Top Events & Things to Do in Gainesville – June 2025 Guide
Summer is in full swing, and Gainesville, Florida, is buzzing with events for every interest.

๐ Things to Do in Gainesville, FL: June 2025 Edition
Summer is in full swing, and Gainesville, Florida, is buzzing with events for every interest. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or an extended stay in one of StayGainesville’s beautiful short-term rentals, June is the perfect time to explore all that Gainesville has to offer.
From live music and festivals to museum exhibits, family-friendly outings, and outdoor adventures, here’s your ultimate guide to things to do in Gainesville, FL, in June 2025.
๐ถ Live Music & Cultural Events
Freedom Fest 2025
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Saturday, June 21, 3–9 PM
๐ Bo Diddley Plaza – 111 E University Ave
Celebrate Juneteenth and the spirit of freedom with this free community event in the heart of downtown Gainesville. Expect a lineup of local and regional musicians, spoken word artists, food trucks, children’s activities, Black-owned vendors, and cultural exhibits. It’s an inclusive celebration for all ages and one of Gainesville’s most meaningful summer events. Learn more
Heartwood Music Fest IX
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Saturday, June 14, 3 PM
๐ Heartwood Soundstage – 619 S Main St
This locally curated music festival brings together Gainesville’s top musical talent and rising stars from across Florida and beyond. Enjoy sets from indie rock, folk, funk, and experimental artists at one of the city’s most beloved venues. Grab a local craft beer, kick back in the courtyard, and let the music roll into the night. Details here
Jazz on the Green – Celebration Pointe
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Saturday, June 14, 7–9 PM
๐ Celebration Pointe Promenade
Settle in under the stars for a relaxing evening of smooth jazz. This free event brings out families, couples, and music lovers of all kinds. Pack a lawn chair or picnic blanket and enjoy the vibe with food vendors, patio seating, and beautiful outdoor ambiance. Local jazz favorite Richy Stano & Mindwalk headline the night.
๐ญ Arts & Performances
“Silver Linings” – Spelman Art Collection at the Harn
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Ongoing Throughout June
๐ Harn Museum of Art – 3259 Hull Rd
This new exhibit features 39 works by Black women artists from the Spelman College collection, celebrating resilience, creativity, and cultural identity. Admission is free, and the gallery is cool, quiet, and inspiring. Don’t forget to stop by the museum store or grab a bite at the Camellia Court Café. Exhibit info
Doxa Dance Recital – The King & The Little Mermaid
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Friday & Saturday, June 6–7
๐ Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
If you love expressive dance and creative storytelling, don’t miss this showcase by Doxa Dance Studio. With multiple shows throughout the weekend, it’s a great pick for families and those who enjoy the performing arts. Reserve tickets in advance—this recital is a local favorite!
Thursday Night Swing Dancing
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Every Thursday in June, 7:30–10:30 PM
๐ Rosa B. Williams Center – 524 NW 1st St
Free, open to the public, and welcoming to beginners—this is one of Gainesville’s best weekly activities. Bring a partner or come solo and learn classic swing dancing in a supportive, fun environment. A great way to meet locals and get moving!
๐จ๐ฉ๐ง๐ฆ Family-Friendly Events
Brew at the Zoo
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Saturday, June 7, 4–7 PM
๐ Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo – 3000 NW 83rd St
This adults-only event is a Gainesville favorite! Sample craft beers, enjoy live music, and interact with zoo animals—all while supporting the Teaching Zoo’s conservation programs. Expect lots of fun, educational booths, and a festive atmosphere.
Juneteenth Breakfast & Black Music Month Celebration
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Thursday, June 19, 7:30–9 AM
๐ Cotton Club Museum & Cultural Center – 837 SE 7th Ave
Kick off the Juneteenth holiday with this inspiring cultural celebration. Enjoy Southern breakfast favorites, live music, and moving tributes to African American heritage in Gainesville. Tickets are $35 and include the meal and full access to the museum’s exhibits.
Haile Village Farmers Market
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Every Saturday, 8:30 AM–12 PM
๐ Haile Village Center
Shop for local produce, artisan bread, handmade gifts, and more in the charming Haile Village. Live acoustic music and coffee from Patticakes make this market a lovely morning outing for families and visitors.
๐ณ Outdoor Fun in June
Depot Park
๐ 874 SE 4th St
A summer must. With a lake, shaded picnic areas, a splash pad, playground, walking trails, and food vendors, Depot Park is Gainesville’s go-to for all-ages outdoor enjoyment. Bring the kids, your dog, or a good book and enjoy the breeze.
Sweetwater Wetlands Park
๐ 325 SW Williston Rd
This 125-acre urban nature park offers a peaceful boardwalk, wildlife spotting (including gators and birds), and beautiful photo opportunities. Best visited in the morning or early evening to beat the heat. A great way to connect with nature inside city limits.
๐ผ๏ธ Gainesville’s Museums to Explore in June
Florida Museum of Natural History – Free admission; fossils, anthropology, and Florida’s ecology
Harn Museum of Art – Contemporary and historical collections from around the world
Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention – Perfect for curious kids and innovators at heart
Matheson History Museum – Learn about Gainesville’s history, politics, and culture
A. Quinn Jones Museum – Dedicated to civil rights and Black history in Alachua County
Pro tip: most museums are free or low-cost and offer air-conditioned refuge from the summer sun!
๐ฌ Bonus Picks for June Entertainment
Movies on the Lawn at Celebration Pointe – Family-friendly film nights under the stars
Live comedy and improv at The Bull
Regal Butler Plaza Theater – Luxury seating, first-run films, and matinee specials
Painting with a Twist – Great for girls’ nights or date night creativity
Arcade Bar downtown – Three stories of games, drinks, and retro fun
๐ก Where to Stay in Gainesville in June 2025
Whether you’re coming for a weekend festival, a week of outdoor adventures, or a longer summer stay, StayGainesville has the perfect vacation rental for you:
- Downtown homes close to Bo Diddley Plaza and Depot Park
- Pet-friendly properties near trails and parks
- Rentals near UF campus for summer courses and move-ins
- Homes with pool access to help you stay cool
- Monthly furnished options for interns, travel nurses, and relocating families
Browse all listings and book direct to save on fees: StayGainesville.com
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Plan Your Gainesville Summer with StayGainesville
Gainesville, FL, is full of life in June—from music festivals and art shows to nature hikes and cultural celebrations. With so many events happening around town, now is the perfect time to plan your stay and experience Gainesville like a local.
Want even more ideas? Explore our full list of local favorites here: Things to Do in Gainesville
Stay curious. Stay connected. StayGainesville.

Gainesville Vacation Rentals with Beautiful Outdoor Spaces When you’re planning a trip to Gainesville, chances are you’re coming for more than just a place to sleep. Whether you’re cheering on the Gators, visiting friends and family, or exploring North Florida’s springs and trails, your accommodations should be a retreat of their own. That’s where StayGainesville comes in. Our collection of vacation rentals is designed not only for comfort inside but also for relaxation and fun outside. From private pools perfect for Florida sunshine to fenced yards where kids and pets can run free, our homes are built for guests who want more than four walls. In this post, we’re highlighting some of the beautiful outdoor spaces you’ll find when you book with us. Why Outdoor Space Matters Vacations and getaways are about slowing down, connecting, and making memories. An outdoor area extends your living space and gives you options: Morning coffee on the porch with birdsong in the background. Afternoon swims in the pool to beat the Florida heat. Evening cookouts on the patio with everyone gathered around. Quiet fenced yards where little ones (and pets) can play safely. These simple pleasures can make your Gainesville stay feel less like a trip and more like home. StayGainesville Homes with Pools There’s something magical about having your own pool while on vacation. No crowded hotel decks, no closing hours—just a sparkling, private oasis steps from your back door. Several StayGainesville rentals feature in-ground pools surrounded by lush greenery or spacious decks where you can stretch out with a book. Families love them for the kids, while adults enjoy winding down after a day of adventure. Gainesville’s warm weather means pool season lasts much longer here than in other parts of the country, so no matter when you visit, you’ll likely get to take a dip. Imagine spending your Saturday at a Gator football game and then cooling off in your own pool when you get back. That’s the kind of experience that makes guests return to us year after year. Patios and Porches Made for Gathering For those who prefer lounging over laps, our homes with patios and porches offer the perfect backdrop for relaxation. Picture yourself sipping a glass of wine under string lights, or reading a novel in a rocking chair while the breeze drifts by. Screened-in porches mean no bug spray needed while you enjoy the Florida evenings. Covered patios provide shade during sunny afternoons. Outdoor seating and dining areas let you take every meal al fresco. One of the most common comments we hear from guests is how much they loved “just hanging out on the porch.” It’s a simple pleasure that turns a good vacation into a memorable one. Fenced Yards for Families and Pets We know that for many of our guests, pets are family too. That’s why several StayGainesville properties feature large, fenced yards where dogs can explore and play safely. Families with kids also appreciate these yards—there’s peace of mind knowing everyone can enjoy the outdoors without worry. Traveling with your furry friend? No need to stress about pet policies or tiny hotel rooms. Our homes are designed to welcome wagging tails, with plenty of space for everyone to stretch out. Outdoor Dining and Entertainment Vacations are about sharing meals and laughter, and nothing sets the scene better than a great outdoor dining setup. Many of our rentals come with: Gas or charcoal grills for cookouts. Patio tables and umbrellas for shaded lunches. Fire pits for roasting marshmallows on cooler nights. In Gainesville, evenings are often balmy and perfect for gathering outside. Whether you’re grilling burgers before a game day or enjoying a quiet dinner under the stars, our outdoor spaces make it easy to stay connected with the people who matter most. Gainesville: A City Made for Outdoor Living Of course, part of the beauty of having great outdoor space at your rental is how well it pairs with Gainesville’s natural surroundings. When you’re not enjoying the pool or porch, you can step out and explore: Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, just a short drive away, with 24 themed gardens to wander. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, where you might spot wild horses, bison, or a sunset over the prairie. Local springs like Ginnie Springs or Blue Springs, famous for their crystal-clear waters. Biking and walking trails, such as the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail, perfect for an active morning. After a day of adventuring, coming back to a home with its own backyard retreat makes your trip feel balanced and refreshing. Who Our Outdoor Spaces Are Perfect For Families with kids : Let them splash in the pool or play tag in the yard while you relax nearby. Couples : Share morning coffee on the porch or a private dinner under the stars. Pet owners : Give your four-legged friend freedom to roam safely. Groups of friends : Host a cookout, hang by the pool, and make memories together. Whatever your group looks like, StayGainesville has a property designed with you in mind. Why Choose StayGainesville? It’s not just about the amenities—it’s about the experience. When you stay with us, you’re choosing: Homes with personality: Every property is thoughtfully designed and furnished. Local expertise: We’ve been part of Gainesville’s community for years, and we love sharing it with visitors. Flexibility: From whole homes for large groups to cozy retreats for couples, we offer spaces that fit your trip. Peace of mind: Professionally managed homes mean you’ll enjoy a clean, reliable, and comfortable stay. Hotels can’t compete with the privacy, space, and comfort of a rental home—especially when it comes with a beautiful outdoor area all to yourself. Book Your Gainesville Outdoor Retreat Your vacation should feel like a breath of fresh air—literally. StayGainesville’s rentals with pools, fenced yards, patios, and porches give you room to relax, play, and connect. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a season, our homes are ready to welcome you. Browse our collection and find the outdoor oasis that’s perfect for your Gainesville getaway. We’ll handle the details—you just bring the sunscreen, the burgers, and your favorite people. Ready to plan your stay? Book directly with StayGainesville for the best rates and availability. Call us at 352-519-3994 or book on our website .