What’s Good® Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, April 25 – May 1, 2024
Create your own adventure in High Springs with the inaugural Santa Fe Springs Celebration at Poe Springs Park and the fun for all ages annual Pioneer Days Festival. Get inspired by the latest in landscaping and home renovation with the Our Town Home and Garden Show at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center at Celebration Pointe. Raise a glass to Earth Day and Arbor Day with Tree Fest at Swamp Head Brewery.
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.
Rustle Up the Kids for the Pioneer Days Festival in High Springs
Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, April 28, 10 a.m. -4 p.m. | James Paul Park
23718 US Hwy. 27, High Springs, FL 32643
Take a trip back in time with the City of High Springs’ Pioneer Days – featuring two days of historic reenactments, children’s activities in the Kid Korral, craft vendors and delicious food options. Admission is free.
Turn Your Home Remodeling Dreams into Reality with Ideas from the Our Town Home and Garden Show
Saturday, April 27 – Sunday, April 28, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Alachua County Sports and Events Center
4870 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
A spring tradition for 20 years, the Home and Garden Show features the best providers in home renovation, gardens and patios all under one roof. Find the latest innovations in automation, outdoor lighting, pools and spas, solar power and more.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Don’t Miss Hilarious Hoops Hijinks from the World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters
Thursday, April 25, 7 p.m. | Exactech Arena at the O’Connell Center
250 Gale Lemerand Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611
The Globetrotters hit the court with a squad of elite shot makers, slam dunkers, dribblers, and entertainers. Be amazed by new levels of mind-blowing trick shots, expert ball-handling skills, slam dunks, fan interaction and big laughs. They take on the Washington Generals, bitter rivals who will stop at nothing to get their first win since 1971.
Go with the Flow and Tour the Local Art Scene at Artwalk Gainesville
Friday, April 26, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Multiple Venues
Artwalk Gainesville is a self-guided tour of the Gainesville art scene and a fun, relaxed way to ease into the weekend. The tour features 16 stops, including a curated art show, stage performances, and live music at Flow Space.. View plein air landscape and figure paintings with Frank Barone at Bingo Deli and Pub. Browse custom couture by Jennifer Rose Parker at French All The Seams. Preview April venues online.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Start the Artwalk Gainesville Tour at the GFAA Exhibit Reception for “Disruption” — Meet the Artists and Enjoy
Friday, April 26, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | GFAA Gallery
1314 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
In a world marked by rapid change, innovation, and upheaval, artists were invited to explore the concept of disruption through their chosen mediums. This exhibition aims to provoke thought, inspire dialogue, and showcase the diverse interpretations of disruption in art. The exhibit reception features live music, snacks and free admission.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Take Part in a Colorful and Interactive Spectacle of Light and Technology at the InLight Digital Art and Light Festival
Friday, April 26, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Hyatt Place Downtown Gainesville
212 SE 1st St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Continue your Artwalk Gainesville tour inside Hyatt Place. Become part of the artwork with an interactive video wall responding to the presence and movement of viewers. Head outside, across from the hotel and look for ordinary surfaces transformed with video projection mapping and immerse yourself with thousands of points of light in a 3D volumetric display. Learn more about the art installations online.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Find Your Groove with R&B from Bennie & the Band at the Free Fridays Concert Series
Friday, April 26, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza
Downtown Gainesville
Bennie & The Band is a five-piece, high-energy band that plays a wide variety of songs. Their repertoire includes pop tunes, jazz, R&B, rock, reggae, and more. Bring a chair The longest-running free outdoor concert series in the region features a diverse range of local and regional musical acts.
Raise a Glass to Earth Day and Arbor Day with Swamp Head Brewery at Tree Fest
Saturday, April 27, 12 p.m. – 11 p.m | Swamp Head Brewery
3650 SW 42nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
In celebration of Earth Day and Arbor Day, Tree Fest is the annual festival raising funds to plant trees. For every beer purchase, four trees will be planted. For each Tree Fest t-shirt sold, 20 trees get planted. Enjoy food trucks, live music and family-friendly activities.
Celebrate Local Springs, Rivers and the Aquifer at the Santa Fe Springs Celebration
Saturday, April 27, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Poe Springs Park
28800 NW 182nd Ave., High Springs 32643
Learn about the springs and local waters with over 50 educational exhibits and a film showcase. Browse craft vendors, food trucks and enjoy beverages from First Magnitude Brewing Company (for ages 21+). Enjoy live music by Wax Wings, Uncle Mosie, and Harber Wynn on the main stage. Admission is free.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Join 1,000 Voices of Florida for the Duke Ellington Sacred Jazz Concert on the Cade Museum Lawn
Sunday, April 28, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Cade Museum for Discovery and Invention
811 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Bring a lawn chair or lay down a blanket and celebrate what would have been Duke Ellington’s 125th birthday with brassy horns, tickled ivories, and toe-tapping beats. The legendary band leader helped reinvent and shape American jazz as we know it. Admission is free to the concert and the Cade Museum all day.
Browse a New Literary Collection and Celebrate the Grand Opening of The Lynx – Alachua County’s Newest Independent Book Store
Sunday, April 28, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. | The Lynx
601 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
The only thing better than a brand new book is a brand new book store. The Lynx opens its doors for a fun day of live music, author presentations, zine workshops, firefighter storytime, scavenger hunts and more.
50 Years in the Making, Florida Humanities Celebrates the Publication of “Once Upon a Time in Florida”
Wednesday, May 1, 6:30 p.m. | Matheson History Museum
513 E University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
The Florida Humanities statewide book tour for Once Upon a Time in Florida: Stories of Life in the Land of Promises arrives in Gainesville. This event focuses on the environment, featuring a panel of Jacki Levine, Jack E. Davis and Cynthia Barnett. Admission is free, reserve your spot online.
Check out more upcoming events at the Matheson History Museum:
50th Anniversary of the Great Southern Music Hall with John Moran, Jeffrey Meldon, Albert Teebagy, and Jim Forsman
Friday, April 26, 7 p.m.
Browse a Variety of Vintage Florida Kitsch and Collectibles at the Floridiana Show
Saturday, May 4, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Bluegrass with Sandy Back Porch at the Sara Matheson House Front Porch
Saturday, May 11, 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
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Pop-Up Markets and Retail Shopping
JBF Kids’ Mega Sale at Legacy Park Multipurpose Center
Thursday, April 25 – Sunday, April 28, hours vary each day
Prints, Stickers, Posters, T-Shirts and More with UF Graphic Design Market at 4th Ave Food Park
Sunday, April 28, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.
Arts & Theatre
Get a Dose of Laughter at Stage Comedy of Beyond Therapy at Acrosstown Repertory Theatre
Now through Sunday, May 4
Before the Ice Cracks: A Night of Poetry with Alex Gurtis and David Keplinger at Third House Books
Friday, April 26, 6 p.m.
Theatre Santa Fe Presents “Noises Off!” at Santa Fe College Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall
Friday, April 26 – Saturday, April 27, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Cocktails and Classics: Close Encounters of the Third Kind at Hippodrome Cinema
Saturday, April 27, 9:30 p.m.
All Aboard Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express at High Springs Playhouse
Now through April 28
Once on This Island Jr. the Musical with Star Center Theatre at The Historic Thomas Center
Sunday, April 28, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
All Aboard Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express at High Springs Playhouse
Now through April 28
Events & Festivals
Florida Color Horse Gator Classic at Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center
Friday, April 26, 5 p.m., Saturday, April 27 – Sunday, April 28, 8 a.m.
Games, Art Exhibit and Cilantro Tacos at Peaceful Paths
Thursday, April 25, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Grove Street Block Party at Bread of the Mighty Food Bank
Thursday, April 25, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Intro to Block Print Workshop at Serpentine Plants and Provisions
Friday, April 27, 4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Brainfood Buffet: Three Collections with Trude Spillane of Avalon at Theatre of Memory
Saturday, April 27, 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Flow with Cute Goats at Gainesville Goat Yoga
Saturday, April 27, 10:30 a.m.
Dog Days at The Bryer Patch
Saturday, April 27 – Sunday, April 28, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sandhill Crane Sculpture Welding Workshop at [Fe]ver Metal Art Studio
Saturday, April 27 – Sunday, April 28, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Cut, Paste and Create Paper Collage Workshop at Serpentine Plants and Provisions
Sunday, April 28, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Music & Performance
Alt-Americana with Uncle Mosie at Lightnin’ Salvage
Thursday, April 26, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Chasing Rabbits at One Love Cafe
Thursday, April 25, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Blues and Rock with Eddie 9V and The Savants at Heartwood Soundstage
Thursday, April 25, 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Folk Rock with Happy Landing at High Dive
Thursday, April 25, 9 p.m.
Ritual: Goth, Industrial, Synthpop and More Dance Night with DJs Drew Love and Mister Obsidian at The Wooly
Thursday, April 25, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Classic Rock with Branford Hwy at Pink Flamingo Diner
Friday, April 26, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Crooked Counsel at One Love Cafe
Friday, April 26, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Grunge Night with Arctic Red at Samurai Skateshop
Friday, April 26, 6 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter TJ Brown Band at Playlist at the Pointe at Celebration Pointe
Friday, April 26, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Dueling Piano Show with Don Peters and Steve Dunn at The Keys Grill and Piano Bar
Friday, April 26 – Saturday, April 27, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Indie with Flowers For Emily at How Bazar
Friday, April 26, 7 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter Chris Lane at Vivid Music Hall
Friday, April 26, 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Jazzology Quintet at Baby J’s Bar
Friday, April 26, 9 p.m.
The Sights of Sounds and Space with Webb Space Telescope Images and Music from TV, Films and Video Games at First Presbyterian Church
Friday, April 26, 8 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter Corey Smith at Heartwood Soundstage
Friday, April 26, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Rock with Sigs Inside at High Dive
Friday, April 26, 9 p.m.
Bedlam in the Belfry Goth Night with DJ Blonde Ambition at The Atlantic
Friday, April 26, 10 p.m.
Singer-Songwriters Thomas Allain and Adam Cotton at The Bull
Saturday, April 27, 7 p.m.
Classic Covers with Cassie and Chris at Lightnin’ Salvage
Saturday, April 27, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Crooked Counsel at The Great Outdoors
Saturday, April 27, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Rock and Funk with Uncle Morty’s Rhythm Cream at One Love Cafe
Saturday, April 27, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter Hannah Love at Pink Flamingo Diner
Saturday, April 27, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Jazz with Cathy DeWitt, Larry Newcomb and Don David at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, April 27, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Barbergators Chorus 50th Anniversary Show Featuring Wise Guys at First United Methodist Church
Saturday, April 27, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Latin Music with Elio Piedra at the Groovin’ on the Green Concert Series at Ironwood Golf Course
Saturday, April 27, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Gimme Gimme Disco Dance Party at High Dive
Saturday, April 27, 9 p.m.
Funk, Soul and Disco with DJ Lil Auby at Baby J’s Bar
Saturday, April 27, 9 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter Leon Majcen at Heartwood Soundstage
Saturday, April 27, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Punk with Gillian Carter at The Backyard at Boca Fiesta and Palomino
Sunday, April 28, 6 p.m.
Surf Rock with Sun Room at High Dive
Sunday, April 28, 8 p.m.
Folk with Odie Leigh at Heartwood Soundstage
Tuesday, April 30, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter Jim White at Heartwood Soundstage
Wednesday, May 1, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Rock with Monk-E at High Dive
Wednesday, May 1, 8 p.m.
Craft Breweries
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.
BINGO for the Bats at Blackadder Brewing Company
Thursday, April 25, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Classic Rock with Southern Burn at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, April 26, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Bat Appreciation Day with Lubee Bat Conservancy at Blackadder Brewing Company
Saturday, April 27, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Sea Glass Tree Class at Swamp Head
Saturday, April 27, 2 p.m.
Browse Gift Vendors at Hops and Shop at High Springs Brewing Company
Saturday, April 27, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
(sold out) Shake It Off at the Never Grow Up: Kids Swiftie Dance Party at The Depot Event Space
Saturday, April 27, 3 p.m.
Now Open: Grand Scheme Brewing at South Main Station
Wednesday – Sunday, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
U-Picks and Farmers Markets
U-Pick Blueberries at Aunt Zelma’s Blueberries
Open Daily, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
U-Pick Blueberries at Santa Fe River Farms
Open Daily, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
U-Pick Blueberries, Raspberries and Strawberries at Straughn Farms (Archer)
Saturdays and Sundays, 8 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.
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
Wine Tasting at Superette
Thursday, April 25, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, April 25, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at the Traveler Wine Bar
Thursday, April 25, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
(sold out) Master Chef Class: Bread Making at the Fat Tuscan
Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Korean Lunchbox Cake Decorating Workshop at Coterie Market
Saturday, April 27, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
The Deacon Tasting at The Good Pour
Saturday, April 27, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
(sold out) French Wine Class: Champagne – The Art of Celebration at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, April 27, 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Flora and Fauna Spring Cocktail and Spell Making Party at The Traveler Wine Bar
Saturday, April 27, 7:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Music Games and Drinks at Sunday Brunch at Germains
Sunday, April 28, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Jazz Brunch at Covey Kitchen and Cocktails
Sunday, April 28, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sports & Fans
Funtastic Fridays Archery at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, April 26, 5:30 p.m.
Greater Gainesville Pickleball Open at Northside Park and 300 Club
Friday, April 26 – Sunday, April 28
Scorpion Racing E.T. Bracket Series Drag Racing at Gainesville Raceway
Saturday, April 27 – Sunday, April 28, 8 a.m.
Gators Lacrosse vs. Temple at Donald R. Dizney Stadium
Saturday, April 27, 12 p.m.
Gators Baseball vs. Florida Atlantic at Condron Family Ballpark
Tuesday, April 30, 4 p.m.
Parks & Trails
City Nature Challenge Bioblitz with Alachua Conservation Trust at Santa Fe River Preserve
Friday, April 26, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Arbor Day and Earth Day Tree Giveaway at Morningside Nature Center
Friday, April 26, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Free Timed 5K at Depot Park
Saturday, April 27, 7:30 a.m.
Heritage Plants at the Spring Plant Sale at Dudley Farm Historic State Park
Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sheep Shearing at Morningside Nature Center
Saturday, April 27, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Ranger-Led Rim Ramble Hike at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park La Chua Trail
Saturday, April 27, 9:45 a.m.
Birding Field Trip with Alachua Audubon Society at Bolen Bluff Trail
Sunday, April 28, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
River & Springs
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.
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
Art After Dark: Wine Down at Harn Museum of Art
Thursday, April 25, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Exhibit Reception for “Shaped By Water” at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
Friday, April 26, 6:30 p.m.
Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Great Southern Music Hall at the Matheson History Museum
Friday, April 26, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Art and Mindfulness: Presence through the Senses at Harn Museum of Art
Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Closing Reception for Sense of Dwelling: Master of Fine Arts Candidates Exhibition II at UF Gary R. Libby Gallery
Saturday, April 27, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Exhibit Opening: Kaleidoscope of Colors in Asian Art at the Harn Museum of Art
Tuesday, April 30, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tot Trot: Slime, Free Day for Ages Two to Five at Florida Museum of Natural History
Tuesday, April 30, 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
Explore Florida’s Most Valuable Resource at the Water Shapes Florida Exhibit at Florida Museum of Natural History
Now through Sunday, May 4
Save The Date
Floridiana Show at Matheson History Museum, May 4
5th Avenue Arts Festival, May 4-5
Easton Foundations Gator Cup, May 10-12
Windsor Zucchini Festival, May 11
Lemon Twigs at Heartwood Soundstage, May 11
Newberry Watermelon Festival, May 18
World Tree Kangaroo Day, May 18
For a complete list of events please visit www.visitgainesville.com/events/
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