MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – As the wind picks up and the season cools down, Ocala is beginning to get into the spirit of the season with a market, ghost stories and a haunted trail. Ocala hosts a variety of non-spooky events for the family with trivia and a horse show, as well as more spine-chilling events for thrill-seeking families.
The Ocala Oddities Market
- What: The Ocala Oddities Market is a market held the third Friday of each month. This month has a lot in store with a plethora of vendors with taxidermy, bones, bugs, crystals, handcrafted items, witchy items, makeup and more. Live music will be playing throughout the night with food trucks scattered on the outskirts to keep the night fun and filling. Dress up for the spooktacular costume contest in the finest spooky fashion.
- When: Friday, Oct. 17 from 6-10 p.m.
- Where: The Ocala Downtown Market, 403 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala.
- Cost: Free admission.
Learn more here.
Iberian Horse Spectacular
- What: The Iberian Horse Spectacular is a live performance showcasing Iberian horses of Spain and Portugal. The theme this year is Equus Magnifico with stunts, classical dressage, pageantry and story to showcase the spectacular features of Iberian horse breeds.
- When: Friday, Oct. 17 and Saturday, Oct. 18 from 7:30-9 p.m.
- Where: The World Equestrian Center Indoor Arena 5, 8839 NW 18th Pl., Ocala.
- Cost: $23.73 online or $35 at the gate.
Learn more and buy tickets here.
Phantoms in the Fort
- What: The City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department and the Marion County Public Library System are coming together to host a family-friendly ghostly storytelling. Spooky tales will be shared by the Phantom Story Tellers inside Fort King with darker tales later in the night. Guests will have the opportunity to travel the Fort King trails before returning to vehicles.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 18. 5-10p.m.
- Where: 3925 E. Ft. King St., Ocala.
- Cost: Free admission, however, registration is required.
Learn more and register here.
Spooky Park’s Haunted Trail
- What: Snooky Park by day turns to Spooky Park by night with iconic creatures of the night such as vampires, zombies and ghosts. Guests must escape these classic monsters and survive the haunted night.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 18 from 7-9 p.m.
- Where: Snooky Park, 120 W Lady Lake Blvd., Lady Lake.
- Cost: $5
Learn more here.
Lost Souls River Tour
- What: Step aboard the haunted Glass Bottom Boats of Silver Springs State Park where tales of ghosts and creatures will take over the tour and lead guests on a spine-chilling journey through fear-infested waters.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 18 and Sunday, Oct. 19 with varying times throughout the day.
- Where: Silver Springs State Park, 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala.
- Cost: $18 for adults, $17 for seniors and children aged 3-12 and free for 2 and under. $2 state park admission is required.
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Trivia Night at the Ocala Civic Theatre
- What: Enjoy general trivia with a mixture of theatre knowledge for the whole family to partake in. There will also be a raffle and silent auction available throughout the evening with prizes for trivia and raffle winners. All proceeds from the event go to the Ocala Civic Theatre scholarship.
- When: Sunday, Oct. 19 from 6-8 p.m.
- Where: The Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala.
- Cost: $10
Learn more and purchase tickets here.