What’s Good Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, August 10-16, 2023
Summer heat may have other ideas, but you can still find your chill with What’s Good. As the sun goes down enjoy an evening under stars and country music by the Cam Weaton band at Tioga Town Center or head over to High Dive for Hop GNV, a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop music. Quench you thirst at the Cypress and Grove Brewing Co. sixth-year anniversary bash with new releases and live music, and with First Magnitude Brewing’s Camp First Mag. For more fun out of the sun, take a guided Sip and Stroll tour of the Hippodrome Theatre featuring behind-the-scenes sneak peaks and historical highlights.
This week we congratulate the nearly 3,000 graduates from the University of Florida attending commencement ceremonies. You are part of What’s Good in Alachua County and deserve the well-earned celebrations with friends and family this weekend.
Read on for more of What’s Good.
Be safe and be well,
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.
Join the Harn Museum of Art and Focus on Photography from Jerry Uelsmann at Museum Nights
Thursday, August 10, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Harn Museum of Art
3259 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32608
View the exhibit Jerry Uelsmann: A Celebration of His Life and Art in a new way with a museum experience inspired by his imagination and whimsy. Enjoy live music from the Ramblin’ Mutts band, explore the gallery with an Art Blast Tour or scavenger hunt, experience UF composer Paul Richard’s symphonic composition and ask-an-artist about photographic processes. Admission is free.
Show Off Your Dance Moves at a Party Half a Century in the Making at Hop GNV: Celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop
Thursday, August 10, 8 p.m. | High Dive
210 SW 2nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
During a 1973 back-to-school jam in the Bronx, DJ Kool Herc developed a new technique of playing two copies of the same record and looping percussion portions, extending instrumental “breakbeats” for longer periods of time. Hip-hop was born among a community of dancers, artists, musicians and poets. Music and culture would never be the same. Celebrate the anniversary at High Dive with a freestyle contest, breakdance contest and cash prizes.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Kickoff Your Weekend with a Fusion of Jazz and Funk with Dionysus at the Free Fridays Concert Series
Friday, August 11, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza
Downtown Gainesville
The region’s largest and longest-running free outdoor concert series features live music in downtown Gainesville through August 25. Enjoy food and drinks from nearby cafes and restaurants within walking distance. Admission is free.
Enjoy a Showcase of Local Artists at the Live and Local GNV Concert Series
Saturday, August 12, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza
Downtown Gainesville
MusicGNV hosts an evening of emerging musicians on the outdoor stage. The outdoor music lineup includes Prizilla, Spirit Tramp, and Morghan Copeland. Admission is free.
Dance to Motown Hits, Jazz and Swing with Raftus Brown and the Melrose Horns at Jazz on the Green
Saturday, August 12, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4949 Celebration Point Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Spread a blanket under the setting sun or pull up a chair and enjoy live music on the promenade. Enjoy food, drinks and weet treats from nearby restaurants. Admission is free.
Go Behind the Scenes on a Historic Building Tour of the Hippodrome Theatre at Sip and Stroll
Sunday, August 13, 11 a.m. | Hippodrome Theatre
25 SE 2nd Pl., Gainesville, FL 32601
Explore the inner workings of the Hippodrome Theatre and learn about areas of the building typically off-limits to the public. The tour travels through the lower-level basement up to the little-known third floor. Admission includes a drink from the bar.
Cheers to 6 Years! Raise a Glass at the 6th Anniversary of Cypress & Grove Brewing Company
Saturday, August 12, 2 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Cypress & Grove Brewing Company
1001 NW 4th St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Join the party at the brewery featuring food trucks, live music and new beer releases. For serious craft beer enthusiasts, a pre-party takes place at 12 p.m. includes a meeting with the brewers, new canned releases and glassware. Pre-party tickets are available online.
Play Traditional Camp Games and Enjoy Craft Beer at Camp First Mag
Saturday, August 12, 2 p.m. – 10 p.m. | First Magnitude Brewing Company
1220 SE Veitch St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Camp First Mag features all-adult teams competing in classic camp games. Prizes are up for grabs but the team with the highest score gets free beer for a year. Registration is over for new entries, but extra camp games and activity stations are available so everyone can walk away with friendship bracelets, boondoggles or painted rocks. Food vendors include Stubbies Pop-Up Sausages, Frenchmen Street Food and Heart and Soul Food Truck.
First Magnitude Brewing Company is part of the Sippin’ Seven Alachua County Ale Trail digital passport program. Pass holders can check-in when you attend the event to get points toward great merch, featuring Billy the Bison and the Brew Birds. Get your pass and join the fun.
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Arts & Theatre
Celebrate Life with Glitter, Glam and a Whole Lot of Sole at the Stage Production of Kinky Boots at Gainesville Community Playhouse
Now through Sunday, August 13
The inspiring story follows Charlie, who inherited his father’s nearly bankrupt shoe factory and Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. Together they find they have more in common than they realized… and discover that when you change your mind, you can change your whole world! The Tony Award-winning show is inspired by a true story and features a Grammy-winning musical score by Cyndi Lauper.
See a Love Story Examined on Stage at the Opening Weekend of “Lungs” at Star Center Theatre
Now through Sunday, August 13
Actors’ Warehouse presents Duncan Macmillan’s off-kilter love story set in a world of uncertainty. Lungs is a smart and funny drama that follows a couple through the surprising lifecycle of their relationship. It won the 2013 Best New Play award at the Off West End Awards.
EVENTS & FESTIVALS
Back to School Bonanza at Family Fishing Day at UF Fishing Ponds
Saturday, August 12, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
STEAM Workshop with Repurpose Project X Cade Museum at the Repurpose Project
Saturday, August 12, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
JDM Month at Gainesville Cars and Coffee at Ford’s Garage in Butler Town Center
Sunday, August 13, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Knot Tying from Shoes to Macrame Plant Holders at Art Soup: Knotty Business at the Repurpose Project
Sunday, August 13, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Music & Performance
Jazz with Chaz Underriner Quintet at Baby J’s Bar
Thursday, August 10, 8 p.m.
High Energy Bluegrass with Boilin’ Oil at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, August 11, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Wild Blue Yonder at One Love Café
Friday, August 11, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Country with Cam Weaton at Tioga Town Center
Friday, August 11, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter Clayton Sturgeon at Pink Flamingo Dinner
Friday, August 11, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
2 Sets with Punk Rock Icons Black Flag at High Dive
Friday, August 11, 8 p.m.
Jazz Trio Three Flights Up at Lightnin’ Salvage
Saturday, August 12, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Jazz with Swing Theory at One Love Café
Saturday, August 12, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Late Night Delivery at Great Outdoors Restaurant
Saturday, August 12, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Jazz with Cathy DeWitt and Taylor Roberts at Beaker and Flask Wine Company
Saturday, August 12, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Jazztronica with TWYN at Baby J’s Bar
Saturday, August 12, 8 p.m.
Pop Punk Emo Night at High Dive
Saturday, August 12, 9 p.m.
Karaoke Night at Loosey’s Downtown
Saturday, August 12, 9 p.m.
Blues with Moondog at One Love Café
Sunday, August 13, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Traditional Irish Session at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, August 15, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Craft Breweries
There’s nothing better than an ice-cold pint on a hot summer day – except for when that pint comes with free cool merch. Join Billy the Bison and thousands of craft-beer lovers on the Sippin’ Seven Alachua Ale Trail.
Learn more and sign up for free at VisitGainesville.com/sippinseven.
Country with Allan Higgs at High Springs Brewing Company
Thursday, August 10, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Indie with Mace at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Friday, August 11, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Reggae Sunday with The Easy Crew at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Sunday, August 13, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmers Markets
U-Pick Muscadine Grapes at High Springs Orchard and Market
Saturday, August 12 – Sunday, August 13, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Grove Street Farmers Market with Live Music
Mondays, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m
Archer Farmers Market Spring Plant Sale at Archer Historical Society Railroad Museum
Tuesday, March 7, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
GNV Market at South Main Station
Thursdays, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
High Springs Farmers Market
Fridays, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Alachua County Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Haile Village 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.
The Newberry Farmers Market returns Saturday, October 14
Bites and Brunch
2-Year Anniversary Celebration at Spurriers Gridiron Grille
Monday, August 14
Tea After Dark at Teatime Tranquility and Treasures
Thursday, August 10, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Superette Wine and Provisions
Thursday, August 10, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, August 10, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
(sold out) Wine Pairing and Chef Dinner at The Fat Tuscan
Friday, August 11, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
View the upcoming fall schedule of cooking classes
Vino Italiano: A Guided Journey Through the Richness of Italian Wines at Beaker and Flask Wine Company
Saturday, August 12, 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Mixology Class with Becca from Mark’s Prime: “What in the World is Genever?” at the Laurel Oak Inn
Monday, August 14, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Sports
Funtastic Fridays Archery at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, August 11, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Parks & Trails
Accessible Tram Tours at Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Ongoing, Check for Availability
Friday, August 11, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Monday, August 14, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Free Timed 5K at Depot Park parkrun
Saturday, August 12, 7:30 a.m.
River & Springs
Splash in the Wave Pool or Cruise the Lazy River at Kulaqua River Ranch Community Day
Sunday, August 13, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Guided Nature Paddle from Newnans Lake to Prairie Creek with Adventure Outpost
Monday, August 14, 10 a.m.
Launch Your Canoe, Kayak or Stand-Up Paddleboard for Free at Santa Fe Canoe Outpost
Explore Natural Wonders with Anderson’s Outdoor Adventure and Visit 8 Springs in 8 Miles with Anderson’s Outdoor Adventures
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.
Museums & Galleries
Now on View: Sound-Sites in the Age of Utopian Recoverism: Art, Technology and Exhibition Practices at Gary R. Libby University Gallery
Now through September 30
Go Behind-the-Scenes with a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer at the new Exhibit “Tom Petty: Among the Wildflowers” at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
Open Now through December 31, Thursday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tom Petty: Among the Wildflowers explores the joys, pains, and creative awakenings that Gainesville native Tom Petty experienced while pouring his soul into his magnum opus, Wildflowers, released in November 1994. The exhibit includes artifacts previously on display at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.
Explore three unique aspects of the Wildflowers creative process: songwriting, recording, and reception and delivery. The exhibit runs through December 31.
Image of Tom Petty photographed by Robert Sebree
Get Up Close and Explore the World of Arachnids at Spiders Alive! at the Florida Museum of Natural History
Now through September 4
With more than a dozen live species from around the world, the new exhibit dives into the world of spiders, scorpions and their relatives. Featured animals on display include the Asian Forest Scorpion, Brazilian Red and White Tarantula, Southern Black Widow, Wolf Spider and more. Go hands-on with large touchable models revealing a closer look at spider anatomy. Plan your visit online.
New at the Matheson History Museum, We Are Here: Stories from Multilingual Speakers in North Central Florida
Museum Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Discover a Unique African American Culture at Gullah Geechee – African Connections and Cultural Traditions in America at the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center
Open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Save The Date
Baturdays of Summer at Lubee Bat Conservancy, August 26
Gators Football Home Opener at The Swamp vs. McNeese, September 9
Museum Nights Noche de Museo at the Harn Museum of Art, September 14
UpStage at the Phillips Center with Christian McBride, September 14
Gators Football Championship Reunion Weekend vs. Tennessee, September 16
Tom Petty Weekend at Heartwood Soundstage, October 20-22
Fall Plant Sale and Orchid Show at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, October 21-22
Florida Bat Festival at Lubee Bat Conservancy, October 21
48th Micanopy Fall Festival, October 28-29
42nd Annual Downtown Festival and Art Show in Downtown Gainesville, November 18-19
For a complete list of events please visit www.visitgainesville.com/events/
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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.
