WEEKEND TOP PICKS: Take advantage of fall weather with these outdoor events

Get outside this weekend with outdoor events ranging from holiday markets and light displays to unique animal encounters and equine celebrations in North Central Florida.

By Sophia Ewers November 21, 2024 4:24 pm

ContributedAlan YoungbloodOcala's Downtown Square will be bustling with entertainment and visitors for Light Up Ocala starting at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Fall is finally here, and for us Floridians, that means it’s time to embrace the cooler weather and head outdoors—without worrying about melting.

So, before the chaos of Thanksgiving grocery shopping and visiting family members, take some time this weekend to enjoy the fall weather at one of these exciting outdoor events.

Ocala Downtown Market: Need some last-minute produce for your Thanksgiving meal? A fresh flower arrangement for the table? Don’t have a turkey in the freezer yet? Head to the Ocala Downtown Market on Saturday, November 23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to shop from over 80 vendors offering produce, meats, baked goods, handmade gifts, and more. The market’s address is 403 SE Osceola Avenue in Ocala.

Light Up Ocala: This annual event will be held Saturday, November 23 from 3 to 8 p.m. The lights will switch on once it’s dark, but before then check out the shopping, live entertainment, and activities set up around downtown Ocala. There might even be a special visit from a certain jolly guest decked in red! The event is held at 1 SE Broadway Street in Ocala and is free to attend.

| DECKED OUT FOR DECADES: A sparkling 40-year tradition returns this Saturday

Grinch, Llamas & S’mores: Beautiful Creatures Animal Ranch is hosting this party with special furry guests on Sunday, November 24 from 2 to 4 p.m. Experience a hands-on, up-close animal ranch tour, take holiday photos with the Grinch, and finish off the day with gourmet s’mores around the barnyard fire pit. Tickets for this experience are $25 per person. The ranch’s address is 19410 SW 25^th Place in Dunnellon.

Equine Industry Expo: This two-day event celebrates the Horse Capital at the Florida Horse Park with horse meet & greets and demonstrations, a parade, vendors, food trucks, activities, and more. The expo starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24. Admission is free and the address is 11008 County Road 475 in Ocala.

Discover more things to do in North Central Florida by browsing the 352today events page.

352 Fall Guide

1 day ago

Fall Frights: Haunted Attractions for Terrifying Fun

Get ready for spine-tingling thrills this fall with haunted houses, ghost tours, and creepy corn mazes across Marion County and beyond.

Crime & Safety

2 hours ago

Juvenile Found with Firearm on School Bus Headed to College Park Elementary

Ocala police recovered a firearm from a student riding a school bus Monday morning. No injuries were reported, and the juvenile is now in custody as the investigation continues.

Crime & Safety

17 minutes ago

Can You Identify This Man? Vandal Sought After Ocala Restaurant Break-In

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in identifying a man who was caught on camera vandalizing a west Ocala restaurant in the early hours of July 21.

Sports

22 hours ago

Ocala Swim Program TekMasters Produces Swimmers Who Succeed on National and Global Stage

TekMasters swim program in Ocala places an emphasis on scholarship, citizenship and sportsmanship.

Weather Updates

4 hours ago

WORK WEEK WEATHER: Humid Week Ahead in Ocala and More Thunderstorms Likely

A humid work week lies ahead for Ocala, with each afternoon bringing a high chance of thunderstorms and possible roadway flooding—most severe early in the week. Skies are expected to open up by Friday.