Cheer on the Florida Gators as they face the Oklahoma Sooners at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium for another exciting Saturday of SEC football in The Swamp. While you’re here, make the most of your time in Gainesville and see what Alachua County has to offer beyond the stadium. From local restaurants and pregame gatherings to shopping and attractions, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the area before and after kickoff.  

Honor military veterans and the families who support them during Alachua County’s Annual Veterans Day Celebration at Veterans Memorial Park. This year’s theme, “The Strength Behind the Service,” recognizes veterans, caregivers and loved ones through a day of community activities. Festivities begin with a free breakfast for veterans at 7 a.m., followed by the Veterans Day Community 5K at 8:30 a.m. and the formal ceremony at 11 a.m. Additional highlights include live music, military and historical displays, aircraft displays, a skydiving performance, patriotic artwork, veteran resources and appearances by UF mascots Albert and Alberta. Admission is free, and families are welcome.

Enjoy a performance by Tony and GRAMMY Award-winning artist Renée Elise Goldsberry, who originated the role of Angelica Schuyler in the Broadway musical “Hamilton.” The acclaimed vocalist and actress brings her powerful voice and commanding stage presence to a concert featuring Broadway favorites, original songs, pop and R&B. Goldsberry blends musical theater with contemporary influences, showcasing the expressive performances and vocal range that have made her one of Broadway’s most celebrated voices.

Get fired up for Florida Gators home games at CHOMP the Block, a six-night series of Friday block parties at Celebration Pointe. Gator fans can enjoy live music, food trucks, local vendors, lawn games and fan photo opportunities before game day. The festivities also include appearances by Gator cheerleaders, Dazzlers, Albert and Alberta, plus a Kids Zone with face painting, bounce houses and crafts. Wear orange and blue and join fellow fans in supporting the Gators. Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County.

Browse one-of-a-kind works from local artists during the Fall Art Market at Artisans’ Guild Gallery. Shop handcrafted art and holiday gifts while meeting the artists and makers behind the work. Grab coffee and pastries from the Le Petit Beignet food truck, enjoy live music and stroll the grounds of the historic craftsman home. Young artists can also create their own works during hands-on activities with Maria from The Curious Child Learning Studio.

Celebrate the grand opening of The Streatery, downtown Gainesville’s newly redesigned pedestrian-friendly gathering space along Southwest First Avenue. The free celebration begins with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and remarks from local officials, followed by live music, food from downtown restaurants and family-friendly activities. Enjoy the Taste of Downtown, photo booths, a children’s activity zone and performances throughout the evening, including a finale featuring Gainesville musicians. Visitors can also share ideas for future public art installations while getting a first look at the transformed corridor, designed to bring more outdoor dining, entertainment and community events to downtown Gainesville.

Reflect on firsthand accounts of September 11 and the war that followed in “Behind the Lines: A 9/11 Story,” a moving production combining live music, theater and personal storytelling. Led by acclaimed trumpeter Dominick Farinacci, the performance features World Trade Center firefighter Bill Spade, the sole survivor of FDNY Rescue Company 5, and Jaymes Poling, a three-tour Afghanistan combat veteran. Together, they share their perspectives on tragedy, service, resilience and recovery. Presented during the 25th anniversary year of September 11, the production offers a personal reflection on modern history and the enduring importance of healing and hope.

Run the Tom Walker Half Marathon or 5K along the scenic Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail. The half marathon begins at 7:30 a.m., and the 5K begins at 8 a.m. Both races start and finish at First Magnitude Brewing Company. Each distance offers participants a scenic route along one of Alachua County’s popular recreational trails. Celebrate at the finish line with fellow runners and supporters.

Revisit the sounds of 1990s hip-hop during Candlelight: 90s Hip-Hop on Strings in Gainesville. The concert reimagines music from the decade through live string arrangements in an intimate setting illuminated by candlelight. Familiar hip-hop favorites take on a new sound as classical instrumentation meets one of music’s most influential eras.

Savor a multi-course meal sourced from Gainesville-area farms during Working Food’s Autumn Harvest Farm-to-Table Dinner. Begin at Working Food’s Giving Garden at 4 p.m. for a farm tour and complimentary cava and nonalcoholic beverages, then stroll to Superette Restaurant and Bar for dinner at 5:30 p.m. The evening celebrates seasonal ingredients, local farmers and artisans while supporting Working Food’s efforts to strengthen local food access. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available, and organizers can accommodate food allergies. Tickets directly support Working Food’s community programs.

Browse houseplants, carnivorous plants, fruit trees, native species and botanical-inspired artwork and crafts from local growers and plant enthusiasts at Swamp Head Brewery’s fall plant sale and swap. Visitors are also invited to bring plants to trade in the community swap area, making it easy to connect with fellow collectors and gardeners. Enjoy food trucks, craft beer and an afternoon celebrating Gainesville’s growing plant community.