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.
🎉 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.
🎶 Live Music & Cultural Events
Freedom Fest 2025
📅 Saturday, June 21, 3–9 PM
📍 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
📅 Saturday, June 14, 3 PM
📍 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
📅 Saturday, June 14, 7–9 PM
📍 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.
🎭 Arts & Performances
“Silver Linings” – Spelman Art Collection at the Harn
📅 Ongoing Throughout June
📍 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
📅 Friday & Saturday, June 6–7
📍 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
📅 Every Thursday in June, 7:30–10:30 PM
📍 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!
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Events
Brew at the Zoo
📅 Saturday, June 7, 4–7 PM
📍 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
📅 Thursday, June 19, 7:30–9 AM
📍 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
📅 Every Saturday, 8:30 AM–12 PM
📍 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.
🌳 Outdoor Fun in June
Depot Park
📍 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
📍 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.
🖼️ 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!
🎬 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
🏡 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
📅 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.
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If you’re visiting Gainesville, Florida for the first time, you’re in for a refreshing surprise. This vibrant North Central Florida city is often best known as the home of the University of Florida, but it’s also a hub for natural beauty, wildlife, culture, and charm. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a few weeks, there are dozens of memorable ways to experience Gainesville—but if you only have time for the highlights, here are the top 10 things first-time visitors should definitely do.
