Residences at Magnolia St is in the heart of the action of Downtown Gainesville.
Moving to Gainesville as a student might feel overwhelming, but it can be a real blast when you learn where to find the fun around town. Whether you're a student on a budget or just looking to enjoy this college town without burning through cash, Gainesville has plenty of cheap or free activities to keep you busy. After all, it is a college town, so there's always something going on. Here are some top picks for fun, inexpensive things to do near your Gainesville apartment.
Visit Free Markets and Festivals
Gainesville hosts various free events year-round, celebrating everything from music and art to food and culture. Local events like the Downtown Festival and Art Show are fantastic for enjoying live entertainment and meeting new people. The
City of Gainesville website is a great resource for staying up to date on what's going on in your town.
Gainesville is also home to several farmers markets where you can check out fresh, local produce and goodies. The GNV Market at Heartwood is held Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m. and often has live performances. If you're looking for a fun weekend activity check out the Newberry Farmers Market on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon for a great way to support local farmers and artists.
Take Advantage of the Museums Near Campus
The Harn Museum of Art is a must-visit with an impressive collection of contemporary and classic works from around the world. The 108,800-square-foot facility featuring 10 gallery spaces is on the University of Florida campus, which makes it a great outing for students. The picturesque exhibits are the perfect place to take pictures or just wander around. Best of all, admission is free, making it an excellent budget-friendly day out.
Just a short walk away, you'll find the Florida Museum of Natural History. This museum showcases the natural wonders of Florida and the history of the people who inhabited it. You can easily spend hours exploring the immersive exhibits. There is also a Butterfly Rainforest that is free with your Gator One or Santa Fe student ID.
Experience Live Music
Gainesville is a city of creatives, and if you look, you'll always find some kind of performance going on. A local favorite is the Free Fridays Concert Series. As you can probably assume it's free and takes place every Friday in Bo Diddley Plaza right in the heart of
Downtown Gainesville. It is the region's longest-running and largest free outdoor concert series. Musical acts are fun and diverse featuring classic rock, reggae, R&B, Soul, Ska, Funk, Blues and more.
Look Out for Free Classes
No matter your interest, there's always somebody in Gainesville willing to share their knowledge. From Yoga to Swing dancing, you can find free classes around town. For example, Gator Salsa Club hosts classes on Tuesdays at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and Thursdays at the Bull. These classes are free, beginner-friendly, open to all and fun. If something like yoga is more your speed, check out the free classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 - 8:00 p.m. in Bo Diddley Plaza.