Get Down Downtown

Kick off the Downtown Festival & Art Show weekend by checking out the Friday night Downtown Blues Festival tonight, Nov. 13. Performing this year is Janiva Magness, winner of the 2006 and 2007 Blues Music Awards for Best Contemporary Female Artist Of The Year., The free concert is at the Downtown Bo Diddley Community Plaza and will feature performances by local, regional and national musicians.

The next morning, attend the Downtown Festival & Art show—a nationally recognized event that Sunshine Artist magazine ranked the Festival No. 27 on a list of the best outdoor street festivals in the nation. Celebrating its 28th year, the 2009 festival (presented by the City of Gainesville Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs) offers visitors the opportunity to meet exhibiting artists, sample fine cuisine and enjoy live entertainment.

From 10am to 5pm, the streets of downtown Gainesville will be transformed into a celebration of artwork from more than 250 artists showcasing oils and acrylics, watercolors, jewelry, sculptures and photography. Children can spend the day in the children’s area, where they will be immersed in art and creativity in the Imagination Station. Near the Hippodrome Theatre, more than 30 non-profits will have booths providing information about the community. Dozens of vendors will offer food from around the world, including Thai shish-ka-bobs, Greek gyros, Cajun jambalaya and more. See gvlculturalaffairs.org for more.

—Kate Ashby