The Wooly Event Hall
Weddings, Holiday Parties, Corporate Events, and more.
352-278-1178
20 N. Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Event Space Info
The Wooly Event Hall is a versatile downtown event venue with in-house catering by The Top and concert sound.
The Wooly is here to serve up a good time! The venue accommodates up to 130 for a seated buffet meal, or up to 200 guests for a cocktail-style party.
Click below for our rental guide.
The Wooly is a unique venue suited to host your wedding reception, holiday party, or cocktail party. We provide in-house catering and a full service bar. We are conveniently located in the heart of downtown Gainesville, just minutes away from the University of Florida.
A large, versatile space in downtown Gainesville!
Our History
In 1856, the land The Wooly is situated on was purchased for a downtown square for close proximity to where the courthouse once stood (the corner plot southeast from The Wooly). In 1860, the land originally held a two-story hotel built from wood called The Arlington Hotel. During that time many people traveled to Gainesville and stayed at The Arlington for health and wellness retreats with visits to the nearby springs for medicinal purposes.
The Arlington burned down in 1884, and in 1886 a general store, called Endel’s Dry Goods was built (now in brick). Other businesses were included in this building, including a dental office in 1892.
In 1907, the whole building became Gainesville National Bank.
In 1923, FW Woolworth Co. began utilizing the building and was expanded up the block to where The Top currently stands. During this time it became Woolworth’s, a five and dime, complete with a lunch counter and department store.
In 1983, Chesnut’s purchased the property and it became an office supply store.
The owners of The Top acquired the building in 2006. The Wooly opened its doors for the first time in 2013 as one of the music venues for The Fest, a yearly punk music festival.
