WEC Ocala Schedule & Upcoming Events
What is happening at World Equestrian Center Ocala this week and through the holidays — horse shows, grand prix nights, craft shows, dining, Winter Wonderland and New Year's Eve.
Updated Nov. 8, 2026
What's happening at WEC Ocala this week?
At World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1750 NW 80th Ave., November Show Series II runs Nov. 11–15, WEC November Dressage runs Nov. 13–15, and the $75,000 Hampton Green Farms National Grand Prix is Saturday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. The Ocala Holiday Craft Show fills Expo Center 1 the same weekend. WEC says most horse shows are free to watch with free self-parking; the craft show, dining events and Winter Wonderland are ticketed.
Updated Nov. 8, 2026, from WEC's Ocala events calendar and each event's own WEC page. Events limited to hotel guests are left out.
This week at WEC Ocala (Nov. 8–15)
| Date | Event | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Sun., Nov. 8 | November Show Series I, final day (National Hunter/Level 5 Jumper)Classes start at 8 a.m. and finish in the early afternoon. | No charge for admission or parking (WEC) |
| Sun., Nov. 8 | Ocala Food & Wine Festival Jazz Brunch10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Lallie’s Covered Pavilion at The Equestrian Manor; chef-attended stations and live jazz; 21 and over. | Ticketed: $135 per person, plus $3 fee and tax |
| Tue., Nov. 10 | WEC Career Fair1 to 5 p.m., Exposition Center 1; hospitality, culinary, guest services and retail openings; on-site interviews possible. | Advance registration encouraged; walk-ins welcome |
| Wed.–Sun., Nov. 11–15 | November Show Series II (National Hunter/Level 5 Jumper)Wednesday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to early afternoon. | No charge for admission or parking (WEC) |
| Thu., Nov. 12 | MCPS School Choice and Community Resource Expo5 to 7 p.m., Expo Center 2; faculty and students from more than 20 magnet schools and career academies. | Free (per WEC) |
| Fri.–Sun., Nov. 13–15 | WEC November Dressage presented by Hampton Green Farms (USEF/USDF)8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. | Most equestrian events offer complimentary spectator admission (WEC) |
| Fri.–Sun., Nov. 13–15 | 4th Annual Ocala Holiday Craft ShowExpo Center 1; more than 350 artists and makers and free photos with Santa. Hours: Fri. noon to 4 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m. to noon is a private shopping event. | $10 general admission (advance ticket valid all three days); private shopping $17 advance or $22 at the door; kids 12 and under free; free parking |
| Sat., Nov. 14 | Emma’s Chocolate Tasting Class10 a.m. to noon, Aston’s Meeting Room at The Equestrian Manor; guided tasting led by Emma’s Patisserie. | Reservation required, prepaid via OpenTable; WEC’s page does not list a price |
| Sat., Nov. 14 | $75,000 Hampton Green Farms National Grand Prix7 p.m. under the lights in the WEC Grand Arena. | No charge for admission or parking (WEC) |
| Sat., Nov. 14 | Grand Prix Dining ExperienceDoors at 6 p.m. on The Equestrian Hotel Terrace; three-course dinner with beer and wine and a view of the Grand Outdoor Arena. | Ticketed: tables of 4 from $852.91 (gratuity included; tax and fees extra) |
Live music also runs most weekends at the Yellow Pony and The Polo Pony; WEC lists Mark Z at The Polo Pony on Nov. 13 and Allison Asarch at the Yellow Pony on Nov. 14. WEC marks the pool-side concerts and movie nights at The Riding Academy Hotel as guest access only, so they are not listed here.
Coming up at WEC Ocala: Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve
WEC's calendar fills with holiday programming after the November horse shows. Thanksgiving dining is covered in our Thanksgiving in Ocala guide and WEC dining guide; the end-of-year events are in our New Year's Eve guide. For the full lights, Santa and ticket breakdown, see WEC Winter Wonderland.
| Date | Event | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Nov. 20–22 | Cerberus Strength Official Strongman Games World FinalsExpo Center 1, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; more than 400 athletes from 50-plus countries. | Ticketed: $30 per day or $75 for all three days |
| Nov. 25 | Thanksgiving To Go pickup11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in The Equestrian Manor lobby; turkey or ham meals packed cold with warming instructions. | Order ahead: $399 serves 6–8; $615 serves 12–14 (tax and fees extra) |
| Nov. 25–28 | AHAF Holiday Festival Arabian & Half Arabian Horse Show8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Arenas 1 and 4 and the Hotel Grand Arena; the show’s 57th year. | Free event for the whole family (WEC) |
| Thu., Nov. 26 | Thanksgiving Buffet at The Equestrian Manor and Stirrups prix fixeThe buffet is in Miss Amelia’s Ballroom with three seatings; the four-course Stirrups prix fixe has seatings at 11 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. | Reservations required |
| Nov. 27–29 | WEC Vaulting Premiere (CVI3* World Cup Qualifier, CVI2*, CVI1*)9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the WEC Stadium; international classes Nov. 27–28 and national classes Nov. 28–29. | WEC’s event page does not list an admission price |
| Nov. 27 – Dec. 23 | Winter WonderlandWednesday through Sunday plus Dec. 20–23; Grand Plaza entry from 3 p.m., lights on at 5 p.m., until 9 p.m. | Ticketed: $8 advance or $11 at the gate on Sun./Wed./Thu.; $14 or $16 on Fri./Sat. and Dec. 20–23; children 4 and under free |
| Sat., Nov. 28 | Breakfast with Santa9 to 11 a.m., Connor’s Meeting Room at The Equestrian Manor; separate ticket from Winter Wonderland. | Ticketed: adults $75, ages 6–12 $30, 5 and under free with an adult |
| Dec. 1–6 | December Series I (CSI3*, CSI1*/Premier Hunter/Level 6 Jumper)Saturday, Dec. 5: $120,000 Coca-Cola Beverages Florida Grand Prix CSI3* at 7 p.m. | WEC says Winter Wonderland admission applies on Grand Prix night; check WEC for other days |
| Sat., Dec. 5 | $120,000 Coca-Cola Beverages Florida Grand Prix CSI3*7 p.m., WEC Grand Arena, against the Winter Wonderland lights; Grand Prix Dining tables of 4 are $1,240 (gratuity included). | Winter Wonderland admission applies (WEC) |
| Dec. 8–13 | December Series II (CSI4*, CSI2*/Premier Hunter/Level 6 Jumper)New for 2026: CSI4* week. WEC’s overview text lists competition Dec. 9–13. | WEC says Winter Wonderland admission applies on Grand Prix night; check WEC for other days |
| Dec. 10–13 | WEC December Dressage CDI-W presented by Hampton Green Farms8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily (WEC’s overview text lists Dec. 9–13). | Most equestrian events offer complimentary spectator admission (WEC) |
| Sat., Dec. 12 | $200,000 AdventHealth Grand Prix CSI4*7 p.m., WEC Grand Arena; Grand Prix Dining tables of 4 are $1,240 (gratuity included). | Winter Wonderland admission applies (WEC) |
| Wed., Dec. 16 | Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Dinner6 to 8 p.m. in The Paris Room at The Equestrian Hotel; five courses with Head Winemaker Marcus Notaro. | Ticketed: $275 per person, 21 and over, prepaid |
| Thu., Dec. 31 | New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball (and New Year’s Eve prix fixe dinners at Genevieve’s and Stirrups)8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., second floor of The Equestrian Manor; 21 and over, semi-formal. See our New Year’s Eve guide. | Ticketed: $375 per person or $700 per couple (tax and $3 fee extra) |
| Jan. 6 – Apr. 4, 2027 | 2027 Ocala Winter Spectacular (13 weeks)Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Ocala CSI5*-W on Feb. 20 and Longines League of Nations Ocala CSIO5* on Mar. 20; dates subject to change. | Most classes free to watch; Longines events ticketed |
Dates, hours and prices are from WEC's event pages, checked Nov. 8, 2026; ticket prices exclude online service fees where WEC says so. WEC's December Series II listing runs Dec. 8–13 while its overview text says competition is Dec. 9–13, and its dressage listing runs Dec. 10–13 while the overview says Dec. 9–13; confirm with WEC. Looking for a job on the campus? See WEC careers, and use the WEC campus map to find Expo Center 1, Expo Center 2 and The Equestrian Manor.
By Darrin DeTorres, Only In Ocala. AI tools helped gather the sources and draft this page; each fact was checked against those sources before publishing. See our editorial guidelines.
How the WEC Ocala Show Season Works
World Equestrian Center in Ocala runs horse shows nearly year-round, anchored by the Winter Spectacular (January–early April in 2027), the marquee circuit that draws top international riders and the largest crowds. Shorter spring, summer and fall series and the November and December shows fill the remaining months. Past 2026 series results and schedules are on WEC's own site.
Located at 1750 NW 80th Avenue in Ocala, WEC's 378-acre campus features multiple climate-controlled arenas, a Grand Arena for Saturday night Grand Prix, and a full resort with hotels and restaurants. Whether you're a competitor, a horse enthusiast, or a first-time spectator, the schedule below will help you plan your visit to horse country.
For the most current weekly schedule and order of go, always check worldequestriancenter.com or the WEC Show Management System.
Dressage Schedule
Year-Round • 10 Shows in 2026, Seven FEI-Rated
WEC Ocala's 2026 dressage calendar lists 10 shows, seven of them FEI-rated, presented alongside national USEF/USDF classes. The remaining 2026 shows are WEC November Dressage (Nov. 13–15) and the WEC December Dressage CDI-W (Dec. 10–13 on WEC's event listing; its overview text says Dec. 9–13). Monthly dressage shows offer qualifying opportunities for the Great American Insurance Group/USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships.
WEC says most of its equestrian events offer complimentary spectator admission.
Types of Competitions at WEC Ocala
Hunter
Horses are judged on form, movement, and jumping style over a course of natural-looking fences. Hunter classes run throughout the week (typically Wed–Fri) and are the backbone of the WEC show schedule. Look for the USHJA International Hunter Derby for the most exciting hunter competition.
Jumper
Speed and accuracy over colorful fences up to 1.60 meters. Jumper Grand Prix events are held Saturday evenings under lights in the Grand Arena. FEI-rated classes (CSI2*–CSI5*) attract international competitors and offer the biggest prize money.
Dressage
Often called “ballet for horses,” dressage tests precision, harmony, and athleticism. WEC's dressage arena hosts FEI-level competition including CDI3* events and the 2026 USEF Grand Prix National Championship.
Equitation
The rider is judged rather than the horse. The WEC Premier Equitation Cup Championship is a highlight of the winter circuit: the 2026 winner drove away in a new Ford Explorer SUV and her trainers took the majority of a $100,000 trainer bonus. The 2027 championship is Feb. 13, 2027, with the same SUV and $100,000 trainer-award format.
What does a typical show week at WEC look like?
During active show series, WEC follows a consistent weekly pattern. Knowing the rhythm helps you plan your visit around the type of competition you most want to see.
Spectator Guide: Watching Horse Shows at WEC
You don't need to know anything about horses to enjoy a visit to WEC. The facility is open to the public and most shows are completely free to watch.
Admission
- •Complimentary admission for most equestrian events, according to WEC, including no charge for admission or parking during the November Series (Nov. 4–15)
- •Ticketed events include the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Ocala and the Longines League of Nations, plus the craft show, Strongman Games, dining events and Winter Wonderland
- •Self-parking is complimentary at most equestrian events, per WEC (Winter Wonderland VIP parking is extra). In December, WEC says Winter Wonderland admission applies on the Saturday Grand Prix nights (Dec. 5 and 12)
Best Viewing Spots
- •Grand Outdoor Arena — WEC's open-air main arena; many Equestrian Hotel rooms overlook it
- •Indoor arenas — WEC's campus map lists six indoor arenas plus a Covered Arena, the shaded option on hot days
- •Paddock area — Watch warm-ups and get close to the horses before they compete
- •Grand Prix Dining — WEC sells Grand Prix Dining tables under the arena lights during the November and December series
Tips for First-Time Visitors
- •Saturday evening Grand Prix is the most exciting spectator experience — high fences, fast times, big crowd
- •Weekday mornings are quieter and let you wander the barns and watch schooling
- •WEC suggests smart casual attire for most events and says dogs are welcome; keep noise down while horses compete and do not approach competition horses or enter restricted barn areas
- •On-site dining options mean you don't need to leave for meals
- •The WEC hotel is on campus if you want to stay overnight, or the WEC RV park if you're bringing a rig
- •Use the WEC campus map to navigate the 378-acre property and find your ring
- •Show exhibitors typically rent a golf cart for the duration of their stay
- •Can't make it in person? Watch the shows online via our WEC live stream guide
What events does WEC host besides horse shows?
WEC Ocala isn't just for equestrians. The venue hosts several major public events throughout the year that draw crowds from across Central Florida.
Saturday Grand Prix Receptions
During the Winter Spectacular, WEC sells Grand Prix Reception tickets for a reserved area under the white canopy at the Grand Arena, with charcuterie and crudité from 6 to 7:30 p.m., one drink ticket and a cash bar, plus reserved Grand Prix Plaza Tables and three-course Grand Prix Dining at The Equestrian Hotel. Watching the grand prix from general seating is free on most Saturdays.
Holiday Season Events
WEC's calendar lists the Ocala Holiday Craft Show (Nov. 13–15), the Strongman Games World Finals (Nov. 20–22), a Thanksgiving Buffet at The Equestrian Manor (Nov. 26), Breakfast with Santa (starting Nov. 28), the Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Dinner (Dec. 16) and the New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball (Dec. 31), plus live music most weekends at the Yellow Pony and The Polo Pony. Dates and prices are in the tables above.
Ocala Food & Wine Festival
November 6–8, 2026 (wraps up Sunday, Nov. 8). WEC describes a three-day, chef-led festival: a Chefs' Dinner (Nov. 6), the Grand Tasting from 1 to 5 p.m. and Grand Prix Dining (Nov. 7), and a Jazz Brunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Nov. 8). Tickets: Grand Tasting $150, Jazz Brunch $135, plus fees; 21 and over. See our Ocala Food & Wine Festival guide for the full schedule.
WEC Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland runs Nov. 27 to Dec. 23, 2026, with ticketed entry to the Grand Plaza from 3 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday plus Dec. 20–23; the lights come on at 5 p.m. Tickets are $8 in advance and $11 at the door on Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and $14 and $16 on Fridays, Saturdays and Dec. 20–23; children 4 and under are free.
All for the Horses Expo
Multi-day equestrian expo with clinics, demonstrations, and vendors from across the horse industry. Open to the public at WEC.
Expo & Vendor Weekends
WEC's campus map lists more than 30 shops and vendors, including Vendor Village, Vendor Row and Vendor Square, open to the public.
Quick Reference
Nov/Dec Shows
Nov 4 – 15 & Dec 1 – 13 (4 weeks); Grand Prix Nov 14, Dec 5, Dec 12
2027 Winter Spectacular
Jan 6 – Apr 4, 2027 (13 weeks, pending approval)
Location
1750 NW 80th Ave, Ocala, FL 34482
General Admission
Free at most shows (WEC); Dec. Grand Prix nights need Winter Wonderland admission
Parking
Free self-parking at most shows (WEC)
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Frequently Asked Questions About the WEC Ocala Schedule
What is happening at WEC Ocala this week?
As of Nov. 8, 2026, WEC Ocala wraps up its first November show week and the Ocala Food & Wine Festival Jazz Brunch today, hosts a Career Fair on Nov. 10 and the MCPS School Choice Expo on Nov. 12, then runs November Show Series II (Nov. 11-15), WEC November Dressage (Nov. 13-15), the Ocala Holiday Craft Show (Nov. 13-15) and the $75,000 Hampton Green Farms National Grand Prix on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m.
What is happening at WEC Ocala this weekend?
Today (Sunday, Nov. 8) is the last day of November Show Series I and the ticketed Jazz Brunch (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.). Next weekend, Nov. 13-15, brings Show Series II, WEC November Dressage and the Ocala Holiday Craft Show; on Saturday, Nov. 14, add the 7 p.m. Grand Prix and Emma's Chocolate Tasting Class (10 a.m., reservation required).
Is it free to watch horse shows at WEC Ocala?
WEC says most equestrian events offer complimentary spectator admission and self-parking, and that there is no charge for admission or parking during the 2026 November Series (Nov. 4-15). In December, WEC says Winter Wonderland admission applies on the Saturday Grand Prix nights (Dec. 5 and 12), because the Grand Plaza requires Winter Wonderland tickets from 3 to 9 p.m. ($8 to $16). Select special events, such as the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Ocala and the Longines League of Nations, are ticketed.
What days of the week do WEC Ocala horse shows run?
WEC says the November and December series compete Wednesday through Sunday, starting at 8 a.m. each day and finishing in the early afternoon. Saturday night Grand Prix classes begin at 7 p.m. in the WEC Grand Arena. Start times and orders of go are updated the evening before each competition day.
Does WEC Ocala host dressage competitions?
Yes. WEC lists 10 dressage shows for 2026, seven of them FEI-rated, with national USEF/USDF classes at each. The remaining 2026 shows are WEC November Dressage (Nov. 13-15) and the WEC December Dressage CDI-W (Dec. 10-13 on WEC's event listing; WEC's overview text says Dec. 9-13). Most equestrian events at WEC offer complimentary spectator admission.
What events does WEC Ocala have besides horse shows?
WEC's calendar for the holiday season includes the Ocala Holiday Craft Show (Nov. 13-15), the Cerberus Strength Official Strongman Games World Finals (Nov. 20-22), a Thanksgiving To Go pickup (Nov. 25) and Thanksgiving Buffet (Nov. 26), Winter Wonderland (Nov. 27 to Dec. 23, ticketed), Breakfast with Santa, the Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Dinner (Dec. 16) and the New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball (Dec. 31). Live music runs most weekends at the Yellow Pony and The Polo Pony.
What horse shows are at WEC Ocala in November and December 2026?
WEC runs two National Hunter/Level 5 Jumper weeks (Nov. 4-8 and Nov. 11-15), then two Premier Hunter/Level 6 Jumper weeks: December Series I (Dec. 1-6, CSI3*) and December Series II (Dec. 8-13, CSI4*). Saturday night Grand Prix classes are the $75,000 Hampton Green Farms National Grand Prix (Nov. 14), the $120,000 Coca-Cola Beverages Florida Grand Prix CSI3* (Dec. 5) and the $200,000 AdventHealth Grand Prix CSI4* (Dec. 12), each at 7 p.m.
When is the 2027 WEC Ocala Winter Spectacular?
WEC lists the 2027 Ocala Winter Spectacular as 13 weeks from Jan. 6 to Apr. 4, 2027. Highlights on WEC's calendar include the $300,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Ocala CSI5*-W on Feb. 20 and the $770,000 Longines League of Nations Ocala CSIO5* on Mar. 20. WEC notes that dates are subject to change, so check the official schedule before planning around a specific week.
Where do I find the current weekly WEC Ocala schedule?
Visit worldequestriancenter.com/ocala-fl/events for the full event calendar. For weekly horse show schedules and order of go, check wec-ocala.showmanagementsystem.com. WEC also posts daily updates on its social media channels.
Plan Your Visit to WEC Ocala
Whether it's a Saturday night Grand Prix, a weekday stroll through the barns, or WEC Winter Wonderland, there's always something happening at World Equestrian Center.
Calendario del World Equestrian Center en Ocala
El World Equestrian Center (WEC) está ubicado en 1750 NW 80th Ave, Ocala, FL 34482, y organiza espectáculos ecuestres durante casi todo el año. La mayoría de los espectáculos semanales tienen entrada general gratuita y el estacionamiento general es gratis. Algunos eventos especiales requieren boleto, como la Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Ocala y la Longines League of Nations. La entrada a Winter Wonderland, del 27 de noviembre al 23 de diciembre de 2026, requiere boleto y cuesta entre $8 y $16 por persona; los niños de 4 años o menos entran gratis. Se recomienda consultar el calendario para conocer las fechas y los horarios actuales antes de asistir.