Exciting Upcoming Events: Festivals, Sports, and Celebrations
Exciting Upcoming Events in Gainesville: Festivals, Sports, and Cultural Celebrations
Gainesville is a city known for its vibrant community, thriving arts scene, and exciting events, and the next few weeks are packed with things to do! Whether you're interested in environmental conservation, local craft beer, fresh strawberries, sports, networking, or cultural celebrations, there’s something for everyone.
Here’s a look at some of the must-attend events in Gainesville over the next few weeks. If you're looking for ways to get involved in the community, support local businesses, or just have a great time, mark your calendar and check out these upcoming happenings.
1. Great Invader Raider Rally – February 22, 2025
Help Protect Gainesville’s Natural Ecosystem
If you’re passionate about environmental conservation, don’t miss the Great Invader Raider Rally on Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This annual event focuses on removing invasive plant species that threaten Gainesville’s native ecosystems. Volunteers work together to beautify public green spaces, prevent the spread of invasive plants, and help local wildlife thrive.
What to Expect at the Event
- Community Cleanup Effort – Volunteers will gather at various locations across Gainesville to remove invasive plant species.
- Educational Sessions – Learn about how invasive plants harm local ecosystems and what you can do to help.
- Games & Family Activities – Enjoy fun games and activities designed to educate participants about conservation.
- Community Engagement – Meet other environmentally conscious locals and make a difference together.
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Location: Various designated cleanup sites across Gainesville.
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Learn more and register to volunteer:
Gainesville.gov Great Invader Raider Rally
2. Swamp Fest 17 – February 22, 2025
Celebrate 17 Years of Swamp Head Brewery
Gainesville’s favorite craft brewery, Swamp Head Brewery, is turning 17 years old, and they’re throwing an epic birthday bash on February 22, 2025. Swamp Fest 17 promises a day filled with great beer, live music, food trucks, and outdoor fun.
What to Expect at Swamp Fest 17
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Exclusive Beer Releases – Limited-edition craft beers brewed specially for Swamp Fest.
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Live Music & Entertainment – Enjoy performances from local bands and DJs.
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Food Trucks – A lineup of Gainesville’s best food vendors serving delicious eats.
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Games & Giveaways – Participate in beer-related games and score some awesome brewery swag.
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Location: Swamp Head Brewery, Gainesville, FL
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More details:
Swamp Fest 17 Event Page
3. 5th Annual Strawberry Fest – February 22-23, 2025
Enjoy a Sweet Celebration of Florida’s Strawberry Season
If you’re a fan of fresh, locally grown strawberries, the 5th Annual Strawberry Fest is the event for you! Taking place on February 22-23, 2025, at the Suwannee County Fairgrounds in Live Oak, this festival celebrates all things strawberry.
What to Expect at Strawberry Fest
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Fresh Strawberries – Buy
farm-fresh strawberries straight from local growers.
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Delicious Strawberry Treats – Indulge in
strawberry shortcake, jams, pies, and more.
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Family-Friendly Fun – Rides, games, and activities for all ages.
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Live Music & Vendors – Local musicians and artisans showcasing their talents.
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Location: Suwannee County Fairgrounds, Live Oak, FL
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More details:
5th Annual Strawberry Fest
4. Florida Gators Softball Games – February 19 & February 21-23, 2025
Support the Florida Gators Softball Team
If you're a sports fan, now’s the perfect time to cheer on the Florida Gators softball team as they take the field for exciting matchups this month.
📅 Upcoming Games:
- February 19 – Florida Gators vs. North Florida (Home Game)
- February 21-23 – Florida Gators compete in the Sun Devil Classic in Tempe, Arizona, facing off against California Baptist, Arizona State, New Mexico State, Grand Canyon, and Iowa State.
⚾ Why You Should Attend:
- See top-tier collegiate softball in action.
- Support Florida Gators athletics.
- Enjoy the lively atmosphere at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.
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Location: Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium, Gainesville, FL (for home games)
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Game schedule & tickets:
Florida Gators Softball
5. Gainesville Area Women’s Network (GAWN) Luncheon – February 19, 2025
Learn About Intuitive Eating & Network with Local Women
If you're looking to network and learn, don’t miss the Gainesville Area Women’s Network (GAWN) Luncheon on February 19, 2025. The topic this month is "Intuitive Eating: Discover Your Eating Wisdom", which focuses on mindful eating, building a healthy relationship with food, and breaking away from diet culture.
💡 Why Attend?
- Gain insight into intuitive eating from expert speakers.
- Network with local women professionals and entrepreneurs.
- Enjoy a delicious meal while learning valuable information.
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Location: Gainesville, FL (Venue TBD)
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More details & registration:
GAWN Luncheon
6. “A Seat at the Table” Multicultural Exhibition
A Celebration of Culture, Art, and Diversity in Gainesville
This unique exhibition highlights multicultural art, food, and live performances. Attendees can experience poetry readings, diverse cuisine tastings, and an interactive art showcase that celebrates Gainesville’s rich cultural heritage.
🎭 What to Expect:
- Live Poetry & Spoken Word – Performances by talented local artists.
- Cultural Food Tastings – Sample dishes from various cultures.
- Art Exhibitions – A showcase of work from diverse local artists.
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Location: Gainesville, FL
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More details:
A Seat at the Table
Final Thoughts
Gainesville has a fantastic lineup of events happening in the next couple of weeks, offering something for everyone—whether you’re into community service, festivals, sports, networking, or cultural celebrations.
🎟 Which event are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments and be sure to share this guide with friends and family so they don’t miss out!
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For more local event updates, check out:
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Visit Gainesville’s Event Calendar
Looking for a place to stay while visiting the local Gainesville attractions? Look no further than Gainesville's locally owned vacation rental company, StayGainesville. Book directly on our site, or call us at 352-519-3994 for guidance. For homes and condos, StayGainesville has many options- large and small/ budget and luxury, and more. For a shorter stay, we have 2 beautiful historic Inns in downtown Gainesville. The Camellia Rose Inn and The Laurel Oak Inn- both have unique personalities and they both feel like a home away from home. Looking for more things to do in Gainesville? Visit our Things to Do link.
