Guided Walks at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

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

Kanapaha offers a guided tour of the Gardens the first Saturday of every month, starting at 10:00am. Regular admission price for non-members.

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

Violinist Maria Ioudenitch

Squitieri Studio Theatre 3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL, United States

See this phenomenal young artist before she becomes a household name! Originally from Russia, where she began playing violin at age 3, Maria Ioudenitch pours her heart into every note. Expect comfortable and familiar classics along with exciting, lesser-known compositions. During her visit, Maria will also share her talent with...

Fall Plant Sale at Wilmot Botanical Gardens

Wilmot Botanical Gardens 2023 Mowry Rd., Gainesville, FL, United States

Wilmot Botanical Gardens is pleased to announce the release of the 2025 Fall Plant Sale pre-order! There is a nice variety of azaleas, natives, grasses, shrubs, trees, edibles and camellias for pre-order and they look forward to receiving your order soon. Pre-orders accepted now through October 2, 2025. Pre-ordered plants...

Free

Dad Rock with 352 Experience at Tioga Town Center

Tioga Town Center 133 SW 130th Way, Newberry, FL, United States

Enjoy 352 Experience Live at Tioga Town Center for the first time! Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and come enjoy the music under the stars on Friday, October 10th from 7-10 pm. This is a free outdoor concert, open to the public. 352 Experience is a local Gainesville community...

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,...

Fall Arts Festival at the Shoppes at Thornebrook

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

Experience the magic of art in the heart of Gainesville. Get ready for a weekend of art and fun as Thornebrook’s Fall Arts Festival returns for its 40th year. This Gainesville tradition will once again transform the picturesque Shoppes At Thornebrook into a vibrant hub of creativity and culture. Art...

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

Book Fair at Swamp Head Brewery

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

Throwback to Book Fair Day! Join Swamp Head Brewery’s first-ever Adult Book Fair on Saturday, October 11th, 12–5 pm! Expect local booksellers, bookish vendors, food trucks, live music & more. Free and family friendly. Benefiting Peak Literacy – all vendor fees support kids’ reading success. Vendors: Want in? Email maggiem@swamphead.com...

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

Jazz Fusion with Hiromi’s Sonicwonder

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

Catch this high-energy jazz fusion quartet in action! Led by the Grammy®-winning pianist, composer, and synth master, Hiromi’s Sonicwonder mixes polished compositions with spontaneous creativity to keep you on the edge of your seat. With influences ranging from classical progressive rock and a sound that calls to mind the legendary...

Pilobolus: Other Worlds

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

Witness the extraordinary! This Emmy-winning company returns to Gainesville, transforming the stage into a living canvas with powerful movement and athleticism. Pilobolus brings more than just dance—they push the limits of storytelling, earning them the title of an “irreplaceable dance treasure” by the Dance Heritage Coalition. This utterly unique, visually...

UpStage at the Phillips Center with The Arcadian Wild

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

With mesmerizing vocal harmonies and intricate instrumentals, this genre-bending trio from Nashville brings something beautifully crafted and delightfully unexpected. Their music spans Americana, folk, bluegrass, and indie-pop, creating a sound that’s wonderfully hard to categorize. You’ll feel like you‘re part of a close-knit circle, as The Arcadian Wild believes music...

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

Enjoy a day of gardening inspiration, fun and learning with Florida-friendly landscaping ideas, garden and plant vendors, food trucks, KIDZone and more. Explore new ways to think and talk about gardening with Keynote Speaker Jennifer Jewell of NPR's Cultivating Places. Admission is free.  

Free

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...

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...