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What’s Good® Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesvilel and Alachua County, April 11-17, 2024

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The spring season is full of vibrant displays and can’t-miss special events; make your plans with What’s Good®.

Immerse yourself in the BIG Culture and Arts Festival in Downtown Gainesville, a celebration of the diverse creative and cultural communities throughout the Sunshine State. Let the words speak to you at the Bard and Broadside Poetry Festival, a multi-day celebration in honor of National Poetry Month. Color your weekend with the inspiring work of over 100 fine artists at the Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival. Learn about jazz basics with Gainesville Big Band’s entertaining and educational Jazz 101. Cheer on the Florida Gators at the Orange and Blue game, then head over to the Hogtown Craft Beer Festival and check-off your craft beer bucket list.

Read on for more of What’s Good®,
Your partners at Visit Gainesville, Alachua County

Be Informed: The below information was accurate at the time of publishing. 
Please contact organizers directly to double-check details.


big culture and arts festival

Go BIG with Dion Dia’s and How Bazar’s Arts and Culture Mash Up – More than 50 Acts Come Together for a Fusion of Music, Fashion, Visual Art, Film, Skate and More
Saturday, April 13, 1 p.m. – 2 a.m. | Downtown Gainesville

Performer on stage in front of crowd at night


The outdoor festival features multiple stages of music from neo-soul to drum-and-bass featuring Nick Hakim, Madison McFerrin, Kaelin Ellis, They Hate Change and TyriqueOrDie and many more artists. Wander the festival grounds and enjoy art installations, skate competitions, interactive experiences, international food, aerial and circus performances.  
Photo by Tim Rodriquez
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County

Additional weekend events include:
The Warm Up at 220 NW 8th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Friday, April 12, 9 p.m.

Cars and Coffee at South Main Station
Saturday, April 13, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Tour De Gainesville 6.5 Mile Group Bike Ride From South Main Station to Big Culture and Arts Festival
Saturday, April 13, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Big Brunch at Depot Village
Sunday, April 14, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.


bard and broadside festival

Expand Your Uni“verse” When Words Take Flight at the Multi-Day Bard and Broadside Poetry Festival
Thursday, April 11 – Sunday, April 14 | Multiple Venues


The multi-day event brings together the North Central Florida community and artists for collaborative sessions that will help you discover a new way to use your words. Admission is free.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County

Open Mic during Museum Nights at the Harn Museum of Art
Thursday, April 11, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Poetry Workshops with Guest Poet Jenna Nishida at the Matheson History Museum
Friday, April 12, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Word Slay “Standing on Words” Teen Spoken-Word Poetry and Monologue Competition at Alachua County Library District Headquarters
Saturday, April 13, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Cancer Awareness Poetry Slam at Oakview Community Center
Saturday, April 13, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Swamp Berry Jam North Central Florida Poetry Slam at 5 Star Event Center
Saturday, April 13, 6 p.m.

Poetry Workshop with Special Guest Poet Natalie J. Graham at Alachua County Library District Headquarters
Sunday, April 14, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Poetry Reading and Book Signing with Special Guest Poet Natalie J. Graham at Alachua County Library District Headquarters
Sunday, April 14, 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.


hogtown craft beer fest

Check Off your Craft Beer Bucket List with Sample Brews from Over 40 Craft Breweries at the Hogtown Craft Beer Festival
Saturday, April 13, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center
210 SE 134 Ave., Micanopy, FL 32667

Head out to the gorgeous grounds of Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center and meet beer makers from local and regional craft breweries. Sample hundreds of beers spanning distinct styles with timed tappings of 16 special brews. Enjoy food vendors Monsta Lobsta, Cajun Knights, Cheffrey’s, Stubbies Pop-Up Sausages and Wild Man Foods.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County


spring arts festival

Set Out for Two Days Filled with Fun and Inspiration at the Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival
Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, April 14, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Santa Fe College | 3000 NW 83rd St., Gainesville, FL 32606

The two-day Santa Fe Spring Arts Festival features over 100 fine artists with displays of ceramics, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography and woodworking. Find experiences that everyone can enjoy, including live music, kid zones, and food trucks. During the festival, you are also welcome to attend the Kika Silva Pla Planetarium, the Teaching Zoo and Museum of Earth Sciences or enjoy a train ride across campus to the Zoo.

While you’re on campus, visit the Oak Grove to see the newly installed 50-foot tall “La Tour” sculpture by artist John Henry, creator of the “French Fries” and “Big Mac” sculptures at the University of Florida. View the festival map online.


harn museum art after dark

Join the Harn Museum for Creativity at Museum Nights: Express Ourselves
Thursday, April 11, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Harn Museum of Art

3259 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32608

Express your authentic self through participatory art like poetry and spoken word at the Bard & Broadside Poetry Festival open mic, a fashion show by UF Fluidity, live painting with Yvonne Feguson and a UF student dance performance. Admission is free. 


harold lopez nussa

Go Upstage with Jazz Pianist Harold López-Nussa: Timba a la Americana
Thursday, April 11, 7 p.m. an 9 p.m. | UF Phillips Center

3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611

Harold López-Nussa reflects the richness of Cuban music with his distinctive combination of classical, folkloric and improvisation. Featuring Grégoire Maret, Luques Curtis and Ruy Adrian López-Nussa, the tight-knit quartet captivates you with its relentless vivaciousness.

UpStage is an intimate, cabaret-style setting on the Phillips Center Mainstage. The 7 p.m. seating includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar; the 9 p.m. seating includes desserts and cash bar.


orange and blue game

Cheer for Gators Football at the Orange and Blue Game
Saturday, April 13, 1 p.m. | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

157 Gale Lemerand Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611

The spring football scrimmage highlights an action-packed Orange and Blue Weekend with 10 Florida Gators athletic events. Enjoy a gameday atmosphere with tailgating, the Gatorland Fan Fest beginning at 10 a.m., giveaways and more.

Admission is free for the Orange and Blue football game, Tom Jones Invitational track and field, men’s and women’s tennis, lacrosse and volleyball. View the Orange and Blue Weekend schedule online.


free fridays returns 2024

Follow the Horns for Classic Rock Hits from “Chicago” with Gainesville Retro Society at the Free Fridays Concert Series
Friday, April 12, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza
Downtown Gainesville

The longest-running free outdoor concert series in the region features a diverse range of local and regional musical acts. Gainesville Retro Society is a tribute to the band “Chicago” and several other horn bands from the ‘60s and ‘70s. Four horn players, a four piece rhythm section, and two lead vocalists comprise the 10-piece group.


swallotail farm

Toast to Spring with Mimosas, Crepes and Flowers at a Farm to Table Spring Brunch with Alpin Bistro
Sunday, April 14, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Swallowtail Farm

7301 SE 92nd Terr., Gainesville, FL 32641

In celebration of spring, the most exciting time of the year at Swallowtail Farm, enjoy a French twist on an American tradition from the expert culinary team at Alpin Bistro. Tickets include a one-of-a-kind brunch menu, open bar, tour of Swallowtail Farm with farmer/founder Noah Shitama and live music. 


The Cash Box musicians

North Central Florida Blues Society Presents: the Cash Box Kings with Dr. Jules’ Cool Blues
Sunday, April 14, 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage

619 Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601

With a high-energy stage show, the Cash Box Kings preserve the spirit of old-school Chicago blues and Delta blues of the 1920s and 1930s. Dr. Jules’ Cool Blues opens the show with a blend of traditional blues musicianship and humorous satirical lyrics.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County


gainesville big band jazz musicians

Brush Up on the Basics with Gainesville Big Band for Jazz 101
Sunday, April 14, 2 p.m. | Meizon Church

3411 NW 83 St., Gainesville, FL 32606

Bandleader Marco Thomas breaks it down with a concert aimed at inspiring music lovers young and adult. At Jazz 101, Gainesville Big Band introduces the audience to the various instruments and performs musical genres including swing, pop and blues. Enjoy learning about great music in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County


360 allstars

Step Right Up to a Mashup of Acrobatics, Basketball, Breakdancing, BMX Biking and More with 360 ALLSTARS
Sunday, April 14, 4 p.m. | UF Philips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611

Experience a supercharged circus act fused with artistry from street culture. Boasting a stellar international cast of world champion and world record-holding athletes and artists, 360 ALLSTARS has toured the world entertaining audiences of all ages by putting the “rad” in radical and connecting the street ‘tude with raw music and mind-blowing video clips.


melted away book launch

Journey to Peru for the Book Launch of “Melted Away” with Author Barbara Drake-Vera
Wednesday, April 17, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Matheson History Museum

513 E University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601

Melted Away: A Memoir of Climate Change and Caregiving in Peru is the true story of how a writer at midlife reclaims her agency, and an ardent plea to care for the planet by embracing collectivism and mutual aid. Cynthia Barnett hosts the book launch with author Barbara Drake-Vera. The evening will includes a Q&A and refreshments.


easy honey band members

Shake Up Your Week with Surf-Infused Indie Rock from Easy Honey
Wednesday, April 17, 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage

619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601

The indoor listening room at Heartwood Soundstage rocks with Charleston’s Easy Honey. Drawing inspiration from the originality and attitude of The Kinks, The Replacements, and Radiohead, Easy Honey’s witty melodies dotted with catchy hooks serve as anthems of nostalgia for their indie rock audience. Trustfall and Aleutian Low open the show.

happy earth day

Save the Date for Earth Day Events

Angry Manatee’s Earth Day Soiree at The Wooly
Friday, April 19, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Earth Day at Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center
Saturday, April 20, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Cinema Verde 2024 Film Festival at Cypress and Grove
Saturday, April 20 – Monday, April 22

Sustainability Festival with Florida Heritage Foods at Alachua County Farmers Market
Saturday, April 20, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Arbor Day and Earth Day Tree Giveaway with the City of Gainesville at Morningside Nature Center
Friday, April 26

Tree Fest at Swamp Head Brewery
Saturday, April 27

Find more local events celebrating Earth Day at AlachuaCounty.us


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Pop-Up Markets and Retail Shopping

grow hub pop up

Plants, Art and Vendors at the Spring Pop-Up Shop at Grow Hub
Saturday, April 13, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.


Arts & Theatre

frozen jr

Disney’s Frozen Jr. The Musical at Star Center Theatre
Friday, April 12 – Sunday, April 21

skyline illusration for orinary days

Experience the Beauty of Simplicity at Ordinary Days at Gainesville Community Playhouse
Now through Sunday, April 14

cast of white

Combine Humor with Cutting Critiques at “White” by James Ijames at the Hippodrome Theatre
Now through Sunday, April 14

orient express

All Aboard Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express at High Springs Playhouse
Now through April 28


Events & Festivals

Four-Ring Spring Fling Goat Show with the Florida Dairy Goat Association at the Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center
Saturday, April 13, 8 a.m.

Paint Each Other Workshop at Coterie Market
Friday, April 12, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Black Cowboys and Cowgirls in Florida – Then & Now at the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center
Friday, April 12, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday, April 13, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Author talk flyer with book covers

Meet the Author: Annabelle Tometich (The Mango Tree: A Memoir of Fruit, Florida, and Felony) in Conversation with Rebecca Renner (Gator Country) at Third House Books
Friday, April 12, 6 p.m.

uf family fishing days

Family Fishing Day and Easter Egg Hunt at UF/IFAS Fishing Ponds
Saturday, April 13, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Introduction to Beekeeping at the American Honeybee Co.
Saturday, April 13, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Yoga in the Park at the Historic Matheson House
Saturday, April 13, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Gainesville Cars and Coffee at Ford’s Garage
Sunday, April 14, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

(sold out) Hammer Forging Class at Crooked Path Forge
Sunday, April 14, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Tampa Bay: The Story of an Estuary and Its People Author Talk with Evan P. Bennett at The Lynx Book Store
Tuesday, April 16, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.


Music & Performance

Americana with Dim Lights at Lightnin’ Salvage
Thursday, April 11, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Blues with Moondog at One Love Café
Thursday, April 11, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

(sold out) Singer-Songwriter Josh Meloy at Heartwood Soundstage
Thursday, April 11, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Folk with Satsang at High Dive
Thursday, April 11, 9 p.m.

Jazz with Abstract Citizen at Baby J’s Bar
Thursday, April 11, 9 p.m.

Bluegrass with Boilin’ Oil at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, April 12, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Classic Rock with Wild Blue Yonder at One Love Café
Friday, April 12, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Karaoke at Woodyard Grill
Friday, April 12, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Jazz with VanBrander at Baby J’s Bar
Friday, April 12, 8 p.m.

Blues and Rock with Ally Venable at Heartwood Soundstage
Friday, April 12, 8 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Soul and Funk with The Savants, LowDown Brass Band and Sooza at Loosey’s Downtown
Friday, April 12, 9 p.m.

Chamber Folk with Wire Birds at The Bull
Friday, April 12, 9 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Pop Punk Emo Night at High Dive
Friday, April 13, 9 p.m.

(sold out) The Crane Wives at UF Phillips Center
Friday, April 12, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

jonathan scales fourchestra

Steel Pan with Jonathan Scales Fourchestra at UF School of Music
Saturday, April 13, 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Classic Rock with Crosswinds at Great Outdoors Restaurant
Saturday, April 13, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

jazz on the green

Jazz on the Green with Decyo McDuffie and The Newcombs at the Celebration Pointe Promenade
Saturday, April 13, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Dueling Piano Show with Steve Dunn and Leon Novembre at The Keys Grill and Piano Bar
Friday, April 12 – Saturday, April 13, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

UF Concert Choir and Symphony Orchestra Present Requiem: A Choral Tribute to D-Day with Conductor Will Kesling at UF Phillips Center
Saturday, April 13, 7:30 p.m.

electric avenue

1980s New Wave and Radio Pop with Electric Avenue The ‘80s MTV Experience at Heartwood Soundstage
Saturday, April 13, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Video Game Music with Bit Brigade: The Legend of Zelda and Castlevania at High Dive
Saturday, April 13, 8:30 p.m.

foundation for the promotion of music spring recital

Spring Awards Recital for the Foundation for the Promotion of Music at the Historic Thomas Center
Sunday, April 14, 2 p.m.

Classic Rock with Branford Hwy at Codfathers
Sunday, April 14, 3 p.m.

Singer-Songwriters Jordan Foley, Kyle Keller, Bryan Raymond and Danny Hughes at Loosey’s Downtown
Sunday, April 14, 7 p.m.

Comedian Angelo Colin (En Español) at High Dive
Sunday, April 14, 8 p.m.

Folk and Noise with Jeffrey Lewis and The Voltage at How Bazar
Monday, April 15, 7 p.m.

Traditional Irish Session at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, April 16, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Folk with Virginia Man at High Dive
Wednesday, April 17, 8:30 p.m.


Craft Breweries

Image of the Sippin' Seven Ale Trail logo depicting a blue bison witj seven blue birds siting on the Bison's back. Photo also shows a pint glass with the same logo. Text on image says: Award-winning breweries. Gainesville. Alachua. High Springs. Visit Gainesville.com

With a lineup of award-winning craft beer makers, The Sippin’ Seven Alachua County Ale Trail breweries are the ultimate hangout spots to sip, socialize, and maybe even spark a little friendly rivalry. So, after a day of gallivanting around, why not kick back like a local with a taste of the AC brew scene. 

Classic Rock with The Medicine Show at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, April 12, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Rock with SYZYGY at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Friday, April 12, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Country with Cameron Wheaton at Daft Cow Brewery
Friday, April 12, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Vegan Street Party at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Saturday, April 13, 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Alt Country with Black River Harvesters at High Springs Brewing Company
Saturday, April 13, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Yappy Hour A Wine Event for You and Your Dog at Daft Cow Brewery
Sunday, April 14, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

mosaic lamp

Mosaic Lamp Class at Swamp Head Brewery
Wednesday, April 17, 6:30 p.m.


U-Picks and Farmers Markets

blueberries

U-Pick Blueberries at Aunt Zelma’s Blueberries
Thursday, April 4 – Sunday, April 7, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

U-Pick Blueberries at Santa Fe River Farms
Friday, April 5, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

U-Pick Blueberries at Straughn Farms (Archer)
Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

U-Pick Strawberries at Crossroads Farm and Apiary
Friday, April 5 – Saturday, April 6, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

U-Pick Strawberries at The Bryer Patch
Saturday, April 6 – Sunday, April 7, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Grove Street Farmers Market with Live Music
Mondays, 4 p.m. –7 p.m.

Archer Farmers Market at Archer Historical Society Railroad Museum
Tuesdays, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Union Street Farmers Market at Bo Diddley Plaza
Wednesdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

GNV Market at South Main Station
Thursdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Farmers Market at Celebration Pointe
Thursdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

High Springs Farmers Market
Fridays, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Haile Village Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Alachua County Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Waldo Farmers and Flea Market
Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.


Bites and Brunch

flying biscuit cafe 15th birthday

15th Biscuit Birthday Celebration at Flying Biscuit Café
Thursday, April 11 – Saturday, April 13, 7 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Jerk Chicken, Oxtail, Coconut Shrimp and More at the Grand Opening of Di Big Jerk
Thursday, April 11 – Sunday, April 14

Wine Tasting at Superette
Thursday, April 11, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. 

Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, April 11, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Wine Tasting at the Traveler Wine Bar
Thursday, April 11, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

gnv longest table

Build Community Connections with Dragonfly, La Fiesta, Superette and the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce at The Longest Table at “The Streetery” (SW 1st Ave.)
Friday, April 12, 5:30 p.m.

3-Course Brunch and Cocktail Pairing at Bonefish Grill
Saturday, April 13 – Sunday, April 14, 12 p.m., reservation required

St. George Spirits Cocktails Master Class at Dorn’s Liquors
Saturday, April 13, 3 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Flight to Europe Macaron Wine Pairing at Le Macaron
Saturday, April 13, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

jazz brunch

Jazz Brunch at Covey Kitchen and Cocktails
Sunday, April 14, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Wine and Cheese with Reggae by the Easy Crew at Serpentine Plants and Provisions
Sunday, April 14, 2 p.m.


Sports & Fans

archery targets

Funtastic Fridays Archery at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, April 12, 5:30 p.m.

USA Gymnastics Silver and Gold FL State Championships at Alachua County Sports and Events Center
Friday, April 12 – Sunday, April 14

Scorpion Racing E.T. Bracket Racing Series at Gainesville Raceway
Saturday, April 13 – Sunday, April 14, 8 a.m.

roller derby teams

Gainesville Roller Derby Swamp City Sirens vs. Millhopper Devils at MLK Multipurpose Center
Saturday, April 13, 6:30 p.m.

orange and blue weekend

Orange and Blue Weekend at the University of Florida

Tom Jones Memorial Invitational Track and Field at James G. Pressly Stadium
Friday, April 12, 1 p.m.
Saturday, April 13, 9 a.m.

Gators Baseball vs. South Carolina at Condron Family Ballpark
Friday, April 12, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 13, 4 p.m.
Sunday, April 14, 12 p.m.

Gators Volleyball vs. Georgia Tech at Lemerand Athletic Center
Saturday, April 13, 11 a.m.

Gators Women’s Tennis vs South Carolina at Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex
Saturday, April 13, 11 a.m.

Gators Lacrosse vs. James Madison University at Donald R. Dizney Stadium
Saturday, April 13, 11:30 a.m.

Gators Men’s Tennis vs. South Carolina at Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex
Sunday, April 14, 12 p.m.

Gators Baseball vs. Jacksonville at Condron Family Ballpark
Tuesday, April 16, 6:30 p.m.


Parks & Trails

history bike gainesville

5.5-Mile History Bike Gainesville Off-Road Bike Ride at Lake Pithlachocco Trailhead – Newnans Lake State Forest
Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Free Timed 5K at Depot Park
Saturday, April 13, 7:30 a.m.

Ranger-Led Rim Ramble Hike at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park La Chua Trail
Saturday, April 13, 9:45 a.m.

Ranger-Led Hike at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Saturday, April 13, 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Chili Cookoff and Springs Celebration at O’Leno State Park
Saturday, April 13, 11 a.m. 

Park Renaming Ceremony at Jill McGuire Lake Santa Fe Park (24500 NE SR 26, Melrose, FL 32666)
Saturday, April 13, 12 p.m.


River & Springs

paddling on the santa fe river

Enjoy Cooler Weather and Explore the Outdoors and with Anderson’s Outdoor Adventures and Visit 8 Springs in 8 Miles
Friday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Fed by the underground Floridan Aquifer, North Florida has one of the highest concentrations of springs in the world. Anderson’s Outdoor Adventure offers an easy way to experience 8 springs in 8 miles. Paddle along the Santa Fe River in a canoe or kayak and experience crystal clear water, see native wildlife and relax in a tranquil nature setting. 

tubing at the springs

Float or Splash Into Freshwater Springs
North Florida is home to the largest collection of first-magnitude springs in the United States. The springs make a perfect destination for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and relaxing in nature. If you’re looking for outdoor fun, we’ve got you covered with our list of nearby springs, great places to stay and fun things to do.


Museums & Galleries

friday film nights

Friday Film Nights with Dames (1934) at GFAA Gallery
Friday, April 12, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Sense of Dwelling: Master of Fine Arts Candidates Exhibition II at Gary R. Libby University Gallery
Friday, April 12 – Saturday, April 27

Tot Trot: Pollinators at Florida Museum of Natural History
Tuesday, April 16, 9 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Works from the Santa Fe Springs Plein Air Paintout at Lanza Gallery and Art Supplies
Now through Sunday, May 4

people looking at dinosaur exhibit

Chill with Cool Dinos at the Interactive Exhibit “Antarctic Dinosaurs”
Now through April 21 | Florida Museum of Natural History

3215 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611 
Discover life beneath the ice in Antarctic Dinosaurs. Uncover the history of the world’s southernmost continent and the unique species that have called it home in this interactive, family-friendly experience. Antarctic Dinosaurs is on display through April 21.


Save The Date

Wombash at First Magnitude Brewing Company, April 19-20

Cinema Verde Environmental Film Festival, April 20-22

WestFest Music Festival, April 20

Earth Day at Cucowilla Nature and Retreat Center, April 20

Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale, April 20-24

The Water State Festival at Depot Park, April 20

Our Town Home and Garden Show, April 27-28

Tree Fest at Swamp Head Brewery, April 27

Santa Fe Springs Celebration at Poe Springs Park, April 27


For a complete list of events please visit www.visitgainesville.com/events/

Thank you for your continued partnership! Please keep in communication with us by sharing your events, updates and news with our team by emailing info@visitgainesville.com.

Your participation, communication, and sharing of events and programs is a key way for us to market our community to visitors and to enhance the engagement of residents in all of the incredible programs you create.

Put simply, the more you share with us, the more we have to promote. Please read the attached PDF document for additional ways in which your organization can participate.

Visit Gainesville, Alachua County | (352) 374-5260 | 33 North Main Street, Gainesville 32601 Never miss an event: Follow Visit Gainesville, Alachua County on social media.

The images and materials included in the Alachua County What’s Good guide of weekly events may be copyrighted works and property of the content provider, and thus subject to legal protections. Display by the County of such does not authorize another to copy, reproduce, distribute, publish, display, modify, or in any way exploit any such works.

This publication contains information about events, venues and activities in Alachua County, Florida. Reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the information is accurate. We are not responsible for errors or omissions in the information provided. For complete details, contact the host directly. The information is not advice, and should not be treated as such. Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing paragraph, we do not represent, warrant, undertake or guarantee that the information is correct, accurate, complete or non-misleading. We will not be liable to you in respect of any special, indirect or consequential loss or damage. If a section of this disclaimer is determined by any court or other competent authority to be unlawful and/or unenforceable, the other sections of this disclaimer continue in effect.


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