Arts & Culture in North Florida
Larger than Life Experiences
Come enjoy the arts & culture of North Florida — with approachable experiences and larger-than-life craftsmanship. Whether you’re a history buff or a casual art fan, places like Lake City and Palatka in North Florida offer entrancing murals, civil war reenactments, outdoor music and folk festivals. Arts & Crafts shows like the Florida Forest Festival and the Olustee Festival create a strong arts community in North Florida and just south of Lake City in Gainesville is the Downtown Arts Festival.
- Craft Festivals
- Arts & Culture
- Performing Arts
Artistry at its Finest
In a region with so many close-knit communities, there is little wonder that artistic integrity thrives. Every year, the Art League of North Florida offers high-quality handcrafted works from local artists at their Mistletoe Magic Craft Market. In Lake City, the Olustee Festival brings more than 200 vendors from across the nation every year. And if you’re looking to see an even bigger showcase of the arts, the Downtown Festival and Arts Show just to the south of Lake City in Gainesville has consistently been ranked among the top 200 art shows in the nation.
Preserving Old Florida
If you’re seeking one-of-a-kind art from a community of driven artists, the Art League of North Florida, located in Lake City, is an exceptional provider. With an annual youth arts show, classes in everything from basic acrylics to woodcarving, the Arts Council of Greater Palatka creates rich experiences including a community theatre and several events throughout the year, while the Putnam County Historical Society and Railroad Preservation Society work to preserve North Florida’s history and heritage.
Entertainment that Builds Community
Enjoy community theatre? The River City Players are dedicated to quality performances in the Scarlett-Hill Theatre inside the Larimer Arts Center in Palatka. In Chiefland, the Suwannee Valley Players perform at Chief Theatre — the oldest community theatre having served Dixie, Gilchrist and Levy Counties for more than 37 years. And if you’re looking to relax with the tunes of your favorite country artists, the Suwannee Campground and Music Park and Summer Jam allow you to escape the hustle and bustle of city life right beside the peaceful Suwannee River.