(CORRECTION: This story has been updated to correct information regarding weekend entertainment programming. Only The White Willow will feature a DJ on Friday and Saturday nights. Polo Pony offers live entertainment on those evenings. 352Today regrets the error.)
OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The World Equestrian Center (WEC) in Ocala continues to broaden its footprint as a lifestyle and hospitality destination with new dining experiences, rooftop entertainment and additional retail development now underway across the property.
Following the recent opening of The Equestrian Manor, a four-story dining, hospitality and event venue, WEC is rolling out rooftop restaurants, weekend entertainment and large-scale retail expansion–signaling continued growth beyond equestrian sport.
New Dining Experiences at The Equestrian Manor
The Equestrian Manor adds more than 300,000 square feet of dining, event and gathering space to the WEC Ocala campus. The venue features four chef-driven restaurants across multiple floors, as well as event spaces designed for weddings, meetings and private functions.
On the ground floor, guests can already visit the Polo Pony, an elevated American tavern, alongside an expanded location of Emma’s Patisserie, known for its European-inspired pastries and confections.
Opening the evening of Jan. 28 for dinner service, two rooftop dining concepts debut on the fourth floor of The Equestrian Manor: Genievieve’s, an elevated Italian restaurant offering indoor and outdoor seating with an indoor bar, and The White Willow, a pan-Asian restaurant and bar featuring both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as indoor and outdoor bar spaces and panoramic views of the property.
Reservations for both restaurants are recommended through OpenTable, though walk-ins are welcome. Floors two and three of The Equestrian Manor are dedicated to event and venue spaces, accommodating gatherings ranging from corporate meetings to weddings and receptions.
Rooftop Entertainment and Weekend Programming
As part of the expansion, WEC will introduce new weekend nightlife elements. The White Willow will feature DJ programming on Friday and Saturday nights, while Polo Pony will offer live entertainment on those same evenings, blending dining with music and social experiences.
Saturday evenings at the World Equestrian Center also frequently feature Grand Prix show jumping events, which are traditionally free and open to the public, though some premium experiences or special seating areas may require paid admission.
A Growing Destination Beyond the Arena
The Equestrian Manor’s debut comes after WEC was named one of TIME Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places in 2024, further solidifying its reputation as a national destination.
All restaurants within The Equestrian Manor will be open to the public, with flexible buyout options available for private events.
Shoppes on 80th Underway
Beyond dining, WEC’s expansion continues with construction now underway on the Shoppes on 80th, a large-scale retail development expected to bring additional shopping and lifestyle offerings to the Ocala area.
Once completed, the Shoppes on 80th will further position the World Equestrian Center as a year-round hub for locals and visitors alike–blending sport, dining, entertainment, retail and community events into a single destination.
Additional announcements regarding opening dates for Shoppes on 80th are expected in the coming months.
