It is fall, and although the weather has not quite gotten the memo, Greater Gainesville is in full swing with festivities sure to spark that autumnal spirit.
Check out a few annual favorites taking place this season:
40th annual Downtown Festival and Arts Show
The streets of downtown Gainesville come alive with art, food vendors and live music for the annual Downtown Festival and Arts Show Nov. 6-7. Artists from across the nation line the streets to display their paintings, ceramics, photography, sculptures, jewelry and more. Visitors can admire and purchase one-of-a-kind pieces while enjoying live entertainment and international cuisine provided by an array of vendors.
‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ at High Dive
Dammit, Janet! What is Halloween without a live-action performance of the cult classic, Rocky Horror Picture Show? Each year, High Dive converts to the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter for the comedy-horror musical, where viewers are highly encouraged to dress up, sing along and engage in all of the spooky shenanigans that is the “Rocky Horror Picture Show”. Catch performances Oct. 19 and 27 and Nov. 3.
Pumpkin patches
Selfies in a pumpkin patch are synonymous with fall vibes, and at Pickin’ Patch in Dunnellon, visitors can grab a wagon and take their pick from a wide spread of gourds, sunflowers and, of course, pumpkins of all sizes.
Fall is also the season of giving, and Buy a Pumpkin’ Feed a Child makes it easy to give back. With every pumpkin purchase, all proceeds go to children and families in need in Gainesville and in Guatemala.
Lubee Bat Festival
The Lubee Bat Conservancy is hosting its 17th annual Florida Bat Festival Oct. 23. All ages are welcome to help celebrate the winged friends and learn more about bat conservation and awareness. The grounds will host a variety of food trucks, live music and a beer garden of local Florida breweries.
Farm festivals
`Tis the season for farm festivals galore. Rodger’s Farm Fall Festival has returned and will run through Oct. 31 with hayrides, pumpkin patches, a corn maze, a haunted house and much more.
Swallowtail Farms will also host a farm fall festival Nov. 6 with farm tours, workshops, live music and brews. Come celebrate agriculture and all that beautiful Swallowtail Farms has to offer.
By Madison Rae