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 23
Florida Emancipation Day Festival
Depot Park
May 23
Cypress and Grove Brewing Company – 2nd Annual Burger Wars
Cypress & Grove Brewing Company
Jun 26
iDoIt4MyCity Weekend 2026
How Bazar
Jun 26
iDoit4mycity Festival
How Bazar
Music & Performance
May 23
Live Jazz Gainesville at The Meet Up
The Meet Up
May 23
May 24
May 27
Teen Open Mic Night with We Rock Gainesville
Heartwood Soundstage
May 29
Free Fridays Concert Series: All My Phriends (Phish Tribute Band)
Bo Diddley Plaza
Arts & Theater
May 23
“Million Dollar Quartet” at the Hippodrome Theatre, April 29 – May 24
Hippodrome Theatre
May 23
“Million Dollar Quartet” at the Hippodrome Theatre, April 29 – May 24
Hippodrome Theatre
May 23
“for colored girls…” at Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, May 22-31
Acrosstown Repertory Theatre
May 24
Pofahl Studios 70th Annual Recital
Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
May 24
“Million Dollar Quartet” at the Hippodrome Theatre, April 29 – May 24
Hippodrome Theatre
Seasonal
May 23
Haile Farmers Market
Haile Village Center
May 25
Memorial Day Tour at Carson Springs Wildlife
Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
May 29
Free Fridays Concert Series: All My Phriends (Phish Tribute Band)
Bo Diddley Plaza
May 30
Haile Farmers Market
Haile Village Center
Jun 6
Haile Farmers Market
Haile Village Center
Craft Breweries
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
May 25
Swamp Head Brewery – Trivia Night at Swamp Head Brewery
Swamp Head Brewery
May 26
Blackadder Brewing Company – Play Dice & Drafts Bunco Night
Blackadder Brewing Company
May 26
Swamp Head Brewery – Comedy Night
Swamp Head Brewery
Pop-Up Markets
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
Jun 6
WAHS Waldo Monthly Market
Waldo City Square
Museum & Galleries
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
May 24
Little Sparks at the Cade Museum
The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
May 28
Little Sparks at the Cade Museum
The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
Outdoors
May 23
Carson Springs Wildlife Foundation Guided Tour Experience
Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
May 25
Memorial Day Tour at Carson Springs Wildlife
Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
May 30
Carson Springs Wildlife Foundation Guided Tour Experience
Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
Jun 6
WAHS Waldo Monthly Market
Waldo City Square
Jun 6
WAHS Waldo Monthly Market
Waldo City Square
Sports & Fans
May 23
National Tune Up for the Rings
Alachua County Sports & Events Center
May 23
NCAA Softball Super Regional – Texas Tech vs. Florida
Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium
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 23
Alachua County Farmers Market
Alachua County Farmers Market
May 23
Haile Farmers Market
Haile Village Center
May 23
Saturday Farmers Market at Sweet Roots Organic
Sweet Roots Organic Farm and Nursery
Workshops & Educational
May 23
Cooking Up Health Mediterranean Gainesville Workshop
Alachua County Ag Auditorium
May 23
High Springs Historical Society Museum
High Springs Historical Society Museum
May 27
WACKY Wednesdays
Alachua Branch
May 29
“Gather & Graze” Charcuterie Workshop
Sweetwater Branch Inn
May 29
“Art in the Hammock” Exhibition
Gainesville Fine Arts Association Gallery
Bites & Brunch
May 23
Cooking Up Health Mediterranean Gainesville Workshop
Alachua County Ag Auditorium
May 28
“Friends Night” at Samba Brazilian Kitchen
Samba Brazilian Kitchen
May 29
“Gather & Graze” Charcuterie Workshop
Sweetwater Branch Inn
Jun 4
“Friends Night” at Samba Brazilian Kitchen
Samba Brazilian Kitchen
Jun 11
“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.