Visit Gainesville, Alachua County

12/31/2024

Prepare for an exhilarating outdoor adventure in Alachua County. Discover scenic trails at  O'Leno State Park, where footpaths wind alongside the

12/30/2024

Tuesday, December 31, ring in the new year with Visit Gainesville, Alachua County's list of New Year's Eve celebrations - beginning with the Sparks in the Park fireworks display at Depot Park, followed by live music, dance parties, delicious dining, the Downtown Countdown at Bo Diddley Plaza and more.

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The holidays are the perfect time to make memories with loved ones in Alachua County. Whether you're here for the weekend or the entire holiday season,

12/30/2024

Step into the new year with a First Day Hike on Wednesday, January 1, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Florida State Parks offer the perfect opportunity to explore the outdoors, discover natural beauty and incorporate a healthy habit. The First Day Hike at Dudley Farm Historic State Park features a guided birding walk with the Alachua Audubon Society.

12/29/2024

🎉Alachua County turns 200 today: Happy Birthday to our home sweet home! 🎉

Residents, neighbors and visitors make time to celebrate this amazing milestone and to herald another 200 years of community and growth at the county’s big birthday festival, Discover 200, January 11, 2025.

The daylong event features live music with headliner Kingfish Ingram, Chuck Ragan and the Camaraderie, beloved local bands, food trucks, exhibits and more!

See you there! 🥳🎂

🎉🎂 Happy 200th Birthday, Alachua County! 🎂🎉

Today, we honor two centuries of history, growth, and community! Founded on December 29, 1824, Alachua County is the sum of the events, people, and cherished places that make it the unique and special place we call home.

✨ Read the County Commission's inspiring Bicentennial Proclamation: https://tinyurl.com/bdf5tmrf

Because so many of our residents are traveling during the holidays, we're kicking off Discover 200 - A Bicentennial Celebration on Saturday, January 11, 2025, and we want YOU to join the fun!

✨ Get details about our incredible kickoff event: www.alachua200.com

🥳 Mark your calendars, and come be part of history! Let's make this 200th year unforgettable! 🎊

12/28/2024

✨ Find a moment of peace at Poe Springs in High Springs, FL. ✨
Whether you're dipping your toes in the crystal-clear water, enjoying a picnic under the oaks, or simply soaking in the stillness, Poe Springs is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the season. With a constant temperature of 72 degrees all year, any time of year is a great time to visit a Florida spring. Plan your visit today to discover the calm, beauty, and magic of Alachua County.
Poe Springs is located at 28800 NW 182nd Ave. in High Springs. Winter hours (October to March) are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Not open on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day or New Year's Day. Entry is FREE from October through April and always free for any individuals with disabilities.

12/27/2024

Saturday in downtown Gainesville, celebrate a whimsical look back at the events of 2024 at the FLYING PIG PARADE. Beginning at 2 p.m., over fifty groups participate including returning favorites like The Dancing Dinosaurs and The Weird Island Clown Band. Vivian Filer, a prominent local figure, leads the procession as the Grand Marshal. In her present role, she is founder and Chair of the Board of the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center.

The parade route begins at SE 1st Street and University Avenue in downtown Gainesville, marches to the Hippodrome Theatre and ends at Bo Diddley Plaza. Admission is free.

Following the parade, enjoy live music at Bo Diddley's Birthday Concert starting at 3 p.m. The Hippodrome Cinema presents $5 Flying Pig Parade double-features with "Santa Claus Conquers The Martians" at 4:30 p.m. and a mystery film screening at 7 p.m. Depot Village hosts the Flying Pig Parade After Party beginning at 4:20 p.m. Find more details and a YouTube video from the 2023 parade at flyingpigparade.org/

12/26/2024

Official Music Video for the song "You and I Alone" from Chuck Ragan's album, Till Midnight, on SideOneDummy Records.Till Midnight available here:https://sid...

12/22/2024

✨Shop local and make this holiday season extra special at the Shoppes at Thornebrook!✨

Nestled in the heart of Gainesville, this charming open-air shopping village is a hub for unique, locally owned boutiques, art galleries, and specialty stores. Whether you're searching for handcrafted jewelry, original artwork, stylish home decor, or gourmet treats, every purchase supports small businesses.

✨🛍️ Check out the Visit Gainesville shopping guide showcasing some of the best places to shop ‘til you drop at bit.ly/AlachuaShopping 🛍️✨

12/21/2024

This holiday season, make the charming City of Alachua your go-to destination for shopping and dining! Explore the heart of Alachua's Historic Downtown, where family-owned shops offer one-of-a-kind gifts like boutique clothing, candles, art, antiques, and more. Whether you're hunting for the perfect present or treating yourself, you’ll find treasures for everyone on your list. Discover why Alachua is the perfect blend of history, hospitality, and holiday cheer!

✨🛍️ Check out the Visit Gainesville shopping guide showcasing some of the best places to shop ‘til you drop at bit.ly/AlachuaShopping 🛍️✨

12/21/2024

Saturday in Newberry, the forecast calls for snow and holiday fun with Newberry Main Street Organization. View Nana’s Gingerbread Decoration Contest beginning at 4 p.m. and enjoy the snowy block party and annual Christmas Parade.

12/20/2024

The official video for Christone "Kingfish" Ingram's "662" the title track from the 2021 Grammy Award winning album of the same name.The number 662 reference...

12/20/2024

Come make holiday memories at Tioga Town Center, a unique destination for amazing local dining and shopping. Enjoy Tioga Movie Night Friday, December 20 at 7:30 p.m. featuring the Christmas classic, A Christmas Story! Don’t forget blankets and lawn chairs for a cozy, fun evening under the stars.

✨🛍️ Check out the Visit Gainesville shopping guide showcasing some of the best places to shop ‘til you drop at bit.ly/AlachuaShopping 🛍️✨

12/19/2024

Through Sunday, December 22, Experience the timeless magic of The Nutcracker performed by Dance Alive National Ballet. Follow Clara on her journey to the Kingdom of the Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy dazzles with grace and beauty. With stunning sets, costumes, and world-class dancing, this holiday tradition is a classic for the whole family.

Get tickets at performingarts.ufl.edu/events/

Experience the holiday favorite, The Nutcracker, with Dance Alive National Ballet! 🎄🩰

This holiday season, bring your family to witness a cherished tradition that has captivated hearts for generations. Dance Alive National Ballet’s The Nutcracker is a mesmerizing journey filled with twinkling snowflakes, magical characters, and Clara’s unforgettable adventure through the Kingdom of Sweets.🍬

Join us at The Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts:

* December 19, 20, & 21 • 7:30 PM
* December 21 & 22 • 2 PM

🎁 Gather your loved ones and let The Nutcracker light up your holiday season. Secure your tickets today by clicking the link below. 🎟️

🔗 https://performingarts.ufl.edu/events/the-nutcracker-6/

🌟 We can’t wait to see you there! 🌟

12/18/2024

✨📸 ‘Tis the season for picture-perfect moments! 📸✨

Step into the magic at Celebration Pointe and snap a festive shot inside the giant lighted ornament. It’s the ultimate holiday photo op and the perfect backdrop to capture your holiday cheer! Bring the entire family out for the final Celebration Pointe Holiday Market December 18 from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.