Make more FEST memories between sets with What’s Good

While you’re waiting for your favorite bands to plug in and turn up, dive into the local scene. From can’t-miss events to one-of-a-kind attractions, the What’s Good® Guide of Events helps you make the most of your time in Gainesville and Alachua County.

Explore more at VisitGainesville.com, and sign up to get What’s Good® delivered straight to your inbox.

Explore Downtown Gainesville and Beyond:

Start your stroll with a look up—historic gems like the Hippodrome Theatre offer more than just shows; they’re architectural showstoppers. Snap a mural selfie or stumble upon public art tucked between local shops.

When hunger strikes, graze your way through downtown. Hit up tried-and-true favorites like Pop-a-Top, Kava and more around Bo Diddley Plaza, then head to 4th Ave Food Park for open-air bites or South Main Station for flavor-packed options and breezy vibes. Craving more? Sip something chill at the Box Car at Depot Park, flip through vinyl at Here Again Records, or discover your next page-turner at Lynx Books.

After dark, turn up the fun—rack ’em at Palomino, hit high scores at Arcade Bar and Bragging Rights, or aim for bullseye thrills at Swamp Axe.

Have a little extra time? Hit the road and explore Alachua County’s charming historic towns where hidden gems, standout eats, and unique shops are waiting to be uncovered.

Snap, tag, and share your finds with #FEST and #WhyILoveGNV!

Tour the University of Florida campus:

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is home to the Florida Gators football team. The stadium is open to the public and you may enter at Gate 18. The UF Bat Houses, located across from Lake Alice, are home to hundreds of thousands of bats. At sunset, they emerge and fly through the sky on their nightly hunt to eat mosquitoes. View highlights from the collections at the Harn Museum of Art.

Are you UF Alumni or know someone with a Gator1 card? Have some outdoor fun at Lake Wauburg with stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, lakeside picnic areas, outdoor games, climbing wall and more.

Make a Splash in Area Springs:

Book an adventure with Anderson’s Outdoor Adventure and visit eight springs in eight miles along the Santa Fe River. Local springs feed into the Santa Fe River which makes a perfect paddle trip in a canoe, kayak or on a stand-up paddleboard.  Poe Springs Park features spring swimming, boat ramp access to the river and free entry in October.

Gather Here: Brewery Stops with Local Flavor:

The Alachua County Ale Trail breweries are notable neighborhood hangouts, community hubs, and the backdrop for memorable moments.

First Magnitude Brewing Company blends Gainesville roots with a passion for community and features shaded outdoor seating, event nights, and a welcoming “Source” tap room, it’s a local favorite for meetups, fundraisers, and food truck pop-ups.

Grand Scheme Brewing serves up a good time and a thoughtful rotation of house beers from its spot inside South Main Station. The brewery is surrounded by live music at Heartwood Soundstage, and delicious eats from Bingo Deli & Pub and Humble Wood Fire.

Blackadder Brewing Company offers a cozy, European-style retreat where friends gather over board games, conversation, and a rotating selection of guest brews, craft sodas, ciders and wine. At Cypress & Grove Brewing Company, the spacious lawn and historic setting draw locals and visitors alike. Weekly markets, food trucks, and live music turn this former ice plant into a lively crossroads of connection.

Daft Cow Brewery, the first of its kind in the city of Alachua, is a relaxed meeting spot where folks come together to unwind, enjoy the rotating tap list, and often catch live music or community events. Dry Wrought Cider crafts small-batch ciders served in an intimate tasting room that invites conversation.

High Springs Brewing Company captures the creative soul of its namesake town and is located just minutes from some of Florida’s most iconic freshwater springs. Here you will find that live music fills the air, yard games spark friendly competition, and the artsy, laid-back energy of the community flows as freely as the nearby rivers.

Swamp Head Brewery serves up Florida vibes with a scenic pond, laid-back outdoor stage, and “The Wetlands” tasting room drawing friends together under the pines.

Explore Over 100 Miles of Trails: Outdoor Adventures by Bike or on Foot

Bring your own bike or rent one from a nearby outfitter and cruise at your own pace along the scenic Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail—a paved 16.5-mile ride that starts at Depot Park and winds through shaded forests, prairies, and wetlands all the way to Hawthorne. Looking for a rugged ride? Tackle the off-road mountain bike trails at San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park in Alachua, known for its challenging terrain and natural beauty.

Gainesville’s Urban Trail Network connects parks, neighborhoods, and natural areas, making it easy to explore by bike. Start at Boulware Springs Park, home to the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail trailhead, and hop on connector routes to the Archer Braid Trail and beyond, weaving through Gainesville and Alachua County.

Along the way, immerse yourself in the region’s wild wonders. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park offers the chance to spot wild alligators, horses, and even bison. Hike down into a 120-foot limestone sinkhole at Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park, or step back in time at the 1800s-era Dudley Farm Historic State Park, where history comes to life.

Marvel at Florida’s largest Live Oak at Cellon Oak Park, explore the trails at Barr Hammock Preserve, or experience the disappearing Santa Fe River at O’Leno State Park.

Back in downtown Gainesville, unwind at Depot Park—stroll the promenade, stretch out on the open lawn, enjoy a treat at the Depot Station, featuring the Parkside Convenience store, Box Car Beer and Wine Garden and Goldie’s Burger. Spark your curiosity at the Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention. Just a short drive south, Sweetwater Wetlands Park offers 3.5 miles of peaceful walking trails, plus hundreds of bird species and native wildlife.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Adventure:

• Lather up—Florida sun waits for no one. Sunscreen is a must.
• Bug off! Insect repellent helps keep the good vibes going (and the bites away).
• Hydration is key. Keep that water bottle full and sip often.
• Bringing your four-legged sidekick? Treat them to a stay at Camp Run-A-Mutt while you explore.
• Swing by the Visit Gainesville, Alachua County office at 33 N. Main St.—right across from The Wooly. Say hello, snag a free map, and load up on local tips.
• Want more of What’s Good®? Head to VisitGainesville.com and dive in.

For more of What’s Good® click over to VisitGainesville.com