Ocala
Girls Night Out Celebrates Female Entrepreneurship in Downtown Ocala
Local event transforms downtown square into vibrant celebration of women-owned businesses and community spirit
Lisa Seigler

Lisa Seigler

Jun 20, 2026

43 Comments

Ocala, Florida — Downtown Ocala recently came alive with energy and excitement as the city hosted its popular Girls Night Out event, turning the historic downtown square into a vibrant celebration of female entrepreneurship and community connection.

 

The event, which has become a beloved tradition in Marion County, brought together dozens of local women-owned businesses, artisans, and entrepreneurs who showcased their products and services to an enthusiastic crowd of residents and visitors alike.

 

From handmade crafts and boutique clothing to specialty foods and wellness services, the diverse array of vendors highlighted the incredible talent and creativity of Ocala's female business community. Attendees enjoyed live music, food trucks, and the opportunity to connect with local business owners while supporting the local economy.

 

"Events like Girls Night Out are what make Ocala special," said one attendee. "It's wonderful to see so many talented women coming together to support each other and share their passions with the community."

 

The celebration reflects the growing entrepreneurial spirit in Ocala, which continues to be recognized as one of the best places to live and do business in Florida. With its charming downtown, supportive business community, and strong sense of local pride, Ocala is increasingly becoming a destination for entrepreneurs looking to build their dreams.

 

For those who missed this month's event, Girls Night Out typically returns monthly, offering new opportunities to discover local businesses and connect with the community. Follow the City of Ocala's events page for upcoming dates and details.

 

Source: WUFT News

43 Comments

Join the conversation

  • K
    Kelly· Jul 31, 11:46 AM

    A lot of guys for a girls night out???

    • LS
      Lisa SeiglerAuthor· Aug 3, 6:54 PM

      guys and gals perhaps. lol

  • BS
    Bethany S.· Jun 25, 7:04 PM

    I'll check the city events page this time. Keep missing the dates!

    • LF
      Linda F.· Jun 26, 1:19 AM

      Bethany S.Same problem here. By the time I hear about it, it's already over.

  • NA
    Nina Alvarez· Jun 24, 11:10 PM

    My daughter loved talking to the women who made the jewelry.

    • LS
      Lisa SeiglerAuthor· Jun 26, 1:36 AM

      We love hearing that your daughter got to meet the makers behind the jewelry. Those conversations are part of what makes the event special.

  • FD
    Frank D.· Jun 24, 2:43 PM

    The square looked great with everyone out enjoying the evening.

    • MJ
      Marcus J.· Jun 26, 12:52 PM

      Frank D.It really did. The square feels so welcoming when there's something going on.

  • JP
    Jules P.· Jun 23, 6:48 PM

    I missed the wellness vendors. Hope they return next month!

    • LS
      Lisa SeiglerAuthor· Jun 25, 12:50 AM

      The wellness vendors were a great part of the mix! Girls Night Out typically returns monthly, so we hope you’ll get another chance to visit them.

    • MT
      Megan T.· Jun 25, 4:14 AM

      Jules P.Same here! I wanted to see what services they had. Fingers crossed for next month.

  • SE
    Sharon Ellis· Jun 23, 2:49 AM

    Ocala has some creative women running businesses. Happy they get this space.

    • EC
      Elaine C.· Jun 23, 12:37 PM

      Sharon EllisAgreed. It's nice to meet the people making things right here in Ocala.

  • BF
    Ben F.· Jun 22, 9:53 PM

    Walked through after dinner and found a great little craft booth.

  • OJ
    Olivia J.· Jun 22, 2:36 AM

    I'd love to see more seating by the food trucks next time.

  • DM
    Dee Martin· Jun 22, 12:10 AM

    Finally made it out this month. The live music was a nice touch!

  • RH
    Robbie H.· Jun 21, 10:10 PM

    Is Girls Night Out always on the square? I'd like to go next month.

  • SK
    Susan K.· Jun 21, 9:40 PM

    My sister sells at these events. It means a lot to small businesses.

    • KA
      Kevin A.· Jun 22, 4:09 AM

      Susan K.I bet it does. Meeting customers face to face can make such a difference.

    • LS
      Lisa SeiglerAuthor· Jun 22, 6:42 AM

      Thanks for sharing your sister’s perspective. Events like this give small businesses a chance to meet customers face to face.

  • EV
    Elena V.· Jun 21, 9:08 PM

    The handmade crafts were lovely. Wish I'd brought more cash!

  • NW
    Nate Wilson· Jun 21, 6:50 PM

    I like the event, but the square gets crowded fast.

    • LS
      Lisa SeiglerAuthor· Jun 22, 10:15 PM

      That’s fair, the square can feel busy when so many people turn out. We’re glad you enjoy the event despite the crowds.

  • TO
    Trish O.· Jun 21, 6:44 PM

    I met a local maker there and ordered a birthday gift!

  • MP
    Megan P.· Jun 21, 4:32 PM

    Parking near the square was tough, but I still enjoyed going.

    • LS
      Lisa SeiglerAuthor· Jun 23, 11:42 AM

      Thanks for making the trip despite the parking challenge. We’re glad you still had a good time downtown.

  • LB
    Lori Bennett· Jun 21, 4:21 PM

    So glad Marion County has a regular event for women-owned businesses.

  • CM
    Carlos M.· Jun 21, 4:07 PM

    We took the kids for the music and stayed for the food trucks.

    • DW
      Darlene W.· Jun 23, 6:14 AM

      Carlos M.The music made it easy to hang around. Which food truck did your kids like best?

  • BS
    Bri S.· Jun 21, 4:07 AM

    The specialty food stalls were my favorite part this time!

  • RW
    Renee Walker· Jun 21, 3:52 AM

    I wish they'd share a vendor list before Girls Night Out.

    • LS
      Lisa SeiglerAuthor· Jun 22, 1:24 PM

      A vendor list ahead of time would make planning easier. The City of Ocala’s events page is the best place to check for upcoming event details.

  • JC
    James C.· Jun 21, 3:18 AM

    Nice to see downtown Ocala busy on an evening again.

  • PL
    Patty L.· Jun 21, 2:26 AM

    Those boutique clothing booths are always dangerous for my wallet lol.

    • RH
      Robyn H.· Jun 22, 10:57 AM

      Patty L.I know, I tell myself I'm only looking and leave with a bag every time.

  • AM
    Alex Moreno· Jun 21, 2:21 AM

    Does anyone know if the same vendors come back each month?

  • TR
    Tina R.· Jun 21, 2:12 AM

    Missed this one, glad Girls Night Out usually comes back monthly!

    • NB
      Nina B.· Jun 21, 11:27 PM

      Tina R.I missed it too. Hopefully we can both make the next one!

  • K
    kim_87· Jun 21, 1:16 AM

    I picked up a handmade bracelet there! So many talented vendors.

    • LS
      Lisa SeiglerAuthor· Jun 22, 4:23 PM

      What a lovely find! The handmade goods really showed off the creativity of Ocala’s local makers.

  • DT
    Dave Thompson· Jun 21, 12:29 AM

    The food trucks and live music made it a fun night out.

  • MG
    Maria G.· Jun 20, 8:58 PM

    Love seeing the downtown square full of local women-owned businesses!

    • LS
      Lisa SeiglerAuthor· Jun 22, 7:13 AM

      We love seeing it, too! It’s a wonderful way to discover and support Ocala’s women-owned businesses.

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