OCALA, FL — Tickets are now available to attend the 2025 Ocala Food & Wine Festival, returning to World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC) from November 7-9, 2025. In its fifth year, the annual chef-led festival features three days of culinary celebration, including chef demonstrations and competition, beverage tastings, beer, wine and spirits education, and samples of extraordinary cuisine, all supporting the Public Education Foundation of Marion County’s ProStart Program. Full weekend access is available exclusively through Five-Star Festival Packages, while individual tickets for select events can be purchased at ocalafoodandwinefest.com.
New for 2025, the festival format will begin with the Chefs’ Dinner at Stirrups Restaurant, an exclusive multicourse paired dinner experience for Five-Star Festival Package guests. Saturday features the return of the Grand Tasting at WEC Exposition Center 1 from 1pm–5pm with unlimited samples, chef demonstrations, debut dishes from four new WEC restaurants, and the popular mystery basket student competition. Saturday evening, Five-Star guests will enjoy a ringside reception during the grand prix show jumping event. The weekend concludes with the open-air Champagne Brunch on the terrace from 10am–1pm.
The Five-Star Festival Package includes access for two guests to all festival events, two nights of accommodations, breakfast at Stirrups, complimentary golf cart rental, early check-in and late check-out and additional VIP amenities. Packages at The Equestrian Hotel and The Riding Academy Hotel and are expected to sell quickly.
For those joining the fun for just one day, individual tickets are available for the Grand Tasting on Saturday, November 8 at $135 per person and the Champagne Brunch on Sunday, November 9 at $125 per person.
Proceeds benefit the Public Education Foundation of Marion County’s ProStart Program. This 21+ event is presented in marketing partnership with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. For the full schedule, information on participating chefs and ticket details, visit ocalafoodandwinefest.com.
About World Equestrian Center
Named one of TIME’s 2024 World’s Greatest Places, World Equestrian Center features two premier equestrian and multidisciplinary venues in Ocala, Florida, and Wilmington, Ohio.
These exclusive facilities comprise state-of-the-art arenas, expansive stadiums, versatile outdoor space, sporting fields and well-appointed exposition centers. An abundance of lodging options and luxury accommodations are conveniently located on-site, along with shopping and dining throughout each property.
Dedicated to offering great sport and good fun in a family-friendly environment, World Equestrian Center promises an unparalleled experience for exhibitors, spectators, vendors, sponsors and retailers built on three core values: Quality. Class. Distinction.
Learn more at wec.net.
Media Contact:
Leah Tong
Leah.Tong@wec.net