Spend Game Day in Gainesville and Cheer On Your Favorite Team
Welcome, football fans!
As you gear up for game day, take some time to explore all that Gainesville and Alachua County has to offer. Start your weekend early with a stroll around the scenic University of Florida campus, find a local craft brewery and relax on the Alachua County Ale Trail. If you’re a nature lover, don’t miss the chance to visit nearby springs and parks for a refreshing dip, hike or paddling trip. Friday nights before select games, “Chomp the Block” with the official block party of the Florida Gators® at Celebration Pointe.
After the big game, dive into Gainesville’s vibrant nightlife with top-rated restaurants, and enjoy live music across multiple stages. Plan an extra day and visit popular attractions like the Florida Museum of Natural History and Butterfly Rainforest, view the collections at the Harn Museum of Art and see what’s in bloom at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens to round out your visit. Whether you’re here for the game or the experience, Gainesville and Alachua County has plenty to offer for every football fan.
Game Day Information
Plan ahead with the Florida Gators Football Game Day Guide, and get details including mobile ticketing, parking and shuttles, pre-game events, tailgating and more.
Arrive early and enjoy activities, games and giveaways at Gators Fan Fest, opening 3 hours before kickoff. Visit the north end of the stadium to cheer Gators Football players as they enter the stadium during the festive Gator Walk, beginning 2 hours and 25 minutes before kickoff.
Upcoming 2024 Gators Football home schedule at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium:
Kentucky, October 19, 7:45 p.m.
LSU, November 16
Ole Miss, November 23, 12 p.m.
Game Day Eats
From food trucks and craft breweries to farm-to-table dinners and fine dining, you can treat your taste buds with delectable culinary options. Browse our listings of restaurants, bakeries, cafes and more online.
Splash Into Local Freshwater Springs
Discover crystal-clear water flowing from underground at 72 degrees year-round. North Florida is home to hundreds of freshwater springs and the largest collection of First Magnitude springs in the United States.
Explore the Great Indoors
Make cool escapes in Gainesville and Alachua County at local museums and gallery exhibits. Beat the heat and make discoveries at the Florida Museum of Natural History, Butterfly Rainforest and Harn Museum of Art, all located next door to each other at the UF Cultural Plaza.
FREE Things to Do
Have fun without breaking the bank. Explore our collection of FREE and activities and destinations in Gainesville and Alachua County.
Across from Lake Alice at sunset, see hundreds of thousands of bats take flight from the UF Bat Houses.
Explore over 100 miles of trails, including the paved 16-mile multi-purpose path on the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail, hiking trails at Morningside Nature Center and walking, equestrian and cycling trails at Turkey Creek Preserve.
Make a trip to historic small towns like Micanopy, Alachua and High Springs. Browse galleries, boutiques and antique shops. Relax and feel refreshed at a local cafe or restaurant.
Upcoming Local Events
Stay up to date with the What’s Good® Guide of Weekly Events by signing up to the email list and receive our collection of local things to do in your inbox, delivered every Thursday.
“Chomp the Block” Official Block Party of the Florida Gators® at Celebration Pointe
Friday, October 18
Friday, November 15
Friday, November 22
Homecoming Parade on University Avenue
Friday, October 18, 12 p.m.
Gator Growl at the O’Connell Center
Friday, October 18, 6 p.m.
Fall Plant Sale and Orchid Show at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Saturday, October 19 – Sunday, October 20
Gainesville Garden Club Fall Horticulture Expo and Plant Sale at Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center
Saturday, October 19
FEST 22 at Multiple Venues in Downtown Gainesville
Friday, October 25 – Sunday, October 27
Micanopy Fall Festival in Historic Micanopy
Saturday, October 26 – Sunday, October 27
International Car Show at Butler Town Center
Saturday, October 26, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Family Fun with Live Music, Petting Zoo, Fun Zone, Food Trucks and More at Newberry Main Street’s 2024 Fall Festival
Saturday, November 16, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Alachua Main Street Fall Festival in Downtown Alachua
Sunday, November 17, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Stadium photo courtesy Florida Athletics/Taylor Greenbury
Gator Walk photo courtesy Florida Athletics/Jay Metz
Museum photo courtesy Harn Museum of Art
