‘Big: Culture & Arts Festival’ returns to Downtown Gainesville

The third-annual Big: Culture and Arts Festival is returning to Gainesville this week, in a celebration on April 11 and 12.

Organized by Marion County native Laila Fakhoury, the festival will take place between the Porters Quarters community and South Main Street. The event’s theme is a crossover between circus and street culture, Fakhoury said.

“The reason that we chose the theme circus is because we just love the concept originally of circus, which is that no matter who you are, where you are, or if you feel alone in your community, you know that the circus is going to come into your town and celebrate you and allows people to be the authentic and true selves,” she said.

Fakhoury founded Big with Jahi and Khary Khalfani. The trio co-own Dion Dia Records and How Bazar, a venue and marketplace. The event is also supported by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County.

The festival centers on a one-of-a-kind fashion show, made possible by the Ocala-based moving company Florida Moving Pros, led by Austin Hendrix. The show will begin at sunset, at 7:50 p.m. on April 11.

“They’re going to be bringing their big box truck, and the models will be in the back of that, and they’ll come out as the box truck pulls onto the festival grounds,” Fakhoury said.

Musical headliners will include The Alchemist, MIKE, Navy Blue, Annabelle Kline, Elijah Fox, Pink Siifu, Pearl & the Oysters, and Kaelin Ellis.

“Attendees can look forward to a circus-themed extravaganza including a street fashion show, an indoor skatepark, aerial performances, fire breathers, bounce houses, local artist showcases, food trucks, coffee pop-ups, a drive-in movie theater experience, and much more,” according to the website.

Turnout is expected to be upwards of 2000 to 2500 people, Fakhoury said.

Tickets are on sale starting at $45 and can be purchased at bigcaf.com