What’s Good Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, February 15-21, 2024
Fall in love with What’s Good. Sweeten your weekend with live music, a nighttime nature hike, art exhibits and more. Catch Grammy Award-winning blues star Christone “Kingfish” Ingram at High Dive. Go UpStage at the UF Phillips Center for Americana with Six One Five Collective. Head to Heartwood Soundstage for an outdoor show with North Mississippi Allstars.
Celebrate Chinese culture and the Year of the Dragon with the Harn Museum at Art After Dark. Learn about nature’s courtship habits on a night hike at Sweetwater Wetlands Park.
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.
Catch Grammy Award-Winning Blues Star Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
Saturday, February 17, 9 p.m. | High Dive
210 SW 2nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
After joining bands in the 7th grade, racking up views on YouTube and performing at the White House, Kingfish burst on the scene in 2019 with a #1 album and 10 Blues Music Awards. In 2022, he received a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album. The Bridget Kelly Band joins Kingfish for an unforgettable night of blues.
Explore Art in a Unique Way and Celebrate Chinese Culture at Art After Dark
Thursday, February 15, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Harn Museum of Art
3259 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32608
Art After Dark celebrates the Year of the Dragon with traditional music and dance with gallery tours from the Harn’s Cofrin Curator of Asian Art. Current Exhibitions include She/Her/Hers: Women in the Arts of China and the newly opened Gateway to Himalayan Art. Enjoy desserts and refreshments. Admission is free.
Step Into A Weekend Filled with Incredible Music, High Energy and Unforgettable Moments At The Florida Invitational Step Show, FISS2K24: The Homecoming
Saturday, February 17, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Weekend events include Set Friday at UF Turlington Plaza, Aux Cord Wars at University Auditorium, FissNik Stroll Off at Depot Park and more. Find the complete schedule online.
Saturday’s FISS2K24: The Homecoming at UF Phillips Center is the main event with sororities and fraternities showing out with a competition for best dance routines.
Head to Heartwood’s Outdoor Stage for Blues with North Mississippi Allstars
Friday, February 16, 8 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
After more than 25 years and 13 albums, brothers Luther and Cody Dickinson lead the North Mississippi Allstars featuring a blend of blues, southern rock, jazz, psychedelic and soul. They have shared stages and recording sessions with Mavis Staples, John Hiatt, the Tedeschi Trucks Band, Los Lobos, the Black Crowes and more.
Go UpStage with Six One Five Collective at UF Phillips Center
Friday, February 16, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Steeped in a mix of Americana, folk, country, and pop, Six One Five Collective is a Grammy®-nominated collaborative effort. UpStage is an intimate, cabaret-style setting on the Phillips Center Mainstage. The 7 p.m. seating includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar; the 9 p.m. seating includes desserts and cash bar.
Learn About Nature’s Courtships Habits on a Night Hike at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Saturday, February 17, 6:30 p.m. | Sweetwater Wetlands Park
325 SW Williston Rd., Gainesville, FL 32640
This Valentines-themed hike explores mating rituals with funny, gross and interesting tidbits of the animals found at Sweetwater Wetlands Park. This hike is not recommended for ages under 18. Registration is required.
Enjoy a Grand Concert at Trumpets on Parade
Sunday, February 18, 3 p.m. | Santa Fe College Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall
3000 NW 83 St. E-127, Gainesville, FL 32606
Join Gainesville Community Band, conducted by R. Gary Langford for concert filled with bright brass notes of trumpets. Featured soloist Mark Wood spent his career playing and teaching all styles of music from classical, jazz, salsa, brass quintet and orchestra pops. He retired from the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” in 2021.
Revel in a Weekend of Music on the Banks of the Santa Fe River at Riverine Reunion
Friday, February 16 – Sunday, February 18 | O’Leno State Park
410 SE Oleno Park Rd., High Springs, FL 32643
Enjoy a 3-day lineup of regional and touring indie musicians. Learn about the environment with plant walks, workshops and more. Established in 2018, Riverine Reunion’s mission is to build community and encourage environmental stewardship through celebration of music and Floridiana. The musical lineup features Whiskey & Co., Rancho La Chua, Rugh, Sooza, The Ones to Blame, The Wire Birds, Uncle Mosie, Wax Wings, Cassette, Kyle Keller, Michael Claytor, Ricky Kendall and more.
Sunday is free entry after park admission. Overnight weekend passes are nearly sold out. Find single-day passes online.
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.
Dancing the Afrofuture: A Lecture by Dr. Halifu Osumare at UF Reitz Union
Monday, February 19, 12:50 p.m. – 1:40 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
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Pop-Up Markets and Retail Shopping
Pop-Up Market Celebrating Black History at Anthropologie
Saturday, February 17, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Browse Vintage, Customized Clothing at the Florida Vintage Market at Midpoint Park and Eatery
Sunday, February 18, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.
Arts and Theatre
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
UF School of Theatre and Dance Presents Everybody by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins at McGuire Pavilion Black Box Theatre
Friday, February 9 – Sunday, February 18
(Sold Out) Come From Away at UF Phillips Center
Wednesday, February 21, 7:30 p.m.
Events & Festivals
Gator Cup Arabian Sport Horse Value Show at Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center
Saturday, February 17 – Sunday, February 18
Storytelling Meetup with Self Narrate: Breakups and Makeups at The Bull
Thursday, February 15, 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Rhythm Across Borders: Trailblazing Women of Classical Indian Dance in the USA at UF Innovate
Friday, February 16, 6 p.m.
Fraternities and Sororities Dance Team Performances at FissNik Stroll Off at Depot Park
Saturday, February 17, 11:45 a.m.
Reimagined European Fairytales: “Donkey Skin” with UF Center for European Studies at UF Reitz Union Amphitheater
Saturday, February 17, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
GNV Top Influencer Weekend Soirée at Embassy Event Hall
Saturday, February 17, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
(Sold Out) Kitchen Trivet Blacksmithing Workshop at [Fe]ver Metal Art Center
Saturday, February 17 – Sunday, February 18
UF/IFAS Flora and Fauna Festival at 4th Ave Food Park
Sunday, February 18, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Storytime at the Zoo with Alachua County Library District at Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
Wednesday, February 21, 10:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Music & Performance
Jazz with Brenda Bayne and Rafael Abdalla at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, February 15, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
UpStage with Jazz Vocalist Jane Monheit at UF Phillips Center
Thursday, February 15, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
UF Symphony Orchestra Presents: UF at University Auditorium
Thursday, February 15, 7:20 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Acoustic Guitarist Clive Carroll at Heartwood Soundstage
Thursday, February 15, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Drop It Like It’s Yacht – The Smoothest Yacht Rock Dance Party at High Dive
Thursday, February 15, 8 p.m.
Kiss 105.3 FM Concert Series with Robbie Litt Band at Celebration Pointe
Friday, February 16, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Enlightened Rogues at One Love Café
Friday, February 16, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Drum and Bass with Renegade Sound at Signal
Friday, February 16, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Barbergators Chorus at St Patrick Catholic Church
Friday, February 16, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Pop Punk Emo Night Gainesville at High Dive
Friday, February 16, 9 p.m.
Singer Songwriter Houston Keen at One Love Café
Saturday, February 17, 11 a.m.
Folk with Jenny Parrot at Lightnin’ Salvage
Saturday, February 17, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Outlaw Country with Creed Fisher at Heartwood Soundstage
Saturday, February 17, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Americana with Aisle 14 at Spacebar
Saturday, February 17, 8:30 p.m.
Songwriters Mick Richmond and Bill Martino at The Bull
Sunday, February 18, 6:30 p.m.
MusicGNV Recording Grant Showcase at Loosey’s Downtown
Sunday, February 18, 8 p.m.
Guest Piano Artist Concert with Melody Quah at UF School of Music
Monday, February 19, 7:20 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Drag and Burlesque at Scene Queens for Ages 18+ at the Hippodrome Basement
Monday, February 19, 8 p.m.
Traditional Irish Session at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, February 20, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
“A Better Trip” with Shane Mauss at High Dive
Tuesday, February 20, 7 p.m.
Music of Women Composers Concert at UF School of Music
Wednesday, February 21, 7:20 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Indie with Honorable Mentions at High Dive
Wednesday, February 21, 8 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Make a resolution to visit every brewery on the Sippin’ Seven Alachua County Ale Trail in 2024.
Jazz Bandits at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Friday, February 16, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Beast Feast with UF Wildlife Society at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Saturday, February 17, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Night on the Nile Belly Dancing at Blackadder Brewing Company
Saturday, February 17, 7 p.m.
Jazz with Nick DeCarlis Trio at Daft Cow Brewery
Saturday, February 17, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Celebrate 100 Years of the Gainesville Garden Club with Blossom, Brew and BBQ at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Sunday, February 18, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Rock with Midnight Blue Band at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, February 16, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Science on Tap: Cheers from the Arctic at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Wednesday, February 21, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
U-Picks and Farmers Markets
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
Now Open: Ice Cream, Doughnuts and Breakfast at Totes Ice Cream Shop
Wine Tasting at Superette
Thursday, February 15, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, February 15, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
“Swipe Right” Wine Tasting at the Traveler Wine Bar
Thursday, February 15, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Valentine’s Wine Tasting Class: Sensory Love Affair at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, February 17, 4:30 p.m.
5-Course Wine Pairing Valentine’s Dinner at Fehrenbacher’s Meats and Eats
Saturday, February 17, 7 p.m.
Broken Hearts Drag Brunch for Ages 18+ at Loosey’s Downtown
Sunday, February 18, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
(Registration Full) Savoring Europe in Six Flavors at UF Dietetics Lab
Tuesday, February 20, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Sports & Fans
Gators Women’s Basketball vs. Ole Miss at Exactech Arena
Thursday, February 15, 6 p.m.
Gator Talk Live Broadcast with Gators Baseball Coach Kevin O’Sullivan at the Keys Grill and Piano Bar
Thursday, February 15, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Gators Golf Invitational at Mark Bostick Golf Course
Friday, February 16, 7:50 a.m.
Gators Softball Bubly Invitational at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium
Friday, February 16 – Sunday, February 18
#2 Gators Baseball Opens the Season vs. St. Johns at Condron Family Ballpark
Friday, February 16, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 17, 4 p.m.
Sunday, February 18, 12 p.m.
View the 2024 Gators Baseball promotional calendar
USA Archery Florida State Indoor Championship at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Sunday, February 18, 11 a.m.
Gators Men’s Tennis vs. UCF at Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex
Monday, February 19, 12 p.m.
Gators Baseball vs. North Florida at Condron Family Ballpark
Wednesday, February 21, 6:30 p.m.
Parks & Trails
Weekly Walk and Talk with Alachua Conservation Trust at Blues Creek Ravine Preserve
Friday, February 16, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Free Timed 5K at Depot Park
Saturday, February 17, 7:30 a.m.
Ranger-Led Rim Ramble Hike at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park La Chua Trail
Saturday, February 17, 9:45 a.m.
Weekly Walk and Talk at Tuscawilla Preserve
Friday, February 16, 3 p.m. – 4 p.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
Opening Exhibit Reception for Black Space at The Historic Thomas Center
Friday, February 16, 7 p.m.
Weekend Tour at Harn Museum of Art
Saturday, February 17, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Friends of Elementary Arts Student & Mentor Show at GFAA
Now through Saturday, February 17
Tinker Workshop at Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
Saturday, February 17, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
The Barefoot Mailman and Florida’s Post Office Murals with Dr. Keri Watson at Harn Museum of Art
Tuesday, February 20, 3 p.m.
Behind the Graft: Craft and Coopering at Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
Wednesday, February 21, 6 p.m. – 8 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
Heartwood Music Fest, February 23-24
NMRA Spring Break Shootout, February 22-25
Art Fair on the Green in High Springs, March 2-3
NHRA Gatornationals, March 7-10
Florida Humanities Gathering in High Springs, March 15-17, Registration deadline is February 14
Pat Metheny Dream Box Tour, March 20
Spring Garden Festival at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, March 23-24
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.
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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.
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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.
