Bo Diddley Plaza

Welcome to Bo Diddley Plaza

The beautiful Bo Diddley Community Plaza is located at 111 E. University Avenue on the corner of SE 1st Street and East University Avenue in the heart of Historic Downtown Gainesville. The plaza is available to rent for concerts, festivals, church gatherings and more throughout the year; offering a covered stage as well as a picnic and park area. Bo Diddley Plaza also features a restaurant and a café on-site. It was renamed in 2008 in honor of local treasure, legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, singer, guitarist and songwriter, Bo Diddley.

Fest 24 returns Oct. 23-25, 2025.

44th Annual Downtown Festival & Art Show returns Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 14-15, 2026.

Free Fridays returns April 2026

Upcoming Events

Free Yoga at the Plaza

23 Feb 2026 Free Yoga instruction on Mondays and Wednesdays 9 - 10 a.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave., 32601

50 more dates

Tagged as: , Community events & fundraisers

Smooth Flava Dance Parties

24 Feb 2026 Get ready to groove to the beats of Smooth Flava, learn line dancing and have fun! Community line dancing Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:45 - 6:45 p.m.

Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave., 32601

50 more dates

Tagged as: , Music & arts

Free Yoga at the Plaza

24 Feb 2026 Free Yoga instruction on Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave., 32601

50 more dates

Tagged as: , Community events & fundraisers

Free Fridays Concert Series

03 Apr 2026 The region’s longest-running and largest free outdoor concert series features local and regional musical talent at the Bo Diddley Plaza. Our concerts under the stars showcase diverse musical acts sure to delight music lovers with classic rock, reggae, R & B, soul, ska, funk, blues and more.

Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave., 32601

25 more dates

Tagged as: , Community events & fundraisers, Exhibitions & festivals, Music & arts

Gainesville Asian Festival

04 Apr 2026 Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage with the City of Gainesville at the 3rd Annual Gainesville Asian Festival! The event features a captivating schedule of performances, food trucks, craft vendors, and tabling organizations.

Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave., 32601

Tagged as: , Exhibitions & festivals, Kids & family, Markets & popup shops, Music & arts

The Great Pumpkin Bash

17 Oct 2026 Join us for our second annual Great Pumpkin Bash Saturday, Oct. 17 at Bo Diddley Plaza!

Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave., 32601

Tagged as: , Exhibitions & festivals, Kids & family, Youth events

44th Annual Downtown Festival & Art Show

14 Nov 2026 Discover 200+ local and national artists showcasing their extraordinary creations, from paintings and sculptures to jewelry, ceramics, and more—all available for purchase! While you shop, enjoy live music on four stages, plus captivating dance and circus performances, and a delicious array of food.

Downtown Gainesville, 111 E. University Ave., 32601

1 more date

Tagged as: , Exhibitions & festivals, Kids & family, Major events, Music & arts

Location

111 E. University Avenue, Gainesville 32601 View Map

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Venue Snapshot

Features

Stage
Available for Rentals

Contact

Nigel Hamm

(352) 393-8202

HammN1@gainesvillefl.gov

Rental Information

Bo Diddley Plaza Booking

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