What’s Good Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, November 9-15, 2023
Make the most of your holiday weekend with What’s Good. Celebrate the women and men who have served our country with activities like the Annual Veterans Day Celebration. Treat your favorite veteran to a stroll through Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, a Florida State Park or the Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History, all with free admission for vets.
Plus take full advantage of cooler temps and sunny fall days with the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail celebration at Sweetwater Wetlands Park. Stroll through scenic Alachua at the Annual Main Street Harvest Festival. Enjoy a tie-dyed weekend at the Grateful Gainesville Fall Boogie with two days of Grateful Dead Music. Savor a one-of-a-kind meal at Swallowtail’s Farm Dining Experience featuring chef Phil Bailey-Anderson. Or aim for more fun at the Easton Newberry Archery Festival.
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.
Salute Those Who Serve at the Annual Veterans Day Celebration
Saturday, November 11, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Veterans Memorial Park
7400 SW 41st Pl., Gainesville, FL 32608
Alachua County Community Support Services’ Veteran Services Division (and other Alachua County departments), the Malcolm Randall VA Medical Center, and multiple nonprofit and community organizations host the annual Veterans Day Celebration. This day of reflection and celebration features skydivers, veterans, military and organizational tents, live music, helicopter displays, the UF Drill Team demonstration and multiple patriotic presentations. Food is available for purchase. Veterans displays and presentations will begin at 9:30 a.m. The formal program starts at 11 a.m.
Additional Ways to Observe Veterans Day in Alachua County:
Free Entry for Veterans and Their Families at Florida State Parks
Saturday, November 11
Free Entry for Veterans to the Butterfly Rainforest and Antarctic Dinosaurs Exhibit at the Florida Museum of Natural History
Saturday, November 11, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Free Entry for Veterans at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Saturday, November 11, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Family Fishing Day Veterans Day BBQ and Sharon Fitz-Coy Memorial at UF/IFAS Fishing Ponds
Saturday, November 11, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
City of Archer Veterans Day Lunch Celebration at Archer Community Center
Saturday, November 11, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Veterans Day Celebration and Pinning Ceremony at Charter Senior Living of Gainesville
Saturday, November 11, 1 p.m.
Veterans Day Camouflage Dance Party with Big Mucci at Easton Newberry Sports Complex
Saturday, November 11, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Veterans Day Concert with Gainesville Community Band at First Presbyterian Church
Sunday, November 12, 4 p.m.
Transform Your Museum Experience After Dark at Museum Nights: Metamorphosis
Thursday, November 9, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Harn Museum of Art
3259 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32608
View the exhibition Metamorphosis: Reshaping Contemporary Art in a new way with tours, art activities and live performances. Enjoy a transformational photo booth, butterfly origami making, dance performances with Harn Choreographers-in-Residence, free refreshments and more.
Celebrate the Latest Addition to the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Friday, November 10, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Sweetwater Wetlands Park
325 SW Williston Rd., Gainesville, FL 32641
Enjoy a bird walk with Alachua Audubon Society starting at 8 a.m. View the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail sign unveiling and launch of the Alachua County Birding Trail Challenge scavenger hunt. Ranger-led tours round out the celebration and provide a great opportunity to learn about the park and get started on scavenger hunt missions.
The scavenger hunt takes place November 10-19. Starting Friday, download the GooseChase smartphone app and enter code EDL4K5. Explore Alachua County’s birding trail sites to earn points and win prizes. Plus, stop by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County beginning Monday, November 13 – Friday, November 17 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. to complete this portion of the scavenger hunt and take home fun swag.
Find Information and Entertainment at the Gainesville Cannabis Crawl for Ages 21+
Saturday, November 11, 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Multiple Venues
Downtown Gainesville
Starting at 12 p.m., Depot Village hosts the VibesBnB day party with art, food, industry presentations, DJs and more. Then, find chill vibes at the Mellow Bar at The How Bazar featuring vintage clothing, artisans and music. The Cannabis Crawl concludes with a documentary film screening at the Hippodrome Cinema.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Stroll Through Scenic Alachua for the Annual Main Street Harvest Festival
Sunday, November 12, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Main Street Alachua
NW 141st St., Alachua, FL 32615
Enjoy fun for all ages with craft and gift vendors, kettle corn and festival foods, live music on 2 stages and kids activities. Admission is free.
Enjoy a Tie-Dyed Weekend with a 2-Day Celebration of Grateful Dead Music at the Grateful Gainesville Fall Boogie
Friday, November 10, 6 p.m. – 11 p.m., Saturday, November 11, 4 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Heartwood Soundstage | 619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Grateful Gainesville is dedicated to the “deadhead” community in North Central Florida. This year’s Fall Boogie features 7 bands headlined by Uncle John’s Band on Friday and The Grass Is Dead on Saturday. View the band schedule and get tickets at HeartwoodSoundstage.com.
Show Off Your Dance Moves All Day at the Tu Fiesta Radio Festival 2023
Saturday, November 11, 2 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza
Downtown Gainesville
Enjoy a day of Latin music, food and fun at the Tu Fiesta Radio Festival. La Maracucha and El Punto food trucks highlight cuisine from Venezuela and Puerto Rico including arepas, empanadas, plantains and more. Live entertainment features Independance Studio, Rubi Mar, Luis Aponte and Jorge Tamayo, Timbaleo and Baba Caiman.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Dance to Keyboard-Driven Grooves with Ed Roth Trio at Jazz on the Green
Saturday, November 11, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4949 SW Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Keyboard player Ed Roth has recorded and performed with artists ranging from Annie Lennox to Tom Morello and Coolio. Spread a blanket under the setting sun or pull up a chair and enjoy live music on the promenade. Enjoy food, drinks and sweet treats from nearby restaurants.
Aim for Fun at the Easton Newberry Archery Festival
Sunday, November 12, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Easton Newberry Archery Center
29799 NW 16th Ave., Newberry, FL 32669
Share archery with your family and friends or discover the sport for the first time. Get outside and learn about a variety of sports and try your hand at different activities. Admission is free.
Savor a One-of-a-Kind Meal at Swallowtail’s Farm Dining Experience Featuring Chef Phil Bailey-Anderson
Saturday, November 11, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Swallowtail Farm
7301 SE 92nd Terr., Gainesville, FL 32641
Since its inception in 2009, the farm has collaborated with brilliant local chefs, fellow producers, musicians, brewers, non-profits and artists to bring authentic elevated dining experiences to the community. Tickets include a farm tour, open bar, live music and a one-of-a-kind multi-course dinner featuring locally-sourced ingredients.
What’s Open for Thanksgiving 2023 Dining Guide for Gainesville and Alachua County
Skip the cooking and dishes and treat your family and guests to a great meal at a local restaurant or pick up a meal to-go. We’ve done the search for you. Here’s our list of what’s open for Thanksgiving in Gainesville and Alachua County, FL.
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Pop-Up Markets and Retail Shopping
Holiday Marketplace at First United Methodist Church
Friday, November 10 – Sunday, November 12
Browse Plants and Art at the Fall Pop-Up Shop at Grow Hub
Saturday, November 11, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Joy’s Annual Arts and Crafts Show at Alachua County Senior Recreation Center
Saturday, November 11, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
November Art Market at Artisans’ Guild Gallery
Sunday, November 12, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Plantsgiving Plant Swamp and Sale at Roots Plant Studio
Sunday, November 12, 12:30 p.m.
Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.
Arts & Theatre
Annie Jr. Musical at Star Center Theatre
Friday, November 10 – Sunday, November 12
Dance Alive National Ballet and Pofahl Studios Present the Next Generation Fall Showcase at East High School Theatre
Sunday, November 12, 4 p.m.
Events & Festivals
Latin Music, Food and Performances All Day at the Tu Fiesta Radio Festival at Bo Diddley Plaza
Saturday, November 11, 2 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Less Commonly Taught Europe Speaker Series with Kévi Donat, Le Paris Noir at the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center
Thursday, November 9, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Rock the Runway Holiday Fashion Show at Butler Town Center
Thursday, November 9, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Author Book Discussion with Mike Schneider’s Mickey and the Teamsters at Third House Books
Friday, November 10, 6:30 p.m.
Door Wreaths Art Night at Island Grove Wine Company
Friday, November 10, 6:30 p.m.
Bike Night at Dave and Buster’s
Friday, November 10, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Family Fishing Day Veterans Day BBQ and Sharon Fitz-Coy Memorial at UF/IFAS Fishing Ponds
Saturday, November 11, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Wellness Workshop with Bailey Learning and Arts Collective at Santa Fe College Blount Hall
Saturday, November 11, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Downtown High Springs Artwalk
Saturday, November 11, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Gainesville Cars and Coffee at Ford’s Garage
Sunday, November 12, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Growing Bananas in Northern Florida Workshop with Joseph “Micanopy Joe” Pierce at Mosswood Farm Store
Sunday, November 12, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Junk Jam Instrument Making at Repurpose Project
Sunday, November 12, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Gratitude Candle Workshop with Earth Tonix at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Sunday, November 12, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Music & Performance
Classic Rock with Chasing Rabbits at One Love Café
Thursday, November 9, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
An Evening of Jazz at Santa Fe College Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall
Thursday, November 9, 7:30 p.m.
Poetry Jam at Civic Media Center
Thursday, November 9, 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter Matthew Fowler at Heartwood Soundstage
Thursday, November 9, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Classic Rock with Wild Blue Yonder at One Love Café
Friday, November 10, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Bluegrass with Boilin’ Oil at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, November 10, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Rock with Whiskey Jones at Tioga Town Center
Friday, November 10, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Metal with Iron Buddha at the Atlantic
Friday, November 10, 8 p.m.
Alt Rock with The Interwaves at The Bull
Friday, November 10, 8 p.m.
Electronic Music at Renegade Sound at Signal
Friday, November 10, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
1st Annual Acoustic Street Jam at Music Junction
Saturday, November 11, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Veterans Day Camouflage Dance Party with Big Mucci at Easton Newberry Sports Complex
Saturday, November 11, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Indian Music Fusion with Gator Resonance at Jhankaar 2023 in the UF Reitz Union Auditorium
Saturday, November 11, 6 p.m.
Classic Rock with Big Rascal at the Great Outdoors Restaurant
Saturday, November 11, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Veterans Day Concert with Gainesville Community Band at First Presbyterian Church
Sunday, November 12, 4 p.m.
Rock with Tiny Silver Hammers at Civic Media Center
Sunday, November 12, 4 p.m.
Bluegrass with Mark Johnson and Emory Lester at Heartwood Soundstage
Sunday, November 12, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Punk with Portrayal of Guilt at The Ox Store
Monday, November 13, 7 p.m.
Prog Rock with Strawberry Girls at High Dive
Monday, November 13, 7 p.m.
Folk Rock with The Other End of the Road at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, November 14, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Jazzology at The Bull
Tuesday, November 14, 9 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Here’s to the “Sippin’ Squad” and all the sippers who helped make the Sippin’ Seven Alachua County digital ale trail pass a great success!
Almost 4,000 pass holders and 15,000 check-ins showed us that visitors and residents love award-winning craft beer and making time with friends.
November 15, 2023 is the last day to redeem yourpoints for fun Billy the Bison and the Brew Birds merch.
After November 15, the Sippin’ Seven Alachua County Ale Trail will continue without the digital pass. Be sure to check the Sippin’ Seven page for updates beginning November 15.
Click here and check out the most recent edition of the Sippin’ Seven On Tap newsletter featuring fun upcoming events at local breweries.
Grand Opening Weekend at Dry Wrought Cider at 4th Ave Food Park
Friday, November 10 – Sunday, November 12
Interactive Crafting Stations, Live Music, Food and More at The pARTy at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Friday, November 10, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Alachua Conservation Trust and First Magnitude Brewing Company Host “Cycling for our Springs” Starting at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Saturday, November 11, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Alt-Country with Black River Harvesters at High Springs Brewing Company
Saturday, November 11, 8:30 p.m.
Loggerhead Logger Release with Seat Turtle Conservancy at Sea Turtle Day at Swamp Head Brewery
Sunday, November 12, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Brewery Yoga at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Sunday, November 12, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Reggae Sunday with The Easy Crew at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Sunday, November 12, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmers Markets
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.
Fall 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
Saturday, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Waldo Farmers and Flea Market
Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Union Street Farmers Market at Bo Diddley Plaza
Wednesdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Bites and Brunch
Now Open: Craft Cocktails at Kin Bar
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, November 9, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at the Traveler Wine Bar
Thursday, November 9, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Superette Wine and Provisions
Thursday, November 9, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Flight to Europe Macaron and Wine Pairing at Le Macaron Gainesville
Saturday, November 11, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Fall Flavor Weekend at Sweet Dreams Ice Cream
Saturday, November 11 – Sunday, November 12, 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Vino de España: A Journey Through the Flavors of Spanish Wine at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, November 11, 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Thanksgiving Pairings Wine Tasting at Petit Uppercrust
Sunday, November 12, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Sports
Gator Talk Live Broadcast with Gators Football Head Coach Billy Napier at the Keys Grill and Piano Bar
Thursday, November 9, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Teddy Bear Invitational Gymnastic at Alachua County Sports and Events Center
Saturday, November 11 – Sunday, November 12
Fall Brawl Drag Racing at Gainesville Raceway
Thursday, November 9 – Sunday, November 12
Gators Women’s Basketball vs. Bethune-Cookman at Exactech Arena
Thursday, November 9, 6 p.m.
Gators Baseball Orange and Blue World Series at Condron Family Ballpark
Thursday, November 9 – Sunday, November 12
Gators Cross Country at NCAA Cross Country Championship South Regional at Mark Bostick Golf Course
Friday, November 10, 8:30 a.m.
Backwards K Showcase Softball Tournament at Champions Park
Friday, November 10 – Sunday, November 12
Gators Volleyball vs. LSU at Exactech Arena
Friday, November 10, 7 p.m.
Gators Women’s Basketball vs Florida A&M at Exactech Arena
Monday, November 13, 8 p.m.
Gators Men’s Basketball vs. Florida A&M at Exactech Arena
Tuesday, November 14, 7 p.m.
Gators Softball Fall Exhibition vs. College of Central Florida at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium
Wednesday, November 15, 6 p.m.
Parks & Trails
Free Timed 5K at Depot Park parkrun
Saturday, November 11, 7:30 a.m.
Sweet Cane Kids Day at Dudley Farm Historic State Park
Saturday, November 11, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Ranger-Led Tour at Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
Saturday, November 11, 10 a.m.
Rim Ramble Ranger-Led Adventure at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park La Chua Trail
Sunday, November 12, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Ranger-Led Hike at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Sunday, November 12, 10 a.m. – 11 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
Art & Mindfulness Appreciating Beauty at the Harn Museum of Art
Saturday, November 11, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Tracing Your Ancestors with Tatanya Peterson and Karen Kirkman at Matheson History Museum
Saturday, November 11, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Go Behind-the-Scenes with a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer at the new Exhibit “Tom Petty: Among the Wildflowers”
Open Now through December 31, Thursday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
811 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Tom Petty: Among the Wildflowers explores the joys, pains, and creative awakenings that Gainesville native Tom Petty experienced while pouring his soul into his magnum opus, Wildflowers, released in November 1994. The exhibit includes artifacts previously on display at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. Explore three unique aspects of the Wildflowers creative process: songwriting, recording, and reception and delivery. The exhibit runs through December 31.
Chill with Cool Dinos at the New Interactive Exhibit “Antarctic Dinosaurs”
Now through April 21 | Florida Museum of Natural History
3215 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Step back in time and 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
42nd Annual Downtown Festival and Art Show in Downtown Gainesville, November 18-19
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, November 29
A Very GNV Holiday Parade, Dance Party and Holiday Light Celebration, December 2
O’Connell Center Craft Show, December 2-3
Dance Alive National Ballet Presents The Nutcracker, December 15-17
For a complete list of events please visit www.visitgainesville.com/events/
Thank you for your continued partnership! Please keep in communication with us by sharing your events, updates and news with our team by emailing info@visitgainesville.com.
Your participation, communication, and sharing of events and programs is a key way for us to market our community to visitors and to enhance the engagement of residents in all of the incredible programs you create.
Put simply, the more you share with us, the more we have to promote. Please read the attached PDF document for additional ways in which your organization can participate.
Visit Gainesville, Alachua County | (352) 374-5260 | 33 North Main Street, Gainesville 32601 Never miss an event: Follow Visit Gainesville, Alachua County on social media.
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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.
