OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Spring is in the process of… springing, which means the killer cultural and philanthropic events are lining up fast and furious in the Ocala area.
One of the biggies, slated for the evening of Saturday, April 4, 2026, is the annual Brick City Beer and Wine Festival, presented by the World Equestrian Center at Citizens’ Circle downtown and this year benefiting Interfaith Emergency Services, Marion County Literacy Council, and Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection.
More than 20 beer and wine vendors will be on hand to provide tastings as patrons meet, sip, network, participate in raffles and nosh on bites from food trucks, all while helping to raise money for a trio of extremely worthy nonprofits. Last year, the fest raised $160K for its beneficiaries; this year they hope to up the total another $10K.
If you like music with your sippin’ and outdoorsin’, you’re in luck: WIND-FM will also be holding the finals of the 5th Annual Battle of the Bands on-site. Three local bands–The Horde of Culture, Jay Tyler and the Immortals, and Gabriel and the Get Out Band–will perform in front of judges during the event. The winner gets $600 and a professionally mixed and mastered song by Recording Ranch.
The event runs from 2-6 p.m., with optional early entry at 1 p.m. available. Tickets are available online. Citizens’ Circle is located at 152 SE Osceola Ave. in downtown Ocala.