AM/FM Festival Draws 700 to Downtown Gainesville

Annual music event sees 17% increase in attendance from last year's revival

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The AM/FM Festival, a free all-ages celebration of local music in Gainesville, Florida, drew an estimated 700 attendees across three venues on Sunday, February 22, 2026. This represented a 17% increase from the previous year's revival of the event, which had been on hiatus for a decade. The lineup featured 28 acts, with all but two making their AM/FM debut, showcasing the diverse sounds of Gainesville's music scene.

Why it matters

The AM/FM Festival's return and growing attendance underscores the vibrant local music culture in Gainesville, a college town known for nurturing emerging artists. The community-driven model of the festival, which partners with 13 local music organizations to curate the lineup, reflects the city's commitment to supporting and promoting its homegrown talent.

The details

This year's AM/FM Festival featured 28 acts, ranging from local staples to up-and-coming artists like the 13-year-old punk duo Ghost Rat. The free, all-ages event took place across three venues in downtown Gainesville: The Bull, Loosey's, and How Bazar.

  • The AM/FM Festival was held on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
  • Last year's revival event took place in 2025, after the festival had been on hiatus for a decade.

The players

AM/FM Festival

An annual music festival in Gainesville, Florida that celebrates the city's diverse local music scene.

Ghost Rat

A 13-year-old punk duo that made their AM/FM debut at the 2026 festival.

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The takeaway

The success of the AM/FM Festival highlights Gainesville's commitment to supporting its local music scene, providing a platform for both established acts and emerging talent to showcase their skills and connect with the community.