Visit Gainesville, Alachua County

06/01/2026

Slide into summer fun during Water Days at Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center.

From June 3–5, families are invited to cool off with three days of kid-friendly outdoor fun featuring water slides, sprinklers, baby pools, water games, and more at this summer celebration hosted by Fun 4 Gator Kids and the Children’s Trust of Alachua County.

Designed for children ages 6 months to 12 years old, Water Days offers plenty of opportunities to splash, play, and enjoy the sunshine, with optional swimming available at the Cuscowilla Pool. Families are encouraged to pack a picnic, grab a snow cone, and spend the day making summer memories together.

Event details: https://www.visitgainesville.com/event/fun-for-kids-water-days/2026-06-03/

06/01/2026

Congratulations to Afternoon on an incredible achievement.

Being recognized in the prestigious MICHELIN Guide as the first recommended restaurant representing Gainesville is a milestone worth celebrating. This recognition shines a spotlight not only on the talented team behind Afternoon, but also on the growing culinary scene that makes Gainesville and Alachua County such a special place to dine and explore.

North Central Florida is on the map, and this honor is well deserved. Congratulations to the entire Afternoon team on this remarkable accomplishment. We look forward to seeing what comes next.

We are so honored to be the first recommended restaurant representing our hometown of Gainesville Florida to be featured in the Michelin Guide to Florida! North Central Florida represent!

05/30/2026

Catch a weekend of fast-paced competition at the Gator Open Volleyball Tournament at the Alachua County Sports & Events Center.

May 30–31, top volleyball talent from across the region heads to Gainesville for an exciting showcase of high-level play, bringing together athletes, coaches, and fans for a weekend filled with energy and competition.

Hosted inside the state-of-the-art Alachua County Sports & Events Center, the tournament features standout programs, nonstop matchups, and an atmosphere built for both players and spectators to enjoy.

Whether you’re cheering from the sidelines or following your favorite team, the Gator Open delivers a memorable weekend of volleyball in Gainesville.

Event details: Alachua County Sports & Events Center

05/29/2026

Kick off summer with live country music under the North Florida sky at High Springs Brewing Company.

On Saturday, May 30, Cliff Dorsey and his full band bring the energy to High Springs for the opening night of the 2026 Florida Concert Series. The family-friendly evening features live music, a special guest opener, food trucks, new merchandise, and plenty of hometown summer vibes.

Guests are encouraged to arrive early, bring camp chairs, and settle in for a night filled with music, community, and the kind of laid-back summer atmosphere that feels right at home in Alachua County.

Event details: https://www.highspringsbrewery.com/

This event is funded in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County.

05/29/2026

Start your Saturday morning with scenic cycling and quiet backroads during the Lochloosa On My Mind cycling ride in Alachua County.

Beginning at Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park, this community ride, organized by Unpaved Attitude, takes cyclists through the peaceful landscapes surrounding Lochloosa Lake, featuring multiple course options designed for a variety of experience levels.

Riders can enjoy rural North Central Florida roads, beautiful lake views, and a laid-back cycling atmosphere built around community and adventure on two wheels.

Whether you’re looking for a casual ride or a longer route to challenge yourself, this is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Alachua County during Bike Month.

Event details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1442902603993665

05/29/2026

Spend the weekend exploring Gainesville’s creative side during the annual GFAA Studio Tour.

The Gainesville Fine Arts Association kicks off the celebration Friday, May 29, with an opening party and gallery exhibit during Artwalk Gainesville before inviting visitors into artist studios throughout the weekend for a self-guided tour across the area.

Meet local painters, potters, and makers, experience live demonstrations, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process while discovering original artwork available directly from the artists.

From gallery spaces to working studios, this annual event offers a unique way to connect with Gainesville’s thriving arts community.

Event details: https://www.gfaastudiotour.org

This event is funded in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County.

05/28/2026

Summer is settling into Alachua County with the kind of week that keeps people lingering outdoors a little longer. Downtown Gainesville’s arts scene comes alive this weekend during the annual Gainesville Fine Arts Association Studio Tours - stroll between galleries, meet local artists, and watch their craft in action. A new GFAA exhibit opening and Artwalk add even more creative reasons to wander downtown Gainesville after hours.

Across Alachua County, families can cool off during Water Days at Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center, cyclists can take the scenic route on a guided tour around Lochloosa Lake, and live music fills the air at the Heartwood Soundstage With Everything Going On Festival and at High Springs Brewing Company with country artist Cliff Dorsey.

Read on for more of What’s Good®. Your partners at Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Sign up for more of What’s Good® https://www.visitgainesville.com/events/


Photo Credit 📸🌻 Special thanks to our very own Bailey McClellan, Agricultural Economic Development Coordinator for Visit Gainesville, Alachua County. These beautiful, fresh flowers came straight from her farm, showcasing the natural beauty and agricultural roots that make Alachua County so special.

05/28/2026

🚴‍♂️ Celebrate Bike Month by exploring Gainesville and Alachua County on two wheels.

From scenic paved paths to rugged off-road adventures, Alachua County is home to biking trails for every kind of rider. Cruise beneath shady canopies, ride alongside Florida wildlife, and discover why Gainesville is recognized as a Silver-tier Bicycle Friendly Community and designated Trail Town.

Whether you’re planning a casual afternoon ride or chasing your next mountain biking challenge, there’s a trail waiting to be explored this May.

Ready to ride? Check out some of our favorite biking trails here:
https://www.visitgainesville.com/outdoor-recreation/biking-trails-one/

Follow Visit Gainesville, Alachua County, for more outdoor adventures, local favorites, and hidden gems throughout the destination.

05/24/2026

Spend Memorial Day surrounded by wildlife and conservation at Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation.

Join Carson Springs on Monday, May 25, for a guided tour led by professional zoologists, offering visitors the chance to walk or ride through the conservation center while learning about rescued exotic animals and ongoing wildlife conservation efforts.

Along the way, guests can experience close-up encounters with lions, lemurs, giraffes, and more, plus watch exciting big cat feeding demonstrations throughout the tour. Optional experiences like giraffe feeding and lemur interactions may also be available to book upon arrival.

Recognized as one of Gainesville’s top attractions on TripAdvisor, Carson Springs offers an unforgettable experience rooted in rescue, education, and conservation.

Tickets and details: https://carsonspringswildlife.org/

This event is funded in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County.

05/24/2026

Celebrate National Fruit & Vegetable Day (Sunday, May 24, 2026) all week by incorporating produce grown right here in Alachua County into your shopping plans.

Shop at one of several local farmers' markets this week, schedule a CSA produce box pickup or home delivery, or support local food businesses that bring fresh ingredients to the community.

LOCAL GROCERY + PRODUCE STANDS

Afternoon Coffee Shop + Swallowtail Farm Bodega | Open Daily
Brown's Farm | Closed Sundays
Farmstead Direct | Coming Soon in Waldo, FL!
The Grove Shack & Noah’s purpose | Thursday – Sunday
Ward's Supermarket | Open Daily

FARMERS MARKETS
MONDAYS
Grove Street Farmers Market | 4 PM – 7 PM

TUESDAYS
Archer Farmers Market | 3 PM – 7 PM

FRIDAYS
High Springs Farmers Market | 3 PM – 7 PM

SATURDAYS
Alachua County Farmers' Market | 8:30 AM – 12 PM
Farmers Market on Main Street-Alachua | 9 AM – 1 PM
Haile Farmer's Market | 8:30 AM – 12 PM
Sweet Roots Organic Farm & Nursery | 9 AM – 12 PM
Waldo Farmer's and Flea Market | 8 AM – 4 PM

MONTHLY MARKETS
San Felasco Market | First Wednesdays | 4:30 PM – 8 PM
Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary Moo-Ket | First Sundays | 12 PM – 4 PM

COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE + ONLINE FARMERS MARKETS
Working Food Online Farmers Market
Frog Song Organics Farm CSA Box + Home Delivery
Siembra farm CSA Box

📸 Photo: Ward’s Supermarket
515 NW 23rd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32609