The ticket line to see Saturday Night Live's Marcello Hernandez stretched through several floors at the Reitz Union on Tuesday.

The Hoggetowne Medieval Faire took place Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 24 & 25, 2026, at Depot Park in downtown Gainesville, Fla.

The series opened Dec. 12 and featured a themed market every weekend. Sunday marked the last day of the series, titled “The Finale.”

Gainesville is preparing to step back in time this weekend with the return of the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire, which is celebrating its 39th year. The fair, which is free and open to the public, will take place Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Depot Park.

County staff and community volunteers created the quilts over the course of several years.

Here are some of our favorite photos from 2025 by WUFT News photojournalists.

“Anyone can order something from Amazon or online from Target, but there's not really any thought behind it,” Mincey said. “I think receiving a locally made, or even personally made gift is just a lot more sentimental.”

Gainesville has a long history with sugar cane, and Morningside Nature Center will showcase it for the public on Saturday.

“I think it’s become a tradition,” she said, “people love coming out to experience downtown in a way that doesn’t happen every day of the year, and it’s a really nice weekend in the fall for people to come out with their families.”

The New Florida Follies hit the stage in early 2026, bringing their high-energy performances and charitable mission to theaters across South Florida.