BIG: CULTURE & ARTS FESTIVAL | 2026
Big: Culture & Arts Festival 2026
Our biggest year yet!
PRESENTED BY DION DIA & HOW BAZAR — recipients of the prestigious Business Art Award from the City of Gainesville, recognizing their impactful contributions to the arts in Gainesville, Florida.
Big: Culture & Arts Festival is a grassroots, community-built festival that brings an eclectic mix of artists, partners, audiences, and communities from across Florida and beyond into a world of art and culture in the heart of Downtown Gainesville, Florida.
The festival combines street culture with a modern interpretation of “circus” — offering a healing rejuvenation for the scars of the past and a portal into the present soul.
A bold statement recognizing oneself and others for who we are—Humans.
GENERAL INFO
Day 1: Friday, April 10 | Time: 5PM-1AM | Location: Downtown Gainesville
Day 2: Saturday, April 11 | Time: 3PM-1AM | Location: Downtown Gainesville
Afterparty 👀
Day 3: Sunday, April 12 | Time: 11AM-5PM | Location: Downtown Gainesville
OVER 100 ARTISTS WILL BE PERFORMING AT BIG: CULTURE & ARTS FESTIVAL!
From Neo-soul to Drum & Bass, Hip-Hop to Rock, Big promises a diverse journey through R&B, Funk, Caribbean Jazzgaze, Alternative, Indie, Shoegaze, Garage, House, and more!
See national and international acts such as: Earl Sweatshirt, The Alchemist, Zack Fox & UWAY, Navy Blue, MAVI, Rae Khalil, Liv.e, Chanpan, redveil, Pink Siifu, Ovrkast., Kelly Moonstone, Cleo Reed, Chuck Strangers, and many more!
Explore an assortment of Florida-based artists and collectives such as: 00JORDIE, Machina Records, Flozigg, Mijita, The Nancys, Buboy, Camp Blu, Cannibal kids, Jolt Radio and so many more!
But that’s not it, we’ll also have EIGHT Stages • Art Installations • Fashion Shows • Circus Performers • A Car Show • Film Screening Experience • A Surprise Parade • Special VIP Experiences • and the list just keeps on going!
All ages welcome.
Kids 5 and under Free. (General Admission only.)
Rain or shine.
All attendees subject to search.
Lineup & set time are subject to change without notice.
Those wishing to purchase or consume alcohol must be 21+ with valid form of ID
Valid forms of identification include: any US government-issued driver's license or ID card, US or foreign passport, foreign government-issued driver's license/ID with photo of passport
All sales are final — no refunds or cancellations (unless the festival is postponed or canceled). If need be, exchanging of tickets is allowed. Original ticket purchaser must contact diondia@23rdesque.com to facilitate that process.
TICKET TIERS
There are two primary pass options for Big: General Admission or VIP. The sooner you snag your ticket, the more you save! ONE TICKET guarantees you access to ALL THREE DAYS OF BIG.
Early Believer Presale: $35 without seeing the lineup — SOLD OUT!
Big General Admission: GA tickets will be released in tiers, starting at $65. Once a tier sells out, you will have a limited window to snag tickets before they go up!
An Even Better (VIP) Experience: Want to give yourself an even more memorable experience at Big? Treat yourself to a VIP pass starting at just $125! VIP passes will include access to a unique indoor VIP lounge equipped with its own speciality cocktail bar, free massage, exclusive performances, a live feed from main stage, rotating refreshments, and other goodies.
More information on Big available at bigcaf.com
ZERO TOLERANCE
Disruptive and potentially harmful behavior to others in our community will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to the following:
Disruptive behavior of any kind that interferes with the event or performances.
Ignoring requests from staff and security regarding facility operations and emergency response procedures
Verbal or physical harassment, including abusive language and gestures, threats, cursing or sexual language directed at others
Any form of discrimination or harassment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or veteran status
Behavior that is in violation of local and federal government laws and regulations
PARKING
Parking will be available all throughout Downtown! Depot Park’s overflow lot is walking distance from the festival grounds. The Southwest Parking Garage, where How Bazar is located, is also walking distance. Over the weekend, street parking and lots like the Court House and City Hall will all be lifted. Regardless of parking options, we highly suggest using Uber and Lyft for safety, environmental and logistical reasons.
BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
Visit Gainesville Alachua County
West Law Firm
Atlantic Design Homes
The Gainesville Lodge
Sweetwater Branch Inn
Subtropic Film Festival
Procrastination Radio
The Alchemy Club
Pulp Arts
Jolt Radio