Fall in Love with Gainesville and Alachua County Festivals
Beautiful Gainesville and Alachua Co. feature over 20 fall festivals, multi-day arts and music events, and 100’s of miles of bike trails and blueways on which to enjoy North Florida’s idyllic autumn weather. Enjoy world-class museums and performing arts then kick back at a craft brewery or savor innovative cuisine and specialty cocktails at inspired local restaurants.
We believe that the happiest holiday adventures come from unexpected discoveries! So, if you missed opportunities for fall festival fun, there’s still time to catch a little holiday fun. Follow this link for New Ways to Enjoy the Season in beautiful Gainesville and Alachua County.
For the latest in events, subscribe to the What’s Good weekly event guide by texting WhatsGood to 22828.
Featured at the Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center this Fall
Holiday Kick-Off Dressage
November 6-7, 2021
Watch horse and riders dance through the levels of Dressage from training level to grand prix. Saturday and Sunday from 8am – 5pm.
Pony of the Americas
November 6-7, 2021
Something for everyone! In hand, western, hunt seat, saddle seat, driving, gaited, ranch horse, timed events take the center ring for a weekend of equestrian excellence.
Suwanee Valley Kennel Club
December 10-12, 2021
An all-breed dog show sanctioned by the American Kennel Club.
Previous Festival Dates
City of Waldo Fall Festival
Friday, October 15, 2021
Enjoy an evening in Waldo with family-friendly games to play, vendor booths and food and drink.
36th Annual Art Festival at Thornebrook
October 16-17, 2021
Regional and nationally recognized fine artists transform Thornebrook Village into a two-day art festival showcase with live music, entertainment and food vendors.
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens Fall Plant Sale & Orchid Show
October 23-24, 2021
Kanapaha’s annual Open House & Fall Plant Sale, in conjunction with the Gainesville Orchid Society, welcomes visitors to discover the gardens admission-free. In addition to exploring the botanical gardens, visitors can enjoy over 50 booths offering a wide variety of plants, crafts and festival food.
Lubee Bat Conservancy Florida Bat Fest
October 23, 2021
The Lubee Bat Conservancy hosts the annual open house Bat Fest to share bat conservation awareness and a variety of “batty-fun” festivities! Enjoy games and activities in the Kid Zone, shop unique crafts from local artisans, sample tasty fare from food trucks, speak with bat experts and view the world’s LARGEST bats up close.
FEST 19
October 29-31, 2021
Hundreds of bands, comedians and wrestlers transform downtown Gainesville into a three-day international music festival. Tickets are limited, and pre-purchase is recommended.
Micanopy Fall Festival and Bicentennial
October 30-31, 2021
The oldest inland town in the state of Florida bustles with activity and celebration at the annual fall festival featuring arts and crafts, food vendors and live music.
Peanut Patch and Corn Maze
Now through October 31
Roger’s Farm Fall Festival
Now through October 31
Newberry Cornfield Maze
Now through October 30
40th Annual Gainesville Downtown Festival and Art Show
November 6 – 7, 2021
The streets of historic downtown Gainesville are transformed by hundreds of fine artists from around the country. Food vendors, entertainers and an expansive outdoor space creates a festive environment for early holiday shopping.
Swallowtail Farm Festival
November 6, 2021
Celebrate the fall harvest and Swallowtail’s new farm location with music, local food vendors, workshops and fun for the entire family.
40th Annual Gainesville Cycling Festival
November 6-7, 2021
The Gainesville Cycling Club hosts a gathering of bike enthusiasts to traverse the area’s scenic roads. Century rides and shorter, more casual routes, provide an opportunity to ride for all skill levels.
Easton Newberry Fall Sports Festival
November 7, 2021
Discover a variety of sports with athletes and demonstrations including archery, laser tag, baseball, volleyball, football, soccer and corn hole.
Celebrate Micanopy’s Bicentennial at Stirring The Leaves
November 12-13
The Micanopy Historical Society presents STIRRING THE LEAVES, a drama production of historical fiction and facts covering 200 years since Micanopy was founded in 1821.
Alachua Harvest Festival
November 14, 2021
Enjoy shopping storefronts and vendor booths along Main Street Alachua, with live music and family-friendly games and food vendors.
Newberry Main Street Fall Festival
Saturday, November 20, 2021
Spend a day in Newberry with family-friendly fun including music, vendors and activities for all ages.
Florida Farm Bureau Food and Agriculture Festival
Saturday, November 20
Learn about agricultural commodities grown right here in the state of Florida.
High Springs Art Walk
Saturday, November 20
Browse shops and boutiques and view live artist demonstrations.
Cane Boil at Morningside Nature Center’s Living History Farm
Saturday, November 27
Gather around the cane kettle as sweet sticky syrup boils down. Enjoy historic skill demonstrations, old-time Americana music and more.
Craft Festival at the O’Connell Center
December 4-5, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Shop for unique gifts from hundreds of different artisans and crafters inside the O’Connell Center.
Fall Harvest and Cane Festival at Dudley Farm Historic State Park
Saturday, December 4, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The annual Cane Day Festival features boiling cane syrup, corn grinding, cooking in the historic kitchen and more. At 10 a.m., a ceremony dedicates Dudley Farm as a National Historic Landmark.
