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®."
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.
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 here.
Annual Holiday Events
Easter - From egg hunts and festivals to arts and crafts and family dinners — there's no shortage of fun for this annual spring holiday. Hop on over to the events page for more details on all the Easter happenings.
July 4th Celebration - A variety of family-friendly activities are held around Ocala/Marion County including swimming, food, fun and fireworks. Check out more Fourth of July activities here.
Halloween - Find all the hauntings in Ocala/Marion County this Halloween. Explore haunted trails, pumpkin patches and trunk or treats for all the ghoulish fall fun your heart desires. Learn more here.
Christmas & Holidays - From Winter Wonderlands to Christmas Parades, feel the holiday spirit with a plethora of holiday events to brighten the season. Learn more here.
Light Up Ocala - Light Up Ocala marks the official start of the holiday season, inviting you to wander through the downtown area, shop at over 100 vendors, and witness the enchanting illumination of the entire square.
New Year’s Eve - Ring in the New Year in Ocala/Marian County with these exciting events.
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.
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 content, street food vendors and more.
Brick City Beer and 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.
WEC Spring Festival - Formerly known as the WEC Blueberry Festival, this family-friendly festival features a Daisy Dash 5K race, pancake breakfast and farmer’s market
Festival of Speed - Taking place on the Kentucky Derby’s biggest race day, the Festival of Speed at WEC is bringing horsepower to Ocala with exotic, classic and muscle cars.
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.
