What’s Good Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, March 14-20, 2024
Your weekend plans are in luck with What’s Good. Join a celebration of diverse cultures and the Persian New Year at the Nowruz and International Festival featuring foods, dancing, fashion, art and more. Stroll through a charming downtown and meet artist and makers at High Springs Artwalk.
Enjoy farm tours and u-pick strawberries at the Frog Song Organics Spring Festival. Meet Seymore the Water Buffalo and Cinnamon the Bison at March Moo-dness at Critter Hills.
Plus, look below for lucky shamrocks indicating St. Patrick’s Day themed events. ☘
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.
Enjoy a Celebration of Cultures and Welcome the Persian New Year at Nowruz and International Festival
Saturday, March 16 – Sunday, March 17, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Shoppes at Thornebrook
2441 NW 43rd St., Gainesville, FL 32606
The Nowruz and International Festival celebrates the Persian New Year and invites guests to experience cultures from around the world with traditional dancing, food with international flair, art, fashion and more. Admission is free.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Take in the Colors and Flavors of the Season at Frog Songs Organics Spring Festival
Saturday, March 16, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Frog Song Organics
4317 NE US Hwy 301, Hawthorne, FL 32640
Enjoy farm tours, u-pick strawberries, live music, food trucks and more at the family-friendly farm festival. Learn about organic farm practices with guided tours and educational workshops. Admission is free, RSVP online.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Explore Art and Culture from the Himalayas and Throughout Asia at Museum Nights: Gateway to Asia
Thursday, March 14, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Harn Museum of Art
3259 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32608
Experience art in unique ways with tours and activities inspired by the new exhibition Gateway to Himalayan Art. Dance to the catchy rhythms of K-pop with DJ Parallelz, DJ Winelights and DJ Squish. Hands-on activities include origami and creating a paper lantern. Admission is free.
Image: (detail) Chakrasamvara with Consort Vajravarahi, Kham region, eastern Tibet; 19th century
Jazz Up Spring with a Song Catalog by Musical Trailblazers at Santa Fe College Sasser Fine Arts Hall
Friday, March 15, 7 p.m. | Santa Fe College Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall
3000 NW 83rd St., Gainesville, FL 32606
The Santa Fe College Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo perform selections originally written and performed by trailblazers of jazz. The 15-piece jazz ensemble and 8-piece jazz combo alternate music from influential composers Duke Ellington and Count Basie.
Stroll Through a Charming Downtown and Meet Local Artists and Makers at High Springs Artwalk
Saturday, March 16 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Downtown High Springs
High Springs Artwalk features 15-20 local artists and makers situated on the sidewalks of downtown. Browse local shops and boutiques offering specials and sales.
Find Your Groove with a Night of Jazz at the Live and Local Concert Series
Friday, March 15, 7 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza
Downtown Gainesville
The Live and Local Concert Series features homegrown musical talent live on the outdoor stage at Bo Diddley Plaza in downtown Gainesville. Friday’s concert features vocal powerhouse Jernie, classic swing, Latin and pop with In Full Swing and original compositions from Jane K Collective. Admission is free.
Meet Seymour the Water Buffalo and Cinnamon the Bison at March Moo-dness
Sunday, March 17, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Critter Hills
26022 NW CR 239, Alachua, FL 32615
With nearly 150 cows, Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary is the largest cow sanctuary in the country. For the first time, their 200-acre Critter Hills facility opens up to the public for a day fun. Meet cows, horses, donkeys and browse plant-based food vendors including Vegan Gator, Top Drawer Seets, Nature’s Juice Cafe and more.
Prepare for Next Month’s Solar Eclipse with an Immersive Planetarium Experience at “Eclipse”
Saturday, March 16, 7 p.m. | Kika Silva Pla Planetarium
3000 NW 83 St., Building X, Gainesville, FL 32606
Leading up to the solar eclipse on April 8, Kika Silva Pla Planetarium presents “Eclipse: The story of our nearest neighbor in space.” Take a journey of discovery under the 34-foot projection dome and learn about the origins, composition and mechanics of the moon. Discover how the ancients were able to predict eclipses with great accuracy, and find out when and where you can view the next eclipse.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Join Adia Whitaker, Director of the Àṣẹ Dance Theatre Collective (Brooklyn, NY) for an Afro-Haitian Dance Masterclass
Wednesday, March 20, 6:30 p.m. | Eastside Community Center
2841 E University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32641
The UF Center for Arts, Migration and Entrepreneurship welcomes Adia Whitaker for a residency in Gainesville. This class is part of a series of events including masterclasses and public discussions based on the dance film project Following the Road to Ose Tura. Admission is free.
Strike a Chord with a 20-time Grammy Award-Winning Artist at the Pat Metheny Dream Box Tour
Wednesday, March 20, 7:30 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
A winner of Grammy® Awards across four consecutive decades, guitarist Pat Metheny is known to bring something unique to every performance. This show is no exception, focusing on the various ways of playing solo he has explored across the decades. The set features personal and fan favorite tracks from his nearly 50-year career, creating an almost orchestral range from bass to soprano from a variety of guitars and custom instruments.
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Pop-Up Markets and Retail Shopping
Pop-Up Flea and Farmers Market at VFW Post 2811
Saturday, March 16, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Browse Vintage Clothing, Makers, Artists and More with The Florida Vintage Market at Midpoint Park and Eatery
Sunday, March 17, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Book Signing with New York Times Bestselling Author Ginny Myers at the Grand Opening of Barnes and Noble
Wednesday, March 20, 9 a.m.
Kitchen Supplies, Food, Cooking Equipment, Clothing and More for Members at the Grand Opening of Restaurant Depot
Wednesday, March 20
Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.
Arts & Theatre
Sit on the Edge of Your Seat the Stage Production of Misery by William Goldman at Acrosstown Repertory Theatre
Now Through Sunday, March 17
Based on the cat and mouse thriller by Stephen King, Misery follows successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon. After being rescued from a car crash, he wakes up captive in the home of Annie Wilkes, his “number one fan.” When she reads his latest book and learns about her favorite character being killed off, she becomes enraged. After being forced to write a new novel, Paul realizes the unhinged Annie has no intention of letting him go.
13th Annual Jewish Film Festival at the Hippodrome Cinema and Oak Hammock
Now through Wednesday, March 27
View a lineup of films presented by UF Bud Shorstein Center for Jewish Studies. Stories range from historic documentaries to a romantic comedy. Screenings take place at Hippodrome Cinema and Oak Hammock.
Sublime Frequencies: Film Screening with Director Hisham Mayet at Heartwood Soundstage
Sunday, March 17, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Events & Festivals
Family Fishing Day at UF/IFAS Fishing Ponds
Saturday, March 16, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
State Legislatures: Ours and Theirs Discussion with Donna Waller with Sunday Assembly at Pride Community Center of North Central Florida
Sunday, March 17, 11 a.m.
Music & Performance
Appalachian Folk with Tina and Her Pony at Lightnin’ Salvage
Thursday, March 14, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Singer-Songrwriter Noah Gundersen at Heartwood
Thursday, March 14, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Indie Pop with SUB-Radio at High Dive
Thursday, March 14, 8 p.m.
Classic Rock with Enlightened Rogues at One Love Café
Friday, March 15, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Branford Hwy at The Great Outdoors
Friday, March 15, 6:30 p.m.
Country with Noah Hunton Music at Kiss 105.3 FM Concert Series at Celebration Pointe
Friday, March 15, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
☘Gainesville Community Band Celtic Concert at St. Patrick Catholic Church
Friday, March 15, 7 p.m.
Jazz with Edward White Quartet at Baby J’s Bar
Friday, March 15, 8 p.m.
Country with Zach Top at Heartwood Soundstage
Friday, March 15, 8 p.m.
Reggae Rock with Ballyhoo! at High Dive
Friday, March 15, 9 p.m.
Jazz with Swing Theory at One Love Café
Saturday, March 16, 6 p.m.
☘ Salsa Mundial Monthly Social with DJ Phat Tony at Salsa Mundial
Saturday, March 16, 8 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Houses of the Holy Tribute to Led Zeppelin at High Dive
Saturday, March 16, 9 p.m.
☘ What’s the Tea St. Patrick’s Day Drag Cabaret at Baby J’s Bar
Saturday, March 16, 9 p.m.
☘ Irish Standards with Rancho La Chua, The Ex-Boogeymen and Evening Standards at The Backyard at Boca Fiesta and Palomino
Saturday, March 16, 9 p.m.
Ritual Goth, Industrial, Synthpop Dance Night with DJs Drew Love and Wild Creatrix at The Wooly
Saturday, March 16, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
(sold out) Pianist Ying Li at Squitieri Studio Theatre
Sunday, March 17, 2 p.m.
☘ St. Paddy’s Spectacular with Wooden Roots, Irish Dancing, Celtic Ray, and Rancho La Chua at The Bull
Sunday, March 17, 4 p.m.
☘ St. Patrick’s Day Shanty Sing at The Backyard at Boca Fiesta & Palomino
Sunday, March 17, 4 p.m.
☘ St. Patrick’s Day Karaoke Party at Pink Flamingo Diner
Sunday, March 17, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
☘ World of Drum and Bass St. Patrick’s Day Edition at Simons
Sunday, March 17, 8 p.m. – 2 a.m.
☘Traditional Irish Session at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, March 19, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
☘Celtic Music with Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy at UF Phillips Center
Tuesday, March 19, 7:30 p.m.
Acoustic Hits with KennaDee at Lightnin’ Salvage
Wednesday, March 20, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Craft Breweries
With a lineup of award-winning craft beer makers, The Sippin’ Seven Alachua County Ale Trail breweries are the ultimate hangout spots to sip, socialize, and maybe even spark a little friendly rivalry. So, after a day of gallivanting around, why not kick back like a local with a taste of the AC brew scene.
Jazz Bandits at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Friday, March 15, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
☘ Erin Go Bragh at Blackadder Brewing Company
Saturday, March 16, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
☘ St. Patrick’s Day Weekend at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Saturday, March 16, 2 p.m. – 11 p.m., Sunday, March 17, 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.
☘ St. Patrick’s Day Brunch with Cheffrey’s at Swamp Head
Sunday, March 17, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
☘ St. Patrick’s Day with Stubbies Sausages, Wild Man Foods, Live Music by Weeds of Eden and Irish-Style Beers at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Sunday, March 17, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
U-Picks and Farmers Markets
U-Pick Strawberries at Crossroads Farm and Apiary
Friday, March 15 – Saturday, March 16, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, March 17, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
U-Pick Strawberries at The Bryer Patch
Saturdays and Sundays Through April
Please be aware strawberry picking is weather dependent; please stay up to date with the farms on Facebook and Instagram.
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.
Union Street Farmers Market at Bo Diddley Plaza
Wednesdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
GNV Market at South Main Station
Thursdays, 4 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, March 14, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, March 14, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at the Traveler Wine Bar
Thursday, March 14, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
☘ St. Patrick’s Day Beer Tasting at Dorn’s Liquors
Friday, March 15, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Whiskey Sampling at The Bourbon Barn
Friday, March 15, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Gainesville Giving Garden Farm to Table Dinner with Chef Phil from Afternoon Restaurant at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Saturday, March 16, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
☘ Saint Patrick’s Day Block Party at Haile Village Bistro
Sunday, March 17, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Sports & Fans
Gators Women’s Tennis vs. Auburn at Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex
Friday, March 15, 5 p.m.
Gators Softball vs. Mercer at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium
Friday, March 15, 6 p.m.
Gators Baseball vs. Texas A&M at Condron Family Ballpark
Friday, March 15, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 16, 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 17, 1 p.m.
Gators Gymnastics Senior Night Quad Meet vs. Iowa State, NC State and LIU at Exactech Arena
Friday, March 15, 6:45 p.m.
Gators Softball vs. Indiana at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium
Saturday, March 16, 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 17, 11 a.m.
Gators Lacrosse vs. Mercer at Donald R. Dizney Stadium
Saturday, March 16, 12 p.m.
Gators Women’s Tennis vs. Alabama at Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex
Sunday, March 17, 1 p.m.
Gators Lacrosse vs. Furman at Donald R. Dizney Stadium
Tuesday, March 19, 12 p.m.
Gators Baseball vs. Jacksonville at Condron Family Ballpark
Tuesday, March 19, 6:30 p.m.
Parks & Trails
Free Timed 5K at Depot Park
Saturday, March 16, 7:30 a.m.
Ranger-Led Rim Ramble Hike at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park La Chua Trail
Saturday, March 16, 9:45 a.m.
Ranger-Led Tour at Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
Saturday, March 16, 10 a.m.
Wednesday Bird Walks with Alachua Audubon Society at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Wednesday, March 20, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 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
Now Open: “Weaving a Community: 30 Years of the Matheson History Museum” Exhibition Opens at the Matheson History Museum
Now Open: Muses A Solo Exhibit by Jorge Ibanez at Hippodrome Gallery
Now through April 22
Chill with Cool Dinos at the Interactive Exhibit “Antarctic Dinosaurs”
Now through April 21 | Florida Museum of Natural History
3215 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Discover life beneath the ice in Antarctic Dinosaurs. Uncover the history of the world’s southernmost continent and the unique species that have called it home in this interactive, family-friendly experience. Antarctic Dinosaurs is on display through April 21.
Save The Date
Gator Fly-In and Armed Services Appreciation Day, March 23
Dance Alive National Ballet Presents Giselle, March 23
Strawberry Festival at The Bryer Patch, Saturday, March 23
Spring Garden Festival at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, March 23-24
Newberry Spring Festival, April 6
Party for the Planet at Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, April 6
Grassroots Motorsports $2000 Challenge, April 6-7
Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival, April 13-14
Hogtown Craft Beer Festival, April 13
Gators Football Orange and Blue Game, April 13
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.
