Upcoming Events and Festivals in Gainesville: A Guide to Fun
Upcoming Events and Festivals in Gainesville: A Guide to the Best Experiences This Spring
Gainesville, Florida, is a city that thrives on community, culture, and celebration. Whether you’re a local looking for something fun to do or a visitor planning a trip, there are plenty of exciting events and festivals happening in the next few months. From outdoor festivals to music, art, and food celebrations, Gainesville has something for everyone.
Here’s a look at some of the top upcoming events and festivals you won’t want to miss this season.
1. Mutts on Main (March 22, 2025)
If you’re a dog lover, this event is perfect for you! Mutts on Main is a paw-some festival dedicated to our furry friends, featuring a dog parade, pet costume contest, and vendor booths with pet-friendly products.
🐶 What to Expect:
- A dog parade through downtown Gainesville
- Pet adoption booths for those looking to give a pup a forever home
- Local vendors selling pet treats, toys, and accessories
- Fun contests like best-dressed pup and best trick
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Location: Downtown Gainesville
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More Info:
Mutts on Main
2. 32nd Annual Spring Garden Festival (March 22-23, 2025)
🌿 Spring is in full bloom at the Spring Garden Festival, a premier event for plant lovers and garden enthusiasts. Held at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, this festival features over 100 plant vendors, garden accessories, and educational exhibits.
🌷 Highlights of the Festival:
- Plant sales featuring native and exotic species
- Gardening workshops and demonstrations
- Local artisans selling handcrafted garden accessories
- Food vendors offering delicious farm-to-table meals
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Location: Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, Gainesville, FL
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Event Details:
Spring Garden Festival
3. Art Walk – Historic Gainesville (April 17, 2025)
🎨 If you love art and creativity, don’t miss the Art Walk in Historic Gainesville. This free, self-guided tour takes you through pop-up galleries, artist showcases, and interactive art experiences throughout the historic downtown district.
🎭 What You’ll Experience:
- Live art demonstrations from local painters and sculptors
- Pop-up exhibits featuring emerging and established artists
- Live music performances adding to the artistic atmosphere
- Opportunities to purchase one-of-a-kind pieces directly from artists
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Location: Downtown Gainesville
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More Info:
Art Walk Gainesville
4. GCM Food Festival (April 17, 2025)
🍽️ Foodies, get ready! The GCM Food Festival is a celebration of Gainesville’s diverse culinary scene. Featuring local chefs, food trucks, and craft breweries, this festival is a must-attend event for anyone who loves great food.
🍔 Why You Should Go:
- Sample signature dishes from the best restaurants in Gainesville
- Meet local chefs and food creators
- Live cooking demos and food competitions
- Craft beer and wine tastings from local breweries
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Location: Celebration Pointe Avenue
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More Details:
GCM Food Festival
5. Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival (April 12-13, 2025)
🎭 One of Gainesville’s most beloved annual events, the Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival celebrates art, music, and culture. This festival, now in its 53rd year, is a must-visit for art enthusiasts and families alike.
🖼️ Festival Highlights:
- Over 100 booths showcasing art, jewelry, and handmade crafts
- Live performances from musicians, theater groups, and dancers
- Hands-on art activities for kids and families
- Food trucks and beverage vendors serving festival favorites
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Location: Downtown Gainesville
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More Info:
Spring Arts Festival
6. Parker McCollum – What Kinda Man Tour (April 26, 2025)
🎸 Country music fans, this one’s for you! Parker McCollum is bringing his What Kinda Man Tour to Gainesville for one night only. Known for hits like “Pretty Heart” and “To Be Loved By You”, this concert is expected to be a sell-out event.
🎶 Concert Highlights:
- A live performance by Parker McCollum at Exactech Arena
- Special guest artists (TBA)
- An electrifying atmosphere filled with country music fans
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Location: Exactech Arena, Gainesville, FL
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Get Your Tickets:
Parker McCollum Tour
Bonus: Rent a Private Historic Inn for Graduation Weekend!
🎓 UF’s Spring 2025 Graduation is just around the corner, and finding a place to stay can be a challenge. Instead of booking multiple hotel rooms, why not rent an entire historic inn for your family and friends?
Both The Camellia Rose Inn and The Laurel Oak Inn will be 100% Airbnb-style rentals by graduation weekend, offering luxurious accommodations, spacious living areas, and gourmet kitchens.
✨ Why Rent a Private Inn for Graduation?
- Exclusive use of the entire property for your family
- Gourmet kitchens for home-cooked meals or catered celebrations
- Spacious outdoor areas for relaxing and celebrating
- Close proximity to UF’s campus and downtown Gainesville
- Host private gatherings on-site (as long as noise ordinances are followed)
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Camellia Rose Inn – Available Starting April 16
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Laurel Oak Inn – Available Starting March 16
Final Thoughts
Spring in Gainesville is filled with exciting events and festivals, offering something for everyone—whether you love live music, art, food, or outdoor fun. As graduation approaches, don’t forget to secure the perfect stay for your family by booking a private historic inn for the ultimate luxury experience.
🎟️ Which event are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments!
🔗 Book your private inn for graduation now:
🎉 We hope to see you at these amazing Gainesville events this spring!
Looking for a place to stay while visiting the local Gainesville attractions? Look no further than Gainesville's locally owned vacation rental company,
StayGainesville. Book directly on our site, or call us at
352-519-3994 for guidance. For homes and condos,
StayGainesville has many options- large and small/ budget and luxury, and more. For a shorter stay, we have 2 beautiful historic Inns in downtown Gainesville. The
Camellia Rose Inn and The
Laurel Oak Inn- both have unique personalities and they both feel like a home away from home. Looking for more things to do in Gainesville? Visit our
Things to Do link.
