For three days this fall, World Equestrian Center – Ocala will bring together chefs, winemakers, equestrian enthusiasts, and travelers for the sixth annual Ocala Food & Wine Festival, November 6th to 8th, 2026. Set against the backdrop of one of Central Florida’s premier resort destinations, the weekend offers a thoughtful mix of dining, tasting experiences, live entertainment, and the unmistakable equestrian character of Ocala.
The festival arrives at an exciting moment for WEC Ocala. Earlier this year, the property introduced The Equestrian Manor, adding four dining venues and bringing its culinary portfolio to 13 unique concepts. Two of the resort’s signature restaurants, Stirrups and Genevieve’s, have also recently earned Wine Spectator’s 2026 Best of Award of Excellence, further establishing WEC – Ocala as a destination for culinary travel.
DAY ONE
The weekend begins Friday evening with the Chefs’ Dinner, an elegant multi-course experience held in Miss Eloise’s Grand Ballroom at The Equestrian Manor. Rather than one chef overseeing the entire meal, each course is prepared and presented by a different member of WEC’s culinary team, giving guests an opportunity to experience a range of culinary styles throughout the evening. Wine pairings, live art, and entertainment round out the experience.
DAY TWO
Saturday afternoon brings the festival’s centerpiece, the Grand Tasting, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at WEC Exposition Center 1. Guests can sample premium wines and spirits alongside chef-curated bites from leading beverage brands and local culinary talent. The afternoon also features Marion County’s annual ProStart Mystery Basket Competition, where local culinary students put their skills to the test alongside featured chefs. Proceeds from the festival benefit the Public Education Foundation of Marion County’s ProStart Program, supporting the next generation of culinary professionals.
As the sun begins to set, the festival shifts from the tasting room to the arena with the Grand Prix Dining Experience. Set on the terrace at Stirrups, the evening pairs a surf-and-turf dinner and complimentary beer and wine with front-row views of elite show jumping. It is perhaps the most distinctly Ocala experience of the weekend—bringing together the region’s culinary scene and the equestrian tradition that has long shaped its identity.
DAY THREE
Sunday offers a slower close with the Jazz Brunch at Lallie’s Covered Pavilion at The Equestrian Manor. Chef-attended stations, brunch favorites, sparkling wine, and a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar set the table, while live jazz provides the soundtrack. Guests can also mingle with the chefs behind the weekend’s dining experiences before bringing the festival to a close.
TRAVEL TIPS
For those traveling to Ocala, the Ocala Food & Wine Festival Five-Star Package makes the weekend into a complete luxury getaway. The package includes a two-night stay for two at The Equestrian Hotel, a AAA Four Diamond property, or The Riding Academy Hotel, along with admission for two to all signature festival events, including the fully paired Chefs’ Dinner. Spa savings and additional premium amenities round out the stay.
And while the full weekend is designed to be savored, travelers and local guests can also build their own itinerary. Individual tickets are available for the Grand Tasting and Jazz Brunch, while a ticket bundle includes the Grand Tasting, Grand Prix Dining Experience, and Jazz Brunch.
What makes the Ocala Food & Wine Festival especially appealing is the way it brings several sides of the destination together in one weekend. There are beautifully prepared plates and carefully selected wines, but also live music, championship-level show jumping, and the hospitality of a resort designed to make lingering part of the experience.
For anyone looking for a fall getaway with a little more character, Ocala makes a compelling case. Come for the festival, stay for the weekend, and experience a side of Central Florida where food, hospitality, and equestrian tradition meet.
The Ocala Food & Wine Festival takes place November 6–8, 2026, at World Equestrian Center – Ocala. For tickets, the complete schedule, and Five-Star Package information, visit ocalafoodandwinefest.com.
