What’s Good® Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, May 9-15, 2024
Create memorable Mother’s Day moments and find inspiration for the weekend with What’s Good®. Harvest happiness at the Windsor Zucchini Festival with live music, and delicious treats, and fun activities for the kids. Enjoy jazz under the stars with the Legacy Melodies sunset concert at Legacy Park in the City of Alachua. View a diverse lineup of films at the inaugural Filmmaker Showcase: Frame by Frame at the Hippodrome Cinema and rock out with The Lemon Twigs at Heartwood Soundstage.
Plus, let us help you with planning for Mother’s Day with a list of mimosas and art, brunches, a safari tour and special deals with the Visit Gainesville, Alachua County Ideas to Celebrate Mom guide.
Read on for more of What’s Good®,
Your partners at Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
May is Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, celebrating rich cultures, contributions and accomplishments across the country. Save the date for Saturday, May 18 as the City of Gainesville hosts the Gainesville Asian Festival at Bo Diddley Plaza.
Be Informed: The below information was accurate at the time of publishing.
Please contact organizers directly to double-check details.
Harvest Happiness and Savor the Flavor at Windsor Zucchini Festival
Saturday, May 11, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Windsor Volunteer Fire Department
1401 SE CR 234, Gainesville, FL 32641
Enjoy live music, browse vendors serving fried zucchini, zucchini cornbread, zucchini muffins and more. Explore Find a unique gift with zucchini-themed arts and crafts. Admission is free.
Jazz Up Your Evening with the Legacy Melodies Jazz at Sunset Concert
Friday, May 10, 5:30 p.m. | Legacy Park Amphitheater
15400 Peggy Rd., Alachua, FL 32615
Professional Saxophonists Emmanuel Garilus and The Smooth Operatives perform under the setting sun at the Legacy Park Amphitheater. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy dinner and dessert from Pizza in the Neighborhood and DonutNV. In honor of Mother’s Day, the first 100 moms receive a rose. Admission is free.
Start Your Weekend with Classic Rock Hits from Crooked Counsel at the Free Fridays Concert Series
Friday, May 10, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza
Downtown Gainesville
Crooked Counsel is an energetic rock band performing hits from the 1960s and 1970s. The Free Fridays Concert Series is the region’s largest and longest-running free outdoor concert series featuring performances Friday nights in downtown Gainesville. Enjoy food and drinks from nearby cafes and restaurants within walking distance. Admission is free.
Take a Closer Look at Photography and Join the Fun at Art After Dark Museum Nights: Windows and Mirrors
Thursday, May 9, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Harn Museum of Art
3259 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32608
Stay after hours at the museum creating, capturing, experiencing and reflecting at the staff-curated photography exhibit “Windows and Mirrors.” Enjoy art activities, performances and refreshments.
Find Relaxation and Inner “Piece” on Mother’s Day at Muffins and Mimosas
Sunday, May 12, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Artisans’ Guild Gallery
224 NW 2nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
This celebration of moms features delicious muffins and mimosas at Artisans’ Guild Gallery. Browse the art gallery for a beautiful gift, then relax on the porch with an array of jigsaw puzzles. Enjoy live music with singer-songwriter Eric Diamond and original song, “Puzzle Girl.” Admission is free.
See Top Athletes from the Southeast Sprint, Relay, Hurdle and Throw at the SEC Outdoor Track and Field Championships
Thursday, May 9 – Saturday, May 11 | James G. Pressly Stadium at Percy Beard Track
325 Woodlawn Dr., Gainesville, FL 32608
For the first time in 15 years, the Florida Gators Track and Field hosts the SEC Outdoor Championships. The three-day schedule features preliminary and final races each day with an action-packed Saturday evening schedule to conclude the competition. View the complete schedule and get tickets online.
Hundreds of Archers Take Aim at the Easton Foundations Gator Cup Archery Tournament at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, May 10 – Sunday, May 12 | Easton Newberry Archery Center
24880 NW 16th Ave., Newberry, FL 32669
Gator Cup is the largest event of the year at Easton Newberry Archery Center, welcoming over 600 competitors. The multi-day event is a United States Archery Team qualifier and helps determine the USA national team for archery.
Taste Nature’s Bounty with a Farm-to-Table Dinner at Frog Song Organics
Saturday, May 11, 5 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Frog Song Organics
4317 US Hwy. 301, Hawthorne, FL 32640
Join chef Richard Vaughn from Eastside Culinary Arts for a four-course menu inspired by ingredients fresh from the farm. Tickets include dinner, a house-made non-alcoholic beverage, guided farm walk, strawberry tasting and choice from pasture-raised pork or vegan mushroom risotto. Optional take-home flower arrangements are offered in celebration of Mother’s Day.
Crank It Up with Pop Rock Duo The Lemon Twigs
Saturday, May 11, 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
The Lemon Twigs bring their nostalgic 1970s rock sound to the indoor listening room at Heartwood Soundstage. The band’s fifth studio album, A Dream Is All We Know was released on May 3, 2024 and announced on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The duo’s sound has been characterized as combining melodic, harmony-rich soft rock with the underground cool of punk, and the theatricality of Broadway musicals.
To Mom with Love, from Alachua County – a Special Curated Guide with Inspiring Ideas for Celebrating Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the amazing mom(s) and mother figures in our lives. Find inspiration for for celebrating this special day with Visit Gainesville, Alachua County’s carefully crafted Ideas for Celebrating Mom Guide.
(sold out) Watercolors & Wine at the Florida Museum
Thursday, May 9, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Make a Cast for Mother’s Day UF Family Fishing Day at UF/IFAS Fishing Ponds
Saturday, May 11, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Archer Mother’s Day Cultural Arts Festival at Maddox Park in Archer
Saturday, May 11, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Mother’s Day High Tea at Teatime Tranquility and Treasures
Saturday, May 11 – Sunday, May 12, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
See Baby Lemurs with their Mom at the Mother’s Day Walking Tour at Carson Springs Wildlife
Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m.
You Grow Girl! Brunch and DIY Terrarium Crafting at The Alchemy Club
Saturday, May 11, 11:30 a.m.
Mother’s Day Fish Fry at Hawthorne Recreation Park
Saturday, May 11, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Reggae with the Easy Crew 352, Food from Cheffrey’s, Verde Spice and Blue Boy Pizza at Mama Jama at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Saturday, May 11, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Mama Jama – A Celebration of Moms and Music at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Saturday, May 11, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Mother’s Day Mug Decorating at Studio TM
Sunday, May 11, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Mother’s Day Brunch at Germains
Sunday, May 12, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Farm Dining Experience Featuring Chef Phil Bailey-Anderson at Swallowtail Farm
Saturday, May 11, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Mother’s Day Luc Belaire Wines Tasting at The Good Pour
Saturday, May 11, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Mother’s Day at the Bryer Patch
Saturday, May 11 – Sunday, May 12, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Free Dessert for Moms at Mi Apa Latin Cafe
Sunday, May 12, 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Free Admission for Moms at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Sunday, May 12, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Mother’s Day Brunch at Local Provisions
Sunday, May 12, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet at Best Western Gateway Grand
Sunday, May 12, 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Free Admisison for Moms at Kulaqua River Ranch Water Park Community Event Days
Sunday, May 12, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Mother’s Day Buffet at Sweetwater Branch Inn
Sunday, May 12, 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Free Desserts for Mom and Live Music at Las Carretas Mexican Restaurant
Sunday, May 12, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., live music at 2 p.m. with live mariachi band at 4 p.m.
Mother’s Day Brunch at Alpin Bistro
Sunday, May 12, 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Mother’s Day Muffins and Mimosas at Artisans’ Guild Gallery
Sunday, May 12, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Mom’s First Beer is Free at Swamp Head Brewery
Sunday, May 12, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Mother’s Day Specials with a Complimentary Rose at Pomodoro Cafe
Sunday, May 12,11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch at Covey Kitchen and Cocktails
Sunday, May 12, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Mother’s Day Menu at Spurrier’s Gridiron Grill
Sunday, May 12, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Authentic English Tea with or without Escape Game at Escapology
Sunday, May 12, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Moms Throw Free at The Hatchetbury Axe Throwing Bar
Sunday, May 12, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Eclectic Music from 1850 to 1928 from Vintage Strings at Theatre of Memory
Sunday, May 12, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Mother’s Day Concert with Gainesville Community Band at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church
Sunday, May 12, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
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Pop-Up Markets and Retail Shopping
Spring Pop Up Shop with Plants and Art at Grow Hub
Saturday, May 11, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Mini Market and Cake Sale with Bushel and Peck at Serpentine Plants and Provisions
Saturday, May 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
Finding Nemo Jr with Star Center Theatre at UF Philips Center
Tuesday, May 14, 7:30 p.m.
Events & Festivals
May Day Qualifiers 1 and 2 Dressage at Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center
Saturday, May 11 – Sunday, May 12
Donuts and Drawing at Good News Arts
Friday, May 10, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Canines and Coffee at 4th Ave Food Park
Saturday, May 11, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Gainesville Cars and Coffee at Ford’s Garage
Sunday, May 12, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
(sold out) Hatchet Blacksmithing Workshop at Crooked Path Forge
Sunday, May 12, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Music & Performance
Metal with Northwood, Andrew W Boss and Death Posture at High Dive
Thursday, May 9, 8:30 p.m.
Funk Fusion with Dionysus at Baby Js Bar
Thursday, May 9, 8 p.m.
Bluegrass with Boilin’ Oil at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, May 10, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Wild Blue Yonder at One Love Cafe
Friday, May 10, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock and Modern Hits with Faster Than Flash at Great Outdoors Restaurant
Friday, May 10, 6:45 p.m.
Rock with Narrow Head at The Wooly
Friday, May 10, 7 p.m. – 11:55 p.m.
Folk with Deb Ruby and June Bunch at The Bull
Friday, May 10, 8 p.m.
Hip Hop with 386 Music at High Dive
Friday, May 10, 8 p.m.
Vocal Jazz Classics with Brenda Bayne Quartet at Baby Js Bar
Friday, May 10, 8 p.m.
Classic Rock with Couch Messiahs at Sweet Berries
Saturday, May 11, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Motown and Blues with Raftus Brown at One Love Cafe
Saturday, May 11, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Richy Stano and Mindwalk at Jazz on the Green at Celebration Pointe
Saturday, May 11, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Folk One-Man Band Lauris Vidal at The Bull
Saturday, May 11, 7 p.m.
Jazz with Cathy DeWitt and Edward White at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, May 11, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Blues with Terraplane at Great Outdoors Restaurant
Saturday, May 11, 6:45 p.m.
Acoustic Duo Ron and Bari at Theatre of Memory
Saturday, May 11, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Pop Punk Emo Night Gainesville at High Dive
Saturday, May 11, 8 p.m.
Punk with Cro-Mags at The Backyard at Boca Fiesta and Palomino
Saturday, May 11, 8 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter Zac Petty at Codfathers
Sunday, May 12, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Country with IV and the Strange Band at Loosey’s Downtown
Sunday, May 12, 7 p.m.
Folk with Shana Smith at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, May 14, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Blues Guitarist Davy Knowles at Heartwood Soundstage
Wednesday, May 15, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Comedian Bo Johnson at High Dive
Wednesday, May 15, 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.
Classic Rock with Southern Burn at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, May 10, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Rock and Country with Cliff Dorsey at Daft Cow Brewery
Friday, May 10, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
U-Picks and Farmers Markets
U-Pick Blueberries at Aunt Zelma’s Blueberries
Open Daily, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
U-Pick Blueberries at Santa Fe River Farms
Friday, May 10 – Sunday, May 12, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
U-Pick Blueberries at Straughn Farms (Archer)
Saturday, May 11, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday, May 12, 8 a.m. – 3 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
Wine Tasting at Superette
Thursday, May 9, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, May 9, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at the Traveler Wine Bar
Thursday, May 9, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Flor de Caña Rum Tasting at The Good Pour
Friday, May 10, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
(sold out) Cheesecake Cooking Class at the Fat Tuscan
Saturday, May 11, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Spanish Wine Tasting Class: Coastal Charms of Rías Baixas & Ribera’s Richness – Albariño & Tinto Fino Showcase at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, May 11, 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Flight to Europe Wine and Macaron Pairings at Le Macaron
Saturday, May 11, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Sports & Fans
Florida AAU Elite Basketball Tournament at Alachua County Sports and Events Center
Saturday, May 11 – Sunday, May 12
Gators Baseball vs. Kentucky at Condron Family Ballpark
Friday, May 10, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 11, 12 p.m.
Sunday, May 12, 12 p.m.
Mega Test and Tune Drag Racing at Gainesville Raceway
Saturday, May 11, 8 a.m.
Parks & Trails
Walk and Talk with Alachua Conservation Trust at Prairie Creek Preserve
Friday, May 10, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Free Timed 5K at Depot Park
Saturday, May 11, 7:30 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
6th Birthday Bash at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
Saturday, May 11, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
NEW at the Cade Museum:
Ebb and Flow: Waves of Innovation and Turning Tides: Save the Ocean Through Invention!
Opening Thursday, May 9
Bluegrass with Sandy Back Porch at the Matheson History Museum
Saturday, May 11, 2 p.m. – 3:30 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
Newberry Watermelon Festival, May 18
World Tree Kangaroo Day, May 18
For a complete list of events please visit www.visitgainesville.com/events/
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