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What’s Good® Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, October 3-9, 2024

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Make the most of your weekend with exciting performances, scenic nature walks and one-of-a-kind markets featured in this week’s What’s Good®. Embark on a musical journey with the Gainesville Orchestra’s exciting season premier and laugh along with the wit of David Sedaris. Browse vintage treasures at the Roaring Retro Market and discover talented local creators at the Wooly Mammoth Market. Don’t forget to join the college football action at The Swamp as Florida takes on UCF.

Read on for more of What’s Good®.
Your partners at Visit Gainesville, Alachua County

Impacts from Hurricane Milton: Not all event producers have been able to update their websites and event information at the time of publishing. Please check event details and updates directly from event organizers when deciding to attend.

All residents and visitors should prioritize their safety and stay informed by following official weather updates and advisories.

alachua county ready

Stay Informed: To receive real-time County updates during a large-scale incident or emergency text ALACHUA to 888-777.

News alerts and weather updates at AlachuaCountyReady.com

The 311 Emergency Information Line is live for questions and rumor control (352-264-6557 if 311 is unavailable in your area). If you have an actual emergency call 911.


orchestra les preludes

Embark on Musical Journey with the Gainesville Orchestra’s Season Premiere Concert, “Les Preludes”
Friday, October 4, 7:30 p.m. | Santa Fe College Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall

3000 NW 83rd St., Gainesville, FL 32606

Experience the magic of live music as the Gainesville Orchestra kicks off its season premier. Whether you are a longtime fan or a newcomer you will be in for a thrill with moving orchestral music. The season premier begins with Wagner’s “The Flying Dutchman” and Tan Dun’s multi-dimensional “Paper Concerto.” Tan Dun has wowed audiences with his “Water Concerto” and film scores including Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The program concludes with thoughtfully curated visuals paired with Liszt’s “Les Preludes.” Conducted by musical director Evans Haile.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County


david sedaris

[RESCHEDULED] Laugh Out Loud at an Evening with David Sedaris
Monday, December 2, 7:30 p.m. | UF Phillips Center

3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611

David Sedaris catches audiences off guard with laugh-out-loud storytelling, autobiographical essays and social commentary. His published stories and essay collections have become best-selling books, Grammy Award-nominated recordings and featured segments on NPR, BBC Radio and podcasts. Book signings precede and follow this performance.


herlong mansion

Relax on the Lawn of the Historic Herlong Mansion with Singer-Songwriters Lance and Lea
Friday, October 4, 6 p.m. | Herlong Mansion Bed and Breakfast

402 NE Cholokka Blvd., Micanopy, FL 32667

lance and lea live on the lawn

Enjoy an evening of live music in Micanopy with the songwriting duo of Lance and Lea. Bring a chair or blanket for music live on the lawn with the Herlong Mansion as the backdrop. Built circa 1845, the bed and breakfast is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Plan an outing to Micanopy, Florida’s oldest inland town with this and more events.


Ben Hill Griffin Stadium by Jason Parkhurst

All Eyes on The Swamp as the Gators Host UCF in a Game Day Showdown
Saturday, October 5, 7:45 p.m. | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

121 Gale Lemerand Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611

The in-state matchup is sold-out but you can still show your team spirit and join the fun before kickoff at The Swamp. Plan to arrive early for tailgating, Gatorland Fan Fest, Gator Walk, live music, food trucks and more. Saturday is also the third annual Tom Petty Day. Limited edition merchandise from the Tom Petty Day X Florida Collection is available for pre-order online.

Plan ahead for the remaining home football schedule:
October 19, Kentucky, Homecoming
Click for details for the annual homecoming parade and Gator Growl featuring country artist Dustin Lynch
November 16, LSU
November 23, Ole Miss

Make the most of your football weekend with our game day guide and find local attractions and fun things to do.


newberry lions club roaring retro market

Bring Home a Vintage Treasure from the Newberry Lions Club Roaring Retro Market
Friday, October 4 – Saturday, October 5, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Alachua County Agricultural and Equestrian Center

23100 W Newberry Rd., Newberry, FL 32669

Browse a selection of vendors featuring antiques, collectibles, vintage, crafts and more. Located under the covered arena, the Roaring Retro Market is scheduled to take place rain or shine with hourly door prizes and food trucks. Admission is free. 


wooly mammoth market october 6

Browse Handmade Gifts from Local Makers at the Wooly Mammoth Market
Sunday, October 6, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. | The Wooly

20 N Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601

Head to The Wooly for an indoor shopping experience with a unique selection of makers. Grab a beverage at the bar and browse custom apparel, art prints, jewelry and more handmade gifts. Admission is free.


kanapaha lilies under bridge

Discover Fall Highlights and What’s Blooming on a Guided Walk at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Saturday, October 5, 10 a.m. | Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

4700 SW 58th Dr., Gainesville, FL 32608

Relax in nature and view seasonal highlights from plant collections on a guided walk. The pet-friendly 68-acre property features 24 major collections including the largest public display of bamboo in Florida and the largest herb garden in the southeast.

Save the date for the Fall Plant Sale and Orchid Show, October 19-20.


sweetwater wetlands park boardwalk and classroom

Spot Wildlife and Learn About Water Quality on a Ranger-Led Hike at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Sunday, October 6, 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | Sweetwater Wetlands Park

325 SW Williston Rd., Gainesville, FL 32641

Connect with nature at one of the most popular birding hot spots in the region and learn about the park’s function in improving the water quality of the Floridan aquifer. Meet at the front restroom pavilion for a 45 minute to one hour walking tour. Recent bird sightings include Pileated Woodpecker, Sandhill Crane, Cave Swallow, Barred Owl and more. 


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Halloween Costume Sale from Dance Alive National Ballet at Pofahl Dance Studios
Saturday, October 5 – Sunday, October 6, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Browse Plant-Based Vendors at the Farmers Moo-Ket at Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary
Sunday, October 6, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Gainesville Oddities Market Halloween Festival at Bo Diddley Plaza
Sunday, October 6, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.


joseph and the amazing technicolor dreamcoat

Follow a Young Dreamer’s Colorful Path to Destiny at the Hit Musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at Gainesville Community Playhouse
Now through Sunday, October 6

The rags-to-riches story from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice follows Joseph from the Book of Genesis with themes of family struggles with favoritism, jealousy, faith, and forgiveness. Brilliant upbeat music paints a  journey with song and dance through ancient Egypt. The timeless musical features memorable songs “Any Dream Will Do” and “Go, Go, Go Joseph!”

Tony Award-Winning Musical SIX: Teen Edition at Star Center Theatre
Friday, October 4 – Sunday, October 13

dracula driveway theatre project at 4th ave food park

Driveway Theater Project Presents Dracula as a Live Radio Play at 4th Ave Food Park
Sunday, October 6, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.

It Can’t Happen Here, A Radio Play by Sinclair Lewis with Actors Warehouse at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Gainesville
Monday, October 7 – Monday, November 4, 7 p.m.


waldo homecoming 2024

Waldo Homecoming Community Parade, 3on3 Basketball, Vendor Fair and More at Waldo City Park
Friday, October 4 – Sunday, October 5

Gainesville Cars and Coffee at Tioga Town Center
Saturday, October 5, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

growing local color workshop

Growing Local Color: A Seed to Palette Workshop at Working Food
Saturday, October 5, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Music, Local Vendors, Plant Sales and More at the Fall Festival at Landscapes Unlimited Nursery
Saturday, October 5, 11 a.m.

wreath workshop

Fall Wreath Workshop with Iron and Clay at Serpentine
Saturday, October 5, 1 p.m.

Draw Jam at Sequential Artists Workshop
Saturday, October 5, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Spooky Halloween Terrarium Workshop at Roots Plant Studio
Sunday, October 6, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Effects of Freezing on Your North Florida Landscape at UF/IFAS Alachua County Ag Auditorium
Tuesday, October 8, 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Halloween Frights at the Gainesville Fear Garden
Now through Saturday, November 2

Newberry Cornfield Maze
Now through Saturday, October 26

Haunted House, Hayrides and Corn Maze at the Peanut Patch and Corn Maze
Now through Saturday, October 26

Opening Weekend at Hollow Oaks Corn Maze
Fridays, 6 p.m. – 11 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Sundays, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Crop Maze, Pumpkin Patch and More at the Fall Festival at Blaze Ranch
Saturday, October 5 – Sunday, October 27, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Fall Festival and Corn Maze at Crossroads Farm and Apiary
Saturday, October 5 – Sunday, November 3

Corgi Meetup at Lebowskis Pup Pub
Tuesday, October 8, 5 p.m.


Music & Performance

celebrando amistad grammy celebration concert

Celebrando Amistad: GRAMMY Celebration Concert with Dr. José Valentino Ruiz at UF School of Music
Thursday, October 3, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Singer-Songwriter Clayton Sturgeon at Codfathers
Friday, October 4, 6 p.m.

Folk with Elonzo Wesley at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, October 4, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Classic Rock with Couch Messiahs at One Love Café
Friday, October 4, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Dr. Jules Cool Blues Trio at Top Hog Oaks Mall BBQ, Bourbon and Blues
Friday, October 4, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Singer-Songwriters Jonas Van den Bossche and Jenna Clark at The Listening Room Concert Series at The Bull
Friday, October 4, 6:30 p.m.

Classic Rock with Big Rascal at Pink Flamingo Diner
Friday, October 4, 6:45 p.m.

in the moment

Rock and Jazz with In the Moment at Great Outdoors Restaurant
Friday, October 4, 7 p.m.

Alt-Rock with Southbound 441 at Loosey’s Downtown
Friday, October 4, 8 p.m.

Bass Music with TVBOO at Vivid Music Hall
Friday, October 4, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.

K-Pop DJ Night at Heartwood Soundstage
Friday, October 4, 9 p.m.

Musical Theatre Hits at the Broadway Rave at The Wooly
Friday, October 4, 9 p.m.

Noise Rock Fusion with Flesh Narc at The Atlantic
Friday, October 4, 10 p.m.

Classic Rock with the Shambles at One Love Café
Saturday, October 5, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

big magnolia

Blues, Soul and Rock with Big Magnolia Company at Great Outdoors Restaurant
Saturday, October 5, 7 p.m.

Rock with Jon Snodgrass at The Bull
Saturday, October 5, 8 p.m.

Halloween Electronic Music at Paul Island Zombie Island at The Atlantic
Saturday, October 5, 10 p.m.

Reggae Sunday with Easy Crew 352 at Loosey’s Downtown
Sunday, October 6, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Folk and Rock with Random Kats at Heartwood Soundstage
Sunday, October 6, 7 p.m.

Singer-Songwriter Matthew McCartney at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, October 8, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Faculty Artist Recital with Jonathan Helton, Saxophone and Evan Mitchell, Piano at UF School of Music
Tuesday, October 8, 7:20 p.m.

Skill Share Workshops and Singer Songwriter Matthew Fowler at Community Nights at Heartwood Soundstage
Wednesday, October 9, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Jazz with Donnie and The Newcombs at One Love Café
Wednesday, October 9, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.


Craft Breweries

Image of the Sippin' Seven Ale Trail logo depicting a blue bison witj seven blue birds siting on the Bison's back. Photo also shows a pint glass with the same logo. Text on image says: Award-winning breweries. Gainesville. Alachua. High Springs. Visit Gainesville.com

Local craft breweries serve refreshments and make a perfect gathering place after a day on the water or hiking the trails. Enjoy live music and special events. Learn more about the Alachua County Ale Trail at visitgainesville.com/sippinseven. Cheers!

Pints and Postures Yoga at High Springs Brewing Company
Thursday, October 3, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Country with Clay Brooker at High Springs Brewing Company
Thursday, October 3, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Singer-Songwriter Ben Hofer at Blackadder Brewing Company
Thursday, October 3, 7 p.m.

Football Friday at Swamp Head Brewery
Friday, October 4, 12 p.m. – 11 p.m.

kick off fridays

Kick-Off Fridays at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Friday, October 4, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Americana with Front Porch Backsteppers at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Friday, October 4, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

open mic night

Open Mic Night at Swamp Head Brewery
Wednesday, October 9, 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

paddling on the santa fe river

Summer is great time for a Pedal, Paddle, Pub adventure.
Find inspiration at visitgainesville.com


U-Picks and Farmers Markets

farmers market veggies

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.

(canceled) San Felasco Market at San Felasco Tech City
Wednesday, October 9, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Farmers Market at Celebration Pointe
Wednesdays, 4 p.m. – 8 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

boss subs grand opening

Grand Opening of Boss Subs at Midpoint Park and Eatery
Friday, October 4, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, October 3, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Wine Tasting at the Traveler Wine Bar
Thursday, October 3, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Wine Tasting at Superette
Thursday, October 3, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. 

National Taco Day at Chuy’s
Friday, October 4, 11 a.m.

All About Soups, Stocks and Purees Master Class at the Fat Tuscan
Saturday, October 5, 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Free Coffee at the Lowbar Coffee Truck Launch Party and Skateboard Contest at 220 NW 8th Ave. in Gainesville
Saturday, October 5, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

October Wine Series: Taste & Terroir – Climate and the Art of Wine at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, October 5, 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.

‘90s Dance Party Brunch at Codfathers
Sunday, October 6, 11 a.m.

All beer and wine tasting events are for ages 21+.


Sports & Fans

Gators Soccer vs. Texas at Donald R. Dizney Stadium
Friday, October 4, 7 p.m.

Gators Volleyball vs. Texas at Exactech Arena
Sunday, October 6, 1 p.m.

(Postponed to October 11) Gators Volleyball vs. Mississippi State at Exactech Arena
Friday, October 11, 7 p.m.

archery targets

Funtastic Fridays Archery at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, October 4, 5:30 p.m.

Mega Test and Tune Car Show, Swap Meet and Drag Racing at Gainesville Raceway
Saturday, October 5, 8 a.m.


Parks & Trails

Frogs and Friends Friday at Morningside Nature Center
Friday, October 4, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Free Timed 5K with parkrun at Depot Park
Saturday, October 5, 7:30 a.m.

Living History Saturday at Morningside Nature Center
Saturday, October 5, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Fall Wildflower Walk at Morningside Nature Center
Saturday, October 5, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Perspectives in the Parks: Shell Middens and Ceremonial Centers at Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Center
Sunday, October 6, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

(canceled) Bird Walks with Alachua Audubon Society at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Wednesday, October 9, 8:30 a.m.


Museums & Galleries

“HEAT” Exhibition at Gainesville Fine Arts Association
Now through Saturday, October 19 

Detours and Memories Installations at University Galleries
Now through Friday, November 1

Fluxus in the Swamp at Santa Fe College Gallery
Now through Sunday, October 20

Now on View: In Our Time at the Harn Museum of Art
Now through January 5 


Save The Date

Tom Petty Weekend, October 10-13
Gainesville Cycling Festival, October 12-13
Infinity Con, October 12-13
Night of Fire, October 19
UF Homecoming and Gator Growl, October 18
Fall Open House and Plant Sale at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, October 19-20


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.

The images and materials appearing on this site may be protected or copyrighted works, and thus subject to legal protections. Display by the County of such on this site does not authorize you to copy, reproduce, distribute, publish, display, modify, or in any way exploit any such works.

The County publishes this information about events, venues and activities in Alachua County, Florida based upon what is provided for the benefit of the general public. Reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the information is accurate. The County is not responsible for errors or omissions in the information provided. For complete details, contact the host directly. As a convenience to you, the County may link to websites operated by other entities and if visited, you do so at your own risk and you may be subject those site’s terms, polices, and age restrictions. The information is not advice or an endorsement by the County of the views or products of the host or other entities, and should not be treated as such. The County does 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.


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