What’s Good Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, August 24-30, 2023
Add a splash of color and fun events to your weekend with What’s Good. Tee up live music at the golf course at Groovin’ on the Green with Zac Petty. Browse a collection of unique folk art from Panhandle Slim at the Hippodrome Art Gallery. Take a self-guided art tour at Artwalk Gainesville. Tour Lubee Bat Conservancy in a small group setting at the first Baturdays of Summer. Dress up as your favorite character at Alachua County Library District’s Fandomonium.
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.
Tee Up Live Music on the Golf Course with Zac Petty at Groovin’ on the Green
Saturday, August 26, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Ironwood Golf Course
2011 NE 39th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32609
Singer-songwriter Zac Petty performs the first concert at Ironwood Golf Course. Relax on the patio with food and drink specials and even take a swing at the driving range that lights up at night. Admission is free.
Spread Your Wings with the World’s Largest Bats at Baturdays of Summer
Saturday, August 26, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Lubee Bat Conservancy
1309 NW 192nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32609
Take part in a rare opportunity to tour Lubee Bat Conservancy at the inaugural Baturdays of Summer. Lubee Bat Conservancy is the global leader in fruit bat care and is the only bat conservation organization that houses endangered bats while maintaining active conservation and education programs.
Speak with bat experts and learn about a misunderstood mammal in a small event setting. Advance tickets are limited and are only available online, tickets are not sold at the gate.
View Unique Folk Art from Panhandle Slim at the Hippodrome Theatre Art Gallery
Artwalk Reception: Friday, August 25, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
On view through October 1 | Hippodrome Theatre Gallery
25 SE 2nd Pl., Gainesville, FL 32601
Panhandle Slim’s work is a testament to his ethos of crafting “ART for FOLK.” He draws inspiration from musicians, infusing their lyrics and essence into his art. Using found objects like boards, signs, and thrifted paintings, Slim transforms discarded items into captivating pieces that find new beauty in unexpected places.
Meet Panhandle Slim on Thursday, browse works a day early and bring your favorites home:
Panhandle Slim Pop-Up Sale on the Steps of the Hippodrome
Thursday, August 24, 5 p.m.
Rock Out at the Final Free Fridays Concert of the Season with a Fest 21 Showcase
Friday, August 25, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza
Downtown Gainesville
The region’s largest and longest-running free outdoor concert series concludes this year with rock and punk bands Flagman, The Real You and Off Day. Enjoy food and drinks from nearby cafes and restaurants within walking distance. Admission is free.
Take a Self-Guided Tour of the Local Art Scene at Artwalk Gainesville
Friday, August 25, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Multiple Venues
Artwalk Gainesville features 13 venues in August. Interact with ERAS, the paint-pouring robot at Paint By Motors. Weave together fiber art and multimedia with Rebecca Welch at The AUK Market. View Penguins in Antarctica, digital photography and collage by Ani Collier at Black C Art. Preview venues and download a map online.
View Combinations of Disciplines at the Opening Reception of the GFAA Exhibit Co-Creation
Friday, August 25, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | GFAA Gallery
1314 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Start your Artwalk Gainesville tour with a visit to Gainesville Fine Arts Association, celebrating 100 years in 2023. The Co-Creation exhibit features collaborative works created from multiple artists of varying disciplines. Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Dress Up as Your Favorite Character at Fandomonium
Saturday, August 26, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Alachua County Library District Headquarters
401 E University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
The all-ages fan convention returns to the headquarters library with guest speaker and voice actor Kevin Thelwell, panels, games, costume contest, Pokémon GO meet-up, trivia and more. View event details and the schedule for the day online. Admission is free.
Take the Party to the Street at the How Bazar Block Party
Friday, August 25, 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. | How Bazar
60 SW SE 2nd St., Gainesville, FL 32601
How Bazar takes over SE 2nd St. with three performance stages, a hip hop dance battle, skate competition with Samurai Skate Shop, food truck rally, artisan market and more.
Kick Off Your Weekend with Music, Food and Good Times with Houston Keen at Playlist at the Pointe
Friday, August 25, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4949 SW Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Head to Celebration Pointe and enjoy music under the stars with Americana, Country and Rock from Houston Keen and his band. Grab a drink, bite to eat and a sweet treat at nearby restaurants. Admission is free.
Make New Furry Friends at the Back-to-School Farmers Moo-ket
Sunday, August 27, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary
12626 NW CR 231, Gainesville, FL 32609
Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary is the largest cow sanctuary in the US that also provides a home for pigs, donkeys and water buffalo. Browse vegan vendors and enjoy plant-based foods while visiting the critters.
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Pop-Up Markets and Retail Shopping
Back to School Market with Youth Artist Vendors at The Repurpose Project
Saturday, August 26, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Florida Vintage Market at Midpoint Park and Eatery
Sunday, August 27, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Arts & Theatre
No Exit at the Acrosstown Repertory Theatre – Now at the New Creekside Mall Location
Now through Sunday, September 3The 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.”
EVENTS & FESTIVALS
Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team at Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center
Saturday, August 26 – Sunday, August 27
Terrarium Building Skill Share Session at How Bazar
Monday, August 28, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Free Family Board Game Night at Camellia Rose Inn
Saturday, August 26, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Music & Performance
Alt-Americana with Uncle Mosie at Lightnin’ Salvage
Thursday, August 24, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Rock, Folk and Jazz with Eric Diamond at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, August 24, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Rock with Family Dinner at Loosey’s Downtown
Thursday, August 24, 7 p.m.
Jazz Vocals with Jernie at Baby J’s Bar
Thursday, August 24, 8 p.m.
Local Rock with Sour, Monk-E, No Hit Wonders and CB Carlyle at High Dive
Thursday, August 24, 8 p.m.
Classic Rock with Crooked Counsel at One Love Café
Friday, August 25, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Back to Class Bash with 8 Bands at The Bull
Friday, August 25, 6 p.m.
Natlie Rella Jazz Ensemble at Baby J’s Bar
Friday, August 25, 8 p.m.
Punk with Shakers at Loosey’s Downtown
Friday, August 25, 8 p.m.
Indie Rock with Half Gone, Level 6, Banyan Leaves and Permanent Resident at High Dive
Friday, August 25, 8 p.m.
Jazz with Donnie and the Newcombs at One Love Café
Saturday, August 26, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Jazz Night with Cathy DeWitt and Edward White at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, August 26, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Local Rock with Madwoman, Driveaway, Okay Kenedy and Prizilla at High Dive
Saturday, August 26, 8 p.m.
Rock with Rex Dameron at Loosey’s Downtown
Saturday, August 26, 8 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter Kyler Keller at The Bull
Saturday, August 26, 8 p.m.
Future Beats, Eclectic R&B, Soul with DJ Ayo Papo at The Backyard at Boca Fiesta & Palomino
Saturday, August 26, 10 p.m.
(sold out) International Electronic Music at Night Shift (Miami Vibez) at The Loft
Saturday, August 26, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Pop Punk and Emo Night of Gainesville at Vivid Music Hall
Saturday, August 26, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Blues with Moondog at One Love Café
Sunday, August 27, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Carillon Studio Faculty Recital at UF Century Tower
Sunday, August 27, 1:55 p.m.
Blues on the Patio with Root Redemption Duo at A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center
Sunday, August 27, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Punks In The Park with Grayrock, Atomic Tourist, Tapewerm and The Joytraders at The Historic Thomas Center
Sunday, August 27, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Punk with Cardiel (from Mexico), Mike and the Nerve, Quit the Industry and Trash the Rental at High Dive
Sunday, August 27, 7 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 Cliff Dorsey at High Springs Brewing Company
Thursday, August 24, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
An Evening with The Imbeciles at Blackadder Brewing Company
Thursday, August 24, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Indie with Mace at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Friday, August 25, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter Josh Nettles at Daft Cow Brewing Company
Friday, August 25, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Jazz and Flamenco with Yael & Gabriel at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, August 25, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Night on the Nile Belly Dancing at Blackadder Brewing Company
Saturday, August 26, 7 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmers Markets
Muscadine Grape U-Pick at Bluefield Estate Winery
Saturday, August 26 – Sunday, August 27, 12 p.m. – 6 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: Korean Corndogs at Mr Cow at Midpoint Park and Eatery
Drink Samples and Prizes at the Grand Opening of Opus Coffee at The Row
Friday, August 25, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Superette Wine and Provisions
Thursday, August 24, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, August 24, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at The Traveler Wine Bar
Thursday, August 24, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Class: Northwest Vinetrails: Exploring Washington & Oregon Wines at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, August 26, 4:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
The TOP Turns 23 Anniversary Party at The Top and The Wooly
Saturday, August 26, 5 p.m.
(sold out) Cocktail Pairing Dinner at Blue Gill Quality Foods
Saturday, August 26, 6:30 p.m.
Reservations available for the next pairing dinner Saturday, September 9
Donut Week with Gift Certificates and More
Monday, August 28 – Sunday, September 3
Mixology Class with Becca from Mark’s Prime: What in the World is Genever? at Laurel Oak Inn
Monday, August 28, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
(postponed) “All Things Noir and Beautiful” Cocktail Party at The Traveler Wine Bar
Wednesday, August 30, 7 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.
Sports
Gator Talk Broadcast with Florida Gators Athletic Director Scott Strickland at The Keys Grill and Piano Bar
Thursday, August 24, 7 p.m.
Funtastic Fridays Archery at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, August 25, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Dynasty Hoops We Got Next Basketball Tournament at Alachua County Sports and Events Center
Saturday, August 26 – Sunday, August 27
The 9th Annual Bow Hunters Challenge at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Saturday, August 26, 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Drag Slick and Drag Radial Test and Tune Drag Racing at Gainesville Raceway
Saturday, August 26, 5 p.m.
Gators Football Player Desmond Watson Meet and Greet at Jimmy Johns
Saturday, August 26, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Gators Soccer vs. Stetson “Kids Day” at Donald R. Dizney Stadium
Sunday, August 27, 6 p.m.
(canceled) Gator Talk Broadcast with Florida Gators Football Head Coach Billy Napier at The Keys Grill and Piano Bar
Tuesday, August 29, 7 p.m.
Parks & Trails
Accessible Tram Tours at Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Ongoing, Check for Availability
Friday, August 25, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Monday, August 28, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Free Timed 5K at Depot Park parkrun
Saturday, August 26, 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
Art & Mindfulness: Finding Delight in the Present Moment at the Harn Museum of Art
Saturday, August 26, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
(postponed) Curator Talks for “John Ward | Behind the Seen” and “Apparallel | Joss Ramirez & Lennie Kesl” at The Historic Thomas Center
Tuesday, August 29, 5 p.m. – 6 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
Labor Day Weekend Safari Tours at Carson Springs, September 2 and 4
Gators Football Home Opener at The Swamp vs. McNeese, September 9
19th Gainesville Latino Film Festival, September 14-24
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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