Your Weekend in Bloom: 4 Gainesville Events You Can’t Miss

Upcoming Gainesville Events You Won’t Want to Miss! Festivals, Sports, and More Gainesville is bustling with exciting events over the next few weeks , offering something for everyone—from community projects and live music to delicious festivals and thrilling sports games . Whether you’re looking to volunteer, celebrate, network, or just have fun , there are plenty of activities to check out. Here’s a roundup of must-attend events in Gainesville happening soon. Whether you’re a food lover, nature enthusiast, sports fan, or art aficionado , this list has you covered! 1. Great Invader Raider Rally – February 22, 2025 Join the Movement to Protect Gainesville’s Natural Spaces If you’re passionate about the environment and love getting involved in community projects , the Great Invader Raider Rally is the perfect opportunity. Taking place on Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM , this event is dedicated to removing invasive plant species to help Gainesville’s native wildlife flourish. What’s Happening at the Rally? 🌿 Volunteer Cleanup – Help remove non-native plant species from local parks. 📚 Educational Sessions – Learn about the impact of invasive plants and how to protect the ecosystem. 🎉 Family-Friendly Fun – Games and activities for children to get them excited about conservation. 🤝 Meet Like-Minded Nature Lovers – Network with environmentalists, park rangers, and community leaders . 📍 Location: Various parks and conservation areas in Gainesville. 🔗 Sign up or learn more: Gainesville.gov Great Invader Raider Rally 2. Swamp Fest 17 – February 22, 2025 Celebrate Swamp Head Brewery’s 17th Anniversary with Great Beer & Live Music Gainesville’s iconic Swamp Head Brewery is turning 17 , and they’re celebrating with a massive birthday party ! Swamp Fest 17 , happening on February 22, 2025 , promises an unforgettable day of craft beer, entertainment, and community fun . Festival Highlights: 🍺 Exclusive Beer Releases – Limited-edition brews available only at this event. 🎶 Live Music & DJs – Enjoy sets from local musicians and guest DJs . 🍽 Food Trucks Galore – Savor some of the best local eats from Gainesville’s top vendors . 🎟 Fun Games & Prizes – Participate in beer-themed contests and giveaways . 📍 Location: Swamp Head Brewery, Gainesville, FL 🔗 Find out more: Swamp Fest 17 Event Page 3. 5th Annual Strawberry Fest – February 22-23, 2025 Enjoy Sweet Treats & Family Fun at the Strawberry Festival Nothing says Florida springtime quite like a festival dedicated to strawberries ! Head over to the Suwannee County Fairgrounds in Live Oak on February 22-23, 2025 , to experience the 5th Annual Strawberry Fest —a must-visit for foodies and families alike. Festival Highlights: 🍓 Farm-Fresh Strawberries – Buy locally grown, sweet, juicy strawberries to take home. 🍰 Strawberry-Themed Treats – Try strawberry shortcake, pies, jams, and specialty drinks . 🎠 Carnival Rides & Games – Perfect for kids and families looking for a fun-filled weekend . 🛍 Local Vendors & Artisans – Shop for handmade goods, crafts, and unique gifts . 📍 Location: Suwannee County Fairgrounds, Live Oak, FL 🔗 Get festival details: 5th Annual Strawberry Fest 4. Florida Gators Softball Games – February 19 & February 21-23, 2025 Cheer on the Gators at Their Next Softball Matchups Sports fans, it’s time to support the Florida Gators softball team as they gear up for some exciting games this month. If you love high-energy college sports , this is the event for you! 📅 Game Schedule: February 19 – Florida Gators vs. North Florida (Home Game) February 21-23 – Florida Gators play in the Sun Devil Classic in Tempe, Arizona, taking on California Baptist, Arizona State, New Mexico State, Grand Canyon, and Iowa State. ⚾ Why Attend? 🏟 Live College Softball – Witness some of the best talent in women’s softball . 🎉 Exciting Atmosphere – Join the electric energy of Gator Nation . 🍔 Game Day Experience – Enjoy stadium snacks, great seating, and cheer for your team! 📍 Location: Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium, Gainesville, FL 🔗 Game schedule & ticket info: Florida Gators Softball 5. Gainesville Area Women’s Network (GAWN) Luncheon – February 19, 2025 Discover Intuitive Eating & Connect with Local Women Leaders The Gainesville Area Women’s Network (GAWN) Luncheon is an empowering event designed to help women connect, learn, and grow professionally . This month’s topic is "Intuitive Eating: Discover Your Eating Wisdom," a discussion that promotes a healthier relationship with food and mindful eating habits . 💡 What to Expect: 🥗 Expert Insights on intuitive eating and wellness . 🏆 Networking Opportunities with local women in business, leadership, and entrepreneurship . 🍽 A Delicious Lunch while learning from industry professionals . 📍 Location: Gainesville, FL 🔗 Register or learn more: GAWN Luncheon 6. “A Seat at the Table” Multicultural Exhibition A Unique Celebration of Gainesville’s Diverse Cultures If you’re looking for an event that celebrates art, diversity, and creativity , be sure to check out “A Seat at the Table.” This multicultural exhibition features art, music, and food from different cultural backgrounds , bringing the community together in a beautiful and meaningful way. 🎭 Event Highlights: 🎤 Poetry & Live Performances – Enjoy spoken word, storytelling, and musical acts . 🍛 Multicultural Cuisine Tastings – Experience flavors from around the world . 🖼 Art Displays – View incredible works from local and international artists . 📍 Location: Gainesville, FL 🔗 More details here: A Seat at the Table Final Thoughts: Get Ready for an Exciting Few Weeks! From nature conservation and live music festivals to college sports and cultural exhibitions , Gainesville is brimming with activity in the coming weeks. 🗓 Which event are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to share this guide with friends and family who want to make the most of what Gainesville has to offer! 📅 For even more local happenings, visit: 🔗 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.