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Explore Gainesville: Top Events and Attractions

Things to do in Gainesville Florida this week

Explore Gainesville: Top Events and Attractions from March 17 to March 30, 2025


Gainesville, Florida, is the perfect destination for those who love a mix of culture, history, and outdoor adventures. Whether you're planning a quick getaway, looking for exciting local events, or searching for a stunning venue for a special occasion, the next two weeks are packed with incredible opportunities. From world-class athletic championships to live music and scenic natural escapes, here’s a detailed guide to the best things to do in Gainesville from March 17 to March 30, 2025.


Upcoming Events in Gainesville


1. World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships (March 23-30, 2025)

🏅 This highly anticipated event is making history by being held in the U.S. for the first time! Gainesville will welcome elite athletes from across the globe to compete in various track and field, road racing, and throwing events. Taking place at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center, this championship is a must-see for sports fans and aspiring athletes.
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Visit Gainesville

2. Blues on the Patio Music Series (March 30, 2025)

🎷 If you love live music, don’t miss the "Blues on the Patio" series hosted by the North Central Florida Blues Society. Set at the A. Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Center, this event offers an intimate, laid-back atmosphere to enjoy some of the best blues musicians in the region.
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Gainesville Events

3. Trivia Nights at Tioga Town Center (March 17 & 19, 2025)

🧠 Enjoy a fun and challenging night with friends at one of Gainesville’s best trivia events. Hosted at Fluid on March 17 and World of Beer on March 19, these trivia nights promise entertainment, great drinks, and plenty of laughs from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
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Tioga Town Center


Top Attractions in Gainesville


1. Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History

🦋 Step into a magical world filled with hundreds of butterflies fluttering through a lush tropical garden. The Butterfly Rainforest is a peaceful, immersive experience perfect for visitors of all ages.
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Tripadvisor

2. Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

🌿 Escape into a 62-acre botanical paradise featuring the largest public bamboo display in Florida and an extensive herb garden. This scenic location is perfect for photography, a peaceful stroll, or a romantic afternoon.
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Kanapaha Gardens

3. Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park

🌎 This rare natural landmark is a must-visit! A massive 120-foot-deep sinkhole with ancient rock formations and cascading waterfalls offers a fascinating look into Florida’s geological past. A wooden boardwalk leads you down into this breathtaking site.
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Devil's Millhopper

4. Morningside Nature Center

🐾 Step back in time at this 278-acre nature park featuring an 1800s-style living history farm. Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails through preserved Florida landscapes, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching and nature lovers.
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Morningside Nature Center

5. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

🐴 This 21,000-acre natural gem is home to wild horses, bison, and over 300 bird species. Climb the observation tower for an unforgettable panoramic view of the prairie’s expansive landscape.
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Paynes Prairie


Looking for a Stunning Event Venue?


Planning a special event? The Laurel Oak Inn is the perfect venue, offering an elegant and intimate setting with historic charm.

🏡 What Makes This Venue Special?
✔️ A beautiful wrap-around porch for outdoor gatherings
✔️ Cozy dining and living rooms for intimate celebrations
✔️ Rent the entire Inn for the weekend, including 7 bedrooms and 7.5 bathrooms
✔️ ADA-accessible with one ADA-compliant room
✔️ You have complete control over your event budget—choose your own caterers and planners!


📅 Rental Details:

Minimum stay: 2 nights

Check-in: 4:00 PM

Check-out: 11:00 AM


Reserve your spot now: The Laurel Oak Inn Booking


Final Thoughts


With so many exciting things happening in Gainesville, the next two weeks are the perfect time to explore. Whether you’re attending a major sporting event, discovering hidden natural gems, or hosting a special celebration at The Laurel Oak Inn, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.



🌟 What are you most excited to do in Gainesville? Let us know in the comments! 🌟

📺 Want a quick preview of Gainesville’s top attractions? Check out this video:
Top 10 Best Things to Do in Gainesville, Florida - Travel Guide 2025


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.


BAMBUU Asian Eatery in Gainesville Florida
By Susannah Peddie April 2, 2025
BAMBUU Asian Eatery: Gainesville’s Go-To Spot for Flavor-Packed Bowls and Modern Vibes Gainesville’s dining scene just got a major upgrade with the arrival of BAMBUU Asian Eatery, a fast-casual fusion concept that’s already making waves across town. From build-your-own bowls to freshly prepared appetizers and a welcoming atmosphere, BAMBUU offers a delicious, modern take on classic Asian flavors—all served fast and made with care. Whether you’re craving comfort food with a twist or just need a healthy lunch option near campus or work, BAMBUU hits the spot. 🍜 What Is BAMBUU? BAMBUU Asian Eatery is a Florida-born concept that blends traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cooking with a fresh, contemporary spin. It’s designed to deliver quick, high-quality meals built around customizable options and clean ingredients. Everything is made-to-order, and you’re in control—choose your base, mix in your favorite proteins or veggies, and top it off with scratch-made sauces. It’s a fun, casual experience that doesn’t compromise on flavor or freshness. 🌐 Visit BAMBUU Online 📍 Where to Find It The Gainesville location is right in the action at 3606 SW Archer Road , in the busy Butler Plaza area. That makes it super convenient for University of Florida students, Shands staff, and anyone shopping or running errands in the area. Whether you’re grabbing lunch between classes or picking up dinner on your way home, BAMBUU’s spot is easy to access and surrounded by plenty of parking. 🍱 The Menu: Build Your Bowl, Your Way One of the most appealing aspects of BAMBUU is its build-your-own bowl format . Whether you're vegetarian, gluten-free, or just picky (hey, no judgment!), there’s something here for everyone. Start with a base like: White rice Fried rice Lo mein noodles Fresh greens Then add your proteins and vegetables—options include: Grilled chicken Spicy beef Korean BBQ pork Basil shrimp Tofu (for a plant-based option) Their signature combos include: The Bambuu Bowl : Choose 2 bases + 3 proteins/veggies The Four Bowl : 2 bases + 2 toppings The Two Bowl : A single base + 1 topping—perfect for lighter appetites Every bowl comes to life with bold sauces like sweet soy glaze, creamy sesame, or spicy chili garlic. 🧾 Explore the Full Menu 🥠 Don’t Skip the Starters Before you even get to your bowl, BAMBUU’s appetizers deserve their own spotlight. They offer crave-worthy sides that are ideal for sharing (or hoarding for yourself). Top picks include: Cream Cheese Rangoon – Crispy and golden with a creamy, savory filling Veggie Spring Rolls – Light, crispy, and perfect with dipping sauce Whether you’re dining in or ordering out, these are the perfect sidekick to any bowl. 🧑‍🍳 Fast-Casual Done Right BAMBUU offers a quick and easy dining experience without sacrificing quality. Guests walk through the ordering line (similar to Chipotle), selecting bases, proteins, veggies, and sauces as they go. It’s efficient, friendly, and made right in front of you—so there’s no wondering what’s going into your food. The interior is clean and modern with just enough flair to feel fun and welcoming—whether you’re eating solo or with a group. 🎉 Hosting an Event? They Cater, Too BAMBUU also provides group catering , which is perfect for office luncheons, family parties, or student events. Catering trays are available in several sizes and include full meals with proteins, bases, sauces, and sides. They make it easy to customize a spread for any crowd—with the same bold flavors and fresh ingredients they’re known for in-store. 🥡 Order Catering via ezCater 💬 Community First: Giving Back in Gainesville Since opening, BAMBUU has made it a point to give back to the Gainesville community. They’ve hosted appreciation events with free meals for teachers, hospital staff, and first responders , showing their gratitude to those who make the city better every day. That kind of heart isn’t something you see every day in a fast-casual restaurant—and it’s one of the many reasons BAMBUU is earning loyal fans quickly. 🚀 Growing in Florida This is BAMBUU’s second location , following their successful debut in Vero Beach . Gainesville was selected as their next stop thanks to its diverse, energetic population and thriving food culture. Their vision doesn’t stop here—more locations are in the works, including one coming soon to Clermont, FL. 📍 See All BAMBUU Locations 🌟 What Customers Are Saying Reviews have been glowing so far. Customers love the bold flavors, the speedy service, and the freedom to create a meal that’s just right for them. One happy diner shared: “Fresh, flavorful, and fast. Exactly what Gainesville needed. The spicy sauce was amazing, and I’ll definitely be back for the cream cheese rangoons.” 🗣️ Read Reviews on Yelp 📦 Dine Your Way: In-House, Pickup, or Delivery You can enjoy BAMBUU however you like: Dine-in for a casual sit-down meal Takeout for lunch breaks or dinners on the go Curbside pickup for convenience Delivery through DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats Whether you’re relaxing at home or on the move, your next flavorful meal is just a few taps away. Final Bite: Why BAMBUU Deserves a Spot on Your Foodie Radar Gainesville’s restaurant scene is always growing, but BAMBUU brings something fresh and exciting to the table. With high-quality ingredients, a commitment to community, and a menu that’s endlessly customizable, this is more than just another rice bowl joint. It’s a place to connect, eat well, and feel good about your meal—every single time. 📍 Visit BAMBUU at 3606 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32608 🌐 Order Online or View Menu 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.
Things to do in Gainesville Florida this week!
By Susannah Peddie March 26, 2025
From garden blooms to craft brews and scenic bike rides, Gainesville is full of life this weekend. Whether you’re planning to explore or host, this is the perfect time to enjoy all that spring has to offer. And when you’re ready to rest or celebrate, The Laurel Oak Inn and The Camellia Rose Inn provide ideal settings to unwind in style.
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