The inaugural World Equestrian Center – Ocala Blueberry Festival powered by Gary Yeomans Ford is finally here! On May 14, indulge in all things blue from 8am-5pm in the Grand Plaza. Bring the family as we roll out a berry celebration of spring with live blues music, yard games, a kids zone and more. Enjoy the best blueberry fare, including blueberry pie, jam, and the new Wild Blue Belgian by Infinite Ale Works, a blueberry beer made with berries from World Equestrian Center – Ocala’s 25-acre blueberry farm. Shop at the farmer’s market with artisanal, handmade goods from local vendors. The Blueberry Festival is free and open to the public.
The Blueberry Festival powered by Gary Yeomans Ford is also hosting a 5K Fun Run and Walk! Enjoy the beautiful World Equestrian Center – Ocala facility on foot like never before. The professionally-designed race course is open to all ages. Go at your own pace and enjoy the scenic views as you complete the full-facility loop at a run, jog, walk or amble and finish under the arch on the WEC Grand Plaza.
Pre-registration is required at runsignup.com/Race/FL/Ocala/Blueberry5KFunRunorWalk. Race is not timed. Entry includes race t-shirt, finishers gift and race bib. Registration cost is $25/entry.
That’s not all, gather outside of Arena 4 to feast on all-you-can-eat blueberry pancakes! Get your fresh hot cakes for just $10 starting at 9am—then spend the rest of the day celebrating World Equestrian Center Blueberry Festival powered by Gary Yeomans Ford. Breakfast tickets available in advance online: https://www.showclix.com/event/blueberry-pancake-breakfast
The week features other events including the Florida Paint Horse Club – May Mane Event and Spookala. The Florida Paint Horse Club – May Mane Event will take place from May 13-15 in Arena 3. Click HERE for additional information about the horse show.
Spookala will be help in Expo 1 from May 13-15. For ticketing and additional information click HERE.
Coming Soon!
World Equestrian Center – Ocala 2022 Summer Hunter/ Jumper Horse Show Series Featuring FEI 3* Competition
Join us for the 2022 World Equestrian Center – Ocala Summer Hunter/Jumper Horse Show Series featuring USEF sanctioned hunter/jumper and two weeks of FEI 3* competition. The series is comprised of nine weeks of hunter/jumper shows running consecutively from June 15-August 14, 2022. FEI 3* competition takes place from June 21-July 3, 2022. The World Equestrian Center – Ocala Summer Hunter/Jumper Horse Show Series features nearly $3.5 million in total money and prizes. Click HERE for the Prize List and additional information.
Ocala Food & Wine Festival
Attention foodies of Ocala! Save the date: this year’s 2022 Ocala Food & Wine Festival will be held November 4-6. We’re expanding to deliver three whole days of entertainment featuring head-to-head culinary competition, wine education, and samples of extraordinary cuisine from some of the area’s best restaurants. It’s bound to be even more exciting than last year—you won’t want to miss one of the hottest events at World Equestrian Center – Ocala! Ticket sales will be announced at a later date — follow our event page to be the first to know.
What To Do
Shopping
Many vendors at World Equestrian Center – Ocala have established storefront locations where they are open year-round. Below are our amazing retailers and their locations.
The Equestrian Hotel:
- Lugano Diamonds
- The Debonair Collection
- Mr. Pickles & Sailor Bear Toy Shoppe
- Calluna Spa
CaptiveOne Advisors Arena – Arena 1:
- Ariat
- Arista Equestrian
- Gordon Reiss Insurance
UF Health Arena – Arena 2:
- Stellina LLC/Romitelli Boots
- Haala Fashion LLC
- Farmhouse Chiropractic
- Hats Off Boutique
- Kelsey’s Rhinestones
- The Farm House, Inc.
- LM Boots
Arena 3:
- Exceptional Equestrian, Inc
- IDA Development, LLC
- I Love My Horse
- Basic Equine Health, LLC
- Everleigh Collection LLC
- Parlanti
Arena 4:
- The Farm House, Inc.
- Odette, LLC
- Sudden Impulse Boutique
- AGM Beyond Leather
- Exceptional Equestrian, Inc
- Grey Fox Designs
Entertainment
Each week The Yellow Pony Pub & Garden located within The Equestrian Hotel hosts live entertainment from 6:00pm-9:30pm. Here is the entertainment lineup for this week:
Wednesday, May 11 | Conrad Marcum
Thursday, May 12 | John Johnson
Friday, May 13 | Jeff Jarrett
Saturday, May 14 | Miranda Madison
Day at the Spa
Calluna Spa’s Mother’s Day promotion is running all month long! Treat Mom to a day at Calluna Spa.
Momma Mia Manicure & Pedicure
Slip away for a dreamy Steamed Lavender Milk Manicure and Pedicure. With a beautiful soothing leg massage and a complimentary gel polish upgrade.
2 Hours | $130
Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to time of treatment. Valid credit card needed at time of booking. Four-hour cancellation policy. Late cancellations and no shows will be charged 50%. Book an appointment by calling 352.414.7862.
Calluna Spa is open Monday – Saturday from 9am-7pm and on Sunday from 10am-5pm. Click here to learn more.
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 | Saturday – Sunday: 6:30am-1pm
Dinner: Sunday – Thursday, 5pm-9pm | Friday – Saturday, 5pm-10pm
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
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
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.
Open daily: 11am-9pm
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.
Open daily:
Breakfast: 6am-11am
Monday – Friday: Lunch/Dinner: 11am-6pm
Saturday & Sunday: 11am-9pm
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.
Open daily: 11am-9pm
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.
Open daily:
Breakfast: 6am-11am
Lunch/Dinner: 11am-9pm
352.414.7876
2022 World Equestrian Center Horse Shows
World Equestrian Center – Ocala 2022 Summer Hunter/ Jumper Horse Show Series Featuring FEI 3* Competition
Join us for the 2022 World Equestrian Center – Ocala Summer Hunter/Jumper Horse Show Series featuring USEF sanctioned hunter/jumper and two weeks of FEI 3* competition. The series is comprised of nine weeks of hunter/jumper shows running consecutively from June 15-August 14, 2022. FEI 3* competition takes place from June 21-July 3, 2022. The World Equestrian Center – Ocala Summer Hunter/Jumper Horse Show Series features nearly $3.5 million in total money and prizes. Click HERE for the Prize List and additional information.
2022 Dressage Show Dates
World Equestrian Center – Ocala is excited to announce nine dates for dressage competition in 2022 presented by Hampton Green Farm and Discover Dressage. The events will span the year from January through December and include USEF/USDF nationally-rated competition. Click here for more information.