What’s Good® Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, August 22-28, 2024
Rock the weekend with What’s Good®. Enjoy a night with craft brews and critter friends with Brew at the Zoo or an evening made with PRIDE at First Magnitude Brewing’s LGBTQA+ market and gathering. Dance the night away with live music on indoor and outdoor stages. Plus, tech’s O.T. (other talent) comes out for a good cause with the annual Battle of the Bands at The Wooly.
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.
Tap Into Fun with Animal Encounters and Craft Breweries at Brew at the Zoo
Saturday, August 24, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
3000 NW 83 St. Building Z, Gainesville, FL 32606
The third annual Brew at the Zoo features craft beer, animal encounters, and more for ages 21+. Enjoy live music from Pet Detectives, Tamayo and the a MusicGNV showcase of artists on the pavilion stage. Grab a bite with restaurant food samples and more offerings from food trucks onsite.
Advance tickets are available online through Friday, August 23 at 12 p.m., tickets will not be available at the door.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Shake it with The Shambles at the Live on the Lawn Concert Series
Thursday, August 22, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
“Live on the Lawn” is a free, family-friendly outdoor music series at Heartwood Soundstage. Dance along with The Shambles and a collection of classic rock, cosmic country and original tunes. Grab refreshments and browse menus at Bingo Deli and Pub, Humble Wood Fire, Grand Scheme Brewing located at South Main Station. Admission is free.
Enjoy an Afternoon Made with PRIDE
Saturday, August 24, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. | First Magnitude Brewing Company
1220 SE Veitch St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Join the Pride Community Center and First Magnitude Brewing for a day of community fellowship, live entertainment, and a market with crafts and goods created by LGBTQA+ makers. The party continues at 8 p.m. with a drag show.
Harvest Connections with the Local Food Economy at the Florida Heritage Foods Symposium
Friday, August 23, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Santa Fe College Blount Center
530 W University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
The free symposium features a day of workshops on marketing, grant writing and education for farms, farmers markets, educators and local food advocates in Florida. Registration and coffee begins at 9:30 a.m. with opening remarks at 10 a.m. Free tickets are available online.
Brighten Your Friday Night with a Showcase of Indie Pop at the Free Fridays Concert Series
Friday, August 23, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza
Downtown Gainesville
Find summer vibes with a showcase of indie artists assembled by Pulp Arts including Fast Preacher, Spirit Tramp and Kevin PM. Head downtown for a lively evening with the longest-running free outdoor concert series and enjoy food and drinks from walkable restaurants and cafes in downtown Gainesville. Admission is free.
Kick-off Your Weekend with Funk and Soul Music from Uncle Morty’s Rhythm Cream at Playlist at the Pointe
Friday, August 23, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4848 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Enjoy live music as the sun sets and pull up a chair or spread a blanket on the Promenade at Celebration Pointe. Make the night complete with dinner, drinks and sweet treats from nearby restaurants. Admission is free.
Pack Your Book Bag with a Lineup of Bands at Back to School Fest
Saturday, August 24, 6 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
School is back in Alachua County but the summer evening fun continues with Indie Live. Start the new school year with a blast at the outdoor Back to School Fest. The lineup features indie pop and rock sounds from Prizilla, Buboy, Trustfall, Southbound 441, Outeredge and Thomas Allain.
Rock the Code: Tech Teams Come Together for the Ultimate Battle of the Bands
Saturday, August 24, 7 p.m. | The Wooly
20 N Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Employees from local tech companies form music bands for this annual competition. Jam to music ensembles from Infotech, Digital Brands, Feathr, IC2 and “Remote Control” featuring remote workers from a variety of companies.
Take the Party to the Streets at the How Bazar Block Party
Saturday, August 24, 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. | How Bazar
60 SW 2nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
The How Bazar taps into nostalgia at its one and only block party of the year. Enjoy traditional fun like four square, double dutch, limbo, hula hoops and friendship bracelet making. The block party features three stages of music including bands and DJs from the Miami music festival III Points inside How Bazar, DJs on the street playing hip-hop, R&B and throwbacks, plus Alpin Bistro opens up as a karaoke bar serving their signature crepes and cocktails. Admission is free.
Browse Gifts from Local Makers at the Wooly Mammoth Market
Sunday, August 25, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. | The Wooly
20 N Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Enjoy an indoor shopping experience with a variety of vendors and a full bar inside The Wooly. Select from a variety of apparel, fashion accessories, jewelry, artwork prints and more. Admission is free.
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Pop-Up Markets and Retail Shopping
Kick-off Tailgate Party at Alumni Hall
Saturday, August 24, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.
Events & Festivals
Pollinator Count for the Great Southeast Pollinator Census at UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County
Friday, August 23, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Collages, Scrap Booking and Zine Making at Good News Arts
Friday, August 23, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Birding Field Trip with Alachua Audubon Society at UF Hague Dairy
Saturday, August 24, 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Count Pollinators for the Great Southeast Pollinator Census at Gainesville Garden Club
Saturday, August 24, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Zumba Classes, Clothing and Backpack Giveaways at the Biggest Heart Giveaway at Bo Diddley Plaza
Saturday, August 24, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Giveaways, Games, Raffles and More at the Gainesville 2024 Game Fair at Coliseum of Comics
Saturday, August 24, 12 p.m.
Book Signing: 100 Things to do In Gainesville Before You Die with Author Lauren Gonzalez at Superette
Saturday, August 24, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
(sold out) Beginners Mosaic Workshop at The AUK Market
Sunday, August 25, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Music & Performance
Alt Country with Uncle Mosie at Lightnin’ Salvage
Thursday, August 22, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Silent Disco at V Pizza and Sidecar
Thursday, August 22, 10 p.m.
Classic Rock with Big Owl and Don Rolling at The Queens Arms: Gainesville’s One and Only Traditional British Pub
Friday, August 23, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Blues and Rock with Martini Russa at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, August 23, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Rock with Long Strange Day at Pink Flamingo Diner
Friday, August 23, 6:45 p.m.
Classic Rock with Southern Burn at Great Outdoors Restaurant
Friday, August 23, 6:45 p.m.
Pink Pony Club Chappell Roan Dance Night with Drag and Runway Walk-off Competitions at Heartwood Soundstage
Friday, August 23, 9 p.m.
Ritual: Goth Dance Night with DJs Drew Love and Mister Obsidian at The Wooly
Friday, August 23, 10 p.m.
Jazz with Marty Liquori and Hot Club DeVille at Top Hog BBQ Bourbon and Blues
Saturday, August 24, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Crooked Counsel at Great Outdoors Restaurant
Saturday, August 24, 6:45 p.m.
Compassionate Music Singers’ End-of-Summer Finale at Celebration Pointe
Saturday, August 24, 7 p.m.
Taylor Swift Dance Night with DJs Zero Cool and Chelsea at Capone’s Night Club
Saturday, August 24, 7 p.m.
Pop Punk and Emo Night of Gainesville at Vivid Music Hall
Saturday, August 24, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Blues on the Patio with Bobby Blackmon at A Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center
Sunday, August 25, 7 p.m.
The Joe Bridenstine Jazz Duo at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, August 27, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Local craft breweries serve refreshments all summer and make a perfect gathering place after a day on the water or hiking the trails. Enjoy live music and special events. Learn more about the Alachua County Ale Trail at visitgainesville.com/sippinseven. Cheers!
Singer Songwriter Clay Brooker at High Springs Brewing Company
Thursday, August 22, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
National Dog Day with Oh, Hey, Dog! at Swamp Head Brewery
Saturday, August 24, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Alt Rock with The Remnants at High Springs Brewing Company
Saturday, August 24, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Brewery Yoga with Kardiya Yogo Studio at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Sunday, August 25, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Find Creativity and Curiosity on Display at the “Local Color, a Study of Our Native Flora” Exhibit at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Now through August 30, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Summer is great time for a Pedal, Paddle, Pub adventure.
Find inspiration at visitgainesville.com
U-Picks and Farmers Markets
U-Pick Muscadine Grapes at Deep Spring Farm
Saturday, August 24, 8 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
U-Pick Muscadine Grapes at Bluefield Estate Winery
Thursday, August 22 – Friday, August 23, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, August 24 – Sunday, August 25, 12 p.m. – 6 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.
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
Now Open: Breakfast and Lunch at Southern Taste
14816 Main St., Alachua, FL 32615
Now Open: Edo Sushi and Hibachi Japanese Steakhouse at the Oaks Mall
6419 W Newberry Rd., Gainesville, FL 32605
End of Summer Soiree Wine Tasting for Ages 21+ with Beaker and Flask Wine Co. and Latin Food from Verde Spice at Laurel Oak Inn
Thursday, August 22, 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Wine Tasting for Ages 21+ at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, August 22, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting for Ages 21+ at the Traveler Wine Bar
Thursday, August 22, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting for Ages 21+ at Superette
Thursday, August 22, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Bakery Pop-Up with Levain Lane at 108 Vine
Saturday, August 24, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Cocktail Tasting for Ages 21+ at The Good Pour
Saturday, August 24, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Wine Tasting Class: Austria & Germany at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, August 24, 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Ribbon Cutting and Opening of City Food Hall
Thursday, August 29, 11 a.m.
Wine Tasting Class: Austria & Germany at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, August 24, 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Ribbon Cutting and Opening of City Food Hall
Thursday, August 29, 11 a.m.
All beer and wine tasting events are for ages 21+.
Sports & Fans
Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of Gainesville Area Rowing Boathouse at Newnans Lake
Saturday, August 24, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Gainesville Area Rowing is a youth-oriented nonprofit that promotes rowing all around Gainesville and Alachua County. The boathouse dedication begins at 5 p.m. followed by a ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m. RSVP online
Gator Talk Live Radio Show with Scott Stricklin at Miller’s Ale House
Thursday, August 22
Gators Game Day Locker Room Tour at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
Thursday, August 22 – Wednesday, September 6
“Funtastic Fridays” Archery at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, August 23, 5:30 p.m.
Gators Volleyball Fan Day Exhibition vs. Georgia Southern at Exactech Arena
Saturday, August 24, 2 p.m.
Out the Huddle Podcast with Gator Alum Brandon Siler and Miami Alum DJ Williams at Fan Outfitters
Saturday, August 24, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
10th Annual Bow Hunters Challenge at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Saturday, August 24, 9 a.m.
Gators Soccer vs. UCF at Donald R. Dizney Stadium
Sunday, August 25, 7 p.m.
Parks & Trails
Free Timed 5K with parkrun at Depot Park
Saturday, August 24, 7:30 a.m.
Museums & Galleries
Art After Dark at Harn Museum of Art
Thursday, August 22, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Maker Workshops: BOTSY Robotic Drawing at the Cade Museum
Saturday, August 24, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Now on View: Natural Wonders: Florida’s Freshwater Springs at the Florida Museum of Natural History
Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Photo: Natural Wonders Exhibit by Florida Museum/Kristen Grace
View 250 Years of History at the Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit “Voices and Votes: Democracy in America” at the Matheson History Museum
Now through Saturday, September 7
Gainesville and Alachua County was selected to host the Smithsonian Museum on Main Street traveling exhibition. The interactive exhibit explores the American experiment of a government “of, by and for the people” with photographs, objects, film, audio and interactives.
Save The Date
Chomp the Block, August 30
Artwalk Gainesville, August 30
Gators Football vs. Miami, August 31
ARTSPEAKS: Bringing Poetry and People Together, September 8
Gainesville Latino Film Festival, September 12-29
UpStage at the Phillips Center with Sean Mason Quartet, September 20
Florida AVP Grass Nationals Volleyball Tournament, September 27-29
Gainesville Pride Festival, September 28
Fall Arts Festival at the Shoppes at Thornebrook, September 28-29
For a complete list of events please visit www.visitgainesville.com/events/
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