Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Gainesville, FL

Attendance at the University of Florida engenders deep-seated loyalties; Gators athletics, especially football, is a...

Attendance at the University of Florida engenders deep-seated loyalties; Gators athletics, especially football, is a litmus test for dedication to the school. Homecoming week, as a result, is all about team spirit and corporate activity. The highlight is the football showdown in the Swamp, UF's enormous stadium, but throughout the preceding week, events for students and alumni promote sociability and anticipate victory. They include a lively parade, an immensely popular student-run pep rally (Gator Growl), an alumni barbecue, a pageant, outdoor concerts, a race, and all sorts of parties and celebrations.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Fri, Oct 19, 2012 Mon, Oct 22, 2012 Sun, Oct 28, 2012 Fri, Nov 9, 2012 Sat, Nov 10, 2012

Considered one of the area's best arts shows, this annual autumn event offers something for everyone, family and...

Considered one of the area's best arts shows, this annual autumn event offers something for everyone, family and individual alike. Artists from all over the region set up their works for sale: jewelry, photography, ceramics, acrylics, watercolors, sculpture and more. Children are engaged by interactive activities and age-appropriate shows, and three stages promise a variety of musical performances. Plenty of food is available, both international and American, and the weekend event always proves to be a popular draw.

Hours: Fri, Oct 12, 2012: 10am - 5pm Sat, Oct 13, 2012: 10am - 5pm

An enormous draw to downtown, this series of free events brings folks out in droves on balmy Friday nights. Each week...

An enormous draw to downtown, this series of free events brings folks out in droves on balmy Friday nights. Each week from May to October, the city hosts everything from movie showings to local bands playing jazz, bluegrass, rock, pop, blues and ska. No matter the activity, people can't help but gather to enjoy the community spirit and welcome in the weekend. Bring a blanket, pack a few snacks and relax, Gainesville-style!

Hours: Fri, May 4, 2012: 8pm - 10pm Fri, May 11, 2012: 8pm - 10pm Fri, May 18, 2012: 8pm - 10pm Fri, May 25, 2012: 8pm - 10pm Fri, Jun 1, 2012: 8pm - 10pm Fri, Jun 8, 2012: 8pm - 10pm Fri, Jun 15, 2012: 8pm - 10pm Fri, Jun 22, 2012: 8pm - 10pm Fri, Jun 29, 2012: 8pm - 10pm Fri, Jul 6, 2012: 8pm - 10pm Fri, Jul 13, 2012: 8pm - 10pm Fri, Jul 20, 2012: 8pm - 10pm Fri, Jul 27, 2012: 8pm - 10pm Fri, Aug 3, 2012: 8pm - 10pm Fri, Aug 10, 2012: 8pm - 10pm Fri, Aug 17, 2012: 8pm - 10pm Fri, Aug 24, 2012: 8pm - 10pm Fri, Aug 31, 2012: 8pm - 10pm Fri, Sep 7, 2012: 8pm - 10pm Fri, Sep 14, 2012: 8pm - 10pm Fri, Sep 21, 2012: 8pm - 10pm Fri, Sep 28, 2012: 8pm - 10pm Fri, Oct 5, 2012: 8pm - 10pm Fri, Oct 12, 2012: 8pm - 10pm

Thousands of people welcome in the new year at this lively downtown festival. Beginning at 8pm, revelers gather to eat,...

Thousands of people welcome in the new year at this lively downtown festival. Beginning at 8pm, revelers gather to eat, socialize, listen to bands and win prizes that are regularly given away. At the height of the action, around midnight, a confetti drop adds an extra note of festivity. Food vendors keep folks placated with lots of tasty offerings, and radio stations provide live coverage of all the action for people who can't be there in person.

Hours: Mon, Dec 31, 2012: 8pm

Step outside of the ordinary (and even back in time!) when you attend this vibrant event. For more than two decades,...

Step outside of the ordinary (and even back in time!) when you attend this vibrant event. For more than two decades, local folks have delighted in the colorful costumes, entertaining characters and mesmerizing sights that the fair brings out. Street buskers perform, knights joust, musicians play, craftsmen practice their skills, and a medieval marketplace is recreated. Plus, children are provided their own brand of merriment, and you can even nibble on a turkey leg as you observe it all -- just to get yourself in the spirit.

Hours: Sat, Jan 26, 2013: 10am - 6pm Sun, Jan 27, 2013: 10am - 6pm Fri, Feb 1, 2013: 9:30am - 3:30pm Sat, Feb 2, 2013: 10am - 6pm Sun, Feb 3, 2013: 10am - 6pm

Each March, pumped-up fans take to the Gainesville Raceway for this competition, one of drag racing's most prestigious....

Each March, pumped-up fans take to the Gainesville Raceway for this competition, one of drag racing's most prestigious. The fast-running track has allowed drivers to record some of the best times ever clocked, and spectators are always eager to see what the latest race can bring. The Gatornationals have been hosted here since 1970.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Thu, Mar 14, 2013 Fri, Mar 15, 2013 Sat, Mar 16, 2013 Sun, Mar 17, 2013