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What’s Good® Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, June 6-12, 2024

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Plan to explore over 100 miles of trails for National Great Outdoors Month and find fun things to do with What’s Good®. Plus, there’s more to celebrate with Journey to Juneteenth events and Pride Month festivities.

Event update: Brew at the Zoo is postponed to Saturday, August 24. Tickets purchased for June 8 will be refunded. Passes previously picked up from Visit Gainesville, Alachua County will still be honored August 24.

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.


group of spelling bee spellers

Make Time for “F-U-N” at the Hippodrome’s Summer Musical Comedy, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”
Now through July 21 | The Hippodrome Theatre
25 SE 2nd Pl., Gainesville, FL 32601

Eight spellers enter; one speller leaves when an eclectic group of young people compete in the spelling championship of a lifetime. While disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, they spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing “ding,” signaling a spelling mistake. Arrive early and grab dinner in downtown Gainesville or enjoy a drink from the Hippodrome bar. 
Photo by Michael A. Eaddy
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County


dead mans cell phone

Find Out Who Keeps Calling at the Opening Weekend of “Dead Man’s Cellphone”
Friday, June 7 – 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.


cabaret

(sold out) Follow the Emcee into the Acrosstown Repertory Theatre for the Opening Weekend of “Cabaret”
Friday, June 7 – Sunday, June 23 | Acrosstown Repertory Theatre
3501 SW 2nd Ave. STE O, Gainesville, FL 32607


Experience the seduction and danger of the Kit Kat Club hosted by the insidiously charming Emcee. Acrosstown Repertory Theatre begins its sold-out run of Tony Award-winning Cabaret.


free fridays concert series with mindwalk

Kickoff the Weekend on the Right Note with Jazz from Mindwalk at the Free Fridays Concert Series
Friday, June 7, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza

Downtown Gainesville

Mindwalk is a jazz quintet led by guitarist Richy Stano. 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.


harmony garden grand opening

Create Percussive Music at the Cade Museum’s Harmony Garden Grand Opening
Saturday, June 8, 10:30 a.m. | The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention

811 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601

The new outdoor musical playground features interactive instruments and celebrates Gainesville’s connection to nature and music. Create musical notes with the Imbarimba — combining elements of two classic African instruments: the marimba (a resonated xylophone) and the kalimba (a thumb piano), a collection of butterfly bells that ring in intervals of C Major, The Duet: a marimba and metallophone in one, color-coded chimes with a songbook, and The Swirl: a pentatonic instrument that delivers resonating sounds.


bmx track at sunset

Try Out the Action-Packed Sport of BMX at the High Springs BMX Open House
Saturday, June 8, 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | High Springs BMX

19449 NW 238th St., High Springs, FL 32643

Riders new to the sport can try out the High Springs BMX track. The technical track features a winding serpentine design with banked corners and a combination of jumps. Membership is not required; the open house is meant for new riders only. Admission is free.


jazz on the green

Groove to the Beat with Gruv Therapy at Jazz on the Green
Saturday, June 8, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Celebration Pointe

4949 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608

Gruv Therapy blends jazz, R&B and instrumental funk. Enjoy live music 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.


eg kight with guitar

North Central Florida Blues Society Presents Blues Triple-Threat EG Kight
Sunday, June 9, 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage

619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601

The indoor listening room at Heartwood Soundstage hosts an evening of blues, opening with award-winning singer-songwriters Bear & Robert, headlining EG Kight. EG Kight presents a unique blend of southern blues. She has worked with musicians including George Jones, Merle Haggard, Taj Mahal, B.B. King and more.


journey to juneteenth

Journey to Juneteenth, A Season of Freedom: From Emancipation to National Celebration
Now through Thursday, June 20 | Multiple Venues


Join the City of Gainesville’s month-long “Journey to Juneteenth” celebration, from Florida Emancipation Day, May 20, through the Juneteenth holiday, June 19.

Juneteenth Film Festival at A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center
Saturday, June 8, 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Greatest Graduation Party “For the Culture” at Martin Luther King Jr. Multipurpose Center
Saturday, June 8, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Journey to Juneteenth Freedom Walk 5K Starting at Depot Park
Saturday, June 15, 7 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Freedom Fest 2024 at Bo Diddley Plaza
Saturday, June 15, 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Journey to Juneteenth: The Jubilee at Bo Diddley Plaza
Wednesday, June 19, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Find the complete Journey to Juneteenth schedule of events.


rainbow sidewalk

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. 

pride party at first magnitude

Pride Party at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Saturday, June 8, 2 p.m. – 10 p.m.

hipp pride week

The Hippodrome Theatre hosts Hipp Pride 24 with the Following Events:
Scene Queens: Anniversary
Monday, June 10

Hipp Unplugged: Dike by Hannah Benitez
Tuesday, June 11

Hipp Unplugged: Saint Bridgit by Hannah Benitez (World Premiere)
Wednesday, June 12

Basement Sessions: Pride Edition
Thursday, June 13

Hipp Cinema Pride Movies
Friday, June 14 – Sunday, June 16

Story Time with a Mermaid
Saturday, June 15

ArtSpace: Pride Month Visual Journaling at Alachua County Library District Waldo Branch
Saturday, June 8, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

My Big Fat Gay BBQ with the Pride Community Center of North Central Florida
Sunday, June 9, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Pride Party Backyard Barbecue and Drag Show at The Backyard at Boca Fiesta and Palomino
Sunday, June 9, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.

museum nights art and pride 2.0

Art After Dark Museum Nights: Art + Pride 2.0 at the Harn Museum of Art
Thursday, June 13, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Pride at the Drive at Ironwood Golf Course
Saturday, June 15, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Drag Bingo at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Thursday, June 27, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.


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Arts & Theatre

Cameron Dancenter Presents its 41st Annual Production at UF Phillips Center
Friday, June 7, 6:30 p.m., Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

IndepenDANCE Presents “Gameday” at the University Auditorium
Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

dancers sitting in audience chairs

Santa Fe College Dance Theatre of Santa Fe Presents “Room to Dance” at Santa Fe College Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall
Friday, June 7 – Saturday, June 8, 7:30 p.m.

locals expo at hotel indigo

Local Art and Live Music at Locals Expo at Hotel Indigo
Friday, June 7, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

treasure island

Set Sail with Gainesville Community Playhouse at “Treasure Island”
Now through Sunday, June 9
Picture a world where pirates rule. Adapted by Ken Ludwig, this epic tale is a swashbuckling adventure that is out of this world, featuring treasure, romance, treachery and mayhem.


Events & Festivals

baturdays of summer

Baturdays of Summer at Lubee Bat Conservancy
Saturday, June 8, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

uf piano festival

2024 International Piano Festival at UF School of Music
Saturday, June 8 – Saturday, June 15

Gainesville Cars and Coffee at Ford’s Garage
Sunday, June 9, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Learn to Stitch Series: Crochet at Alachua County Library District Alachua Branch
Sunday, June 9, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Writers’ Alliance of Gainesville Presents Rebecca Heflin: What’s in a Name? The Perks & Pitfalls of Pen Names at Alachua County Library District Millhopper Branch
Sunday, June 9, 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.


Music & Performance

Jazz with Eric Diamond at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, June 6, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

band linejp with eleven 10

Hip Hop Collective Eleven 10 at Loosey’s Downtown
Thursday, June 6, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Motown, Jazz and Soul with The Browns at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, June 7, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Classic Rock with Couch Messiahs at One Love Café
Friday, June 7, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

elio piedra concert night at tioga

Dance Music and Latin Percussion with Elio Piedra at Tioga Town Center
Friday, June 7, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Rock with A. Sunroom at Loosey’s Downtown
Friday, June 7, 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

This is Not an Emo Nite at The Atlantic
Friday, June 7, 9 p.m.

Ritual: Vampire Ball One Year Anniversary with DJs Drew love, Mr. Obsidian, Wild Creatirx and Das Toy at The Wooly
Friday, June 7, 10 p.m.

Bluegrass and Americana with Dalton and Campbell at Lightnin’ Salvage
Saturday, June 8, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Motown and Jazz with Raftus Brown at One Love Café
Saturday, June 8, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Comedy with Trae Crowder at The Wooly
Saturday, June 8, 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Classic Rock with Killer B’s at One Love Café
Sunday, June 9, 11 a.m.

A Kids Swiftie Cruel Summer Dance Party for Ages 4-14 at The Wooly
Sunday, June 9, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

reggae sunday at looseys cropped

Reggae Sunday Summer Street Party Series with Easy Crew 352 at Loosey’s Downtown
Sunday, June 9, 6 p.m.

Bluegrass and Americana with Mean Mary at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, June 11, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.


Craft Breweries

Image of the Sippin' Seven Ale Trail logo depicting a blue bison witj seven blue birds siting on the Bison's back. Photo also shows a pint glass with the same logo. Text on image says: Award-winning breweries. Gainesville. Alachua. High Springs. Visit Gainesville.com

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.  

greetings from florida tour

Greetings from Florida Tour with Hannah Stokes, Thomas Allain, John Dorney and Cat Ridgeway at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Friday, June 7, 6:30 p.m.

Classic Rock with Crooked Counsel at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, June 7, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Brewery Yoga with Kardiya Yoga at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Sunday, June 9, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Open Mic Night at Swamp Head Brewery
Wednesday, May 12, 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.


U-Picks and Farmers Markets

blueberries at deep spring farm

Book Online for Blueberry Picking at Deep Spring Farm
Tuesdays – Saturdays through June 29, 8 a.m. – 10:30 a.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.

Farmers Market at Celebration Pointe
Thursdays, 4 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

Wine Tasting at Superette
Thursday, June 6, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. 

Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, June 6, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Wine Tasting at the Traveler Wine Bar
Thursday, June 6, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

June Wine Class Series: Discover the Wines of Italy
Saturday, June 8, 4:30 p.m.

Flight to Europe Wine and Macaron Pairing at Le Macaron
Saturday, June 8, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

jazz brunch

Jazz Brunch at Covey Kitchen and Cocktails
Sunday, June 8, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

National Falafel Day at Taziki’s
Wednesday, June 12, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.


Sports & Fans

Premier Girls Fastpitch Show Me the Money Softball Tournament at Champions Park
Thursday, June 6 – Sunday, June 9

Mega Test and Tune Drag Racing at Gainesville Raceway
Saturday, June 8, 8 a.m.

Sunshine State Games Archery at Gator Bowmen Range
Saturday, June 8 – Sunday, June 9

Summer Racing Series at High Springs BMX
Saturday, June 8, 6:30 p.m.

Intro to Pickleball for Ages 18+ at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center
Wednesday, June 12, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.


Parks & Trails

Free Timed 5K with parkrun at Depot Park
Saturday, June 8, 7:30 a.m.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Hosts the License-Free Freshwater Fishing Weekend
Saturday, June 8 – Sunday, June 9


River & Springs

paddling on the santa fe river

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. 

poe springs

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

classic photo of guitarists playing music

Final Day to Tour Return to Forever: Gainesville’s Great Southern Music Hall at Matheson History Museum
Saturday, June 8, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Art After Dark at the Harn Museum of Art
Thursday, June 6, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

gfaa exhibit opening for invitations to presence

Opening Reception: Invitations to Presence by Melody Lozano at GFAA
Friday, June 7, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Friday Film Nights: Shocking Women in 1930s Cinema at GFAA
Friday, June 7, 7 p.m.

amont the wildflowers

Tom Petty: Among the Wildflowers at the Cade Museum Creativity and Invention
Saturday, June 8 – Sunday, October 20

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

person holding insect in container

Science Up Close: Incredible Insects at Florida Museum of Natural History
Now through September 2
Photo courtesy Florida Museum/Jeff Gage


Save The Date

Free Entry for Dads at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, June 16

The Wailers at Heartwood Soundstage, June 16

Journey to Juneteenth: The Jubilee, June 19


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.

The images and materials included in the Alachua County What’s Good guide of weekly events may be copyrighted works and property of the content provider, and thus subject to legal protections. Display by the County of such does not authorize another to copy, reproduce, distribute, publish, display, modify, or in any way exploit any such works.

The County publishes this information about events, venues and activities in Alachua County, Florida based upon what is provided for the benefit of the general public. Reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the information is accurate, but the County is not responsible for errors or omissions in the information provided. For complete details, contact the host directly. The information is not advice or an endorsement by the County of the views or products of the host 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.




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