What's Good


What’s Good® roams from wildlife encounters to haunted tales this week, with milestone celebrations and live music along the way. On Saturday, families can meet more than 30 animal species during a guided tour of the 200-acre Carson Springs Wildlife. After dark, The Haunted Tavern transforms the historic Hippodrome Theatre into a candlelit setting for chilling stories and themed cocktails.

First Magnitude launches its Written in the Stars anniversary week with the five-course Down to Earth Dinner, while Cypress & Grove celebrates nine years and the grand opening of Morning Brew. Plus, Bennie and Da Band bring R&B to Bo Diddley Plaza, and Grammy winner Jim Lauderdale takes the stage at Heartwood Soundstage.

Search listings below for more of What’s Good®.

Events & Festivals

Aug 10

Senior Bingo

Map pin icon Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center

Aug 10

English Country Dance

Map pin icon United Church of Gainesville

Aug 11

Grand Squares Dance Club

Map pin icon Meizon Church

Aug 17

Senior Bingo

Map pin icon Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center

Aug 17

English Country Dance

Map pin icon United Church of Gainesville

Music & Performance

Arts & Theater

Aug 8

“Heathers: The Musical,” Now through August 9

Map pin icon Gainesville Community Playhouse

Aug 8

“13” the Musical

Map pin icon Acrosstown Repertory Theatre

Aug 9

“Heathers: The Musical,” Now through August 9

Map pin icon Gainesville Community Playhouse

Aug 9

“13” the Musical

Map pin icon Acrosstown Repertory Theatre

Seasonal

Aug 15

Haile Farmers Market

Map pin icon Haile Village Center

Aug 22

Haile Farmers Market

Map pin icon Haile Village Center

Aug 29

Haile Farmers Market

Map pin icon Haile Village Center

Sep 5

Haile Farmers Market

Map pin icon Haile Village Center

Sep 12

Haile Farmers Market

Map pin icon Haile Village Center

Craft Breweries

Aug 10

Aug 12

Aug 17

Aug 19

Pop-Up Markets

Museum & Galleries

Aug 9

Little Sparks at the Cade Museum

Map pin icon The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention

Aug 13

Little Sparks at the Cade Museum

Map pin icon The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention

Aug 15

Little Sparks at the Cade Museum

Map pin icon The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention

Aug 15

High Springs Historical Society Museum

Map pin icon High Springs Historical Society Museum

Aug 16

Little Sparks at the Cade Museum

Map pin icon The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention

Outdoors

Aug 10

Monday Night Rally Run Club

Map pin icon The Queens Arms Pub

Aug 15

Carson Springs Wildlife Foundation Guided Tour Experience

Map pin icon Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation

Aug 17

Monday Night Rally Run Club

Map pin icon The Queens Arms Pub

Aug 22

Carson Springs Wildlife Foundation Guided Tour Experience

Map pin icon Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation

Aug 22

Pollinator Census Party 2026

Map pin icon Gainesville Garden Club

Sports & Fans

Aug 11

Open Pickleball Nights Serve Up a New Way to be Active

Map pin icon Alachua County Sports & Events Center

Aug 12

Open Pickleball Nights Serve Up a New Way to be Active

Map pin icon Alachua County Sports & Events Center

Aug 15

Open Gym at Easton Newberry Sports Complex

Map pin icon Easton Newberry Sports Complex

Aug 15

Aug 18

Open Pickleball Nights Serve Up a New Way to be Active

Map pin icon Alachua County Sports & Events Center

Farmers Markets

Aug 10

Grove Street Farmers Market

Map pin icon Cypress & Grove Brewing Company

Aug 14

High Springs Farmers Market

Map pin icon High Springs Farmer’s Market

Aug 15

Waldo Farmers and Flea Market

Map pin icon Waldo Farmers and Flea Market

Aug 15

Haile Farmers Market

Map pin icon Haile Village Center

Workshops & Educational

Aug 11

Pinspiration Kids Summer Crafter-noons

Map pin icon Pinspiration Gainesville

Aug 12

WACKY Wednesdays

Map pin icon Alachua Branch

Aug 14

Pinspiration Kids Summer Crafter-noons

Map pin icon Pinspiration Gainesville

Aug 18

Pinspiration Kids Summer Crafter-noons

Map pin icon Pinspiration Gainesville

Bites & Brunch

Aug 16

Gator Garden Brunch

Map pin icon Sweetwater Branch Inn

Aug 21

Gather & Graze: Charcuterie Workshop

Map pin icon Sweetwater Branch Inn

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.

What’s Good

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 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.