What’s Good Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, February 29 – March 6, 2024

Leap into the first weekend in March with What’s Good. Enjoy music under the stars with the Live and Local music concert at Bo Diddley Plaza in Downtown Gainesville. Celebrate arts and creativity with the Shoppes at Thornebrook Springs Arts Festival or join a walking tour of the Walldogs murals, plus browse artwork at Art Fair on the Green in High Springs. Make a day of it with lunch or dinner at a local restaurant, craft beer and live music at High Springs Brewing Company.

Meet the next generation of farmers at the Alachua County Youth Fair and Livestock Show. Plow Up the Past at Dudley Farm Historic State Park See with vintage farm equipment and tractors or feel the thrill of watching top collegiate athletes wiz by at the National Junior College Athletic Association Indoor Track and Field Championships.

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.

Celebrate Arts and Creativity with the Thornebrook Springs Arts Festival
Saturday, March 2 – Sunday, March 3, 10 am. – 5 p.m. | Shoppes at Thornebrook
2441 NW 43rd St., Gainesville FL, 32606

Browse more than 60 artists with displays of painting, sculpture, photography, glass works, fiber arts, wood carvings, pottery, jewelry, and more.

Grab a bite from Shoppes at Thornebrook restaurants Bageland, Cintron, Mini Momo and Thornebrook Chocolates. Food trucks include Bleu Rain, Eim Thai, Latin Food Blessing, A Sweeter Option and Back Porch Burgers.

Take a Picturesque Walking Tour of the High Springs Walldogs Murals and Browse Art Displays at Art Fair on the Green
Saturday, March 2 – Sunday, March 3, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Downtown High Springs
18554 High Springs Main St., High Springs, FL 32643

Artist booths line High Springs for a weekend of art. At 1 p.m. on both days, join a walking mural tour of hand-painted installations from Walldogs artists. Enjoy live music, food and craft beer at High Springs Brewing Company. Stroll through the charming downtown and find restaurants, art galleries, boutiques and antique stores. Pets on a leash are welcome and admission is free.

Browse Vintage Goods from Over 40 Vendors at Sycamore Lane March Vintage Market
Friday, March 1, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday, March 2, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
3824 SW 170^th St., Archer, FL 32618

Sycamore Lane’s seasonal outdoor market features a relaxed sip and shop experience with a large selection of vintage goods. Enjoy beer, wine and live music as you browse furniture, décor and more. Friday night features live music with classic rock and modern hits from Faster Than Flash.

Enjoy Exhibitions and Meet the Next Generation of Farmers Alachua County Youth Fair and Livestock Show
Friday, March 1 – Tuesday, March 5 | Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center
23100 W Newberry Rd., Newberry, FL 32669

The annual Alachua County Youth Fair and Livestock Show features over 300 Alachua County 4-H and FFA youth aged 8-18, showing their animals and skills. Food trucks will be onsite.

The fair is an educational platform for the youth in Alachua County interested in agriculture.
View the complete schedule of events (pdf). Admission is free.

misery by william goldman based on the novel by stephen king

Sit on the Edge of Your Seat at the Opening Weekend of Misery by William Goldman
Friday, March 1 – Sunday, March 17 | Acrosstown Repertory Theatre
3501 SW 2nd Ave. STE O, Gainesville, FL 32607

Based on the cat and mouse thriller by Stephen King, Misery follows successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon. After being rescued from a car crash, he wakes up captive in the home of Annie Wilkes, his “number one fan.” When she reads his latest book and learns about her favorite character being killed off, she becomes enraged. After being forced to write a new novel, Paul realizes the unhinged Annie has no intention of letting him go.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County

Singer-Songwriter Noah Moses Kicks Off the Live and Local Concert Series
Friday, March 1, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza
Downtown Gainesville

Bring your friends and family, bring dinner, and come see Gainesville’s newest and hottest music at Bo Diddley Plaza. The March Live and Local Concert Series features a month of free concerts showcasing local acts and kicks off with great tunes by Noah Moses. Noah is deeply inspired by the 70’s styles of music, along with modern folk bands like Mumford and Sons. His music is said to be raw and honest letting the human condition shine through in his songs. The Live and Local Concert Series continues each Friday in March. Admission is free.

See Old Tractors and Vintage Farm Equipment in Action at Plowing Up the Past
Friday, March 1 – Saturday, March 2, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Dudley Farm Historic State Park
18730 W Newberry Rd., Gainesville, FL 32669

Join Dudley Farm and see how fields were plowed for the spring plantings. See different types of field plows and antique tractors. These antique tractors are a display of farming equipment and a way of life circa 1930s and 1940s, a reflection of rural American history. Observe, as participants work the land plowing and discing. Volunteers in period clothing demonste period crafts and interpret the farm’s history.

Celebrate Fandom with a Weekend of Magic and Family Friendly Fun at Swampcon: Cirque Du Gator
Saturday, March 2 – Sunday, March 3, 10:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. | UF Reitz Union
686 Museum Rd., Gainesville, FL 32603

Presented by the UF Anime Club, Swampcon celebrates Japanese arts and fashion, gaming, pop culture, cosplay, and performance arts across fandoms. Admission is free, RSVP online.

See Elite Athletes Compete at the 2024 NJCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships
Friday, March 1 – Saturday, March 2 | Alachua County Sports and Events Center
4870 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608

Feel the thrill of watching top track athletes compete at the two-day National Junior College Athletic Association Indoor Track and Field Championships. This event is being held in Alachua County for the first time at the newly developed state-of-the-art indoor banked track at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center at Celebration Pointe. Single day and weekend passes are available online. Free admission for kids under the age of 5.

Be Inspired by Stories from Community Leaders at TEDxGainesville
Saturday, March 2, 5:30 p.m. | Hippodrome Theatre
25 SE 2^nd Pl., Gainesville, FL 32601

TEDxGainesville highlights local individuals and stories to open minds and transform the Greater Gainesville community. Hear from leaders in education, computer engineering, poetry and spoken word, human emotion and more.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County

Be Captivated by the Energy and Percussive Footwork of Step Afrika!
Tuesday, March 5, 7:30 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611

Step Afrika! is dedicated to the tradition of stepping, blending percussive styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities, and traditional African and contemporary dance into a compelling experience. Much more than just movement, they integrate songs, storytelling, humor, and audience participation.

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Pop-Up Markets and Retail Shopping

Grove Galleria Pop-Up Market at Flashbacks Recycled Fashions
Saturday, March 2, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Women’s Makers Market at 4^th Ave Food Park
Sunday, March 3, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.

Events & Festivals

UF Center for Arts, Migration and Entrepreneurship 2024 Migration in Film Series: The Citizen at Hippodrome Cinema
Thursday, February 29, 6 p.m.

Crafts and Drafts with Opus Coffee and Dry Wrought Cider at 4^th Ave Food Park
Thursday, February 29, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Newberry First Fridays Movie in the Park: Brave at Barry Park
Friday, March 1, 6:30 p.m.

Gainesville Cars and Coffee at Tioga Town Center
Saturday, March 2, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

My Withered Legs and Other Essays Book Launch with Sandra Gail Lambert at Matheson History Museum
Sunday, March 3, 2 p.m.

Organ Concert with James O’Donnell at First Presbyterian Church
Sunday, March 3, 4 p.m.

UF Center for Arts, Migration and Entrepreneurship 2024 Migration in Film Series: Everything, Everywhere, all at Once at Hippodrome Cinema
Monday, March 4, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Twice the Trouble Book Launch with Ash Clifton at Alachua County Library District Headquarters
Tuesday, March 5, 6 p.m.

Music & Performance

Craft Breweries

With a lineup of award-winning craft beer makers, The Sippin’ Seven Alachua County Ale Trail breweries are the ultimate hangout spots to sip, socialize, and maybe even spark a little friendly rivalry. So, after a day of gallivanting around, why not kick back like a local with a taste of the AC brew scene.

Leap Day and Live Music with The Imbeciles at Blackadder Brewing Company
Thursday, February 29, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Classic Rock with Crooked Counsel at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, March 1, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Country with Seth Dukes at Daft Cow Brewery
Friday, March 1, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Swamp Fest: Sweet Sixteen at Swamp Head Brewery
Saturday, March 2, 12 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Birds and Brews Guided Bird Walk at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Sunday, March 3, 4:45 p.m. – 6 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

Wine Tasting at Superette
Thursday, February 29, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, February 29, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Wine Tasting at the Traveler Wine Bar
Thursday, February 29, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Women in Wine Class at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, March 2, 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.

(sold out) Sunday Brunch and Crepes Cooking Class at The Fat Tuscan
Sunday, March 3, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Sports & Fans

NHRA Southeast Division “Baby Gators” at Gainesville Raceway
Thursday, February 29 – Sunday, March 3

Premier Girls Fastpitch Show Me The Money Softball Tournament at Champions Park
Saturday, March 2 – Sunday, March 3

Chain Hawks Junior Disc Golf Tournament at Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center, Registration Required for Participants
Saturday, March 2, 9:30 a.m.

Gators Men’s Tennis vs. Texas A&M at Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex
Friday, March 1, 5 p.m.

Gators Women’s Golf Gators Invitational at Mark Bostick Golf Course
Saturday, March 2, 8:30 a.m.

Gators Men’s Tennis vs. LSU at Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex
Sunday, March 3, 12 p.m.

Gators Women’s Basketball Senior Day vs. Auburn at Exactech Arena
Sunday, March 3, 12 p.m.

Gators Baseball vs. Florida Atlantic at Condron Family Ballpark
Tuesday, March 5, 6 p.m.

Gators Men’s Basketball vs. Alabama at Exactech Arena
Tuesday, March 5, 7 p.m.

Gators Baseball vs. UCF at Condron Family Ballpark
Wednesday, March 6, 6 p.m.

Parks & Trails

Weekly Walk and Talk with Alachua Conservation Trust at Tuscawilla Preserve
Friday, February 23, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Children Can Meet Farm Animals at Barnyard Buddies at Morningside Nature Center
Wednesday, February 28, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Kids Meet Amphibians at Frogs and Friends Fridays at Morningside Nature Center
Friday, March 1, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Weekly Walk and Talk with Alachua Conservation Trust at Santa Fe River Preserve
Friday, March 1, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Living History Saturday at Morningside Nature Center
Saturday, March 2, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Free Timed 5K at Depot Park
Saturday, March 2, 7:30 a.m.

Birding Field Trip with Alachua Audubon Society at Watermelon Pond Wildlife and Environmental Area (WEA)
Saturday, March 2, 8 a.m.

Ranger-Led Rim Ramble Hike at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park La Chua Trail
Saturday, March 2, 9:45 a.m.

Perspectives in the Parks: Exploring Native Wildflowers of North Floridaat Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Center
Sunday, March 3, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Ranger-Led Hike at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Sunday, March 3, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Accessible Tram Tours at Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Ongoing, Check for Availability
Monday, March 4, 2 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

Celebrate the Harn Museum’s Newest Exhibition, Gateway to Himalayan Art with a Curator Talk, Live Music and Light Bites at Art after Dark at the Harn Museum of Art
Thursday, February 29, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Image: Life Story of Buddha (detail), Shakyamuni, Tibet; 19th century, Pigments on cloth, Rubin Museum of Art, Gift of Shelley and Donald Rubin, C2006.66.164 (HAR 157)

Opening Reception of Treasures of Africa at the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center
Saturday, March 2, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Now Open: “Weaving a Community: 30 Years of the Matheson History Museum” Exhibition Opens at the Matheson History Museum

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.

Save The Date

NHRA Gatornationals, March 7-10

Florida Humanities Gathering in High Springs, March 15-17

Pat Metheny Dream Box Tour, March 20

Gator Fly-In and Armed Services Appreciation Day, March 23

Dance Alive National Ballet Presents Giselle, March 23

Strawberry Festival at The Bryer Patch, Saturday, March 23

Spring Garden Festival at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, March 23-24

Newberry Spring Festival, April 6

Party for the Planet at Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, April 6

Grassroots Motorsports $2000 Challenge, April 6-7

Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival, April 13-14

Hogtown Craft Beer Festival, April 13

Gators Football Orange and Blue Game, April 13

For a complete list of events please visit www.visitgainesville.com/events/

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