The City of Ocala is now accepting applications for the 2025–2026 First Friday Art Walk season. Visual artists, performing artists, art organizations, and community sponsors are invited to participate in this downtown Ocala event.
The First Friday Art Walk takes place the first Friday of each month, October through May from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. celebrating local artists and businesses. First Friday Art Walk is a free event located within Ocala’s Historic Downtown.
Event festivities include over 30 artist displays, monthly live entertainment, free family art activities provided by local arts organizations and extended shopping hours. The public is invited to enjoy an evening of art, live performances, and downtown shops and restaurants.
To participate in the entire season of First Friday Art Walk, applications are due: September 2, 2025.
For the remaining season, First Friday Art Walk application deadline is the first day of the month prior to the next First Friday Art Walk. (i.e., October 1st is the deadline for November Art Walk)
Applications must be accompanied by any supporting materials (images of artwork, videos/audio files, insurance waivers) and fully paid Art Walk fees in order to be considered and reviewed by the First Friday Art Walk Steering Committee. Submitted images must be high resolution .JPEG/.JPG/.PNG files. Submitted video files must be .MP4 format and audio files must be .MP3 format.
To apply, please complete an application form by visiting www.ocalafl.gov/artwalk and return it to artinfo@ocalafl.gov or mail it to: Cultural Arts, 201 SE 3rd Street, 2nd Floor, Ocala, FL 34471.
Make sure to include any requested images, files, insurance waivers, and fee payments.
Questions about the application or process? Call us at (352) 629-8447 or email artinfo@ocalafl.gov.
