Annual Events

Experience the vibrant spirit of Ocala Marion County, Florida with its annual lineup of exciting events and festivities.

With thrilling horse competitions, this region truly earns its title as the "Horse Capital of the World®."

Horse Events
Holidays
Festivals

But the excitement doesn't stop there – Ocala/Marion County is also home to a myriad of festivals, art shows and holiday events that bring the community together. Explore the blocks around the downtown area during Light Up Ocala, shop at over 100 vendors, and marvel as the town lights up in festive splendor. Delight in the holiday cheer during the annual holiday events, and immerse yourself in the local art scene through captivating art shows.

With an abundance of annual events to choose from, Ocala/Marion County invites you to be a part of its dynamic culture and make lasting memories.

Annual Horse Events

World Equestrian Center Show

No matter when you're visiting Ocala/Marion County you'll find events all year round at the World Equestrian Center (WEC). Winter, Summer and Fall Dressage events typically last about 6 – 9 weeks each.


AdventHealth Grandview Invitational

As Florida’s largest draft horse show, this invitational pulls in teams from across North America for a three-day competitive event. Clydesdale, Belgian and Percheron breeds are on full display at this annual competition.


Longines League of Nations™

One of the most prestigious equestrian events of the year, the Longines League of Nations™ brings show jumping athletes from around the globe to the World Equestrian Center for 5 days of competitions and the All for the Horses Expo.

HITS Ocala Winter Circuit

For over four decades, HITS has established its Winter Home in Central Florida, with the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit becoming renowned as one of the most extensive show circuits nationwide.


Live Oak International

Over the past twenty years, Live Oak International in Ocala, Florida, has established itself as the pinnacle of combined driving and show jumping competitions, attracting esteemed international drivers, trainers, coaches, and owners.

Learn more about these Horse Shows and Events.

PicturedOcala Marion Equestrian Venues2

Horse Shows & Events 2024

Renowned as the Horse Capital of the World®, Ocala/Marion County offers horse lovers from around the globe a chance to experience the best equine competitors and horse shows in an array of…

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Annual Holiday Festivities

Annual Festivals

Santos Fat Tire Festival

Annually held on the first weekend in March, the Ocala Mountain Bike Association (OMBA) hosts the Santos Fat Tire Festival drawing all of the top MTB manufacturers for the vendor village, demo rides and over 400 registered participants who enjoy organized trail rides and related events. Learn more here.

Florida Springs Fest

Held annually in March, the Florida Springs Fest is a three-day celebration held at Silver Springs State Park, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Florida through music, dance, stories, crafts, and food, while also emphasizing the importance of springs and conservation.

Brick City Beer & Wine Festival

With over 30 local beer and wine vendors and a variety of food truck vendors, this annual spring event is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Grab a sample (or two) and come on down to WEC for this community-driven event.

Dunnellon’s Boomtown Days Festival

Annually in April, this is a celebration of the discovery of phosphate in the 1800s that caused the boomtown of Dunnellon to grow. The event features arts & crafts, local entertainment, an annual car show, a pie-eating contest, street food vendors and more.

Symphony Under the Stars

Every May this outdoor concert treats visitors to a day of live music performed by the Ocala Symphony Orchestra and an impressive fireworks display.

Patriotic Skies: A Fourth of July Drone Experience

Celebrate Independence Day at this mesmerizing drone show! Sit back and watch as hundreds of drones create patriotic images in the night sky perfectly synced with the melodies of Ocala Symphony Orchestra.

Festivals of Speed

The Festivals of Speed at WEC brings horsepower to Ocala with exotic, classic and muscle cars, presentations, and kid-friendly entertainment.

Ocala Comic Con

Gather with fellow fans at Ocala Comic Con for two days of exciting exhibits, special guests, memorabilia, and competitive games.

Oktoberfest

Every fall Ocala/Marion County, FL comes alive with Oktoberfest events. Raise your stein, sample German fare, and revel in fun activities and live music.

McIntosh 1890s Festival

It's not often that such as a small town hosts such a remarkable annual event. Every fall the McIntosh 1890s Festival attracts craft enthusiasts with live music, over 280 vendors, and a spacious park adorned by majestic live oaks, offering a carefree and delightful day of Old Florida fun.

Two Rivers Music Festival

Where the Rainbow River and Withlacoochee River meet, enjoy the sounds of rock, jazz, county, folk and more. This free festival takes place at Ernie Mills Park and features food trucks, local drinks and live music fro 5-10 pm!

Ocala Arts Festival

Held each October, the Fine Arts For Ocala (FAFO) festival is one of the most popular art shows in the region and has been going strong for 30+ years each. This annual festival showcases the artwork from over 155 artists from around the country.

Ocali Country Days Festival

Held annually in November, experience a festival that immerses visitors in the pioneer spirit and folk life of old Florida through live music, food, vendors, and demonstrations of traditional crafts and skills such as blacksmithing, sugar cane syrup making, log cabin construction, Seminole cooking and arts, and more.

Ocala Food & Wine Festival

Held each fall, gather for a full-weekend celebration of culinary excellence with classes, food vendors, a celebrity chef dinner and even a jazz brunch at WEC.

Light Up Ocala

Every winter, downtown Ocala treats residents and visitors alike to twinkling lights, festive decorations and live performances, holiday shopping and family-friendly activities.

Winter Wonderland at WEC

Holiday season spirit takes over the Grand Plaza with more than a million Christmas lights, larger-than-life ornaments, a Christmas tree 60-foot tall, carolers, and special events.

Events

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