The 45th Downtown Festival and Art Show is Nov. 14-15, 2026, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Gainesville, with more than 200 artists, music and food.
Last checked Oct. 14, 2026. Facts come from the Downtown Festival and Art Show’s own site, including its FAQ and contact page. This page is updated for each year’s festival at the same address.
The 45th Downtown Festival and Art Show turns downtown Gainesville into an open-air gallery on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 14-15, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More than 200 visual artists from across the country show paintings, jewelry, ceramics, photography and more, with live music and a food court. The City of Gainesville’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs department produces it.
Updated Oct. 14: the city’s Bo Diddley Plaza calendar now lists live music on four stages, dance and circus performances, and the American Girls Revue on Saturday, Nov. 14.
Know before you go
- When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, and Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026
- Where: downtown Gainesville; festival address 111 E. University Ave. (Bo Diddley Plaza)
- Organizer: Downtown Festival and Art Show
- Who to call: Lili Tzou, festival director, 352-393-8543
- Weather updates: @GNVDowntownFestival on Facebook and Instagram
The festival at a glance
| Detail | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Edition | 45th |
| Dates | Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 14-15 |
| Hours | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days |
| Where | Downtown Gainesville, around Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave. |
| Artists | More than 200, from across the country |
| Also | Live music on four stages, dance and circus performances, and food |
| Producer | City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs |
The festival’s site lists no ticket or admission price.
On the stages. The city’s Bo Diddley Plaza calendar lists live music on four stages plus dance and circus performances. On Saturday, Nov. 14, the plaza hosts the American Girls Revue, billed as part of the city’s America250 celebrations. Set times have not been published.
Parking
The festival’s home page carries a downtown parking map, and its FAQ points visitors to the City of Gainesville’s downtown parking page for garages, surface lots, street parking and rates. The festival has not published a list of 2026 street closures. Check FL511 or dial 511 before driving downtown that weekend.
What to know before you go
From the festival’s FAQ:
- Dogs: allowed on a leash or in a closed pet stroller.
- Bikes and wheels: bicycles, roller skates, rollerblades and skateboards are not allowed in the festival, to protect visitors and the artwork on display.
- Rain: the festival runs rain or shine and stays open through light rain. It closes for lightning, heavy winds or other severe weather, and posts changes on Facebook and Instagram at @GNVDowntownFestival.
Taking part
Artist applications for the 2026 festival closed May 1, and food vendor, performer, community booth and young artist applications closed July 1, according to the FAQ. The festival also recruits volunteers, and runs young artist and emerging artist applications.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Downtown Festival and Art Show 2026? The 45th Downtown Festival and Art Show is Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 14-15, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
Where is the Gainesville Downtown Festival and Art Show? In downtown Gainesville. The festival gives its location as 111 E. University Ave., the address of Bo Diddley Plaza.
Can I bring my dog to the Downtown Festival and Art Show? Yes. Dogs on a leash or in a closed pet stroller are allowed. Bicycles, skates, rollerblades and skateboards are not.
Does the Downtown Festival and Art Show close for rain? No. It runs rain or shine, but it closes for lightning, heavy winds or other severe weather. Updates go out on the festival’s Facebook and Instagram, @GNVDowntownFestival.
Where do I park for the Downtown Festival and Art Show? The festival sends visitors to the City of Gainesville’s downtown parking page, which lists garages, surface lots, street parking and rates.
What this means for you
- Two full days downtown, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, rain or shine.
- Leave the bike at home and bring the dog on a leash.
- More November plans are in things to do in Gainesville and our Thanksgiving guide.
Related: downtown Gainesville, free things to do in Gainesville and dog-friendly Gainesville.
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