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Gainesville Rocks for Tom Petty Weekend

Celebrate the birthday of the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer with a weekend of music, tributes, and the sharing of memories and events in Gainesville and Alachua County.

tom petty weekend

Tom Petty Weekend at Heartwood Soundstage
Thursday, October 10 – Sunday, October 13 | Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Join Tom Petty Nation and fans from all over the world to celebrate the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s birthday at the annual festival in his hometown. Tickets and VIP experiences are available online.

Make the most of Tom Petty Weekend by exploring Gainesville and Alachua County with weekend festivals, free things to do and outdoor adventures.

Tom Petty with Guitar

Go Behind-the-Scenes with “Tom Petty: Among the Wildflowers” at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
Open Now through October 20, Thursday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

See the Tom Petty Murals

Tom petty mural at heartwood soundstage

Don’t miss the artistic tributes installed around town by local and visiting artists:

  • 34th Street Wall, South of 2nd Ave. and North of Radio Rd.
  • South Main Street, at the corner of SE 16th Ave. and Main St.
  • Next to Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S Main St.
  • Sidney Lanier Center, his former school, at 312 NW 16th Ave.

The entrance signs at Tom Petty Park on NE 16th Ave. are also popular selfie spots.

Where to Stay

Book a room near downtown Gainesville and enjoy Tom Petty Weekend.

Browse additional places to stay in Gainesville and Alachua County.

Explore the Alachua County Ale Trail

sippin seven pint glasses

Look for Tom Petty-themed beers at First Magnitude Brewing Company, including You Don’t Know How It Peels (Citrus IPA), Won’t Bock Down (Helles Bock Lager) and Learning to Rye (Rye IPA with Citra and Nelson hops).

Take a Bite out of Local Dining

bingo deli and pub interior

You don’t have to step far to enjoy local flavors with several options near downtown Gainesville including Bingo Deli and Pub and Humble Wood Fire located next door to Heartwood Soundstage.

Browse additional places to grab a meal in Gainesville and Alachua County.

Weekend Festivals and Events

Gainesville Cars & Coffee at Ford’s Garage
Sunday, October 13, 9 a.m.

Pumpkin Festival at The Bryer Patch
Saturday, October 12 – Sunday, October 13, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Car Show, Drag Racing and more at Import Face-Off Night Meet at Gainesville Raceway
Saturday, October 12

Jazz Brunch at Covey Kitchen and Cocktails
Sunday, October 13, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Plant Swap and Sale with Plantstay at Swamp Head Brewery
Sunday, October 13, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

More Things to Do!

Make cool escapes 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. 

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.