Add a local brewery stop to your itinerary in Gainesville and Alachua County. Find inspired brews flowing from the minds of beer makers at 6 distinct breweries in and around Gainesville.
From an old-world microbrewery to a production brewery you can literally drive through, scroll through our list of craft breweries you can’t miss.
Earlier this year, the Best Florida Beer Professional Championship winners were announced during the Annual Brewer’s Ball in Tampa. An AHA and BJCP sanctioned event, it’s the most prestigious professional beer competition in the state of Florida.
2020 saw 931 judged entries in 55 medal groups. All 5 Gainesville Breweries were recognized with awards and brought home some hardware.
Scroll down to see what’s happening this Labor Day Weekend, September 4-7, 2020.
Blackadder Brewing Company
Tuesday-Thursday, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., Friday, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
618 NW 60th St., Suite A, Gainesville, FL 32607
Taps at the microbrewery feature a rotation of guest beers, wines, cider and craft sodas. The cozy old-world atmosphere compliments the Belgian inspired tap list. Grab small bites from their food menu or something more robust from visiting food trucks. View the tap list online at BlackadderBrewing.com
Labor Day Weekend Activities:
– Vegan BBQ Beer tapped
– Friday, September 4: Strega Nona’s Oven Food Truck
– Saturday, September 5: Mixed Eats Food Truck
Make sure to check Blackadder Brewing Company Facebook page for last-minute changes and additions.
Big Top Brewing Company
Tuesday-Thursday, 12 p.m – 7 p.m., Friday 2 p.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m – 9 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
201 SE 2nd Ave. #101, Gainesville, FL 32601
Online Ordering
Big Top Brewing Company’s identity is shaped by its hometown of Sarasota with its history of The Ringling Circus and performing arts. Find core beers like Circus City (IPA) and special releases like Jo Jo the Clown (Fruited Sour). Big Top also features an in-house kitchen with food pairings like Daredevil Totchos (smoked pulled pork served ‘over tots topped with queso, pickled onions and jalapenos, lettuce, tomato, chipotle crema, and Cojita cheese), and Buffalo Cauliflower. See what’s on tap at BigTopBrewing.com
Labor Day Weekend Activities:
– Friday, September 4, 6 p.m. – 8: 30 p.m.: Big Top First Friday Fun Run
Make sure to check Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville Facebook page for last-minute changes and additions.
Cypress & Grove Brewing Company
Monday-Friday 3 p.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.
1001 NW 4th St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Online Ordering
Named after the intersection of historic streets in Gainesville, Cypress & Grove Brewing Company is housed in the old Gainesville Ice Factory which was located on a rail line. The railroad is now part of a network of bike paths, making the brewery a natural stop for those pedaling by. Online ordering is available to grab beer to-go. Enjoy a pint in the outdoor C&G Meadow and pair with bites from the kitchen or from an onsite food truck.
Labor Day Weekend Activities:
– Friday, September 4: Eim Thai Food Truck
– Saturday, September 5: Mayflower Cellars Food Truck
– Sunday, September 6, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.: Vegan Seafood Popup
– Monday, September 7, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.: Live Music and the Grove Street Farmer’s Market
Make sure to check Cypress & Grove Brewing Company Facebook page for last-minute changes and additions.
First Magnitude Brewing Company
Tuesday-Friday, 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday-Sunday, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
1220 SE Veitch St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Online Ordering
Named after the brightest stars in the sky and highest flowing freshwater springs, First Magnitude Brewing Company has grown into a community-focused production brewery. Year-round beers like Vega (Blonde Ale) and Drift (Session Brown Ale) are joined by limited releases like Salt Water Intrusion Gose and Mango Lassi (Milkshake Sour).
The current configuration of the brewery is a drive-through, order online and drive into the brewery to pick up your beer to-go.
High Springs Brewing Company
Monday–Wednesday, 4 p.m. – 11 p.m., Thursday, 3 p.m. – 9 p.m., Friday, 3 p.m. – 12 a.m., Saturday, 12 p.m. – 12 a.m.
18562 NW 237th St., High Springs, FL 32643
The history of the small town of High Springs, also known as The Gateway to the Springs, has ties to railroad activity over 100 years ago. The brewery honors the town history by featuring train and railroad imagery in their logo. Outdoor seating and a fenced-in open yard provide a family-friendly atmosphere with the opportunity to spread out throughout the property. Tasty food trucks rotate every night for small bites or full meals, plus live music is often on tap. Look for updates on their Facebook page for new beer releases and upcoming live music.
Labor Day Weekend Activities:
– Limited release of Half-Measures from Green Bench Brewing Company.
– Friday, September 4, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.: Live Music by The Remnants
– Saturday, September 5, 4 p.m.: Eim Thai Food Truck and live music by JD Cooke: 7 p.m. -10 p.m.
– Closed on Sunday (city ordinance).
– Monday, September 7: Extended Labor Day Hours, open 12 p.m. – 11 p.m. with The Sister’s Swank gourmet hotdogs
Make sure to check High Springs Brewing Company Facebook page for last-minute changes and additions
Swamp Head Brewery
Tuesday-Sunday, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
3650 SW 42 Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Online Ordering
Swamp Head Brewery was founded on a mission to be Florida’s brewery, providing craft beer throughout the state. Beyond their Florida First approach, they take every opportunity to take sustainability seriously. Core beers like Big Nose IPA and Midnight Oil Oatmeal Stout are joined throughout the year by limited releases like Field Trip (Peanut Butter and Jelly Amber Ale) and Swamp Water (Pink Grapefruit Hard Seltzer).
The Wetlands tasting room is currently closed. The drive-through is open, order in advance online, or just drive-up and place your order.
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