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.

For Fest 21 tickets and information visit thefestfl.com.

Free Fridays returns April 2025

Upcoming Events

43rd Annual Downtown Festival & Art Show

Visit downtown Gainesville to experience North Florida’s largest free street festival Saturday, November 9, and Sunday, November 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with special evening music and poetry performances.

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

Smooth Flava Dance Parties

Tuesday, December 24, 2024 | 05:45 PM to 06:45 PM

50 more dates

Community line dancing Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:45 - 6:45 p.m.

Tagged as: , Music & arts

Free Yoga at the Plaza

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

Tagged as: , Community events & fundraisers

Free Yoga at the Plaza

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

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

Tagged as: , Community events & fundraisers

May the Fourth Be With You (Star Wars Celebration)

Saturday, May 03, 2025 | 06:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Enjoy a public screening of Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back, a live theatrical show, kids’ dance party, music, and costume contests.

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

Tagged as: , Kids & family, Music & arts

Gainesville Asian Festival

Experience a day of vibrant Asian performances at Bo Diddley Plaza!

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

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

Florida Invitational Step Show: The Stroll

Saturday, February 22, 2025 | 12:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Join us on Saturday, Feb. 22 from 12 to 3 p.m. at Bo Diddley Plaza for a free celebration featuring a step show/stroll by Black Greek organizations from Florida and the Southeast, local youth dance groups, and music.

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

Tagged as: , Community events & fundraisers, Kids & family, Major events, Music & arts

Downtown Countdown

Tuesday, December 31, 2024 | 08:00 PM

Ring in the New Year at the City of Gainesville's Downtown Countdown!

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

Tagged as: , Community events & fundraisers, Kids & family, Major events, Music & arts

Location

111 E. University Avenue, Gainesville 32601 View Map

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Google 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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