Gainesville's Vibrant October: Music, Art, and More

Music and Theater

October 3rd

• Paul Thorn and Kristopher James at Heartwood Soundstage
• Simple yet powerful songwriting and captivating stories.
• Magic City Hippies at Heartwood Soundstage
• Funk, psych-pop, and Miami swagger.

October 5th

• Maria Ioudenitch (Violinist) at Phillips Center
• North Central Florida Blues Society Blues Challenge at Heartwood Soundstage
• Local musicians compete for a chance to represent the region in Memphis.

Sports and Community

October 3rd

• Celebration Pointe's Chomp the Block
• Official Gators block party before the Florida vs. Kentucky game.
• Food, drinks, live music, and special appearances by UF celebrities.

Community Nights at South Main Station

• Free weekly events with live music, skillshares, and local food and drink specials.
• First Wednesday of every month:
• Open-air arts market.
• Old-time music jam.

Theater

October 3rd to 26th

• High Springs Playhouse presents "Wait Until Dark"
• A thrilling tale of deception and suspense.
• A blind woman outsmarts a group of con men in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

Art and Culture

October 4th

• Gainesville Art Circus
• Live music, arts and crafts, face painting, and more.
• Celebrates the local art and music scene.

Harn Museum of Art

• "French Moderns: Monet to Matisse, 1850–1950"
• Over 55 paintings, drawings, and sculptures from the Brooklyn Museum's collection.
• Highlights key avant-garde movements.
• On display through January 4, 2026.