As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, there are some communities that come alive with festive autumn activities and spine-tingling Halloween celebrations! Ocala, Florida is one of them. And this year, there’s an abundance of things to do here—perfect for families, friends, and all Halloween enthusiasts.
Here’s your guide to making the most of this fall season in vibrant Marion County and beyond.
Pick Your Perfect Pumpkin
No fall season is complete without a visit to a pumpkin patch! The Ocala Pumpkin Patch is open this autumn, offering a chance to pick the perfect pumpkin for your Halloween festivities. Spend a day enjoying the beautiful weather while searching for your ideal pumpkin to carve or decorate.
Kick Off Halloween Fun at the Annual Carnival
Launch the Halloween season with flair at the Marion County Parks & Recreation Annual Carnival on Saturday, October 5, 2024. From 5 to 9 PM, head to the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion for an evening of fun-filled activities. Enjoy games, music, delicious food truck offerings, haunted stalls, hayrides, and bounce houses—all free of charge. This carnival is a fantastic way to bring the family together for some autumn fun.
Celebrate Fall at Oktoberfest
Join us for the annual Oktoberfest at the World Equestrian Center Ocala on two exciting weekends—Saturday, October 5 and October 12, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 PM in Exposition Center 1. Enjoy the lively sounds of a German band playing polkas, waltzes, and sing-alongs. Indulge in delicious German fare, including soft pretzels with beer cheese, apple strudel, bratwurst, and crispy schnitzel. Plus, experience the fun of a beer garden and games!
Scares Await at Nightmare on Pine Street
Prepare for a thrilling adventure at Nightmare on Pine Street, happening at Wayne’s World of Paintball. This haunted trail features chilling encounters with ghostly characters, making it a must-visit for those seeking a fright. The event runs on the last three Fridays and Saturdays of October, inviting you to brave the eerie path while supporting a great cause. Gather your bravest friends and get ready for a night of scares!
Don’t Miss the Annual Autumn Gift Market
Get ready to kick off your holiday shopping at the 28th Annual Autumn Gift Market, hosted by the Junior League of Ocala! Join us at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion on October 18 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM and October 19 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This festive market is the perfect opportunity to find unique gifts while enjoying delicious food from local food trucks, refreshing drinks, and exciting raffles.
Uncover Eerie Tales at Phantoms in the Fort
Dive into history with a twist at Phantoms in the Fort on October 19, 2024. This guided lantern tour of Fort King takes you through eerie tales from the past, starting at 6 PM with tours beginning every 30 minutes. Alongside the spooky stories, you’ll enjoy local food trucks, vendors, games, and fascinating historic reenactments. It’s a captivating way to connect with Ocala’s rich history while enjoying some Halloween thrills.
Craft Your Own Witch Broom
Unleash your creativity on Saturday, October 19, at 10 AM with a special crafting workshop at Fort King National Historic Landmark. Learn how to create your very own witch broom, with all materials provided for just $20 a person. This hands-on experience is perfect for both kids and adults looking to add a personal touch to their Halloween décor.
Furry Friends Get in on the Fun at Howl-O-Ween Paw-Ty
Pets deserve some Halloween fun too! Bring your furry friends to the 6th Annual Howl-O-Ween Paw-Ty on October 23, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion. This pet-friendly event includes trunk-or-treat for kids, games, vendors, and exciting costume contests for everyone. Admission is just $5 for adults (free for pets!) and includes a complimentary hotdog, drink, and snack.
Spine-Chilling Movie Night Under the Stars
Join us for a spine-chilling movie night on Friday, October 25, at Fort King National Historic Landmark. Enjoy a free screening of the classic film Creature from the Black Lagoon starting at 7 PM. Gather your loved ones, settle in under the stars, and let this underwater horror film transport you into the Halloween spirit!
A Safe and Festive Trunk or Treat
For a trick-free experience, join the Trunk or Treat event at Lake Lillian in Belleview on Thursday, October 26, from 4 to 7 PM. Kids can explore decorated car trunks filled with candy and treats in a cheerful, family-friendly atmosphere. This free event is perfect for families looking to enjoy Halloween in a safe and fun way. Don’t forget to wear your costumes and bring a bag for all the goodies!
Celebrate the Season at the World Equestrian Center
On Sunday, October 27, the World Equestrian Center Ocala will host its much-anticipated Halloween Celebration from 1 to 3 PM. Bring your family and leashed pets for a delightful day featuring trick-or-treating at vendor booths, cookie and pumpkin decorating, and whimsical balloon art. Capture your family’s best costumes with plenty of photo opportunities. It’s a day of fun and creativity you won’t want to miss!
Join the Halloween Showcase at Orange Blossom Opry
Celebrate Halloween with music at the Halloween Showcase at the Orange Blossom Opry on October 31. Dress in your best costume and enjoy a special lineup of 10 local vocalists backed by the Orange Blossom Opry Band. This event promises a lively atmosphere and even features a costume contest. Grab your tickets now to be part of this festive celebration!
Experience the Magic of Candlelight Classics
For a unique Halloween experience, don’t miss the candlelight concert at the Ocala Civic Theatre. Set against the soft glow of candlelight, this live musical experience promises to enchant you on October 31, with two performances at 3:30 and 8:30 PM. Tickets are going fast, so secure yours soon!
As you embrace the beauty of fall, be sure to participate in the myriad of festive things to do in Ocala, Florida this season. From haunted trails to family-friendly events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Looking for accommodations for your stay? Be sure to visit Acadia Acres for house rentals and horse boarding. We look forward to hosting you!