Downtown Festival and Art Show
Celebrating its 31st anniversary in 2012, the Downtown Festival & Art Show is one of the nation’s premier outdoor fine arts festivals. The streets of historic downtown Gainesville, from City Hall to the Hippodrome State Theatre, will be transformed into a celebration of art and creativity on Saturday, October 12 and Sunday, October 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. An outdoor “street festival,” the art show attracts more than 100,000 attendees annually to view the works of over 250 of the nation’s most talented artists as they display their original oils and acrylics, vibrant watercolors, unique sculptures, dazzling jewelry, decorative ceramics and stunning photography. Artisans will compete for more than $18,000 in cash prizes and purchase awards. The Downtown Festival & Art Show is Gainesville’s most beloved tradition and a nationally recognized event.  Since 1996, it has ranked among the top festivals in the nation. Sunshine Artist magazine ranked the Downtown Festival & Art Show No. 16 among the best 200 fine art shows, and Greg Lawler’s Art Fair SourceBook ranked it at No. 27 in its top 100 list. A signature event on the North Florida events calendar, the Arts Festival offers visitors the opportunity to meet the exhibiting artists, enjoy three stages of continuous live music and performances, create art with the kids at the "Imagination Station,” and feast on foods from around the world. The Downtown Festival and Art Show is proudly produced by the City of Gainesville's Division of Cultural Affairs.. More information...

Downtown Festival & Art Show was great fun! Find your favorite picture here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/croland/sets/72157627997936919/show.

The Hoggetowne Medieval Faire
Have you ever wondered what it was like in Medieval days when knights rode to defend the honor of their King and Queen and villagers filled the streets of bustling medieval marketplaces as they went about their day? The Hoggetowne Medieval Faire is your chance to find out! Whether you’re a returning visitor or discovering the magic of Hoggetowne for the first time, you’re guaranteed to enjoy yourself at this celebration of Medieval times. The entertainment never ceases as jugglers, magicians and a colorful cast of characters fill visitors with laughter and amazement. Watch as royal knights joust on horseback and human chess pieces battle for a win on the Living Chessboard. Indulge your appetite with delicacies fit for a King at the Food Court, and enjoy your day wandering through the marketplace filled with the wares of 150 skilled artisans selling and demonstrating their time-honored arts and crafts of the Middle Ages. Continually recognized as one of North Central Florida’s most anticipated festivals, the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire has attracted thousands of fairgoers for over 20 years. This year, experience the Middle Ages, and find out what all the excitement is about. More information...

Photos by Nancy Bogen