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Upcoming Week at a Glance
Click through for more information on each event or search below for featured event articles.
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City Observes Veterans Day Holiday
In observance of the Veterans Day holiday, city offices will be closed Monday, Nov. 11.
The Regional Transit System (RTS) will not provide service on the holiday.
Residential curbside collection for garbage, recycling and yard trash will not be affected by the holiday.
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Jazz at the Plaza concert postponed
Due to the current government shutdown, the special Jazz at the Plaza performance by the United States Air Force Band, Dimensions in Blues, scheduled for Nov. 15 at Bo Diddley Plaza, has been cancelled.
A rescheduled date will be announced as soon as it becomes available in 2026. We appreciate your understanding and continued support.
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Southwest Parking Garage first floor changes
The Southwest Parking Garage is implementing changes to the short-term parking spaces located on the north side of the first floor of the garage. Upon completion of these changes, the affected spaces will be designated for the following use:
- Hourly parking (up to four hours) for individuals paying through the Passport app or at the pay station in Zone 35260.
- Authorized yellow permit holders, who may park in these spaces up to 24 hours.
Yellow permits are reserved for employees of downtown businesses who independently apply for and purchase monthly permits and who do not hold parking rights in the garage through an existing contractual agreement with the city. It is currently anticipated that this work will occur the week of Nov. 3-7.
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Volunteers needed to place flags for Veterans - Nov. 8
Please join us Saturday, Nov. 8 at 9 a.m. to help place American flags on the graves of over 1,100 veterans at historic Evergreen Cemetery (401 SE 21st Ave.).
This meaningful Veterans Day tradition is made possible by volunteers like you! With 56 acres to cover, we encourage volunteers to work in pairs or small teams. Each team will be assigned a section of the cemetery and provided with flags and a list of names. With enough volunteers, we are usually finished by 11 a.m.
This volunteer opportunity is suitable for any age group, so please invite your friends, family and co-workers to join! Be sure to wear good walking shoes. Your presence and support are deeply appreciated. Thank you for helping honor all who served. Please RSVP by emailing prusske@gainesvillefl.gov.
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Veterans in Business Fair - Nov. 10 | The City of Gainesville Procurement and Contracting Division team is hosting its first veterans development business fair. At this event you can meet with procurement staff to understand the city's process, network with fellow veteran-owned businesses to share insights and receive information on available programs and resources. | | | | |
Seeking nominations for the Michelle Park Family Scholarship by Dec. 3
We are seeking nominations for the Michelle Park Family Scholarship! The scholarship provides one low-to-moderate income Gainesville family access to nature, recreation and cultural activities provided by the city and other providers in our community. The recipient family will be able to take advantage of a year’s worth of events, programs, tours and more at no cost.
One scholarship, valued at $1,500, can be used to enjoy activities such as:
- After-school activities and day camps for school breaks and teacher holidays, for kids age 6–12
- Access to the Wellness Center at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Multipurpose Center
- Tickets to cultural events
- An annual pass to Sweetwater Wetlands Park
- Adult and youth recreation and sports activities
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City Hall Plaza Refresh Project Updates
The City Hall Plaza Refresh Project is expected to continue through April 2026, with the King Memorial Gardens expected to be complete or substantially complete in January. This week’s project highlights are:
- With the exception of the Sister Cities Garden, demolition is significantly complete.
- Work grading the plaza will begin, as well as work on the stormwater system for drainage of the plaza.
- The contractor will start forming the stairs and the seat walls in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Garden.
- GRU will relocate four existing rental lights and installing three new rental lights along the western edge of the plaza.
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A Very GNV Holiday Parade registration and sponsorships open
Registration for participating in the 2025 A Very GNV Holiday Parade is open! This year’s parade is Saturday, Dec. 6. The registration form, parade rules and additional details are available on our website. Entry forms must be submitted by Monday, Nov. 17.
The parade is scheduled to begin at noon and cover a one-mile stretch of East University Avenue. The event launches the city’s holiday festivities on Dec. 6 that include afternoon activities at Bo Diddley Plaza followed by the annual Holiday Lights Celebration in the Thomas Center Gardens.
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Volunteer at the 44th Downtown Festival & Art Show
Sign up to volunteer at the Downtown Festival & Art Show! We're looking for awesome volunteers to help make our event unforgettable. Support local artists, meet the community, and make the weekend unforgettable! All volunteers receive a shirt or poster while supplies last.
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Road Safety Audit open
The University of Florida Transportation Technology Transfer Center is leading a new initiative—Integrating Road Safety Audits to Enhance Gainesville’s Vision Zero Action Plan. This project focuses on conducting in-depth road safety audits along two high-risk multimodal corridors:
- 34th Street (SR 121) and
- SW 35th Place
These corridors were identified as priority areas for safety improvements in Gainesville’s Vision Zero Action Plan.
Your voice matters. Visit the project website to learn more and share your input—get involved in building a safer, more inclusive transportation future for Gainesville.
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Coed Youth Basketball registration is open! | For all kids age 5-14. All kids play and it’s fun for everyone! Registration is open through Monday, Dec. 1, and games begin in January. | | | | |
Free Fridays Concert Series call to artists - open until Jan. 31
Are you interested in playing on the Bo Diddley Plaza stage? Bands and musicians are invited to apply to perform in the 2026 Free Fridays Concert Series! Applications are open through Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026.
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Weekly programs:
Barnyard Buddies: Meet and learn about the farm animals at Morningside on Wednesdays at 3 p.m., September through May.
Eco-Rangers: Join us at Hogtown Creek Nature Center and learn through play about the wonderful world of nature all around us with rotating weekly themes! October-May, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays are recommended for toddlers-Pre-K. Wednesdays are recommended for 3rd-5th graders. (small fee per child)
Farm and Forest Friends: Venture through the woods and onto the farm as we learn and explore! One Friday each month from 10-11 a.m., October through May. (small fee per child)
Monthly programs:
Living History Farm: The Living History Farm at Morningside comes to life with costumed living history guides on the first Saturday of each month from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., September through May.
SOAR - Science-Oriented Activities and Recreation: Kids age 5-12 join the fun and learn about their surroundings through hands-on activities. Held the second Thursday from 3:30-4:30 p.m., September-May at the Cone Park Library.
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Gainesville Zero Waste News
Free Pumpkin Composting Drop-Off through Nov. 13
This fall, O-Town Compost, in partnership with City of Gainesville and Alachua County, is hosting a pumpkin composting drop-off to help residents give their gourds a second life.
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Why compost your pumpkins?
Every year, thousands of pumpkins end up in landfills, where they contribute to methane emissions and waste valuable organic material. Composting is a simple, eco-friendly alternative that transforms your old jack-o'-lanterns into nutrient-rich soil that can be used to grow new life.
By participating in this drop-off event, you're helping reduce landfill waste, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and support a circular economy.
What: Bring your unpainted, undecorated pumpkins only — no candles, stickers or synthetic materials please.
When: Monday, Nov. 3-Thursday, Nov. 13
Where: Three city parks and five county locations, including:
- Reserve Park, 700 NE 11th St.
- Possum Creek Park, 4009 NW 53rd Ave.
- TB McPherson Park, 1717 SE 15th St.
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New GNV on the Move
GNV on the Move is a half-hour look at the City of Gainesville's initiatives, programs, events and people.
In this episode, we talk with Mayor Harvey Ward and Downtown Ambassador Operations Manager Khalief Gamble.
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City Commission Meetings
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Thursday, Nov. 6: City Commission meeting
For a listing of other board/committee meetings and agendas, please visit our website.
Live meeting coverage is available on Cox Cable Channel 12, Roku TV, Fire TV and the City of Gainesville website.
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