Hippodrome Theatre events & schedule

About Hippodrome Theatre

The Hippodrome Theatre is the 276-seat, thrust-stage mainstage of the Hippodrome State Theatre, inside the historic Federal Building in downtown Gainesville. It was founded in 1972 by six artists and designated a State Theatre of Florida in 1981. The Hippodrome also runs Basement Sessions, a Jazz Series, improv comedy nights, concerts, guest performers, festivals and open mic nights.

The room

A 276-seat thrust-stage theatre with rehearsal space and a scene shop, inside the historic Federal Building.

History

Founded in 1972 by six artists, moved into the Federal Building in 1979, and designated a State Theatre of Florida in 1981.

Extra programming

Basement Sessions, a Jazz Series, improv comedy nights, concerts, guest performers, festivals and open mic nights.

Parking

Street parking in downtown Gainesville is free after 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and all day on Saturday and Sunday. The Downtown Parking Garage on 2nd Avenue is a block away, and validating a ticket there takes $2 off the price.

Contact

352-375-4477, boxoffice@thehipp.org.

Verified August 17, 2026 against thehipp.org, the venue's own site. Policies change, so confirm before you go. Event listings below update nightly.