What’s Good® Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, June 27 – July 3, 2024
Creativity soars in art galleries and on local stages with What’s Good®. Find inspiration at vibrant exhibits on a self-guided Artwalk Gainesville tour. Enjoy live music at the Free Fridays Concert Series in downtown Gainesville, Playlist at the Pointe at Celebration Pointe, and Blues on the Patio at the A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center.
This week’s edition also includes a special preview of next week’s Independence Day celebrations. The full edition of the What’s Good® Guide of Weekly Events will publish next week on Wednesday, July 3.
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.
Mingle with Artists and Browse Exhibits at Nine Unique Artwalk Gainesville Receptions
Friday, June 28, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Multiple Venues
The self-guided Artwalk Gainesville tour of the local art scene features Bingo Deli and Pub with illustrated house studies by Montana Grace. The Black C Art Gallery presents Show n Tell and the premiere of the short film A Single Drop of Water. Sweetwater Print Cooperative opens the exhibit Local Color with relief prints by Leslie Peebles. Learn more about Artwalk Gainesville online.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
View New Works at the Gainesville Fine Arts Association’s “Summer Showcase” Gallery Reception
Friday, June 28, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | GFAA Gallery
1314 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Every summer, the Gainesville Fine Arts Association celebrates imagination and creativity at their Summer Showcase. Local artists select artwork to display that falls outside the bounds of curated annual exhibitions. View the gift shop for artwork and crafts for sale and enjoy light refreshments. Admission is free.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Snap Up One-of-a-Kind Local Art with an Artwalk Preview of the Annual Artisans’ Guild Gallery Red Dot Sale
Friday, June 28, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Artisans’ Guild Gallery
224 NW 2nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
The Annual Red Dot Sale features fine arts and crafts at reduced prices during the month of July. Get a sneak peek during Artwalk Gainesville and get a head start on shopping. Enjoy puzzles on the porch, refreshments and live music.
Discover the Local History of Elections at the New Exhibit “Voices and Votes: Democracy in Alachua County”
Open Wednesday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Matheson History Museum
513 E University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
This original exhibit explores elections and civil rights in Alachua County. Researched and curated by Liam Shanley and Willett Hancock, the exhibition, created in partnership with the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections and the League of Women Voters of Alachua County, will be on display from June 27 through early 2025.
On Saturday, July 20 this exhibit is joined by the Smithsonian traveling exhibit, Voices and Votes: Democracy in America. The Matheson History Museum and surrounding community was selected by the Florida Humanities Council to host “Voices and Votes” as part of the Smithsonian Museum on Main Street program.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Bask in Summer Vibes at the Free Fridays Concert Series with Mei, Now Leaving Space, and The Mermers
Friday, June 28, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza
Downtown Gainesville
Singer-songwriters and rock bands take to the outdoor Bo Diddley Plaza stage. 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.
Kick Back with Guitar-Driven Rock with Whiskey Jones at Playlist at the Pointe
Friday, June 28, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4949 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Whiskey Jones makes regular appearances on local stages and features Danny Bowers and J.C. Moretta on guitar, Chris Coleman on bass, Wesley Emmanuel on drums and lead vocals from Charlie Delatorre. Pull up a chair or spread a blanket and enjoy live music as the sun sets. Grab food, drinks and sweet treats from nearby restaurants. Admission is free.
Jump on the Fun as USA BMX Racers Compete at the Gold Cup Southeast Regional Qualifier
Friday, June 28 – Sunday, June 30 | High Springs BMX
NW 2nd St., High Springs, FL 32643
USA BMX athletes take over the track in High Springs to compete in this Gold Cup Championship Series qualifier event. Bring the family and enjoy a day at the track. Each race begins with the youngest riders crossing the finish line on balance bikes. Grab a bite from the trackside menu or make a pit stop in downtown High Springs. Parking and admission for spectators is free.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Swing into Sunday with the North Central Florida Blues Society’s Dr. Jules Cool Blues Trio
Sunday, June 30, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center
1013 NW 7th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Enjoy blues in an outdoor setting on the porch of the A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center. The Dr. Jules Cool Blues Trio performs blues and swing classics in addition to original material, combining humor to entertain and inspire. Admission is free.
Laugh Out Loud at the Hipp’s Hit Summer Musical Comedy, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Now through 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
Answer the Call for the Final Three Stage Performances of “Dead Man’s Cellphone”
Now through Sunday, June 30 | High Springs Playhouse
23416 W U.S. Hwy. 27, High Springs, FL 32643
Amidst a technologically driven society, the main character embarks on a journey that challenges commonly held notions about moral values, redemption and the nature of isolation in a world dominated by technology. This thought-provoking live theatre production will have you contemplating about an incessantly ringing cell phone in a quiet diner, a stranger at the next table who has had enough, and a dead man with a lot of loose ends.
Dead Man’s Cell Phone is written by Sarah Ruhl, directed by Sarah Hanson.
Photo: JJ Hogg as Jean and Corbin Hanson ad Dwight courtesy High Springs Playhouse
Raise a Glass to the Daft Cow Brewery at their Second Anniversary Party
Saturday, June 29, 1 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Daft Cow Brewery
13800 Tech City Cir., Alachua, FL 32615
Daft Cow Brewery celebrates its second year making craft beer. Enjoy live music from Trevor Ellis and Sylniter, Rollin’ Sliders and Cheffrey’s food trucks, new beer releases and more. Limited VIP tickets include an anniversary pint glass, an exclusive beer release and charcuterie grazing table.
Experience the Vibrant Spirit of Pride All Month Long in Gainesville and Alachua County this June
Alachua County is proud to be a welcoming destination for all, celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride both in June and October each year. Celebrate diversity, equality and love with the following events and activities. Check back to see What’s Good each week as we update this section with new listings.
Photo Maven Photo + Film, Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Drag Bingo at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Thursday, June 27, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Pride Party at The Lynx Books
Friday, June 28, 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Pride Street Party at The Bull
Saturday, June 29, 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Prepare Your Independence Day Plans with Festivals and Fireworks Displays
Gainesville: WUFT’s Fanfares and Firework at UF Flavet Field
Wednesday, July 3, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
University of Florida and the City of Gainesville celebrate the Fourth on the third with live music, food trucks, PBS kids zone and a fireworks display.
Alachua: Annual Fourth of July Celebration at Legacy Park
Thursday, July 4, 4 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
The annual celebration dubbed the “Largest Small-Town Fireworks Display in America” 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! at the City of Archer
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, car show and a fireworks display.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
View additional events and celebrations online
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EVENTS & FESTIVALS
Hawthorne Homecoming at Shell Elementary School
Thursday, June 27 – Saturday, June 29
(sold out) Single Day Knife Blacksmithing Workshop at Crooked Path Forge
Wednesday, July 3, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Crooked Path Forge offers a variety of blacksmithing classes with a focus on knives, hatchets and hammers. Learn more and view the upcoming workshop schedule.
Music & Performance
Classic Rock with Chasing Rabbits at One Love Café
Thursday, June 27, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Alt Americana with Uncle Mosie at Lightnin’ Salvage
Thursday, June 27, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
R&B with Bennie and the Band at One Love Café
Friday, June 28, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Ordinary Boys Tribute to the Music of The Smiths and Morrissey at The Wooly
Friday, June 28, 8 p.m. – 11:55 p.m.
Hawthorne Homecoming Kickoff Party at Vivid Music Hall
Friday, June 28, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Alt Rock with The Remedy at One Love Café
Saturday, June 29, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Covers with Cassie and Chris at Lightnin’ Salvage
Saturday, June 29, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Pop Punk Emo Night Gainesville at Capones Nightclub
Saturday, June 29, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Australian Singer-Songwriter Leah Senior at Loosey’s Downtown
Sunday, June 30, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
The Hogtown Rounders Writers Round at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, July 2, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Jazz with Marty Liquori Jazztet at One Love Café
Wednesday, July 3, 6 p.m. – 9 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.
Craft Breweries
Visit a local craft brewery and grab some refreshment this summer. After a day exploring the outdoors or the great indoors, sample what’s on tap or grab craft brews to go at an award-winning brewery. For ages under 21, look for refreshing house-made sodas and seltzers.
Pints and Postures Yoga at High Springs Brewing Company
Thursday, June 27, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Drag Bingo at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Thursday, June 27, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Book Swap at Swamp Head Brewery
Thursday, June 27, 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Blues with Mr. Aullie at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Friday, June 28, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Moondog at Daft Cow Brewery
Friday, June 28, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Midnight Blues Band at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, June 28, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Book Swap at Swamp Head Brewery
Thursday, June 27, 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Blues with Mr. Aullie at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Friday, June 28, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Moondog at Daft Cow Brewery
Friday, June 28, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Midnight Blues Band at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, June 28, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Monday Movie Night Double Feature at High Springs Brewing Company
Monday, July 1, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
U-Picks and Farmers Markets
Book Online for Blueberry Picking at Deep Spring Farm
Tuesdays – Saturdays through July 13, 8 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
U-Pick Blueberries at Bluefield Estate Winery
Thursday, June 27 – Friday, June 28, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, June 29 – Sunday, June 30, 12 p.m. – 6 p.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
Now Open: Sun Sushi and Izakaya
Nigiri and sushi rolls with an all-you-can-eat dining experience.
2001 NW 13th St., Gainesville, FL 32609
Wine Tasting for Ages 21+ at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, June 27, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting for Ages 21+ at the Traveler Wine Bar
Thursday, June 27, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting for Ages 21+ at Superette
Thursday, June 27, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
English Tea Party at Haile Village Bistro
Saturday, June 29, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Italian Fine Wine from Dialect Imports at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, June 29, 4:30 p.m.
The Art of French Brunch Master Class at the Fat Tuscan
Saturday, June 29, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sports & Fans
Funtastic Fridays Archery at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, June 28, 5:30 p.m.
FABC Boys Basketball Showcase at Alachua County Sports and Events Center
Friday, June 28 – Sunday, June 30
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Scorpion Racing E.T. Bracket Series Drag Racing at Gainesville Raceway
Saturday, June 29 – Sunday, June 30
Parks & Trails
Free Timed 5K with parkrun at Depot Park
Saturday, June 29, 7:30 a.m.
River & Springs
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.
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.
SOFT – Tradition to Rebellion in Fiber Arts at The Historic Thomas Center
Now through Friday, August 23
New at the Harn Museum of Art: Kaleidoscope of Colors in Asian Art
Now through April 26, 2026
Explore Florida’s Most Valuable Resource with the Free “Water Shapes Florida” Exhibit at the Florida Museum of Natural History
Open Daily, Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Photo courtesy Florida Museum/Jeff Gage
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
For a complete list of events please visit www.visitgainesville.com/events/
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