Photo by MAVEN Photo+Film.
Ocala, FL – The third annual Ocala Food & Wine Festival presented by Lugano Diamonds returns to World Equestrian Center this weekend November 3-5! The 2023 event is a celebrity-chef-led celebration featuring three days of culinary competition, beer, wine and spirits education and samples of extraordinary cuisine. Led by celebrity Chef Lorena Garcia, Timothy Hollingsworth, Ocala’s favorite pitmaster Rashad Jones and our very own pastry chef Yohann Le Bescond, the weekend is packed with entertainment, culinary and beverage education and more. Select tickets are still available at ocalafoodandwinefest.com. By attending, you’re not only in for a treat but also supporting the Public Education Foundation of Marion County ProStart program.
See the event schedule breakdown below:
Friday, November 3
6pm-9pm | Barbecue, Bourbon & Blues
Join us under the stars on the Grand Plaza for a welcome event featuring local Ocala barbecue and live-fire cuisine, bourbon tastings and blues music with the Honey Hounds. Sample from over 20 vendors with high-quality bourbon, whisky and rye, smoked cocktails, beer, and bourbon-barrel aged wines, along with a menu of culinary samples from the celebrity chefs.
Saturday, November 4
11am-3pm | Taste of Ocala
Gather in Exposition Center 1 for the grand tasting featuring celebrity-chef-led demonstrations, included educational classes with masters of the industry, and samples of cuisine, wine, beer and spirits. The Junior Chef Mystery Basket competition will return on the main stage! Breakout Classes and cooking demonstations available throughout the day.
Mainstage Schedule:
11:15am – 11:35pm | Chef Tim Hollingsworth Demonstration
11:50pm – 12:10pm | Pitmaster Rashad Jones Demonstration
12:30pm – 12:50pm | Chef Lorena Garcia Demonstration
1:15pm – 1:35pm | Pastry Chef Yohann Le Bescond
2pm – 2:45pm | Junior Chef Mystery Basket Cooking Competition
2:45pm – 3pm | Awards Presentation
Breakouts:
11:35pm, 12:10pm, 12:50pm, 1:35pm | Chopin Room
11:35am, 12:10pm, 12:50pm, 1:35pm | Burgundy Room
11:15am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm | Moët Hennessy Bubbly Lounge
7pm | Celebrity Chef Dinner with Ste. Michelle Wine Estates *SOLD OUT*
Indulge in an exquisite, multicourse dinner from a team of celebrity chefs. Each course is artfully prepared and thoughtfully paired by a different culinary master or industry expert featuring premium selections from Ste. Michelle Wine Estates’ portfolio. Learn from the celebrity chefs as they present each course and serve you on the elegant outdoor terrace at Stirrups Restaurant.
Sunday, November 5
10am-1pm | Jazz Brunch
Raise a glass to the end of the weekend with this elegant Champagne brunch on The Equestrian Hotel terrace featuring live jazz music.
The 2023 Ocala Food & Wine Festival is a 21+ event. Event proceeds benefit the Public Education Foundation of Marion County ProStart Program.
Grab a free copy of the World Equestrian Center VOL III 2023 Magazine in the CaptiveOne Advisors Arena 1 lobby or read the issue online here!
Upcoming Events!
Winter Wonderland
This enchanting festival of lights returns to World Equestrian Center – Ocala for the holiday season.
With over one million twinkling lights, World Equestrian Center – Ocala Winter Wonderland promises to bring merriment and cheer to all. The halls of the WEC Grand Plaza will be decked with spectacular show-stopping features for the season, including a walk-through Christmas tree, lighted horse-drawn carriage, and plenty of splendid holiday décor. Meet the real Santa Claus at this family-friendly event and enjoy festive entertainment on the weekends, including a full rotation of carolers, face painters, balloon artists and cheery caricaturists. Many special events are planned throughout the month-long celebration. Don’t miss the heartwarming and ever-popular breakfast with Santa event on the terrace, Tinsel Trot 5K run under the lights, and special holiday performances to get in the spirit of the season! Enjoy the lights every day throughout Winter Wonderland. Weekend entertainment and festivities are planned Friday through Sunday leading up to Christmas Eve.
Please Note: There will be a $10 parking fee per vehicle from Monday through Thursday and a $30 parking fee per vehicle on Friday through Sunday, applicable from 3pm to 9pm during the Winter Wonderland event. Additional information can be found on wecwinterwonderland.com.
8th Annual VOCAL Furball, Paws and Pearls presented by Lugano Diamonds
Save the date for the 8th Annual VOCAL Furball, Paws and Pearls presented by Lugano Diamonds on Friday, February 23, 2024. Visit https://vocalforpets.org to learn more about the organization and event.
Upcoming Horse Shows
2023 November & December Show Series
Entries and stall reservations are now open for the World Equestrian Center – Ocala 2023 November & December Show Series featuring four-weeks of Premier Hunter/Level 6 Jumper competition sanctioned by US Equestrian (USEF).
The series consists of two-weeks of national level hunter/jumper competition from November 8-19 and new for 2023, the December Series will host two weeks of Fédération Equestre International (FEI) CSI3* from December 5-17 amid WEC – Ocala’s enchanted Winter Wonderland, a captivating festival with more than a million twinkling lights for the holiday season on full display from November 24-December 23, 2023.
Catch the thrilling action on Saturday Nights from the terrace of The Equestrian Hotel while enjoying a three-course chef’s dinner with complimentary beer and wine during The Grand Prix Dining Experience presented by Wheels Up.
2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series
World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC) presents the 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series sanctioned by US Equestrian (USEF) held from January 2-March 24, 2024. WEC – Ocala is pleased to announce circuit stalls/paddocks and entries are now OPEN for the 12-week hunter/jumper circuit featuring Premier Hunter/Level 6 Jumper competition and five-weeks of Fédération Equestre International (FEI) competition.
The circuit is slated to be the best yet with exciting additions to the schedule and facility, including a sixth climate-controlled indoor arena and seven additional outdoor arenas for schooling and exhibition. The five-weeks of FEI international show jumping competition will include three weeks of CSI3* competition from February 13-March 3, 2024 and a week of CSI2* and CSI4* competition during week X from March 5-10, 2024. The circuit will come to an exhilarating close with the Longines League of Nations™ qualifying event on March 20-24, 2024.
Mark you calendars for the remaining World Equestrian Center Dressage events in 2023. Place your entries and reserve your stalls through eqentries.com.
November 16-19, 2023 – CDI3* and USEF/USDF competition
December 7-10, 2023 – CDI-W and USEF/USDF competition
To view the prize lists, click HERE.
Worship
World Equestrian Center – Ocala is now hosting Sunday Services with Chaplain Edwin in The Chapel. The Sunday Services are 20 minutes long and open to all. Attendees can park by Barns E & F. See the weekly Chapel Service schedule below.
Sunday Services
7am – English
10am – English
11am – Spanish
Wednesday Service
6:30pm – English
What To Do
Shopping
Visit all of the vendors at World Equestrian Center – Ocala to finish your holiday shopping and pick up that special something for that special someone. Find a gift for everyone on your list at our amazing retailers, listed below along with their locations:
The Equestrian Hotel:
- Lugano Diamonds
- The Debonair Collection
- Mr. Pickles & Sailor Bear Toy Shoppe
- Calluna Spa
- John Craig – Now Open!
CaptiveOne Advisors Arena – Arena 1:
- Ariat International
- Gordon Reiss Insurance
- Walden Performance and Recovery
- Upper Echelon Academy
- La Mundial Boots
UF Health Arena – Arena 2:
- Stellina LLC/Romitelli Boots
- Haala Fashion LLC
- Farmhouse Chiropractic
- Hats Off Boutique
- Main Street Travel
- Rough Cut Boutique
Arena 3:
- Exceptional Equestrian, Inc
- IDA Development, LLC
- I Love My Horse
- Le Mieux
- Parlanti
- Chi Rho Ranch
Arena 4:
- The Farm House, Inc.
- Odette, LLC
- Sudden Impulse Boutique
- AGM Beyond Leather
- Exceptional Equestrian, Inc
- Grey Fox Designs
UF Veterinary Hospital at World Equestrian Center – Ocala
The UF Veterinary Hospital at WEC offers leading-edge care to equine athletes on site as well as horses from the surrounding area. We offer personalized service as well as a range of treatments and aids to ensure your horse performs at its best.
We offer ACVSMR performance evaluations and provide several rehabilitation modalities as well as state-of-the art diagnostic imaging. Our sports medicine specialists are supported by on-site board-certified veterinary radiologists with specialty certification in equine diagnostic imaging who provide real-time feedback on imaging and perform complicated imaging during your horse’s visit, ensuring that we provide the highest quality imaging for your horse. We offer standing CT scan, standing PET scan, standing MRI and high-powered X-ray equipment. To learn more about our offerings, visit hospitals.vetmed.ufl.edu/wec or contact us at (352) 414-3858 for information and appointments.
Hours of operation:
Equine Hospital
Mon-Sat, 8am-5pm
Small Animal Hospital
Mon-Sun, 8am-5pm
A Sudden Impulse Boutique
Stop by A Sudden Impulse Boutique for the latest and greatest World Equestrian Center branded merchandise. A Sudden Impulse is located in Arena 4, right behind Miss Tilly’s Lollipops. The boutique features a collection of jewelry, beautiful apparel and perfect gifts for your family and friends. A Sudden Impulse is also the exclusive shop for custom embroidery, engraving and printing at World Equestrian Center – Ocala.
Use code BLOG for 10% off online of purchases.
Visit A Sudden Impulse at WEC or purchase your items online at suddenimpulse.com.
Entertainment
Each week The Yellow Pony Pub & Garden located within The Equestrian Hotel hosts live entertainment from 6pm-9:30pm. Here is the entertainment lineup for this week:
Wednesday, November 1 | Cali McCord
Thursday, November 2 | The Mudds
Friday, November 3 | Tim McCaig
Saturday, November 4 | Radlin’ Rootz
Calluna Spa
Indulge in our Autumn-inspired spa treatments, featuring our Butter Rum Wrap, Spiced Bourbon Pedicure and The Revived Rider massage. Available from October 1-November 20, 2023.
Hours:
Monday – Saturday, 9am-7pm
Sunday, 10am-5pm
Call 352.414.7862 to book your appointment or click here.
In Need of a Doctor Visit?
World Equestrian Center – Ocala would like to welcome LifeForce Healthcare, LLC as the facility’s personal on-call primary care service. LifeForce Healthcare will be available to the venue’s exhibitors, visitors, vendors and guests for on-call medical provider visits at and around the World Equestrian Center – Ocala facility. Call 352.873.3800 to book your on-call appointment today.
Where to Eat
Located Within The Equestrian Hotel:
Stirrups Restaurant
Prime steaks and chops, sustainable Florida seafood and southern inspired seasonal specialties, served in a refined dining room and terrace overlooking the Grand Outdoor Arena.
Breakfast: Monday – Friday, 6:30am-11am
Brunch: Saturday – Sunday, 6:30am-1pm
Dinner: Sunday – Thursday, 5pm-9pm | Friday & Saturday, 5pm-10pm
Holiday Hours:
Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 23 | Breakfast: 6:30-11am | Buffet: 12am-6:30pm
Christmas Day: Monday, December 25 | Brunch: 11am-2pm | Dinner: 4pm-8pm
New Year’s Eve: Sunday, December 31 |Brunch: 6:30am-1pm | Dinner: 5pm-8pm
New Year’s Day: Monday, January 1 | Brunch 8am-2pm | Dinner 5pm-9pm
352.414.7864
Yellow Pony Pub & Garden
Boasting an outdoor patio and fireplace, this lobby gastro lounge offers shareable starters, pub fare, traditional draft beers, bourbons and whiskeys.
Sunday-Thursday, 11am-12am | Friday & Saturday, 11am-1am | Kitchen service complete one hour prior to close
Holiday Hours
Christmas Eve: Sunday, December 24, 11am-10pm
Christmas Day: Monday, December 25, 11am-8pm
352.414.7865
Emma’s Patisserie
A blissful, freshly baked array of authentic French macarons and European-inspired pastries are served within an ambiance of old-world elegance at this very special shop located within the Equestrian Hotel.
Open daily: 6am-8pm
Holiday Hours
Christmas Eve: Sunday, December 24, 6am-6pm
Christmas Day: Monday, December 25, 6am-6pm
352.414.7866
Restaurants throughout the facility:
Viola & Dot’s Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria
Design your own salad or pasta masterpiece with an assortment of delicious meats and toppings. Viola & Dot’s features pizzas and calzones crafted with homemade dough, classic Italian entrees and decadent sweet desserts.
October 22-November 23: Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-8pm | Closed Mondays
November 24-December 31: Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-9pm
Holiday Hours
Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 23, 11am-8pm
Christmas Eve: Sunday, December 24, 11am-6pm
New Year’s Eve: Sunday, December 31, 11am-6pm
352.414.7877
Ralph’s Burger & Sandwich Shop
A classic, diner-inspired menu with a few contemporary upgrades! Ralph’s invites you to enjoy signature burgers, salads and sandwiches topped off with a homemade milkshake. Open for lunch and dinner, start your day with a breakfast sandwich or enjoy an evening slice of pie.
August 13-October 21: Wednesday-Sunday, 6:30am-6pm | Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
October 22-December 31: Sunday-Thursday, 6:30am-6pm | Friday-Saturday, 6:30am-8pm | Closed Mondays
October 23: Monday, 7am-3pm
Holiday Hours
Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 23, 11am-6pm
Christmas Eve: Sunday, December 24, 6:30am-6pm
New Year’s Eve: Sunday, December 31, 11am-6pm
352.414.7875
Miss Tilly’s Lollipops
Indulging is strongly encouraged at this unique sweet shop where specialty ice cream flavors and homemade fudge are the stars. With an array of chocolates, confections and coffees, Miss Tilly’s is the perfect place for a tasty treat.
October 22-November 23: Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-8pm | Closed Monday & Tuesday
November 23-December 31: Monday & Tuesday, 3pm-9pm | Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-9pm
Holiday Hours
Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 23, 11am-8pm
Christmas Eve: Sunday, December 24, 11am-9pm
Christmas Day: Monday, December 25, closed
New Year’s Eve: Sunday, December 31, 11am-6pm
New Year’s Day: Monday, January 1, closed
352.414.7878
Filo’s Mexican Cantina
Traditional Mexican flavors coupled with custom-made convenience. Filo’s serves up street tacos, burritos, quesadillas and much more in a vibrant dining room and open-air patio.
August 13-October 21: Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-8pm | Closed Mondays
October 22-December 31: Monday-Thursday, 11am-8pm | Friday-Saturday, 6:30am-8pm| Sunday, 6:30am-8pm
Holiday Hours
Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 23, 11am-8pm
Christmas Eve: Sunday, December 24, 6:30am-6pm
New Years Eve: Sunday, December 31, 11am-6pm
352.414.7876
Skip the Line:
Want to save time and skip the line? Online ordering is now available from select property locations! Simply place your desired order online and customize the date and time you’d like to pick it up on-site. Receive 10% off your first online order when you enter the code “FIRST” at checkout. Learn more at orders.wec.net