WEC Ocala Schedule 2026
The complete calendar of WEC events at World Equestrian Center Ocala — hunter/jumper circuits, dressage, grand prix events, and special events year-round.
Up NextThe 2026 Fall Series ended Oct. 11. Next up: WEC October Dressage (Oct. 23–25), the November Series (Nov. 4–15), the Ocala Food & Wine Festival (Nov. 6–8), Winter Wonderland (opens Nov. 27), the December Series (Dec. 1–13) and the New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball (Dec. 31).
What's on the WEC Ocala schedule now?
World Equestrian Center Ocala, at 1750 NW 80th Ave., runs four weeks of hunter/jumper shows from Nov. 4 to Dec. 13, 2026, and its 2027 Winter Spectacular is listed for Jan. 6 to Apr. 4, 2027. WEC says most competitions are free for spectators and self-parking is complimentary; Winter Wonderland and the Food & Wine Festival are ticketed.
When are the next WEC Ocala shows and events?
| Dates | Show or event | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Oct. 23–25, 2026 | WEC October Dressage presented by Hampton Green Farms | Free to watch |
| Nov. 4–8, 2026 | November Series I: National Hunter/Level 5 Jumper; $75,000 Wheels Up American Standard Regional Grand Prix on Sat., Nov. 7 | Free to watch |
| Nov. 6–8, 2026 | Ocala Food & Wine Festival (Chefs’ Dinner, Grand Tasting, Grand Prix Dining, Jazz Brunch; 21 and over) | Ticketed: Grand Tasting $150, Jazz Brunch $135 |
| Nov. 11–15, 2026 | November Series II: National Hunter/Level 5 Jumper; $75,000 Hampton Green Farms American Standard Regional Grand Prix on Sat., Nov. 14 | Free to watch |
| Nov. 13–15, 2026 | WEC November Dressage presented by Hampton Green Farms | Free to watch |
| Nov. 27 – Dec. 23, 2026 | Winter Wonderland (ticketed entry 3–9 p.m., Wed.–Sun. plus Dec. 20–23; lights on at 5 p.m.) | Ticketed: $8–$16; children 4 and under free |
| Dec. 1–6, 2026 | December Series I: CSI3*, CSI1*/Premier Hunter/Level 6 Jumper; $120,000 Coca-Cola Beverages Florida Grand Prix CSI3* on Sat., Dec. 5 | Free to watch |
| Dec. 8–13, 2026 | December Series II: CSI4*, CSI2*/Premier Hunter/Level 6 Jumper | Free to watch |
| Dec. 9–13, 2026 | WEC December Dressage (CDI-W) | Free to watch |
| Dec. 31, 2026 | New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball at The Equestrian Manor | Ticketed |
| Jan. 6 – Apr. 4, 2027 | 2027 Winter Spectacular Series: 13 weeks (dates pending USEF and FEI approval) | Most classes free to watch |
Dates, levels and prices from WEC's show series page, events calendar, dressage page, Food & Wine Festival page and Winter Wonderland page, checked Oct. 21, 2026. Ticket prices exclude online service fees where WEC says so.
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.
2026 Show Season Overview
World Equestrian Center in Ocala runs horse shows nearly year-round, with four distinct competition series anchoring the calendar. The Winter Spectacular (January–March) is the marquee circuit, drawing top international riders and the largest crowds. Spring, summer, and fall series fill the remaining months with regional through premier-level competition.
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.
Winter Spectacular Series
December 31, 2025 – March 22, 2026 • 12 Weeks
The flagship circuit at WEC Ocala. This 12-week Premier Hunter/Level 6 Jumper series is sanctioned by US Equestrian (USEF) and features 10 weeks of FEI international competition. It's the largest and most prestigious show series on the calendar, attracting riders from around the world.
2026 Saturday Grand Prix Highlights
Hunter Highlights
Two WCHR (World Championship Hunter Rider) weeks anchor the hunter division:
- •Week V (Jan 27–Feb 1): $75,000 Hunter Spectacular debut
- •Week IX (Feb 24–Mar 1): $75,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
Spring Series
March 25 – 29, 2026 • 1 Week
One week of USEF-sanctioned competition held right after the Winter Spectacular. The Spring Series bridges the gap between the intense Winter Spectacular and the summer circuit, offering a more relaxed atmosphere with developing horses and riders moving up the ranks. Free general admission for spectators.
Dressage Schedule
Year-Round • 10 Shows in 2026, Six FEI-Rated (CDI)
WEC Ocala's 2026 dressage calendar lists 10 shows, six of them FEI-rated CDI competitions, presented alongside national USEF/USDF classes. The remaining 2026 dates are Oct. 23–25, Nov. 13–15 and a CDI-W on Dec. 9–13. Monthly dressage shows offer qualifying opportunities for the Great American Insurance Group/USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships.
2026 Headline: USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship
May 13–17, 2026 in the WEC Grand Arena. The nation's top Grand Prix dressage combinations compete for the national title. This is the first time WEC Ocala hosts the championship, further establishing the venue as a multi-discipline hub.
Notable monthly dressage shows include the CDI3* competitions in January and February presented by Hampton Green Farms, and the WEC August Dressage. All dressage shows are free for spectators.
Summer Series
June 3 – August 9, 2026 • 10 Weeks
The Summer Series offers 10 weeks of competition with a mix of Regional Hunter/Level 3 Jumper (1 week), National Hunter/Level 6 Jumper (2 weeks), and Premier Hunter/Level 6 Jumper (7 weeks). The series features more than $3 million in FEI prize money and 39 FEI ranking classes.
- •Week II (June 17–21): South Standlee/USHJA National Hunter Derby Regional Championships — Open, Junior, and Amateur sections, each offering $12,500 in prize money
- •Weekly Saturday Grand Prix: CSI3*–CSI5* level classes throughout the series
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
- •Free admission for most competitions, according to WEC
- •Ticketed events include the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Ocala and the Longines League of Nations
- •Self-parking is complimentary at the WEC campus (Winter Wonderland VIP parking is extra)
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
- •Dress is smart casual; the atmosphere is upscale but comfortable
- •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.
Fall 2026 Events
WEC's calendar lists the 3rd Annual Ocala Health & Wellness Expo (Sat., Oct. 24, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), the Hocus Pawcus Canine Costume Contest (Sat., Oct. 24) and a Thanksgiving Buffet at The Equestrian Manor (Nov. 26), plus live music most weekends at the Yellow Pony and The Polo Pony.
Ocala Food & Wine Festival
November 6–8, 2026. 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.
2026 Season at a Glance
Winter Spectacular
Dec 31 – Mar 22 (12 weeks)
Spring Series
Mar 25 – 29 (1 week)
USEF Dressage Nationals
May 13 – 17
Summer Series
Jun 3 – Aug 9 (10 weeks)
Nov/Dec Shows
Nov 4 – 15 & Dec 1 – 13 (4 weeks)
2027 Winter Spectacular
Jan 6 – Apr 4, 2027 (13 weeks, pending approval)
Location
1750 NW 80th Ave, Ocala, FL 34482
General Admission
Free (most shows)
Parking
Free
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Frequently Asked Questions About the WEC Ocala Schedule
Is it free to watch horse shows at WEC Ocala?
WEC says most competitions are free for spectators, with complimentary general admission and self-parking. Ticketed exceptions include the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Ocala (general admission was $18 and reserved seating $72, plus taxes and fees) and the Longines League of Nations, as well as Grand Prix Dining and Grand Prix Reception packages.
What days of the week do WEC Ocala horse shows run?
Shows typically run Wednesday through Sunday each week during active series. Wednesday and Thursday feature hunter classes, while jumper Grand Prix events are held Saturday evenings. Schedules vary by week — check worldequestriancenter.com for the current week's order of go.
When is the WEC Ocala Winter Spectacular 2026?
The 2026 Winter Spectacular runs December 31, 2025, through March 22, 2026 — a 12-week Premier Hunter/Level 6 Jumper circuit. It includes 10 weeks of FEI competition, the FEI Jumping World Cup (February 14), and the Longines League of Nations (March 17-22).
Does WEC Ocala host dressage competitions?
Yes. WEC lists 10 dressage shows for 2026, six of them FEI-rated CDI competitions, and spectators watch with no admission fee. The shows still to come in 2026 are October 23-25, November 13-15 and a CDI-W December 9-13. In May 2026 WEC hosted the USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship.
What events does WEC Ocala have besides horse shows?
WEC's fall 2026 calendar includes the 3rd Annual Ocala Health & Wellness Expo (October 24), the Ocala Food & Wine Festival (November 6-8, ticketed, 21 and over), a Thanksgiving Buffet at The Equestrian Manor (November 26), Winter Wonderland (November 27 to December 23, ticketed) and the New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball (December 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 four weeks of hunter/jumper shows: November I (Nov. 4-8) and November II (Nov. 11-15) at the National Hunter/Level 5 Jumper level, then December I (Dec. 1-6, CSI3*) and December II (Dec. 8-13, CSI4*). Saturday highlights are the $75,000 Wheels Up American Standard Regional Grand Prix (Nov. 7), the $75,000 Hampton Green Farms American Standard Regional Grand Prix (Nov. 14) and the $120,000 Coca-Cola Beverages Florida Grand Prix CSI3* (Dec. 5). Spectating is free.
When is the 2027 WEC Ocala Winter Spectacular?
WEC lists the 2027 Winter Spectacular Series for January 6 to April 4, 2027, with 13 weeks of competition. WEC notes that all dates are pending USEF and FEI approval, so check the official schedule before you plan a trip 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 their 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. Se recomienda consultar el calendario para conocer las fechas y los horarios actuales antes de asistir.