Florida Museum of Natural History releases butterflies everyday.
The Hippodrome Theater
Ginnie Springs
Devil's Millhopper
Fried shrimp, collards & cornbread
David Zayas mural
The Renaissance Faire
Freshest Sushi
Known for its preservation of historic buildings and the beauty of its natural surroundings, Gainesville's numerous parks, museums and lakes provide entertainment to thousands of visitors. Because of its beautiful landscape and urban "forest," Gainesville is one of the most attractive cities in Florida.
Enjoy world-class museums, performing arts, and live music. Explore 8 state parks with more than 100 miles of trails for biking, birding and hiking or cool off in crystal-blue freshwater springs. When you’re done with your day, kick back at a craft brewery and savor innovative cuisine and specialty cocktails at inspired local restaurants.
EVENTS
Daily
Organic Blueberry Picking (T-Sat, through July 2)
Alachua: Round up family and friends and spend the day in the blueberry patch picking these plump organic berries in June. Shop for fresh veggies, flowers, fruit trees and other plants, take a stroll along the blueberry path or plan a picnic under the live oaks. Reservations: $25 PP Farm pass. 8-10:30am. 16419 W CR 1491. Info: https://www.deepspringfarm.com/
Weekly
Grove Street Farmer’s Market (Mondays)
Start the week with fresh from Florida featuring farm fresh eggs, organic fruits and veggies, free-range beef and chicken, honey, cow and goat’s milk, cheeses, organic coffee and artisan-crafted foods and gifts. Free. 4-7pm. 1001 NW 4th St. Info: https://www.grovestreetfarmersmarket.com/
Archer’s Farmer’s Market (Tuesdays)
Bring home seasonal freshness with locally-grown vegetables, eggs, meats, cheeses and prepared foods, unique handmade gifts and much more in the picturesque setting of the Archer Railway Museum. Free. 3-7pm. 16994 SW 134th Ave. Info: http://www.archerhistoricalsociety.org/
GNV Market at Heartwood (Thursdays)
Make this your every Thursday after-work stop featuring more than 40 local vendors, fresh produce, live music and craft beer. Free. 4-7pm. 619 S. Main. Info: https://www.gnvmarket.com/
Free Fridays Concert Series
Wind down with the region’s longest-running and largest free weekly outdoor concert series featuring local and regional musicians performing classic rock, reggae, R&B soul, ska, funk, blues and more! Free. 7-9 pm. 100 SW 2nd Ave. Info: https://www.facebook.com/freefridaysconcertseries
Depot Park parkrun (Saturdays)
Bring the family and kick off the weekend with a free, fun and friendly community 5K around the Depot Park Pond – walk, jog, run, or watch – it’s up to you! The run is free but registration is required. 7:30 am. 874 SE 4th St. Info: https://www.parkrun.us/depotpark/
Monthly
Live and Local Concert Series
Relax with a night of live entertainment with tunes from emerging bands, singer/songwriters, independent artists and more, all local or connected to Gainesville’s music community. Free. 6:30-8:30pm.
Info: https://www.gainesvillefl.gov/
Artwalk Gainesville (last Fridays monthly)
Enjoy a free, self-guided tour of exciting visual art, live music, performances and cultural events in Gainesville’s collection of art galleries, studios, breweries and other performance venues. Free. 7-10 pm. Various locations. https://www.artwalkgainesville.com/
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens Guided Tour (1st Sat monthly)
Discover the beauty of Chinese royal bamboo, Victoria water lilies or Asian snake arums on a relaxing, ADA-accessible 1.5-mile stroll through 68 acres of vibrant gardens. Enjoy Florida’s largest public bamboo display or largest herb garden in the Southeast. Admission M-W, F: 9am-5pm; Sat & Sun: 9am-dusk. 4700 SW 58th Dr. Info: https://kanapaha.org/
Birds and Brews – Guided Bird Walks
Grab your binoculars for an Audubon Society-led stroll to identify the area’s feathered friends, then enjoy a nightcap at First Magnitude Brewing Company. All birding skill levels welcome. Free. 5:45-7pm. 874 SE 4th St. Info: https://www.facebook.com/depot.park/
Ongoing
Through June 26
Sunshine State Games
Various locations: Experience an Olympic-style sports festival for Florida’s top amateur athletes in events including artistic roller skating, basketball, dominoes, figure skating, powerlifting, soccer, ultimate frisbee, water polo and more. Free. Various locations. Info: https://sunshinestategames.com/
September 3 to December 3
University of Florida Gators Football
Experience the electricity as the Gators and first-year head coach Billy Napier welcome fans back to The Swamp for the 2022-23 college football season. Go Gators! Tickets. Various times. 121 Gale Lemerand Dr.
Info: https://floridagators.com/sports/football/schedule
Through Jan. 1, 2023
AnimationLand
Dive into the world of hands-on storytelling through storyboarding, sketching, stop-motion movie making, and more to create your own stop motion movie, all guided by quirky cast of characters. Tickets. Thurs-Sun, 10am-4pm. 811 S. Main. Info: https://www.cademuseum.org/
June 18
Journey to Juneteenth Freedom Walk
Educate and engage with the community on the rich history, legacy and resilience of Black and African Americans locally and nationally with a 5K walk in Depot Park followed by music and live performances. Free. 7-11am. 874 SE 4th St. Info: https://www.gainesvillefl.gov/
June 18
World Sea Turtle Day
Learn about these amazing creatures, go on a scavenger hunt, examine specimens and step into the flippers of a loggerhead for a VR lifecycle experience from new hatchling to adult turtle. Free. 10am-3pm. 3215 Hull Rd. Info: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu
June 18
Lighting the Way – Lewis Latimer Pop-Up
Experience the electrical expertise of this groundbreaking inventor and father of the lightbulb, illuminating his Boston childhood and legal career with the Edison company in this interactive pop-up exhibit. Tickets. 10am-4pm. 811 South Main St. Info: https://www.cademuseum.org/
June 18
Porter Quarters Juneteenth Fish & Chicken Fry
Celebrate freedom and emancipation with a day of artists, dancers and truthtellers topped off with delicious fried to perfection fish and chicken. Tickets. Noon-4pm. 804 SW 5th St. Info: https://www.gainesvillefl.gov/
June 18
Freedom Fest
Bring the family for live music, arts and crafts, food trucks, community service vendors and more to kick off the city’s first annual celebration of Emancipation Day to Juneteenth and showcasing Florida’s Black and African American legacy. Free. 5-9pm. 111 E. University Ave.
Info: https://www.gainesvillefl.gov/
June 25 & 26
Sunshine State Games – Fencing
Experience the thrill of a centuries-old sport as top Florida amateur fencers take up the sword to compete for the most touches in men’s and women’s foil, mixed foil, epee, saber and veteran divisions. Tickets. 8:30am. 15400 Peggy Rd. Info: https://sunshinestategames.com/
June 25-July 2
2022 US Jr. Olympic Championships
Expect a splash as top junior artistic swimmers from across the US compete in trials for the right to join the USA squads in upcoming Pan Am Games, World Championships and the 2024 Olympics. Tickets. Various times. 250 Gale Lemerand Dr. Info: https://www.gainesvillesportscommission.com/
June 25
Pinkfest
Show your support and awareness for those battling cancer with a celebration of hope, including a 1K run/walk, live DJ, community service groups, vendors and more. Free. 11am-3p. 4239 Celebration Pointe Ave.
Info: https://tinyurl.com/2tj2hzpk
June 25
Bright Lights & Big City Dreams
Bold moves become big dreams as Dance!nk by Davis dancers ages 5-18 put their passions and personal growth on display in this annual onstage student showcase. Tickets. 5pm. 3201 Hull Road. Info: https://performingarts.ufl.edu/
June 26
Summer BBQ & Vegan AUK Market
Experience an eclectic makers market, yard games, live DJs, and all-vegan BBQ jump-off from Frenchmen Street Food! Free. 4-8pm. 2029 NW 6th St.
Info: https://www.facebook.com/TheAUKMarket or https://tinyurl.com/8wkz3saw
July 3
Midtown DJ Festival
Check out your favorite DJs in a rotating live music competition over three venues, host your own show in the DJ booth and enjoy food and drinks at all three locations! Tickets. 2-9pm. 1702 W. University Ave.
Info: https://tinyurl.com/5k24csz2
July 3
Fanfares and Fireworks
Enjoy a patriotic Fourth of July with live music, food trucks and a spectacular fireworks celebration. Free. 6-10pm. Flavet Field, Woodlawn Dr.
Info: https://calendar.ufl.edu/
July 8-10
Battle of the Diamond Showcase
Enjoy three days of sun, fun and girls fast pitch softball, including a double elimination tournament, on 16 diamonds and a prospect camp. Tickets. Various times. 24309 SW 30th Ave., Newberry.
Info: http://www.premiergirlsfastpitch.com
July 9
Gainesville’s First Cuban Sandwich Festival
Enjoy live music, craft beer, the Best Cuban competition and, of course, those delicious Cubans in Gainesville’s first Cuban sandwich festival! Free. 2-8pm. 1001 NW 4th St. Info: https://tinyurl.com/3cxu2w4w
July 17
Blues Meets Girl
Enjoy a smokin’ Sunday night collaboration from British blues veteran Steev Inglish and Texas-born Kasimira Vogel for a night of down-home Delta-Chicago blues with openers The Blues Art Form. Tickets. 6:30pm. 619 S. Main St. Info: https://heartwoodsoundstage.com/
July 20
Save The Date! Season Preview
Join in person or stream the announcement of USF’s Performing Arts 2022-2023 season calendar with UFPA Director Brian Jose. Free, tickets required. 7pm. 3201 Hull Road. Info: https://performingarts.ufl.edu/
August 20
Circuspalooza
Experience the sounds and thrills of a live music circus show featuring classic tunes from female rock and pop stars accompanied by aerial acrobatics from trained circus performers. Tickets. 7pm. 1925 NW 2nd St, St. B.
Info: https://www.gainesvillecircus.com/
August 27
Playground Music and Arts Festival
Discover the sounds of late summer with live music featuring flipturn, Lunar Vacation, Cannibal Kids, The Late Night Losers, plus wine and beer, food trucks and more! Tickets. 3-11pm. 619 S. Main St.
Info: https://heartwoodsoundstage.com/
September 1
Catherine Britt
From Newcastle, England to Nashville, TN, experience the sounds of RCA artist/TV/radio hostess who’s shared the road with Sir Elton John, Brooks and Dunn, Kenny Cheney, Chris Isaak, Keith Urban and more. Tickets. 8pm. 619 S. Main St. Info: https://heartwoodsoundstage.com/
September 10
Florida Gators vs. Kentucky Wildcats
Cheer on the Gators and first-year head coach Billy Napier in The Swamp as they welcome the Kentucky Wildcats in this SEC matchup. Tickets. 7pm.
121 Gale Lemerand Dr. Info: https://floridagators.com/sports/football/schedule
Sept. 16
Muscadine Bloodline
Experience an unapologetically Alabama sound and new force in country music with “Porch Swing Angel,” “Shut Your Mouth,” “Walk in a Room” and more! Rescheduled from Feb. 17. Tickets. 8 pm. 210 SW 2nd Ave, Ste. A.
Info: https://muscadinebloodline.com/
Oct. 28-30
FEST 2022
Celebrate 20 years of underground sounds featuring more than 300 artists over four stages in more than 18 venues, plus comedy and no-holds-barred wrestling featuring celebrities from the WWE! Tickets. Various times/locations.
Info: https://thefestfl.com/
Nov. 19 & 20
Downtown Festival & Art Show
Marvel at works from more than 200 of the nation’s most talented artists with original works in a variety of mediums, live entertainment on four stages, fine and fun cuisine and a free blues concert. Tickets. 10am-5pm. 111 E. University Ave. Info: gainesvilledowntownartfest.net/
LODGING
4015 SW 43rd St, Gainesville, FL 32608
352-375-1550
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
3877 SW 37 Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32608
352-745-7777
3700 SW 42nd St, Gainesville, FL 32608
352-335-9100
4225 SW 40th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32608
352-371-4171
1714 SW 34th St, Gainesville, FL 32607
352-371-3600
3370 SW 42nd St, Gainesville, FL 32608
352-378-1300
hōm hotel + suites a Trademark Collection Hotel by Wyndham
3905 SW 43rd St, Gainesville, FL 32608
(352) 376-0004
5020 SW 30th Ln, Gainesville, FL 32608
352-240-8900
908 NW 69th Terrace, Gainesville, FL 32605
352-204-4960
7516 W Newberry Rd, Gainesville, FL 32606
352-553-1350
3401 SW 40th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32608
352-378-1900
7451 W Newberry Rd, Gainesville, FL 32605
Phone: 352-415-1111
2900 SW 13th St, Gainesville, FL 32608
352-377-4000
RECOMMENDED
LIMEROCK ROAD NEIGHBORHOOD GRILL
9158 SW 51st Rd | Haile Village Center | Gainesville, Fl 32608
352-240-6228 | limerockroad.com
Open M - Th 11:30am - 10pm; | Sa 9am - 11pm; Su 9am - 10pm
Crafted, Casual Comfortable Cuisine
Burgers and beer. Ribs and rum. Whatever you put together from the diverse menu at
this casual neighborhood grill will be right on point. You’ll find over two dozen juicy burger options here all served with a side of addictive hand-cut fries. Main Plates - just like the kind mom used to make - include a BBQ Combo Platter (ribs, pulled pork and chicken), traditional Pot Roast Dinner, Shrimp & Fried Grits Cake and lots of other old time favorites that are all made from scratch.
VOLCANIC SUSHI + SAKE
5141 SW 91st Way | Haile Village Center | Gainesville, Fl 32608
352-363-6226 | volcanicsushisaki.com
Open Su - Th 11am; - 9pm; F & Sa 11am -10pm
Gainesville’s Iron Chef Winner Winner of Gainesville’s 2017, 2018 and 2019 Iron Chef Competition, Owner Nestor Espartero is a master at creating fabulous Fusion dishes which reflect his passion for Asian, Latin and French cuisine. The food at his small, unassuming eatery is deliciously fresh, beautifully plated and artistically arranged (the wasabi is sculpted to resemble leaves). Chef Nestor’s flavors are often complex resulting in sensational dishes like the Sweet Salmon Teriyaki, Shaken Beef Tenderloin and Duck Curry. His signature rolls are also off the chart - especially the crunchy Haile Roll with tuna tartare and lotus root drizzled with eel sauce. Simply the best.
Mark’s Prime Steakhouse
201 SE 2nd Ave, Gainesville, Florida 32601
M 5 – 9pm | T – Sa 5 – 10pm | Closed Sunday
352-336-0077 | marksprimesteakhouse.com
Always available for Private Parties Mark’s Prime Steakhouse has a goal to create a unique dining experience that will please the palate and soothe the soul. We serve the finest beef, the freshest
seafood, premium wines and naturally fresh vegetables. We are pleased to have been serving the finest quality dining experience since November 2002, more than 10 years ago! We hope to see you very soon at one of our two great locations, Gainesville and Ocala!
Shula’s Steak House
Hilton Univeristy of Florida | Conference Center
1714 SW 34th | St., Gainesville (
305-664-2321 | shulas.com
If you love Don Shula’s famous steaks, you’ll really flip over his fresh, juicy chargrilled burgers. The legendary NFL Coach raises the bar with a big beefy patty that is always made fresh from his own signature blend of Premium Black Angus Chuck, Short Rib and brisket, perfectly seasoned and served with lettuce, tomatoe, pickle and your choice of cheese on a brioche style bun. Once you’ve tackled one of these bad boys, you’ll never suffer another “Mac-Attack” again.
HAILE EQUESTRIAN
Haile Plantation
7680 SW 46th Blvd | Gainesville, Fl 32608
352-665-7433 | haileequestrian.com | Open T - Sa
Gainesville’s Premiere Horse Facility
Nestled in the prestigious Haile Plantation, Regina Esterman’s beautiful new Equestrian Center provides quality instruction in hunt seat, dressage and western riding. No experience is necessary and there are horses to suit every level. You can also enjoy a 30 - 60 minute casual guided horseback ride in the Center’s large riding arena. During the summer and on school holidays, kids ages 7 - 16 are invited to enroll in Horse Camp where they’ll learn basic horse handling, safety and care and also be able to ride twice a day in both a lesson and fun ride. Additionally, Haile Equestrian offers an elite selection of
Warmbloods and Riding horses for sale, as well as horse boarding and leasing.
HIPPODROME THEATER
25 SW 2nd Place | Gainesville, Fl 32601
352-375-4477 | thehipp.org
Various Showtimes
Gainesville’s Cultural Centerpiece
As Gainesville’s only art House Cinema, this historic landmark is also fine to a spacious multi-purpose, state-of-the-art performance hall that offers live theatre, films, gallery exhibits, classes, and special events over 340 days a
year.
The thought provoking 2022/2023 lineup kicks off with Fahrenheit 451 which plays September 2 - 18. In Ray Bradbury’s classic dystopian world, the written word is forbidden and firemen burn books instead of fighting fire. The story is all the more chilling given what’s happening in the world today.
And what would an election year be without a comedy poking fun at…… you guessed it, elections. In Running Mates, protagonists Sam, his wife Sophia, and a mystery writein candidate compete for absolute domination in the mayoral race that turns out to be more about family than politics. Opens on October 14 and plays through October 30.
The Hippodrome’s upcoming holiday season is a double header of laughter and tradition. The theater is bringing back the best selling show of last season,
Murder For Two - but this time with a holiday twist. This ‘whodunit,’ which plays November 25 - December 23, is the perfect blend of music, mayhem, murder, and mistletoe!
SANDERS JEWELERS
Haile Plantation
9119 SW 52nd Ave |Gainesville, Fl 32608
352-331-6100 | sandersjewelers.net
Open Tu - F 10am - 6pm| Sa 10am - 5pm, Closed Su & M
Gainesville’s Home for Custom Jewelry
Old world craftsmanship with a dramatic vintage flair is the hallmark of Master Jeweler Rick Sanders. In addition to his stunning, highly sought after designs, Sanders also showcases fine diamond jewelry by Allison Kaufman;
beautiful bridal jewelry from Benchmark; modern day heirloom jewelry in 18K gold and platinum from Dove’s; a spectacular collection of cultured pearls from Imperial and many other special creations by some of the best designers
in the business.
306 NE 6th Ave. Thomas Center Building B Gainesville, FL 32601
Call For Hours | 352-334-5067
Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department manages over 3,200 acres of parkland with numerous cultural, recreational, and natural areas and facilities. In October of 2013, the Department became one of 119 agencies in the country to be fully accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies. One of the loveliest city parks you will ever visit.
COLDWELL BANKER
Jacqui Knowles 352-258-0110
Cindy Birk 352-871-2475
As Gainesville’s first Agrihood community, Flint Rock is a luxury residential neighborhood incorporating country estate architecture with three distinctive gated subdivisions. Nearly all of the 96 homesites back up to a conservation, greenway, or nature trail. Lot sizes range from .99 acre to 1.69 acres. Flint Rock emphasizes the principles of wellness, community and sustainability, while embracing the farm-to-table lifestyle. With over 250 acres of common area and greenway, including 151 acres of conservation preserve, 2½ miles of walking paths, a Residents’ Farmhouse, an event barn and gardens, Flint Rock offers a refreshing new approach to a timeless way of living.
MAP
back to top
