The Gainesville Oddities Market at Bo Diddley Plaza

Bo Diddley Plaza 111 E University Ave., Gainesville, FL, United States

Explore the weird and wonderful at the Gainesville Oddities Market. The all-ages outdoor shopping experience promises, features over 80 vendors showcasing an eclectic array of wares - from taxidermy and bones to crystals, fashion, and witchy trinkets. Admission is free.

UF’s Witness Tree: A History of the Oldest Known Longleaf Pine on Campus at Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Center

Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Park 1500 NW 45th Ave., Gainesville, FL, United States

Using aerial photography and archival material, this talk by Brooke Whitaker charts the history of the oldest known longleaf pine on the University of Florida’s campus, first identified during America’s Bicentennial celebration. Designated “The Witness Tree,” the 275 year-old pine has lived through several radical changes to the local area,...

Free

Book Launch Party for “Firehorse” by Mallory M. O’Connor at Theatre of Memory

Theatre of Memory 705 NW 6th St., Gainesville, United States

Join the book launch from award-winning author Mallory M. O’Connor. Enjoy an author talk, book signing and more at Theatre of Memory. "Firehorse" is book four of the Epiphany Mayall Psychic Detective series and is the winner of the March 2025 Literary Titan Gold Book Award.

How to Write Fight Scenes with Author Dan Sharp at the Alachua County Library District Millhopper Branch

Alachua County Library District Millhopper Branch 3145 NW 43rd St., Gainesville, FL, United States

Join the Writers Alliance of Gainesville for “How to Write Fight Scenes” with author Dan Sharp. On May 4, WAG speakers bureau standout Dan Sharp will present the free program, “How to Write Fight Scenes.” He will point out that conflict, whether it involves fisticuffs or merely harsh words, is...

Free

The Next Generation Spring Concert

Eastside High School Auditorium 1201 SE 43rd St., Gainesville, FL, United States

Experience a performance from Dance Alive National Ballet's youth group The Next Generation and Pofahl Studios. The afternoon of dance features original works by eight choreographers, including three student-created pieces. The program includes classical ballet selections from Le Corsaire Suite and contemporary works by resident and guest artists. Special guest...

Birds and Brews Guided Bird Walk

First Magnitude Brewing Company 1220 SE Veitch St., Gainesville, FL, United States

Go birding with the Alachua Audubon Society on the monthly bird walk starting at the brewery. Alachua Audubon Society volunteers lead the bird walk from First Magnitude Brewing to the nature trail at Depot Park. The tour returns to the brewery an hour later with plenty of time for a...

KennaDee Acoustic at Mother’s Pub

Mother's Pub & Grill North 5109 NW 39th Ave, Gainesville, FL, United States

Join KennaDee for an evening of good food, great fun, and acoustic fan favorites! Savor delicious bites, enjoy a lively atmosphere, and sing-along to your favorite tunes. It’s the perfect recipe for a fantastic time! Don’t miss it!

Free

Tot Trot: Senses

UF Natural Area Teaching Laboratory Natural Area Dr., Gainesville, United States

Get your toddler excited about science and natural history! Join Florida Museum nature ambassadors for an exciting and interactive nature walk. While their exhibits building is closed, the Florida Museum will still be exploring the natural world at the University of Florida Natural Area Teaching Lab and sharing Museum treasures....

Traditional Irish Music at Blackadder Brewing

Blackadder Brewing Company 618 NW 60th St Ste A, Gainesville, FL, United States

Join the monthly Traditional Irish Music Session. The heart of Ireland comes alive through traditional tunes! Experience the vibrant atmosphere as local musicians gather at Blackadder Brewing for our monthly Traditional Irish Music Session. Enjoy rich musical heritage and cultural spirit of the Emerald Isle over a pint of ale....

Why Restore? Historic Wood Window Presentation at the Matheson History Museum

Matheson History Museum 513 E University Ave, Gainesville, FL, United States

In celebration of National Historic Preservation Month this May, the Matheson History Museum invites you to a special presentation, “Why Restore: Learn how your historic window can be just as energy efficient/impact-resistant as its replacement ‘cousin’!” Join an engaging hour-long presentation by the award-winning experts at Austin Historical. Restoring historic...

Free

Tom Petty Weekend Presents: Live on the Lawn with The Shambles, Shiloh, Mike Boulware and Friends

Heartwood Soundstage 619 Main St., Gainesville, FL, United States

Celebrate the kickoff of Tom Petty Weekend ticket sales with live music from The Shambles, Americana duo Shiloh and local singer-songwriter legend Mike Boulware and friends. Enjoy Tom Petty music tributes and flash sales for Tom Petty Weekend tickets. This event is supported by a Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area Downtown...

Free

Don David’s Jazz Era at One Love Cafe

One Love Cafe 4989 NW 40 St., Gainesville, FL, United States

Enjoy good food, good vibes and live music from the One Love patio stage.

Wellness University Seminars: Pain Management and Blood Health

Hilton University of Florida Conference Center 1714 SW 34th St., Gainesville, FL, United States

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm Cracking the pain code: UF breakthroughs in relief Join experts from UF’s Center for Advanced Pain Therapeutics and Research and the Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence as they share new discoveries in pain research and treatment. With over 50 million Americans affected by chronic pain,...

Free

Science Surprises: Exploring the Water Cycle

Archer Library Branch 12598 State Hwy 45, Archer, FL, United States

Splash into Science with us at the library! Our neat science sessions bring the water cycle into your hands. Perfect for elementary-aged learners looking for something new to do. This four-part series consists of four free, 45-minute learning sessions aimed at bringing core science concepts to K-8 students in an...

HuDost with (V)owls at Heartwood Soundstage

Heartwood Soundstage 619 Main St., Gainesville, FL, United States

Experience the refined wildness of HuDost, an alt-folk, electric-Americana, world-rock ensemble whose music bridges cultures and hearts. Winners of the Independent Music Award for Social Action Song, this Canadian duo infuses their artistry with a passionate commitment to social justice advocacy. Opening the show are local favorites, (V)owls.

$20 – $25

Science Surprises: Make a Pooter

Tower Road Library Branch 3020 SW 75 St., Gainesville, FL, United States

Step into the shoes of a scientist and make your own research tools at your local library! Out in the field, researchers use special tools to explore the natural world. Learn how to make and use these neat tools yourself. This four-part series consists of four free, 45-minute learning sessions,...

Gainesville Orchestra Season Finale: Hello, Dolly! with Maestro Evans Haile

Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall 3000 NW 83rd St., Gainesville, FL, United States

Celebrate the finale of another incredible season with a dazzling performance of "Hello, Dolly!" -- Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10, 2025 at Santa Fe College Jackson A. Sasser Fine Arts Hall. Conducted by Maestro Evans Haile, and brought to life by the masterful Gainesville Orchestra, the score is...

$20 – $40

Pulp Presents Electronic Music with Sam Prekop (The Sea & Cake), MSHR, and Eric Lanham at 117

117 117 NW 16th Ave., Gainesville, FL, United States

Sam Prekop's boundless imagination is guided by his strong sense of melody. For more than 25 years, as a solo artist or as part of The Sea And Cake, Prekop creates a singular sound inventive and warm. His distinctive vocals, guitar playing and work on modular analog synthesizers are inventive,...

$15

Cade Museum Turns 7 Birthday Bash

The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention 811 S Main St., Gainesville, FL, United States

Bring the whole family and help the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention celebrate seven years of sparking innovation—and many more to come! Enjoy free admission and a day filled with goodie bags for early guests, a petting zoo, and hands-on crafts like slime-making and birthday-themed art. Special guests from...