Celebrate America 250 with Free Family Fun Across Ocala

OCALA, Fla. (June 5, 2026) - The City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department invites residents and visitors to celebrate America's 250^th birthday on Saturday, July 4, with a full day of free, family-friendly activities taking place across the city. From live music and food trucks to splash parties, pool activities and hands-on crafts, there are several opportunities for families to celebrate Independence Day and America's 250^th anniversary.

The day's activities include:

Fourth in the Park
Tuscawilla Park, 800 NE Sanchez Ave.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Celebrate Independence Day at Tuscawilla Park with live entertainment, food, games and activities for all ages. Country singer-songwriter Emma Forgette will perform from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., followed by Nashville recording artist Cliff Dorsey from noon to 2 p.m.

Attendees can enjoy food from The Best Brazilian Barbeskew, Chick-fil-A Paddock Mall, Country Boyz BBQ, The Krafty Kettle and Sol Cup. Families can also visit the Kids' Zone, which will feature bounce houses, a rock wall, Knockerball, a Gyro Sphere, a photo booth and interactive games. Face painting will also be available for an additional fee.

Parking will be available at the Ocala Skate Park, on surrounding streets near Tuscawilla Park and at the Reilly Arts Center.

Emma Forgette is an Ocala-based country singer-songwriter signed to Bad JeuJeu Records and distributed through The Orchard, a Sony Music company.

Cliff Dorsey, a Florida native now based in Nashville, has opened for artists including Justin Moore, HARDY and Riley Green, and continues to gain recognition as one of country music's rising independent artists.

Patriotic Day at the Aquatic Fun Centers (Two Locations)
- Hampton Aquatic Fun Center, 255 NW Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
- Jervey Gantt Aquatic Fun Center, 2390 SE 36^th Ave.
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Residents are invited to cool off at Hampton and Jervey Gantt Aquatic Fun Centers during a patriotic pool party featuring live DJs, games, giveaways and family-friendly activities. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite red, white and blue swimwear while enjoying a day at the pool.

Fourth of July Splash Party (Two Locations)
- Lily's Splash Pad, 2200 NW 17^th Place
- Citizens' Circle Splash Pad, 151 SE Osceola Ave.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Children and families can enjoy a festive splash party featuring music, games, giveaways and free popsicles while celebrating the holiday at two of Ocala's popular splash pad locations.

July 4^th Fun at Discovery Center
Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Visitors can explore the Discovery Center's newest exhibit while participating in patriotic-themed crafts, activities and giveaways designed for children and families.

All activities are free and open to the public.

For more information, contact the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department at 352-368-5517 or visit www.ocalafl.gov/julyfourth.

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