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What’s Good® Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, July 11-17, 2024

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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.


gfaa studio tour

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


StevanDohanos-TrailerParkGarden detail

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

life imitates art

In Alachua County, art and nature mirror each other every day! Take a moment to enjoy “art-doorsy” vibes with our latest reel.


bowl of ceviche and cups

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


jazz on the green

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.


KULAQUA RIVER RANCH

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.

free fridays at bo diddley plaza

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


apollo theatre search

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. 


mc chris show poster

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. 


uf performign arts season

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. 


For more of the timely entertainment information you love, follow us on Instagram and Facebook for daily updates and re-shares of your inspiring photos. Tag us at #whatsgoodalachuacounty.


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.


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.


Author Discussion with Laura van den Berg and State of Paradise at The Lynx Books
Thursday, July 11, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

glx gainevsille language exhange

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.

person grinding edge of knife

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.

interior of the lynx bookstore

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.

faster than flash at great outdoors restaurant

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

Image of the Sippin' Seven Ale Trail logo depicting a blue bison witj seven blue birds siting on the Bison's back. Photo also shows a pint glass with the same logo. Text on image says: Award-winning breweries. Gainesville. Alachua. High Springs. Visit Gainesville.com

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.

swamp head swiftmas in july

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

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.

paddling on the santa fe river

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. 

beaker and flask dinner

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

Family Kayaking on Santa Fe River

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. 

Poe Springs - Teenagers in Springs

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

gfaa summer showcase

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/

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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The County publishes this information about events, venues and activities in Alachua County, Florida based upon what is provided for the benefit of the general public. Reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the information is accurate. The County is not responsible for errors or omissions in the information provided. For complete details, contact the host directly. As a convenience to you, the County may link to websites operated by other entities and if visited, you do so at your own risk and you may be subject those site’s terms, polices, and age restrictions. The information is not advice or an endorsement by the County of the views or products of the host or other entities, and should not be treated as such. The County does 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.


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