What’s Good® Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, May 23-29, 2024
Plan your holiday weekend with What’s Good®. Beat the heat with a visit to Florida Museum for the opening of the “Science Up Close: Incredible Insects” exhibit or enjoy live music under the setting sun with Cam Wheaton at Playlist at the Pointe. Cool off at nearby springs and with the return of Kulaqua River Ranch community days.
On Memorial Day the cities of Gainesville, Archer and Micanopy present a day filled with patriotic presentations, musical tributes, and inspirational words from area leaders. Plus, veterans receive free admission to the Butterfly Rainforest and Science Up Close exhibits at the Florida Museum of Natural History.
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.
Perpetual Groove Delivers Their Signature High-Energy Rock Jams and Notorious Light Show from the Indoor Stage at Heartwood Soundstage
Thursday, May 23, 8 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Perpetual Groove cultivates unique experiences for each live show. Their sound is a mix of southern rock, funk and jazz improvisation. The indoor listening room at Heartwood Soundstage hosts an intimate performance with these longstanding festival favorites.
Arrive early and join the fun at the GNV Market, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., featuring and outdoor farmers market and classic rock from The Shambles. The market takes a summer break June-August so it’s the last chance to catch their music from the market stage before the fall. Grab a bite from market vendors or browse the menus at Bingo Deli and Pub or Humble Wood Fire located on the property at South Main Station.
Set Sail with Gainesville Community Playhouse for the Opening Weekend of “Treasure Island”
Friday, May 24 – Sunday, June 9 | Gainesville Community Playhouse
4039 NW 16th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32605
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.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Cheer for the Next Team to Move on to the Women’s College World Series as Gators Softball Hosts Baylor at the NCAA Softball Championships Super Regionals
Friday, May 24, 12 p.m., Saturday, May 25, 11 a.m., Sunday, May 26 (if necessary) | Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium
2880 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32608
After winning last week’s Gainesville Regional, Gators Softball hosts Baylor to determine which team moves forward to the Women’s College World Series. Single-game admission and all sessions passes are available online.
Start Your Weekend on the Right Note with Rock from Orbiter, Chimes and Shehehe at the Free Fridays Concert Series
Friday, May 24, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza
Downtown Gainesville
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.
Add Relaxing Tunes to Your Weekend with Singer-Songwriter Cam Wheaton at Playlist at the Pointe
Friday, May 24, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4949 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Enjoy a diverse set from rising artist Cam Wheaton with music ranging from Merle Haggard to the Foo Fighters. Pull up a chair or spread a blanket and enjoy live music as the sun sets. Grab food, drinks and sweet treats from nearby restaurants. Admission is free.
Get a Rare Look at the Most Diverse Group of Animals on the Planet at the “Science Up Close: Incredible Insects” Exhibit Opening Day
Saturday, May 25, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Florida Museum of Natural History
3215 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Interact with live bugs from Florida, view a busy ant colony at work and learn all about the insects that live among us. Engage one-on-one with entomologists in the working lab and learn about all they do. Relax in the library nook with games and books or see how you measure up against world-record-holding bugs. Plan your visit online.
Photo courtesy Florida Museum/Jeff Gage
View Adorable Baby Lemurs and Charismatic Baby Red River Hogs at Carson Springs Memorial Day Weekend Tours
Saturday, May 25, Monday, May 27, 10 a.m. | Carson Springs Wildlife
8528 E CR 225, Gainesville, FL 32609
Enjoy outdoor fun with a zoologist led tour. See big cat feedings and view over 100 rare animals. Carson Springs is located on 275 acres of lush Florida woods and farmland providing a home environment to approximately 30 rare and endangered species. TripAdvisor awarded Carson Springs Wildlife the 2023 Traveler’s Choice Award recognizing the attraction as one of the top 10% of in things to do worldwide, based on visitor reviews.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Make Time to Honor and Remember with Area Memorial Day Events
Micanopy Memorial Saturday in Historic Downtown Micanopy
Saturday, May 25, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Color guard and wreath dedication ceremony begins at 11 a.m.
Memorial Day Ceremony at Historic Evergreen Cemetery
Monday, May 27, 10 a.m.
This event features multiple patriotic ceremonies, a Presentation of Colors, an American flag ceremony, musical tributes and inspirational words from area leaders. Admission is free and lunch will be provided.
Memorial Day in Archer (pdf)
Monday, May 27, 10 a.m. at Laurel Hill Cemetery, and 5 p.m. at Archer Community Center
The morning event includes a Taps ceremony and placement of flags. The evening event features a retreat ceremony and cannon salute, celebration of life, presentation of colors, live music and food and drinks.
Make a Splash in the Wave Pool or Float Down the Lazy River at Kulaqua River Ranch
Monday, May 27, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Kulaqua River Ranch
23400 NW 212 Ave., High Springs, FL 32643
The river ranch opens to the public on community days. Cruise down the lazy river, descend the huge water slide and float in the wave pool.
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Arts & Theatre
A Raisin in the Sun at Star Center Theatre
Friday, May 17 – Friday, May 31
Pofahl Dance Studios Present Tinker Bell in Pixie Hollow at UF Phillps Center
Sunday, May 26, 2 p.m.
Events & Festivals
Movie Night with Disney-Pixar’s Turning Red at Bo Diddley Plaza
Saturday, May 25, 8 p.m.
Beginners Mosaic Workshop at The AUK Market
Sunday, May 26, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Music & Performance
Jazz with The Eriksen Quartet at Lightnin’ Salvage
Thursday, May 23, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Crooked Counsel at One Love Café
Friday, May 24, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Americana with The Front Porch Backsteppers at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, May 24, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Country Rock with Timbertown at Loosey’s Downtown
Friday, May 24, 8 p.m.
Jazz with the Joel Klein Collective at Baby J’s Bar
Friday, May 24, 8 p.m.
Power Pop with The Renny’s at Sweetberries
Saturday, May 25, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Allman Brothers Music with Steelin’ Peaches at Celebrae-Jam at Santa Fe Festival Field
Sunday, May 26, 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Bluegrass Porch Pickin’ with the Kentucky Sleepy Hollow Bluegrass Band at Lochloosa Harbor
Monday, May 27, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
The Joe Breidenstine Jazz Duo at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, May 28, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Jazz with The Oak Trio at Covey Kitchen and Cocktails
Wednesday, May 29, 6 p.m. – 8 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.
An Evening with The Imbeciles at Blackadder Brewing Company
Thursday, May 23, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Classic Rock with Late 4 Class at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, May 24, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Acoustic Hits with Sylinter at Daft Cow Brewing
Friday, May 24, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
55th Anniversary of Woodstock Celebration at High Springs Brewing Company
Saturday, May 25, 1 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Pints and Painting at Daft Cow Brewery
Sunday, May 26, 3 p.m.
Customize a Beverage Chiller at Swamp Head Brewery
Wednesday, May 29, 6:30 p.m.
U-Picks and Farmers Markets
Blueberry Picking at Deep Spring Farm
Monday, May 27, 8 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
U-Pick Blueberries at Aunt Zelma’s Blueberries
Open daily, 9 a.m. – 5 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.
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
Sixth Anniversary Bash with Live Music, Giveaway and BBQ at Top Hog BBQ, Bourbon and Blues (Oaks Mall)
Sunday, May 26, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Superette
Thursday, May 23, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, May 23, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at the Traveler Wine Bar
Thursday, May 23, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Judgement of Paris 1976 Wine Tasting at Public and General
Friday, May 24, 5:30 p.m.
High Tea Party at Haile Village Bistro
Saturday, May 25, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Exploring Jerez and the Classic World of Spanish Sherry at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, May 25, 6 p.m.
Memorial Day Discount for Veterans at Las Carretas Mexican Restaurant
Monday, May 27, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sports & Fans
Friday Street Legal Madness Drag Racing at Gainesville Raceway
Friday, May 24, 6 p.m.
Saturday Insanity Drag Racing at Gainesville Raceway
Saturday, May 25, 8 a.m.
Dynasty Hoops National Tune-Up Basketball Tournament at Alachua County Sports and Events Center
Saturday, May 25 – Sunday, May 26
Parks & Trails
Free Admission During Memorial Day Weekend to Florida State Parks
Friday, May 24 – Monday, May 27
Free Timed 5K with parkrun at Depot Park
Saturday, May 25, 7:30 a.m.
Opening of the Pool at Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center
Saturday, May 25, 10 a.m. – 5 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
Art After Dark: Celebrating Culture with Brazilian Capoeira Demonstration, Samba Dancing and More at the Harn Museum of Art
Thursday, May 23, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Art & Mindfulness: Timelessness and Spaciousness at Harn Museum of Art
Saturday, May 25, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Free Admission to Veterans to the Butterfly Rainforest and Science Up Close: Incredible Insects exhibits at the Florida Museum of Natural History
Monday, May 27, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
New at the Harn Museum of Art: Kaleidoscope of Colors in Asian Art
Now through April 26, 2026
SOFT – Tradition to Rebellion in Fiber Arts at The Historic Thomas Center
On view now through Friday, August 23
Works from the Santa Fe Springs Plein Air Paintout at Lanza Gallery and Art Supplies
Now through Sunday, May 4
Explore Florida’s Most Valuable Resource at the Water Shapes Florida Exhibit at Florida Museum of Natural History
Now through Sunday, May 4
Save The Date
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at the Hippodrome Theater, May 31 – July 21
Dead Man’s Cell Phone at High Springs Playhouse, June 7-30
The Wailers at Heartwood Soundstage, June 16
For a complete list of events please visit www.visitgainesville.com/events/
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