October in Ocala: A Season of Art, Pumpkins, and Spooky Fun
This October, historic downtown Ocala is buzzing with creativity as it hosts the 54th Annual Ocala Arts Festival! From October 26-27, 2024, downtown will come alive with talented artists and amazing vendors. It’s the perfect weekend to explore local culture and maybe even find a masterpiece to take home.
Need a pumpkin fix? We’ve got you covered! Check out this list of pumpkin patches, featuring everything from charming church spots to sprawling farms with corn mazes and fun activities for the whole family.
But that’s not all! Dive into Halloween spirit with unique events like making your own witch’s broom on October 19, or enjoy a spooky outdoor screening during the “After Dark in the Park” movie series on October 25, both at Fort King National Historic Landmark. And for a magical night out, don’t miss the candlelight concert at the Ocala Civic Theatre—an enchanting evening of Halloween-themed music that’s sure to mesmerize!
So, whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect pumpkin, ready to watch a classic film under the stars, or creating new family traditions, Ocala in October has it all!
November: Chili, Wine, and Holiday Lights
As the crisp fall air rolls in, so does the season of chili (yes, chili!). The 43rd Annual Marion County Chili Cook Off is back on November 2nd at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion. It’s a beloved local tradition you won’t want to miss—come for the chili, stay for the fun!
If you’re more of a foodie at heart, the 4th Annual Ocala Food & Wine Festival is a must. Held at the World Equestrian Center from November 1-3, 2024, this event offers a delightful mix of culinary creations and fine wines. Make sure to check out their other holiday events while you’re there!
And of course, what’s fall without a little holiday magic? The iconic Light Up Ocala returns on November 18th, turning the Downtown Square into a twinkling wonderland. Rumor has it that Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making an appearance, so bring the family and soak in the holiday spirit!
December: Bells Are Ringing, and the Holidays Are Swinging
December in Ocala kicks off with a bang—well, with bells actually! Start your holiday season with “Symphony Under the Stars” featuring the Ocala Symphony Orchestra at The Reilly on December 1st. Then, don’t miss the Annual Downtown Ocala Christmas Golf Cart Parade on December 2nd—a fun and festive way to celebrate with the community.
The holiday magic continues at The Reilly with classic performances like The Nutcracker and the unique Phantasmagoria: “A Most Haunted Victorian Christmas.” These are shows that’ll make your season sparkle! For more holiday fun, explore this guide to Ocala’s best seasonal events.
At Triple Crown Homes, we’re so grateful to be part of this incredible community. The holidays here are filled with joy, togetherness, and the warmth of friends and family. From our family to yours, we wish you a very happy holiday season!
For more information, please visit the following sources, where we gathered our data and insights:
https://fafo.org/
https://www.ocalamarion.com/events/ https://worldequestriancenter.com/events/ https://www.reillyartscenter.com/events/