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Come out and celebrate this New Year’s Eve in downtown Gainesville. We're expanding our downtown New Year’s Eve experience with a grand celebration. All festivities are free and open to the public, so there is something for everyone this year!

Gainesville will transform into a masterful blend of art, music and entertainment during the 37th Annual Downtown Festival & Art Show, one of the nation’s premier outdoor fine arts festivals. Presented by the City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department (PRCA), the festival draws a crowd of more than 80,000 visitors each year. On Saturday, Dec. 1 and Sunday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., visitors can meet the exhibiting artists, enjoy live music and sample international cuisine.

The Downtown Festival & Art Show, a nationally-recognized event, helps Gainesville get in touch with its creative side. Since 1996, it has ranked among the top festivals in the nation. Visitors embrace the culture of more than 240 of the nation’s most talented artists, who showcase their original oils and acrylics, vibrant watercolors, unique sculptures, dazzling jewelry, decorative ceramics and vivid photography. Artisans compete for more than $20,000 in cash prizes.

The University of Florida’s World Music Ensembles present a “Free Fridays” concert at the Bo Diddley Plaza Friday, Oct. 19 at 8 p.m.  The event features student and faculty musicians and dancers from UF’s College of the Arts. The lively evening of music and dance also features a guest appearance by world-renowned Brazilian guitarist Yamandú Costa.

The “Free Fridays” Concert Series presents a tribute to the music of Woodstock and a tribute to the music of Jimi Hendrix at Bo Diddley Plaza Friday, Oct. 12 at 8 p.m.

Cathy DeWitt and Friends perform Both Sides Now: A Tribute to the Music of Joni Mitchell at the “Free Fridays” Concert Series Friday, Oct. 5 at the Bo Diddley Plaza in downtown Gainesville.

The City of Gainesville’s “Free Fridays” Concert Series and the Gainesville Latino Film Festival (GLFF) have partnered to bring the Gainesville community an incredible Latin night with “el Maestro de la salsa” Gilberto de Paz and Tropix Friday, Sept. 28 from 8-10 p.m.