Events in Gainesville & Alachua County
| If spring had a social calendar, it would look a lot like this week across Alachua County with What’s Good®. The weekend begins the GCM Spring Food Fest, where local chefs and restaurants gather for an evening of tastings and live music. The BARD & Broadside Poetry Festival continues this week with poetry readings woven into the Free Fridays Concert Series and the high-energy Swamp-Berry Jam Poetry Slam. In High Springs, the Santa Fe Springs Plein Air Paintout turns the landscape itself into the studio. Plus, meet animals, explore interactive exhibits, and learn about conservation with Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo’s Party for the Planet. |
Search listings below for more of What’s Good®.
Events & Festivals
May 17
World Tree Kangaroo Day
Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
May 17
Women in Blues Showcase Live Music Event
Heartwood Soundstage
May 23
Florida Emancipation Day Festival
Depot Park
May 23
Blackadder Brewing Company – Community Clean Up
Blackadder Brewing Company
May 23
Cypress and Grove Brewing Company – 2nd Annual Burger Wars
Cypress & Grove Brewing Company
Music & Performance
May 17
Gainesville Community Band Spring Concert
St. Patrick Catholic Church
May 17
North Central Florida Women in Blues Showcase
Heartwood Soundstage
May 17
Women in Blues Showcase Live Music Event
Heartwood Soundstage
May 17
Blackadder Brewing Company – Live Music by “Mind the Music”
Blackadder Brewing Company
May 19
Brazilian singer-songwriter Leo Middea Live with Pamelli Marafon
Heartwood Soundstage
Arts & Theater
May 17
Drag Brunch at First Magnitude Brewing Company
First Magnitude Brewing Company
May 17
“for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf” at Acrosstown Repertory Theatre
Acrosstown Repertory Theatre
May 17
“Million Dollar Quartet” at the Hippodrome Theatre, April 29 – May 24
Hippodrome Theatre
May 20
“Million Dollar Quartet” at the Hippodrome Theatre, April 29 – May 24
Hippodrome Theatre
May 20
“Million Dollar Quartet” at the Hippodrome Theatre, April 29 – May 24
Hippodrome Theatre
Seasonal
May 19
Senior Mental Health Seminar Gainesville
Hilton University of Florida Conference Center
May 21
May 22
Free Fridays Concert Series: Mindwalk
Bo Diddley Plaza
May 23
Haile Farmers Market
Haile Village Center
May 29
Free Fridays Concert Series: All My Phriends (Phish Tribute Band)
Bo Diddley Plaza
Craft Breweries
May 17
Drag Brunch at First Magnitude Brewing Company
First Magnitude Brewing Company
May 17
Cypress & Grove Brewing Company – Yoga at the Well w/ Jenna Horner
Cypress & Grove Brewing Company
May 17
Blackadder Brewing Company – Live Music by “Mind the Music”
Blackadder Brewing Company
May 18
Swamp Head Brewery – Trivia Night at Swamp Head Brewery
Swamp Head Brewery
May 19
Swamp Head Brewery Bingo Benefiting Florida Springs Council
Swamp Head Brewery
Pop-Up Markets
May 19
Archer Farmers Market at the Historic Depot
Archer Depot
May 26
Archer Farmers Market at the Historic Depot
Archer Depot
Jun 2
Archer Farmers Market at the Historic Depot
Archer Depot
Jun 4
Swamp Head Brewery – Book Swap
Swamp Head Brewery
Jun 6
WAHS Waldo Monthly Market
Waldo City Square
Museum & Galleries
May 17
Little Sparks at the Cade Museum
The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
May 21
Little Sparks at the Cade Museum
The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
May 23
Cade Museum’s 8th Birthday Bash!
The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
May 23
Little Sparks at the Cade Museum
The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
May 23
High Springs Historical Society Museum
High Springs Historical Society Museum
Outdoors
May 17
World Tree Kangaroo Day
Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
May 19
Archer Farmers Market at the Historic Depot
Archer Depot
May 23
Blackadder Brewing Company – Community Clean Up
Blackadder Brewing Company
May 23
Carson Springs Wildlife Foundation Guided Tour Experience
Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
May 26
Archer Farmers Market at the Historic Depot
Archer Depot
Sports & Fans
May 20
Open Pickleball Nights Serve Up a New Way to be Active, May 5-27, 2026
Alachua County Sports & Events Center
May 23
National Tune Up for the Rings
Alachua County Sports & Events Center
May 24
National Tune Up for the Rings
Alachua County Sports & Events Center
May 27
Open Pickleball Nights Serve Up a New Way to be Active, May 5-27, 2026
Alachua County Sports & Events Center
Farmers Markets
May 18
Grove Street Farmers Market
Cypress & Grove Brewing Company
May 22
High Springs Farmers Market
High Springs Farmer’s Market
Workshops & Educational
May 17
Grand Bonsai Exhibition Gainesville
Oak Hammock at the University of Florida
May 17
Cypress & Grove Brewing Company – Yoga at the Well w/ Jenna Horner
Cypress & Grove Brewing Company
May 19
Senior Mental Health Seminar Gainesville
Hilton University of Florida Conference Center
May 19
All About Watermelons Class Explores Farming and Fresh Recipes
Alachua County Ag Auditorium
May 19
A New Chapter Begins – Workshop
Senior Recreation Center
Bites & Brunch
May 21
“Friends Night” at Samba Brazilian Kitchen
Samba Brazilian Kitchen
May 21
BBQ Fundraiser for Rescue Animals
David’s BBQ West
May 21
Blackadder Brewing Company Charity Bingo Night
Blackadder Brewing Company
May 23
Cooking Up Health Mediterranean Gainesville Workshop
Alachua County Ag Auditorium
May 28
“Friends Night” at Samba Brazilian Kitchen
Samba Brazilian Kitchen
Looking for the best events in Gainesville and Alachua County? Welcome to What’s Good, your go-to guide for discovering things to do throughout the week and beyond. From live performances and sporting events to festivals and family-friendly activities, there is always something happening across North Central Florida.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, looking for things to do tonight, or exploring local culture, What’s Good highlights the top experiences that make Gainesville and Alachua County a vibrant destination year-round.
Things to Do in Gainesville This Week
Step into What’s Good with a fast-paced lineup of high-energy performances, competitive sporting events, and can’t-miss entertainment. Experience suspense and sharp humor with Accomplice, a twist-filled theatrical production at the Hippodrome Theatre that keeps audiences guessing from curtain to call.
Sports fans can cheer on top athletes at the NAIA National Championships hosted at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center, where elite competitors showcase skill, determination, and championship-level performance. Nearby at Celebration Pointe, the USA Track & Field Race Walk Championships brings endurance and speed to the spotlight in a unique and exciting competition.
For motorsports enthusiasts, the legendary NHRA Gatornationals returns to Gainesville Raceway, launching the drag racing season with four days of high-speed action and adrenaline-pumping excitement.
Families can enjoy the Alachua County Youth Fair, a beloved local tradition filled with rides, games, food vendors, and entertainment for all ages.
Explore More Events and Activities
Beyond these featured events, Gainesville and Alachua County offer a wide variety of activities for visitors and locals alike. Discover live music performances, art exhibits, farmers’ markets, food festivals, and outdoor adventures happening throughout the area. Whether you’re interested in cultural experiences, sporting events, or relaxing outdoor activities, there’s always something new to explore.

The region is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with performances, galleries, and community events taking place year-round. Visitors can enjoy everything from theater productions and live concerts to local art walks and pop-up events in downtown Gainesville.
For a full calendar of events and updated listings, explore the official Visit Gainesville events page:
https://www.visitgainesville.com/events/
Plan Your Visit to Gainesville and Alachua County
Conveniently located in North Central Florida, Gainesville is home to a dynamic mix of culture, sports, and outdoor recreation. Visitors can explore nearby parks, природ springs, and scenic trails before heading to an event in the evening. The combination of natural beauty and lively entertainment makes this area a top destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and excitement.
Whether you’re attending a major sporting event, enjoying a live performance, or discovering a local festival, What’s Good helps you stay connected to the best happenings in the region.
Stay Connected with What’s Good
Check back regularly to see what’s happening next and discover new events in Gainesville and Alachua County. With something always on the calendar, it’s easy to find your next experience and make the most of your time in the area.
Start exploring today and see what’s good this week.