In an effort to help everyone find upcoming events we will be posting them here rather then on our regular blog. If you know of an event that we have missed email us at info@KristenAndRebecca.com with the details. Or you can find more great local Gainesville events at Fun For Gator Kids!
January
The Hoggetowne Medieval Faire
Saturday and Sunday, January 26th and 27th: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Saturday and Sunday, February 2nd and 3rd: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
$14 for adults / $7 for ages 5-17
Friday, February 1st from 9:30 – 3:00 PM
Friday admission is half price and discounted prices for school groups
For two consecutive weekends, the Alachua County Fairgrounds will transform into a medieval marketplace during the 27th Annual Hoggetowne Medieval Faire. The clear blasts of trumpets mingle with the laughter of children as the kingdom of Hoggetowne opens its gates. Dancers and singers in medieval garb captivate crowds, while hundreds of artisans sell jewelry, hand-blown glassware, wood carvings and medieval fashions. Guests can enjoy acts on eight stages of entertainment, with performances by gypsy dancers and mystifying magicians. On the jousting field, armored knights battle one another from horseback for the honor of the king and queen. Another battle brews during the living chess match, in which Eleanor of Aquitaine matches wits with her Husband Henry Il as pieces on a living chessboard. Children can embark on their own adventures by enjoying human-powered push rides and camel, elephant and pony rides. Guests who arrive early will be greeted by a gathering of performers, actors and characters.
Alachua County Fairgrounds: 2900 NE 39th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32609
For more information: (352) 393-8536
February
Hot Rodding for Heroes February 16th
11:00AM FREE
The Hot Rodding for Heroes Classic Auto Tour and Show is proudly hosted by two of the most picturesque and charming settings that North Florida has to offer: the Haile Plantation Village Center and the Haile Plantation Golf and Country Club. The show portion will start with the tour’s arrival at 11:00am, which is open free to the public. Cars will be distributed throughout the Village Center and Golf Course, along with area vendors, a child’s area, R/C race track, live music, and a host of other amenities.
Haile Village Center and Haile Golf and Country Club, Gainesville, FL 32608
www.hotroddingforheroes.org
Winter Fine Art Fair at Tioga Town Center
Friday, February 15th 5:00PM – 9:00PM
Saturday, February 16th 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Sunday, February 17th 10:00AM – 6:00PM
6th Winter Fine Art Fair @ Tioga Town Center features the works of 120 artists and fine craftsmen, music, kids activities and food vendors. Tioga Town Center: SW 128 St and West Newberry Rd. / For more information, call (352) 692-4466
www.tiogawinterartfair.org
Stomp the Swamp February 9th
10:00AM – 12:00PM
Registration is $15 Pre-Registration, and $20 at the door, and includes a T-Shirt, breakfast, and the chance to win cool prizes!
UF’s Stomp the Swamp for Autism is an annual fitness event held at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium to benefit UF’s Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. This fitness event held at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium benefits UF CARD. UF CARD, the only center of its kind in North Central Florida, provides services free of charge to 2,500 constituents from more than fourteen Florida counties. Participants are able to run or walk “stadiums” at UF’s Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, or run or walk the inner track of the stadium. Prizes will be awarded to the top male and female participants in each category. Families are encouraged to attend, and all children ages 12 and under can participate for free! Children will enjoy a specialized track and fitness event, as well as arts, crafts, and games hosted by UF student organizations.
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on the UF campus, Gainesville, Florida
www.facebook.com/events/166154153508912/
March
NHRA GatorNationals Dates Unknown for 2014 at this time
Tickets: $16-$65 for adults / $10-$24 for children
The traditional East Coast opener and the season’s first of 17 events for Pro Stock Motorcycle riders, this event is one of the sport’s most revered with a rich tradition of history-making performances. This hallowed quarter-mile has entertained spring-break-loving fans for decades with such notable occasions as the first 260-mph Top Fuel and Funny Car runs in 1984 and the first 270-mph and 300-mph Top Fuel passes, in 1986 and 1992, respectively. Its 675-foot concrete launch pad is one of the longest on the tour.
Gainesville Raceway: 11211 N. County Rd. 225, Gainesville, FL 32609 / (352) 377-0046
www.gainesvilleraceway.com
March 24th – March of Dimes Walk for Babies Alachua County at Westwood Middle School. Sign up here: http://www.marchforbabies.org/ or visit http://suncountrysports.com/community.html
March 31st- ALL SATURDAY EASTER EGG HUNTS:
-O2BKids Eggstravaganza at Newberry Rd location with bounce houses, carnival games, and more $10 or Free to members and all adults beginning at 10am;
-The Little Shop in Tioga Town Center: Separate age groups 1 to 2, 3 to 5, 6+. Bounce House, Photos with the Easter Bunny, Craft, Snacks, Raffle, Breakfast & Lunch with the Easter Bunny, Golden Egg with 100$ prizes; 9:00AM – 12:00PM; $15 for the first child and $10 for each additional child; Register online at www.thelittleshopgnv.com/hunt.html
– Egg Hunt at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church begins at 10am
-14th annual Easter Egg Hunt hosted by Milam Milam Funeral Home with over 3000 eggs. Children will hunt for the eggs in age groups There will also be a huge bounce house with a slide and a maze; 2 little choo choo trains; a fire truck, a dump truck and a Model A. The Sheriff’s Department will be there to do finger printing with the children AND the Easter Bunny will here! PLUS there will be FREE hot dogs, cookies, lemonade and coffee. 10am-12pm
-Egg Hunt at Garison Way on Tower Rd. GW Homes is hosting a Family Fun Day at the Garison Way community. Stgarting at 10 am, there will be plenty of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. A bounce castle, sweet treats, pictures with the Easter Bunny and an egg hunt await you! Find the golden egg and win a special prize
March 31st – Making Music, Art and Stories with Johnny Dame and Annie Pais. This is a free program produced by Florida’s Eden as part of Traveling on The Blue Path water awareness project. Located at the Doris The Doris Bardon Community Cultural Center. Free from 1pm-4pm. Contact Annie Pais for more information 352-377-0777.
March 31st -Nature Plant Sale largest offering of native plants in North Florida hosted cooperatively by the City of Gainesville’s Nature Operations Division of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, the Friends of Nature Parks (FNP)and the Payne’s Prairie chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society (FNPS). Cash or checks only. 8:30am-12:30 pm3540 E. University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32641 www.natureoperations.org
March 31st– O’Leno Ole’ Chili Cook Off and Springs Celebration at O’Leno State Park in High Springs. CHilli Cook-off starting at 9am and Springs Celebration 11am-3pm with music, activities and chilli. Free with one can food per person.
March 31st– Reddick BBQ Festival in Downtown Reddick just south of McIntosh. Yard sale begins 7:30 and live music, events and BBQ Battle start at 10:30am www.reddickbbqfestival.org
March 31st – Rise N Run 1K or 5K at Westside Park starting at 8am. $20 for 5K or $7 for 1K. The University of Florida Health Administration Student Association and Fitzness International’s Morning Mile host this event to fight childhood obesity.
April
April 21st – Swamp Dash & Bash at the Rembert Farm. Get covered in mud from Head to Toe and have fun doing it! www.SwampDash.com
April 21st -April 29th – 2012 Spring Parade of Homes in Gainesville, FL CLICK HERE for information on where to pick up the parade book, FAQ, and ticketing information
April 21st – FREE EVENT 10:00M – 5:00PM ! Lost Art Gallery is excited to present the Primavera Chalk Festival, bringing talented chalk artists from all over Florida to create their masterpieces on the clean, white sidewalks of Thornebrook Village. The event will also feature graffiti artists who will be painting on clear plastic around the plaza. In addition to the artists, the festival will host live music, food vendors, a garden festival, and a “little chalkers” corner for children. Enjoy this unique festival with the whole family. Thornebrook Village: 2400 NW 43rd St., Gainesville, FL, 32605
April 21st – Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale 9AM – 6PM
Our large building houses a great many books and welcomes volunteers of all ages! We accept donations year-round and have many volunteers who sort, price, and arrange these books for our semi-annual book sales which are open to the public. The money made during the book sales is used for budgeted library support, scholarships for library staff, special projects, and county literacy projects. Additional dates & times:
Saturday, April 21st: 9AM – 6PM
Sunday, April 22nd: 1PM – 6PM
Monday, April 23rd: Noon – 8PM
Tuesday, April 24th: Noon – 8PM *1/2 price day
Wednesday, April 25th: Noon- 6PM *10 cent day
430-B North Main Street, Gainesville, Florida 32601 / (352) 375-1676
April 25th – Kindergarten Roundup: Register your child for Kindergarten
Any child who will be 5 on or before September 1 may report to your zoned school with:
– Birth certificate
– Immunization record
– Proof of physical exam
– Social Security Card
– Two different proofs of residence in parent’s name. Examples of Proof of Residence include: Property Tax Statement; Homestead Exemption Lease Agreement; Declaration of Domicile Utility Bill.
If you are unable to attend Round-Up, you may register your child for kindergarten any time after April 25, 2012
Public Elementary Schools in Alachua County
April 28th – 11th Annual Cattle Barons’ Ball at the Rosenberg family farm in Alachua. www.cbbgainesville.com
April 28th & 29th – (Free Event) Make a date with Cedar Key and enjoy sauntering down Historic 2nd Street while enjoying fine art from a very select group of incredibly talented artists. Featuring award-winning fine art, paintings, sculptures, jewelry, crafts, ceramics, textiles, photography, and more. All this while taking in tasty fresh local seafood from our casual and fine dining seaside restaurants, and beautiful coastal scenery in this unforgettable Old Florida setting.Featuring award-winning artists in a family-friendly setting.
Cedar Key FL www.cedarkeyartsfestival.com
April 28th & 29th – 35th Annual High Springs Pioneer Days Event! High Springs celebrates its wild past with Pioneer Days, a two-day festival featuring music, food, an arts-and-crafts show, and fun for children. “Outlaws” roam the streets to tease tourists into attending the main action: a shootout at the railroad tracks.High Springs, FL
May
May 12th – Windsor Zucchini Festival 9:00AM – 4:30 PM FREE! An annual event celebrating the zucchini! This event feature tons of activities fun for the whole family! Kids activities include: Space Walk, Moon Walks, Jumps and Inflatable Slides plus Pony Rides and a Rock Climbing Wall. Some of the many family activities and attractions include: Duke of Zuke & Zuqueenie Pageant, Zion Hunt – Games – Hay Rides, Fried Zucchini – Zucchini Ice Cream, Live Band providing music, B-Magic Show, and MORE!
Windsor, FL www.afn.org/~windsor/activities.htm
May 13th – 2:00PM The Gainesville Community Band, official band of the City of Gainesville, invites you to its 37th annual Mothers Day Concert. Treat yourself and mother to an extra special event, a concert by a first-class musical organization, and it is free. We dedicate this concert to mothers everywhere, and we look forward to welcoming all mothers who attend as our special guests. There is no charge for admission.
Trinity UMC: 4000 NW 53rd Ave. Gainesville, FL 32653 / (352) 416-3017 www.gnvband.org
May 19th – Newberry Watermelon Festival 9:00AM – 5:00PM FREE EVENT! The watermelons are always provided from a local grower and given to the festival goers for FREE. Some of the favorite festival activities started many years ago and still continue today. These Saturday activities include contests for watermelon eating, seed spitting, hog calling, pie/cake baking, and of course the “Big Melon.” We have beauty pageants for ages 0-22 years. Free concert on Saturday night of the festival.
Oak View Middle School, Newberry, FL 32669 www.newberrywatermelonfestival.com
May 19th– Sun Country’s Anniversary Recital, “Home Sweet Home, at 1:30pm at the Phillip Center for Performing Arts. $9 tickets sold at Sun Country West or at the Phillips Center Box Office. For more information, you may contact Sun Country Sports Center, or Judy Benton, Director of Dance, at 352-331-8773 or dance@suncountrysports.com.
May 25th – May 28th –Blue Crab Festival in Palatka! Admission, parking and entertainment are FREE Bumper Cars, Climbing Wall, Petting Zoo, Kids’ Train Ride, Mechanical Bull! Plus food, rides, a parade and lots of blue crabs! Take Hwy 20 East to Downtown Palatka www.bluecrabfestival.com
May 26th- Gator Gauntlet 5K Mud Run. Registration closes May 22nd. Check prices, info and register at www.GatorGauntlet.com
June
July
July 4th – Fish Fry starts at 10AM / Parade starts at 10:30AM / Fireworks at dusk $10 for the fish fry – Parade and Fireworks are FREE Fish fry, parade and fireworks in historic Micanopy. Downtown Micanopy http://www.micanopychamber.com/events.htmla
July 4th – FREE The City of Alachua has dubbed its celebration “The Largest Small Town Fireworks Display in America.” The annual event draws over 15,000 people to Alachua and has great economic impact on businesses in our area. There are dozens of activities for the kids, including a petting zoo, bounce ouses and water slides. Kids can also take advantage of the spray park and skateboard park located on site. For the adult audience there are several unique vendors, bingo contests, dancing groups and live musical entertainment to name a few. Without a doubt the event has something for everyone and of course the hottest fireworks around. City of Alachua
July 4th – 11:00AM Free Event
Meet on the lake at the entrance to the Lake Santa Fe Boat Ramp (on the south end of Lake Santa Fe, west of Melrose Bay) Counter-clockwise around Lake Santa Fe. Decorate your boat with red, white, and blue, and blast patriotic music. It is a wonderful excuse to invite your family and friends to take a float boat excursion around the lake, or sit on a dock or soak in the lake and watch the parade go by! Lake Santa Fe, Melrose, FL 32666, Melrose, FL, 32185
July 4th – 8:00AM
$25 pre-registration, $15 pre-registered (no shirt), $5 kids under 12 (no shirt)
The Florida Track Club will be hosting the 34th Annual Melon Run. We invite you to join this family friendly event and share the morning festivities with us as we celebrate Independence Day. Following the road race we will be serving cool, refreshing watermelon that you can enjoy while cheering on the kids participating in the 1-mile fun run.
Albert “Ray” Massey West Side Park: 1001 NW 34th St. Gainesville, FL
www.floridatrackclub.org/news-and-notes/melon-run/
July 4th – 7:30PM
Park Admission Includes: Featuring Mark Chesnutt and FIREWORKS! Great music, food, fun and fantastic fireworks! Mark Chesnutt celebrated his first LP release in 1988. One of Billboard’s Ten Most-Played Radio Artists of the ‘90’s. Mark’s singles were some the decade’s most memorable; from the fun tempo “Bubba Shot The Jukebox” to emotional ballad “I’ll Think Of Something.” Mark is easily identified for his string of hits including “Brother Jukebox,” “Blame It On Texas,” “Old Flames Have New Names,” “Old Country,” “It Sure Is Monday,” “Almost Goodbye,” “I Just Wanted You To Know,” “Going Through The Big D,” “It’s A Little Too Late,” “Gonna Get A Life,” and one of his biggest, “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing;” a song that held its position at the top of the charts for four consecutive weeks. “I just make records because I want people to come see my show,”
5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Silver Springs, FL 34488 / (352) 236-2121 ext 1150
www.silversprings.com/events.html
August
August 18th – UF Football and Volleyball Fan Day @ 3:00PM FREE Event
UF Football and Volleyball Fan Day: meet members of the Florida Football and Volleyball teams! Be sure to also visit Albert and Alberta, the Florida Cheerleaders, and the Dazzlers! You can even enter your name for prize give-aways and much more! The Stephen C. O’Connell Center is located on the northwest corner of West University Avenue and Gale Lemerand Drive, directly across the street from Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
August 25th – Tioga Town Fair 4:00PM – 8:00PM $15 for children 3 and up Free for adults and children under 3
An annual town fair benefiting the Sebastian Ferrero Foundation is fun for the entire family with entertaining fair activities.
Activities include: Carnival food, Bounce houses, Obstacle courses, Slides, Rock climbing wall, Petting zoo, Face painting, Carnival games, dunking booth, ring tosses, Pastry eating contest, Relay races and much more!
August 31st, September 21st, October 5th and October 19th – Friday nights before Gator Football Home Games 6:00PM – 10:00PM FREE Event!
United Downtown: Uniting families, football, food and fun! United Way Downtown is a free family-friendly community event, owned and produced by United Way of North Central Florida. This series of street festivals will give Gator fans and visitors a chance to have some family-friendly fun before the games, celebrate downtown Gainesville and increase visibility for United Way. Activities will include local artists and vendors selling merchandise, local restaurants offering area favorites and local bands presenting a variety of music. A children’s area will feature face painting, bounce houses, arts and crafts and other G-rated activities.
Downtown Gainesville: SE 1st Street, between University Avenue and SE 2nd Place www.unitedwayncfl.org
September
September 27th – October 26thFriday 5PM – 11PM |Saturdays 3PM – 11PM | Sundays: 2PM – 5PM
Adults: $9| Children 10 and under: $7| Hay Rides: $5 | Mechanical Bull Rides 2 for $5
Newberry Cornfield Maze: One can ‘laugh by day’ with activities including a pumpkin patch, hay rides, a mini-maze for children, rubby ducky races, mechanical bull rides, bounce house, cow train ride, carnival games, a corn hut (like a sand box, only filled with dried corn) and farm animals, or one can ‘scream by night’ in the haunted corn field and bone chilling hay rides.
SR 26 and SW 202nd St in Newberry (On Newberry Road) in Jonesville, FL / (352) 354-5118 Friday nights before Gator Football Home Games
August 30th, September 20th, October 4th and November 22nd 6:00PM – 10:00PM FREE
United Downtown: Uniting families, football, food and fun! United Way Downtown is a free family-friendly community event, owned and produced by United Way of North Central Florida. This series of street festivals will give Gator fans and visitors a chance to have some family-friendly fun before the games, celebrate downtown Gainesville and increase visibility for United Way. Activities will include local artists and vendors selling merchandise, local restaurants offering area favorites and local bands presenting a variety of music. A children’s area will feature face painting, bounce houses, arts and crafts and other G-rated activities. Downtown Gainesville: SE 1st Street, between University Avenue and SE 2nd Place www.unitedwayncfl.org
October
Friday nights before Gator Football Home Games
August 30th, September 20th, October 4th and November 22nd 6:00PM – 10:00PM FREE
United Downtown: Uniting families, football, food and fun! United Way Downtown is a free family-friendly community event, owned and produced by United Way of North Central Florida. This series of street festivals will give Gator fans and visitors a chance to have some family-friendly fun before the games, celebrate downtown Gainesville and increase visibility for United Way. Activities will include local artists and vendors selling merchandise, local restaurants offering area favorites and local bands presenting a variety of music. A children’s area will feature face painting, bounce houses, arts and crafts and other G-rated activities. Downtown Gainesville: SE 1st Street, between University Avenue and SE 2nd Place www.unitedwayncfl.org
October 4th – November 5th – Rogers
Fridays: 5PM – Midnight | Saturdays: 10AM – Midnight | Sundays: 1PM – 7PM
Attractions Only: $8 / Add Maze for $4
Fun filled entertainment for the whole family. Young and Old will have a memorable experience. Take a pleasant stroll down the spooky trail where you will encounter the things you only thought existed only in your imagination. There is a full 10 acre corn maze, with a theme and map to help you along your journey. On Fri. and Sat. nites from 8 PM to Midnight, we invite you to test your fear level by trying to outwit the ghouls and creatures lurking within the maze. See if you are as brave as you think! We have a large covered picnic area and concessions are available on site offering burgers, hot dogs, snacks, treats and drinks.
Activities include: • Duck Races • Pony Rides • Vortex Tunnel • Jumping Pillow • Cow Train • Hay Rides • Giant Slides and Swings • Petting Zoo • Mini Maze • Spooky Trail • Pumpkin Patch. Plus NEW this year: dunk tank• speed ball (tells your throwing speed) • strength monitor • cow milking
We welcome field trips, church groups and birthday parties. Call or email for details.
Rogers Farm: Take SR 121 N. From Gainesville to NW 156 Ave. / (386) 462-2406
rogersfarm1@windstream.net
www.rogers-farm.com
October 4th – November 3rd – Coon Hollo Corn Maze
Fridays: 4PM – 9PM / Saturdays: Noon – 9PM / Sundays: 2PM – 7PM
Adults: $7.50 | Seniors (65 and up): $7 | Military, Law Enforcement, Firefighters $6
Children 4-12: $6 | Children 3 and under: FREE
– Fall Family Fun on the Farm! Admission Includes:
– Interactive Corn Maze
– Pasture Putt Putt (NEW!)
– Hayride
– Farm Train
– The Coony Coon Goat Tree House (NEW!)
– Pedal Carts
– Hay Fort/Corn Cribs/Buckin’ Barrels/Tire swing
– Farmyard Obstacle Course (NEW)
– Antique Farm Equipment
– Agricultural Educational Displays
– Also enjoy our Concessions, Farm Animal Exhibit and Old Country Store
Coon Hollo Farm: 22480 N Hwy 441, Micanopy Fl 32667
(352) 591-0441 or (352) 591-1775 www.coonhollocornmaze.com
September 27th – October 26th – Newberry Cornfield Maze at Hodge Farm
Friday 5PM – 11PM |Saturdays 3PM – 11PM | Sundays: 2PM – 5PM
Adults: $9| Children 10 and under: $7| Hay Rides: $5 | Mechanical Bull Rides 2 for $5
Newberry Cornfield Maze: One can ‘laugh by day’ with activities including a pumpkin patch, hay rides, a mini-maze for children, rubby ducky races, mechanical bull rides, bounce house, cow train ride, carnival games, a corn hut (like a sand box, only filled with dried corn) and farm animals, or one can ‘scream by night’ in the haunted corn field and bone chilling hay rides.
SR 26 and SW 202nd St in Newberry (On Newberry Road) in Jonesville, FL / (352) 354-5118
October 5th – Peanut Festival 9:00AM – 4:00PM FREE
Enjoy arts & craft vendors, an assortment of great food vendors, entertainment on both ends of the park. There will be rides and games for children as well as a petting zoo. Don’t miss the Little Peanut King, Queen & Baby contest. Classic cars and motorcycle displays, Antique tractors. A great family day with something for everyone! Get them before they are gone our famous grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for free!
Linear Park, Williston FL www.willistonfl.com/peanutfest.html
October 11th – Kirby Family Farm’s Lost Railroad
Mega maze, pumpkin patch, carnival games, music, train ride and more. More details coming soon.
14372 NW 50th Ave, Chiefland, FL 32626 / (352) 535-7197 Click here for more info
October 11th – Screaming for Safety 5:00PM – 8:00PM
Admission is FREE **Please bring Non-Perishable food donations for the Food 4 Kids Weekend Backpack Program**
Screaming for Safety provides a safe place for kids to Trick-or-Treat and it is a ‘one-stop-shop’ for safety information. Kids visit each safety station to win door prizes, and the first 100 children to complete all the stations win a free ice-cream from Sweet Dreams! Join the Costume Contest to win great prizes! (begins at 5pm). Come test your safety knowledge with Gainesville Fire Rescue, Safe Kids, Florida Poison Prevention, and more! Trick–or–Treat in a safe location! Plus Sweet Dreams will be there selling ice-cream as well!
Safety City: 1025 NE 13th St, Gainesville, FL, 32601 / (352) 334-5065 www.gfr.org
October 12th – Newberry Fall Festival 9:00AM – 4:00PM FREE
There will be vendors, food, and family friendly activities. Also our annual BBQ cook off
Main Street, Newberry FL www.newberrymainstreet.org
October 12th – Abiding Savior Lutheran Church Oktoberfest
All are welcome. There will be lunch, a cookie bake sale, hay rides, arts & crafts, face painting, a silent auction, live music, and many vendors’ tables. All proceeds will go towards education in the church and preschool. Hours are 10:00am-1:00pm
Abiding Savior Lutheran Church 9700 N Newberry Road – Gainesville, FL 32606 (On the corner of Newberry Road & 98th St)
October 12th and 13th – Thornebrook Art Festival 10:00AM – 5:00 PM FREE
The Art Festival at Thornebrook is a two-day festival of juried fine arts and fine crafts under the covered walkways and on the grassy areas and plaza of Thornebrook Village. There are 140 premium spaces available for the artists’ booths, and additional space for entertainment and children’s activities, including face painting and live music. Thornebrook shopping center: NW 43rd Street in Gainesville www.thornebrookart.org
October 13th – Trinity UMC Great Pumpkin Run 6:00PM Cost $20
Join us for an evening of family fun at Trinity UMC’s Great Pumpkin Run 5K. The course will take you through the beautiful campus of Trinity United Methodist Church and surrounding area, and end at the Trinity Pumpkin Patch, where there will be refreshments, a bounce house, hayrides and children’s games. We will have prizes for the participants dressed in a Pumpkin or family friendly Halloween themed outfit. Proceeds from the race event will be used to support the Trinity United Methodist Summer Mission trip to Appalachia help make homes warmer, safer, and drier. Lace up your shoes, find you most festive pumpkin-themed gear and come run.
Trinity United Methodist Church: 4000 NW 53rd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32653 / (352) 376-6615 www.trinitypumpkinrun.com
October 17th – Light the Night Walk 5:30PM
Light The Night is a fundraising event for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) that is held at University of Florida campus annually. During this leisurely walk, walkers carry illuminated balloons – white for survivors, red for supporters and gold in memory of loved ones lost to cancer – thousands of walkers – men, women and children – form a community of caring, bringing light to the dark world of cancer.
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on UF Campus, Gainesville, FL www.lightthenight.org/ncfl
October 18th through October 26th – Alachua County Fair
Friday, October 18th Gates open at 5PM
Saturday October 19th: 2 PM to 1 AM
Sunday October 20th: 2 to 11 PM
Monday October 21st – Thursday October 24th: 5 PM to 11 PM
Friday October 25th: 5 PM to 1 AM
Saturday October 26th: 1 PM to midnight
Admission: 13 and older: $5 | Children 6-12 years old: $2 | Children 5 and under: FREE with adult admission
Supersaver wristbands for unlimited mechanical rides: $20 good on some weekdays.
Parking: $3 Click here to buy tickets and wristbands online
Traditional fair rides, animal shows, live music, food and more.
Alachua County Fairgrounds: 2900 NE 39th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32609 / For more information, call (352) 354-3708 www.alachuacountyfair.com
October 18th – Haile Village Oktoberfest 5:00PM – 11:00PM FREE
The event features live bands, a performance from the Cameron Dance Studio students, and kids entertainment. Plus there is always beer, bratwurst, strudel, pretzels, Black Forest cupcakes, wine, ice cream and plenty of other goodies available for purchase from the various Village Center restaurants and shops. Haile Village Center, Gainesville
****Don’t forget to stop by Thomas Group Realty to meet the team! We are located next to the Haile Bistro****
October 18th and 19th –Micanopy Family Fun Night in the Forest 7:30PM – 9:00 PM
$5 | Children under 3 are FREE. Admission includes unlimited times on all activities
Haunted trail in the woods, hay ride, bounce house, children’s barrel train, children’s barn w/lots of prizes and games, kids costume contest. Ghostly treats from the concession, something for everyone.
Micanopy Native American Heritage Preserve: 600 E. Tuscawilla Rd., Micanopy, FL, 32667 For more information, call (352) 466-3121
October 19th – Alachua First UMC Family Fun Day at the Pumpkin Patch 2:00PM – 6:00PM FREE
Music, games, and food!
Alachua Pumpkin Patch: Route 441 in Alachua 1 mile south of I-75, just past Moe’s and across from Lowe’s. For more information call (386) 462-2243
October 19th – 20th – Cedar Key Seafood Festival 9:00AM – 5:00PM each day FREE
This major event features well over 200 arts and crafts exhibits, and great local seafood food in City Park. There will be live musical entertainment at several places around town during the days and nights, and a parade on Saturday morning. In addition on this weekend, there is an open house at the lighthouse on Seahorse Key, the big island 3 miles to the west of Cedar Key. Explore the lighthouse, look at the exhibits and wander this beautiful island. Shuttle boats are available at City Marina. Be sure to remember your camera and binoculars!
Cedar Key FL For more information, call(352) 543-5436 www.cedarkey.org/events.php
Saturday, October 19th – McIntosh 1890’s Festival 8:00AM – 5:00PM FREE
The McIntosh 1890s Festival is set among Victorian and Florida cracker homes and century-old live oak trees. Residents of the small town, welcome visitors to the very popular arts and crafts festival dressed in 1890s clothing. Bring a blanket and a picnic lunch to enjoy the entertainment while the children romp in the park, or sample the delicacies of the many concession stands while you stroll the booths shopping for those on your holiday list.
McIntosh, FL www.friendsofmcintosh.org
October 26th – Micanopy Fall Harvest Festival9:00AM – 5:00PM and Sunday, October 27th 9:00AM – 4:00PM FREE
Micanopy Florida is a scenic location for a fall arts and crafts festival. Micanopy is the town that time forgot. This quiet little town bustles with activity as the vendors pour into town and fill Cholokka Boulevard. Many local artists, crafters, and musicians participate in the festival, as well as other artists from across the southeast. The tradition and ever evolving quality of the show attracts a broad range of the buying public. Along with the two hundred displays of arts and crafts there are many other attractions. The main stage plays host to a variety of good time music throughout the festival and an old time auction of items donated by participating vendors on Saturday afternoon.
Downtown Micanopy, FL: NE Cholokka Blvd, Micanopy, FL, 32667 For more information, call 352-466-7026 micafest@micanopyfallfestival.org
October 26th – O2BKids Spooktakular 6:00PM – 10:00PM
FREE for members / $15 for non-members
Adults are free with child admission
A most Spooktakular Halloween party for kids and families. Costume contest with prizes for 4 different age brackets. Trick or Treating throughout the entire facility. Haunted House, super fun performances and live DJ! PLUS Dominos Pizza, Creepy Carnival, Spooky Science, Cotton Candy and Smores! Supercenter: 6680 West Newberry Road, Gainesville, FL 32605 / (352) 332-5500 www.o2bkids.com
October 26th – Oaks Mall Halloween Kids Fest 1:00PM – 4:00PM
Halloween Kidsfest is a seasonal celebration featuring family-friendly activities. Bring your children to the mall for an afternoon of fun, including Halloween make-and-take crafts, costume contest, learn Halloween dance steps, and enjoy a DJ playing music for the entire family. Kids ages 2 – 12 are welcome. 6419 W Newberry Rd -Gainesville, FL 32605 / (352) 331-4411 www.theoaksmall.com/events
October 27th – Sun Country Sunny’s Howlapalooza 3:00PM – 6:00PM
Advanced Tickets: Under 2 years old $7.50 Donation / 2 years old and over: $18 Donation
At the Door: Under 2 years old $10 Donation / 2 years old and over: $20 Donation
Adults: $5
Every year Sun Country Sports Center hosts a benefit Halloween Howl-A-Palooza at our West location. Our staff will host an afternoon of play complete with carnival games, bounce houses, rock climbing, KidQuest indoor playground and haunted houses. Sun Country Dance Theatre will present numerous performances and outside will be Sun Country’s Gym Bus, train rides, sno-cones and pizza. In lieu of candy, goody bags and prizes will be awarded. Child-friendly costumes are welcome and encouraged. 333 SW 140th Terrace, Jonesville, FL 32669 / (352) 331-8773 www.suncountrysports.com/halloween.html
October 27th – Trinity UMC Pumpkin Harvest Featuring Trunk or Treat Festival 5:30PM – 8:30PM
Suggested $1 donation or 1 canned food per kid donation for Thanksgiving Baskets
Children and their families can go trunk-or-treating with face painting, games, hayrides, a petting zoo, bounce houses, Sheriff’s SWAT tank, Sun Country Gym Bus, the Possum Creek Pitt, and LOTS and LOTS of candy!! Make sure to come in costume!
Trinity United Methodist Church: 4000 NW 53rd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32653 / (352) 376-6615 Click here for more information
November
Friday nights before Gator Football Home Games
August 30th, September 20th, October 4th and November 22nd 6:00PM – 10:00PM FREE
United Downtown: Uniting families, football, food and fun! United Way Downtown is a free family-friendly community event, owned and produced by United Way of North Central Florida. This series of street festivals will give Gator fans and visitors a chance to have some family-friendly fun before the games, celebrate downtown Gainesville and increase visibility for United Way. Activities will include local artists and vendors selling merchandise, local restaurants offering area favorites and local bands presenting a variety of music. A children’s area will feature face painting, bounce houses, arts and crafts and other G-rated activities. Downtown Gainesville: SE 1st Street, between University Avenue and SE 2nd Place www.unitedwayncfl.org
November 10th – Alachua Harvest Festival 11:00AM – 5:00PM FREE
The Festival encourages artisans to display their hand crafted items. The afternoon is a warm, friendly venue for local entertainers who keep the crowd singing along all afternoon from two stages. Local service organizations provide child-friendly free activities such as Giant Pinball, Bounce House, Bungee Swings and lots more as they dispense their educational and informational materials. Scarecrow Row decorates the streetlights all along Main Street and provides a festive fall atmosphere complete with the brisk scent of autumn.
Downtown Alachua www.alachuabusiness.com
November 16th and 17th – Downtown Festival and Art Show 10:00AM – 5:00PM FREE
An outdoor street festival, the art show attracts more than 100,000 people annually to view the works of over 250 of the nation’s most talented artists as they display their original oils and acrylics, vibrant watercolors, unique sculptures, dazzling jewelry, decorative ceramics and stunning photography. With an entire area devoted solely to children, the festival will be a delight for the entire family. Children can spend an entire day immersed in a world of art and creativity as they visit the “Imagination Station,” discovering their own artistic talents, creating sidewalk chalk murals, book-making, or mask designs; all are free of charge. The “Imagination Station” will also feature puppet shows and music for the young and the young at heart. Every year, the Imagination Station brings smiles to thousands of eager young children.
Downtown Gainesville Click here for more information
December
2013 dates coming soon…
Kristen Rabell & Rebecca Johnson, REALTORS
Thomas Group Realty, LLC
Kristen: 352-213-6760 Website: www.KristenAndRebecca.com
Rebecca: 352-275-9900 Email: info@KristenAndRebecca.com
Rabell Realty Group, LLC - Gainesville, Fl Real Estate 