OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Ocala Mardi Gras Market was held Sunday, Feb. 2, 2026, at the Ocala Downtown Market, featuring more than two dozen local vendors offering food, crafts and small business goods during the four-hour event.

The market ran from noon to 4 p.m. and showcased a wide range of vendors, including food trucks, handmade goods, beauty products and specialty items. However, attendance appeared lighter than usual as unusually cold temperatures moved through the area, keeping some residents indoors.

Despite the chilly conditions, vendors remained set up throughout the afternoon, greeting visitors who braved the weather to support local businesses and enjoy the Mardi Gras-themed market.

Food vendors were a major draw, with offerings from Jerusalem Street Food, Mexirican Cuisine, Jen’s Steak Out, Lazy Dog Pizza and Tide to Table Seafood. Sweet treats and beverages were available from vendors such as Tammy’s Cup of Sunshine, Bakes Me Happy, Heather’s Homemade Cookies, Timeless Treats, Ex-Squeez-It Lemonade and Top Drizzle.

Three people stand behind a table with a black banner reading, "The Pickle Plug. Free samples!" A wood board with clips on it has small, black signs that read the different ways pickles can be ordered.
A red food truck features a logo that reads, "Timeless Treats." More text on the truck reads, "Dirty Sodas, Fresh Squeezed Lemonade & Energizers." Graphics of sodas are scattered on the truck with signs displaying the menu. A large serving window toward the back of the truck features a small counter with a menu, card reader and business cards.
A woman stands behind a table with a light green tablecloth. On the tables are cookies in a variety of shapes with a sign reading the different flavors.
Individually wrapped chocolate chip and pink sugar cookies are lined up in a clear container on a table with a pink, red and white tablecloth.
A man in a fur coat stands behind a table with a variety of sauces jars scattered on top of it. Behind him is a market with vendors selling other items and guests talking.
Two women stands behind a table in front of a grass field with food trucks in the background. The table is shaded with scones displayed and a white sign reading, "Rustic Rises Co."
Pastries in different containers are displayed on a table with Mardi Gras colored decorations.

Local artisans and small businesses also filled the market space. Vendors included Mom Glow Boutique, Artelements Kollection, Rustic Rises Co., Rojoma Jewelry, Bibi’s Creations, Inshape Crafts, Candi M’s Creations, Big Guy Soaps, Heather’s Beauty Bar & Spa, Celebration by Shell, Myx’d Vibes, IDLife, The Pickle Plug and The Kelly Garcias & Co.

A white, wood market features earrings hanging from brown hooks.
A small jar with pink mousse on the inside sits on a table with a pink tablecloth. Next to the jar is a beige box with another jar inside. In the background are more jars with different colored mousse on the inside.
A blue shelf features small pink, orange and purple baskets with hair clips inside. A white sign next to the baskets reads the prices of the clips.
Big Guy Soaps featured soaps in a variety of scents, sold in small bags with a logo in the shape of a man with a large beard.
Jars and cups hit on a tiered, pink shelf with pink shirts to the right of them.

Although foot traffic was lower compared to warmer market days, organizers and vendors continued to engage with attendees, emphasizing community support and visibility for small businesses. Several vendors noted that winter weather can significantly impact turnout for outdoor markets, particularly when temperatures dip below seasonal averages.

The Ocala Downtown Market regularly hosts themed events and markets, providing local entrepreneurs with an opportunity to connect with residents and visitors while adding to the city’s downtown atmosphere.