What's Good

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

Music & Performance

Arts & Theater

Seasonal

May 9

Haile Farmers Market

Map pin icon Haile Village Center

May 9

May 9

Mother’s Day Thrift Crawl

Map pin icon Decades on Main

May 9

Kendra Scott Gives Back Shopping Event

Map pin icon Kendra Scott at Butler Town Center

May 9

Archer Cultural Arts Festival

Map pin icon Wilson Robinson Park

Craft Breweries

Pop-Up Markets

May 9

Mother’s Day Thrift Crawl

Map pin icon Decades on Main

May 9

May 9

Kendra Scott Gives Back Shopping Event

Map pin icon Kendra Scott at Butler Town Center

Museum & Galleries

May 7

Little Sparks at the Cade Museum

Map pin icon The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention

May 9

High Springs Historical Society Museum

Map pin icon High Springs Historical Society Museum

May 14

Art After Dark Museum Nights aMAYzing pARTy

Map pin icon Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art

May 16

High Springs Historical Society Museum

Map pin icon High Springs Historical Society Museum

Outdoors

May 8

Walk and Talk Entrepreneurs Gainesville

Map pin icon Devils Millhopper Geological State Park

May 8

Greater Gainesville Pickleball Open 2026, May 8-10

Map pin icon Legacy Park Multipurpose Center

May 9

May 9

Carson Springs Wildlife Foundation Guided Tour Experience

Map pin icon Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation

May 9

Sports & Fans

May 8

Greater Gainesville Pickleball Open 2026, May 8-10

Map pin icon Legacy Park Multipurpose Center

May 8

Florida Gators Baseball vs. Kentucky

Map pin icon Condron Family Ballpark

May 9

Gator Super National Qualifier

Map pin icon Alachua County Sports & Events Center

May 10

Florida Gators Baseball vs. Kentucky

Map pin icon Condron Family Ballpark

May 12

Farmers Markets

May 8

High Springs Farmers Market

Map pin icon High Springs Farmer’s Market

May 9

Alachua County Farmers Market

Map pin icon Alachua County Farmers Market

May 9

Haile Farmers Market

Map pin icon Haile Village Center

May 9

Saturday Farmers Market at Sweet Roots Organic

Map pin icon Sweet Roots Organic Farm and Nursery

Workshops & Educational

May 8

Walk and Talk Entrepreneurs Gainesville

Map pin icon Devils Millhopper Geological State Park

May 9

May 9

High Springs Historical Society Museum

Map pin icon High Springs Historical Society Museum

Bites & Brunch

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, 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.