Things to in Gainesville - January 2025 - Come for a VIsit!

Start the new year off with an action-packed weekend in Gainesville! From Gator sports and family festivals to vibrant nightlife and museum exhibits, there’s something for everyone. Here’s your local insider’s guide to the best Gainesville events and things to do in Gainesville, FL this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Florida Gators Men’s Tennis vs. Kentucky – 11:00 a.m. at Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex (UF campus). Kick off the weekend by cheering on the Gators at this home tennis matchup. It’s a great late-morning sports outing for any UF fan – admission is typically free and open to the public on campus courts.

Sunshine State Book Festival – Day 1 – Writers Day & Reception, Best Western Gateway Grand. During the day, aspiring writers can join a special workshop (8 a.m.–4 p.m., pre-registration required), then all book lovers are invited to a free Opening Night Reception from 7:00–9:00 p.m. in the ballroom. Mingle with authors and enjoy refreshments to kick off Gainesville’s premier literary festival in warm, bookish style.

Downtown Winter Market – 4:00–10:00 p.m. on SW 1st Avenue (Downtown). Stroll downtown in the evening at this open-air market featuring local vendors, artisanal goods, food trucks, and live music. Part of a special holiday market series, the Downtown Winter Market runs all weekend (with Fri/Sat 4–10 p.m. hours and a Sunday finale). It’s family-friendly and a perfect way to experience Gainesville’s community vibe under the twinkling lights.

Mary Gauthier Concert – 6:30 p.m. at Heartwood Soundstage (619 S. Main St). Acclaimed singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier brings her soulful folk/Americana music to an intimate venue beloved by locals. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and local favorite Jaimee Harris opens the show – a treat for live music fans looking for an early evening of heartfelt songs.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest – 7:30 p.m. at Gainesville Community Playhouse. Opening night for this classic dark-comedy drama on the community stage. See local actors bring Ken Kesey’s iconic novel to life in a 7:30 p.m. performance (the show runs through early February). It’s a great chance to support local theatre – an entertaining night out for date night or theater-loving families with teens.

“The Drowning Girls” – 8:00 p.m. at Acrosstown Repertory Theatre (3501 SW 2nd Ave). Another theater option tonight: this chilling, witty play (based on a true historic crime story) features three ghostly brides telling their tale. The production runs on Fridays/Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., so you can catch it this weekend only a short drive from downtown.

Silverada (Live at Heartwood) – 9:00 p.m. at Heartwood Soundstage (Outdoor Stage). After Mary Gauthier’s early show, stick around Heartwood’s outdoor stage for Silverada – a workingman’s country band born in the Austin dancehalls. Joined by rising Southern songstress Taylor Hunnicutt, Silverada will deliver a high-energy Texas country set under the stars. (All ages are welcome – kids 12 and under get in free – so it’s a lively nightlife pick that the whole family can enjoy.)

Little Sparks at the Cade Museum – 10:15 a.m. at Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention (811 S. Main St). Start your Saturday with a spark of creativity! This hands-on science and art program for kids (geared to ages 2–5) runs in the morning and is included with museum admission. It’s a perfect add-on if you plan to explore the Cade’s interactive exhibits afterward – fun for curious kiddos and parents alike.

Hoggetowne Medieval Faire – 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. at Depot Park (Downtown). Hear ye, hear ye! Gainesville’s famous medieval faire returns for one weekend only. Depot Park transforms into a bastion of medieval revelry with artisans and craftspeople plying their trades, knights jousting and clashing swords in live combat shows, and minstrels playing merry tunes. Enjoy medieval music and dance, watch a living chessboard match, and even witness royal knighting ceremonies. Don’t forget to feast on a giant turkey leg as you wander the market stalls! Admission is free this year, making it a must-do for families – kids will love the costumes and interactive fun (and adults will feel like kids again, too). (Runs Saturday & Sunday 10–6, rain or shine.)

Sunshine State Book Festival – Day 2 – 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. at Santa Fe College Fine Arts Hall (3000 NW 83 St). The festival’s main event day brings together 100+ authors from Florida and beyond for a celebration of reading and writing. Browse author tables and book sales all day, attend panel discussions and readings, and don’t miss the special programs: a keynote address by Dr. David Morton at 1 p.m., a Children’s Storytime corner from 12–3 p.m., and even a one-woman play about Zora Neale Hurston at 2:30 p.m.. Admission is free for all ages. Whether you’re a literature buff or just looking for something different to do, this festival is a fantastic indoor event option.

Florida Gators Men’s Tennis – ITA Kickoff Finals – Time TBA (midday) at Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex. After Friday’s action, the Gators tennis team could be back on court Saturday in the next round of the tournament. If they advance, swing by the Ring Complex to catch high-level collegiate tennis as teams compete to qualify for the National Indoor Championship. Match time will be announced (check UF Athletics updates), but expect an early afternoon start.

Downtown Winter Market – 4:00–10:00 p.m. on SW 1st Avenue. The open-air winter market continues into Saturday evening. If you missed it Friday (or want a second helping), head downtown to shop local crafts and produce, grab dinner from a food vendor, and enjoy live entertainment. The Saturday edition often features different live music acts – it’s a great stop before your Saturday night plans.

Afrofuturism Week Kick-Off Party – 5:00–8:00 p.m. at Santa Fe College Blount Center (530 W University Ave). All ages welcome at this community celebration launching Gainesville’s Afrofuturism Week. The event is part party, part cultural expo – enjoy music and refreshments, a pop-up library of sci-fi and fantasy books, and hands-on art activities like comic-making and printmaking workshops for kids and adults. It’s family-friendly and free, blending art, technology, and Black culture in a way that’s inspiring and fun.

Selwyn Birchwood Band (Live Blues) – 8:00 p.m. at Heartwood Soundstage. Selwyn Birchwood, a Florida native and award-winning blues guitarist, brings his electric “swamp funk” blues to the Heartwood stage. His band’s sound is an explosive blend of deep blues roots with a modern edge – expect a soulful, foot-stomping show. Blues lovers and live music fans shouldn’t miss this one-night-only performance. (Heartwood’s intimate setting means you’ll be up close to the music – grab your tickets early if you can.)

Afrofuturism Afterparty Concert – 9:00 p.m. at The How Bazar (outdoor venue, 60 SW 2nd St). Keep the Afrofuturism vibes going into the night: after the Blount Center event, head over to The How Bazar for a late-night Afrofuturism Week Concert. Curated by Gainesville’s own Pulp Arts, this afterparty features innovative live music acts and DJs that blend genres and push creative boundaries. It’s a fresh nightlife option for those looking for something beyond the usual – a mix of art, culture and danceable beats under the stars in downtown Gainesville.

Little Sparks at the Cade Museum – 10:15 a.m. at Cade Museum. If you missed it Saturday, the Cade’s toddler-friendly “Little Sparks” program repeats on Sunday morning. It’s a perfect quiet morning activity for families with young children – learn and play together with interactive stations, then explore the museum’s exhibits. (The Cade is open 12–5 p.m. on Sundays, so you can make an afternoon of it.)

Hoggetowne Medieval Faire – Day 2 – 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. at Depot Park. The medieval merriment continues! Sunday is the final day of Hoggetowne Goes Downtown, so don’t miss your chance to travel back in time. Catch any demonstrations or shows you didn’t see Saturday – the jousts, chess matches, and knightly combat often have multiple showtimes throughout the day. Sunday tends to be a little less crowded in the morning, which is great for families with small children (and for getting first pick of artisan crafts!). With free entry and beautiful weather, this is a top pick for things to do in Gainesville this weekend.

City of Gainesville Downtown Winter Market – 12:00–5:00 p.m. on SW 1st Avenue. Sunday Funday at the downtown market! This is the final day of the Winter Market series, wrapping up the seasonal celebration. Enjoy a leisurely Sunday stroll as you browse vendors for local art, farm-fresh goods, and maybe a last-minute souvenir. There’s often live acoustic music on Sundays, creating a chill atmosphere. It’s a lovely way to spend Sunday afternoon before the workweek starts – consider grabbing lunch from a food stall and having a picnic at Bo Diddley Plaza nearby.

Matinee: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest – 2:00 p.m. at Gainesville Community Playhouse. Spend your Sunday afternoon at the theater – One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest has a matinee showing today. If evening plans kept you from the show on opening night, this 2 p.m. performance is a great alternative (and often less crowded). The poignant story and stellar local cast make for an engaging afternoon of community theatre.

Museum Highlights (Gainesville Art & History) – Afternoon, times vary. Looking for a quieter Sunday activity? Gainesville’s museums have you covered. The Harn Museum of Art is open 1–5 p.m. with free admission – and it’s the last chance to catch the “Harn at 35: Recent Photography Acquisitions” exhibit before it closes today. Stroll the galleries of contemporary art and photography for a dose of culture. Meanwhile, the Matheson History Museum downtown offers insight into local history (check for their current exhibits or any Sunday tours). Museum visits are a relaxing way to round out your weekend, and a good indoor option if you need a break from the sun.

Off With Their Heads & Dikembe (Concert) – 7:00 p.m. at Loosey’s Downtown (120 SW 1st Ave). Cap off the weekend with an energetic punk rock show in the heart of downtown. Touring punk band Off With Their Heads takes the stage at Loosey’s, joined by Gainesville’s own Dikembe (an indie/punk band beloved in the local scene). Music kicks off around 7 p.m. – expect loud guitars, passionate vocals, and an enthusiastic crowd. This is the spot to be for Gainesville’s punk/alternative music fans on a Sunday night. Grab a craft beer, squeeze up by the stage, and rock out to end your weekend on a high note!

Enjoy your Gainesville weekend! Whether you’re exploring a festival at Depot Park, catching a game or show on campus, or vibing to live music downtown, you’ll experience why this town is special. This Gainesville weekend guide is packed with only-in-Gainesville experiences – so get out there and make some memories. From family-friendly fun to nightlife tunes, we hope you have a fantastic time in Gainesville, FL this Friday through Sunday. 😊