Spring is around the corner, which means it is almost peak festival season in Greater Gainesville. From seafood to strawberries, live music to airshows and everything in between, there is a festival for every local and visitor this spring.
While flowers bloom, kick off the month of March with plenty of art, music, great food and even better company. Here are the festivals happening in 2023.
The March Madness of Festivals
Alachua County Youth Fair & Livestock Show
WHAT: Alachua County hosts an annual fair and livestock show to educate youth about agriculture and inspire future farmers and artisans.
WHEN: March 2-7
WHERE: 23100 W. Newberry Road, Newberry
Kanapaha Botanical Spring Garden Festival
WHAT: The Spring Garden Festival features around 125 booths offering plants, landscape displays, garden accessories, arts and crafts, educational exhibits and food. Also featured are a children’s activities area and live entertainment.
WHEN: March 18-19
WHERE: 4700 S.W. 58th Drive, Gainesville
Gainesville Seafood Festival
WHAT: Gainesville Seafood Festival is a family event for those who love seafood. This festival includes fresh seafood, multiple vendors, a seafood market, live entertainment, a children’s area and a swamp tour.
WHEN: March 25
WHERE: 2900 N.E. 39TH Ave., Gainesville
Hogtown Craft Beer Festival
WHAT: This festival brings delicious beer and food tastings to the Greater Gainesville area every March.
WHEN: March 25
WHERE: 210 S.E. 134 Ave., Micanopy
April Showers Bring More Flowers and Festivals
The festivities continue in April with local artisans and live jazz. What could be better than that?
Santa Fe Spring Arts Festival
Santa Fe College
WHAT: The longest-running festival in Gainesville never disappoints. With two days of painting, sculptures, jewelry, live jazz, local artisans and more, this outdoor event will surely put spring in anyone’s step.
WHEN: April 1-2
WHERE: 3000 N.W. 83rd St., Gainesville
Merry in May
Greater Gainesville’s peak festival season wraps up with the annual Newberry Watermelon Festival. From pie-eating contests to all things watermelon, what a perfect way to usher in summertime.
Newberry Watermelon Festival
WHAT: The Newberry Watermelon Festival takes place each May. Visitors can expect a schedule packed with various watermelon-related activities, fantastic offerings of plenty of local food, retail vendors and locally grown watermelons.
WHEN: May 21
WHERE: 1739 S.W. N.W. 248 Terrace, Ste. 20, Newberry
By Meredith Biesinger.