One-Night Production of Original Play “Galatea” at the Hippodrome Cinema

Hippodrome Cinema 25 SE 2nd Pl., Gainesville, United States

Experience the original play "Galatea" from Williston native Lizzy Arnold before it hits the road to Philadelphia’s Fringe Festival. "Galatea" is a retelling of the Greek myth of Pygmalion and Galatea. The production explores the Pygmalion myth from Galatea’s point of view, following her gradual realization of imprisonment and abuse...

$15

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (and Steamboats, Too!)

Matheson History Museum 513 E University Ave, Gainesville, FL, United States

Explore Florida’s early transportation history with Dr. Steven Noll, from steamboats on local lakes to the arrival of the Florida Railroad in Gainesville in 1859. Discover how these developments shaped Alachua County and how transportation continues to influence the state today. Admission is free with online registration.

Event Series The 39 Steps at The Hippodrome Theatre

Comedic Thriller “The 39 Steps” at the Hippodrome Theatre

Hippodrome Theatre 25 SE 2nd Pl., Gainesville, FL, United States

Watch what happens when a man on the run, a mysterious organization and a case of mistaken identity combine on stage at the Hippodrome Theatre. "The 39 Steps" is the Hitchcockian comedic thriller that's taking Gainesville by storm. Four incredible actors become 150 characters in this Tony Award-winning production. Performances...

NEW at the Cade Museum: “The Birth of Sports Science: From Gatorade to Other Amazing Game Changers”

The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention 811 S Main St., Gainesville, FL, United States

Explore the new exhibit "The Birth of Sports Science: From Gatorade to Other Amazing Game Changers" and learn how science and invention have transformed sports, from ancient training methods and homemade tonics to - Gatorade, high-tech equipment and data-driven performance tools. Discover the breakthroughs that changed the game, the inventors...

“Fascination of Science” Photo Exhibit at the Cade Museum

The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention 811 S Main St., Gainesville, FL, United States

Explore the exhibit "Fascination of Science" to see intersection of art and science through the lens of German artist Herlinde Koelbl. The photo exhibition features portraits of Nobel laureates and leading scientists from around the globe. First shown in Germany in 2020, it has since traveled around the world. The...

Event Series Little Sparks

Little Sparks at the Cade Museum

The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention 811 S Main St., Gainesville, FL, United States

A fun and interactive program that introduces little ones, ages 0-5, to science concepts through music, dancing, crafting, stories, and more. This program is included with admission and free for museum members.

Event Series Free Fridays Concert Series

Uncle Morty’s Rhythm Cream at the Free Fridays Concert Series

Bo Diddley Plaza 111 E University Ave., Gainesville, FL, United States

The region’s longest-running and largest free outdoor concert series features diverse local and regional musical talent at Bo Diddley Plaza. Each Friday night from 7 to 9 p.m., bands bring their original and cover tunes to the plaza concert stage in downtown Gainesville. Make a night of it and grab...

Event Series Maker Workshops

Maker Workshops at the Cade Museum

The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention 811 S Main St., Gainesville, FL, United States

Engage in hands-on maker sessions to build and create using a variety of materials, electronics, and coding platforms. Each week has a different theme and provides an opportunity to take part in STEAM-activities like 3D modeling, basic coding, and more! These workshops are designed for people age 9 and up....

Florida Women, Advice & Social Change

Matheson History Museum 513 E University Ave, Gainesville, FL, United States

Discover how newspaper advice columns shaped the lives and relationships of Floridian women in the 1950s and 1960s. Join Dr. Kimberly Voss as she explores how these columns - ranging from traditional to progressive - reflected and influenced social change during a pivotal era in women’s history. Admission is free...

flipturn Lead Singer Dillon Basse at Heartwood Soundstage

Heartwood Soundstage 619 Main St., Gainesville, FL, United States

Dillon Basse is the lead singer of the Florida-based indie rock band flipturn. He will be performing an evening of his original music.

$25.99

Sugaray Rayford – Live Soul Music at Heartwood

Heartwood Soundstage 619 Main St., Gainesville, FL, United States

Experience the unstoppable energy of Sugaray Rayford as he brings his powerhouse voice and electrifying stage presence to Heartwood Soundstage. A night of soul, funk, and blues you won’t forget!

$20

Folk and Indie Pop with The Currys and Singer-Songwriter Chelsea Saddler

Heartwood Soundstage 619 Main St., Gainesville, FL, United States

Enjoy an evening of modern folk and indie pop with The Currys, known for their sharp storytelling, rich vocals and signature three-part harmonies. Their latest sound adds a guitar-driven edge while keeping the warmth fans love. St. Augustine singer-songwriter Chelsea Saddler opens the show with a soulful, roots-infused style.

$25 – $30

Rock with The Hails at Vivid Music Hall

Vivid Music Hall 201 W University Ave., Gainesville, FL, United States

Rock with the unique indie-pop rock sound of The Hails with Edgehill, Oceanic and Jupiter Bloom. GA and balcony seating available. Ages 18 and up.  

Alt-Rock with Parrotfish, Madwoman and Dogs Can Wear Hats at The Wooly

The Wooly 20 N Main St., Gainesville, FL, United States

Come see Parrotfish, Madwoman, and Visit Neptune at The Wooly on September 28th. Parrotfish will be playing "The Implication," "Miami," and all of their other favorites and latest music. Tickets are now on sale, join the party! 🎉

$12

Southern Rock with JJ Grey and Mofro

Heartwood Soundstage 619 Main St., Gainesville, FL, United States

Experience a powerful voice with a blend of southern soul, rock and blues at Heartwood Soundstage. JJ Grey and Mofro are known for gritty vocals and deeply personal songwriting. Themes of redemption, rebirth and good times are on display. Many songs are steeped in the mythical Southern stories of his...

Wheatus (acoustic) at Heartwood Soundstage

Heartwood Soundstage 619 Main St., Gainesville, FL, United States

Blend pop, rock and clever lyrics with a special acoustic set by Wheatus frontman Brendan B. Brown. Wheatus burst onto the scene in 2000 with their hit "Teenage Dirtbag," which topped charts in Australia and reached the top 10 in the UK and Germany. Opening the night is Gabrielle Sterbenz,...

$25 – $37

“Before Instagram” Sweetwater Print Co-operative 30th Anniversary Exhibition Opening Reception

The Historic Thomas Center 306 NE 6th Ave., Gainesville, FL, United States

Explore the art of printmaking through the work of Sweetwater Print Co-operative members past and present. Educational displays of printmaking tools include a 120 year old Kelsey Star letterpress, etching plates, lithography stones, and much more. The exhibit is on view through January 20, 2026.

The Great Pumpkin Bash at Bo Diddley Plaza (2025)

Bo Diddley Plaza 111 E University Ave., Gainesville, FL, United States

Celebrate the arrival of fall right in the heart of downtown Gainesville! The City of Gainesville is thrilled to invite you to the inaugural Great Pumpkin Bash at Bo Diddley Plaza. Enjoy a variety of festive activities including a corn maze, games, pumpkin patch, delicious food, face painting, a themed...

Free

Strength in Strides…Supporting Survivors One Step at a Time at Bo Diddley Plaza

Bo Diddley Plaza 111 E University Ave., Gainesville, FL, United States

Step with Peaceful Paths for the inaugural Strength in Strides awareness walk benefiting survivors of domestic violence. This brand-new fall initiative is a downtown walk to spread awareness during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The short 20-minute walk starts and ends at Bo Diddley Plaza, followed by music, food trucks and fun....

Free

FEST 23

Downtown Gainesville 111 E University Ave., Gainesville, FL, United States

Party with thousands of music fans for a weekend of live music featuring hundreds of bands. Multiple venues transform downtown Gainesville for three days as the annual independent music festival with a lineup of over 350 bands, comedians and professional wrestlers. Headliners in 2025 include The Get Up Kids, Dillinger...