What’s Good Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, August 31 – September 6, 2023
The What’s Good team wishes our community and visitors a time of rest and recovery as we head into Labor Day weekend. Welcoming Week 2023 International Festival presents a great way to come together and celebrate diversity with a showcase or food, music, art from around the world. Unwind in nature with guided walks at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, with First Magnitude Brewing Company’s Birds and Brews, and with a fun safari at Carson Springs Wildlife Labor Day Weekend Tours.
Catch Gators Football on the big screen with Southern Taste Mobile Kitchen at High Springs Brewing Company or discover a new screen experience with the grand reopening of the revitalized Hippodrome Cinema. Don’t miss the final weekend of No Exit at Acrosstown Repertory Theatre and the last chance to visit the Spiders Alive! exhibit at the Florida Museum of Natural History.
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.
Feast on Plant-Based Flavors at Vegan Street Party
Saturday, September 2, 2 p.m. – 9 p.m. | First Magnitude Brewing Company
1220 SE Veitch St. Gainesville, FL 32601
Indulge in a mouthwatering array of plant-based delights and experience the vibrant vegan community in Gainesville. The lively atmosphere features live music, entertainment and engaging activities.
Celebrate the Diverse Local Community at the GGIC Welcoming Week 2023 International Festival
Saturday, September 2, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza
Downtown Gainesville
Welcoming Week 2023 is a national celebration of culture, heritage and inclusivity in local communities. Welcoming Week is a global movement bringing neighbors, immigrants and communities of all backgrounds together. Celebrate with food from international chefs, live music and dance, artists and community organizations.
Savor Tasty Menus at the First Fridays at Thornebrook Food Truck Festival
Friday, September 1, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Shoppes at Thornebrook
2441 NW 43rd St., Gainesville, FL 32606
Browse the park-like setting at the Shoppes at Thornebrook and enjoy a variety of food trucks, live music and retail pop-ups. Seating is provided but feel free to bring your own comfy chairs or blankets to throw down.
Go on Safari and See Rare Animals at Carson Springs Labor Day Weekend Tours
Saturday, September 2 and Monday, September 4, 10 a.m. | Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
8528 E CR 225, Gainesville, FL 32609
Enjoy outdoor fun with a zoologist led tour with rare animals, baby lemurs, big cat feedings and more. Carson Springs is located on 275 acres of lush Florida woods and farmland providing a home environment to approximately 30 rare and endangered species and over 100 animals. TripAdvisor awarded Carson Springs Wildlife the 2023 Traveler’s Choice Award recognizing the attraction as one of the top 10% of in things to do worldwide, based on visitor reviews.Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Unwind Outdoors on the Monthly Guided Walk at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Saturday, September 2, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
4700 SW 58th Dr., Gainesville, FL 32608
Stroll through pet-friendly paved pathways and view plant collections spanning the 68-acre property. See what’s in bloom at the end of the summer. View the last of the giant Victoria water lilies as the growing season comes to an end. Visit the tranquil bamboo garden, the largest public display of bamboo in Florida.
Pair Birding with a Pint at Birds and Brews
Sunday, September 3, 5:45 p.m. – 7 p.m. | First Magnitude Brewing Company
1220 SE Veitch St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Meet at the brewery and join a nature walk led by Alachua Audubon Society volunteers. Stroll through the nature trail at Depot Park before returning for a craft brew and discuss your findings. All birding skill levels are welcome. Bring comfortable shoes, a water bottle and a pair of binoculars or borrow a loaner pair.
… And Action! Watch a Double Feature at the Grand Reopening of the Hippodrome Cinema
Saturday, September 2, 10 a.m. – 1 a.m. | Hippodrome Cinema
25 SE 2nd Pl., Gainesville, FL 32601
Experience the revitalized theatre with new seats, expanded sound system and new screen. Ticket passes include a double feature of films with discussions following each screening. Before or after your cinematic experience, visit the bar for snacks and drinks and don’t miss the Panhandle Slim exhibit in the Hippodrome Art Gallery.
Don’t Miss the Final Weekend of No Exit at Acrosstown Repertory Theatre’s New Location
Friday, September 1 – Sunday, September 3 | 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.”
View the Spiders Alive! Exhibit Before it Crawls Away on Monday
Now through Monday, September 4 | Florida Museum of Natural History
3215 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
With more than a dozen live species from around the world, Spiders Alive! 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 arachnid anatomy. Plan your visit online.
Photo courtesy Florida Museum / Jeff Gage
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Music & Performance
Motown, R&B, Jazz and Soul with The Browns at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, September 1, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Grateful Dead Tribute with One Good Ring at Heartwood Soundstage
Friday, September 1, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Goth Dance Party at Loosey’s Downtown
Friday, September 1, 8 p.m.
Indie with Sigs Inside at High Dive
Friday, September 1, 8 p.m.
Dueling Pianos with Cassie Evans and Tommy Orr at The Keys Grill and Piano Bar
Friday, September 1 – Saturday, September 2, 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.
UF Viola Day and Florida All-State Workshop at UF School of Music
Saturday, September 2, 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Rock with Whiskey Jones at Kiss 105.3 FM Concert Series at Celebration Pointe
Saturday, September 2, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Jazz with Edward White and Brenda Bayne at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, September 2, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Classic Rock with 8-Track Revival at Great Outdoors Restaurant
Saturday, September 2, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
All-Vinyl Jazz with DJ Don Miller at Baby J’s Bar
Saturday, September 2, 9 p.m.
Appalachian Folk with Tina and Her Pony at 4th Ave Food Park
Sunday, September 3, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Hogtown Rounders Writers Round at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, September 5, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Cold, University Drive and State of Illusion at High Dive
Wednesday, September 6, 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.
Gators Football on the Big Screen with Southern Taste Mobile Kitchen at High Springs Brewing Company
Thursday, August 31, 8 p.m.
Classic Rock with Crooked Counsel at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, September 1, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Blues with Mr. Aullie at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Friday, September 1, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Country with Noah Hunton at Daft Cow Brewery
Friday, September 1, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
You Say Tomato, We Say Bloody Mary at Blackadder Brewing Company
Sunday, September 3, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Classic Rock Faster than Flash at High Springs Brewing Company
Saturday, September 2, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmers Markets
Persimmons and Chestnuts U-Pick at High Springs Orchard and Market
Sunday, September 3, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Grove Street Farmers Market with Live Music
Mondays, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Archer Farmers Market at Archer Historical Society Railroad Museum
Tuesdays, 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
Competition BBQ Supplies and Catering at the Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of Sweet Meat Butcher Shop
Friday, September 1, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Superette Wine and Provisions
Thursday, August 31, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, August 31, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at the Traveler Wine Bar
Thursday, August 31, 6:30 p.m.
Wine Class: Bordeaux and Beyond: Exploring Bordeaux Varietals at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, September 2, 4:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Kids Pizza Making Class at V Pizza
Monday, September 4, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
(sold out) Guest Chef Series: Street Foods of South America at The Fat Tuscan
Wednesday, September 6, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Sports
Funtastic Fridays Archery at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, August 25, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Archery Tag at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Saturday, September 2, 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Gainesville Roller Derby: All-Stars vs. Bradentucky Bombers at MLK Center
Saturday, September 2, 6:30 p.m.
Florida Fast Pitch Classic Softball Tournament at Champions Park
Saturday, September 2 – Sunday, September 3
Gators Volleyball vs. Minnesota at Exactech Arena
Sunday, September 3, 12 p.m.
Wild Wednesday Drag Racing at Gainesville Raceway
Wednesday, September 6, 5:30 p.m.
Parks & Trails
Weekly Walk and Talk with Alachua Conservation Trust at Tuscawilla Preserve
Friday, September 1, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Ranger-Led Tour at Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
Saturday, September 2, 10 a.m.
Flow in Nature with Yoga at Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
Saturday, September 2, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Accessible Tram Tours at Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Ongoing, Check for Availability
Friday, September 1, 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 3, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Monday, September 4, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Frogs and Friends Fridays at Morningside Nature Center
Friday, September 1, 2 p.m.
Free Timed 5K at Depot Park parkrun
Saturday, August 26, 7:30 a.m.
Living History Saturday at Morningside Nature Center
Saturday, September 2, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday Bird Walks with Alachua Audubon Society at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Wednesday, September 6, 8:30 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 After Dark Wine Down Evening with Jazz Fusion from Dionysus at the Harn Museum of Art
Thursday, August 31, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Sound-Sites in the Age of Utopian Recoverism: Art, Technology and Exhibition Practices at UF University Galleries
Now through Saturday, 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
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
Opening Weekend of POTUS at the Hippodrome Theatre, September 8
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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