for site modifications to welcome the popular chain.

 

Raising Cane’s, founded in 1996 in Louisiana, has grown to over 800 locations, focusing its menu on premium chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, creamy coleslaw, and buttery Texas toast.

 

Recent openings across Florida, including in Orlando and Jacksonville, have drawn excited crowds and built local anticipation for the Ocala debut.

 

The upcoming restaurant is expected to add a fresh, vibrant option to Ocala’s expanding dining scene, with grand opening details to be announced soon.

Ocala is moving forward with plans to transform dormant railway tracks into multiuse community trails, boosting connectivity and public safety.

 

On October 7, 2025, local advocate James Cook urged the Ocala City Council to repurpose parts of the Florida Northern Railroad, especially the 9.1-mile inactive north branch, for recreational use.

 

Cook proposed a step-by-step trail, beginning near MLK, winding through downtown, and reaching past Brick City Park toward Candler.

 

Recent train derailments near Evergreen Cemetery and Cypresside Townhouses have heightened safety concerns, bringing urgency to the project.

 

While no injuries occurred, the incidents spotlighted aging rail infrastructure and motivated renewed efforts for safer alternatives.

 

Cook’s team, working with the city, plans to restore the corridor through a nonprofit before eventually turning it over to Ocala and Marion County.

 

The envisioned trail promises a safer, scenic route uniting neighborhoods across Ocala.

Belleview invites local vendors to join the annual Light Up Lake Lillian celebration on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Lake Lillian Park from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

 

This beloved event features live music, delicious food trucks, and the traditional tree lighting ceremony in a festive, family-friendly atmosphere.

 

New this season, Holiday Outdoor Décor will bring brilliant lighting displays with sparkling tinsel and dazzling tree lights, creating an unforgettable backdrop.

 

Organizers are seeking nonprofits, non-food truck vendors, and cottage industry participants to fill out the holiday marketplace.

 

Each vendor receives a 10’ x 10’ space to showcase goods or services.

 

Register on the City of Belleview’s website or reach out to the Parks & Recreation Department for details and assistance.

 

This is a prime opportunity to connect with neighbors and grow your local presence during the holiday season.