Festivals and Special Events

Make the most of your stay with festivals and special events in Gainesville and Alachua County.

Every season brings something to celebrate. From outdoor music concerts to crowd-pleasing art festivals and New Year’s Eve fireworks, there’s always a reason to gather your crew and join the fun. Whether you’re planning your next weekend getaway or looking ahead into next year, use this guide to find signature events that put a spotlight on the best of the local community.

October to December

University of Florida Homecoming Parade and Gator Growl
Friday, October 17
See the largest student-run homecoming parade and pep-rally in the country featuring floats, bands and more. Friday night’s “Gator Growl” is the place to gather for live music, entertainers and food trucks.

The FEST in Downtown Gainesville
Friday, October 24 – Sunday, October 26
Thousands of music fans from around the world celebrate three days of independent music, comedians and wrestling.

Fall Plant Sale and Orchid Show at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Saturday, October 25, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Bring a picnic and explore 68 acres of blooming gardens all visually accessible from the 1.5 mile paved walkway. View award winning orchids, browse a variety of plants for sale and more.

Florida Bat Festival at Lubee Bat Conservancy
Saturday, October 25, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Meet live bats and learn about their vital role in the environment at Lubee Bat Conservancy. Enjoy live music, family activities, food trucks, and fall fun.

Pride Festival
November 1
The annual Pride Festival celebrates diversity at Bo Diddley Plaza with vendors, entertainment and food.

Micanopy Fall Festival
Saturday, November 1 – Sunday, November 2
Take in this gorgeous historic (and very Instagram-able) town. Browse gifts from regional and national artists and crafters. Enjoy talented musicians and a wide selection of tasty food vendors.

Tom Petty Weekend at Heartwood Soundstage
Friday, November 7 – Sunday, November 9
Celebrate the birthday of Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Tom Petty in his hometown. A collection of artists and storytellers perform from indoor and outdoor stages at Heartwood Soundstage.

Downtown Festival and Art Show in Downtown Gainesville
Saturday, November 15 – Sunday, November 16, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Begin your holiday shopping with 240 of the nation’s finest artists at this nationally recognized art festival. Three stages of live music and diverse culinary offerings add to the family-friendly and festive atmosphere.

Flying Pig Parade
December
Join Gainesville’s whimsical Flying Pig Parade, featuring more than 60 quirky performers, giant puppets and dancing dinosaurs in a festive downtown celebration.

Downtown Countdown New Year’s Eve Celebration and Sparks in the Park
Wednesday, December 31, 6 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Ring in the New Year in Gainesville’s vibrant downtown, starting with fireworks at Depot Park, then count down to midnight with live bands at Bo Diddley Plaza.

January – March

Hoggetowne Medieval Faire at Depot Park
January 24-25, 2026
The annual Medieval Faire is fun for all ages as Depot Park transforms for a weekend of medieval merriment. Behold the artisans marketplace, the living chessboard, music, entertainment and more.

Sunshine State Book Festival
January 23-24, 2026
Celebrate learning, literacy and culture with hundreds of writers and book enthusiasts including novelists, playwrights and poets publishing in over a dozen genres.

Plowing Up the Past at Dudley Farm
Travel back to days of yore at the Dudley Farm Historical Park, where history comes alive. Return in the fall for the annual Cane Boil.

Spring Garden Festival at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
March 21-22, 2026
Browse over 200 booths offering plants, landscape displays, food and more at the region’s premier horticultural event.

NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway
March 5-8, 2026
Fulfill your need for speed at drag racing’s traditional East Coast opener and the kick-off for NHRA’s 75th anniversary season. Gainesville Raceway has hosted the Gatornationals since 1970 and it is one of the most revered events in the sport with a rich tradition of history making performances.

Gator Fly-In and Armed Services Appreciation Day at University Air Center
March 28, 2026
The Gainesville Regional Airport’s annual Gator Fly-In and Armed Services Appreciation Day is a free community event featuring military and civilian aircraft displays, with special focus on space exploration in 2025 through NASA and UF aerospace program participation.

Heartwood Music Fest
Enjoy an impressive lineup of top indie talent from rock to folk to brass at this annual multiple-day festival. Indoor and outdoor stages host live music with food trucks, craft beer, local vendors and art.

Fifth Avenue Arts Festival at Santa Fe College Blount Hall
Explore the historic 5th Avenue neighborhood at this annual celebration of African-American culture and heritage. This festival, established in 1979, features art displays, information about resources and services in the community, live musical performances, educational and fun activities for children and vendors offering clothing, jewelry, musical instruments and more.

April – June

Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival 
Voted the “Best Arts & Crafts Festival in Florida” with over 200 artists and 100,000+ attendees taking part in one of the largest annual events in the region. Meet renowned artists at this juried festival and enjoy live entertainment, food and more. 

Bard and Broadside North Central Florida Poetry Festival 
Multi-day festival celebrating National Poetry Month with workshops, open mics, the “Swamp-Berry Jam” poetry slam, book signings and more. 

High Springs Pioneer Days 
With boots and wagons, the annual Pioneer Days Festival in High Springs celebrates the history and heritage of settlers in the 1800s. Featuring a Kids Korral with a petting zoo, bounce house and face painting for all the young pioneers. See old tractors, equipment demonstrations, authentic crafters and historic reenactments in “Heritage Village” with live music at James Paul Park all weekend long. 

Hogtown Craft Beer Festival at Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center 
Sample craft beer from local and regional breweries and home brew clubs at Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center. Enjoy food from local restaurants and caterers. 

Newberry West Fest at Lois Forte Park 
WestFest is a fun music festival geared towards families and community. In addition to a great lineup of musical artists, attendees enjoy food trucks and fun for the kids. 

Orange and Blue Game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium 
Florida Football’s annual spring football game debuts the team for the coming year and allows fans to experience a real Gators game day at The Swamp before the main season. 

Newberry Watermelon Festival at CountryWay Town Square 
Enjoy a refreshing slice of tradition with this yearly signature event featuring good old-fashioned fun like seed spitting, hog calling, pie/cake baking and all things watermelon. 

Windsor Zucchini Festival
One of the area’s most unique food festivals with everything zuke from fried zucchini and zucchini bread to numerous booths featuring arts and crafts. 

Gainesville Fine Arts Association Artist Studio Tour
From mid-June to mid-July explore works of art created by top talent at the GFAA Gallery, fostering and encouraging the visual arts since 1923. GFAA also holds a biennial national juried exhibition, Gainesville Artwalk receptions and more.