A guide to our favorite monthly happenings and can’t-miss events
OCALA FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL
World Equestrian Center
Nov. 4-6
Enjoy celebrity chefs, drink masters, live music and tasting options from local restaurants, wineries, breweries and distilleries. This year’s charities are the Public Education Foundation of Marion County, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Education Foundation ProStart Program and Kut Different. Tickets start at $155 and VIP packages are available. For tickets, visit OcalaFoodAndWineFest.com
FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK
Downtown Ocala
Nov. 4
Stroll the square and check out artist’s displays, music onstage and street buskers. In addition to downtown eateries, food and snacks will be available from vendors and stores will be open late for shopping. For more info, ocalafl.org
FIRST SATURDAY MARKET IN THE PARK
Ernie Mills Park, Dunnellon
Nov. 5
Vendors sell a variety of wares, there’s live entertainment and businesses have sales and specials. For more info, dunnellonchamber.com/blog/first-saturday-market-in-the-park-2
MCINTOSH 1890s FESTIVAL
McIntosh Historic District
Nov. 5
This renowned festival celebrates historic McIntosh with hundreds of vendors purveying crafts, art, food, clothing, jewelry and more. Enjoy entertainment and kids’ activities. Free to attend. For more info, mcintosh1890sfestival.com
MARION COUNTY CHILI COOK-OFF
Southeastern Livestock Pavilion
Nov. 5
The 41st annual cook-off to benefit the Cornerstone School features food, craft beers, vendors, live music, a kids’ zone and car show. Awards include Judged Chili, Judged Booth, Morgan von Trapper Spirit Award, People’s Choice Booth and People’s Choice Chili. For more info, marioncountychilicookoff.com
OCALI COUNTRY DAYS FESTIVAL
Silver River Museum Campus
Nov. 12-13
The pioneer lifestyle of Old Florida will be on display with skilled crafters showing techniques for blacksmithing, making sugar cane syrup, cooking, building log cabins, Seminole cooking and arts, pioneer cattle and horses, spinning, weaving, quilting and other homecrafts. Live music, vendors and food. $8 per person; free ages 5 and younger. For more info, silverrivermuseum.com/ocali-country-days-festival
USEA 3-PHASE HORSE TRIALS
Majestic Oaks Farm, Reddick
Nov. 12-13
This eventing trial will showcase dressage, cross-country and show jumping competitions. A vendor village will include food trucks, tack stores, feed stores and more. For more info, majesticoaksocala.com/event/majestic-oaks-usea-3-phase-horse-trials-november-2022
MOPAR CAR SHOW AND SWAP MEET
Florida Horse Park
Nov. 11-13
The 35th Florida Mopar Association Show will include show cars, vendors and a swap meet. Saturday is the start of judging and awards will be presented, along with a drawing for $100 every hour from 11am to 3pm. Herb McCandless (Mr. 4-Speed) will host a car clinic. Parking is $10. For more info, floridamoparassociation.com
LITTLE RIVER BAND
Circle Square Cultural Center
Nov. 19
With several terrific vocalists, this band is known for stellar harmonies on hits including “Cool Change,” “Lonesome Loser,” “Take It Easy On Me” and others. Tickets are $65-$120. See csculturalcenter.com/events/little-river-band for more info.
LIGHT UP OCALA
Downtown Ocala
Nov. 19
The 38th annual event will kick off the holidays with more than 100 vendors, food options, live entertainment and a kids’ zone. A holiday parade will bring in Santa Claus. The celebration culminates with the flip of a switch to activate thousands of lights around the square and on the giant Christmas tree. More info at ocalafl.org/government/city-departments-i-z/recreation-parks/events/light-up-ocala
GREAT DANE SPECIALTY DOG SHOW
Greater Ocala Dog Club – Show Grounds
Nov. 18-20
Check out these giants of the dog world, who are known for being family and kid-friendly. Held in combination with other breed shows. For more info, greaterocaladogclub.org
CHRISTMAS LIGHT SPECTACULAR
Florida Horse Park
Nov. 25 – Dec. 30
This is a drive-through show. Ticket prices are per carload and include kids’ activities, live music, a train ride, slides and inflatables, ice skating and a visit with Santa. Food trucks will be onsite. For more info, see ocalamarion.com/events/ocala-christmas-light-spectacular
MTRA ARTS & CRAFTS MARKET
Marion Therapeutic Riding Association
Nov. 26
The market will host more than 40 vendors and include live music, dancers, a car show, pony rides, food options and pie eating contests. Start your holiday shopping and participate in Small Business Saturday. More info on ocalamarion.com/events/4th-annual-mtra-holiday-market-car-show
SYMPHONY UNDER THE LIGHTS
Tuscawilla Park
Dec. 2
The Ocala Symphony Orchestra continues its annual tradition of a free holiday concert in the park. Bring your chairs and picnic basket for a fall evening under the stars. The performance includes the Ocala Youth Symphony. See reillyartscenter.com for more information.
POPS! GOES THE HOLIDAYS
Reilly Arts Center
Dec. 3 & 4
The Ocala Symphony Orchestra’s holiday concert is an Ocala tradition. Holiday music and touching tributes make this a night to remember. Tickets are $15-$40; see reillyartscenter.com for more info.
LIGHT UP LAKE LILLIAN
Lake Lillian, Belleview
Dec. 3
Check out vendor booths, arts and crafts, kids’ activities and more. Food options available. Bring chairs. For more details, ocalamarion.com/events/light-up-lake-lillian2
NEVER GIVE UP ON COUNTRY CONCERT
World Equestrian Center
Dec. 9
This benefit concert for the Travis Mills Foundation, which supports injured military veterans and their families, will feature Colt Ford and Kidd G, with headliner Jimmie Allen. A pre-concert block party with Chris McNeil will have contests, food trucks, a parachute show and more. Tickets are $78-$202. For more info, travismillsfoundation.org
