Explore 15 Can’t-Miss Festivals in Gainesville and Alachua County 

Onna Maya Meyer

Alachua County brims with incredibly fun, vibrant festivals year-round, and you don’t want to miss any of them. Gather with your neighbors and community members to celebrate everything from seasons to cultures and even freshly grown produce.  Here’s a look at 15 must-visit festivals in Gainesville and the surrounding communities of Alachua County.

1. Gainesville Latino Film Festival 

This film festival takes place every September in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Over the course of three weeks, attendees can view films from international creators, peruse Latin American art at Santa Fe College Blount Center or attend special programming available for kids and teens. 

2. New Works Festival 

Presented by The Hippodrome Theatre, the New Works Festival seeks to amplify the voices of local Floridians. The event showcases plays performed by members of the theater and stages a fun challenge for writers, directors and actors called the 24-hour Play Project. 

3. Downtown Festival & Art Show 

Over the course of 40 years, the Downtown Festival & Art Show has grown into the largest free celebration of art in North Florida. With over 200 artists putting their creativity on display, there’s no better place to experience so many mediums and modes of art – think everything from performance to culinary. 

4. Spring Garden Festival 

Gardening enthusiasts gather yearly at the Spring Garden Festival, which is hosted by and at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. Celebrating its 32nd year, this festival is the perfect place to purchase a wide variety of plants, tools and outdoor decor. 

5. Alachua Main Street Harvest Festival 

Created over 21 years ago by the Alachua Business League, this seasonal festival is a local staple that doubles as a fundraiser. “We take the funds we receive from the vendor fees and turn around and hand out scholarships to students graduating from Santa Fe High School and going to Santa Fe College,” says Mark Rizzotto, chairman of the harvest festival committee. With live music, children’s activities and local vendors, the festival offers plenty of fun and entertainment. 

6. Newberry Watermelon Festival 

Newberry goes all out for this festival, which offers much more than a celebration of watermelon. It will celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2025, and, as always, festivities will include a parade, beauty pageant and family fun area. 

7. Micanopy Fall Festival 

Known as “the town that time forgot,” quaint and quiet Micanopy is set to host its 50th fall festival in 2025. Primarily an arts and crafts festival, this event also offers good music, fantastic art displays and vendors as well as an auction of vendor-donated items. 

8. FEST 

Rock out at FEST, a multiday, multivenue underground music festival featuring over 350 independent bands and performers that takes place in late October. Experience a variety of genres and locales – 15 different venues participate – and immerse yourself in Gainesville’s music scene. 

9. Newberry Main Street Spring Festival

First established in 2008, this festival is held every April and has become a beloved tradition for many residents. “Newberry Main Street is very active – we have children’s shows, food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, nonprofit organizations and live music,” says Remie’ Wallace, executive director for Newberry Main Street Organization. “This town is beautiful, and it deserves to be highlighted.”

10. Windsor Zucchini Festival

Always held on the second Saturday in May, this festival serves as the Windsor Fire Department’s main fundraiser. The star of the event, of course, is the famous fried zucchini.

11. High Springs Pioneer Days Festival

Get into the old-timey spirit at the High Springs Pioneer Days Festival, which blends history and family fun – think covered wagons, costumes and shooting competitions.

12. Heartwood Music Festival

Held at the Heartwood Soundstage, this annual music festival takes place in February. With both indoor and outdoor shows (which are free to students, by the way) this three-day event offers an impressive lineup of local and regional acts.

13. Gainesville Asian Festival

A newer event, the Gainesville Asian Festival invites the community to experience the best that Asian culture has to offer, from authentic cuisine and martial arts demonstrations to musical performances and so much more.

14. Gainesville Pride Festival

Gainesville Pride Festival, which is held in the fall, offers plenty of vendors, food trucks, fun activities and fabulous entertainment. It is held at Bo Diddley Plaza.

15. Gainesville Hoggetowne Medieval Faire

Held early on in the year, this fun festival boasts artisans, olde world demonstrations, music, dancing, food and much more.