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

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

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...

Fall Horticultural Expo and Plant Market

Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center 23100 W Newberry Rd., Newberry, FL, United States

Explore new ways to think and talk about gardening with Keynote Speaker Jennifer Jewell at the Fall Horticultural Expo and Plant Market. Enjoy a day of fun, informational activities, plant & garden vendors, plant & seed sales, kids zone, food trucks and more. Keynote Speaker this year is Jennifer Jewell...

Free

Schooling Ride Nights with the Walk Trot Canter Association

Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center 23100 W Newberry Rd., Newberry, FL, United States

Join an evening of relaxed horse riding, learning and fun. Schooling ride nights are the perfect opportunity for riders of all levels to enjoy quality arena time, work on skills and get your horse accustomed to a show-like environment - without the pressure of competition. Bring your horse, your gear,...

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...

Cancer Chomp 2025 at UF Cancer and Genetics Research Complex

UF Cancer & Genetics Research Complex 2033 Mowry Rd., Gainesville, FL, United States

The 4th annual Cancer Chomp takes place at the Cancer & Genetics Research Complex on the beautiful University of Florida campus. This free event includes a 5K, Kid Zone, charitable organizations, mini horses, a variety of UF Health services, the UF Gator Mascots, the UF Gator Band, and more. This...

Free

Fall Plant Sale and Orchid Show

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

Each October, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens holds an Open House & Fall Plant Sale, in conjunction with the Gainesville Orchid Society, inviting visitors to see the facility ADMISSION FREE. In addition to viewing the botanical gardens, approximately 50 booth will be set up selling a wide variety of plants. The American...

Free

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...

Florida Bat Festival

Lubee Bat Conservancy 1309 NW 192nd Ave, Gainesville, FL, United States

Meet the world’s largest bat species up close while supporting conservation at the 21st Annual Florida Bat Festival! Celebrate Halloween with live music, food trucks, craft beer, activities for all ages and of course, amazing bats. Batty attire encouraged, fun guaranteed!  

$5 – $45

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

History of the Death Care Industry in Alachua County

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

Join local historian Don Davis and a panel of local funeral home industry leaders for a unique presentation on the history of the death care industry in Alachua County. Learn about the county’s many funeral homes and cemeteries and how the industry has changed over the years. Admission is free...

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,...