11 Gainesville Events to Experience in 2023

“Basking Alligator” by Reisner Fonseca

1.) Paynes Prairie Preserves Bird Trail Hike

Ever wanted to see the wild side of Florida? Paynes Prairie offers a chance to see Florida’s wildlife up close (but not too close) and personal. A chance of seeing a gator up close shouldn’t be missed! Hikes are held the first Saturday of each month from January 6th through April 7th, with a limit of 20 people per hike. Reserve your spot now at Friends of Paynes Prairie. Hikes are free, parking is $4 per car.

2.) The Royale at The Hippodrome

January 10 through February 11, come see The Royale, a new show at The Hippodrome Mainstage. Follow Jack Johnson’s fight to the top as the first African-American World Heavyweight Champion. Ticket prices range from $30 to $8. Every Tuesday, all tickets are $10.

3.) Hoggetowne Medieval Faire

Come visit the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire on January 27th – 28th and February 2nd – 4th. Watch a live chess board, cheer on jousting knights, experience old world activities, rides, and food in a medieval marketplace and event square. Admission is $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and military, $8 for youth (5-17), and free for children under five. Make sure to visit on February 2nd for Family Friday when tickets are $9 for adults, $4 for youth (5-17), and children under five are free!

4.) Habitat for Humanity Strawberry Festival

Try a variety of strawberry dishes for a good cause! Celebrate spring with strawberry shortcake, entertainment, a 5k run, car show, and more at the 5th annual Habitat for Humanity Strawberry Festival on March 3rd. Admission to the event is free but they would like a donation for parking, food can be purchased at the event.

Tickets for the Strawberry Jam 5k race are $30 per person before the event and $35 on the day of the event. Use the promo code HABITAT for $5 off your 5k registration ticket here in January.

5.) Gator Nationals

Visit the Gainesville Raceway on March 15th – 18th to see the world’s best NHRA drag racers in action. Ticket prices range from $17 to $69 for adults and free to $24 for juniors (12 and under). Tickets include the opportunity to meet your favorite drivers and recieve autographs.

6.) Festival of the Sea

Sample a variety of different seafood dishes at the Festival of the Sea on March 24th. Advance tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children, $20 on the day of the event. There is a small additional event fee and tax added to the price of the ticket, food is sold separately. A Beer and Wine Garden ticket can be purchased for $40 plus event fee and tax, which includes access to sample a selection of beer and wine and admission to the event.

7.) Kanapaha Spring Garden Festival

Walk through a one and a half mile walkway with around 150 vendors for plants and gardening supplies while being surrounded in a spring garden. A great place to have a picnic! No need to bring the picnic supplies, they have a picnic area and food vendors. Tickets for the Kanapaha Spring Garden Festival are $8 for adults, $5 for children (3-13 years old), parking is free. The event is held from March 24th through March 25th.

8.) Butterfly Rainforest & Florida Fossils

Watch live butterflies, birds, turtles, and fish in The Florida Museum‘s Butterfly Rainforest and experience ancient discoveries of Florida’s past in the Florida Fossils display. Admission to Florida Fossils and all other Florida Museum displays are free except the Butterfly Rainforest. Tickets to the Butterfly Rainforest are $13 for adults, $11 for Florida residents, college students, and seniors, and $6 for juniors (3-17 years old). They are open year-round (weather permitting), Sunday through Saturday.

9.) Roger’s Farm

Join Roger’s Farm for Octoberfest from September 30th through October 29th. Walk through a spooky trail, 12 acre corn maze, and events for kids and adults. Admission is $10 for the attractions or the corn maze, or $14 for both. Children under the age of three are free.

10.) Alachua County Fair

Visit The Alachua County Fair in October for big and small attractions for kids and adults. Enjoy fair food, games, and rides! Prices vary by day, check back in October for current prices per day. The Alachua County Fair usually offers Midnight Madness from 9pm to 1am for $20 including gate admission and activities.

11.) Pond Lighting

See Christmas lights and activities on December 1st at the North Florida Regional Medical Center’s annual Pond Lighting ceremony! Previous events have included a real snow sledding hill, ornament decorating, letters to Santa, carriage rides, cookie decorating, music, food trucks, and the pond lighting ceremony. Entry to the event is free.

See Gainesville Eventbrite for more events!