What’s Good Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, June 29 – July 12, 2023
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The below information was accurate at the time of publishing. Please contact organizers directly to double-check details.
Experience a Local Music Showcase with MusicGNV and the Free Fridays Concert Series
Friday, July 7, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza
Downtown Gainesville
MusicGNV curates a night of music with Purple Kloud, Jernie and Kenzie’s Place. 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.
Savor Diverse Menus at the Thornebrook Food Truck Festival
Friday, July 7, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Shoppes at Thornebrook
2441 NW 43rd St., Gainesville, FL 32606
Enjoy a variety of tasty food, live music and retail pop-ups at First Fridays at Thornebrook. Limited seating is available, bring your own chair or spread a blanket in the courtyard.
Don’t Miss the Final Performances at the Hippodrome’s Hit Summer Musical A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder – Extended Through July 16!
Now through Sunday, July 16 | 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
Get a Peek Behind the Curtain at Sip and Stroll: Historic Tour of the Hippodrome Theatre
Sunday, July 9, 5 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. | Hippodrome Theatre
25 SE 2nd Pl., Gainesville, FL 32601
Join the Hippodrome for an exclusive behind-the-scenes building tour. Explore areas of the Hippodrome that are typically off-limits to the public and uncover hidden secrets of the theatre. Journey through the Hipp’s Lower Level basement and up to the little-known third floor. Admission includes one complimentary drink from the bar.
Learn How to Grill the Best Steak at Gator Grill Camp
Saturday, July 8, 9 a.m. 6 p.m. | UF Meat Science
2250 Shealy Dr., Gainesville, FL 32608
Join University of Florida meat scientists for a one-day session. Learn about meat selection and grading, seasonings and marinades, and grilling tricks and tips. Gator Grill Camp features discussion on a variety of topics leading up to a final project of using the day’s knowledge to prepare a steak.
Enjoy Toe-Tapping Jazz with CuBop at Jazz on the Green
Saturday, July 8, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4848 SW Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
CuBop is a six-person band performing jazz classics full of energy and expert musicianship. As the sun sets, spread a blanket or pull up a chair and enjoy live music on the promenade. Enjoy food, drinks and sweet treats from nearby restaurants.
Drop Into a Night of Fun Racing at the Sizzling Summer Nights Series at High Springs BMX
Saturday, July 8, 6:30 p.m. | High Springs BMX
NW 2nd St., High Springs, FL 32643
High Springs BMX hosts a night racing at the track. Membership and previous experience is not required. Sweatshirts awarded to participants of 6 summer nights races.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Learn How the Hippodrome Theatre Became a Cultural Icon and the Center of the Artistic Community in Downtown Gainesville with Award-Winning Author Richard Gartee
Saturday, July 8, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Matheson History Museum
513 E University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Richard Gartee discusses his book The Hippodrome Theatre First Fifty Years. Learn the role the theatre’s move to the old Post Office building played in the formation of Gainesville’s historic preservation effort and the revival of its downtown business district. Former Hippodrome general managers Mark Sexton and Jessica Hurov join the discussion to shed light on the positive contribution the Hippodrome’s presence continues to bring to the city and its place as a cultural icon and a centerpiece of Gainesville’s artistic community.
Tips for Writing About Local History with Authors Richard Gartee and Shamrock McShane
Sunday, July 9, 2:30 p.m – 4:00 p.m. | Millhopper Branch Library
3145 NW 43rd St., Gainesville, FL
Local writers and historians, Richard Gartee and Shamrock McShane discuss the ins and outs of writing about local history. Richard Gartee shares the ins and outs of researching and writing about the Hippodrome theatre’s history for his latest book The Hippodrome Theatre First Fifty Years. The discussion focuses on how to research a topic, what resources are used and how to get readers interested about local history.
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Pop-Up Markets and Retail Shopping
Local Vendors and Family Games at The Repurpose Project Summer Market
Saturday, July 8, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Arts & Theatre
Nomfusi: A Conversation About Resilience and Compassion from South Africa Through Music at UF Reitz Union
Monday, July 10, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Women’s Voices of Resilience Through the Arts with South African Artist Nomfusi at The Clarence R. Kelly Community Center
Monday, July 10, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
2023-2024 Season Preview at UF Performing Arts
Tuesday, July 11, 7 p.m.
Events & Festivals
Modern Square Dancing with High Springs Dance Club at High Springs Civic Center
Thursday, July 6, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Ink and Drink Risograph Printing Class at Paradise Press and Print Studio
Friday, July 7, 6 p.m.
Local Art, Music and Craft Beer at Locals Expo at Hotel Indigo
Friday, July 7, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Movie Night with The Little Rascals at Tioga Town Center
Friday, July 7, 8:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Kitten Yoga at Flow Space Yoga and Arts
Saturday, July 8, 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Car Cruz-In with Gainesville Street Rods at Springhill Commons
Saturday, July 8, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Ink and Drink Letterpress Printing Class at Paradise Press and Print Studio
Saturday, July 8, 6 p.m.
Gainesville Cars and Coffee at Whole Foods Market
Sunday, July 9, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Art Soup! Tie Dye, Fabric Painting, Bleaching at The Repurpose Project
Sunday, July 9, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Music & Performance
Singer-Songwriter Pently Holmes at Lightnin’ Salvage
Thursday, July 6, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Taylor Swift Nights with BopsNights at High Dive
Thursday, July 6, 8 p.m.
Roots with Dean Johanesen at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, July 7, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Pop Punk with Articles at Civic Media Center
Friday, July 7, 8 p.m.
Jazz with Brazil Side B at Baby J’s Bar
Friday, July 7, 8 p.m.
Indie Rock with Dear + Glorious Physician, Ceramicats, Bad Dog and Aleutian Low at The Bull
Friday, July 7, 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Dueling Pianos with Robert Meadows and Dustin Taylor at The Keys Grill and Piano Bar
Friday, July 7 – Saturday, July 8, 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Saturday Jazz Sessions Featuring Cathy DeWitt and Edward White at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, July 8, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Classic Rock with Couch Messiahs at Pink Flamingo Diner
Saturday, July 8, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
All Vinyl Jazz, Hip Hop, Funk and Soul with DJ Wax Atom at Baby J’s Bar
Saturday, July 8, 9 p.m.
Rock with Memphis May Fire at High Dive
Sunday, July 9, 6 p.m.
Indie Rock with Harbour at High Dive
Tuesday, July 11, 7 p.m.
Craft Breweries
There’s nothing better than an ice-cold pint on a hot summer day – except for when that pint comes with free cool merch.
Join Billy the Bison and thousands of craft-beer lovers on the Sippin’ Seven Alachua Ale Trail.
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.
Guitarist Richy Stano at Swamp Head Brewery
Friday, July 7, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Singer-songwriter Seth Dukes at Daft Cow Brewery
Friday, July 7, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Classic Rock with Crooked Counsel at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, July 7, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Rock, Blues and Jazz with the Band of Matts at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Friday, July 7, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Cheffrey’s Food Truck Brunch at Daft Cow Brewery
Sunday, July 9, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Reggae Sunday at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Sunday, July 9, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmers Markets
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 Summer Festival Kick-off
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
Reserve Your Seat at Upcoming Cooking Classes at The Fat Tuscan
Wine Tasting at Superette Wine and Provisions
Thursday, July 6, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, July 6, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Cookie Decorating Class at Tipple’s Brews and Wine
Saturday, July 8, 10 a.m.
Family Brunch with Face Painting, Live Music, New Bomb Pop Cocktails at One Love Café
Saturday, July 8, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Family Fun Day at Charlie’s Snow Shack
Saturday, July 8, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Vintage Rivalry: Chenin Blanc vs Chardonnay at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, July 8, 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sports
Funtastic Fridays Archery at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, July 7, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Mega Test and Tune Drag Racing at Gainesville Raceway
Saturday, July 8, 8 a.m.
Spider Cup Outdoor Archery at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Saturday, July 8, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Gainesville Roller Derby: All-Stars vs. Sugar Sands at MLK Center
Saturday, July 8, 6:30 p.m.
Premier Girls Fastpitch Battle on the Diamond Softball Tournament at Champions Park
Friday, July 7 – Sunday, July 9
Play Pickleball During Open Play Sessions at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center
Thursday, July 6 – Friday, July 7, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday, July 9, 2 p.m. – 8 p.m., Monday, July 10, 7 a.m. – 1 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, July 7, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Monday, July 10, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Wednesday, July 12, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Free Timed 5K at Depot Park parkrun
Saturday, July 8, 7:30 a.m.
Summer Crafts for Kids: Paper Quilts at Dudley Farm Historic State Park
Wednesday, July 12, 9:30 a.m. – 12 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, July 6, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Family Discovery Camp: Mammals at Florida Museum of Natural History
Saturday, July 8, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Summer Showcase at GFAA Gallery
Now through July 11
July is GNV Museum Month
Take a break from the heat this summer and learn about history, science, nature, culture and the arts at a local museum.
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.
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
GFAA Artist Studio Tour, July 15-16
UF/IFAS 24th Annual Livestock and Forages Field Day, July 20
Guts and Glory GNV Presents Words That Sting, July 22
6th Annual Gainesville Indoor Pickleball Showcase, August 4-6
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.
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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.
