Gainesville, FL Discount Hotels

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 2^nd 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.