What’s Good® Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, August 29 – September 4, 2024
What’s Good® comes alive this weekend with exciting events and the return of college football to the home of the Florida Gators. Friday kicks off with cultural experiences like the Artwalk Gainesville tour featuring 13 gallery spaces and the opening reception of “HEAT” at Gainesville Fine Arts Association. The Hippodrome theatre launches a captivating new season with the opening weekend of Perfect Arrangement. Plus, enjoy tailgates and block parties filled with live music, celebrity appearances and more leading up the home game versus in-state rival Miami.
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.
Show Your Team Spirit at “The Swamp Opener” as Gators Football Hosts Miami
Saturday, August 31, 3:30 p.m. | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
157 Gale Lemerand Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611
Are you ready for college football Week 1? The 2024 college football season opener features an in-state matchup between the Florida Gators and Miami Hurricanes. If you’re joining the sold-out crowd, plan to arrive early and click here for game-day details. Even without a ticket, cheer for your team on the set of SEC Nation, during Gator Walk and other pre-game festivities.
Photo by Florida Athletics/Matt Stamey
Before the Big Game, Join the Official Block Party of the Florida Gators® at Chomp The Block
Friday, August 30, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4848 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
On select Friday nights before the Gators take the field, join Chomp The Block at Celebration Pointe. Enjoy UF celebrity appearances, live music with Bennie and the Band, plus an entertainment zone with bounce houses, face painting and balloon animals for the kids. Enjoy food, drinks and sweet treats from restaurants located nearby. Admission is free.
Kick-off Your Game Day Weekend at the Shoppes at Thornebrook Tailgate Party
Thursday, August 29, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Shoppes at Thornebrook
2441 NW 43rd St., Gainesville, FL 32606
Free, family-friendly game day weekend fun starts Thursday at the Shoppes at Thornebrook. Show your team spirit with orange and blue gear and outfits from Ilene’s Gator Store. Visit the boutiques, cafes and restaurants located in the park-like setting and enjoy activities and music from Kiss 105.3 FM. Grab tasty bites from Rollin’ Sliders, DonutNV and Stars and Stripes Coffee Company. Browse local vendors including Crochets by Kata, Not Just Beads, Prism Penworks, Sunshine Clay Studio and more. Admission is free.
Fall Season at the Hipp Opens with a Roaring Good Time: Classic Sitcom Fun Meets Powerful Storytelling in “Perfect Arrangement”
Friday, August 30 – Sunday, September 22 | Hippodrome Theatre
25 SE 2nd Pl., Gainesville, FL 32601
The Hippodrome Theatre and UF School of Theatre and Dance blend zany sitcom antics with compelling drama based on true events from the early days of the gay rights movement. It follows two closeted U.S. State Department workers striving to uphold their facades in 1950s America.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Photo by Michael A. Eaddy
Experience Vibrant Displays of Creativity Along the Artwalk Gainesville Tour
Friday, August 30, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Multiple Gallery Spaces
A walking tour of the Gainesville art scene is an ideal way to discover hidden gallery spaces and interact with local artists. This month’s self-guided tour features 13 venues throughout Gainesville. View tattoo-influenced imagery blended with nature at “Other Works by Mike Salay” at The AUK Market. Browse Florida plein air landscapes by Peter Senesac at Bingo Deli and Pub. The Top Secret Event Space features a two-day exhibition with Old Head GNV. Preview venues and artists online. Admission is free.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Radiate with Inspiration at the Gallery Reception of “HEAT”
Friday, August 30, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Gainesville Fine Arts Association
1314 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Inspired by the book The Heat Will Kill You First by Jeff Goodell, and a month of Gainesville Reads events at The Lynx Books, HEAT brings together art from across the nation exploring the concept of ‘heat’ as it relates to a warming planet. Admission is free. View additional Gainesville Reads events at thelynxbooks.com.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Examine Fused Glass Creations from Bettianne Ford at the Artisans’ Guild Gallery
Friday, August 30, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Artisans Guild Gallery
224 NW 2nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Browse functional works created by layers of cut and powdered glass set in place by multiple kiln firings. Enjoy live music by Vintage Strings and light refreshments. Admission is free.
Artisans’ Guild Gallery is one of the oldest artist cooperatives in the country, celebrating 54 years in 2024. The gallery features hundreds of handcrafted works from local artists.
Run it Back with Hits from the ‘90s and 2000s with Chillula at Tioga Concert Night
Friday, August 30 | Tioga Town Center
13085 SW 1 Ln., Newberry, FL 32669
Catch an energetic and fun night with Chillula in a rare Gainesville performance. Chillula blends funk, rock and reggae for a high-energy throwback dance party. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the outdoor concert with food and drinks from adjacent restaurants. Admission is free.
Feel the Rhythm of Roots Reggae and Dancehall with De Lions of Jah at the Free Fridays Concert Series
Friday, August 30, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza
Downtown Gainesville
The region’s longest-running free outdoor concert series features upbeat and soulful reggae with the De Lions of Jah. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy live music as the sun sets. Enjoy food and drinks from walkable restaurants and cafes in downtown Gainesville. Admission is free.
Birds of a Feather Flock Together at Birds and Brews with Audubon at First Magnitude
Sunday, September 1, 5:45 p.m. – 7 p.m. | First Magnitude Brewing Company
1220 S Veitch St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Meet volunteers from Alachua Audubon Society at First Magnitude Brewing Company for a guided walk to Depot Park. The walk returns to the brewery for beverages and conversation. All birding skill levels are welcome. Bring your binoculars or borrow a loaner pair.
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Pop-Up Markets and Retail Shopping
Grand Opening: Comics, Trading Cards, Sports Memorabilia and Pop Culture Collectibles at Gainesville Card and Coin
Saturday, August 31, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Food, Giveaways and More at Trading Day at The Meelypops Shop
Saturday, August 31, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.
Events & Festivals
Politics, Movements and Joy: A Meditation on “Black Twitter” with UF African American Studies Program at UF Ustler Hall
Thursday, August 29, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
The Traveling Canary in Alachua County Book Signing with Author Terrence Ho at Limelight
Friday, August 30, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
(sold out) Single Day Knife Blacksmithing Workshop at Crooked Path Forge
Saturday, August 31, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Children’s Storytime at Barnes and Noble
Saturday, August 31, 11 a.m.
Gainesville Reads Features Events Throughout the Month Featuring The Heat Will Kill You First: Life and Death on a Scorched Planet by Jeff Goodell with The Lynx Books
Sunday, September 1 – Saturday, September 28
Introduction to Rug Tufting Skill Share at The How Bazar
Monday, September 2, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Music & Performance
Blues with Derrick Dove at Lightnin’ Salvage
Thursday, August 29, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Big Rascal at One Love Café
Thursday, August 29, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter Gavin Adcock at Vivid Music Hall
Thursday, August 29, 8 p.m.
Funk and Soul with Uncle Morty’s Rhythm Cream at Heartwood Soundstage
Thursday, August 29, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Classic Covers with Cassie and Chris at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, August 30, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Country and Rock with Speed Limit Band at Great Outdoors Restaurant
Friday, August 30, 6 p.m.
Jazz and Pop with Dave and The Hiptones at One Love Café
Friday, August 30, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter Cliff Dorsey at Codfathers
Friday, August 30, 6 p.m.
Alt Rock with Big Sky and Aleutian Low at Heartwood Soundstage
Friday, August 30, 7 p.m.
Jazz with Peer Group. at Baby J’s Bar
Friday, August 30, 8 p.m.
Indie Rock with Sigs Inside at Loosey’s Downtown
Friday, August 30, 9 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter Zac Petty at Codfathers
Saturday, August 31, 6 p.m.
Metal with Mind State at Civic Media Center
Saturday, August 31, 7 p.m.
Guitarist Richy Stano at One Love Café
Sunday, September 1, 11 a.m.
Banjo Steve at Creek’s 19th
Sunday, September 1, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
The Hogtown Rounders Writers Round at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, September 3, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Jazz with Hot Club DeVille at One Love Café
Wednesday, September 4, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Stand-Up Comedy Class Graduation Show at The Wooly
Wednesday, September 4, 7 p.m. – 9:30 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!
Drag Bingo at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Thursday, August 29, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Indie Rock with The Interwaves at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Friday, August 30, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Football Fridays Pre-Game Party with Food Trucks, Live Music and More at Swamp Head Brewery
Friday, August 30, 12 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Country and Rock with Houston Keen at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, August 30, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Acoustic Rock with Slinter at Daft Cow Brewery
Friday, August 30, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Classic Rock with The Medicine Show at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Saturday, August 31, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday Brewer Sessions with Randy Eby at Swamp Head Brewery
Sunday, September 1, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Open Mic Night at Blackadder Brewing Company
Tuesday, September 3, 6 p.m. – 9 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.
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.
Farmers Market at Celebration Pointe
Wednesdays, 4 p.m. – 8 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: MacDinton’s Irish Pub and Restaurant
1728 W University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32603
Now Open: City Food Hall
150 NW 13th St., Suite 10, Gainesville, FL 32603
Featuring 10 chef-inspired kitchens and a full-service bar. Grand opening festivities include a prize draw for gift cards and an electric scooter, accepting entries through Labor Day weekend,
Photo by Salar Abduaziz
Wine Tasting for Ages 21+ at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, August 29, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting for Ages 21+ at the Traveler Wine Bar
Thursday, August 29, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting for Ages 21+ at Superette
Thursday, August 29, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
(sold out) Chef Dinner and Wine Pairing Cooking Class at the Fat Tuscan
Thursday, August 29, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Special Dinner Series with After Dark at Afternoon Restaurant
Friday, August 30
Cupcakes, Bounce House for Kids and More at the One Year Anniversary Celebration at Sweet Meat Butcher Shop
Saturday, August 31, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
August Wine Tasting Class Series: Austria & Germany at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, August 31, 4:30 p.m.
The Return of the Rally Food Truck Rally at One Love Café
Sunday, September 1, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
All beer and wine tasting events are for ages 21+.
Sports & Fans
Gators Game Day Locker Room Tour at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
Thursday, August 29 – Wednesday, September 3
Gator Talk Live Radio Show with Gators Football Head Coach Billy Napier at Miller’s Ale House
Thursday, August 29, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Archery Tournament 101 at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, August 30, 5:30 p.m.
Nike Tournament of Champions Volleyball at Alachua County Sports and Events Center
Friday, August 30 – Sunday, September 1
Parks & Trails
Free Timed 5K with parkrun at Depot Park
Saturday, August 31, 7:30 a.m.
Summer Wetland Walk with Alachua County Forever at Barr Hammock Preserve Levy Loop Trailhead
Sunday, September 1, 8 a.m.
Museums & Galleries
Art After Dark: Wine Down at Harn Museum of Art
Thursday, August 20, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Upcoming at the Harn Museum of Art: In Our Time
Opening Tuesday, September 3, 10 a.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
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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