Downtown Festival and Art Show

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

The nationally recognized Downtown Festival & Art Show transforms historic downtown Gainesville into a masterful blend of art, music, and entertainment. Presented by the City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department, this juried fine art festival celebrates its 44th anniversary in 2025. On November 15 & 16, 10:00...

“Mannheim Steamroller Christmas”

Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center 250 Gale Lemerand Dr, Gainesville, FL, United States

Celebrate the season with "Mannheim Steamroller Christmas" by Chip Davis, a holiday tradition for over 40 years. Experience classic hits, dazzling multimedia effects and 15 musicians playing 20+ instruments in an immersive show that captures the magic of the Christmas holiday.

Festival of Trees at the Gainesville Woman’s Club

Gainesville Woman's Club 2809 W University Ave., Gainesville, FL, United States

The Gainesville Womans Club will host a Festival of Trees on November 20, 2025 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. at the Clubhouse on University Avenue. In addition to Santa’s Workshop there will be Auction of fully decorated trees, door prizes , a drawing for a $1000 gift card tree, silent auction ,...

$40.00

Opening Weekend of Roald Dahl’s Beloved Story “James and the Giant Peach” Live on Stage

Gainesville Community Playhouse 4039 NW 16th Blvd., Gainesville, FL, United States

Experience a family-friendly holiday musical as Roald Dahl's beloved story "James and the Giant Peach" comes to life on stage. Follow the adventures of young James as he escapes from his conniving aunties in a magi-potion-induced giant peach with a group of human-sized insects with equally oversized personalities. James' quick...

$15 – $25

Cocoa & Culture: Sweet Stories from Trinidad to St. Augustine

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

Explore chocolate’s cultural legacy with sweet stories from Trinidad and Tobago to St. Augustine. Dr. Clarissa Carr and graduate researcher Anthea Grant of UF’s Historic Preservation Program present a fascinating evening. Discover how cocoa shaped identity, economy and tradition across centuries through immersive storytelling, oral histories and digital preservation techniques. Presented...

Dancing Through the Snow: 1st Annual “Christmas at the Matheson” Concert

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

Celebrate the season with the inaugural "Christmas at the Matheson" concert "Dancing Through the Snow," presented by Hoggtowne Bronze. The advanced community ensemble, deftly utilizes English handbells to bring you music ranging from orchestral, classical rock and even jazz and blues. Join Hoggtowne Bronze to waltz, sway and samba your...

Free

Event Series Camellia Show

Camellia Show

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

View prize-winning camellias of all sizes, shapes, and colors. This show is geared toward educating the public about the care, culture, and appreciation of camellias. Camellias will be available for sale while supplies last! Regular admission price for non-members, which includes entry into the gardens and the show. Members who...

$7 – $12

Hoggetowne Medieval Faire, January 24-25

Depot Park 200 SE Depot Ave., Gainesville, FL, United States

Step back in time as Depot Park transforms for a weekend of medieval revelry. Enter a medieval village where artisans ply their trades with skill, olde world demonstrations shall enchant and the clash of swords shall resonate through the air. Medieval music and dance shall lift thy spirits and a...