The Countdown Is On: Your Guide to the 2026 Ocala Food & Wine Festival

Ocala, FL – The countdown is on for the 2026 Ocala Food & Wine Festival! From November 6 to 8, World Equestrian Center – Ocala will welcome food lovers, wine enthusiasts and culinary travelers for three days of exceptional cuisine, premium tastings and culinary celebration.

With just two weeks until the festival begins, get a closer look at the exclusive dining experiences, newly revealed menus and exciting culinary demonstrations awaiting throughout the weekend. From the exclusive a five-course Chefs’ Dinner showcasing WEC’s acclaimed culinary talent to unlimited sampling at the Grand Tasting, ringside excitement at the Grand Prix Dining Experience and an elegant Jazz Brunch, discover what makes this year’s celebration one to remember. Experience the full weekend through Five-Star Festival Packages, or purchase tickets for select events at ocalafoodandwinefest.com.

Chefs’ Dinner: The Art of the Palate Presented by The Gallery Off 80th

Friday, November 6 | 6:30pm | Miss Eloise’s Grand Ballroom at The Equestrian Manor

The festival begins Friday evening at the Chefs’ Dinner Presented by The Gallery Off 80th, where every course is a work of art. WEC’s talented chefs will share the inspiration behind their thoughtfully crafted dishes, while interactive culinary displays and live artistry bring this distinctive dining experience to life.

Explore the evening’s featured courses and the culinary talent behind each creation.

First Course
Kanpachi Amarillo
Presented by The White Willow Sushi Chef de Cuisine Karl Reinhart

Kameizumi “Eternal Spring” Junmai Ginjo Sake   

Second Course
Squid Ink Rigatoni
Presented by Genievieve’s Chef de Cuisine Kristofer Sullivan

Villa Matilde Fiano di Avellino

Third Course
Five-Spice Glazed Duck Breast
Presented by The Polo Pony Chef de Cuisine Roland LaCroix

Louis Jadot Bourgogne Rouge

Fourth Course
Certified Angus Beef® Denver Steak
Presented by Certified Angus Beef® Brand Chef Josh Ennis

Alta Vista Terroir Selection Malbec

Dessert
Tonight’s Atelier
Presented by Chef Yohann Le Bescond, Chef Kari Howard and Chef Gabriel Maysonet

Fonseca Bin 27 Reserve Port

Dietary accommodations may be available upon request.

The Chefs’ Dinner is available exclusively through the Five-Star Festival Package, making this celebration of culinary artistry a highlight of the weekend.

Make It a Five-Star Festival Getaway

Extend the experience into a luxurious culinary getaway with a Five-Star Festival Package at The Equestrian Hotel or The Riding Academy Hotel. Designed for two guests, the package pairs two nights of accommodations with access to all four festival events, including the exclusive Chefs’ Dinner.

The package also includes exclusive access to the VIP Bubble Lounge at the Grand Tasting, a Saturday breakfast credit per room, early check-in and late check-out, a welcome amenity and 15% off a Calluna Spa service for two.

With the festival approaching, now is the perfect time to reserve your culinary getaway.

The Grand Tasting: An Afternoon of Unlimited Sampling

Saturday, November 7 | 1pm to 5pm | WEC Exposition Center 1

One of the weekend’s most anticipated events, the Grand Tasting returns with an afternoon dedicated to unlimited food and beverage sampling, chef demonstrations and culinary entertainment.

Explore local bites and premium beer, wine and spirits tastings while discovering new flavors throughout the afternoon. Beyond the tastings, guests can enjoy a lively beer garden, interactive entertainment and a wine pull featuring an assortment of prizes. Plus, take home a commemorative tasting glass as a keepsake from the afternoon.

There’s even more to discover with a full lineup of culinary and beverage demonstrations. Watch WEC’s chefs showcase their talents, learn from industry experts and enjoy the return of the annual mystery basket competition. Local culinary students will put their creativity and skills to the test as two teams, guided by Chef Roland LaCroix and Chef Jonathan Nicho, take on surprise ingredients with distinct culinary approaches. Explore the stage schedule online to see what’s in store throughout the afternoon.

More Experiences to Savor Throughout the Weekend

The culinary celebration continues with two additional events that make this festival uniquely WEC.

Grand Prix Dining Experience: Ocala Food & Wine Festival Edition | Saturday, November 7 | 6:30pm

Pair an evening of gourmet flavors with the excitement of grand prix show jumping. Enjoy dinner ringside while elite horse-and-rider combinations compete under the lights of the Grand Outdoor Arena.

Jazz Brunch | Sunday, November 8 | 10am to 1pm

End the weekend on a delicious note at Lallie’s Covered Pavilion at The Equestrian Manor. This open-air brunch features live jazz, sweet and savory favorites, chef-attended stations, a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar and bubbly.

For those joining the fun for just one day, individual tickets are available for the Grand Tasting and the Jazz Brunch. Local guests can also extend their festival experience with a special ticket bundle that includes the Grand Tasting, Grand Prix Dining Experience and Jazz Brunch.

Celebrating Culinary Talent for a Cause

The Ocala Food & Wine Festival is proud to support Marion County’s aspiring culinary professionals. Event proceeds benefit the Public Education Foundation of Marion County ProStart Program.

Don’t miss the opportunity to join us for the whole weekend or your favorite event. Explore the full schedule, information on participating chefs and ticket details at ocalafoodandwinefest.com. Stay connected by following the event’s Facebook page: Ocala Food & Wine Festival at WEC.

This 21+ event is presented in marketing partnership with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.

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