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What’s Good® Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, July 3-10, 2024

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Add sparks to your holiday plans with What’s Good®. Festivals and fireworks displays celebrate Independence Day in Gainesville, Alachua, Micanopy and Archer.

Learn about the world’s largest bats with the Lubee Bat Conservancy at Baturdays of Summer. See garden highlights on a guided walk at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. Beat the heat indoors at the Florida Museum of Natural History. 

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.


happy 4th of july

Celebrate Independence Day with Local Festivals and Fireworks Displays

Alachua County skies are alight over multiple days in celebration of the Fourth of July!
Make unforgettable summer memories and enjoy Independence Day with friends and family with fireworks displays, parades, live music, and great food in Gainesville, Alachua, Micanopy and Archer.

Gainesville: WUFT’s Fanfares and Firework at UF Flavet Field
Wednesday, July 3, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Known for a spectacular live music acts and a dazzling fireworks display, the University of Florida and City of Gainesville’s Fan Fares and Fireworks celebrates the Fourth on the third with live food trucks, PBS kids zone and more. Fireworks display is scheduled to start around 9:40 p.m. 

Alachua: “Largest Small-Town Fireworks Display in America” at Legacy Park
Thursday, July 4, 4 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

The annual celebration draws a crowd of thousands to celebrate the Fourth. Enjoy live music, kids corner, food trucks and a fireworks display starting at 9:30 p.m.

Micanopy: Independence Day Parade on Cholokka Boulevard
Thursday, July 4, 11 a.m.

Florida’s oldest inland town hosts a parade with displays of red white and blue, classic cars, decorated golf carts and more.

Micanopy: Fireworks and Fun at the Micanopy Ball Park
Thursday, July 4, 5 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Festival fun includes bounce houses, food trucks and fireworks at dusk.

Archer: Red, White and BOOM! 1.5 Miles West of Santa Fe College Davis Center
Saturday, July 6, 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Located west of the Santa Fe College Davis Center, Saturday’s celebration includes gift vendors, food, kids activities, live music, a car show and a fireworks display.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County


orange lake

Add a Little Fishing to Your Fourth of July Weekend – Alachua County’s Orange Lake Ranks #3 in the Bassmaster Top 🔟 Best Bass Lakes of 2024. 

Orange Lake is the centerpiece of one of the most picturesque vistas just south of Gainesville, Florida. This beauty just made the list of the Top 10 Best Bass Lakes in the country by Bassmaster magazine. They backed their selection with research of actual fish caught, fish weight, and more, as compared to other top locations. This year, it was the only Florida lake on the list and the highest ranked in the Southeast. Click to peep the data-backed findings and head on over to visitgainesville.com to plan your visit today!


baturdays of summer

Hang Out with the World’s Largest Bats at Baturdays of Summer
Saturday, July 6, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Lubee Bat Conservancy

1309 NW 192nd Ave. Gainesville, FL 32609 

Lubee is the global leader in fruit bat care, husbandry, and medical management. Located in Gainesville, Florida, over 150 bats are housed on property, spending their days playing, socializing, and interacting with their roost mates. Explore the grounds, speak with bat experts and explore bat conservation efforts from Lubee Bat Conservancy at this unique and fun event. Limited advance tickets are available online, no tickets sold at the gate.


carson springs independence day tours

Hear the Call of the Wild at Carson Springs Wildlife
Thursday, July 4 and Saturday, July 6, 10 a.m. | Carson Springs Wildlife

8528 E CR 225, Gainesville, FL 32609

Walking and riding tours on Thursday and Saturday feature big cat feedings, cheetah cubs, baby lemurs and viewings of 100 exotic and rare species of animals. TripAdvisor awarded Carson Springs Wildlife the 2024 Traveler’s Choice Award recognizing the attraction as one of the top 10% of things to do worldwide based on visitor reviews. Meet the animals and book your tour online.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County


giant victoria water lilies

See the Growing Giant Victoria Water Lilies and More Summer Highlights on a Guided Walk at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Saturday, July 6, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

4700 SW 58th Dr., Gainesville, FL 32608

The summer growing season for giant Victoria water lilies is at its peak in July and August. Visit the tranquil bamboo garden, the largest public display of bamboo in Florida. Stroll through pet-friendly paved pathways and view plant collections spanning the 68-acre property. 


birds and brews

Hop on an Alachua Audubon Society-Led Nature Walk Starting at First Magnitude Brewing 
Sunday, July 7, 5:45 p.m. – 7 p.m. | First Magnitude Brewing Company

1220 St. Veitch St., Gainesville, FL 32601

All birding skill levels are welcome on this informal walk. Volunteers from Alachua Audubon Society lead a guided tour identifying bird species. Bring your binoculars or borrow a loaner pair. The walk concludes at the brewery with plenty of time to enjoy a night cap as the sun sets. 


actors on stage

What’s the Buzz? Only Three Summer Weekends Remain to Catch the “Bee”  
Friday, July 5 – Sunday, July 21 | The Hippodrome Theatre

25 SE 2nd Pl., Gainesville, FL 32601

Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor. Grab your partners in fun and get ready for a thrilling performance, complete with audience participation. 

WANT TO BE A VOLUNTEER SPELLER at The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee? When you enter the seating area look for Hippodrome Theatre staff (with the clipboards), sign up, and get ready to S-P-E-L-L! Arrive early and grab dinner downtown or enjoy a drink from the Hippodrome bar. 
Photo by Michael A. Eaddy
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County


free fridays at bo diddley plaza

Alrighty Then,” Rock Out with Hits from the ‘90s with Pet Detectives at the Free Fridays Concert Series
Friday, July 5, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza

Downtown Gainesville

pet detectives on stage

The Pet Detectives deliver ‘90s alt-rock hits with electric guitars and Hawaiian shirts. 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.


floirda museum water shapes florida

Explore Florida’s Most Valuable Resource with the “Water Shapes Florida” Exhibit at the Florida Museum
Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Florida Museum of Natural History

3215 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611

Water Shapes Florida tells the story of the state’s fresh water, from the aquifers underground to the rivers and lakes to the clouds in the sky. Enter a magical glass-bottom-boat theater, and ride, dive and fly through some of the Sunshine State’s most famous springs in a one-of-a-kind immersive experience. Admission is free.

On Thursday, July 4, the museum also offers free admissions for veterans to the Butterfly Rainforest and Science Up Close: Incredible Insects exhibits.
Photo by Florida Museum/Kristen Grace


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local art expo

Local Art Expo with Artist Judi Cain at Hotel Indigo
Friday, July 5, 5 p.m.

cars and coffee

Gainesville Cars and Coffee at Tioga Town Center
Saturday, July 6, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

(sold out) Single Day Hatchet Blacksmithing Class at Crooked Path Forge
Saturday, July 6, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Draw Jam at Sequential Artists Workshop
Saturday, July 6, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

macrame workshop

Macrame Plant Hanger Workshop at Unique Notions
Saturday, July 6, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

(sold out) Hammer Forging Blacksmithing Class at Crooked Path Forge
Sunday, July 7, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Terrarium Workshop at Roots Plant Studio
Sunday, July 7, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.


Music & Performance

Jazz with Marty Liquori Jazztet at One Love Café
Wednesday, July 3, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Singer-Songwriters Coody Marshal Patrick and Danny Hughes at The Bull
Wednesday, July 3, 7 p.m.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show at The Wooly
Wednesday, July 3, 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Rap with Plies at Vivid Music Hall
Wednesday, July 3, 10 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Country with Zac Petty at Codfathers
Thursday, July 4, 6 p.m.

snbrn music flyer

Electronic Music with SNBRN at Vivid Music Hall
Thursday, July 4, 8:30 p.m.

Ska Punk with Now Leaving Space at Loosey’s Downtown
Friday, July 5, 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Motown, Blues, Jazz and More with The Browns at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, July 5, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

paul island

Bass with Illterror at The Atlantic
Friday, July 5, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.

Classic Rock with Couch Messiahs at One Love Café
Friday, July 5, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Jazz with The Pablo Aragona Quintet at Baby J’s Bar
Friday, July 5, 8 p.m.

tink takeover

R&B Night with Tink at Vivid Music Hall
Friday, July 5, 10 p.m.

Dr. Jules Cool Blues Trio at Top Hog Oaks Mall BBQ, Bourbon and Blues
Saturday, July 6, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Blues with D Scott Riggs at Lightnin’ Salvage
Saturday, July 6, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Classic Rock with The Shambles at One Love Café
Saturday, July 6, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Reggae, Bossa Nova and More All-Vinyl Set with DJ Don Miller at Baby J’s Bar
Saturday, July 6, 9 p.m.

Punk with Golf War at Loosey’s Downtown
Sunday, July 7, 7 p.m.

Jazz Pianist Zac Chester at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, July 9, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Jazzology at The Bull
Tuesday, July 9, 9 p.m.

Jazz with Dave and the Hiptones at One Love Café
Wednesday, July 10, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

“A Drop of The Hard Stuff” Irish Sessions with Jig To A Milestone at The Bull
Wednesday, July 10, 6 p.m. – 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

Alachua County is home to seven distinct craft breweries each its own unique atmosphere and selection of beers. Each features great brews and fun activities throughout the year. Learn more about the Alachua County Ale Trail at visitgainesville.com/sippinseven

July 4th Brewing and Fermenting at OG Homebrew Supply
Thursday, July 4, 11 a.m. 

red white and brew

Red, White and Brew at Blackadder Brewing Company
Thursday, July 4, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Indie Rock with Jack Edmonson at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Friday, July 5, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Singer-Songwriter Mark Miale at Daft Cow Brewery
Friday, July 5, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Classic Rock with Crooked Counsel at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, July 5, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

open mic night

Open Mic Night at Swamp Head Brewery
Wednesday, July 10, 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.


U-Picks and Farmers Markets

Final Weekend: Book Online for Blueberry Picking at Deep Spring Farm
Now through July 6, 8 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

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

Edgar Allen Poe Speakeasy Cocktail Experience for Ages 21+ at the Hippodrome Theatre
Saturday, July 6 – Sunday, July 7, 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Bumbu Rum Tasting for Ages 21+ at The Good Pour
Thursday, July 4, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Wine Tasting for Ages 21+ at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, July 4, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Wine Tasting for Ages 21+ at the Traveler Wine Bar
Thursday, July 4, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Wine Tasting for Ages 21+ at Superette
Thursday, July 4, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. 

All Things Vinegar Workshop with The Ferment Lady at Amazing Grace Gardens
Saturday, July 6, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

July Wine Series: Discover the Best of American Wines, Pacific Northwest at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, July 6, 4:30 p.m.

Sunday Brunch with Flouthern Food Truck at Lebowski’s Pup Pub
Sunday, July 7, 2 p.m.


Sports & Fans

North Florida Hoop Group Presents For The Love of the Game Basketball Tournament at Alachua County Sports and Events Center
Friday, July 5 – Sunday, July 7

Battle on the Diamond Showcase Softball Tournament at Champions Park
Friday, July 5 – Sunday, July 7

usa archer outdoor

USA Archery Florida State Outdoor 720 Championship at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Saturday, July 6, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

gainesville roller derby

Gainesville Roller Derby: Swamp City Sirens vs. Millhopper Devils at Martin Luther King Jr Multipurpose Center
Saturday, July 6, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.


Parks & Trails

Jack Gamble Melon Run with the Florida Track Club at Albert “Ray” Massey Westside Park
Thursday, July 4, 8 a.m.

Free Timed 5K with parkrun at Depot Park
Saturday, July 6, 7:30 a.m.

Gainesville and Alachua County: From Frontier to Mid-Century at Perspectives in the Parks at Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Center
Sunday, July 7, 12 p.m. – 1 p.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

Indie Rock with The Forum, Dessert Bar from Blue Gill Quality Food and Art Galleries Open Late at Art After Dark at the Harn Museum of Art
Thursday, June 27, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Art After Dark at the Harn Museum of Art
Thursday, July 4, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Special for Veterans at Florida Museum of Natural History
Thursday, July 4, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

child participating in activity in cade museum

Maker Workshop: Disassembly – Taking Things Apart at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
Saturday, July 6, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

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

GFAA Artist Studio Tour, July 12-14

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

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.

The images and materials appearing on this site may be protected or copyrighted works, and thus subject to legal protections. Display by the County of such on this site does not authorize you to copy, reproduce, distribute, publish, display, modify, or in any way exploit any such works.

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 but 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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