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 23 returns Oct. 24-26, 2025.

44th Annual Downtown Festival & Art Show

November 15-16, 2025

The City of Gainesville's Downtown Festival & Art Show is looking for stage and street performers for Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 15-16. Musicians, dancers, circus artists and more are invited to apply! The deadline is Tuesday, July 1.

Apply to Perform!

Upcoming Events

Free Fridays Concert Series

Friday, April 25, 2025 | 07:00 PM to 09:00 PM

22 more dates

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

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

Smooth Flava Dance Parties

Tuesday, April 29, 2025 | 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

GNV Film Festival

Saturday, June 07, 2025 | 06:00 PM to 10:00 PM

The annual GNV Film Festival features independent and national films crafted by local, regional and national filmmakers.

The Hippodrome Cinema, 25 SE Second Pl., 32601

Tagged as: , Music & arts

May the Fourth Be With You (Star Wars Celebration)

Saturday, May 03, 2025 | 05:00 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

Freedom Fest 2025

Saturday, June 21, 2025 | 03:00 PM to 09:00 PM

Freedom Fest is a music & arts festival featuring live performances, food trucks, art exhibits, small business vendors, community organization booths, a children’s zone & activities for children and elders, as we celebrate Emancipation Day, Juneteenth, & the idea of freedom and equality for all!

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

Tagged as: , Community events & fundraisers