Fall Festivities in Ocala/Marion County, Florida

Fall is here and it’s the perfect time to be outdoors enjoying Ocala/Marion County.

Everything from live performances and fall markets to history reenactments and arts festivals are returning to the area. Here are some of the fun events happening this fall.

Oktoberfest At World Equestrian Center

World Equestrian Center will be kicking off Fall with their annual Oktoberfest back-to-back weekends! On Saturday, October 5 and October 12, 2024, guests are welcome to attend the event packed with German fun from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. in Exposition Center 1. Listen live to a German Band play polkas, waltzes, sing-a-longs and more while you taste classic German food and drink. Some of the delicious food includes pretzels and beer cheese, apple strudel, bratwurst and schnitzel! It is not a great Oktoberfest unless you have a beer garden and games. Tickets are available to purchase at the event or in advance for a discount. Click here for more information.

Grandview Fall Fun Draft Horse Show

Experience the thrill of competition as majestic Draft horses and Draft Cross breeds showcase their talents in jumping, racing, halter, and driving at Grandview Fall Fun Draft Horse Show at World Equestrian Center. Watch this special fall showcase in WEC's Indoor Arena 5, Friday-Saturday, October 11- 12, 8am - 6:30 pm. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $15. Click here for more information.

Two Rivers Music Festival

Where the Rainbow River and Withlacoochee River meet, Dunnellon is welcoming back the Two Rivers Music Festival and Food Truck Rally on October 12! Grab a bite to eat, a drink and enjoy the music as it fills the evening air of quaint Dunnellon. The festival will be at Rainbow Springs Golf and Country Club from 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. and is completely free, featuring music of many genres— rock, jazz, county, folk and more.

McIntosh 1890’s Festival

Travel back in time at the McIntosh 1890’s Festival celebration held on Oct. 12, 2024 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Discover the area’s rich history while walking down tree-lined streets filled with unique vendors, music, face painting and great food. McIntosh is located in northern Marion County, on Highway 441.

Visit McIntosh1890sfestival.com for more information about the event.

Autumn Gift Market

The Junior League of Ocala is hosting their 28th Annual Autumn Gift Market at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion from October 18 (6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.) to October 19 (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). The festive event offers a great way to jump start on holiday shopping and features food trucks, drinks, raffles and more. Learn more about the event at Marionfl.org.

Ocala Arts Festival

The 54th Annual Ocala Arts Festival returns on Saturday, October 26 -27, 2024. Free and open to the public, festival goers have many options to choose from, including browsing art from a variety of more than 150 artists across the country to sampling food from local vendors. Kids will enjoy the special hands-on activities and live performances will be taking place throughout Historic Downtown Ocala from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. For more information about this event, visit FAFO.org.

Ocala Food And Wine Festival

The 4th annual Ocala Food & Wine Festival at World Equestrian Center is returning this fall for a weekend-long event! Join fellow foodies to enjoy live music, cooking demos and an iron-chef style competition. This event offers guests the opportunity to taste food and drinks from dozens of local restaurants, wineries, breweries and distilleries. The event takes place November 1 - 3, 2024. To make it even better…there will be a celebrity chef hosting the event again this year. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit OcalaFoodAndWineFest.com.

Civil War Reenactment / Ocklawaha River Raid

Spend a day at the beautiful Florida Horse Park for a dramatic reenactment of the Ocklawaha River Raid, the only battle of the Civil War that occurred in Marion County. The event takes place from Saturday to Sunday, November 2 - 3, and is reenacted by the 7th Florida Infantry Regiment. The grounds are open all day for the event, with living history demonstrations, activities for the kids and food throughout the weekend.

Chili Cook-Off

It is not autumn without a bowl of hot chili and the community is serving up the best at the 43rd Annual Marion County Chili Cook Off! Spend the day at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion sampling chili, listening to live music, tasting craft beer and voting for your favorite car at the newly added car show. The cook-off runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on November 2, 2024.

Ocali Country Days

For another step back in time, on the second weekend of November each year, Ocali Country Days festival revels in the history of the area at the Silver River Museum for a family-friendly time. November 9 - 10, celebrate the pioneer spirit with live music, various vendors and skilled craft activities from early settlers like blacksmithing, spinning, marking sugar cane syrup and more.

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