Cannon Farms Ocala
A century-old family farm near Ocala offering seasonal festivals, sunflower fields, pumpkin patches, hayrides, and unforgettable farm experiences in Dunnellon, Florida.
About Cannon Farms
Cannon Farms is a family-owned and operated farm in Dunnellon, Florida, located just west of Ocala in Marion County. What makes Cannon Farms particularly special is its deep roots in the community: the same family has been farming this land for over 100 years, spanning multiple generations of agricultural tradition. The farm has evolved from a working agricultural operation into one of the most popular seasonal destinations in the greater Ocala area, drawing families from throughout Marion County and beyond.
Throughout the year, Cannon Farms hosts a rotating calendar of seasonal events that take advantage of the farm's acreage and rustic setting. Spring brings flower fields and the popular Spring Festival with craft vendors and food trucks. Summer features the Sunflower Festival and watermelon celebrations. Fall is the busiest season, with the Fall Festival offering a pumpkin patch where visitors can cut pumpkins directly off the vine, a corn maze, hayrides, and live entertainment. The farm also hosts craft markets, car shows, and dinner-and-dancing events that bring a social atmosphere to the rural setting.
Beyond the headline seasonal events, Cannon Farms provides weekend activities that keep visitors coming back regularly. Most weekends feature hayrides through the property, a petting zoo with mini highlander cows, baby goats, lambs, and sheep, live music performances, inflatables and bounce houses for children, crop mazes, and U-pick flower fields. The combination of agricultural authenticity and family entertainment has made Cannon Farms a staple for local families and a popular backdrop for photographers capturing everything from senior portraits to engagement sessions.
With general admission typically around $5 for most events, Cannon Farms provides an affordable outing for families. The price generally includes a hayride and access to the fields and live music, with food trucks and vendors on site for additional purchases. The farm's Dunnellon location is about a 20-25 minute drive from downtown Ocala, making it an easy day trip from anywhere in Marion County.
What to Do at Cannon Farms
From hayrides and petting zoos to flower picking and live music, Cannon Farms offers something for every member of the family.
Sunflower & Flower Fields
Cannon Farms grows expansive sunflower fields and seasonal flower varieties that visitors can walk through and pick from. The fields are a top destination for photography sessions and have become one of the most recognizable seasonal attractions in the Ocala area. U-pick flower options let you take home your own hand-picked bouquet.
Hayrides & Farm Tours
Hayrides are included with general admission on most event weekends, taking visitors on a tour through the farm property. The rides provide a classic agricultural experience and are popular with children and adults alike. The hayride route passes through fields and scenic areas of the century-old farm.
Petting Zoo & Animals
The farm's petting zoo features mini highlander cows, baby goats, lambs, and sheep that visitors can feed and interact with. The animal area is especially popular with younger children and provides an educational opportunity to learn about farm animals up close. Animal availability varies by season.
Live Music & Entertainment
Live music is a regular feature at Cannon Farms, with local and regional performers playing during weekend events and seasonal festivals. The farm also hosts dinner-and-dancing events for adults, car shows, and craft markets with local vendors. Food trucks are typically on site during events.
Seasonal Events at Cannon Farms
The farm's event calendar changes with the seasons, offering unique experiences throughout the year.
Spring Festival
SpringThe Spring Festival kicks off the season with craft vendors, food trucks, flower picking, hayrides, and a full range of kids' activities including the playground, bounce houses, and face painting. Spring flower fields provide colorful backdrops for photos.
Sunflower Festival
SummerOne of the farm's signature events, the Sunflower Festival draws crowds for the massive sunflower fields that are perfect for photography. Visitors can walk through the fields, take photos, and pick sunflowers to take home. The festival also includes the farm's regular weekend activities.
Fall Festival & Pumpkin Patch
FallThe biggest season at Cannon Farms. The Fall Festival features a U-pick pumpkin patch where you can cut pumpkins right off the vine, a corn maze, face painting, hayrides, inflatables, and live music. General admission is typically around $5 and includes a hayride and field access.
Year-Round Weekend Events
OngoingBeyond the major seasonal festivals, Cannon Farms hosts craft markets, car shows, dinner-and-dancing evenings, flea markets, and a watermelon festival. Most weekends feature the core farm activities: hayrides, petting zoo, live music, and access to whatever is growing in the fields.
Visitor Information
Plan Your Visit
- Location: Dunnellon, FL (about 20-25 minutes west of Ocala)
- Events: Primarily weekends; check their website or social media for current schedule
- Admission: Typically around $5 general admission for most events
What to Bring
- -Sunscreen and hats (most areas are outdoors)
- -Comfortable closed-toe shoes for walking on farm terrain
- -Water bottles for hydration
- -Camera for photos in the flower fields
- -Cash for food trucks and vendors
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cannon Farms located?
Cannon Farms is located in Dunnellon, Florida, just a short drive west of Ocala in Marion County. The farm has been operated by the same family for over 100 years, making it a deeply rooted part of the local agricultural community. The Dunnellon location is easily accessible from Ocala, typically about a 20-25 minute drive.
What events does Cannon Farms host?
Cannon Farms hosts a variety of seasonal events throughout the year including a Spring Festival, Sunflower Festival, Fall Festival with a pumpkin patch and corn maze, craft markets, car shows, dinner and dancing on the farm, and a watermelon festival. Most weekends feature hayrides, live music, animal interactions, and flower picking.
How much does it cost to visit Cannon Farms?
General admission to Cannon Farms events is typically around $5, which includes a hayride and access to the fields with live music. Some special events may have different pricing. Children under a certain age may be free. Check Cannon Farms' website or social media pages for current pricing on specific events.
Is Cannon Farms good for photos?
Cannon Farms is an extremely popular location for photography sessions. The sunflower fields, rustic farm backdrops, flower fields, and seasonal decorations provide picture-perfect settings for family portraits, senior photos, engagement sessions, and casual snapshots. Many local photographers use the farm as a go-to backdrop during sunflower and fall festival seasons.
What animals can you see at Cannon Farms?
Cannon Farms features a petting zoo with a variety of farm animals including mini highlander cows, baby goats, lambs, and sheep. The animal area is family-friendly and particularly popular with younger children. Animal availability may vary by season and event.
Does Cannon Farms have a pumpkin patch?
Yes, Cannon Farms operates a U-pick pumpkin patch during the fall season where visitors can cut pumpkins right off the vine. The fall festival also includes a corn maze, hayrides, face painting, inflatables, and live music. The pumpkin patch typically runs from September through October.
What activities are available for kids at Cannon Farms?
Cannon Farms offers plenty for children including a playground with a slide and rock climbing walls, bounce houses, inflatables, a game yard, hayrides, petting zoo, face painting, caricature drawings, and flower picking. The farm is designed to be a family-friendly destination with activities suited for all ages.
Visit Cannon Farms
From sunflower fields and pumpkin patches to hayrides and live music, Cannon Farms delivers authentic farm experiences just minutes from Ocala.