Key Takeaways
- The Fall Horticultural Expo returns Oct. 17, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Alachua County Ag and Equestrian Center in Newberry.
- The free event will feature kids’ activities, gardening demonstrations, live 4-H animals, vendors and free-tree giveaways.
- This year’s theme is “Grow a Food Forest: Plant for People, Pollinators & Our Planet.”
- A new UF/IFAS Fang Fest will teach visitors about living alongside Florida’s snakes.
Fall Horticultural Expo Returns to Newberry
Families in the Gainesville area can spend a fall day learning about gardening, agriculture, plants and animals at the Fall Horticultural Expo on Oct. 17. The free, family-friendly event will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Alachua County Ag and Equestrian Center in Newberry, according to a press release.
Hosted by the Gainesville Garden Club and the UF/IFAS Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program, the annual event is designed to combine hands-on activities with information about gardening and Florida-friendly landscapes.
This year’s theme, “Grow a Food Forest: Plant for People, Pollinators & Our Planet,” focuses on environmentally friendly gardens and yards while encouraging visitors to explore the edible side of the plant world.
What Families Can Do
The Expo will include activities for children and adults throughout the day. In the kids zone, children can learn about insects, plant life cycles and science through hands-on exploration. Other activities include Fun with Flowers for Kids, birdhouse decorating and opportunities to see live 4-H animals.
Families can also attend demonstrations on topics including hydroponics, seed shucking and planting to attract pollinators and birds.
New this year is the 3rd UF/IFAS Fang Fest, which will provide information intended to help visitors better understand and coexist with Florida’s snakes. The Santa Fe College Zoo will also bring snakes to the event.
Event Details
- When: Oct. 17, 2026, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: Alachua County Ag and Equestrian Center, 23100 W. Newberry Road, Newberry
- Cost: Free
- Parking: Free
- Activities: Kids’ zone, gardening demonstrations, live animals, music and a play area
- Food: Food trucks and vendors
- Weather: The event will take place rain or shine in the covered arena
Vendors will offer gardening-related products and goods ranging from coffee and honey to soil and seeds, along with free-tree giveaways. Expo co-chair Kathy Stephens encouraged families to simply come and enjoy the day, saying, “You won’t have to spend a dime if you don’t want to. Just come and have fun.”
The Fall Horticultural Expo is scheduled for Oct. 17 and will take place rain or shine.