What’s Good Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, June 15-21, 2023
Make plans for quality time with the Father’s Day weekend edition of What’s Good. Commemorate Juneteenth with Freedom Fest 2023 at Bo Diddley Plaza on Saturday and by honoring the life and legacy of the late Dr. Patricia Hilliard-Nunn with the unveiling the Sankofa Statute installation in Downtown Gainesville followed by a drum procession and entertainment on Monday.
On Sunday, experience the athleticism and beauty of Lipizzaner Stallions, Spanish Andalusian, majestic Arabian breeds and more with Gala of The Royal Horses. View cheerful summer blooms as you stroll through the meandering shaded walkways of Kanapaha Botanical Gardens – offering free admission for dads on Sunday — or take pop to the Dad’s Rock Free at Heartwood Soundstage with Zee-R American Classics and The Green Room Surf Music.
Catch the Hippodrome’s fun summer musical, the Tony Award-winning, “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” or join the Florida Museum and First Magnitude Brewing for Pollinator Palooza featuring free plants, live music and craft beer. Plus, Pride celebrations continue with Pride Bazar by How Bazar, the 2nd Annual Pride Street Party at GNV Streatery and much more.
Read on for more of What’s Good!
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The below information was accurate at the time of publishing. Please contact organizers directly to double-check details.
Start Your Weekend with Blues from Ramblin’ Mutts at the Free Fridays Concert Series
Friday, June 16, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza
Downtown Gainesville
The region’s largest and longest running free outdoor concert series features performances each Friday night through August 25. Ramblin’ Mutts perform soulful, original, rhythm and blues. Enjoy food and drinks from nearby cafes and restaurants within walking distance. Admission is free.
Experience the Majesty of The Royal Horses of Europe at a Special Father’s Day Performance of The Gala of the Royal Horses
Sunday, June 18, 3 p.m. | Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center
23100 W Newberry Rd., Newberry, FL 32669
International riding master René Gasser brings The Royal Horses of Europe to a North American audience featuring Lipizzaner Stallions, Spanish Andalusian, Friesian, majestic Arabian breeds and the Quarter horse. The gala performance celebrates The Royal Horses’ tradition, athleticism and grace in a culturally rich and stunning tribute for the whole family to enjoy. Learn more about the Royal Horses and get tickets online.
Rock Out on the Heartwood Lawn for a Free Father’s Day Concert Zee-R and the Green Room Surf Music
Sunday, June 18, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Kick back for a free Father’s Day concert on the Heartwood Lawn. After a career spanning over 20 years, with more than 2500 concerts in over 300 cities around the world, Zee-R brings classic rock hits to Gainesville for the first time. Joining Zee-R is Mike Boulware’s latest project, The Green Room Surf Music. Admission and the first beverage for dads is free.
Commemorate Juneteenth with Family Fun at Freedom Fest 2023
Saturday, June 17, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza
Downtown Gainesville
In collaboration with the Cotton Club Museum & Cultural Center, the second annual Freedom Fest is a free, family-friendly historical music festival. Enjoy music performances, vendors, kids zone with special activities in celebration of Emancipation Day, Juneteenth, and the idea of freedom and equality for all.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
View the Unveiling of the Sankofa Statue in Honor of Dr. Patricia Hilliard Nunn at Reaching Back to Move Forward
Monday, June 19, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Alachua County Administration Building
12 SE 1st St., Gainesville, FL 32601
The celebration features a tribute to Dr. Patricia Hilliard Nunn and unveiling of the Sankofa statue. Guest speakers honor the life of the teacher, scholar, artist and community activist who often emphasized the importance of “Sankofa,” the importance of learning from the past to shape the future, in her lectures. Following the unveiling, a drum procession featuring West African drummer Mohamed DaCosta and the Core Drum Ensemble lead attendees to Bo Diddley Plaza for local history, musical performances and a motorcycle parade.
Party with the Pollinators and Kick-off National Pollinator Week at Pollinator Palooza
Saturday, June 17, 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. | First Magnitude Brewing Company
1220 SE Veitch St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Join Florida Museum of Natural History researchers for a family-friendly festival supporting pollinator conservation. Pick up a free pollinator-friendly plant, enjoy live music, food trucks and special beer releases for grownups — Calamintha Hibiscus Wit and Honey Bee Citrus Blonde Ale. Get more festival details and learn about museum research online.
Add Summer Blooms to Father’s Day with Free Entry for Dads at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Sunday, June 18, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
4700 SW 58th Dr., Gainesville, FL 32608
Browse diverse plant collections and see what’s in bloom at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. Look for sunflowers in bloom in the Rose Garden. Look for delicate rain lilies in the bulb garden. Follow your nose from the East door of the entrance building to find the snake arum and its distinctive shape and aroma.
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.
Adults Get In on the Fun at the High Springs BMX Summer Nights Race Series
Saturday, June 17, 6:30 p.m. | High Springs BMX
NW 2nd St., High Springs, FL 32643
The Father’s Day weekend is open to dad, mom and even grandma. No racing experience or license is necessary. Experienced BMX racers compete in separate races. Repeating competitors earn a sweatshirt for completing 6 races during the summer series.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Don’t Miss the Hippodrome’s Fun Summer Musical, the Tony Award-Winning A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder
Now through 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 paired with dastardly hijinks.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Photo by Michael A. Eaddy
Commemorate Emancipation Day and the National Juneteenth Holiday with Journey to Juneteenth 2023
Juneteenth: Rejoice, Reflect, Remember at Santa Fe College Blount Hall
Thursday, June 15, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
This year’s celebration at Blount Hall includes food trucks, arts and crafts, an educational historical tour, youth activities, vendors, information about SFC programs and live entertainment. A gospel extravaganza begins at 6 p.m., and features a combined choir of SFC students, faculty and staff in addition to performances by community members.
Juneteenth and Black Music Month: Open Expressions of Our Soul Annual Breakfast at the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center
Friday, June 16, 7:30 a.m.
The annual celebration honors June as Black Music Month and features Lanard Perry’s Gospel Meets Jazz band. Enjoy a delicious soul food breakfast with a side of soulful jazz. Tickets are available online.
(canceled) Freedom Walk 5K at Depot Park
Freedom Fest 2023 at Bo Diddley Plaza
Saturday, June 17, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Reaching Back to Move Forward Featuring the Unveiling of the Sankofa Statue at the West Lawn of the Alachua County Administration Building
Monday, June 19, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Celebrate Pride Month with Local Events
June is Pride month, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising.
Queer Makers Market at 4th Ave Food Park
Saturday, June 17, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Rainbow Road Mario-Themed Cosplay Pride Event at Bragging Rights
Saturday June 17, 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Gayla Glam Makeup Sessions, Queer Makers Bazaar, Clothing Swap, Gayla with Live Performances and More with Bazar Pride at How Bazar
Saturday, June 17, 3 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Queer Potluck and Pride Festival at Civic Media Center
Sunday, June 18, 6 p.m. – 11 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.
Remembering Stonewall Free Pride Workout at Swamp City Fitness
Saturday, June 24, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Drag Brunch at Curia on the Drag
Saturday, June 24, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., ages 18+
Cosplay with Pride at PunkOuter Games
Saturday, June 24, 6 p.m. – 11:45 p.m.
Soundtrack to Pride at Studio TM Ceramics
Saturday, June 24, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Trek Gainesville Pride Ride at Depot Park
Sunday, June 25, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Pride Swag Night at Studio TM Ceramics
Friday, June 30, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Celebrate Dad with Father’s Day Events in Gainesville and Alachua County
Father’s Family Fishing Day at UF/IFAS Fishing Ponds
Saturday, June 17, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Father’s Day Festival at Alachua County Farmers Market
Saturday, June 17, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Father’s Day Weekend at Gainesville Harley-Davidson
Saturday, June 17, 12 p.m.
Father’s Day Swap Meet and Car Show at the Waldo Farmer’s and Flea Market
Sunday, June 18, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Dad’s Dance, Food Trucks, Vendors and Live Performances at ELO Fest at Depot Park
Sunday, June 18, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Dads Throw Free at The Hatchetbury Axe Throwing Bar
Sunday, June 18, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Father’s Day Photo Album Printing Class at Paradise Press and Print Studio
Sunday, June 18, 1 p.m – 4 p.m.
Father’s Day Car Show and Festival with Boston Richey and Plies at Waldo RV and Motorsports Park
Sunday, June 18, 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
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Pop-Up Markets
Vintage, Flowers, Cakes and More at Mid-Summer Mini Market at Serpentine Plants and Provisions
Saturday, June 17, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Juneteenth Black Maker’s Market at 4th Ave Food Park
Monday, June 19, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.
Arts & Theatre
Give Into “Temptation,” Your Love of Comedy, Theatre and Fun, with Nunsense at High Springs Playhouse
Now through Sunday, June 25
When sisters are accidently 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.
The Solo Performance Festival at UF McGuire Pavilion Black Box Theatre
Thursday, June 15 – Sunday, June 18
Dance Theatre of Santa Fe College Annual Performance Room to Dance at Jackson N Sasser Fine Arts Hall
Friday, June 16 – Saturday, June 17, 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
The Hippodrome Theatre First Fifty Years Book Signing with Author Richard Gartee
Sunday, June 18, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Events & Festivals
Gainesville Circus Center Camp Showcase at Gainesville Circus Center
Friday, June 16, 2:30 p.m.
Bikes and Bagels eBike Ride to Luke’s New York Bagel Shop at Pedego Electric Bikes
Saturday, June 17, 9:30 a.m.
Poster Print Adult Screenprinting Class at Paradise Press and Print Studio
Saturday, June 17, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Get Collectibles Signed and Meet Veronica Taylor, Voice Actor, Audio Book Narrator and Original Voice of Pokemon’s Ash Ketchum at The Meelypops Shop
Saturday, June 17, 2 p.m.
Sprinklers, Face Painting, Marionettes, Balloon Animals and a Backyard Barbeque from Fehrenbacher’s Artisan Sausages at Kids’ Day at 4th Ave Food Park
Sunday, June 18, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
2nd Annual Gainesville Art Circus at The Bull
Sunday, June 18, 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Music & Performance
Classic Rock with The Shambles at One Love Café
Thursday, June 15, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Rap, Country, Blues and Pop with Big Murph – Big Mouth of the South Tour at High Dive
Thursday, June 15, 8 p.m.
Funk and Soul with Uncle Morty’s Rhythm Cream at Kiss 105.3 FM Concert Series at Celebration Pointe
Friday, June 16, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Jazz Trio Three Flights Up at Lightinin’ Salvage
Friday, June 16, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Enlighted Rogues at One Love Café
Friday, June 16, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Pop Punk Emo Night Gainesville with Special Guests Halocene at High Dive
Friday, June 16, 8 p.m.
Acoustic Hits with Midnight Blue at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Friday, June 16, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Goth Dance Night at The Wooly
Friday, June 16, 10 p.m. – 1:45 a.m.
Classic Hits with Vocal Duets, Classical Guitar and Flute with Craftus at One Love Café
Saturday, June 17, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter Eli Lev at Lightnin’ Salvage
Saturday, June 17, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Jazz with the Nick DeCarlis Trio at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, June 17, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Songwriters’ Round Robin with Cathy DeWitt, Janet Rucker and Mike Boulware at Theatre of Memory
Saturday, June 17, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Pop Punk and Emo Night of Gainesville at Vivid Music Hall
Saturday, June 17, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Beatles Tribute with The Impostors at One Love Café
Sunday, June 18, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Jazz with Cathy DeWitt and Jerry Carris at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Sunday, June 18, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Jazz with The Oak Trio at Covey Kitchen and Cocktails
Sunday, June 18, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Comedian Jen Kober, Jeff D, Quaybae and Lydia Scarlett Rose at High Dive
Sunday, June 18, 7 p.m.
Traditional Irish Session at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, June 20, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Improv Comedy Show at High Dive
Wednesday, June 21, 7 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.
Science on Tap: World Sea Turtle Day Celebration at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Thursday, June 15, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Acoustic Junction Duo at Swamp Head Brewery
Friday, June 16, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Jazz Bandits at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Friday, June 16, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Pasta and Jazz with Everyday Amore and the Nick DeCarlis Trio at Daft Cow Brewery
Saturday, June 17, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Americana with Josh Nettles at High Springs Brewing Company
Saturday, June 17, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Brunch at the Brewery with Cheffreys at Swamp Head Brewery
Sunday, June 18, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Father’s Day Jam with Matcha at Swamp Head Brewery
Sunday, June 18, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Hoppy Father’s Day at Blackadder Brewing Company
Sunday, June 18, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmers Markets
U-Pick Blueberries at Deep Spring Farm
Now through July 1
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.
Father’s Day Festival at Alachua County Farmers Market
Saturday, June 17, 8:30 a.m. – 1 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
Wine Tasting at Superette Wine and Provisions
Thursday, June 15, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, June 15, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Teatime After Dark at Teatime Tranquility and Treasures
Friday, June 16 – Saturday, June 17, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Family Fun Day with Free Shave Ice for Kids Under 7 at Charlie’s Snow Shack
Saturday, June 17, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Vibrant Vines: Exploring the Essence of South African Wine With Marjorie Speer at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, June 17, 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Father’s Day Menu at Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille
Sunday, June 18, 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Wine Class with Beaker and Flask Wine Co.: Demystifying Wine Labels at Camellia Rose Inn
Sunday, June 18, 4 p.m.
Pizza Week Discounts with Gift Certificates and More at 12 Participating Locations
Monday, June 19 – Sunday, June 25
Sports
FABC/NCAA Scholastic Basketball Showcase at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center
Thursday, June 15 – Sunday, June 18
Friday Street Legal Madness Drag Racing at Gainesville Raceway
Friday, June 16, 6 p.m.
Funtastic Fridays Archery at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, June 16, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Soccer Shots Free Fun Day for Ages 2-8 at Roper Park
Saturday, June 17, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
The Gainesville Gaviatas Artistic Swimming Water Show at Spurgeon Cherry “Westside” Pool
Saturday, June 17, 10 a.m.
Kids Fishing Event with Gone Fishing at Bass Pro Shops
Saturday, June 17 – Sunday, June 18, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Gainesville Junior Golf Tournament at Turkey Creek Golf
Tuesday, June 20, 8 a.m.
Parks & Trails
Accessible Tram Tours at Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Ongoing, Check for Availability
Friday, June 16, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Monday, June 19, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Free Timed 5K at Depot Park parkrun
Saturday, June 17, 7:30 a.m.
Cycle Through Urban Trails at Summer Steamer 9 with Goodbike
Saturday, June 17, email Goodbike for details
Freshwater Fish and Critters of North Central Florida with Alachua Conservation Trust at Santa Fe River Preserve Main Entrance
Saturday, June 17, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Skate Day with Gainesville Roller Rebels at Depot Park to Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail
Wednesday, June 21, 6 p.m.
River & Springs
Launch Your Canoe, Kayak or Stand-Up Paddleboard for Free at Santa Fe Canoe Outpost
Explore Natural Wonders with Anderson’s Outdoor Adventure and Visit 8 Springs in 8 Miles with Anderson’s Outdoor Adventures
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.
Museums & Galleries
Art After Dark at the Harn Museum of Art
Thursday, June 15, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Docent-led Group Tours at the Harn Museum of Art
Saturday, June 17, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Indie Music with Chris Staples and Ricky Kendall at GFAA Gallery
Saturday, June 17, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Transparency at Gainesville Fine Arts Association
Now through Saturday, June 24
Apparallel and John Ward: Behind the Seen at The Historic Thomas Center
Now through Friday, September 8
New Exhibit at the Harn Museum of Art — Jerry Uelsmann: A Celebration of His Life and Art
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
New at the Matheson History Museum, We Are Here: Stories from Multilingual Speakers in North Central Florida
Museum Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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
Summer Solstice Market at Swamp Head Brewery, June 24
Artwalk Gainesville, June 30
Summer Solstice Food Truck Rally at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company, June 25
WUFT’s Fanfares and Fireworks, July 3
“The Largest Small Town Fireworks Display in America”, July 4
Thornebrook Food Truck Rally, July 7
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.
