Gainesville Events


	Gainesville Events 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.