Things to Do
2026-04-015 min readEaster Weekend in Ocala: Brunches, Events & Things to Do This Holiday Weekend
This is a things to do news article published on 2026-04-01 covering local Marion County, Florida news. Easter Sunday 2026 falls on April 5, and Ocala has a full weekend of events lined up — from upscale Easter brunches at the World Equestrian Center and Stone Creek Golf Club to free family fun at the Appleton Museum and the Brick City Beer & Wine Festival.
Updated 1 months ago
By Only In Ocala Team
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Easter weekend 2026 is shaping up to be one of the busiest holiday weekends in Ocala this spring, with confirmed brunches, festivals, concerts, and outdoor activities running from Good Friday through Easter Sunday. Whether you are planning a family outing, a date night, or simply looking for something fun to do this weekend, here is what is happening across Marion County.
The highlight of Easter Sunday for many Ocala families is brunch, and two standout options have confirmed their 2026 menus.
The World Equestrian Center is hosting an Easter Brunch at Equestrian Manor in Miss Eloise's Grand Ballroom from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The buffet menu features pancakes, fried chicken and waffles, a yogurt parfait bar, beef tenderloin, and honey-roasted ham. Tables seat four ($440) or ten ($1,100), and reservations are required. It is one of the most elegant brunch settings in the region, and the venue itself — with its European-inspired architecture and manicured grounds — makes for a memorable Easter outing.
Stone Creek Golf Club offers a more casual, family-friendly Easter brunch buffet open to the public from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM with multiple seatings. Pricing is $36.99 for adults and $19.99 for children ages 5 to 10, making it one of the more affordable sit-down brunch options in the area. Reservations are recommended — call 352-291-2140.
Stirrups Restaurant at 8510 NW 17th Lane is also running a spring-inspired brunch buffet with items like deviled eggs and cinnamon rolls, plus an option for bottomless mimosas. For more morning dining ideas, check out our guide to the best breakfast spots in Ocala.
Easter Saturday may actually be the busier day this weekend, with several major events happening across Marion County.
The Appleton Museum of Art's Free First Saturday falls perfectly on Easter weekend this year. From 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, admission is free and the museum offers family-friendly artmaking activities in the Artspace studio, plus a special Artist Talk and Demonstration by A.E. Kozeliski at 1:00 PM discussing contemporary Chinese brush painting techniques. It is one of the best free things to do with kids on Easter weekend.
Downtown Ocala comes alive on Saturday afternoon with the 12th Annual Brick City Beer and Wine Festival at Citizens' Circle from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The event features beer and wine sampling, a battle of the bands, food trucks, and free general admission. It is an adults-only highlight for those without kids in tow — or with a babysitter lined up.
Families with young anglers will want to check out the Belleview Youth Fishing Derby on Saturday morning, while the Almost ABBA tribute show at the Reilly Arts Center provides an evening entertainment option.
The weekend kicks off Friday evening with Steelin' Peaches: An Allman Brothers Revue at the Reilly Arts Center at 7:30 PM. Marion County Public Schools are closed for mid-term break on Friday, giving families a head start on the long weekend.
Easter falls during one of the best stretches of weather in central Florida. Early April typically brings daytime highs around 80 degrees with comfortable humidity — ideal conditions for getting outside.
Silver Springs State Park is open daily including Easter Sunday, offering glass-bottom boat tours ($14 to $30), kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking trails. It is one of the most popular family outings in the area and a great way to spend Easter afternoon after brunch.
For more ideas on making the most of the spring weather, explore our spring activities guide covering kayaking, trails, parks, and outdoor dining throughout Marion County.
For the complete guide to Easter traditions, egg hunts, church services, and family activities in Ocala, visit our Easter in Ocala guide. And for a full list of everything happening this weekend and beyond, check out Things to Do This Weekend in Ocala.
Easter Sunday Brunches — April 5
The highlight of Easter Sunday for many Ocala families is brunch, and two standout options have confirmed their 2026 menus.
The World Equestrian Center is hosting an Easter Brunch at Equestrian Manor in Miss Eloise's Grand Ballroom from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The buffet menu features pancakes, fried chicken and waffles, a yogurt parfait bar, beef tenderloin, and honey-roasted ham. Tables seat four ($440) or ten ($1,100), and reservations are required. It is one of the most elegant brunch settings in the region, and the venue itself — with its European-inspired architecture and manicured grounds — makes for a memorable Easter outing.
Stone Creek Golf Club offers a more casual, family-friendly Easter brunch buffet open to the public from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM with multiple seatings. Pricing is $36.99 for adults and $19.99 for children ages 5 to 10, making it one of the more affordable sit-down brunch options in the area. Reservations are recommended — call 352-291-2140.
Stirrups Restaurant at 8510 NW 17th Lane is also running a spring-inspired brunch buffet with items like deviled eggs and cinnamon rolls, plus an option for bottomless mimosas. For more morning dining ideas, check out our guide to the best breakfast spots in Ocala.
Saturday, April 4 — The Big Day for Events
Easter Saturday may actually be the busier day this weekend, with several major events happening across Marion County.
The Appleton Museum of Art's Free First Saturday falls perfectly on Easter weekend this year. From 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, admission is free and the museum offers family-friendly artmaking activities in the Artspace studio, plus a special Artist Talk and Demonstration by A.E. Kozeliski at 1:00 PM discussing contemporary Chinese brush painting techniques. It is one of the best free things to do with kids on Easter weekend.
Downtown Ocala comes alive on Saturday afternoon with the 12th Annual Brick City Beer and Wine Festival at Citizens' Circle from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The event features beer and wine sampling, a battle of the bands, food trucks, and free general admission. It is an adults-only highlight for those without kids in tow — or with a babysitter lined up.
Families with young anglers will want to check out the Belleview Youth Fishing Derby on Saturday morning, while the Almost ABBA tribute show at the Reilly Arts Center provides an evening entertainment option.
Good Friday, April 3
The weekend kicks off Friday evening with Steelin' Peaches: An Allman Brothers Revue at the Reilly Arts Center at 7:30 PM. Marion County Public Schools are closed for mid-term break on Friday, giving families a head start on the long weekend.
Outdoor Activities for Easter Weekend
Easter falls during one of the best stretches of weather in central Florida. Early April typically brings daytime highs around 80 degrees with comfortable humidity — ideal conditions for getting outside.
Silver Springs State Park is open daily including Easter Sunday, offering glass-bottom boat tours ($14 to $30), kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking trails. It is one of the most popular family outings in the area and a great way to spend Easter afternoon after brunch.
For more ideas on making the most of the spring weather, explore our spring activities guide covering kayaking, trails, parks, and outdoor dining throughout Marion County.
Plan Your Easter Weekend
For the complete guide to Easter traditions, egg hunts, church services, and family activities in Ocala, visit our Easter in Ocala guide. And for a full list of everything happening this weekend and beyond, check out Things to Do This Weekend in Ocala.
Easter
Ocala
Easter Brunch
Things to Do
Marion County
Spring
Family
Weekend Guide
World Equestrian Center
Appleton Museum