What’s Good® Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, March 28 – April 3, 2024

Add bold colors, performances and flavors to the last weekend in March with What’s Good®. Artwalk Gainesville explores the local art scene with a self-guided tour. The Hippodrome Theatre presents the opening weekend of White. On Your Feet: The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan takes over the UF Phillips Center. Savor diverse menus at the Original Gainesville Food Truck Rally at High Dive.

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.

“The Rhythm is Gonna Get You” at On Your Feet: The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan
Saturday, March 30, 7:30 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611

On Your Feet! is the inspiring true story about heart, heritage, and two people who believe in their talent — and each other — to become an international sensation: Gloria and Emilio Estefan. The hit musical includes some of the most iconic songs of the past quarter-century, including Rhythm is Gonna Get You, Conga, Get On Your Feet, Don’t Want To Lose You Now, 1-2-3, and Coming Out of the Dark.

Combine Humor with Cutting Critiques at the Opening Weekend of “White” by James Ijames
Friday, March 29 – Sunday, April 14 | Hippodrome Theatre
25 SE 2^nd Pl., Gainesville, FL 32601

Inspired by a true story, “White” offers a premise that is equal parts playful, prescient, and preposterous. In this contemporary tale, art imitates life as Gus, an artist, and Vanessa, an actress, concoct an audacious new artistic persona to infiltrate a major museum’s exhibition showcasing diverse voices.

Photo Courtesy Hippodrome Theatre: Nick Bublitz as Gus, Chasity Hart as Vanessa, Katie Haeuser as Jane and Nathaniel P. Claridad as Tanner in White at the Hippodrome Theatre – Picture by Michael A. Eaddy
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County

Enjoy a Stroll through Gainesville’s Creative Spaces with the Self-Guided Artwalk
Friday, March 29, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Multiple Locations

This month’s Artwalk Gainesville includes 14 stops across Gainesville. The Artisans’ Guild Gallery features whimsical crochet with Jeanne Bunting and jewelry with Stephanie Escue-Milch. Bingo Deli and Pub presents textiles and drawings exploring decay and distortion by Jen Yu. The Hippodrome Gallery hosts the mixed media exhibit reception for “Muses” by Jorge Ibanez.
Preview venues and download a map online.

Examine Bold Visual Displays of European Themes at the Exhibit Opening Reception of Contemporary Slovak Poster Art
Friday, March 29, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Gainesville Fine Arts Association
1314 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601

Seven artists present 36 works confronting themes of climate change, war, democracy and mental health. The exhibit reception features hors d’oeuvres, refreshments and live music.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County

Join Track and Field Fans from All Over the Nation as Top Athletes Compete at the Pepsi Florida Relays
Friday, March 29, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday, March 30, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. | James G. Pressly Stadium at Percy Beard Track
325 Woodlawn Dr., Gainesville, FL 32608

College and high school athletes compete from across the country in outdoor track and field events. The Florida Relays has grown into one of the nation’s premier track and field events since being founded in 1939. Sports fans and spectators welcome. For more details and event schedule visit FloridaGators.com

Indulge in Tasty Treats and Tasty Tunes at the Original Gainesville Food Truck Rally
Saturday, March 30, 4 p.m. | High Dive
210 SW 2^nd Ave, Suite A, Gainesville, FL 32601

Find local and regional food trucks with unique menus and affordable prices all in one place. Food vendors include Cosmic Snocones, Fat Tiki, Nacho Bizness, Wing King and more. Head inside for free live music with No Harm Done and Cade and the Palmetto Kickers.

Delight with Dining and Dancing at Dance Alive National Ballet’s Champagne Gala
Saturday, March 30, 5:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. | Legacy Park Multipurpose Center
15400 Peggy Rd., Alachua, FL 32615

Dance Alive National Ballet’s annual party features local stars competing in Gainesville ‘Dancing With the Stars’ with special guest judges: film star Lisa Niemi Swayze, ballroom star Deirdre Radler and resident choreographer Judy Skinner. Bid on live and silent auction items. Enjoy the evening with food by Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille, décor from Garden & Grace Florals, music by DJ Elio Piedra, Parris Dance and Philip Marcel Photography.

Hear a Variety of Musical Styles at the Live and Local Concert Series Teen Artist Showcase
Friday, March 29, 7 p.m. – 9 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. In collaboration with We Rock Gainesville, the 2^nd annual showcase of up-and-coming artists features LG, Alex Willow, Hannah Hammond, Ellie West, Destiny Pozo, Trey Keesling, Asper, Ana Monasterios, P.K. Yonge Percussion, $4.25 and Coraline’s Collapse. Admission is free.

Plan a Perfect Spring Stroll at a Florida State Park

Florida State Parks provide a great way to explore the past or escape into nature and are conveniently open every day of the year, including holidays.

Local parks include Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park, Dudley Farm Historic State Park, Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park, O’Leno State Park and River Rise Preserve.

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Arts & Theatre

Experience the Beauty of Simplicity at Ordinary Days at Gainesville Community Playhouse
Now through Sunday, April 14

Elements of Style Dancing Through Time at Santa Fe College Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall
Friday, March 29 – Saturday, March 30, 7:30 p.m.

Chadwick and Barnet’s “Tabasco” at University Auditorium
Saturday, March 30, 6:50 p.m. – 7:20 p.m.

Events & Festivals

City of Alachua Easter Egg Hunt at Hal Brady Recreation Center
Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m.

BBQ Fork Blacksmithing Workshop at [Fe]ver Metal Art Studio
Saturday, March 30, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

“Eclipse: The story of our nearest neighbor in space” at Kika Silva Planetarium
Saturday, March 30, 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Slow Flow and Deep Stretch at Gainesville Goat Yoga
Sunday, March 31, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Gainesville Fear Garden Presents a Dreadful Eggstravaganza
Sunday, March 31, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Music & Performance

Chamber Folk with Wirebirds at Lightnin’ Salvage
Thursday, March 28, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Guest Artist Recital with Pianist Dr. Sun-A Park at UF School of Music
Monday, April 1, 7:20 p.m.

The Hogtown Rounders Writers Round at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, April 2, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Jazz with In the Window at One Love Café
Wednesday, April 3, 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.

Charity Bingo at Blackadder Brewing Company
Thursday, March 28, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Drag Bingo at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Thursday, March 28, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Classic Rock with The Killer Bs at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, March 29, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Singer-Songwriter Clay Brooker at Daft Cow Brewery
Friday, March 29, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Spring Plant Sale and Swap with Plantstay at Swamp Head Brewery
Saturday, March 30, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Turtles and Tunes at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Saturday, March 30, 2 p.m.

Ribbon Cutting of The Abbey Event Space at Blackadder Brewing Company
Tuesday, April 2, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

U-Picks and Farmers Markets

U-Pick Blueberries at Aunt Zelma’s Blueberries
Friday, March 29 – Saturday, March 30, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

U-Pick Strawberries at Crossroads Farm and Apiary
Friday, March 29 – Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

U-Pick Strawberries at The Bryer Patch
Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m. – 4 p.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.

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

Now Open: Korean Fried Chicken at bb.q Chicken
201 SE 2nd Ave. #101, Gainesville, FL 32601
Open daily, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Wine Tasting at Superette
Thursday, March 30, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, March 30, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

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

Easter Menus:

Brunch Buffet at Local Provisions
Sunday, March 31, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Brunch Buffet at Best Western Gateway Grand
Sunday, March 31, 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Brunch at Sweetwater Branch Inn
Sunday, March 31, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Brunch Buffet and Easter Menu at Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille
Sunday, March 31, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Easter Menu at Great Outdoors Restaurant
Sunday, March 31, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Brunch at 16^th Ave Diner
Sunday, March 31, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Easter at Mr. Hans Restaurant
Sunday, March 31, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Brunch Buffett at Covey Kitchen and Cocktails
Sunday, March 31, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Sports & Fans

Funtastic Fridays Archery at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, March 29, 5:30 p.m.

Multi-Class Drag Racing at Saturday Insanity at Gainesville Raceway
Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m.

Inside Exposure Tip Off Classic Basketball Tournament at Alachua County Sports and Events Center
Saturday, March 30 – Sunday, March 31

Gators Baseball vs Mississippi State at Condron Family Ballpark
Friday, March 29, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 30, 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 31, 1 p.m.

Gators Women’s Tennis vs Mississippi State at Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex
Friday, March 29, 5 p.m.

Gators Women’s Tennis vs Mississippi at Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex
Saturday, March 31, 1 p.m.

Gators Baseball vs. Florida A&M at Condron Family Ballpark
Tuesday, April 2, 6:30 p.m.

Parks & Trails

Sunrise Hike at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Saturday, March 30, 7:20 a.m. – 8 a.m.

Free Timed 5K at Depot Park
Saturday, March 30, 7:30 a.m.

Ranger-Led Rim Ramble Hike at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park La Chua Trail
Saturday, March 30, 9:45 a.m.

Ranger-Led Tour at Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m.

Stories and Folk Tales at Dudley Farm Historic State Park
Saturday, March 30, 5 p.m. – 8 p.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

Celebrate Nepali arts and culture of yesterday, today and tomorrow at “Museum Days” at the Harn Museum of Art
Saturday, March 30, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Persian Poetry at the “Open Books” Outdoor Exhibit Reception at Pennant Place
Sunday, March 31, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

“Ramadan America” Film Screening and Discussion with UF Center for Arts, Migration and Entrepreneurship at the Harn Museum of Art
Monday, April 1, 5 p.m.

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

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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