What’s Good Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, June 8-14, 2023
Celebrate What’s Good with a marvelous medley of summer events and with the exciting Grand Opening of the Alachua County Sports and Event Center at Celebration Pointe. Experience firsthand Alachua County’s newest sporting facility. Bring the kids and your partners in fun to enjoy special appearances, sports demos, music, food trucks, bounce houses and more. Savor craft beer with some of your ‘wildest’ friends at Brew at the Zoo. Grow deeper connections with local food at Swallowtail Farm’s Food is Medicine Conference.
The Hippodrome Theatre serves up hilarious songs and paired with dastardly hijinks with the Tony Award-winning musical “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.” Discover opportunities to celebrate diversity throughout June with Visit Gainesville, Alachua County’s curated list of local Pride Month and Journey to Juneteenth events – including Museum Nights: Pride + Art, the Pride Party at First Magnitude Brewing Company and the Juneteenth Film Festival at A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center.
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.
Have a Ball at the Grand Opening Celebration of the Alachua County Sports and Events Center at Celebration Pointe. Enjoy Fun Activities, Sports Demos, Food Trucks, Tours and More!
Saturday, June 10, 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Alachua County Sports and Events Center
4870 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Alachua County invites the community to the Grand Opening Celebration for the Alachua County Sports and Events Center at Celebration Pointe. The grand opening features appearances from Gators Cheerleaders and Albert and Alberta, music and food trucks. Sports demonstrations include basketball, pickleball, volleyball and batting cages with face painting and bounce houses for kids. Stop by the Visit Gainesville, Alachua County table for swag and giveaways. Admission is free.
The 144,000 square-foot multipurpose facility features 13 basketball courts, 18 volleyball courts, 21 pickleball courts, competition event flooring and a state-of-the-art banked indoor track.
The completion of this project is a testament to the vision of current and past County Commissions. The Grand Opening was the culmination of the hard work of county staff and our partners at Celebration Pointe/Viking, Inc.
Tap into Craft Beer Fun at a Party in Honor of Your “Wildest” Friends with Brew at the Zoo
Saturday, June 10, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
3000 NW 83rd St., Gainesville, FL 32606
Sample craft beer, cider and sangria from local breweries and explore an after-hours experience at the zoo. Food vendors include include Mayflower Food Truck, Kona Ice and Gator Domino’s. Enjoy live music from the Savants of Soul, The Pet Detectives and Purple Kloud.
Gainesville is home to the only teaching zoo on a college campus accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in the nation, training future zookeepers in the highest standards of animal care.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Brew at the Zoo is a Mobile Merch Pop-Up and Merch Madness event for Sippin’ Seven Alachua County Ale Trail digital passholders. Visit our booth to redeem merch rewards for less points during Merch Madness.
Grow Deeper Connections with Local Food at the Swallowtail Farm Food is Medicine Conference
Saturday, June 10 – Sunday, June 11 | Swallowtail Farm
7301 SE 92 Terr., Gainesville, FL 32641
The inaugural Food is Medicine Conference features discussion panels, interactive workshops, a mini-festival and self-guided farm tours. Workshop topics include organic soil building, herbal preparations, natural beekeeping, seed saving and more. View the conference schedule online.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Explore an Art Museum Bursting with Pride at Museum Nights: Pride + Art
Thursday, June 8, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Harn Museum of Art
3259 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32608
The Harn Museum of Art celebrates Pride Month with an after-hours pARTy. Enjoy a dance floor and music from DJ Elio Piedra, docent tours, community resources and food. Admission is free.
Summer Thrills Begin with the Hippodrome’s Tony Award-Winning Musical A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder Staring Kelly Atkins
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
Special Dates:
Stay and Mingle
Thursday, June 8, after the 7 p.m. show.
Talkback with Actors
Sunday, June 11, after the 2 p.m. show
Dance to Guitar-Driven Grooves with Richy Stano and Mindwalk at Jazz on the Green
Saturday, June 10, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4949 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Mindwalk is a five-piece contemporary jazz band led by guitarist Richy Stano. Spread a blanket or pull up a chair and enjoy jazz under the setting sun. Enjoy food, drinks and sweet treats from nearby restaurants.
Experience Piano Masterclasses and Recitals at the 2023 UF International Piano Festival
Saturday, June 10 – Saturday, June 17 | UF School of Music
435 Newell Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611
The annual UF International Piano Festival assembles promising young pianists for lessons and masterclasses with distinguished instructors from North America and around the world. Classes, recitals and the final ceremony concert are open to the public and admission is free. View the event schedule here.
Browse the Largest Display of Hot Tubs and Swim Spas in the Region at the Florida Hot Tub Expo
Friday, June 9 – Sunday, June 11 | Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center
23100 W Newberry Rd., Newberry, FL 32669
The 3-day sale features displays of hot tub and swim spas from major brands. Find the right fit for your backyard with features to benefit you and your family. Admission and parking are free. Learn more and find exclusive coupons online.
See Aerial Performers at the Free 2nd Saturday Street Circus
Saturday, June 11, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. | GNV Streatery
10 SW 1st Ave., Gainesville
Performers from the Gainesville Circus Center grace the streets in downtown Gainesville with artistry, movement and athleticism. GNV Streatery is a portion of downtown Gainesville closed off to vehicle traffic where diners can enjoy meals outside and enjoy live entertainment.
Celebrate the LGBTQ+ Community at Pride Party at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Saturday, June 10, 4 p.m. – 11 p.m. | First Magnitude Brewing Company
1220 SE Veitch St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Join the party in the beer garden that kicks off with music from DJ Mellow Blendz followed by the The Fierce and Fabulous Drag Show starting at 7 p.m. for ages 18+. Food trucks onsite include Frenchmen Street Food, Germain’s Chicken Sandwiches and Soul Spice.
Celebrate Pride Month with Local Events
June is Pride month, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising.
Pride Celebration at 108 Vine
Saturday, June 10, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Pride Yoga at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Sunday, June 11, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Scene Queens Drag and Burlesque Opening Night at The Hippodrome Theatre Basement
Monday, June 12, 7:45 p.m.
Queer Makers Market at 4th Ave Food Park
Saturday, June 17, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Pride Street Party 2023 at GNV Streatery (18 SW 1st Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601)
Friday, June 23, 5 p.m. – 12 a.m.
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.
Trek Gainesville Pride Ride at Depot Park
Sunday, June 25, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Pride Swag Night at Studio TM Ceramics
Friday, June 30, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Journey to Juneteenth
Juneteenth Film Festival at A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center
Saturday, June 10, 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Smooth Flava Line Dance Party at Bo Diddley Plaza
Sunday, June 11, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Find more Journey to Juneteenth 2023 events leading up to Freedom Fest 2023 at Bo Diddley Plaza on June 17 and Reaching Back to Move Forward featuring the Sankofa statue unveiling in downtown Gainesville on June 19.
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Pop-Up Markets
Cactus Cutting Sale with Afternoon Roasting and DJ Cast Iron Burgers at Serpentine Plants and Provisions
Sunday, June 11, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.
Arts & Theatre
(sold out) Solve the Laugh Out Loud Murder-Mystery at the Stage Production of Clue at Gainesville Community Playhouse
Now through Sunday, June 11
Clue is a farce-meets-murder mystery based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie and classic Hasbro board game. Six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party where murder and extortion are on the menu. When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects. Led by the butler Wadsworth, Miss Scarlett, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock and Colonel Mustard race to find the killer as the body count stacks up.
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
Giveaways and Family-Friendly Activities at Subaru Road Trip at REI Co-op
Friday, June 9 – Sunday, June 11, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Beekeeping – Honey Extraction & Hive Management
Saturday, June 10, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Hatchet Blacksmithing One-Day Workshop at Crooked Path Forge
Saturday, June 10, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Ceramic Comic Strips Workshop at Good News Arts
Saturday, June 10, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Gainesville Cars and Coffee at Butler Town Center
Sunday, June 11, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Bicycle Basics Class at REI Co-op
Tuesday, June 13, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Music & Performance
K-Pop Bop Night at High Dive
Thursday, June 8, 8 p.m.
Classic Rock with Wild Blue Yonder at One Love Café
Friday, June 9, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
High-Energy Bluegrass with Boilin’ Oil at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, June 9, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Alt-Country and Americana with Whiskey and Co. and The Ones To Blame at the Downtown Gainesville Free Fridays Concert Series
Friday, June 9, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Punk with The Bitters at High Dive
Friday, June 9, 8 p.m.
Sad Girl Summer: Your Favorite Taylor & Sad Girl Songs at The Wooly
Friday, June 9, 8 p.m.
Jazz with Decyo and The Newcombs at One Love Café
Saturday, June 10, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Quincy Allen Flint and the New Folk Revival at Lightnin’ Salvage
Saturday, June 10, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Jazz with Edward White and Rafael Abdalla at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, June 10, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Renaissance Chamber Music with Pas-Tyme at Theatre of Memory Museum
Saturday, June 10, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
The Grass is Dead Tribute to the Grateful Dead at High Dive
Saturday, June 10, 8 p.m.
Classic Hits and World Music with Gosia and Ali at One Love Café
Sunday, June 11, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Almost Father’s Day Concert with The Barbergators Chorus to benefit Stop Children’s Cancer at First United Methodist Church of Gainesville
Sunday, June 11, 3 p.m.
Pre-War Blues with John Ford at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, June 13, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Rock and Roll with Triathalon at High Dive
Tuesday, June 13, 7 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.
Blues with Moondog at Daft Cow Brewery
Friday, June 9, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Yappy Hour at Beaker and Flask Wine Co. and Daft Cow Brewery
Sunday, June 11, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Reggae Sunday with The Easy Crew at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Sunday, June 11, 4 p.m. – 8 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. – 1:30 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 8, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, June 8, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Beaujolais Wine Tasting Weekend at Uppercrust and Petit Uppercrust
Saturday, June 10, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. at Uppercrust
Sunday, June 11, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at Petit Uppercrust
Flight to Europe Macaron and Wine Pairing at Le Macaron
Saturday, June 10, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Wine Class with Stay Gainesville and Beaker and Flask Wine Co. at Laurel Oak Inn
Sunday, June 11, 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
National Bourbon Day with Bourbon Flight and Pairing at Embers Wood Grill and Spark at Embers
Wednesday, June 14
Sports
Premier Girls Fastpitch Show Me The Money Softball Tournament at Champions Park
Thursday, June 8 – Sunday, June 11
Gators Baseball Hosts South Carolina at the 2023 NCAA Baseball Championships Super Regional at Condron Family Ballpark
Friday, June 9, 6 p.m.
Saturday, June 10, 3 p.m.
Sunday, June 11 (if necessary)
Gone Fishing Kid’s Fishing Event at Bass Pro Shops
Saturday, June 10 – Sunday, June 11, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
BMX Summer Nights Races at High Springs BMX
Saturday, June 10, 6:30 p.m.
2023 Sunshine State Games
Artistic Swimming at H. Spurgeon Cherry Westside Pool
Friday, June 9 – Sunday, June 11
Ultimate at Jonesville Soccer Park
Saturday, June 10 – Sunday, June 11
Archery at Gator Bowmen Archery Range
Saturday, June 10 – Sunday, June 11
Fencing at Legacy Park Multipurpose Center
Saturday, June 10 – Sunday, June 11
Funtastic Fridays Archery at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, June 9, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Gator Town Throwdown Drag Racing at Gainesville Raceway
Friday, June 9 – Saturday, June 10
Grassroots Volleyball 4’s at Easton Newberry Sports Complex
Saturday, June 10, 9 a.m.
Parks & Trails
Accessible Tram Tours at Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Ongoing, Check for Availability
Friday, June 9, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Monday, June 12, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Free Timed 5K at Depot Park parkrun
Saturday, June 10, 7:30 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
New at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention: Playing with Sound!
Go on a journey through music, creativity, and fun! Each museum space explores the idea of Playing with Sound. The main exhibit, Music and the Mind: A Medley of Innovation, is located in the rotunda, while the rest of the museum spaces will be transformed into themed areas that tie into the overall exhibition.
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
Journey to Juneteenth Freedom Walk and Festival, June 17
Gala of the Royal Horses, June 18
Dads Rock Free Father’s Day Concert, June 18
Free Admission for Dads at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, June 18
Free Admission for Dads at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, June 18
Summer Solstice Food Truck Rally at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company, June 25
Artwalk Gainesville, June 30
WUFT’s Fanfares and Fireworks, July 3
“The Largest Small Town Fireworks Display in America”, 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.
