Events & Entertainment
January and February
The Hoggetowne Medieval Faire
Held in late January – early
February
Location: Downtown Gainesville
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.
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.
Entertainment:
Acrosstown Repertory Theatre
619 South Main Street
Gainesville, FL 32601
352-375-1321
Call for performance schedule
and additional information
Since its inception in 1980,
the Acrosstown Repertory Theatre has provided Gainesville and Alachua County
with a unique and innovative cultural experience. There are many opportunities
for exploring acting, writing, directing, and production for many diverse
sectors of our community, especially for those who otherwise might not enjoy
such opportunities. Citizens of all ages, races, and socio-economic backgrounds
participate in the theatre's activities. Professional and novice playwrights,
poets, and other creative artists have enjoyed having their works staged.
High Springs Community Theater
130 NE 1st Avenue
High Springs, FL 32643
386-454-3525
Call for performance schedule
and additional information
High Springs Community Theater
is a private, nonprofit corporation whose mission is to stage high quality
amateur theater productions using the donated talents of residents of High
Springs and surrounding communities. HSCT produces four main stage productions
each year, and a Summer Youth Theater Program.
The Hippodrome State Theatre
25 SE 2nd Place
Gainesville, FL 32601
352-375-4477
Call for performance schedule
and additional information
The Hippodrome State Theatre is
one of North Florida's only professional regional theatres. Celebrating its
artistic excellence, the Hippodrome is designated as a Cultural Institution and
a State Theatre of Florida. A cornerstone of the artistic life of North Florida,
the Hippodrome is also a landmark of the downtown Gainesville landscape,
occupying a beautifully restored historic building built in 1911.
University of Florida
Performing Arts
315 Hull Road
Gainesville, FL 32611
352-392-ARTS (2787)
Call for performance schedule
and additional information
A joy of the performing arts is
experiencing artists from around the globe and gaining an intimate view of their
cultures. Performers hailing from Peru, Hungary, Russia, Italy, the United
Kingdom, Africa, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, Canada, India and the Czech
Republic are represented at the University, complementing American artists and
companies that grace the stages.
Gainesville Symphony Orchestra
352-336-5448
Call for performance schedule
and additional information
Dance Alive
1325 NW Second Street
Gainesville, FL 32601
352-373-1166
Call for performance schedule
and additional information
As a regional ballet company,
the Dance Alive performances are held at The Phillips Center for Performing Arts
at the University of Florida.
Sports:
University of Florida Sports –
The Gators
Gainesville, FL 32604
800-344-2867
Call for game schedule and
additional information
The University offers a host of
spectator sports throughout the year, including: Baseball, Basketball (men and
women), Cross Country, Football, Golf, Gymnastics, Soccer, Softball, Swimming
and Diving (men and women), Tennis (men and women), Track, and Volleyball.
