Celebrate the holiday weekend at World Equestrian Center – Ocala! During the week, World Equestrian Center – Ocala will be hosting a full assortment of events for the entire family to enjoy. This week’s events kick off TODAY with the Travis Mills Foundation benefit concert starring country music star Craig Morgan and the Davisson Brother Band. The concert will be held in the WEC Stadium with doors opening at 5p.m. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.
This week also includes the Fiddlers Turkey Run a barrel racing event in Arena 5. Competition begins on Thursday, November 25 and runs through Saturday, November 27. Competition begins at 8a.m. and will run throughout the day. This event is free and open to the public.
The Arabian & Half-Arabian Horse Show will be held from November 26-28. Competition begins each day at 8a.m. Click here for more information regarding the Arabian & Half Arabian Horse Show.
Last but not least, the World Equestrian Center – Ocala Winter Wonderland spectacular is set to kick off on Friday, November 26 with the inaugural ‘Light Up WEC’ event starting at 6p.m. With over one million twinkling lights, the World Equestrian Center – Ocala, Winter Wonderland promises to bring merriment and cheer to all. The halls of the World Equestrian Center Grand Plaza will be decked with all of the traditional regalia of the season, along with larger-than-life ornaments, a glittering 40-foot Christmas tree and a giant polar bear, just to name a few. For more information about Winter Wonderland, visit the event’s designated website at wecwinterwonderland.com.
Starting on November 26, parking – from 4p.m. – 9p.m. parking will be $20 per vehicle.
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 – Indoor 1:
- Ariat
- Ocala Shoe Shack division of Tack Shack of Ocala
Arena 2:
- Stellina LLC/Romitelli Boots
- Haala Fashion LLC
- Farmhouse Chiropractic
- Hats Off Boutique
- Kelsey’s Rhinestones
- The Farm House, Inc.
Arena 3:
- Exceptional Equestrian, Inc
- IDA Development, LLC
- I Love My Horse
- Basic Equine Health, LLC
- Beachwood Investments 5, LLC
- Everleigh Collection LLC
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 6:30pm-10pm. Here is the entertainment lineup for this week:
Wednesday, November 24 | Jr Lewis
Friday, November 26 | Brandon Dull
Saturday, November 27 | John Johnson
Day at the Spa
Treat yourself this holiday season to a relaxing day at Calluna Spa. Located on the second floor of The Equestrian Hotel, Calluna Spa offers multiple massage treatments, body wraps, facials, manicures, pedicures and hair salon for men and women. Book an appointment by calling 352.414.7862. Book an appointment by calling 352.414.7862.
Calluna Spa is open from 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-12pm
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: 6:30am-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
Lunch/Dinner: 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-8pm
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
Saturday Night Grand Prix VIP Experience for 2021 Ocala Fall
Enjoy a Saturday night Grand Prix from the terrace of The Equestrian Hotel with an exclusive VIP viewing and dining experience, courtesy of Stirrups Restaurant.
The VIP private table overlooking the WEC Grand Arena will include a 3-course Chef’s dinner with beer and wine.
Doors will open at 6:00p.m with service beginning at 6:30p.m. Table arrangements are available for four or six guests, with the four top priced at $600 and the six top priced at $900.
Click here, to view the December 4 menu, and the December 11 menu. Tables are priced per night.
Click here, to make your Saturday night Grand Prix VIP reservations for December 4, 2021.
Click here, to make your Saturday night Grand Prix VIP reservations for December 11, 2021.
Dressage V CDI-W Grand Prix Freestyles VIP Experience
Enjoy the World Cup Qualifier Grand Prix Freestyles under the lights of the WEC Stadium on December 10, starting at 4p.m. The VIP experience includes buffet meals and an open bar.
Table of 6 – $1,200 ($200/seat)
Single Seats – $250/seat
To reserve your VIP table email Christy.Baxter@wec.net.
World Equestrian Center – Ocala Fall Show Series 2021
WEC Fall Show 3 | December 1 – 5
WEC Fall Show 4 | December 8 – 12
World Equestrian Center – Ocala presents an exciting new Fall Horse Show Series featuring National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) sanctioned hunter/jumper competition. The two-week horse show begins December 1 and offers competition of all levels. The prize list, class schedule, stabling, and entry information can be found here.
World Equestrian Center Dressage V, CDI-W
Dressage V, CDI – W December 9 – 12, 2021
Prize List | Entry Information | Enter Online
For more information about the World Equestrian Center Dressage IV CDI show, click here.
World Equestrian Center – Ocala 2022 Winter Spectacular
World Equestrian Center – Ocala is excited to announce that entries are NOW OPEN for the Winter Spectacular 2022 Show Series featuring National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) sanctioned hunter/jumper competition. The 12-week show series will begin January 5, 2022 and offer all levels of competition. Highlights include feature classes such as the popular weekly Saturday night Grand Prix in the Grand Arena, Friday Hunter Derby day in the WEC Stadium and the prestigious Premier Equitation Cup Championship.
Click here to view the prize list, schedule and much more!
Check out the events calendar on our website to learn more about what’s happening in weeks to come!