Events and Family Activities
Our Events and Family Activities expert, Tommy Thompson, tells you about upcoming and ongoing events across our ten county area.
Tour Cedar Key’s Lighthouse, February 20, 2016
It’s Open House time! February 20th from 9am-3pm the Cedar Keys Lighthouse will be open to the public. Seahorse Key Marine Lab will be doing marine ecology interpretations. You can come in your own boat or for a fee, take one of the tour boats from the Cedar Key Marina.
Steinhatchee Fiddler Crab Fishing Tournament, February 13, 2016
Anglers–don’t miss this tournament! It’s part of the 8th Annual Fiddler Crab Festival, and with a 1-3PM weigh-in at the Sea Hag Marina, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the events and to grab some great “street eats”. The entry fee is $25 per angler, and there are sizable payouts for the winners. Tickets …
“Long Road To Freedom: The Florida Black Heritage Trail” Exhibit, Gainesville, 2/7 – 3/18/16
Long Road to Freedom: The Florida Black Heritage Trail February 9 – March 18, 2016 – FREE This original exhibition and related programs examine the hidden histories of sites on the Florida Black Heritage Trail in and around Alachua County, ranging from Union Academy to Rosewood. Gallery Talk Sunday, February 21, 2016 2:30 pm FREE Please …
2016 Hoggetowne Mediaeval Faire–Two Fun Weekends in Gainesville
If you (or your kids or grand kids) enjoy jousting, sword fighting, watching fire-eaters, or jugglers, a trip to Gainesville’s 30th Annual Hoggetowne Medieval Faire, at the Alachua County Fairgrounds, is in order. The Fairgrounds is located at 3100 NE 39th Avenue, adjacent to Gainesville Regional Airport. On Saturdays and Sundays, the hours are 10AM-6PM. …
Celebrate Birds–Live Birds of Prey Festival – Saturday, January 30, 2016- First Magnitude Brewery in Gainesville
Live Birds of Prey Festival – Saturday, January 30 – First Magnitude Brewery Join Wild Birds Unlimited at First Magni-tude Brewery from 12-4pm on Saturday, January 30 for an afternoon with live birds of prey from the Apopka-based Avi-an Reconditioning Center (ARC). This year’s event will feature a Bald Eagle and four other species of raptor …
Santa Fe River Fest and Songwriters’ Festival, April 17, 2016, Sponsored by Rum138
This annual fundraising event, now in its sixth year, will include the songwriting contest, music by Terraplane Rhythm & Blues, a great silent auction (art, jewelry, vacations, etc.), Kid’s Corner, 50/50 raffle, music jam session, grilled burgers and dogs, delectable desserts, beer and drinks. Proceeds go to educational and advocacy activities of Our Santa Fe …
Florida’s O’Leno State Park–A Legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps
One of Florida’s first state parks, O’Leno State Park was first developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The park is located along the banks of the scenic Santa Fe River, a tributary of the Suwannee River, and features sinkholes, hardwood hammocks, river swamps and sandhills. As the river courses through the park, …
2016 Olustee Battle Reenactment and Festival, in Natural North Florida’s Columbia County
2016 Olustee Battle Reenactment An annual re-enactment of a Civil War Batte between the North and the South. Hundreds of re-enactors come from miles around to participate in this historical event. The Annual Olustee Battle Reenactment will be held February 13th & 14th, 2016 at the Olustee Battlefield State Park. This is the famous site of …
Steinhatchee, Florida’s 2016 Fiddler Crab Festival, February 12-14
Steinhatchee’s 8th Annual Fiddler Crab Festival will be bigger and better this year, with lots of food, live music, and arts and crafts. Here’s a listing: The Suwannee River Jam (Saturday, 11am – 5:30) happens all day Saturday and is the venue for the up and coming in the music field. Among other …
Hike, Bike, Swim, Camp and Paddle at Florida’s O’Leno State Park
One of Florida’s first state parks, O’Leno State Park was first developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The park is located along the banks of the scenic Santa Fe River, a tributary of the Suwannee River, and features sinkholes, hardwood hammocks, river swamps and sandhills. As the river courses through the park, …