What’s Good Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, January 18-24, 2024
Elevate your weekend fun with What’s Good. Find a full day lineup of bands at the Playground Music and Arts Festival at Heartwood Soundstage. Experience immersive visual effects paired with the music of Led Zeppelin. Sip and shop with live music at the Sunshine Music and Arts Fest at First Magnitude Brewing Company.
Embark on a surreal creative journey at Afrofuturism Week. Find inspiration with performances at UF Phillips Center with American Spiritual Ensemble and Parsons Dance.
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.
Play All Day to the Vibes of an Indie Sonic Wonderland with the Playground Music and Arts Festival
Saturday, January 20, 1 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Flipturn and Indie Live present 11 bands across two stages. Enjoy music from Liz Cooper, Trash Panda, The Brazen Youth and more.
Heartwood Soundstage is a state-of-the-art recording studio, music venue, production house and event space in Gainesville, Florida.
Follow the Heartwarming Story of Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy at the Regional Premiere of Little Women
Friday, January 19 – Sunday, February 4 | Acrosstown Repertory Theatre
3501 SW 2nd Ave., Suite O, Gainesville, FL 32607
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.
Discover the Sounds of Faith and Resilience with a Moving Musical Performance by the American Spiritual Ensemble
Thursday, January 18 | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Founded in 1995, American Spiritual Ensemble preserves the music of American slave spirituals, keeping the art form alive through their moving and powerful performances. The chorale is made up of some of the finest classically trained soloists in the United States who have sung in opera houses and theatres around the world.
Embark on a Creative Journey: Afrofuturism Week Celebrates Surrealism, Fantasy and Black Diasporic Expression
Now through Thursday, January 25 | Multiple Venues
Migration in Film: Neptune Frost with Musical Performance by History Dog at UF Innovate | The Hub
Thursday, January 18, 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Veiled, Hooded and Hidden Exhibit at GFAA
Friday, January 19, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Visiting Artist Wayne Hodge at UF Little Hall
Tuesday, January 23, 6:15 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
Art After Dark Afrofuturism Celebration Featuring an Surrealism Exhibition, Music by Sound Artist Quincy Osborne and a Futurist Fashion Show with Costume Party at the Harn Museum of Art
Thursday, January 25, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Sip and Shop with Live Music All Night at the Sunshine Music and Arts Fest
Friday, January 19, 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. | First Magnitude Brewing Company
1220 SE Veitch St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Join First Magnitude Brewing Company for a fun Friday evening with craft beer, craft vendors and live music. Browse art, jewelry, clothing and food from over 30 vendors. Enjoy unique menus from Big Rascal BBQ Roadster and Frenchmen Street Food. The band lineup features indie rock and singer-songwriters Prizilla, Speakeasy, Trustfall, Ricky Kendall and Bessie. Admission is free.
Learn About the Importance of Planting New Trees at Florida’s Arbor Day Celebration
Friday, January 19, 1 p.m. | Wilson Robinson Park
13975 SW 174th St., Archer, FL 32618
National Arbor Day takes place in April, but Florida celebrates Arbor Day in January as most trees are dormant and can be transplanted with minimal stress. Local events include tree plantings and educational workshops.
The Alachua County Arboriculture Program invites the public to learn about Alachua County’s tree planting and preservation programs and how to plant and care for young trees.
Florida Arbor Day Planting with Alachua Conservation Trust and Springs Artist Margaret Tolbert at Santa Fe Springs Preserve
Friday, January 19, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Florida Arbor Day Tree Giveaway and Urban Forestry Workshop at Evergreen Cemetery
Saturday, January 20, 1 p.m.
Look Up to the Skies at Stargazing at Paynes Prairie
Saturday, January 20, 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Hickory Ranch
9300 SE CR 234, Micanopy, FL 32667
Join the Alachua Astronomy Club and go Stargazing at Paynes Prairie. Learn about the stars and planets with a range of telescopes. Bring chairs/blankets to relax and enjoy food trucks and live music. Warm up around the bonfire and make s’mores with the Friends of Paynes Prairie.
Experience the Music of Led Zeppelin with Immersive Visual Effects at Music 360
Saturday, January 20, 9 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Kika Silva Pla Planetarium
3000 NW 83rd St., Gainesville, FL 32606
Music 360 includes Led Zeppelin classics Kashmir, Black Dog, Over the Hills and Far Away, Stairway to Heaven, Rock and Roll and more. Visuals projected on the planetarium’s domed screen transport audiences with dozens of mood provoking settings. The Kika Silva Pla Planetarium is the only one in North Central Florida, featuring domed projections 34 feet in diameter, powered by 2 state of the art projectors.
Go Hands-On at the Performer Rigging Workshop with Gainesville Circus Center
Sunday, January 21, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Gainesville Circus Center
2435 NW 4th Terr., Gainesville, FL 32609
This combination of lecture and hands-on skills sharing covers the basics of performer rigging for aerialists, stunt performers, coaches, crew members, technical directors and more. This 6-hour course satisfies the rigging requirements of most US recognized aerial teacher training certifications.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Find Inspiration and Joy with the Dynamic Dance Ensemble: Parsons Dance
Tuesday, January 23, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Artistic director David Parsons has shared his gifts of movement and choreography for over 30 years. Skilled and passionate dancers form one of the world’s leading companies, Parsons Dance.
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Pop-Up Markets and Retail Shopping
The Florida Vintage Market at Midpoint Park and Eatery
Sunday, January 21, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.
Events & Festivals
Florida Color Horse Company Orange Blossom Show at Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center
Saturday, January 20 – Sunday, January 21
Florida Springs Institute Celebration
Saturday, January 20, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Music & Performance
Jazz with Brenda Bayne and Rafael Abdall at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, January 18, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Acoustic Americana with Dim Lights at Lightnin’ Salvage
Thursday, January 18, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Funk, Rock and Electronica with Dopapod at Heartwood Soundstage
Thursday, January 18, 7 p.m.
Classic Rock with Enlightened Rogues at One Love Café
Friday, January 19, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Singer Songwriter David Roth at Theatre of Memory
Friday, January 19, 7:30 p.m.
Singer Songwriter Joe Pug at Heartwood Soundstage
Friday, January 19, 8 p.m.
Pop Punk Emo Night Gainesville with DJ Zero Cool at High Dive
]Friday, January 19, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Ritual Goth Dance Night with DJs Drew Love and Mister Obsidian at The Wooly
Friday, January 19, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Looping Cellist Cheyllo at Lightnin’ Salvage
Saturday, January 20, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Jazz with Swing Theory at One Love Café
Saturday, January 20, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Jazz with Nick DeCarlis Trio at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, January 20, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Country with Shane Smith and the Saints at Vivid Music Hall
Saturday, January 20, 7 p.m.
Funk Rock with Ajeva at High Dive
Saturday, January 20, 8 p.m.
UF Carillon Studio at UF Century Tower
Sunday, January 21, 1:55 p.m.
Blues Benefit for Mr. and Mrs. Paco at Heartwood Soundstage
Sunday, January 21, 3:30 p.m.
Indie with Trustfall at High Dive
Sunday, January 21, 7 p.m.
Jazz Fusion with Moon Hooch at Heartwood Soundstage
Monday, January 22, 8 p.m.
Rock with We the Kings at High Dive
Tuesday, January 23, 6 p.m.
Funk Rock with Matcha and The Talismen at High Dive
Wednesday, January 24, 8 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Make a resolution to visit every brewery on the Sippin’ Seven Alachua County Ale Trail in 2024.
Live Music with An Evening with The Imbeciles at Blackadder Brewing Company
Thursday, January 18, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Rock Hits with The Medicine Show at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, January 19, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Singer Songwriter Tori Lee at Daft Cow Brewery
Friday, January 19, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Jazz Bandits at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Friday, January 19, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Brunch at the Brewery with Cheffrey’s at Swamp Head Brewery
Sunday, January 21, 11 a.m. – 3 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 Bryer Patch on Instagram and Facebook.
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
Free Bowls and T-Shirts at the Grand Opening of Playa Bowls
Saturday, January 20, 11 a.m.
Wine Time Tasting with Nada Wine and Cake Sale with Bushel and Peck at Serpentine Plants and Provisions
Thursday, January 18, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Superette Wine and Provisions
Thursday, January 18, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, January 18, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at the Traveler Wine Bar
Thursday, January 18, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
(sold out) Bruschetta & Ravioli Making Cooking Class at The Fat Tuscan
Thursday, January 18, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Wine Tasting Class: Wine Jargon – What Does It All Mean?
Saturday, January 20, 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Sports & Fans
RADD Sunshine Showcase at Alachua County Sports and Events Center
Saturday, January 20 – Sunday, January 21
Race Your Heart Out Drag Racing at Gainesville Raceway
Saturday, January 20, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Gators Men’s Tennis vs. The Citadel at Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex
Friday, January 19, 11 a.m.
Gators Men’s Tennis vs. North Florida at Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex
Friday, January 19, 4 p.m.
Gators Men’s Tennis vs. SMU at Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex
Sunday, January 21, 12 p.m.
Gators Women’s Basketball vs. Mississippi State at Exactech Arena
Monday, January 22, 7 p.m.
Gators Men’s Basketball vs. Mississippi State at Exactech Arena
Wednesday, January 24, 8:30 p.m.
Parks & Trails
Accessible Tram Tours at Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Ongoing, Check for Availability
Friday, January 19, 9 a.m.
Monday, January 22, 2 p.m.
Ranger-Led Sunrise Hike at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Saturday, January 20, 7:20 a.m. – 8 a.m.
Free Timed 5K with parkrun at Depot Park
Saturday, January 20, 7:30 a.m.
Ranger-Led Rim Ramble Hike at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park La Chua Trail
Saturday, January 20, 9:45 a.m.
Wednesday Bird Walks with Alachua Audubon Society at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Wednesday, January 24, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Barnyard Buddies at Morningside Nature Center
Wednesday, January 24, 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
Art After Dark at the Harn Museum of Art
Thursday, January 18, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
History Lecture Dr. Paul Ortiz: City of Hope 1968 Poor People’s Campaign at A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center
Thursday, January 18, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
City of Hope: Resurrection City and The 1968 Poor People’s Campaign at A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center
Now through April 26
Florida Springs Institute Arts Exhibition Gallery Reception
Friday, January 19, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Ask a Scientist: Soltis Lab at Florida Museum of Natural History
Sunday, January 21, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
The Mothers Portraits Solo Exhibition by Keiaria Williams at the Hippodrome Gallery
Friday, January 5 – Thursday, February 1
“Vital and Veiled: Valerie Brathwaite and José Fernández” at the Gary R. Libby University Gallery
Now through January 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
Sunshine State Book Festival, January 26-27
Artwalk Gainesville, January 26
Hoggetowne Medieval Faire at Depot Park, January 27-28
Newberry BBQ and Blues Festival, February 3
NMRA Spring Break Shootout, February 22-25
For a complete list of events please visit www.visitgainesville.com/events/
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