World Tree Kangaroo Day

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo 3000 NW 83 St, Gainesville, FL, United States

Hop on over to Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo for day of discovery and meet a rare and majestic marsupial. The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is home to the Matschie's tree kangaroo, an endangered species native to a small area of Papua New Guinea. Zookeepers give keeper talks, introduce...

Newberry Watermelon Festival

CountryWay Town Square 1739 SW 248th Dr., Ste. 20, Newberry, FL, United States

Bite into a slice of the sweet life at the Newberry Watermelon Festival, celebrating 80 years in 2025. Enjoy the watermelon seed-spitting contest, pet pageant, food, crafts, games, kids zone and live entertainment at CountryWay Town Square. Starting at 10:30 a.m., the watermelon parade begins at Lois Forte Park with...

Fifth Avenue Arts Festival, May 17 and 18

Santa Fe College Blount Center 401 NW 6th St., Gainesville, FL, United States

Celebrate the culture, history, and community 45th Annual 5th Avenue Arts Festival. This beloved two-day festival brings together local artists, performers, and vendors in celebration of the historic Fifth Avenue and Pleasant Street neighborhoods. Enjoy live music and performances, stunning artwork and crafts from local artists, delicious food trucks and...

Free

Dog Adoption Event at Curia/AUK Market

Humane Society of North Central Florida 4205 NW 6th St., Gainesville, FL, United States

Join at Curia on the Drag and AUK Market on Saturday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the dog and puppy adoption event. Stop by to meet some of the adorable, adoptable dogs who are ready to find their forever homes! Event Details: WHEN: Saturday, May 17,...

Free

May Day Festival at Monteocha Park

Monteocha Park 803 NW 192 Ave., Gainesville, United States

Enjoy a family friendly weekend at the annual May Day festival. Bring a chair and relax all day with food, music and great vibes. Popup tents are allowed at the perimeter of the festival only.

Shambhala Gainesville Meditation Group Open House

Shambhala Gainesville Meditation Group 1899 NE 23rd Ave., Gainesville, FL, United States

You’re invited to Shambhala Gainesville’s Open House! Enjoy a day of peace, connection, and discovery. Whether you’re new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, this event is a great opportunity to explore a vibrant community, learn about the Shambhala teachings, and experience guided meditation sessions. All are welcome, whether you're...

Free

High Springs Downtown Art Walk

Downtown High Springs 18587 High Springs Main St., High Springs, FL, United States

Browse displays of art and explore charming downtown High Springs at the Downtown Art Walk.   Meet 15-20 local artists and makers on the sidewalks throughout downtown High Springs. Browse unique shops and boutiques and relax with a visit to a local restaurant or cafe. This month’s featured artist is Curtis...

An Evening with Frederick Douglass and Captain John Brown

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

Join the University of Florida Performing Arts driveway theatre project for "An Evening with Frederick Douglass and Captain John Brown." The production, starring Shamrock McShane, Pamela D. Marshall, and E. Stanley Richardson, weaves together a searing dramatic history lesson to reveal the complex friendship, struggle, and heroism of two comrades...

Free

Carnival for Pace at First Magnitude Brewing Company

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

First Magnitude presents a carnival-themed event to support Pace Center for Girls, Alachua. The event is free and open to the public. There will be carnival games, popcorn, cotton candy, and more. Plus the great local beer that you know and love from FM Brewing. Join a fun afternoon celebrating...

Free

Art Paws at Daft Cow Brewery

Daft Cow Brewery 13800 Tech City Circle, Alachua, FL, United States

Bring your four-footed friend to Daft Cow Brewery on Saturday, May 17 from 3-6 pm for a fabulous afternoon. Enjoy games and art activities just for the canines, including capturing each dog’s unique paw prints on canvas. There’ll be Musical Chairs for dogs as well as Pin the Tail on...

$15

Jazz with Swing Theory at One Love Cafe

One Love Cafe 4989 NW 40 St., Gainesville, FL, United States

Enjoy good food, good vibes and live music from the outdoor patio stage at One Love Cafe.

Annasemble Spring Concert at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Gainesville

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Gainesville 4225 NW 34th Street, Gainesville, FL, United States

All are invited to join Annasemble for their 2025 Spring Concert with the theme: "The Environment and Us". Music through the ages reflects how everyone is intertwined with the environment; giving reverence to the world we live in. Early music to Scandinavian music of this day and age. They hope...

Free

Read, Art, and Jam Kid’s Festival at Luxe Creative Space

Luxe Creative Space 2444 NE 1st Blvd., Gainesville, United States

Celebrate creativity and literacy at the Read, Art, and Jam Kid’s Festival. Enjoy live readings, games, prizes, art activities, and more. Featured guests include local authors Kyra Todd and Sheena Brewer, youth host Jazzy Jazz, and young entrepreneurs Adis, Asher, Autumn, and Avianna Stevenson. Hosted by artist Harry Todd and...

North Central Florida Blues Society presents the Women in Blues Showcase

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

Join a celebration of the blues and the important role female performers have played, do play, and will play in keeping the genre vibrant. The North Central Florida Women in Blues Showcase annually hosts national, regional, and local female Blues performers. The lineup features Janelle Frost (Panama City, FL), Elizabeth Hangan...

$25

Acoustic Duo Mind the Music at Blackadder Brewing

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

“Mind the Music” is a multi-genre acoustic duo featuring acoustic guitar, upright bass, and vocals. Join us as we welcome back Michael Robinson and Will Ellis to the brewery on Sunday, May 18th at 4PM. The duo will be playing in support of this month’s charity partner, Junior League of...

“A Pivotal Moment” at the Hippodrome Theatre

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

DanZeCentral! Entertainment! presents Felicia Walton in "A Pivotal Moment," produced by Jonathan Banks. The event features Tony Walton as a special guest, with opening acts by vocalist Alexis Jennna and Dynamic Poet Bakari McClendon. The event is sponsored by the Arts Council of Alachua County.

Virtuosic Guitarist Kyran Daniel

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

Experience an unforgettable evening of masterful acoustic guitar with Kyran Daniel, acclaimed composer and protégé of Grammy nominee Tommy Emmanuel. Known for his emotive style and technical brilliance, Kyran Daniel has performed on stages worldwide. His debut album "Per Se" became a landmark in the acoustic guitar world. Now returning...

$20 – $25

Special Comedy Night -Trevor Glassman at Daft Cow Brewery

Daft Cow Brewery 13800 Tech City Circle, Alachua, FL, United States

Trevor Glassman - the stand up comedy you’ve seen on ESPN & HULU - is hitting Daft Cow Brewery for one night only! Known for his clean, high-energy comedy, Trevor brings the laughs without the cringe. Whether you’re 21 or 81, you’re in for a night of non-stop fun that’ll...

$15 – $25