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

Your Weekend in Bloom: 4 Gainesville Events You Can’t Miss (March 29–30, 2025)
Looking for the perfect way to soak up Gainesville’s springtime vibes? From floral festivals and local produce to craft brews and scenic bike routes, this weekend is overflowing with experiences that highlight everything we love about North Florida. Here’s a guide to four standout events happening March 29–30, 2025.
🌼 1. Spring Garden Festival at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
📍 4700 SW 58th Dr, Gainesville, FL
🗓 Saturday & Sunday, March 29–30 | 9 AM – 5 PM
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Festival Details & Admission
Now in its 32nd year, this annual favorite draws thousands of garden lovers to explore Kanapaha’s vibrant spring showcase. With 100+ booths of plants, crafts, garden decor, and educational exhibits, it’s a wonderful way to welcome the season. Sunday will feature live entertainment and food trucks nestled among the lush grounds.
What to Know:
- Bring a wagon if you plan to shop for plants.
- Sunscreen and comfy shoes are a must!
- Sorry, no dogs allowed at this one.
🍓 2. Bradford County Strawberry Festival
📍 Bradford County Fairgrounds, 2300 N Temple Ave, Starke, FL
🗓 Saturday, March 29 (9 AM–6 PM) & Sunday, March 30 (10 AM–5 PM)
Craving a good old-fashioned celebration? The Strawberry Festival is just a short drive from Gainesville and offers a jam-packed weekend of sweet strawberry treats, handmade goods, and family-friendly fun. Browse the rows of food trucks and local vendors, then grab a slice of strawberry shortcake and enjoy the music.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Free admission and parking
- More than 200 vendors
- Great for kids, couples, or group outings
🍺 3. Hogtown Craft Beer Festival
📍 Cuscowilla Nature & Retreat Center, 210 SE 134 Ave, Micanopy, FL
🗓 Saturday, March 29 | VIP Entry at 11:30 AM, General Admission from 12 PM – 6 PM
Ready to sample your way through one of the best beer events in Florida? Set among the pines at Cuscowilla, this laid-back beer fest brings in breweries from across the Southeast. General admission includes unlimited tastings, access to live music, and plenty of tasty eats from local food trucks.
Festival Perks:
- More than 80+ craft beers to try
- Relaxed, outdoor setting
- Designated driver and VIP ticket options available
Ticket Prices:
- $49 until Feb 28
- $59 starting March 1
🚴 4. Gainesville Cycling Festival
📍 Start Line: Boys & Girls Club, 2661 NW 51st St, Gainesville, FL
🗓 Saturday & Sunday, March 29–30 | Rides begin at 8:30 AM
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Explore Ride Routes & Register
Whether you’re a weekend rider or a hardcore cyclist, this two-day cycling event offers routes designed to highlight North Florida’s scenic beauty. Join fellow riders for one or both days and choose from a challenging road ride, a gravel course, or a rolling countryside adventure through horse country.
Saturday Rides:
- Santa Fe Century (100 miles)
- Gravel Challenge
Sunday Ride:
- Horse Farm Hundred – a scenic tour of Marion County’s famous equine estates
Included for Riders:
- Rest stops, SAG support, breakfast & lunch
- Well-marked routes
- A supportive cycling community
🏡 Hosting an Event or Weekend Gathering? Two Beautiful Inns Await
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, planning a small event, or looking for a unique stay during festival weekend, Gainesville offers two exceptional inns that double as event spaces. Both are locally loved for their Southern hospitality, timeless charm, and versatile accommodations.
🌿 The Laurel Oak Inn – Historic Elegance in a Quiet Setting
The Laurel Oak Inn is a stunning Victorian-era home available for full-property rental, making it perfect for private parties, family reunions, or weekend retreats. Enjoy exclusive use of 7 bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms, and stylish common areas including a spacious kitchen, wrap-around porch, and side yard.
Amenities:
- ADA-compliant guest room
- Event-friendly spaces inside and out
- Full kitchen and flexible event layout
- Bring your own caterers and event team
- 2-night minimum stay
🌺 The Camellia Rose Inn – Victorian Charm Meets Downtown Convenience
Steps from downtown Gainesville, The Camellia Rose Inn blends elegance and comfort. With its garden views, antique furnishings, and cozy rooms, it’s ideal for everything from bridal showers and small ceremonies to girls’ weekends and peaceful getaways.
Why Guests Love It:
- Lush garden and front porch perfect for photos
- Elegant parlor and dining spaces
- Intimate, relaxed atmosphere
- Flexible event planning with local vendor recommendations
Wrapping Up
This is one of those weekends that makes Gainesville shine. Whether you're a gardener, foodie, beer enthusiast, or cyclist, there's a celebration waiting for you. And if you’re sticking around or bringing guests to town, why not stay in style at one of Gainesville’s most beautiful inns?
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Don’t forget to tag your adventures! #GainesvilleEvents #SpringinGNV
📍 Plan early, book smart, and make the most of spring in Gainesville.
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.



