OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Foodies can raise a glass to a weekend of culinary experiences as the Ocala Food & Wine Festival returns to World Equestrian Center November 6-8, 2026.
Now in its sixth year, the three-day festival features chef-led dining experiences, food and beverage tastings, cooking demonstrations and a culinary competition benefiting the Public Education Foundation of Marion County’s ProStart Program, which supports culinary education. The event is open to guests ages 21 and older.
The weekend begins Friday, Nov. 6, with the Chefs’ Dinner at The Equestrian Manor. The multicourse dinner pairs food with beverages and is available to guests who purchase a Five-Star Festival Package.
Saturday, Nov. 7, brings the Grand Tasting to WEC Expo Center 1 from 1 to 5 p.m. Guests can sample dishes from participating chefs and offerings from beverage vendors, including beer and wine. The afternoon also features a beer garden, a wine pull and the annual mystery basket competition, where local culinary students put their skills to the test. Grand Tasting tickets cost $150 per person, plus taxes and an online service fee. The festival continues Saturday evening with the Grand Prix Dining Experience, combining dinner with WEC’s show jumping event. Access is included in select festival packages and ticket bundles.
On Sunday, Nov. 8, the weekend wraps up with a Jazz Brunch at The Equestrian Manor’s Lallie’s Covered Pavilion from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The brunch features sweet and savory dishes, chef-attended stations, a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar and bubbly, accompanied by live jazz. Tickets cost $135 per person, plus taxes and an online service fee.
For guests looking to experience the full weekend, the Five-Star Festival Package includes two nights of accommodations for two people and access to the festival’s signature events, along with additional hotel and resort amenities. Local guests can also purchase a ticket bundle for the Grand Tasting, Jazz Brunch and Saturday evening’s Grand Prix Dining Experience for $425 per person. Tickets for select events and additional information about festival packages are available at the official Ocala Food & Wine Festival website.
Whether you’re there for the gourmet bites, a glass of wine or a little jazz with your brunch, the festival offers plenty of reasons to savor the experience and drink it all in.
