Events in Gainesville today

The Alachua County Farmers Market is a growers-only market where everything sold is grown within 50 miles by local farmers who personally bring their produce. It is a great place to meet the growers, ask questions about what is available, and get tips for storing and preparing fresh purchases. The market runs every Saturday year-round from 8:30 AM to 12 PM, or until all products are sold.

A fall toddler soccer program at Veteran's Memorial Park offers an eight-week series with age-specific sessions for 18 months to 3 years, 2 to 4 years, and 3 to 5 years. The cost is $135. For more information, contact Toddler Time at 352-425-0385.

Stay cool while supporting local makers at this indoor market hosted at The Abbey. Browse a curated selection of fresh baked treats, handcrafted goods, and other artisan products in a fully air-conditioned setting that keeps the shopping comfortable in any weather. Drinks are available, including craft beer, Bloody Marys, and mimosas, adding to the relaxed atmosphere. Prospective vendors can email theabbey@blackadderbrewing.com for details, and any outreach from other sources should be considered a scam.

LifeSouth is hosting its first Jeep meet blood drive at the LifeSouth Community Blood Center, combining a community donation effort with a gathering of Jeep enthusiasts. Donors can look forward to food, raffles, custom T‑shirts, and other perks. Since LifeSouth supplies blood to local community hospitals, every donation helps patients close to home. Appointments are encouraged to reserve a donation spot, Jeep owners are invited to show off their vehicles, and vendors are welcome to participate.

The inaugural All-City Games brings a high-energy celebration of sports and community purpose to Gainesville, Florida. The spotlight is on basketball, volleyball, flag football, and cheer, creating a citywide showcase where competition blends with a shared commitment to youth and families. More than a tournament, the event supports the Enduring Hope mission. Proceeds benefit the Enduring Hope Center’s programs, including transitional support, life skills workshops, and community outreach that help individuals and families build stability and self-sufficiency. Teams will vie for the title of All-City Champions, and opportunities are available for participants, vendors, sponsors, and volunteers who want to contribute to the cause. Return to Intimacy Ministry Corporations is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Contributions and sponsorships help fund charitable programs and may be tax deductible as permitted by law.

Alachua County Animal Resources hosts a summer adopt-a-thon focused on giving shelter pets a fresh start. Adoption fees are waived for all animals, and every adopted pet goes home with a special goodie bag to help start life with a new family. Visitors can meet lovable dogs ready for adventure and cats hoping for a cozy place to call home. The event highlights how community support increases visibility for animals waiting for a second chance and helps them find loving homes. It welcomes anyone interested in adopting, volunteering, spreading the word, or simply stopping by to connect with the pets, all with the shared goal of matching as many animals as possible with forever families.

This event features one-shot tabletop roleplaying adventures with tables for Pathfinder, D&D Adventurers League options for both beginners and advanced players, and a range of indie RPGs. Attendees must be 16 or older. Seating is limited at each table and spots are filled in order of arrival. It takes place at PunkOuter Games, a friendly shop with an inviting play area, refreshments, and a broad selection of cards, roleplaying games, and miniatures.

Experience a guided meditation offered as an immersive practice in spiritual and intuitive development. Drawing on shamanic approaches, breath work, inner journeying, guided visualization, and Tibetan Buddhist traditions, this session focuses on deepening awareness and cultivating a sense of the divine within. Suggested donation is $10.

Explore LyriCo Conservatory during an open house featuring free sample classes in music, dance, acting, and theatre. A live student Summer Showcase follows the open house. Families can meet the faculty, tour the conservatory, and discover the right fall class for their student. The event is free and open to all families, with prizes and a food truck on site.

Take part in a casual, new player friendly Magic: The Gathering The Hobbit prerelease where players build sealed decks and try the set for the first time. Entry is $40 and includes a prerelease kit with six The Hobbit Play Booster packs, one traditional foil promo rare or mythic rare, and an oversized spindown life counter. Two booster packs per participant are added to the prize pool. Tickets can be purchased online in advance, and entry is limited. Players who do not arrive and check in before play begins may be refunded and lose their spot. The event is hosted at PunkOuter Games, a welcoming venue with a clean and comfortable play area, refreshments, and a wide selection of gaming products from single cards to RPGs and miniatures.

Take part in a weekly competition in the Digimon constructed format. The entry fee is $10, and each registration contributes 1.5 booster packs to the prize pool. Tournament Packs may be offered while supplies last. Capacity is limited, and tickets are available for advance online purchase. Please check in before play begins to keep your place, otherwise your ticket may be refunded and the spot released. PunkOuter Games provides a clean, comfortable play space with refreshments and a wide selection of gaming products, from single cards to RPGs and miniatures. A Discord community is available for information about Digimon events at PunkOuter.

Take part in a weekly One Piece Constructed tournament designed for friendly competition and clear, organized play. The entry fee is $10, and each participant contributes 1.5 booster packs to the overall prize pool. Tournament packs are available while supplies last. Capacity is limited, and advance online ticket purchase is available. Players who do not arrive and check in before play begins may receive a refund and forfeit their spot. Hosted at PunkOuter Games, the event takes place in a clean, comfortable gaming space with refreshments and a store selection that includes single cards, RPGs, and miniatures. A Discord community is available for additional details about One Piece events at PunkOuter Games.

Smooth jazz fills the Promenade as rotating musicians perform on the second Saturday of each month. Attendees can relax with a drink or sweet treat while taking in the live music. With a new artist featured each time, every visit offers a fresh experience.

An immersive cocktail experience operated by descendants of Ichabod Crane invites guests to explore one of Gainesville, FL’s most haunted spots. Led by a tavern keeper, participants move through a guided sequence of four interactive cocktails while hearing eerie stories tied to the venue. A lingering spirit is said to make appearances, sometimes sitting in on the proceedings, so unexpected scares may arrive between sips for those feeling bold... or buoyed by a little liquid courage.

Catch The Shoddy Beatles performing live at The Wooly. The show will feature two sets, with doors opening at 8:30 PM. There will be paid parking, and the event is for ages 18+.

The Abbey hosts a summer indoor market in a cool, climate-controlled space where browsing stays comfortable in any weather. Local vendors offer fresh produce, baked treats, handcrafted goods, and other artisan finds. Craft beer, Bloody Marys, and mimosas are available as you explore the market. Prospective vendors can email theabbey@blackadderbrewing.com.

Enjoy casual Magic: The Gathering Commander play at PunkOuter Games. Participation is free, and players create their own pods and manage gameplay with their group. The Magic Companion App can be used to enter a code available on site so participation is recorded for in-store tracking by Wizards, which can influence the promotional items the venue receives to share at future Magic events. The app is preferred but not required to take part. PunkOuter Games provides a clean, comfortable play space with refreshments and a broad selection of gaming products, from single cards to RPGs and miniatures, suitable for both new and experienced players. This event recurs every Sunday.

Enjoy a laid-back Gunpla build session, perfect for tackling backlog projects or beginning something new. Both beginners and experienced builders are welcome, and the atmosphere supports sharing tips and working at your own pace. This gathering is part of a weekly series that runs every Sunday. It takes place at PunkOuter Games, a clean, comfortable space with refreshments and a well-stocked selection ranging from single cards to RPGs and miniatures, creating a welcoming setting for gamers of all experience levels.

Bonsai & Beer at Cypress & Grove Brewing Co. pairs a relaxed brewery setting with a practical introduction to the art of miniature trees. Suitable for beginners and seasoned plant fans alike, the workshop emphasizes approachable skills in a friendly atmosphere. Professional bonsai artist Alex Stanford, owner of Northeast Florida’s oldest bonsai nursery, leads the session. After a brief overview of bonsai history and fundamentals, participants work with tropical species that are simple to maintain, even with a busy schedule. With step-by-step guidance, you will pot, prune, wire, and shape a tree, then leave with a personalized bonsai to continue nurturing at home. Capacity is limited, and tickets serve as non-refundable reservations. If plans change, rescheduling to a different workshop date is available for a 15 dollar fee. Each ticket includes a quality pre-bonsai tree prepared for training, a real glazed ceramic pot, bonsai soil, wire, drainage mesh, fertilizer, and access to all necessary tools during the session, along with aftercare advice and ongoing support. Beer is available for purchase at the venue and is not included with the workshop.

Kids can step up to the mic for a karaoke session designed just for them. Every participating child will receive a $5 game redemption card, limited to one per visit.

Teams of two can take part in a Two-Headed Giant prerelease for Magic: The Gathering The Hobbit, building decks from fresh prerelease kits and getting an early look at the new set in a relaxed, newcomer friendly tournament. Entry is $40 and comes with a kit that includes six The Hobbit Play Booster packs, a traditional foil promo rare or mythic rare, and an oversized spindown life counter. For this format, partners pool six packs each for a total of twelve and build two decks from that shared card pool. Two booster packs per player are added to the prize pool. Attendance is capped, and tickets are available in advance through the store’s website. Please check in before the tournament begins to avoid losing your spot and receiving a refund. PunkOuter Games provides a dedicated play area with refreshments and stocks everything from single cards to RPGs and miniatures.

Compete in a weekly Gundam constructed tournament at PunkOuter Games. Entry is $10, and 1.5 booster packs are added to the prize pool for each entry. Space is limited, and tickets can be purchased online in advance to secure a spot. Be sure to arrive and check in before the event begins, as late arrivals may receive a refund and forfeit their place. PunkOuter Games offers a clean, comfortable gaming area with refreshments and shelves stocked with everything from single cards to RPGs and miniatures, creating a welcoming setting for both new and seasoned players.

Casual Pokémon play is the focus at PunkOuter's Pokémon League. A Pokémon Professor helps organize matches and can answer rules questions or clarify card interactions. The gathering is free to play and open to all ages, welcoming both newcomers and seasoned players. Beginners are encouraged, though the professor may not be able to provide continuous one-on-one instruction throughout the session. Dedicated learn to play sessions for new players are offered and appear on the store's calendar. If enough players are interested, a tournament may also be started. PunkOuter Games provides a welcoming environment with a comfortable gaming area, refreshments, and a wide selection of products ranging from single cards to roleplaying games and miniatures.

Jim Lauderdale, a defining voice in American roots music, appears with the pedigree of a 2025 Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee. Since his 1991 major label debut Planet of Love, he has toured internationally and become a top songwriter on Music Row, with his songs recorded by George Strait, Patty Loveless, George Jones, the Chicks, Old Crow Medicine Show, Lucinda Williams, Charley Crockett, Dave Edmunds, Solomon Burke, and others. From 2004 to 2013 he partnered with Grateful Dead songwriter Robert Hunter on six albums, and his collaborations extend to Buddy Miller, Elvis Costello, Donna the Buffalo, North Mississippi Allstars, Po' Ramblin' Boys, and Ralph Stanley. He received the Americana Music Association's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 and has earned two Grammys in the Best Bluegrass Album category. In 2026 he is set to add to a prolific catalog with Country Super Hits Volume 2 and a bluegrass release titled The Birds Know.

HealthScreen at HealthStreet provides free health checks for Florida residents with the greatest need. Screenings focus on high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. This community-focused effort is dedicated to serving residents who need these services most.

Industry Night at Bragging Rights welcomes people working in restaurants, bars, hotels, coffee shops, catering, and other hospitality roles. A selection numbering in the hundreds is available for unlimited play until close. Early in the event, admission is waived with any beverage purchase, and there is a 20 percent discount on Corona, Narragansett, and White Claw. Later in the evening, entry is $10, typically $15, and includes a drink ticket redeemable for any beverage.

Enjoy casual Flesh and Blood play and trading in a free to play, beginner friendly setting. Bring a constructed or blitz deck to play relaxed matches against other players. Participants handle their own table setup and rules calls. This is a weekly gathering every Monday. PunkOuter Games offers a comfortable gaming area with refreshments and a selection that includes single cards, RPGs, and miniatures for both new and seasoned gamers.

This weekly Grand Archive Constructed tournament offers structured play for fans of the game. Registration opens before the event, and matches begin promptly. Entry is $10, and 1.5 booster packs per entrant are added to the prize pool. Tickets are available for advance purchase on the store’s website, and capacity is limited, so buying ahead secures a spot. Failure to arrive and check in before the start may result in a refund and forfeiture of the reserved seat. Hosted by PunkOuter Games, which features a dedicated play area, refreshments, and a wide selection of gaming products, from single cards to RPGs and miniatures. Held every Monday.

Enjoy a relaxed Beyblade play and trade meetup that is free to participate in and welcoming to newcomers. Participants are encouraged to bring personal Beyblades or an arena and pair up for friendly matchups with other players. Each group manages its own setup and makes its own calls during play. This is a weekly gathering held every Monday. PunkOuter Games provides a friendly place to unwind and enjoy games, featuring a clean, comfortable play area, refreshments, and shelves stocked with everything from single cards to RPGs and miniatures.

Experience Israeli circle and partner dancing in a welcoming, upbeat setting. The session begins promptly, with optional beginner guidance available by request before the main activities, followed by circle dances and then partner dances. Extra help for newcomers can also be arranged after the session. Expect lively music, a friendly community, and an opportunity to move for fitness, improve balance, learn new steps, explore culture, and practice dancing with a partner. Beginners are encouraged to learn by participating, and when newcomers attend the group features accessible dances that are easy to follow. The cost is $10 per family. Those who want step-by-step instruction can arrange to meet before or after the regular session, and videos of the dances are also available for learning. To receive the newsletter or discuss financial accommodations, contact Andrew Weitzen at 352-327-3672 or publish@gainesvilledance.com.

Now in its second year, this Community School Readiness Event embraces the theme BREAKTHROUGH and builds on last year’s effort that delivered 200 fully stocked backpacks to Gainesville families with participation from the City of Gainesville and the Fire Department. Attendees can expect free backpacks and school supplies for K-12 students, complimentary food and refreshments, live music, bike giveaways, interactive experiences and activities, and appearances by community vendors and local speakers. The aim is to support 300 to 350 families so every child leaves ready for the first day of school. Admission is free.

A social dance evening with Andy features three back-to-back sessions: Argentine Tango, a Swing or alternate style, then Waltz with a mixed dance set. Each session begins promptly and blends a short lesson with plenty of social dancing, with coaching woven throughout. Partners are optional. New dancers are welcome in the Argentine Tango and Waltz sessions, which build from walking fundamentals, while the middle session is suited to those who already know the basic steps. The instruction emphasizes light, effortless partnering without force and clear skills for leading and following, supported by material from the book How To Dance With a Partner, which is available. Admission is $10 for the night. For questions, to receive the newsletter, to share attendance plans, or to discuss affordable options if cost is a concern, contact the organizer, Andrew Weitzen, at 325-327-3672 or publish@gainesvilledance.com.

Experience a free weekly improv gathering focused on fun, play, and community connection. Open to adults 18 and older, it offers a chance to learn and explore improvisation while meeting others and taking part in a community-minded atmosphere. The gathering takes place at Limelight Suite 11.

Explore how to refresh petite pieces with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in a relaxed, hands-on session. Learn core skills for small-scale projects, from smooth brushwork to finishes such as protective wax and subtle distressing. Whether you are trying this for the first time or already enjoy DIY, the focus is on approachable techniques that deliver quick, satisfying results. All supplies are included, so simply arrive ready to create something uniquely yours. Plan for about two to three hours, with timing shaped by the scope of your project. Water and sodas are provided, and you are welcome to bring your preferred beverage. Please note that registrations are final, seats are non-refundable, and bookings cannot be moved to another date.

This event offers essential care for pets belonging to people experiencing homelessness, including vaccinations, microchipping, heartworm testing, flea and heartworm prevention, and nail trims. Pet supplies will also be available, such as leashes, collars, dog jackets, and bowls. Sponsorships are needed to help cover the cost of care, and contributions of $50 for a dog or $30 for a cat provide meaningful support.

A relaxed Union Arena play and trade session that welcomes newcomers and seasoned players alike. Bring a constructed or starter deck for casual matches with other attendees, and handle your own setup and judging during games. There is no entry fee. This gathering happens weekly. PunkOuter Games provides a gaming area, refreshments, and a selection of products ranging from single cards to RPGs and miniatures.

V Pizza Gainesville hosts a live, weekly pop culture trivia night presented by Trivia Nation. The game is free to play and team based, with questions covering movies, music, and cult classics from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. Players may form a team with friends or family, or join a team on site. There are $100 in prizes available each week. A free answer of the week is posted on the Trivia Nation website to help with game points.

This community-centered effort provides free health screenings for Florida residents with the greatest need, focusing on hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

This complimentary Lunch & Learn combines a shared meal with practical guidance on putting your wishes in place for the future. The session explains how advance planning can make decisions easier later and provide lasting reassurance. Attendees can ask questions, receive clear answers, and explore available preplanning options, whether just beginning to consider them or ready to move forward. The goal is to leave with clarity and confidence so loved ones have direction when it matters most.

Join a calming, hands-on infant massage class designed for babies under 12 months and their caregivers. Through gentle, nurturing touch, you’ll learn techniques that can help soothe your baby, support sleep and digestion, and ease discomfort like gas or colic, while also strengthening the parent-baby bond. The sessions are calm and baby-led so both you and your little one can feel relaxed and connected. Bring socks and comfy clothes for your baby.

Explore the creative possibilities of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in a small project workshop that focuses on turning everyday items into unique pieces. Instruction covers the essentials for compact makeovers, including brushwork fundamentals, smooth application, and finishing techniques such as waxing and light distressing. It is welcoming to beginners and helpful for experienced DIY enthusiasts looking for quick, satisfying results. All materials are provided so the focus stays on creativity. The workshop typically runs 2 to 3 hours, with timing dependent on the scope of each project. Water and sodas are available, and attendees may bring their preferred beverage. Please note that reservations are final, seats are non-refundable, and dates cannot be transferred.

Casual play for Warhammer 40,000, Kill Team, and Age of Sigmar happens every Thursday. This beginner friendly, free to play gathering provides terrain and loaner armies from the game library, making it easy to try a game or jump back in. PunkOuter Games offers a welcoming place to relax and refuel, with a clean, comfortable gaming area, refreshments, and shelves stocked with everything from single cards to RPGs and miniatures for newcomers and seasoned players alike.

At Congregation B’nai Israel in Gainesville, this social dance evening features three back-to-back sessions. It begins with Argentine Tango, continues with West Coast Swing or another style, and finishes with Waltz alongside a varied dance mix or another option. Each session starts promptly and blends a little instruction with a lot of social dancing, with teaching sprinkled throughout the hour. No partner is required. Newer dancers are welcome in the Argentine Tango and Waltz sessions, where the core movement is simply walking. The middle session is intended for those who already know the basic footwork. Participants learn to move gently with a partner, light and relaxed without force, and guidance on leading and following comes from the book How To Dance With a Partner. Books are available. Admission is $10 for the night. A newsletter is available for updates about these sessions, and financial accommodations are offered if cost is a concern.

Learn about and experience Reiki, a gentle approach that eases stress, encourages relaxation, and supports healing. Participants will practice sensing energy, then share by both giving and receiving Reiki. No prior Reiki experience is needed. The donation is 10 or 20 dollars. For details or to reserve a spot, contact Lori at lori@thesacredearthcenter.com or text Shenna at 352-372-8594.

GSD hosts free swing dancing in an air-conditioned hall with hardwood floors at the Rosa B. Williams Center. The evening begins with a beginner lesson, and no partner or prior experience is needed. Dancers who keep coming can move into progressive lessons that steadily build skills and confidence. After lessons, the floor opens for social dancing so everyone can practice new steps and enjoy music in a welcoming, inclusive setting. Free street parking is available by the building and in the nearby Friends of the Library lot. Admission is free, and donations are appreciated in cash or via Venmo.