What’s Good Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, August 17-23, 2023
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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.
Follow the Beat into the Weekend with a Night of Reggae from De Lions of Jah at the Free Fridays Concert Series
Friday, August 18, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza
Downtown Gainesville
De Lions of Jah play roots Reggae for a fun-for-all-ages good time at the City of Gainesville Friday concert series. Free Friday’s is the region’s largest and longest-running free outdoor concert series features performances Friday nights in downtown Gainesville. Enjoy food and drinks from nearby cafes and restaurants within walking distance. Admission is free.
The final Free Fridays concert takes place Friday, August 25 with a FEST 21 showcase.
Make History When You Join the National Initiative “One Nation One Project” with the Arts & Culture Jamboree
Saturday, August 19, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Depot Park
874 SE 4th St., Gainesville, FL 32601
The family-friendly Arts & Culture Jamboree features national recording artists, music, song, dance, an art walk and more. One Nation One Project is a national wellness initiative strengthening communities with the arts. Gainesville and nine additional cities were selected in a competitive process by the National League of Cities (NLC) Institute for Youth, Education, and Families (IYEF) to participate in a newly-launched initiative, Improving Community Health and Resilience through the Arts.
Artistic director Marion J. Caffey brings nationally known artists to the event including singer-songwriter and voice actor Dawnn Lewis as celebrity host, vocalist Christian Guardino of America’s Got Talent and American Idol, saxophonist Austin Paul, Jr. and more. Enjoy performances by local talent including the United for Change Community Choir. Admission is free.
Vintage World Theatre Makes for one “Heck” of a Play with the Opening for No Exit at the Acrosstown Repertory Theatre – Now at the New Creekside Mall Location
Friday, August 18 – Sunday, September | Acrosstown Repertory Theatre
3501 SW 2nd Ave. STE O, Gainesville, FL 32607
The existential play by Jean-Paul Sartre features two women and one man, punished in the afterlife by being locked up in a single room. Windows are bricked up, there are no mirrors, lights can never be turned off and there is no exit. Find out why Jean-Paul Sartre famously stated, “Hell is other people.”
Rock Out for a Good Cause at StartGNV’s 2nd Annual Epic Tech Battle of the Bands
Friday, August 18, 7 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. | The Wooly
20 N Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Rockers unite! Bands formed by local tech companies battle it out on stage. Musical groups come from Constant Contact, Feathr, Digital Brands and Infotech. Gainesville-based remote tech workers form the band “Remote Control.” The winning title goes to the band raising the most donations supporting Grace Marketplace, a non-profit on a mission to end homelessness. Last year’s event generated over $25,000 to help make an impact on homelessness in Gainesville. Learn more, get tickets and view a recap from last year’s concert here.
Pair Craft Beer with a Live Music Showcase and Springs Conservation at Swamp Boogie
Saturday, August 19, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. | First Magnitude Brewing Company
1220 SE Veitch St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Head over to First Magnitude Brewing for one the highly anticipated Swamp Boogie. Enjoy a hootin’ and a hollerin’ good time with a musical lineup featuring folk, americana, bluegrass and roots music from American Dream Survivors, The Front Porch Backsteppers, DJ Swamp Boogie and Uncle . The event raises funds to support springs conservation efforts by the Florida Springs Council.Enjoy southern food menus from Swamp Religion, Follow The Real BBQ and Tommy Knockers Mobile Kitchen. Grab Swamp Boogie merch onsite with posters from Old Florida Vibes and live t-shirt printing by LVR Ink.
Pack Your Brunch with Peanut Butter and Jelly and Craft Beer at Field Trip Day
Sunday, August 20, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Swamp Head Brewery
3650 SW 42nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Peanut butter and jelly is not only a classic sandwich to bring on a field trip, it’s a beloved craft beer from Swamp Head Brewery. Field Trip PB&J Amber Ale returns in its traditional form with special limited variations. Custom Field Trip flights are available in The Wetlands tap room. This year each flavor is available in cans to take home. Enjoy a special brunch menu from Cheffrey’s and live music by Morghan Copeland and The Irie Ones.
First Magnitude Brewing Company and Swamp Head Brewery are 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
Premiere of Tampa Bay Theatre Festival Selection “Single Black Female in the Navy” at Acrosstown Repertory Theatre
Saturday, August 19, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
“A Night in New York” 24th Anniversary Gala at Star Center Theatre
Sunday, August 20, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
View Screenings of Oldboy and Past Lives at the Hippodrome Cinema
Friday, August 18 – Sunday, August 27
Live Music and Engaging Talks at the Center for Arts in Medicine Open House at Ayers Building
Monday, August 21, 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
EVENTS & FESTIVALS
Family Movie Night – MerPeople at Florida Springs Institute
August 18, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Tie Dye, Painting and Bleaching at The Repurpose Project
Saturday, August 19 , 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Mars One Thousand One at Santa Fe College Kika Silva Pla Planetarium
Saturday, August 19, 7 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
(sold out) Single Day Hatchet Blacksmithing Workshop at Crooked Path Forge
Sunday, August 20, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Music & Performance
High-Energy Americana with Wild Shiners at Lightnin’ Salvage
Thursday, August 17, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Blues with Moondog at One Love Café
Thursday, August 17, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Big Owl and Don at The Queens Arms: Gainesville’s One and Only Traditional British Pub
Friday, August 18, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Enlightened Rogues at One Love Café
Friday, August 18, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Live music with Jason and Sarah Hedges at Bingo Deli & Pub
Friday, August 18, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Country and Rock with Timberton at High Dive
Friday, August 18, 8 p.m.
Orlando-Based Screamo with Gillian Carter at Civic Media Center
Friday, August 18, 9 p.m.
Dueling Pianos with Leon Novembre and Matt Wilson at The Keys Grill and Piano Bar
Friday, August 18, 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Jazz with Swing Theory at One Love Café
Saturday, August 19, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter Matthew McCartney at Lightnin’ Salvage
Saturday, August 19, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Concerts at the Kelly Concert Series Kickoff with Jazz Dad at Clarence R. Kelly Community Center
Saturday, August 19, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Hoggetowne Burlesque and Drag Alliance Showcase Benefiting Equality Florida at High Dive
Saturday, August 19, 7 p.m.
Rock with Whiskey Jones at the Great Outdoors
Saturday, August 19, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Rock Tribute Sets at Nothing Butt Rock Fest at Loosey’s Downtown
Saturday, August 19, 7 p.m.
Dueling Pianos with Leon Novembre and Brad Heron at The Keys Grill and Piano Bar
Saturday, August 19, 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Goth, Industrial, Synthpop and More with DJs Drew Love and Mister Obsidian at The Wooly
Saturday, August 19, 10 p.m.
80s Dance Party with DJ Cameron Gregory at The Backyard at Boca Fiesta & Palomino
Saturday, August 19, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Blues with Mr. Aullie at 4th Ave Food Park
Sunday, August 20, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Drag and Burlesque at Scene Queens: Hot Girl Summer at the Hippodrome Theatre Basement
Monday, August 21, 7 p.m. – 10 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.
Blackadder Bingo Night for Charity at Blackadder Brewing Company
Thursday, August 17, 7 p.m.
Jazz Bandits at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Friday, August 18, 7 p.m.
Vegan Brews and BBQ with Southern Fried Vegan at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Saturday, August 19, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmers Markets
U-Pick Muscadine Grapes at High Springs Orchard and Market
Saturday, August 19 – Sunday, August 20, 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
Now Open: Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Wraps, Entrees and Buffet at ZeeZenia Kitchen Wine Tasting at Superette Wine and Provisions
Thursday, August 17, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, August 17, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Gourmet Dinner Prix-Fixe Menu with Guest Chef Larah Doyle at the Laurel Oak Inn
Saturday, August 19, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
(sold out) Cheesecake Making Cooking Class at The Fat Tuscan
Saturday, August 19, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
View the upcoming fall schedule of cooking classes
Wine Tasting 101: Sip, Swirl and Savor at Camellia Rose Inn
Sunday, August 20, 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Kadoul Hatian Cuisine Pop-Up at Germains Chicken Sandwich
Sunday, August 20, 4 p.m. – sellout
Sports
Gators Soccer “2023 Women’s World Cup Celebration” vs. East Carolina University at Donald R. Dizney Stadium
Thursday, August 17, 7 p.m.
Funtastic Fridays Archery at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, August 18, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Car Show, Swamp Meet and Drag Racing at Mega Test and Tune at Gainesville Raceway
Saturday, August 19, 8 a.m.
#11 Gators Volleyball “Fan Day” Exhibition vs. Stetson at Exactech Arena
Sunday, August 20, 2:30 p.m.
Gators Soccer “Ted Lasso Night” vs. Maryland at Donald R. Dizney Stadium
Sunday, August 20, 6 p.m.
Parks & Trails
Accessible Tram Tours at Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Ongoing, Check for Availability
Friday, August 18, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Monday, August 21, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, August 23, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Free Timed 5K at Depot Park parkrun
Saturday, August 19, 7:30 a.m.
River & Springs
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
Browse Harn Museum Art Exhibitions at Art After Dark
Thursday, August 17, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Weekend Group Tour at the Harn Museum of Art
Saturday, August 19, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
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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