What’s Good Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, February 1-7, 2024
Add bold flavors and fun to the first weekend in February with What’s Good. Head over to Newberry for the inaugural Blues and BBQ Festival for a day of food, family-friendly fun and live music. Join the 2024 Springs Run and Fest at First Magnitude Brewing Company and enjoy a full music lineup with food trucks after a 7.2K or 1-mile fun run.
See a fast-paced farce debut on stage with Boeing Boeing at High Springs Brewing Company. Feel the thrill of fast-paced cars up close at Gainesville Raceway with Import Face-Off drag race and car show. Hear powerful music performances at Heartwood Soundstage with Americana, rock or blues with John Moreland, Melody Trucks and Kent Burnside.
Find guest speakers, live performances and museum exhibits to celebrate Black History Month. Plus, get a head start on Valentine’s Day with Visit Gainesville Alachua County’s guide of 7 ways to celebrate love and friendship on Valentine’s Day.
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.
Grab a Helping of Mouthwatering Barbeque with a Side of Music at the 1st Annual Blues and BBQ Festival
Saturday, February 3, 9 a.m. | Historic Downtown Newberry
25435 W. Newberry Rd., Newberry FL 32669
Live music from Gilmore and the Blues Authority, followed by Beautiful Bobby Blackmon and B3 Band provide the soundtrack for a day of fun. See awards for a classic car show and BBQ competitions backyard and commercial divisions. Admission is free.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Make Strides for Florida Springs Protection at Springs Run 7.2K and Springs Fest 2024
Saturday, February 3, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. | First Magnitude Brewing Company
1220 SE Veitch St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Join a race for the springs at First Magnitude Brewing Company. The course wraps around Depot Park, down the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail and back. If you’re not feeling the 7.2K, there’s a 1-mile fun run that goes around Depot Park, back to the brewery.
After the run, recover at the brewery with an all-day festival with live music, artists, vendors, craft beer releases and more. Proceeds benefit the Florida Springs Institute located in High Springs.
Go Upstage at UF Phillips Center with Roots Music from Twisted Pine
Thursday, February 1, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Praised by NPR for their “upbeat, poppy vibe; energetic, driving rhythms; and virtuosic solos,” Twisted Pine released their sophomore full-length Right Now in 2020 (Signature Sounds Recordings). Exploring a sound they call Americana funk, Twisted Pine takes traditional music in exhilarating directions.
UpStage transforms the UF Phillips Center main stage into an intimate cabaret setting, complete with tables and chairs. The 7 p.m. seating includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar; the 9 p.m. seating includes desserts and cash bar.
Photo by Blake Hannahson
Spend a Layover in Paris at the Opening Weekend of the Fast-Paced Farce “Boeing, Boeing”
Friday, February 2 – Sunday, February 25 | High Springs Playhouse
23416 W U.S. Hwy. 27, High Springs, FL 32643
The 1960s farce is adapted for the English-speaking stage. When Robert checks in on his old friend in Paris, he quickly finds that Bernard has more baggage than he can handle. After Benard juggles 3 fiancées, each an airline hostess, an unexpected scheduling change brings all 3 to Benard’s apartment at the same time.
Celebrate Black History and Culture Throughout Black History Month with Guest Speakers, Performances, Exhibits and More
African Americans and the Arts at Alachua County Library District Headquarters
Thursday, February 1, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Perspectives in the Park: Turning Pine into Turpentine: and other Miraculous Histories of Black Farmers in Alachua County with Porshè Chiles at Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Park
Sunday, February 4, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Museum Nights: Vibrant Africa at the Harn Museum of Art
Thursday, February 8, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Name, Image, and Blackness: Race and College Football with Dr. Leonard N. Moore at UF Smathers Library
Thursday, February 15, 4 p.m.
City of Hope: Mobilizing Communities with Dr. Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, Ph.D. at A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center
Thursday, February 15, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Celebrating Black History Pop-Up Market at Anthropologie
Saturday, February 17, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Black History Month: Frederick Douglass and Capt. John Brown at Alachua County Library District Headquarters
Sunday, February 18, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Explore the Alachua County Digital Black Heritage Trail Map (pdf)
Black in Natural History Museums Scavenger Hunt at the Florida Museum of Natural History
Learn About the Legacy of an Inspirational Educator at the A Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center
View African American History and Culture at the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center
View the Online Exhibit “We’re Tired of Asking” with the Matheson History Museum
Black History Month Resources from the University of Florida
Black History Month with the Alachua County Library District
(sold out) Celebrate 100 Years of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” as The Gainesville Orchestra Presents American Pie
Friday, February 2, 7:30 p.m. | Santa Fe College Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall
3000 NW 83rd St., Gainesville, FL 32606
A celebration of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” on its 100th birthday along with Aaron Copland’s powerful 3rd Symphony, audience favorite “Fanfare for the Common Man” and more. Enjoy the debut of Honoree William Stenberg of The Gainesville Orchestra Youth Concerto Competition.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Make a Connection with Powerful Songs from John Moreland
Saturday, February 3, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
John Moreland’s booming voice delivers songs with the smallest, most personal details. Resonate with the singer songwriter on the rise with an intimate performance at Heartwood Soundstage.
North Central Florida Blues Society Presents Kent Burnside
Sunday, February 4 | Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Kent Burnside was born in 1971 in Memphis Tennessee, and spent his early years in Holly Springs, Mississippi. He is the oldest Grandson and one of the closest pupils of the legendary R.L. Burnside. Kent got his real start in the music business playing with Jimbo Mathus (Fat Possum Records) and going on tour with Buddy Guy in the early 2000’s. That was when he started developing his signature style of blues: dark, hypnotic, inviting and very danceable.
❤ Plan Ahead for Valentine’s Day ❤
Make reservations at a local restaurant, secure a meaningful gift and plan a romantic getaway with our guide to Valentine’s Day in Gainesville and Alachua County.
Go Birding at the Brewery at Birds and Brews
Sunday, February 4, 4:45 p.m. – 6 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.
Raise the Octane with the Nationally Touring Car Show and Drag Racing Series Import Face-Off
Sunday, February 4, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Gainesville Raceway
1211 N CR 225, Gainesville, FL 32609
Join fellow gearheads and see exotic sports cars compete at Import Face-Off. Competitions include best in class, drag racing, burnouts, low car limbo and two-step. Free admission for kids 10 and under.
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Pop-Up Markets and Retail Shopping
The Florida Vintage “Miracle Market” Benefiting UF Dance Marathon at Bo Diddley Plaza
Saturday, February 3, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
“Valenswine’s and Cowlentine’s Day” Farmers Moo-Ket at Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary
Sunday, February 4, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.
Arts and Theatre
Follow the Heartwarming Story of Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy at Little Women at Acrosstown Repertory Theatre
Now through Sunday, February 4
The stage adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel, Little Women features actors using items found in their attic to recreate scenes of love, loss and the glowing warmth of the March family hearth.
Crowns A Musical Play at Star Center Theatre
Now through Sunday, January 28
Dance Alive National Ballet Presents Portraits III at Pofahl Dance Studios
Friday, January 26, 12 p.m., Saturday, January 27, 6 p.m.
Experience Soaring Rock Music and Unforgettable Characters with Tony Award-winning Musical Next to Normal at Hippodrome Theatre
Now through Sunday, February 25
The groundbreaking musical explores a modern-day family struggling with mental illness. The electrifying rock soundtrack combines with heart-wrenching lyrics for a gripping emotional and unforgettable journey that keeps you at the edge of your seat.
Photo by Michael A. Eaddy
Expect Kong-sized Hilarity with Kong’s Night Out at Gainesville Community Playhouse
Now through February 11
When word gets out of a new mystery show opening across the street of a new play, rival producers battle it out in a crazy, fast paced comedy set in 1933 New York City. Events unfold parallel to the movie King Kong, in the hotel room adjacent to where actress Ann Farrow was whisked away by the king of the apes before wreaking havoc across Manhattan.
Star Center Theatre Presents: Beauty and The Beast Jr. at UF Phillips Center
Tuesday, February 6, 7:30 p.m.
Events & Festivals
Art on Display, Vendors and Live Music at Locals Expo at Hotel Indigo
Friday, February 2, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Movie in the Park: Gnomeo and Juliet at Newberry Municipal Building
Friday, February 2, 5:30 p.m.
Groundhog Day Movie Night at Tioga Town Center
Friday, February 2, 7:30 p.m. – 9:15 p.m.
Gainesville Cars and Coffee at Tioga Town Center
Saturday, February 3, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Food Community Tour with Grow Hub and Working Food at Grow Hub
Saturday, February 3, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
(class is full) Macrame Plant Hanger Workshop with Be Kind Twine at Unique Notions
Saturday, February 3, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Flying Trapeze Intensive at Gainesville Circus Center
Saturday, February 3 – Friday, February 9
Bollywood Valentine’s with India Cultural and Education Center at Gainesville Woman’s Club
Saturday, February 3, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Film Premiere of Cornelius Ingram: Legacy at Hawthorne High School
Saturday, February 3, 6 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
Yoga with Little Goats at Krazy Hearts Farm
Sunday, February 4, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Mississippi Freedom Project Town Hall at UF Pugh Hall
Wednesday, February 7, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Film Screening with UF Center for Arts, Migration and Entrepreneurship at How Bazar
Wednesday, February 7, 6 p.m.
Music & Performance
Jazz with Eric Diamond at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, February 1, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Country with Jay Allen at High Dive
Thursday, February 1, 8 p.m.
Poetry Jam at Civic Media Center
Thursday, February 1, 8 p.m.
Folk Acoustic Eidolon at Heartwood Soundstage
Thursday, February 1, 8 p.m.
Motown, Soul and Jazz with The Browns at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, February 2, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Couch Messiahs at One Love Café
Friday, February 2, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Jazz Pianist Alfredo Rodriguez Trio, UpStage at UF Phillips Center
Friday, February 2, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Nostalgic Pop with Danny Pynes at High Dive
Friday, February 2, 8 p.m.
Roots with Melody Trucks at Heartwood Soundstage
Friday, February 2, 8 p.m.
‘90s Covers with Pet Detectives at Loosey’s Downtown
Friday, February 2, 8 p.m.
Jazz with Keegan Matthews Trio at Baby J’s
Friday, February 2, 8 p.m.
Music 360: 50th Anniversary of Pink Floyd: Dark Side Of The Moon at the Kika Silva Pla Planetarium
Friday, February 2, 9 p.m. – 9:45 p.m.
(sold out) Never Grow Up: A Kids Swiftie Dance Party at The Depot Event Space
Saturday, February 3, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter Houston Keen Lightnin’ Salvage
Saturday, February 3, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with The Shambles at One Love Café
Saturday, February 3, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Punk with Winona Fighter at High Dive
Saturday, February 3, 8 p.m.
Dance Performance and Master Class with Karel Flores at Salsa Mundial
Saturday, February 3, 8 p.m. and Sunday, February 4, 12 p.m.
Electronic Music at Neon Liger 16 Anniversary Reunion at The Wooly
Saturday, February 3, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Blues with Terraplane at Great Outdoors Restaurant
Sunday, February 4, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Comedian Cam Bertrand at High Dive
Sunday, February 4, 7 p.m.
Indie Rock with Five Door Sedan at Loosey’s Downtown
Sunday, February 4, 7 p.m.
Cellist Moisés Molina and Pianist Minjung Seo Guest Artist Concert at UF School of Music
Monday, February 5, 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
The Hogtown Rounders Writers Round at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, February 6, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Indie with Mutual Benefit at The Ox
Tuesday, February 6, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Make a resolution to visit every brewery on the Sippin’ Seven Alachua County Ale Trail in 2024.
Beer Oar Wine Benefiting Gainesville Area Rowing at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Saturday, February 3, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Americana and Eclectic Covers with Dennis and Brad’s Great Brewery Tour
Saturday, February 3, 6:30 p.m. at Daft Cow Brewery
World Premiere of Flying Pig Parade Film, “Winged PigNation” at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Wednesday, February 7, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Gainesville filmmaker Holden Martin presents his short documentary of the downtown parade enjoyed five weeks ago.
U-Picks and Farmers Markets
U-Pick Strawberries at Crossroads Farm and Apiary
Friday, February 2, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
U-Pick Strawberries at The Bryer Patch
Saturdays and Sundays through April
Please be aware strawberry picking is weather dependent; please stay up to date with the farms on Facebook and Instragram
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.
Union Street Farmers Market at Bo Diddley Plaza
Wednesdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
GNV Market at South Main Station
Thursdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Farmers Market at Celebration Pointe
Thursdays, 4 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
Wine Tasting at Superette Wine and Provisions
Thursday, February 1, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, February 1, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at the Traveler Wine Bar
Thursday, February 1, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Micanopy 3rd Annual Chili Cookoff at Micanopy Ballpark
Saturday, February 3, 11 a.m.
Wines of the World: A Global Tasting Experience at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, February 3, 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
(sold out) Pasta and Sauces Master Chef Class at The Fat Tuscan
Saturday, February 3, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Savoring Europe in Six Flavors with UF Center for European Studies at UF Dietetics Lab
Tuesday, February 6, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Sports & Fans
Gators Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Florida Invitational vs. Nova Southeastern University at the O’Connell Center
Thursday, February 1 – Saturday, February 3
Gators Baseball Open Practices and Scrimmage at Condron Family Ballpark
Friday, February 2, 2:30 p.m., Saturday, February 3, 10 a.m.
Funtastic Fridays Archery at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, February 2, 5 p.m.
Celebration Pointe Indoor Classic Track and Field at Alachua County Sports and Events Center
Friday, February 2 – Saturday, February 3
Florida / Georgia Challenge Track and Field at Alachua County Sports and Events Center
Saturday, February 3 – Sunday, February 4
Swamp Classic Cycling Road Race and Time Trial in Micanopy and Crit Circuit in Alachua
Saturday, February 3 – Sunday, February 4
Gator Chomp Swimming Invitational at Dwight H. Hunter Northeast Pool
Saturday, February 3, 1 p.m.
Parks & Trails
Accessible Tram Tours at Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Ongoing, Check for Availability
Friday, February 2, 9 a.m.
Monday, February 5, 2 p.m.
Wednesday, February 7, 11 a.m.
Weekly Walk and Talk with Alachua Conservation Trust at Santa Fe River Preserve
Friday, February 2, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Free Timed 5K with the Hoggetowne Goes Downtown King and Queen at “Ye Olde Parkrunne” at Depot Park
Saturday, February 3, 7:30 a.m.
Living History Saturday at Morningside Nature Center
Saturday, February 3, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Ranger-Led Rim Ramble Hike at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park La Chua Trail
Saturday, February 3, 9:45 a.m.
Guided Walk at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Saturday, February 3, 10 a.m.
Florida Park Fit: Yoga with Maggie Rucker at Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
Saturday, February 3, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Ranger-Led Sunrise Hike at Paynes Prairie La Chua Trail
Sunday, February 4, 6:45 a.m. – 8 a.m.
Ranger-Led Hike at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Sunday, February 4, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday Bird Walks with Alachua Audubon Society at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Wednesday, February 7, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
River & Springs
Enjoy Cooler Weather and Explore the Outdoors and with Anderson’s Outdoor Adventures and Visit 8 Springs in 8 Miles
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. The springs make a perfect destination for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and relaxing in nature. If you’re looking for outdoor fun, we’ve got you covered with our list of nearby springs, great places to stay and fun things to do.
Museums & Galleries
Art After Dark at the Harn Museum of Art
Thursday, February 1, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Big Fun Solo Exhibition by Josiah Lloyd at Hippodrome Gallery
Now through March 3
City of Hope: Resurrection City and The 1968 Poor People’s Campaign at A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center
Now through April 26
Chill with Cool Dinos at the Interactive Exhibit “Antarctic Dinosaurs”
Now through April 21 | Florida Museum of Natural History
3215 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Discover life beneath the ice in Antarctic Dinosaurs. Uncover the history of the world’s southernmost continent and the unique species that have called it home in this interactive, family-friendly experience. Antarctic Dinosaurs is on display through April 21.
Explore additional exhibits at the Florida Museum including the Butterfly Rainforest featuring hundreds of flying butterflies, South Florida People and Environments, Florida Fossils and the kid-friendly Discovery Zone. Plan your visit online.
Save The Date
Dance Alive National Ballet Presents Love in the Swamp, February 10
Heartwood Music Fest, February 23-24
NMRA Spring Break Shootout, February 22-25
Florida Humanities Gathering in High Springs, March 15-17, Registration deadline is February 14
For a complete list of events please visit www.visitgainesville.com/events/
Thank you for your continued partnership! Please keep in communication with us by sharing your events, updates and news with our team by emailing info@visitgainesville.com.
Your participation, communication, and sharing of events and programs is a key way for us to market our community to visitors and to enhance the engagement of residents in all of the incredible programs you create.
Put simply, the more you share with us, the more we have to promote. Please read the attached PDF document for additional ways in which your organization can participate.
Visit Gainesville, Alachua County | (352) 374-5260 | 33 North Main Street, Gainesville 32601 Never miss an event: Follow Visit Gainesville, Alachua County on social media.
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This publication contains information about events, venues and activities in Alachua County, Florida. Reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the information is accurate. We are not responsible for errors or omissions in the information provided. For complete details, contact the host directly. The information is not advice, and should not be treated as such. Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing paragraph, we do not represent, warrant, undertake or guarantee that the information is correct, accurate, complete or non-misleading. We will not be liable to you in respect of any special, indirect or consequential loss or damage. If a section of this disclaimer is determined by any court or other competent authority to be unlawful and/or unenforceable, the other sections of this disclaimer continue in effect.
