North Central Florida Health Festival

The University of Florida College of Nursing is proud to announce the inaugural North Central Florida Health Festival, a free, community-centered event celebrating the Colleges 70th anniversary of advancing education, research, and community care.

The festival will take place on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Bo Diddley Plaza in downtown Gainesville. Designed for individuals and families of all ages, the event will bring together health professionals, campus partners, clinical providers, and community organizations for a day focused on wellness, education, and connection. Rooted in the College of Nursings 70^th anniversary, the festival reflects a shared commitment to viewing the community as an interconnected system where accessible, responsive, and innovative health programming lights the way locally and beyond.

Festival highlights will include:

• Free health screenings and wellness checks
• Mobile health units and outreach services
• Interactive health education booths
• Informational tabling from campus and community partners
• Fitness and mindfulness demonstrations
• Kid-friendly activities and giveaways
• Local vendors and live entertainment

As we celebrate 70 years of impact, we are excited to gather with our community to focus on what matters most. Health, access, and partnership, said representatives from the UF College of Nursing. This festival embodies our belief that when we light the way together, healthier communities follow.

The North Central Florida Health Festival also reflects the Colleges ongoing commitment to mutually beneficial community partnerships, expanded mobile outreach, health education, preventive screenings, and continuing education opportunities.

Community organizations, healthcare providers, and others interested in participating are invited to get involved. Opportunities include hosting an informational table, providing screenings or interactive activities, facilitating demonstrations, serving as a vendor, or sponsoring the event. To learn more or to participate, please contact Dr. Jacobi Bedenfield, Director of Immersive Education, at bedenfield@ufl.edu.

The University of Florida College of Nursing looks forward to welcoming the community for this milestone celebration and to continuing its legacy of lighting the way together for the next generation of health and wellness in North Central Florida.