Perspectives in the Park – Keep on Burnin’: The History of Wildland Fire in Florida at Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Center

Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Park 1500 NW 45th Ave., Gainesville, FL, United States

Fire has shaped the landscapes of Florida for thousands of years! Indigenous peoples skillfully used fire for many reasons long before European settlers arrived and adopted the practice. In the 20th century, however, the U.S. government promoted fire suppression, turning once-open forests into overgrown tinderboxes. Thankfully, science brought fire back...

Free

A Weekend of Art and Fun at the Annual Thornebrook Fall Arts Festival

Shoppes At Thornebrook 2441 NW 43 St, Gainesville, FL, United States

Get ready for a weekend of art and fun as Thornebrook’s Fall Arts Festival returns for its 40th year, transforming the Shoppes At Thornebrook into a vibrant hub of creativity and culture. Displays of art include painting, sculpture, glass works, fiber arts, jewelry and more. Dining options include Bageland, Esperanza,...

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

A Wicked Night at Blackadder Brewing

Blackadder Brewing Company 618 NW 60th St Ste A, Gainesville, FL, United States

Follow the yellow brick road to…A Wicked Night at Blackadder! On Tap: - Wicked Games - Wicked Costume Contest (Categories TBD) - Wicked Trivia Challenge - Wicked Cocktail Creation - Wicked Food Truck Everyday Amore Be sure to save the date and join us for a Wicked night of fun!

Plantstay Fall Swap and Sale at Swamp Head Brewery

Swamp Head Brewery 3650 SW 42nd Ave., Gainesville, FL, United States

Join Plantstay and Swamp Head Brewery for one of the favorite community events of the year; filled with plants, good people and local vibes. Shop a big selection of unique plants from local sellers and bring your extra plants, cuttings, or planty goods to swap. Online registration is required to...

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

Opening Weekend of the Horrifically-Hilarious “Evil Dead: The Musical”

Acrosstown Repertory Theatre 3501 SW 2nd Ave., Ste. O, Gainesville, FL, United States

The classic cult films come to life on stage in one of the craziest, funniest and bloodiest theatrical experiences of all time! Five college students go to an abandoned cabin in the woods, and accidentally unleash an evil force that turns them all into demons. It’s all up to Ash...

A Night of Comedy with Dusty Slay

Phillips Center for the Performing Arts 3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL, United States

Laugh out loud as southern charm meets sharp wit and sarcasm with Nashville-based comedian Dusty Slay. His “clean with an edge” style is relatable, feel-good, and genuinely funny. With a massive social media following, regular appearances at the Grand Ole Opry, and a Netflix special under his belt, Dusty’s goal...

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...

Adult Trick or Treating: Neon Nights, October 24-25

Swamp Head Brewery 3650 SW 42nd Ave., Gainesville, FL, United States

Trick-or-treat with candy-inspired beers. Swamp Head Brewery ups the game with four nights in 2025. Expect glowing blacklights and Halloween-themed beers, limited-edition glassware (get there early), merch drops and surprises each night. Costumes are encouraged (bonus points for neon). Admission is free. Swamp Head Brewery's Adult Trick-or-Treating takes place Friday,...

Roll out the Barrel! It’s Blocktoberfest at Blackadder!

Blackadder Brewing Company 618 NW 60th St Ste A, Gainesville, FL, United States

Break out the lederhosen and dirndls! It's time for the 9th Annual Blocktoberfest! Have barrels of fun with live Bavarian music, traditional German food from Strega Nona’s Oven and Uppercrust, specialty brewed Blocktoberfest Lager and a variety of German-style beers, and commemorative steins with refill discounts. Looking for a little...

The Hope Weekend – 20th Anniversary at UF Champion’s Club and Hawkstone Country Club

Champions Club at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium 121 Gale Lemerand Dr., Gainesville, FL, United States +1 more

Join The Hope Weekend, Tyler’s Hope for a Dystonia Cure’s premier annual fundraiser and their most inspiring event of the year. Celebrating 20 years of relentless progress, this milestone weekend will honor the families, scientists, donors, and community members who are making a cure for DYT1 dystonia possible. The Hope...

Orchids in the Garden at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens 4700 SW 58th Dr., Gainesville, FL, United States

See beautiful floor displays of blooming orchids highlight this popular annual event for one day only, Saturday, October 25. The show is hosted by the Gainesville Orchid Society at the annual Kanapaha Botanical Gardens during fall plant sale and open house. Orchids and orchid supplies are offered for sale. Educational...

Free

Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale, October 25-29

Friends of the Library 430 N Main St, Gainesville, FL, United States

Browse over 500,000 books, records, games, movies and more at the Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale. The largest gently-used book sale of its kind in Florida offers a vast selection from children’s books to rare finds, first-edition and signed volumes in the Collector’s Corner. In addition to books...

Fall Fest at Trinity United Methodist Church

Trinity United Methodist Church 4000 NW 53rd Ave, Gainesville, FL, United States

This annual Trinity tradition has something fun for everyone, including trunk-or-treating, tractor rides, games, food, and more. Hope to see you there!

Free

The Gainesville Orchestra Presents “Harvest Gold”

Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall 3000 NW 83rd St., Gainesville, FL, United States

Experience an evening with the Gainesville Orchestra and their season opener "Harvest Gold." Enjoy Tchaikovskey's powerful "Fifth," Florence Price and the Halloween-themed "The Sorcerer's Apprentice." The 2025-2026 season celebrates 250 years of cultural tapestry with performances at the Santa Fe College Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall.

Adult Trick or Treating: Neon Nights, October 30-31

Swamp Head Brewery 3650 SW 42nd Ave., Gainesville, FL, United States

Trick-or-treat with candy-inspired beers. Swamp Head Brewery ups the game with four nights in 2025. Expect glowing blacklights and Halloween-themed beers, limited-edition glassware (get there early), merch drops and surprises each night. Costumes are encouraged (bonus points for neon). Admission is free. Swamp Head Brewery’s Adult Trick-or-Treating takes place Friday,...

Perspectives in the Parks: Connecting Communities with the Outdoors at Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Center

Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Park 1500 NW 45th Ave., Gainesville, FL, United States

Learn how to help communities benefit economically while promoting the enjoyment public lands. Presentation by Austin Burton. Join at Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Center on the first Sunday of each month for Perspectives in the Park, a monthly program featuring experts in their field sharing information on a variety of...

Free

Florida: A History in Pictures

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

View highlights from the popular Facebook group “Florida: A History in Pictures,” with founders Jeff Davies and Mike McGinness. Learn how their group of 300,000 members inspired a bestselling book featuring photos from historical institutions, including the Matheson History Museum, and personal photos from the group’s members. Their presentation focuses...

Free

Closing Weekend of the Horrifically-Hilarious “Evil Dead: The Musical”

Acrosstown Repertory Theatre 3501 SW 2nd Ave., Ste. O, Gainesville, FL, United States

The classic cult films come to life on stage in one of the craziest, funniest and bloodiest theatrical experiences of all time! Five college students go to an abandoned cabin in the woods, and accidentally unleash an evil force that turns them all into demons. It’s all up to Ash...