Gainesville Event Calendar: Annual Events

Looking for something to do in Gainesville? Our Gainesville event calendar is the place to start. In addition to the many area attractions in the Gainesville area, there are frequent festivals, concerts, and exhibits held annually for the entertainment of all.

Travel back in time during the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire, thrill to the sound of live music during the Jazz Festival, or take in all the art exhibits during the art festivals. During the warmer months, enjoy the live entertainment at the Downtown Community Plaza, where locals perform live music, theater, and dance, and public movie showings are often held.

Browse the Gainesville event calendar below for a good look at many of the fun local events that the Gainesville area has to offer.

January and February

The Hoggetowne Medieval Faire

Held in late January - early February
Location: Alachua County Fairgrounds
2900 NE 39th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32609
352-334-ARTS
Step back in time, cheer on royal knights as they joust on horseback and charge head-on at a full gallop with only a lance and shield to defend themselves. Watch a chess game played out with human chess pieces on the Living Chessboard. Laugh along with jugglers, magicians and a colorful cast of characters. In the marketplace visitors will find more than 140 skilled artisans selling and demonstrating their time-honored arts and crafts of the Middle Ages. Feel the exhilaration of human powered push rides and live animal rides. Prepare to be tempted by the delicacies of the Food Court, where even a King's appetite can be pleased. For many years the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire has been one of the most highly anticipated festivals in North Central Florida.

March

NHRA Gatornationals

Held March
Location: Gainesville Raceway
11211 N. County Road 225
Gainesville, FL 32609
Phone: (352) 377-0046

The Gatornationals is an annual National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) national drag racing event held each March at Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, Florida. The event was held for the first time in 1970. The name "Gator" comes from the University of Florida, which is located near the Gainesville Raceway. Gatornationals is traditionally the third racing event of the season and the first event on the East Coast of the United States.

May - September

"Let's Go Downtown" Plaza Series
Held May - September
Location: Downtown Community Plaza
352-334-5064
From May to September, the Downtown Community Plaza comes alive every Friday night as local talent and other cultural events are showcased under the stars. Hundreds come out to enjoy free live bands, theater groups, dance performances, Movies on the Plaza, and much more. The Plaza is located on the corner of SE 1st St. and E. University Ave. in historic downtown.

September-November

Artsreach
Held mid September - mid November
Location: Varies
352-334-5064
Call for additional information
The Artsreach Program, established in 1984 by the City of Gainesville, proudly welcomes visitors to changing exhibitions by talented local artists at 'Art in City Hall', 'Art in the Alachua County Administration Building' and 'Art in the Gainesville-Regional Airport'. Many of the artists represented are 'local and sometimes national treasures' that rise to the level of regional, national and international prominence.

November

Downtown Festival and Art Show
Held in early November
Location: Downtown Gainesville
352-334-5064
Call for additional information
Downtown Gainesville hosts one of North Central Florida's most exciting fall festivals of the arts.
The streets of historic downtown Gainesville come alive as thousands of spectators enjoy over 250 colorful artist's displays by the region's finest artists who bring one of a kind paintings, ceramics, jewelry, photography and more. This highly acclaimed event has been rated among the top 200 best shows in the country by Sunshine Artist Magazine, which voted it one of the best in the nation. Enjoy three stages of continuous live music and performances, create art with the kids at the "Imagination Station", and indulge in food from around the world.

Jazz Festival
Held in early November
Location: Downtown Gainesville
352-334-5064
Call for additional information
As part of the Downtown Festival, the Jazz Festival proudly presents a free concert featuring well-known national artists as well as a host of other activities. With more than 25 local groups and acts on three stages of entertainment, there is an exhilarating flair to two days of continuous music and fun.

December

Downtown Countdown: A New Year's Celebration
Held in late December
Location: Downtown Gainesville
352- 334-5064
Downtown Gainesville's New Year's entertainment is second to none. Ring in the New Year with music, lights, prizes, giveaways, food vendors, and radio station remotes. Nationally and locally known performing artists electrify the night at the Downtown Community Plaza, as the brick-lined streets are energized by thousands celebrating another year.