5×5 I Autumn 2025 in Marion and Citrus Counties

Thankfully, the humid Central Florida air has started to cool down noticeably, and we’re now able to open our patio doors and windows without feeling as if we’ve welcomed Smaug the Dragon into the house. This is the time of year Floridians yearn for; it’s when we bolt for the outdoors and gleefully celebrate being there with all varieties of festivals, events, tournaments and markets we can conceive and muster.

It happens every year, and every year it feels like the whole region is literally bursting with eagerness for any excuse to have a party. Not that we really need much, but we’re just REALLY happy to get out of the house. The only really difficult thing is choosing from the multitudinous offerings where to go and what to do, whether on your own or with the family. There’s pretty much something going on everywhere, every week from before Halloween right up through and past Christmas. So many, in fact, that we couldn’t fit all of them into this blog – but we’ll sneak in some extra links at the end for you to explore.

Ocala/Marion County

Ocala Pumpkin Patch

The United Methodist Church’s annual celebration of the mighty gourd goes all the way from October 16 to Halloween, featuring activities for kids, live music, potluck dinners, Pumpkin Pie Day, and a special Taste of Fall night from LaCasella. Also there are pumpkins. Many, many pumpkins from which to choose and carve with whatever scary or whimsical design you want – or, you know, to bake pies. Why not both?

HITS Ocala Winter Circuit – Ocala Fall Classic

Ocala has proudly hosted this event since 2002, featuring some of the biggest names in equestrian sports in what has evolved into one of the most highly-rated hunter/jumper shows in the world. Starting in December, the Winter Circuit is a dynamic, riveting display of the talents and skills of these amazing equine athletes and riders. It has attracted world-class talent from all over the world, leading up to the HITS Grand Prix Finale, one of the jewels of the HITS triple crown that include California and New York. It’s a must-see and an exciting experience for everyone from young children to venerable adults.

Appleton Museum of Art Annual Exhibition

The Appleton Museum welcomes the return of Ocala’s increasingly popular holiday traditions, “A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition”, featuring items from the collection of the Urban family.  Ornately decorated trees and the architecture, customs and history of Victorian England come alive in this popular miniature village, alongside an extensive collection of nutcrackers from around the world.

Visitors can view the Village as well as themed decorated trees from community groups and organizations and handmade Santas from all over the world.  Regular admission fees apply to visit. Admission is free on the first Saturday of each month as part of the Free First Saturday program.

Ocala Food & Wine Festival

The Ocala Food & Wine Festival returns for its fifth year at the World Equestrian Center for a weekend of fantastic, world-class cuisine, great wines, and a gastric experience for the foodie in everyone. Everything kicks off on November 7 at Stirrups restaurant with an exclusive Chef’s Dinner, where guests can tuck in to a multi-course meal with curated wine pairings. Over the food-centric weekend, the festival features a Grand Tasting with unlimited samples of local and national chef’s creations, a look at WEC’s new restaurants, and a Grand Prix Reception of cocktails, gourmet plates, and stellar views of equestrian show jumpers. The Champagne Brunch on Sunday is a hugely popular event, with live chef stations and the chance to talk to up-and-coming culinary talents. It’s a celebration of food, community, and camaraderie amongst like-minded gourmet enthusiasts.

Red House Ranch Fall Festival

If you’re into cozy Autumn colors and vibes, this is the festival of your dreams. Spend the day out on a farm with the kids, where you can take a hayride and meet some cows, pick out some pumpkins, navigate your way through their famous crop maze, and feed goats. The festival also features Karson’s Wild West Show, pig races, a putt-putt golf course, pony rides, and bucking barrels – which is just a short list of things to do. There will be a plethora of baked goods to nosh on and lots of great photo opportunities to make great memories. Admission is $15 and includes all activities. 

Citrus County

Cootertober

In Inverness, October becomes the celebrated “Cootertober” – named after the large river turtles that swim in the local waterways. It’s a monthlong calendar of multiple events, with live music, beer tastings, the Small Town Slam wrestling tournament, the Cootertober Chili Cook-Off and Cornhole Competition, Cooterween, and the Inverness Roper Romp – and that’s not even everything you’ll find. Trust us, you won’t be bored.

Cooterween

Although this is part of Cootertober, it really deserves its own entry here, simply because it’s such a fabulously popular family and kids’ event every year.  From 6pm to 8pm, kids can go door-to-door through the shops of Downtown Inverness square for Halloween treats, and if they’re 12 and under, compete in the costume contest. DJ Dale and Delightful Entertainment will play some great music, and there are some wonderful restaurants where you can enjoy a meal in this beautiful riverside town.

Southern Nights and City Lights Bike Night

Every month the community comes out to support local riders, businesses, and vendors in a vibrant evening full of energy that’s free and open to the public.  Southern Throttle will be selling T-Shirts to raise money for the Local Riders Fund, so you can have a great evening out and do a good deed at the same time.

Floral City Heritage Days

Hosted by the Floral City Heritage Council, Heritage Days is an annual celebration of Floral City’s history as a mining town. This interactive, inclusive weekend-long event features historic home tours, demonstrations, period costumes, seasonal music and caroling, and lots of horse cart rides. There’s plenty of food and drink, activities, and contests for families to take part in and enjoy in this charming, old-Florida village full of character and flavor.

50th Annual Homosassa Arts, Crafts, and Seafood Festival

Old Homosassa hasn’t lost any of its character or charm, and this celebration of art, food, music and history shows why.  Marking its 50th year, it’s a day-long festival with tons of pottery, sculptures, Native art, handmade jewelry, edible crafts, and a juried art show.  The Homosassa Heritage Center offers walking tours of the village and interactive lessons about river and maritime life on the shores of the Gulf.  Sample some of the region’s famous local seafood, enjoy the live music from local bands, and soak up the heritage of one of Central Florida’s quiet gems.

Looking to explore more 5×5 guides of Ocala and the surrounding communities?