What’s Good Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, June 1-7, 2023
Get into a summer state of mind with What’s Good. Line up dinner and drinks downtown and then revel in one of Gainesville’s delightful summer traditions, the Hippodrome Theatre’s spectacular musical comedy “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.” Grab a jumbo Bavarian pretzel with side of honey mustard and beer cheese from one of High Springs newest restaurants, Prohibition Pizza, paired with craft beer and tunes from their friendly neighbors, the High Springs Brewing Company. Then head over to the High Springs Playhouse for the opening weekend of the madcap musical “Nunsense.”
Catch Grammy-nominated reggae legend Pato Banton and friends at Heartwood Soundstage. Browse over 90 vendors lining the streets at the Bazar A La Carte Night Festival. Learn about the local impacts of climate change with fun activities and resources for the entire family with the Alachua County Climate Fair at Cuscawilla Nature and Retreat Center. Plus find celebrations for Pride month and Journey to Juneteenth events leading up to the national holiday.
Read on for more of What’s Good!
Be safe and be well,
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.
Summer Thrills Begin with the Opening Weekend of the Hippodrome’s Tony Award-Winning Musical “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder,” Starring Kelly Atkins
Friday, June 2 – Sunday, July 9 | Hippodrome Theatre
25 SE 2nd Pl., Gainesville, FL 32601
The dazzling musical comedy follows Monty Navarro as he tries to eliminate pesky relatives standing between him and a wealthy inheritance. Winner of four Tony Awards including Best Musical, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder entertains with hilarious songs and is paired with dastardly hijinks.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Photo by Michael A. Eaddy
Special Dates:
Stay and Mingle
Thursday, June 8, after the 7 p.m. show.
Talkback with Actors
Sunday, June 11, after the 2 p.m. show
Celebrate Roots Culture with Pato Banton at Reggae on the Grass
Thursday, June 1, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Grammy-nominated international reggae star Pato Banton performs outdoors on the Heartwood Lawn. Pato Banton recorded and toured with The English Beat, Steel Pulse, UB40 and Sting. The night of reggae begins at 7 p.m. after the GNV Market with special guests Propaganjah, Maca Reggae Samba and Easy Crew.
Heartwood Soundstage is located at the center of South Main Station and features an indoor listening room and outdoor festival stage. South Main Station is a community gathering space, home to the weekly GNV Market on Thursdays and local dining options Humble Wood Fire and Bingo Deli and Pub.
Kickstart Your Weekend with the Free Fridays Concert Series at Bo Diddley Plaza
Friday, June 2, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza
Downtown Gainesville
The region’s largest and longest running free outdoor concert series returns to downtown Gainesville with performances each Friday night through August 25. D.R. Band Band and Soul Fire bring life to R&B and funk hits from the past and present with layered vocals and instrumentation. Enjoy food and drinks from nearby cafes and restaurants within walking distance. Admission is free.
View the complete 2023 concert schedule here and stay up to date with the latest updates on the concert series Facebook page.
Give Into “Temptation,” Your Love of Comedy, Theatre and Fun, with the Opening Weekend of “Nunsense”
Friday, June 2 – Sunday, June 25 | High Springs Playhouse
23416 W US Hwy 27, High Springs, FL 32643
When sisters are accidentally poisoned by the convent cook, Sister Julia (Child of God), the Little Sisters of Hoboken produce a talent show as a fundraiser. This madcap musical features dancing, comic surprises with updated jokes, new arrangements and additional lyrics.
Bring the Family for Fun and Learn About Local Impacts at the Alachua County Climate Fair
Friday, June 2, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center
210 SE 134th Ave., Micanopy, FL
Get local answers to global questions and explore impacts of climate change in North Central Florida. Join Alachua County Poet Laureate E. Stanley Richardson for a poetry reading at the start of the event. Enjoy family-friendly games and activities, food trucks, tree planting, RTS electric bus display and more. Admission is free.
Saturday, June 10, 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center at Celebration Pointe, 4870 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Take Me Out to the Ballgame — #2 Gators Baseball Host UConn, Texas Tech and Florida A&M at the 2023 NCAA Baseball Tournament Gainesville Regional
Friday, June 2 – Monday, June 5 (if necessary) | Condron Family Ballpark
2800 Citrus Rd., Gainesville, FL 32608
#2 Gators Baseball hosts postseason play after recording a record of 44-14, with the second-most number of wins in team history. Regional play begins on Friday with Texas Tech vs. UConn at 12 p.m. and Florida A&M vs. Florida at 5:30 p.m. Winner and loser brackets continue into the weekend. Get postseason ticket information at FloridaGators.com
Have a Delicious Adventure with Organic Blueberries at Deep Spring Farm
Now through July 1, Tuesday – Saturday, 8 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Deep Spring Farm
16419 W CR 1491, Alachua, FL 32615
Late-season organic blueberries are ripe for picking at Deep Spring Farm. Enjoy the outdoors at the farm with relaxing views, spring-fed pond and a Live Oak shade canopy. Book a picking session, view pricing and learn best picking practices online.
Browse an Outdoor Market with Over 90 Artisans and Makers at the How Bazar À La Carte Night Festival
Saturday, June 3, 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. | How Bazar
60 SW 2nd St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Browse vendors lining the streets in front of How Bazar with a selection of jewelry, art, vintage fashion, handmade candles, vinyl and cassettes, embroidery, cookies, cakes, stickers, posters, and more. The last Bazar À La Carte of the season features the theme “A message from us to you” to express the message and purpose of How Bazar. Enjoy live music with DJ Wax Atom, Jeremiah Ludicrous and Jordie Ortiz. At 7 p.m. head inside How Bazar for a live recording of the new Bazar Podcast. Admission is free.
Explore Natural Wonders with Anderson’s Outdoor Adventure and Visit 8 Springs in 8 Miles
Friday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Santa Fe River Park
8500 NE SR 47, High Springs, FL 32643
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.
See What’s In Bloom on a Guided Walk Through Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Saturday, June 3, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
4700 SW 58th Dr., Gainesville, FL 32608
See displays of color as warmer weather begins the growing season for giant Victoria water lilies. Spanning 68 acres, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens features paved walkways, the largest public display of bamboo in Florida and the largest herb garden in the southeast.
Learn About Water Quality and Spot Wildlife on a Ranger Led Walking Tour at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Sunday, June 4, 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Sweetwater Wetlands Park
325 SW Williston Rd., Gainesville, FL 32641
Sweetwater Wetlands Park improves the water quality of Paynes Prairie and the Floridan Aquifer and features over 3 miles of trails and boardwalks. Learn about water management and wildlife found at the park. Tours last about 1 hour and include a walking portion of about 1-mile start to finish. Bring water, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes. Recent bird sightings include Snail Kite, Chimney Swift, Sandhill Crane, Osprey and Great Horned Owl. Tours are free with park admission.
Raise Your Binoculars Then Raise a Glass at Birds and Brews
Sunday, June 4, 5:45 p.m. – 7 p.m. | First Magnitude Brewing Company
1220 SE Veitch St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Go birding at the brewery as volunteers from Alachua Audubon Society lead a nature walk from First Magnitude Brewing Company to Depot Park. The one-hour walk returns at about 7 p.m. leaving plenty of time for a night cap. Wear comfortable shoes, bring binoculars or borrow a loaner pair. All birding skill levels are welcome.
Sample a Spectrum of Flavors and Textures at Working Food’s Tomato Tasting and Pop-Up Market
Wednesday, June 7, 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Working Food
219 NW 10th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Be amazed as local growers gather for a display of tomato varieties. Taste a wide range of flavors from tomatoes ranging in shapes, colors and textures. Browse local vendors with tomato inspired creations. Admission includes tasting up to 25 tomato varieties plus prepared food samples.
Journey to Juneteenth
Enstoolment Celebration In Honor of Vivian Washington Filer at Best Western Gateway Grand
Saturday, June 3, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., tickets required
The History of the Seminole Nation: Unchained and Unconquered with Dr. Anthony Dixon at Oak View Park
Sunday, June 4, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Find more Journey to Juneteenth 2023 events leading up to Freedom Fest 2023 at Bo Diddley Plaza on June 17 and Reaching Back to Move Forward featuring the Sankofa statue unveiling in downtown Gainesville on June 19.
Celebrate Pride Month with Local Events
June is Pride month, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising.
Museum Nights: Art + PRIDE at the Harn Museum of Art
Thursday, June 8, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Pride Party at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Saturday, June 10, 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Queer Makers Market at 4th Ave Food Park
Saturday, June 17, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Pride Street Party 2023 at GNV Streatery (18 SW 1st Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601)
Friday, June 23, 5 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Cosplay with Pride at PunkOuter Games
Saturday, June 24, 6 p.m. – 11:45 p.m.
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Pop-Up Markets
Subaru Road Trip at REI Co-op
Friday, June 9 – Sunday, June 11, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Local’s Expo with Art by Lisa Marie Mercer at Hotel Indigo
Friday, June 2, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Browse Arts, Crafts, Vintage and More from Local Makers at Boxcar Flea at Depot Park
Sunday, June 4, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.
Arts & Theatre
Solve the Laugh Out Loud Murder-Mystery at the Stage Production of Clue at Gainesville Community Playhouse
Now through Sunday, June 11
Clue is a farce-meets-murder mystery based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie and classic Hasbro board game. Six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party where murder and extortion are on the menu. When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects. Led by the butler Wadsworth, Miss Scarlett, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock and Colonel Mustard race to find the killer as the body count stacks up.
Events & Festivals
Summer Sizzler Dressage at Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center
Saturday, June 3 – Sunday, June 4
Tioga Movie Night – Aladdin (1992) at Tioga Town Center
Friday, June 2, 8:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Reading Resources, Kids Activities, Stilt Walkers and More with the Alachua County Library District at Reader Palooza at Depot Park
Saturday, June 3, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Pink Fest 2023 at Celebration Pointe
Saturday, June 3 , 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Discover Modern Techniques at Exploring Digital Tools with the iPad Artist Workshop at GFAA
Saturday, June 3, 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Free Draw Jam at Sequential Artists Workshop
Saturday, June 3, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
View the Artform of Miniature Trees at the Bonsai Festival at UF Oak Hammock
Saturday, June 3, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sunday, June 4, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
2023 Race the Tortoise 5K Run/Walk at O’Leno State Park
Saturday, June 3, 8 a.m.
Macrame Workshop at Unique Notions
Saturday, June 3, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Music & Performance
Country with Cole Terry at High Dive
Thursday, June 1, 8 p.m.
Americana with Dim Lights at Lightnin’ Salvage
Thursday, June 1, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter Griffin Williams at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Friday, June 1, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Classic Rock with Couch Messiahs at One Love Cafe
Friday, June 2, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
UC Piano Lounge at University Club
Friday, June 2, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Classic Rock with Branford Hwy at Mother’s Pub North
Friday, June 2, 9 p.m.
Jazz Night with Cathy DeWitt and Jerry Carris at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, June 3, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Back By Popular Demand: Music on the Patio with “Phil “Jazzdad” Thomas and Friends at A. Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Center
Saturday, June 3, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Alt Rock with Parrotfish at High Dive
Saturday, June 3, 8 p.m.
The Hogtown Rounders Writers Round at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, June 6, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Indie Pop with Bambii Lamb at High Dive
Tuesday, June 6, 8 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Check in at local craft breweries with the Sippin’ Seven Alachua County Ale Trail free digital pass. Earn points and redeem for Sippin’ Seven merch. Learn more and sign up for free at VisitGainesville.com/sippinseven.
Click here and check out the most recent edition of the Sippin’ Seven On Tap newsletter featuring an interview with Chris Hart of Blackadder Brewing Company and fun upcoming events.
Singer-Songwriters Austin Miller and Amanda Espo at Swamp Head Brewery
Friday, June 2, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Indie Rock with Ceramicats at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Friday, June 2, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter Griffin Williams at Daft Cow Brewery
Friday, June 2, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
(sold out) Tour Gainesville Breweries on the Drink GNV Brewery Tour
Friday, June 2, 2:45 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Multiple Local Breweries
The 2023 Drink GNV Brewery Tour brings beer lovers to Blackadder Brewing Company, Cypress and Grove Brewing Company, First Magnitude Brewing Company and Swamp Head Brewery. Admission includes a pint pour at each brewery, food at each brewery stop, a Drink GNV pint glass and more.
Sippin’ Seven Passholders can check in at 4 breweries in one day and this event will be a Merch Madness day! Cheers to Drink GNV!
Country with Zach Lambert at Swamp Head Brewery
Saturday, June 3, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Classic Rock with Faster Than Flash at High Springs Brewing Company
Saturday, June 3, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Brunch at Swamp Head Brewery with Cheffrey’s
Sunday, June 4, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Bloody Mary Sunday with Frenchmen Street Food at Blackadder Brewing Company
Sunday, June 4 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmers Markets
U-Pick Sunflowers at Hollow Oaks
Tuesday – Friday, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday – Sunday, 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Grove Street Farmers Market with Live Music
Mondays, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Archer Farmers Market Spring Plant Sale at Archer Historical Society Railroad Museum
Tuesday, March 7, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
GNV Market at South Main Station
Thursdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
High Springs Farmers Market
Fridays, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Alachua County Farmers Market
Saturdays 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Newberry Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Haile Village Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Waldo Farmers Market
Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Bites and Brunch
Chicken Strips, Sweet Tea and More at Raising Cane’s
Opening Tuesday, June 6, 8 a.m.
Pancakes and Potterheads Brunch at World of Beer Bar and Kitchen
Saturday, June 3 – Sunday, June 4, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Serpentine GNV
Thursday, June 1, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Superette Wine and Provisions
Thursday, June 1, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, June 1, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Daily Deals at the 1-Year Anniversary Celebration of Nothing Bundt Cakes
Thursday, June 1 – Saturday, June 3
Sports
Funtastic Fridays Archery at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, May 19, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Insider Exposure Summer Championship Basketball Tournament at Legacy Park Multipurpose Center
Friday, June 2 – Sunday, June 4
2023 Sunshine State Games Swimming at Dwight H. Hunter Northeast Pool
Friday, June 2 – Sunday, June 4
Premier Girls Fastpitch Florida Summer State Championships at Champions Park
Saturday, June 3 – Sunday, June 4
2023 Southeast Amateur Regional Championship at Gatorback Cycle Park
Saturday, June 3 – Sunday, June 4, 8:15 a.m.
Dynasty Hoops National Tune-Up: The Opening Basketball Tournament at Alachua County Sports and Events Center
Saturday, June 3 – Sunday, June 4
Mega Test and Tune Drag Racing at Gainesville Raceway
Saturday, June 3, 8 a.m.
Parks & Trails
Accessible Tram Tours at Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Ongoing, Check for Availability
Thursday, June 1, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Tuesday, June 6, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Free Timed 5K at Depot Park parkrun
Saturday, June 3, 7:30 a.m.
Ice Cream in the Park with Alachua Conservation Trust at Rockwood Park
Saturday, June 3, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Learn About Landscaping Choices with Alachua County Master Gardener Volunteer Julie Naim at Let’s Talk About The Birds and the Bees (and the Butterflies Too!) at Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Park
Sunday, June 4, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Wednesday Bird Walks at the Wetlands at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Wednesday, June 7, 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
River & Springs
Launch Your Canoe, Kayak or Stand-Up Paddleboard for Free at Santa Fe Canoe Outpost
Float or Splash Into Freshwater Springs
North Florida is home to the largest collection of first-magnitude springs in the United States.
Museums & Galleries
Art After Dark with Author and UF Professor Dr. Jillian Hernandez at the Harn Museum of Art
Thursday, June 1, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
New at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention: Playing with Sound!
Go on a journey through music, creativity, and fun! Each museum space explores the idea of Playing with Sound. The main exhibit, Music and the Mind: A Medley of Innovation, is located in the rotunda, while the rest of the museum spaces will be transformed into themed areas that tie into the overall exhibition.
Selections from Synchronica: Framing Time at A. Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Center
Saturday, June 3, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
New Exhibit at the Harn Museum of Art — Jerry Uelsmann: A Celebration of His Life and Art
Exhibit Opens Tuesday, June 6
Photographer Jerry Uelsmann passed away on April 4, 2022. He was a much celebrated and beloved UF artist, teacher, colleague and friend locally, nationally and internationally, known for his combination printing of multiple negatives into fantastical photographic landscapes. This commemorative exhibition is an overview of Jerry Uelsmann’s creative life.
Get Up Close and Explore the World of Arachnids at Spiders Alive! at the Florida Museum of Natural History
With more than a dozen live species from around the world, the new exhibit dives into the world of spiders, scorpions and their relatives. Featured animals on display include the Asian Forest Scorpion, Brazilian Red and White Tarantula, Southern Black Widow, Wolf Spider and more. Go hands-on with large touchable models revealing a closer look at spider anatomy. Plan your visit online.
Photo courtesy Florida Museum / Jeff Gage
Discover a Unique African American Culture at Gullah Geechee – African Connections and Cultural Traditions in America at the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center
Open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Save The Date
Swallowtail Farm Food is Medicine Conference, June 10-11
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Open House at Alachua County Sports and Event Center, June 10
Journey to Juneteenth Freedom Walk and Festival, June 17
Gala of the Royal Horses, June 18
Dads Rock Free Father’s Day Concert, June 18
Free Admission for Dads at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, June 18
For a complete list of events please visit www.visitgainesville.com/events/
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This publication contains information about events, venues and activities in Alachua County, Florida. Reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the information is accurate. We are not responsible for errors or omissions in the information provided. For complete details, contact the host directly. The information is not advice, and should not be treated as such. Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing paragraph, we do 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.
