What’s Good Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, June 22-28, 2023
Craft your ideal summer weekend with What’s Good. Join a festive night of art, music and performances at the 2nd Annual Pride Street Party. Sip and shop at the Summer Solstice Market at Swamp Head Brewery or find a retro treasure at the Florida Vintage Market. Follow your curiosity to the Theatre of Memory featuring remarkable curated collections or attend a special discussion and book signing for Lizzie’s Rosewood Race at the Matheson History Museum.
Sway to the blues with Sheba the Mississippi Queen at the A. Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Center or explore music under the stars with the Free Fridays Concert Series at Bo Diddley Plaza and with the new Punks in the Park Summer Concert Series at the Historic Thomas Center. Dance to classic rock hits at Playlist at the Pointe with The Shambles and enjoy delicious food from nearby restaurants. Or venture out and treat your taste buds to the new brunch menu from Executive Chef Andy Niedenthal at Covey Kitchen and Cocktails.
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.
Join a Festive Night of Art, Music and Performances at the 2nd Annual Pride Street Party
Friday, June 23, 5 p.m. – 12 a.m. | GNV Streatery
18 SW 1st Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with a party in downtown Gainesville. The queer art market includes Asterion Arts, Cast Iron Pansy, Jo Ingram Arts, Makeup by Sarah C. and more. Enjoy food from Frenchmen Street Food and a dance party with DJ Drew Love. Admission is free. Ages 18+
Enter the Weekend on the Right Note with Contemporary Jazz from Mindwalk at the Fridays Concert Series
Friday, June 23, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza
Downtown Gainesville
Mindwalk is a five-piece band led by talented guitarist Richy Stano. The region’s largest and longest running free outdoor concert series features performances each Friday night through August 25. Enjoy food and drinks from nearby cafes and restaurants within walking distance. Admission is free.
Learn About Rosewood from a Unique Perspective at the Book Discussion of Lizzie’s Rosewood Race
Saturday, June 24, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Matheson History Museum
513 E University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Join historian and Real Rosewood Foundation founder and president Lizzie Jenkins sharing her children’s book Lizzie’s Rosewood Race. The coming-of-age story follows Lizzie as she learns the history of the 1923 Rosewood Massacre from her mother and finds her calling to share the story.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
North Central Florida Blues Society Presents Blues on the Patio with Sheba The Mississippi Queen
Sunday, June 25, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | A. Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Center
1013 NW 7th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Sheba was born Martha Booker in Sunflower Mississippi to a sharecropper family, whose father was a gospel singer. Sheba’s music draws from hurt and pain of her life experience, addressing universal themes people can understand. Sunday’s performance features Dr. Jules and harmonica player Little David Thornton.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Experience Music in a New Setting at Punks in the Park
Sunday, June 25, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. | The Historic Thomas Center
302 NE 6th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
The new summer concert series kicks off with Sunroom, Mei, Purple Kloud and American Dream Survivors. Concerts take place outdoors at the Historic Thomas Center, in the Grace and Sidney Knight Children’s Theatre. Admission is Free.
Discover Collectibles and Curiosities at the Theatre of Memory
Open Wednesday – Sunday, 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
1705 NW 6th St., Gainesville, FL 32609
Museum director and curator Bill Hutchinson presents a remarkable collection of artifacts, documents, visual arts and more located in a restored 1902 Florida Home. Each item presented in the Cabinet of Curiosities tells a story across time. Live performances in the listening room add to the stories being told from the museum shelves. Special learning events called “Nerd Nights” dive deep into themed topics.
Upcoming Events:
Jazz with the Father and Son Duo The Newcombs
Saturday, June 24, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
“Nerd Night: The Forgotten Famous” with the Life of Model, Actress and Original “It Girl” Evelyn Nesbit
Wednesday, June 28, 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Sip and Shop with Vendors, Music and Craft Beer at the Summer Solstice Market
Saturday, June 24, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Swamp Head Brewery
3650 SW 42nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
The summer celebration features a vibrant atmosphere at the brewery with a selection of art, soaps, jewelry, and more. Enjoy live music from The Steel Pan Man. At 3 p.m. and 4:15 p.m., Kate Keskinen leads two “Hot” Vinyasa Flow yoga sessions. Grab a bite from food trucks Tommyknockers Mobile Kitchen and Tillo’s Grilled Cheese.
Dance to Classic Rock Hits at Playlist at the Pointe with The Shambles
Friday, June 23, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4848 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
With a repertoire of more than 100 songs, The Shambles is one of Gainesville’s favorite jam bands. Rock out with tunes from Grateful Dead, The Band, Steely Dan, Chicago and more. Pull up a chair or spread a blanket on the lawn for live music as the sun sets. Enjoy food and drinks from walkable nearby restaurants.
Plotting, Singing, Love and Laughter, It’s All Part of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, the Hippodrome’s Hit Summer Musical
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 and paired with dastardly hijinks.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Photo by Michael A. Eaddy
Browse All Things Retro at the Florida Vintage Market
Sunday, June 25, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Midpoint Park and Eatery
931 SW 2nd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601
Select from over 1000 items from 60 vendors. Find sportswear, jewelry, shoes, art, denim and more at the unique outdoor shopping experience. Enjoy food from Plantology, Scuola 2 and Nopal Dos.
Celebrate Pride Month with Local Events
June is Pride month, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising.
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.
Queer Makers Market at 4th Ave Food Park
Sunday, June 25, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Trek Gainesville Pride Ride at Depot Park
Sunday, June 25, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
My BIG FAT GAY BBQ & DRAG SHOW! At The Backyard at Boca Fiesta & Palomino
Sunday, June 25, 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Pride Swag Night at Studio TM Ceramics
Friday, June 30, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
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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.
Events & Festivals
5-year Anniversary Weekend with Celebrations, Sales and Trading Day at The Meelypops Shop
Friday, June 23 – Sunday, June 25
5th Annual 2-Day Aviation Academy
Friday, June 23 – Saturday, June 24, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
(sold out) Single Day Knife Blacksmithing Workshop at Crooked Path Forge
Saturday, June 24, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
9-Ball Marbles Tournament at Silver Q Billiards and Sports Bar
Saturday, June 24, 4:30 p.m.
4th Sunday Drive-In and Car Show with Gainesville Street Rods at One Love Café
Sunday, June 25, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Music & Performance
Indie Rock from New Zealand with The Beths at High Dive
Thursday, June 22, 7 p.m.
Classic Rock with Crooked Counsel at One Love Café
Friday, June 23, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Americana with J.T. Collier at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, June 23, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter Austin Brockner EP Release Show at Heartwood Soundstage
Friday, June 23, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Country with Houston Keen at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Friday, June 23, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Take on Me ‘80s New Wave Dance Party at High Dive
Friday, June 23, 8 p.m.
Renegade Sound Drum and Bass at Signal
Friday, June 23, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Rock with Whiskey Jones at One Love Café
Saturday, June 24, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Covers with Cassie and Chris at Lightnin’ Salvage
Saturday, June 24, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Jazz with Edward White and Rafael Abdalla at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, June 24, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Soul and Funk with The Savants of Soul at Loosey’s Downtown
Saturday, June 24, 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Tribute to the Ramones with Morones at High Dive
Saturday, June 24, 8 p.m.
Metal with Apex at High Dive
Sunday, June 25, 6 p.m.
Comedian Nick Hoff at High Dive
Wednesday, June 28, 8 p.m.
Jazz with The Oak Trio at Covey Kitchen and Cocktails
Wednesday, June 28, 6 p.m. – 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.
Jerry Lewis Inspired Jam Band No String Chickens at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Friday, June 23, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Country with Houston Keen at Daft Cow Brewery
Friday, June 23, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Food Truck Rally Celebrating the Summer Soltice at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Saturday, June 24, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Hits from The Imbeciles at Girls Just Want to Have Fun at Blackadder Brewing Company
Saturday, June 24, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Cookie Decorating Class with Amazing Grace Confections at Blackadder Brewing Company
Sunday, June 25, 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.
Alachua County Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12 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 22, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, June 22, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
New Brunch Menu from Executive Chef Andy Niedenthal at Covey Kitchen and Cocktails
Saturday, June 24 – Sunday, June 25, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Photo by Marston Photography
(Registration Full) The Community That Eats Together, Stays Together: Strengthening Community through Florida Heritage Foods
Saturday, June 24, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Sip, Savor, and Decipher: Unlocking the Secrets of Wine Labels with Melody Wilson at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, June 24, 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
(sold out) Chappellet Wine Multi-course Wine Pairing Dinner at the 14th Anniversary of Embers Wood Grill
Wednesday, June 28, 6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Pizza Discounts During GCM Pizza Week
Now through Sunday, June 25
Sports
Funtastic Fridays Archery at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, June 22, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Backwards K Softball Showcase at Champions Park
Friday, June 23 – Sunday, June 25
FABC Southeast Regional Schools Basketball Team Camp at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center
Friday, June 23 – Sunday, June 25
Gainesville Junior Golf Tour at Ironwood Golf Course
Monday, June 26, 8 a.m.
Play Pickleball During Open Play Sessions at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center
Monday, June 26 – Thursday, June 29, 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Take a swing at the fastest growing sport! Pickleball is a combination of table-tennis, badminton and real tennis that is fun and easy to play for beginners and becomes very competitive at its highest levels. The Alachua County Sports and Event Center and Raddsports host drop-in open play sessions during the week where you can walk up and play on the brand-new indoor courts. Bring your own equipment or borrow a loaner paddle.
Stay up to date with Raddsports Pickleball on Facebook and Instagram
Parks & Trails
Accessible Tram Tours at Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Ongoing, Check for Availability
Friday, June 23, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Monday, June 26, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Opening Celebration of the H. Spurgeon Cherry Pool Aquatics Center
Friday, June 23, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Free Timed 5K at Depot Park parkrun
Saturday, June 24, 7:30 a.m.
Beginner’s Photography Class at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Saturday, June 24, 10 a.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 22, 5 p.m. – 9 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
Birds and Brews Guided Bird Walk, July 2
WUFT’s Fanfares and Fireworks, July 3
“The Largest Small Town Fireworks Display in America”, July 4
Independence Day Parade and Fireworks in Micanopy, July 4
Red White and Boom! in Archer, 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.
