Things to Do in Gainesville (2025)

A landmark theater in a former courthouse, the Hipp anchors downtown with year-round plays, indie film, and a summertime musical. Its current seasons and accessibility initiatives are posted by the theater, and locals treat it as essential culture.

A recording-quality listening room with a leafy lawn out back, Heartwood books folk, indie, global, and community festivals. Local tourism and concert calendars show a steady 2025 slate—come for the sound, stay for South Main’s creative energy.

Housed in a century-old Woolworth’s building, this event hall from The Top’s team hosts touring bands, dance nights, and The Fest sets. Concert listings confirm an active 2025 calendar and a lively, downtown crowd.

Beloved for its shaded beer garden, art nights, and springs advocacy, First Mag pairs community events with award-winning beers like Nightfall. The brewery posts current hours, tap lists, and frequent happenings.

A pioneer of Gainesville craft beer with a nature-first ethos. Expect releases, food trucks, and conservation events like Tree Fest with Alachua Conservation Trust in 2025—very Gainesville vibes, inside and out.

Set in a restored ice plant, the brewery draws water from its original artesian well and turns Mondays into a neighborhood ritual with the Grove Street Farmers Market—fresh produce, makers, and music all year.

A Gainesville original where stained glass, sculpture, and a reclaimed van set the scene for hearty pies and house sodas. Regular live music and a giving spirit keep it part pizzeria, part folk art project.

Downtown’s go-to since the early 2000s, The Top blends creative comfort food, strong vegetarian options, and a late-night bar scene. Cited by Southern Living among Gainesville standouts, it’s where many nights out begin.

Part boutique, part venue, part community living room. How Bazar curates vintage fashion, coffee, and nightlife, and co-produces creative festivals downtown. Hours and programming are posted by the team throughout the year.

Inside a restored 1900s home, chef-led classes cover pasta, breads, desserts, and wine‑paired dinners. The 2025 calendar shows frequent sellouts and farm-to-table collaborations—an engaging, hands-on taste of local food culture.

A member-run cooperative since 1970 showcasing local ceramics, jewelry, wood, glass, and more. Open daily and active in monthly Artwalk, it’s often singled out by travel editors for authentic, Gainesville-made gifts.

Downtown’s veteran record store—new and used vinyl, staff picks, and Record Store Day lines down Union Street. Featured by local public media in 2024 for its 30‑year run and enduring role in the music scene.