Events and Adventures in Greater Gainesville
From our Friends at Visit Gainesville
Hike, paddle and pedal through nature with over 100 miles of trails. Escape the heat and cool off indoors at inspiring and educational museum exhibits, theatrical productions and musical performances. Discover pristine nature on the Santa Fe River and keep cool in 72-degree freshwater springs. Foodies can savor unique flavors from local restaurants and sip a refreshing beverage at a craft brewery.
Add to the fun with summer concerts, special events and live performances, including local productions of “Cabaret,” “In the Heights,” and the Hippodrome’s summer musical comedy “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”
Celebrate Independence Day with fireworks displays on July 3 at Fanfares and fireworks at UF’s Flavet’s Field and at Legacy Park in Alachua on July 4.
The start of the Florida Gators football season marks the end of summer, so gear up for gameday as the Gators host Miami to kick off the 2024 season in The Swamp on August 31.
Stay up to date with everything going on for summer fun by subscribing to Visit Gainesville, Alachua County’s award-winning What’s Good® Guide of Weekly Events at VisitGainesville.com.
Free Fridays Concert Series at Bo Diddley Plaza
Every Friday through September 27,
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Bring a blanket or chair to the longest-running free outdoor concert series in the region featuring local favorites such as The Imposters, The Savants and Gainesville Big Band every Friday night in downtown Gainesville.
On stage through Sunday, July 21 with six shows a week.
The Hippodrome Theatre’s summer production is a fast-paced comedy set in the high-pressure world of youth spelling competitions.
Answer the Call at the Imaginative Comedy “Dead Man’s Cell Phone” at High Springs Playhouse
On stage through Tuesday, June 30
A quiet café is interrupted by the ringing of a cell phone and a stranger at the next table has heard enough of it. The play explores morality, redemption and the need to connect in a technologically obsessed world.
Leave Your Troubles at the Door with “Cabaret” at Acrosstown Repertory Theatre
On stage through Sunday, June 23
Step into the Kit Kat Club where artists, performers, misfits and outsiders rule the night. Set in 1929 in Berlin, this groundbreaking musical is set during the twilight of the Jazz Age.
Dads Get Free Admission to Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Sunday, June 16, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Explore plant collections and summer highlights for Father’s Day, including the record-breaking giant Victorian water lilies.
40th Anniversary of “Legend” with The Wailers at Heartwood Soundstage
Sunday, June 16, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Released in 1984, Legend by Bob Marley and The Wailers became the best-selling reggae album of all time. The Wailers bring their timeless sound to the stage and celebrate the cinematic release of “Bob Marley: One Love.”
Journey to Juneteenth: The Jubilee – Celebrating Arts, Culture and Education at Bo Diddley Plaza
Wednesday, June 19, 11 a.m.
The City of Gainesville celebrates the long and turbulent journey to freedom.
Artwalk Gainesville Monthly Self-Guided Tour of the Local Art Scene
Friday, June 28, 7 p.m.– 10 p.m.
Friday, July 26, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday, August 30, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Stroll the cobblestone streets of downtown Gainesville on a free self-guided tour of gallery spaces, exhibit openings and art installations.
WUFT’s Fanfares and Fireworks at UF Flavet Field
Wednesday, July 3, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
The University of Florida and the City of Gainesville celebrate the Fourth on the third, with live music, food trucks and a fireworks display.
City of Alachua Annual Fourth of July Celebration at Legacy Park
Thursday, July 4, 4 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Described as the “largest small-town fireworks display in America,” the Independence Day celebration features a family-friendly festival during the day and spectacular fireworks display at night.
Gainesville Fine Arts Association Artist Studio Tour
Friday, July 12, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday, July 13 – Sunday, July 14, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tour working artists’ studios and discover new works by meeting working artists in their studios. 30 artists are featured across 24 locations.
Friday, July 19 – Sunday, August 11
Winner of four Tony Awards, In the Heights takes place in Washington Heights, a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures.
North Central Florida Blues Society Presents Doug MacLeod at Heartwood Soundstage
Sunday, July 28, 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Doug MacLeod’s prolific storytelling and masterful guitar playing earned seven Blues Music Awards including Acoustic Artist of the Year and Acoustic Album of the Year.
Indoor Pickleball Showcase at Alachua County Sports and Events Center
Friday, August 16 – Sunday, August 18
Test your skills or cheer on athletes competing in America’s fastest growing sport. Registration is open through July 31.
Gators Football vs. Miami at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
Saturday, August 31
The season-opener features an in-state matchup between the Gators and Hurricanes. Arrive early for pregame festivities including the Gator Walk, Fan Fest, food trucks and more.
