What’s Good® Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, June 6-12, 2024
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.
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
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.
(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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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 Brewing Company
Saturday, June 8, 2 p.m. – 10 p.m.
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.
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.
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.
Local Art and Live Music at Locals Expo at Hotel Indigo
Friday, June 7, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
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 at Lubee Bat Conservancy
Saturday, June 8, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
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.
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.
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 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
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 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
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 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
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
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.
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.
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
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/
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