Newsroom

Recognizing Florida’s best events, the Florida Festivals & Events Association (FFEA) recently announced the winners of its annual SUNsational Awards during their 23rd annual convention and tradeshow. Four different events produced by the City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Department were honored with four awards. Jest Fest!, which features world-acclaimed comedy/variety and cirque style entertainment, won first place award for its television advertisement, Hoggetowne Medieval Faire won second place award for its poster, the “Free Fridays” Concert Series won second place award for its Facebook page and the Downtown Festival & Art Show won third place award for its poster.

Surely you jest? No, it's true! Jest Fest!, a free, fun, family-friendly event produced by the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department, returns Sunday, April 9 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Historic Thomas Center and Gardens. Now in its fifth season, Jest Fest! features a stellar lineup of international stars, performing some of the world's greatest comedy/variety and circus acts on five stages. There are even more roving entertainers, food and merchandise vendors and kids' activities located throughout the gardens.

Want to test your personal best? Stride your way to new athletic goals with the 2016 Gainesville Biathlon Challenge. The fourth race of the 2016 Gainesville Biathlon Challenge is Saturday, July 16 at the Dwight H. Hunter (Northeast) Pool, located at 1100 NE 14th St.

Surely you jest? No, it's true! Jest Fest!, a free, fun, family-friendly event produced by the City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department, returns this spring Sunday, April 10 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Historic Thomas Center and Gardens. Now in its fourth season, Jest Fest! features a stellar lineup of international stars, performing some of the world's greatest comedy/variety and circus acts on four stages. There are even more roving entertainers, food and merchandise vendors and kids' activities located throughout the gardens.

The Gainesville City Commission will host its second Telephone Town Hall, talkGNV, to discuss the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department’s (PRCA) master plan, PRCA Vision 2020. City officials will answer caller questions about the master plan, including future enhancements to Gainesville’s park facilities and recreation opportunities, as well as discuss potential funding methods.