Spring into Gainesville: 4 Amazing Events Happening This Weekend
Spring into Gainesville: 4 Amazing Events Happening This Weekend (March 29–30, 2025)
Spring is in full swing, and Gainesville is celebrating with an exciting lineup of events this weekend! Whether you’re in the mood for flowers, fresh fruit, locally brewed beer, or an outdoor cycling adventure, March 29–30 is packed with fun. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your time in Gainesville.
🌺 1. Spring Garden Festival at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
📍 4700 SW 58th Dr, Gainesville, FL
🗓 Saturday & Sunday, March 29–30 | 9 AM – 5 PM
A Gainesville springtime tradition, this annual garden festival at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is a dream for nature lovers. With over 100 vendor booths offering plants, garden gear, and handmade items, you’ll find everything you need to bring a little green to your life. Sunday includes live music and local eats.
Helpful Hints:
- A wagon or cart will make plant shopping easier.
- Dress comfortably for outdoor walking.
- Sorry—no pets allowed at this event.
🍓 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)
Located a short drive northeast of Gainesville, the Strawberry Festival is a family favorite. Browse vendor booths, enjoy live music, and try all kinds of strawberry treats—from jam and shortcake to smoothies and chocolate-dipped fruit. The event is free and offers something for all ages.
Why It’s Worth the Trip:
- Free to attend
- Over 200 craft and food vendors
- A great way to support local makers and farmers
🍻 3. Hogtown Craft Beer Festival
📍 Cuscowilla Nature & Retreat Center, 210 SE 134 Ave, Micanopy, FL
🗓 Saturday, March 29 | 11:30 AM VIP Entry, 12 PM General Admission – 6 PM
If you’re a fan of craft beer, this outdoor festival is a must. Held beneath the trees at scenic Cuscowilla, the event offers unlimited samples of brews from some of the best breweries in Florida and beyond. There will also be food trucks and live music to keep the good vibes flowing.
Need-to-Know:
- Over 80 unique beers to taste
- Buy early—tickets increase to $59 after March 1
- Designated driver tickets available
🚴 4. Gainesville Cycling Festival
📍 Starting Point: Boys & Girls Club, 2661 NW 51st St, Gainesville, FL
🗓 Saturday & Sunday, March 29–30 | Rides start at 8:30 AM
Back for its 43rd year, this two-day cycling event invites riders of all experience levels to enjoy the gorgeous Florida landscape. Whether you’re in for a scenic gravel ride or a challenging century route, this festival has options to suit every cyclist.
Ride Options Include:
Saturday:
- Santa Fe Century – a 100-mile road ride
- Gravel Challenge – adventure-style riding on less-traveled routes
Sunday:
- Horse Farm Hundred – cruise through beautiful Marion County horse country
Extras:
- Fully stocked rest stops
- On-site support
- Meals provided for riders
🏡 Plan an Event or Weekend Stay in Gainesville? These Historic Inns Are Perfect
If you’re visiting Gainesville for the weekend or hosting a gathering of your own, two beautiful local inns—The Laurel Oak Inn and The Camellia Rose Inn—offer unforgettable charm and comfort. Each is ideal for reunions, showers, birthdays, or weekend escapes.
🌿 The Laurel Oak Inn – A Private Retreat in the Heart of Gainesville
🔗 Book Now
Looking for a venue with timeless elegance and total privacy? The Laurel Oak Inn is available for full-property rental and includes 7 bedrooms and 7.5 bathrooms—perfect for hosting your next celebration.
Included Amenities:
- Wrap-around porch and large side yard
- ADA-accessible room and facilities
- Beautiful common areas: kitchen, living room, and dining room
- Flexible planning: bring your own caterers and event vendors
- 2-night minimum stay (Check-in 4 PM, check-out 11 AM)
🌸 The Camellia Rose Inn – Victorian Style & Southern Hospitality
Tucked away just steps from downtown, The Camellia Rose Inn is a warm and welcoming bed and breakfast that’s perfect for small gatherings and quiet getaways. From the porch swing to the lush gardens, it offers a uniquely peaceful setting.
Best Suited For:
- Intimate weddings and family events
- Weekend escapes for couples or groups
- Photo sessions or tea parties
- A relaxing stay close to local restaurants and attractions
Wrap-Up
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.
🌞 Which event are you heading to first? Tag us in your photos and stories this weekend! #SpringinGainesville #GNVEvents
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.
