What’s Good Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, May 25-31, 2023
A weekend for remembering and for making new memories too, that’s What’s Good.
Dance the night away to the Latin music beats of DJ Elio Piedra with the Hippodrome Theatre’s dance party, Hippvanna. Gain a different perspective of Downtown Gainesville with a self-guided tour showcasing the art and creations of local makers and fine artists at Artwalk Gainesville. Enjoy dinner, cocktails and live music at Playlist at the Pointe or try Tilting at Windmills, a night of music and poetry at Heartwood Soundstage. Bring the whole gang to Alachua County’s “wildest” attraction, the Carson Springs Wildlife Memorial Day Weekend Safari. Plus, crime sleuths and detectives are in for a treat with the opening weekend of “Clue” at the Gainesville Community Playhouse and the Recovering Houseplant Murderer workshop by Plantstay!
On Memorial Day, the Alachua County Veterans Services and local partners present a day filled patriotic presentations, musical tributes, and inspirational words from area leaders at the Historic Evergreen Cemetery.
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.
Solve the Mystery and Laugh Out Loud at the Opening Weekend of the Stage Production of Clue
Friday, May 26 – Sunday, June 11 | Gainesville Community Playhouse
4039 NW 16th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32605
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. Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Experience a Night of Music and Poetry at Tilting at Windmills
Sunday, May 28, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Tilting at Windmills is an exciting evening of music and spoken word entertainment featuring top writers and lyricists. Five local bards take the stage inside the intimate and beautiful Bob McPeek Listening Room, a performance room designed for a superior sound experience.
Performing throughout the evening: jazz guitarist and poet, Eric Diamond, Alachua County Poet Laureate E. Stanley Richardson, author, poet and lyricist, Hugh Edward (Eddie) Suggs, editor of the Writers Alliance of Gainesville’s annual Bacopa Literary Review., J.N. Fishhawk, and Jenna Nishida, teacher, writer, editor and frequent co-host of the Thursday Night Poetry Jam at Civic Media Center.
Heartwood Soundstage is located at the center of South Main Station and features an indoor listening room and recording stage purpose-built for ideal acoustic qualities. South Main Station is a community gathering space, home to the weekly GNV Market on Thursdays and local dining options Humble Wood Fire and Bingo Deli and Pub.
Walk on the Wild Side with Memorial Day Weekend Tours at Carson Springs Wildlife
Saturday, May 27, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and Monday, May 29, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Carson Springs Wildlife
8528 E CR 225, Gainesville, FL 32609
Enjoy outdoor fun with a zoologist led tour, plus rare animals, baby lemurs, and big cat feedings. Carson Springs is located on 275 acres of lush Florida woods and farmland providing a home environment to approximately 30 rare and endangered species and over 100 animals. TripAdvisor awarded Carson Springs Wildlife the 2022 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
Show Off Your Salsa Dance Moves at the Hippvanna Dance Party with DJ Elio Piedra
Thursday, May 25, 8:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. | Hippodrome Theatre Basement
25 SE 2nd Pl., Gainesville, FL 32601
Join the Hipp for an exciting dance party featuring renowned DJ Elio Piedra spinning lively beats. Start off with a dance class then keep moving until the early hours of the morning. It’s the perfect opportunity to let loose, have fun, and connect with other dance enthusiasts.
Explore the Local Art Scene on a Self-Guided Tour at Artwalk Gainesville
Friday, May 26, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Multiple Venues
View Gainesville and Alachua County from a different perspective – the art and creations of our local makers and fine artists. May’s Artwalk Gainesville features 12 stops throughout Gainesville. See a live chalk mural take shape at The AUK Market. View fine art on display at SL8 Gallery. See the exhibit Brushing: Works on Paper by Joon Thomas at Sweetwater Print Cooperative. Preview the venues and download a map at ArtwalkGainesville.com.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Meet Local Artists and View Thought Provoking Works of Art at the Opening Night Reception for the New Transparency Exhibit at GFAA Gallery
Friday, May 26, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Gainesville Fine Arts Association
1314 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
GFAA celebrates 100 years of connecting artists and the community. Transparency is part of a series of exhibitions based on one of GFAA’s core values. The exhibit hopes to uncover gossamer truths beneath photographs, paintings and art in general. Transparency is on view through June 24.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Enjoy Hits Through the Decades at Playlist at Pointe with Dan Flok
Friday, May 26, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4949 Celebration Pointe Ave, Gainesville, FL 32608
Guitarist Dan Flok presents an evening of classic hits. Grab a chair or bring a blanket and enjoy the music as the sun sets. Food, beverages and sweet treats are available from Celebration Pointe restaurants.
See Budget-Built Racecars Compete at the Grassroots Motorsports $2000 Challenge
Saturday, May 27, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. – Sunday, May 28, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Gainesville Raceway
11211 N CR 225, Gainesville, FL 32609
This event is all about uniqueness and innovation in racing. Participating race teams build a racecar with a budget of $2000. The penny-pinching builds compete on the autocross track and down the quarter-mile dragstrip at Gainesville Raceway on Saturday. Sunday features a car show with Hagerty Cars and Caffeine, swap meet and awards ceremony.
Honor and Remember Veterans and Military Service Members Lost in Service at the Annual Memorial Day Ceremony
Monday, May 29, 10:30 a.m. | Historic Evergreen Cemetery
401 SE 21st Ave., Gainesville, FL 32641
Attend a ceremony in honor and remembrance of veterans and military service members who lost their lives in service to the nation. This event features multiple patriotic ceremonies, a Presentation of Colors, an American Flag ceremony, musical tributes, and inspirational words from area leaders. Admission and lunch for attendees are free.
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Pop-Up Markets
The Florida Vintage Market at Midpoint Park and Eatery
Sunday, May 28, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.
Arts & Theatre
Acrosstown Repertory Theatre Presents Shakespeare’s The Tempest at The Historic Thomas Center
Thursday, May 25, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Events & Festivals
Florida Quarter Horse Association SFHS Memorial Classic at Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center
Saturday, May 27 – Monday, May 29
Adventure Knife Blacksmithing Workshop at [Fe]ver Metal Art Center
Saturday, May 27, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, May 28, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Recovering Plant Murderer Workshop at Plantstay
Sunday, May 28, 10 a.m.
4th Sunday Drive-In and Car Show with Gainesville Street Rods at One Love Café
Sunday, May 28, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Music & Performance
Jazz with Brazillian Side B at Lightnin’ Salvage
Thursday, May 25, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Rock and Americana with Aisle 14 at High Dive
Thursday, May 25, 8 p.m.
Irish Pub Songs with Scuttered The Bruce at One Love Café
Friday, May 26, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Rock with Ballyhoo at High Dive
Friday, May 26, 8 p.m.
Celebrae Jam 2 at Santa Fe Festival Field
Friday, May 26 – Saturday, May 27
Jazz with Decyo and The Newcombs at One Love Café
Sunday, May 27, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Classic Covers with Cassie and Chris at Lightnin’ Salvage
Saturday, May 27, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with 8 Track at Great Outdoors Restaurant
Saturday, May 27, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Jazz Night with Cathy DeWitt and Friends at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, May 27, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Indie Rock with Driptones at Heartwood Soundstage
Saturday, May 27, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Synthpop and Coldwave with Madeline Goldstein at Loosey’s Downtown
Saturday, May 27, 7 p.m.
Gainesville Hip Hop Night featuring Big Win at High Dive
Saturday, May 27, 8 p.m.
Country Rock from Nashville, TN with The Steel Woods at High Dive
Sunday, May 28, 7 p.m.
Jazz with The Oak Trio at Covey Kitchen and Cocktails
Sunday, May 28, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Metal with The Dood at High Dive
Monday, May 29, 6 p.m.
The Joe Breidenstine Jazz Band at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, May 30, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Metal with Northwood at High Dive
Tuesday, May 30, 7 p.m.
Craft Breweries
During American Craft Beer Week, 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 latest edition of the Sippin’ Seven On Tap newsletter.
Rock with Syzygy at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Friday, May 26, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Southern Burn at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, May 26, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Country with Austin Hunter at Daft Cow Brewery
Friday, May 26, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmers Markets
U-Pick Sunflowers at Hollow Oaks
Tuesday – Friday, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday – Sunday, 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.
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
Grand Opening Main Street Sweets and Eats
Friday, May 26, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Main Street Sweets and Eats is a bakery and café in Newberry serving buttery baked goods, hand-dipped ice cream and a lunch menu served 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Superette Wine and Provisions
Thursday, May 25, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, May 25, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
(sold out) Chef Dinner and Wine Pairing Cooking Class at The Fat Tuscan
Friday, May 26, 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Sports
Funtastic Fridays Archery at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, May 19, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
North Florida Qualifier / Raddsports All Star Warm Up Softball Tournament at Champions Park
Saturday, May 27 – Sunday, May 28
Jumaine Jones Spring Classic Invitational Basketball Tournament at Alachua County Sports and Events Center
Saturday, May 27 – Sunday, May 28
Sunshine State Memorial Salute RC Racing at Newberry RC Park
Saturday, May 27 – Sunday, May 28
Parks & Trails
Accessible Tram Tours at Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Ongoing, Check for Availability
Thursday, May 25, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Tuesday, May 30, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Free Timed 5K at Depot Park parkrun
Saturday, May 27, 7:30 a.m.
Birding Field Trip with Alachua Audubon Society at Poe Springs
Saturday, May 27, 8 a.m.
Wednesday Bird Walks at the Wetlands at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Wednesday, May 24, 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
River & Springs
Launch Your Canoe, Kayak or Stand-Up Paddleboard for Free at Santa Fe Canoe Outpost
Splash in the Wave Pool or Float Down the Lazy River at Kulaqua River Ranch Community Days
Monday, May 29, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Paddle 8 Springs in 8 Miles or Slowly Float Down the Santa Fe River at Poe Springs Park with Anderson’s Outdoor Adventures
Friday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
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.
Brushed on Paper: Works by Joon Thomas at Sweetwater Print Cooperative
Friday, May 26, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Exhibit on View Through Tuesday, June 27
On View Through June 4 at the Harn Museum of Art: Posing Beauty in African American Culture at the Harn Museum of Art
Tuesdays – Wednesdays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Fridays – Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Posing Beauty in African American Culture explores the ways in which African and African American beauty has been represented in historical and contemporary contexts through a diverse range of media including photography, video, fashion and advertising.
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
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
Free Friday Concert Series, June 2 – August 25
Alachua County Hosts Countywide Climate Fair, June 2
Brew at the Zoo, June 10
Swallowtail Farm Food is Medicine Conference, June 10-11
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Open House at Alachua County Sports and Event Center, June 10
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
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.
