OCALA, Fla. — The sixth annual Ocala Food & Wine Festival returns to World Equestrian Center this weekend, pairing food and drink tastings with live entertainment and equestrian competition.
The festival runs Nov. 6-8, with a chefs’ dinner Friday, a Grand Tasting and Grand Prix Dining Experience Saturday, and a jazz brunch Sunday.
The event is for adults 21 and older. Visitors can find the full schedule and ticket information on the festival website.
What’s on the schedule
Friday, Nov. 6
The weekend opens with a chefs’ dinner at The Equestrian Manor. The festival website lists its Five-Star Festival Packages, which include access to the dinner, as sold out.
Saturday, Nov. 7
The Grand Tasting runs from 1 to 5 p.m., featuring unlimited wine and spirits tastings, chef-prepared bites and culinary demonstrations.
The event also includes Marion County’s annual ProStart Mystery Basket Competition, giving local culinary students a chance to compete using surprise ingredients.
At 6:30 p.m., the Grand Prix Dining Experience pairs a surf-and-turf dinner with views of show jumping.
Sunday, Nov. 8
The Jazz Brunch runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring chef-attended stations, sparkling wine and live jazz.
Festival supports culinary students
Organizers say festival proceeds benefit the Public Education Foundation of Marion County’s ProStart Program, which supports students preparing for careers in the culinary industry.
Where to go and park
World Equestrian Center is at 1750 NW 80th Ave. in Ocala, with festival events taking place at different locations across the property.
The Grand Tasting will be held in Exposition Center 1, the Grand Prix dinner on Stirrups’ Terrace at The Equestrian Hotel, and the Jazz Brunch at Lallie’s Covered Pavilion at The Equestrian Manor.
Complimentary self-parking is available. Organizers advise guests to follow festival signs to the parking area for their event.
Check the festival website for current ticket availability and event-specific directions before traveling.
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