Events in Gainesville & Alachua County
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
Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center
Aug 10
English Country Dance
United Church of Gainesville
Aug 11
Grand Squares Dance Club
Meizon Church
Aug 17
Senior Bingo
Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center
Aug 17
English Country Dance
United Church of Gainesville
Music & Performance
Aug 8
Jazz on the Green Live Music Series
Celebration Pointe
Aug 8
Aug 14
Free Fridays Concert Series with The Impostors
Bo Diddley Plaza
Aug 14
Aug 15
Arts & Theater
Aug 8
“Heathers: The Musical,” Now through August 9
Gainesville Community Playhouse
Aug 8
“13” the Musical
Acrosstown Repertory Theatre
Aug 9
Catch the Comedy and Chaos of “Maddie’s Secret”
Hippodrome Cinema
Aug 9
“Heathers: The Musical,” Now through August 9
Gainesville Community Playhouse
Aug 9
“13” the Musical
Acrosstown Repertory Theatre
Seasonal
Aug 15
Haile Farmers Market
Haile Village Center
Aug 22
Haile Farmers Market
Haile Village Center
Aug 29
Haile Farmers Market
Haile Village Center
Sep 5
Haile Farmers Market
Haile Village Center
Sep 12
Haile Farmers Market
Haile Village Center
Craft Breweries
Aug 9
Blackadder Brewing Company – Summer Indoor Market at The Abbey
The Abbey at Blackadder
Aug 10
Swamp Head Brewery – Trivia Night
Swamp Head Brewery
Aug 12
Swamp Head Brewery – Brewchata
Swamp Head Brewery
Aug 17
Swamp Head Brewery – Trivia Night
Swamp Head Brewery
Aug 19
Swamp Head Brewery – Open Mic Night
Swamp Head Brewery
Pop-Up Markets
Sep 5
WAHS Waldo Monthly Market
Waldo City Square
Sep 19
4th Annual Newberry’s Fabulous 50’s Festival
Downtown Newberry
Oct 3
WAHS Waldo Monthly Market
Waldo City Square
Museum & Galleries
Aug 9
Little Sparks at the Cade Museum
The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
Aug 13
Little Sparks at the Cade Museum
The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
Aug 15
Little Sparks at the Cade Museum
The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
Aug 15
High Springs Historical Society Museum
High Springs Historical Society Museum
Aug 16
Little Sparks at the Cade Museum
The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
Outdoors
Aug 10
Monday Night Rally Run Club
The Queens Arms Pub
Aug 15
Carson Springs Wildlife Foundation Guided Tour Experience
Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
Aug 17
Monday Night Rally Run Club
The Queens Arms Pub
Aug 22
Carson Springs Wildlife Foundation Guided Tour Experience
Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
Aug 22
Pollinator Census Party 2026
Gainesville Garden Club
Sports & Fans
Aug 11
Open Pickleball Nights Serve Up a New Way to be Active
Alachua County Sports & Events Center
Aug 12
Open Pickleball Nights Serve Up a New Way to be Active
Alachua County Sports & Events Center
Aug 15
Open Gym at Easton Newberry Sports Complex
Easton Newberry Sports Complex
Aug 15
Summer Fun Series at High Springs BMX
High Springs BMX
Aug 18
Open Pickleball Nights Serve Up a New Way to be Active
Alachua County Sports & Events Center
Farmers Markets
Aug 10
Grove Street Farmers Market
Cypress & Grove Brewing Company
Aug 11
Archer Farmers Market at the Historic Depot
Archer Depot
Aug 14
High Springs Farmers Market
High Springs Farmer’s Market
Aug 15
Waldo Farmers and Flea Market
Waldo Farmers and Flea Market
Aug 15
Haile Farmers Market
Haile Village Center
Workshops & Educational
Aug 11
Pinspiration Kids Summer Crafter-noons
Pinspiration Gainesville
Aug 12
WACKY Wednesdays
Alachua Branch
Aug 14
Pinspiration Kids Summer Crafter-noons
Pinspiration Gainesville
Aug 15
Transformative Communication Introductory Experiential Workshop
Bahai Center of Gainesville
Aug 18
Pinspiration Kids Summer Crafter-noons
Pinspiration Gainesville
Bites & Brunch
Aug 16
Gator Garden Brunch
Sweetwater Branch Inn
Aug 21
Gather & Graze: Charcuterie Workshop
Sweetwater Branch Inn
Aug 22
Celebrate 26 Years of The Top
The Top
Sep 2
Mediterranean Cooking Series Promotes Healthy Eating Habits
Alachua County Ag Auditorium
Apr 4
Oysters and Bubbles Gainesville Event
Superette
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 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.