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    The Venue

    3.0 (5 reviews)

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    17 years ago

    Helpful 3
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    16 years ago

    Helpful 1
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    15 years ago

    Helpful 1
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    17 years ago

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    16 years ago

    I had a great time and a great service. The place is perfect for live concerts and shows.

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    Lightnin' Salvage

    Lightnin' Salvage

    4.9(7 reviews)
    2.2 mi
    $

    I have been a big fan of Lightnin' Salvage since it opened way back when, and was completely…read moredevastated when it burnt to the ground after the last fire at Satchels. (I'll be honest, I may have actually shed a tear or two over it.) I was both excited and nervous to see what the new and "improved" LS would be like when it reopened (last week.) I was pleasantly surprised to visit tonight and see the spirit of the store captured with new whimsy and more AC than I've ever experienced at Satchels! The store portion is way smaller, but it's still just as fun. The space is more open and clean (without feeling sterile.) Anyone who has ever been there on a Friday or Saturday night knows just how needed that extra space is! The dining portion, while may technically be less tables, feels way more open. The tables are new and filled with collections (which are appreciated, especially since they lost the collection museum in the fire.) There is a sewing pattern table, a Polaroid table, a I phone screen table, a key table, a match book table, a cassette table, a bike chain table, and a couple more I couldn't view due to guests. The bar is flocked with completed puzzles and more whimsy. For those not familiar with Satchels or Lightnin' Salvage, Satchels is Gainesville's most local, funky, and delicious pizza joint, and LS is the fun shop in the back where you can meander through collections and interesting new yet vintage style toys; or simply have a drink while you wait for your table to be ready. There was a order at the counter component for food in the past, but in all my years of going I never took advantage of until tonight. Tonight I took advantage of it because 1. There was zero wait vs the (not bad for Friday at Satchels) 20 minute wait inside Satchels 2. I wanted to scope the new digs 3. I wanted to enjoy the live music 4. I wanted to enjoy the magic of their new AC. I know I've mentioned the AC twice now but this is probably the first time I've visited Satchels on a summer night and not sweat! The AC is amazing! Overall, It is not the old LS but it has many different great qualities. LS offers a cute and quirky store, nice bar area, it's own ATM (its cash only), and the ability to order Satchels pizza and salad more quickly. The food does come in to go containers and does lose a little of its magic in that, but it is still the same tasty food that put Satchels on the map.

    Fantastic showcase of reuse of discarded items. They make fences out of old floppy disks, tail…read morelights, or foosball characters. Bocce ball court out back, there's definitely nothing that won't catch your eye. It has almost grown into the "amusement park" realm. While you might expect rides from an amusement park, this just captures your attention and amuses you. It is a wonderful display of visually restructured materials. I just wish I lived in Gainesville to watch the metamorphosis over time. I'll be back semi-annually, and I'll always go back to see how it has inevitably changed. There is also an irreverent gift shop with lots of fun stuff, and they also have live music on certain nights. Love Satchel's and Lightning.

    Photos
    Lightnin' Salvage - Horoscope scale out in the parking lot

    Horoscope scale out in the parking lot

    Lightnin' Salvage
    Lightnin' Salvage - Before and after

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    Before and after

    The Wooly

    The Wooly

    4.0(11 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $

    This is such a great option if you're looking for a space to host an event/gathering/reception in…read moreGainesville. We had food catered from The Top right next door, which you can never go wrong with as they have such a great selection from meatballs, the corn nuggets (the best!!!), hummus, and more! There is ample space both standing room, and seating, as well as a stage! An open bar is also available for events.

    I don't know much about Gainesville and what's there other than when I visit a couple friends there…read moreI go and do whatever they suggest. I was in town recently for a friend's birthday and she rented out The Wooly for her party. The space is really neat and can be divided up easily like my friend did. The front leads into a reception area, and she used a chunk of it to get a photo booth for the night. Go a little further and there's a small bar on the left, some seating on the back wall, and on the right an entire dance floor (or space to set up seating) and slightly raised stage. She hired a DJ and had some catered hors d'oeuvres on tables between the bar and dance floor. The folks at the bar were nice and it wasn't stupidly expensive if you wanted to get a mixed drink. The venue had some really nice textures and lighting (separate from my friend's over the top decor) that made it feel more upscale in a college town. I have no idea what it cost her or how easy it was to coordinate with the venue, but as a guest I had a great time! The only downside is you'll likely have to circle around a couple times for street parking if you don't want to pay for the garages nearby.

    Photos
    The Wooly - Watching the short film festival

    Watching the short film festival

    The Wooly - Movie set up

    Movie set up

    The Wooly - Setup for movies

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    Setup for movies

    Bo Diddley Downtown Community Plaza - Bo Diddley Downtown Community Plaza, Gainesville

    Bo Diddley Downtown Community Plaza

    3.8(8 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    Had a really great time visiting Bo Diddley Plaza in Gainesville, Florida. This is a lively and…read morehistoric outdoor space that really captures the spirit of the city's music and culture scene. It is a great spot for events, live performances, and community gatherings, and you can tell it is a central hub for downtown activity. The open layout makes it easy to enjoy concerts or festivals, and the atmosphere feels energetic but still laid back. There is plenty of space to stand or sit and take in whatever is going on, and it is especially fun when there is live music happening. The plaza is well known for its connection to music history and it adds a nice cultural touch to the downtown area. The only downside is that it is mostly event driven, so when nothing is happening it can feel a bit quiet or open. Overall, it is a great public space that really shines during events. Easy 4 stars and definitely worth checking out if something is going on.

    This large lawn-style amphitheater is located adjacent to the Alachua County Administration…read morebuilding in downtown Gainesville. It's usually used for music festivals or perhaps a farmers market but it was vacant on this Saturday evening with the street market located a few blocks away today. It was renamed in 2008 for Bo Diddley who was born here in Alachua County and is laid to rest not too far away. Diddley was known for his rectangular guitar and energetic performances, blinding blues, rock, and funk, creating a sound that was uniquely his own and influencing Buddy Holly, the Rolling Stones and the Clash. It looks like a fabulous space, surrounded by hotels, bars, restaurants and the vibe of a downtown college city. Go Gators. [Review 360 of 2025 - 2012 in Florida - 23922 overall]

    Photos
    Bo Diddley Downtown Community Plaza - Bo Diddley Downtown Community Plaza, Gainesville

    Bo Diddley Downtown Community Plaza, Gainesville

    Bo Diddley Downtown Community Plaza - Bo Diddley Downtown Community Plaza, Gainesville

    Bo Diddley Downtown Community Plaza, Gainesville

    Bo Diddley Downtown Community Plaza - Bo Diddley Downtown Community Plaza, Gainesville

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    Bo Diddley Downtown Community Plaza, Gainesville

    The Venue - musicvenues - Updated May 2026

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