November is a bustling month here in Ocala, with plenty of events to fill your calendar. Whether you’re looking to experience the local art scene, make family memories at the annual Light Up Ocala event, or enjoy some of Ocala’s most breathtaking views at an equestrian event, we’ve collected events for everyone.
November 1st
November Art Walk | Downtown Ocala | 6 – 9 PM
The highly anticipated First Friday Art Walk season is back! This FREE community event takes place the first Friday of each month from September through May. Located within Ocala’s historic downtown, event festivities include artist displays, live entertainment, free family art activities and extended shopping hours. Check the event page for a full lineup of activities. Additional activities and events will be happening simultaneously all throughout downtown at some of our participating businesses. #shoplocal #eatlocal #buylocal
Depot Park | Gainesville, FL
Depot Park has ongoing events throughout the month includingswing dance lessons, fitness classes, tours, kids arts and crafts, game nights, DJ dance parties, and movies. Visit their website for updated event information and ongoing events. Depot Park is the highest used and most visible public space in the City of Gainesville. Since opening in 2016 the park has hosted countless events and serves as one of Gainesville’s biggest economic driving forces.
Ocala Fitness Festival | Citizen’s Circle | 4- 9PM
An athletic event and competition featuring athletes from around the country. For more information, please contact Ted Dreaver of Viking Icon Events at 352.502.5387.
November 2nd
Ocala Downtown Market | Downtown Ocala | 9 AM – 2 PM
Come out to enjoy a celebration of local produce, crafts, and food trucks! Just around the corner from the square, the open-air market pavilion hosts a wide variety of local and regional vendors offering unique and quality products. The market is open weekly, Saturdays 9am-2pm Rain or Shine
Marion County Chili Cook-Off | Southeastern Livestock Pavilion | 10 AM – 5 PM
The highly anticipated annual Chili Cook-Off is back with chili galore! Expect countless tastings, a craft beer garden, children’s area, tailgate corner, new and improved stage, car show and so much more! Check the event page for updates leading up to the event.
Micanopy Fall Festival | Micanopy | NOV 2-3
For the past 45 years, thousands have gathered under the old oak trees of the Micanopy Fall Festival. The many local artists, crafters and musicians represent works from all over the Southeast. Along with over two hundred displays of arts and crafts, we host multiple food and drink vendors. Our entertainment stage plays host to a variety of good-time music throughout the festival. An old time auction of items donated by participating vendors takes place Saturday afternoon at the stage located by the gazebo. We can’t wait to see you in Micanopy this year!
Stone Crab Jam | Historic Downtown Crystal River | Noon – 10 PM
The 12th Annual “Stone Crab Jam” Street Festival, Saturday, NOV 2nd, 2019 in Historic Downtown Crystal River – by the Bay! Live Music – 3 Stage locations – 6 LIVE bands and “Dancing in the Streets”! Fresh Florida Stone Crab and Seafood; Sumptuous array of cuisine for the Landlubber; Specialty Beers, Quality Wines, Vodka Drinks; Vendors, Food Trucks, Artists & more! Mark your Calendar for Sat. Nov 2nd and join the FUN! Hosted by the Kings Bay Rotary, Crystal River, Charitable Foundation to benefit local charities, scholarships and non-profits!
Fall Book Sale | Marion County Public Library | 10AM – 4PM
Hardcovers are 50 cents, paperbacks are 25 cents. Thousands to choose from.
November 7th
Fall Cookie Decorating Class | Marley Mae | 5:30PM
Join us for a fun class on cookie decorating! Megan from Unique and Chic Creations will supply you with everything needed to make the four cookie designs shown in the event cover photo for $35.
Spaces are very limited and pre-payment is required. To sign up, contact Megan at Unique and Chic Creations directly for payment instructions.
Class will start at exactly 5:30, so please be on time!
November 8th
Starry Night | Florida Museum of Natural History | 6 – 10PM
Observe the night sky and explore the world beyond at the Florida Museum on Nov. 8 from 6 to 10 p.m.! Gaze at the stars through high-performance telescopes and see a portable planetarium show. Join the museum for this FREE, fun-filled night of astronomical proportions.
November 9th
Harvest Fest | Tuscawilla Park | 1 – 10 PM
Harvest Fest is back and more exciting than ever! The annual music and food truck festival will feature two stages of rock, bluegrass, country, and folk music. Enjoy lots of food trucks and vendors. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. This year’s headline artist features Cassidy Pope, check the rest of the lineup here.
Fall Horse Trials | Majestic Oaks | NOV 9 – 10
November Horse Trials | USEA Recognized Event
Dressage and stadium jumping on Saturday. Cross country on Sunday.
Limited RV hookups and stalls are available. Reach out early to reserve. Info@MajesticOaksOcala.com
Vendor Village and Food Vendors On-Site
Ocali Country Days | Silver River Museum | NOV 9 – 10
Visit the Florida of Yesteryear at this family-friendly event where visitors get a chance to step back in time. Authentic old time music, folk crafts & demonstrations, unique vendors & great food. All proceeds support the Museum’s educational programs. Admission $7 Cash (No ATM on site) *Kids 5 & under free
November 14th
Ocala Jockey Club 3-Day International Event | Ocala Jockey Club | Nov 14 – 16
The Ocala Jockey Club hosts a spectator and media-focused International 3-Day Event with a family-friendly atmosphere. This prestigious event, running since 2016, has already attracted two of the top three Rio Olympic individual medal winners and other top US and international riders. The event won the 2018 Florida Sports Foundation Small Market Event of the Year award, in recognition of its contribution to Florida sports tourism. Check the event page for details on events happening each day of the series.
November 22nd
Christmas Cruise In | Cotton Farm’s Christmas Village | 6-9PM
For the first time EVER, we invite our guests to a drive through tour of our Christmas Display!
$20 per carload! $40 per busload! (Large buses/RV’s not permitted)
November 23rd
Light Up Ocala | Downtown Ocala | 4 – 9 PM
Enjoy this 36th annual event with live entertainment, lots of great food, crafts and other vendors, plus kid’s zones. There’s the fabulous tree lighting ceremony, plus what kid can pass up a chance to spend some quality time with Santa? We’ll see you there! For details, please contact the City of Ocala Community Events Manager Amy Casaletto at 352.368.5517.
November 28th
Turkey Trot | Frank DeLuca YMCA Family Center | 6:30 – 9:30 AM
Strong traditions build strong communities, and at the Y, that’s exactly what we’re all about. Our 24th Annual Turkey Trot 5K is the largest race in Ocala, with more than 2,000 runners. Our Thanksgiving tradition includes a 5K Walk/Run, a 10K Run, an Outdoor Cycling Class, an Outdoor Youth Dodgeball Tournament, along with activities for the whole family. Sign up!!
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