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.

“Sorry, Baby” at the Hippodrome Cinema, August 14-22

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

Something bad happened to Agnes, but life goes on for everyone else. When a beloved friend on the brink of a major milestone visits, Agnes starts to realize just how stuck she's been, and begins to work through how to move forward. Carrying off difficult subject matter with a light...

Event Series Free Fridays Concert Series

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....

Outlaw Country with Brandon Bing

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

Experience a night of gritty, high-energy country music with Brandon Bing and special guests Ryan Nelson and Allen Higgs. Raised in Florida, Brandon Bing brings his signature Black Dirt Music—an outlaw blend of Southern storytelling, soul and grit to the Heartwood Soundstage listening room. From heartbreak to wild nights, his...

$20 – $25

2025 Loosey’s Recording Grant Showcase

Loosey's Downtown 120 SW 1st Ave., Gainesville, FL, United States

Join MusicGNV for an incredible night featuring My Favorite Animal, Sam Cone, Harry Todd and Madame Rius. This show is a collaboration between MusicGNV and Indie Demolition Night, celebrating the most recent Loosey’s Quarterly Recording Grant winners. For those who won't have the chance to experience this exciting show live,...

$8

Indie Rock with Winyah at Heartwood Soundstage

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

Winyah’s live performances are a testament to their distinctive blend of indie and southern rock, featuring electrifying guitar solos and soulful vocals reminiscent of icons like Led Zeppelin, The Backseat Lovers, and flipturn. The band draws its name from Winyah Bay, a cherished landmark in their hometown where all five...

$15

Music from Disney Stars at Bop to the Top at Heartwood Soundstage

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

It’s a High School Musical 2 summer!  Join Bop to the Top Tour for a celebration of Disney Channel playing HSM, Hannah Montana, Camp Rock, The Cheetah Girls, Lemonade Mouth and more songs from your favorite Disney stars! The outdoor concert includes Battle of the Sharpay’s, We’re All In This...

Birds and Brews Guided Bird Walk

First Magnitude Brewing Company 1220 SE Veitch St, Gainesville, FL, United States

Join the Alachua Audubon Society for a monthly bird walk that begins and ends at First Magnitude Brewing Company. Volunteers guide participants from the brewery to the nature trail at Depot Park and back—wrapping up at one of Gainesville’s favorite local hangouts. All skill levels are welcome. Bring binoculars or...

Brazil Fest Gainesville 2025

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

Celebrate the rhythms, flavors and Brazilian culture at the family-friendly Brazil Fest. Enjoy live outdoor music and dance, a kids’ movie, artisan markets, Brazilian cuisine and cultural exhibits. Upgrade to a VIP ticket for an exclusive indoor performances. Featuring artists like Floresamba, Tenison Delrey, Marcio Mello, Maca Reggae Samba and more,...

North Central Blues Society 2025 Showcase

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

Experience four of North Florida’s finest traditional blues performers, co-headlining the 2025 Gainesville Blues Showcase. The North Central Florida Blues Society is excited to host Little Mike & the Tornadoes, Dr Jules’ Cool Blues, JC & the Backscratchers and Sheba the Mississippi Queen & the Bluesmen.  

$25 – $30

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.

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...

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

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

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

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...

Tom Petty Weekend

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

Celebrate the life and legacy of Tom Petty with a weekend musical lineup headlined by The Wallflowers with Jake Thistle and Jeff Slate, Shine and the Shakers, The Ain't Sisters, Fortune Child, Morningbell and more. The official festival of Tom Petty Nation welcomes music fans from across the country and...