What’s Good® Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, July 11-17, 2024
Stay in the know and plan your weekend with What’s Good®. This weekend features artist demonstrations, Latin flavor and world-class talent with the GFAA Artist Studio Tour, Ceviche and Beer Festival, and the new season preview from UF Performing Arts.
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.
Plan an Art-venture with the Gainesville Fine Arts Association Studio Tour
Friday, July 12, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday, July 13 – Sunday, July 14, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Multiple Locations
GFAA’s annual Artist Studio Tours weekend begins Friday night with a kickoff party at the GFAA Gallery. Guests enjoy mingling with artists and a first view of the Summer Showcase exhibition at the gallery. Artist studios tours begin at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday with a showcase of diverse styles and media. Learn how artists create their work and explore the tools and workspaces within their studios. This annual tour also presents the opportunity to purchase artwork in the making directly from the artist.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Explore Highlights from one of the Most Extensive Collections of Florida-Themed Art at Museum Nights: Our Florida
Thursday, July 11, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Harn Museum of Art
3215 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
The Harn Museum stays open late for a celebration of Florida-themed art. The “Our Florida” Museum Nights showcase features the Florida Impressions exhibition. View artwork inspired by the state’s natural beauty and enjoy hands-on art-making activities, art tours and refreshments. Admission is free.
Image: Stevan Dohanos (American, 1907-1994)
Briny Breezes Trailer Park, Delray Beach
c. 1952
Oil on Masonite, 36 1/8 x 28 3/8 in.
The Florida Art Collection, Gift of Samuel H. and Roberta T. Vickers
Photography by Randy Batista
In Alachua County, art and nature mirror each other every day! Take a moment to enjoy “art-doorsy” vibes with our latest reel.
Add Latin Flavors to Your Weekend with Music and Food at the Ceviche and Beer Festival
Saturday, July 13, 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. | First Magnitude Brewing Company
1220 SE Veitch St., Gainesville, FL 32601Join a party at First Magnitude Brewing Company and show off your dance moves with salsa, merengue, reggaeton and more. Enjoy rock hits from “The Old Miami Band.” Savor Latin food menus with ceviche, pastries and more. Admission is free.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Soul, Funk and Smooth Jazz with D.R. Band and Soul Fire at Jazz on the Green
Saturday, July 13, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4949 SW Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Enjoy live music as the sun sets, spread a blanket or pull up a chair and enjoy live music on the promenade. Enjoy food, drinks and sweet treats from nearby restaurants.
Splash in the Wave Pool and Float on the Lazy River at Kulaqua River Ranch Community Day
Sunday, July 14, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Kulaqua River Ranch
23400 NW 212 Ave., High Springs, FL 32643
On select Community Days during the summer, Kulaqua River Ranch welcomes visitors for a summer escape. Beat the heat with the refreshing wave pool, glide down the water slide or grab a tube and follow the lazy river for a day of fun.
Strike a Chord with Americana, Punk and Country with Short Stack, Cooper and Jenna Clark at The Ox Showcase at the Free Fridays Concert Series
Friday, July 13, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza
Downtown Gainesville
A summer tradition, the Free Fridays Concert Series is the region’s largest and longest-running free outdoor concert series featuring performances on Friday nights in downtown Gainesville. Enjoy food and drinks from nearby cafes and restaurants within walking distance. Admission is free.
Photo by Maven Photo + Film courtesy of Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Step Into the Spotlight at the Apollo Theatre Talent Search
Saturday, July 13 – Sunday, July 14, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Lincoln Middle School
1001 SE 12th St., Gainesville, FL 32641
The Apollo Theater is searching for Alachua County talent. Two winners ages 5-25 will receive an all-expense-paid trip to New York City to compete on Amateur Night at the Apollo. The search is on!
Please follow link for requirements and further details.
Winners will be announced at the Summer (You)th Celebration! taking place Saturday, July 27 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. at Depot Park. Special guests Wé Ani (American Idol, The Voice) and Wendell Pierce (Suits, The Wire, Treme, Raising Kanan) join a celebration of summer with music, dance, art, frozen Sonic Slushes and more.
Geek Out with Voice Actor and Nerdcore Pioneer mc chris at “I Thought the Last Tour was the Last Tour”
Monday, July 15, 7 p.m. | The Wooly
20 N Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Most widely known for a reoccurring character Adult Swim’s Aqua Teen Hunger Force, mc chris is also an animator, writer, comedian and pioneer of the hip-hop subgenre nerdcore. His rhymes about Star Wars, Batman, junk food and more have appeared in commercials, video games and tv shows.
Get a Sneak Peek of What’s Coming to the Phillips Center at the UF Performing Arts Season Preview
Tuesday, July 16, 7 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
UF Performing Arts kicks off the 2024-2025 season with highlights from over 40 upcoming performances. Be inspired by mainstage productions and circle dates on your calendars before tickets go on sale in August. Light refreshments will be provided. Admission is free.
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POP-UP MARKETS AND RETAIL SHOPPING
Look for Fine Arts and Crafts at Reduced Prices at the Annual Red Dot Sale at Artisans’ Guild Gallery
Now through July 31
Artisans’ Guild Gallery was founded in 1970 as an artist owned and operated cooperative gallery. Browse displays of jewelry, ceramics, photography, paintings, sculptures and more.
ARTS & THEATRE
Sons vs Parents, Original One-Act Play by David Coron at Star Center Theatre
Saturday, July 13, 8 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday, July 14, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
EVENTS & FESTIVALS
Author Discussion with Laura van den Berg and State of Paradise at The Lynx Books
Thursday, July 11, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Gainesville Language Exchange (GLX) at How Bazar
Thursday, July 11, 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Join a fun and interactive evening of language and cultural exchange at How Bazar. Find others who want to converse in your chosen language and meet new friends. Beginning through fluent speakers welcome. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. GLX is open to all ages at 9 p.m. and ages 21+ after 10 p.m.
Vino & Vinyl at Serpentine
Friday, July 12, 7 p.m.
Space Park 360: Geodesium Edition at Santa Fe College Kika Silva Pla Planetarium
Saturday, July 13, 3 p.m.
Gainesville Cars and Coffee at Ford’s Garage
Sunday, July 14, 9 a.m.
The SSAS Event: Fashion Show and Vendor Expo at Best Western Gateway Grand
Sunday, July 14, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
World Rollout Day at Depot Park
Sunday, July 14, 6:30 p.m.
Knife Grinding Class: Underhill’s Edge at Crooked Path Forge
Friday, July 12, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Camp Knife Class at Crooked Path Forge
Saturday, July 13 – Sunday, July 14, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Storytime at the Zoo with Alachua County Library District at Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
Wednesday, July 17, 10:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Author Discussion with Greg Wrenn with Mothership at The Lynx Books
Wednesday, July 17, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Photo by Maven Photo + Film courtesy of Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Music & Performance
Beatles Hits and Classic Rock with The Impostors at One Love Café
Thursday, July 11, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Indie with Truth Value at Loosey’s Downtown
Thursday, July 11, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Listening Room Series with Kyle Keller and Stirling Myles at The Bull
Friday, July 12, 5:30 p.m.
Classic Rock with Wild Blue Yonder at One Love Café
Friday, July 12, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Blues with Mr. Aullie at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, July 12, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
One Good Ring Tribute to the Music of The Grateful Dead at Heartwood Soundstage
Friday, July 12, 7 p.m.
Classic Rock with Faster Than Flash at Great Outdoors Restaurant
Friday, July 12, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Blues Meets Girl at Top Hog Oaks Mall BBQ, Bourbon and Blues
Saturday, July 13, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Rock with Whiskey Jones at One Love Café
Saturday, July 13, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Guitarist Richy Stano at Lightnin’ Salvage
Saturday, July 13, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Jazz, Hip Hop, Funk and Soul with DJ Waxatom at Baby J’s Bar
Saturday, July 13, 9 p.m.
Taylor Swift Dance Night at The Wooly
Saturday, July 13, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Jazz with the Oak Trio at Covey Kitchen and Cocktails
Sunday, July 14, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Traditional Irish Session at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, July 16, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Jazz with Darren Burgess at One Love Café
Wednesday, July 17, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Songs from the Heart with MusicGNV at Heartwood Soundstage
Wednesday, July 17, 7 p.m.
Indie with Seda Sol at Loosey’s Downtown
Wednesday, July 17, 7 p.m.
Surf Rock with The Moss at The Wooly
Wednesday, July 17, 9 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Local craft breweries serve refreshments all summer and make a perfect gathering place after a day on the water or hiking the trails. Enjoy live music and special events. Learn more about the Alachua County Ale Trail at visitgainesville.com/sippinseven. Cheers!
Country with Cam Wheaton at High Springs Brewing Company
Thursday, July 11, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Jazz with Joel Swan at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Friday, July 12, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter Wyatt Shane at Daft Cow Brewery
Friday, July 12, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Swiftmas in July at Swamp Head Brewery
Saturday, July 13, 3 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Girls Just Want to Have Fun! Live Music with The Imbeciles at Blackadder Brewing Company
Saturday, July 13, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Brewery Yoga with Kardiya Yoga Studio at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Sunday, July 14, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Trappist Tuesdays with Orval Brewery at Blackadder Brewing Company
Tuesday, July 16, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Summer is great time for a Pedal, Paddle, Pub adventure.
Find inspiration at visitgainesville.com
U-Picks and Farmers Markets
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.
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: Soup, Salads, Wraps and More at Harvest Thyme Express at San Felasco Tech City in Alachua
13901 Tech City Cir., Alachua, FL 32615
Wine Tasting for Ages 21+ at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, July 11, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting for Ages 21+ at the Traveler Wine Bar
Thursday, July 11, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting for Ages 21+ at Superette
Thursday, July 411, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
July Wine Series: Discover the Best of American Wines, California Beyond Sonoma and Napa
Saturday, July 13, 4:30 p.m.
The Top Turns 24 with Prizes, Giveaways, Scavenger Hunt and More at The Top Restaurant
Saturday, July 13, 5 p.m.
Italian Food & Wine Dinner with Everyday Amore and Dialect Wines for Ages 21+ at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Sunday, July 14, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Fifth Avenue Location One Year Anniversary and Ribbon Cutting at Sweet Berries Frozen Yogurt and Custard
Monday, July 15, 10 a.m.
MLB All Star Game and Hot Dog Armageddon at Loosey’s Downtown
Tuesday, July 16, 6 p.m.
Sports & Fans
Mega Test and Tune Drag Racing at Gainesville Raceway
Saturday, July 13, 8 a.m.
Taurean Green Foundation Basketball Skills and Drills Basketball Camp for Ages 6-11 at Easton Newberry Sports Complex
Saturday, July 13, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Parks & Trails
Free Timed 5K with parkrun at Depot Park
Saturday, July 13, 7:30 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
Family Discovery Camp: Insects at Florida Museum of Natural History
Saturday, July 13, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Unapologetic Vol. 2 Exhibit by Yvonne Ferguson at the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center
On view through August
2024 Summer Showcase at GFAA Gallery
Tuesday – Friday, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Discover the Local History of Elections at the New Exhibit “Voices and Votes: Democracy in Alachua County” at the Matheson History Museum
Open Wednesday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
SOFT – Tradition to Rebellion in Fiber Arts at The Historic Thomas Center
Now through Friday, August 23
Save The Date
In the Heights at Gainesville Community Playhouse, July 19
Zookeeper Day at Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, July 20
Voices and Votes: Democracy in America Exhibit Opening Reception, July 20
Free Fridays Concert Series: MusicGNV Local Music Showcase, July 26
Summer (Yout)th Celebration, July 27
Hogtown Opry Presents Rhonda Vincent, August 3
For a complete list of events please visit www.visitgainesville.com/events/
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