What’s Good Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, September 14-20, 2023
Take a bite out of the weekend with film festivals, flowing live music, football and What’s Good. Kick off the game day weekend at Chomp the Block, the official block party of the Florida Gators at Celebration Pointe. Then, cheer on the SEC matchup as Gators Football hosts #11 Tennessee in The Swamp.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a lineup of events including the Gainesville Latino Film Festival, Museum Nights at the Harn Museum, Latin Music with Tropix in downtown Gainesville, Viva Museum at the Florida Museum and more. Or kick back with a live performance by the Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass Ensemble at Santa Fe College and with live music on dozens of area stages.
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.
Kick Off Game Day Weekend with Gator Legends and Good Times at Chomp the Block
Friday, September 15, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4949 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Before Gators Football takes the field on Saturday, join the Official Block Party of the Florida Gators® at Celebration Pointe. Enjoy UF celebrity appearances, live music with Jamie Davis Band, plus an entertainment zone with bounce houses and balloon animals for the kids. Enjoy food, drinks and sweet treats from restaurants located nearby.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Stop by the Visit Gainesville, Alachua County table for Sippin’ Seven Ale Trail passport signups and merch, plus great information for pre- and post-gameday activities to keep the fun going all weekend long.
Cheer on the Season’s First SEC Matchup as Gators Football takes on #11 Tennessee
Saturday, September 16 | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
157 Gale Lemerand Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611
It’s Championship Reunion Weekend in The Swamp as Gators Football hosts Tennessee. Plan to arrive early to enjoy pregame festivities including Gator Walk and Gators Fan Fest. Find gameday details including parking, mobile ticketing and more at FloridaGators.com.
Photo by Matt Stamey
Plan your gameday weekend with Visit Gainesville, Alachua County’s gameday weekend guide of local events, free things to do, drive-worthy dining and more.
Discover which Craft Beer Pairs Best with Football on the Sippin’ Seven Ale Trail
Turn football “cheers” into free fun merch when you check-in on the Sippin’ Seven Alachua County Ale Trail. Download the free digital pass earn points when you check-in to local award-winning craft brewery.
Celebrate the Influence and Achievement of the American Latino Community during Hispanic Heritage Month
Gainesville Latino Film Festival
Thursday, September 14 – Sunday, September 24
Museum Nights: Noche de Museo
Thursday, September 14, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Viva Museum at the Florida Museum of Natural History
Sunday, September 17, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Celebrate Dance with Latina Women’s League at Bo Diddley Plaza
Friday, September 15, 7 – 9 p.m.
Live Music Performance with Tropix (Salsa, Merengue and Bachata) at Bo Diddley Plaza
Saturday, September 16, 8 – 10 p.m.
Movie Night at Bo Diddley Plaza: Family Film Encanto
Friday, September 22, 7 – 9 p.m.
Chucho Valdés Quartet at UF Phillips Center
Wednesday, September 27, 7:30 p.m.
UF World Music Festival at Bo Diddley Plaza
Friday, October 13, 7 – 10 p.m.
On View at the Harn Museum of Art, Under the Spell of the Palm Tree: The Rice Collection of Cuban Art
Now through January 7
On View at University Galleries: Valerie Brathwaite. Works on Paper.
Thursday, September 21 – Saturday, November 18
Experience Latin American Culture with Film, Music and Dance at the 19th Gainesville Latino Film Festival
Thursday, September 14 – Sunday, September 24 | Multiple Venues
The festival features film screenings, Latin dance and music across 8 days at multiple venues. Learn more about the festival and view the daily schedule online. Admission is free for all events.
Enter a Cabaret-Style Jazz Club Setting at UpStage at the Phillips Center with 8-time Grammy Award-Winner Christian McBride
Thursday, September 14, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Host of “The Lowdown: Conversations With Christian” on SiriusXM and “Jazz Night in America” on National Public Radio, jazz bassist Christian McBride fuses the fire of a virtuoso with the depth and grounding of a seasoned journeyman.
UpStage transforms the Phillips Center Mainstage into an intimate, cabaret-style setting. The 7 p.m. seating includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. The 9 p.m. seating includes desserts and cash bar.
Be Uplifted by a Soaring Brass Orchestra with the Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass Ensemble
Friday, September 15, 7:30 p.m. | Santa Fe College Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall
3000 NW 83rd St. E-127, Gainesville, FL 32606
The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass ensemble is a family business born on the streets of New Orleans reflecting ethnic and gender diversity that is embedded in American culture. Their concert format breaks the usual barriers between musical genres, aiming to create connections between audience and performers.
Hear Wild Stories and See Unbelievable Stunt Footage at Steve-O: The Bucket List Tour
Sunday, September 17, 7 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Stuntman and performer Steve-O shares his creative and comedic process. Not for the feint of heart, this show features stunts banned from TV and the big screen. Gainesville is the last stop of the tour and includes the most complicated stunt he’s ever performed. Contains adult content for ages 18+.
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Pop-Up Markets and Retail Shopping
Back-to-School Evening Market at The AUK Market
Friday, September 15, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Equestrian Supplies and Equipment at the Horsey Yard Sale at Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center
Saturday, September 16, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Giveaways, Game Day Gear and Free Hat Customization at the College Football Gameday Celebration at Dick’s Sporting Goods
Saturday, September 16, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
September Sundays Mini Pop-Up Series at The AUK Market
Sunday, September 17, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Retro Fashions at The Florida Vintage Market at Midpoint Park and Eatery
Sunday, September 17, 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
Laugh the Whole Way Through POTUS with All the President’s Women
Now through Sunday, October 1 | Hippodrome Theatre
25 SE 2nd Pl., Gainesville, FL 32601
POTUS took Broadway by storm in a star-studded production that earned three 2022 Tony nominations. When the President unwittingly spins a PR nightmare into a global crisis, the seven brilliant and beleaguered women he relies upon most risk life, liberty, and the pursuit of sanity to keep the commander-in-chief out of trouble. This hilarious, farcical play is meant for mature audiences ages 17+ and contains adult language. Photo by Michael A. Eaddy.
Dust by Danielle Mohlman at UF McGuire Pavilion Black Box Theatre
Thursday, September 14 – Sunday, September 24
Ruthless the Musical at Star Center Theatre
Now through Sunday, September 17
Events & Festivals
Photo Day for All Skill Levels at Lubee Bat Conservancy
Saturday, September 16, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Lecture on the Roots of American Music: Blues and Beyond with UF Honors Professor Dr. Ed Kellerman at Alachua County Library District Millhopper Branch
Sunday, September 17, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Music & Performance
Alt-Country with Jonathan Foster at Lightnin’ Salvage
Thursday, September 14, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Indie Rock with Quail Hollow at High Dive
Thursday, September 14, 8 p.m.
Classic Rock with Enlightened Rogues at One Love Café
Friday, September 15, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Blues with Mr Aullie at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, September 15, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Indie Live Concert Series with Virginia Man, Mirror Parts and Madwoman at Heartwood Soundstage
Friday, September 15, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Classic Rock with Treetop Flyers at the Great Outdoors Restaurant
Friday, September 15, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Rock with Big Sky at High Dive
Friday, September 15, 8 p.m.
‘90s Pop, Rock and Indie Covers with Pet Detectives at Loosey’s Downtown
Friday, September 15, 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Pop Punk and Emo Night of Gainesville at Vivid Music Hall
Friday, September 15, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Dueling Pianos with Brad Heron and Steve Dunn
Friday, September 15 – Saturday, September 16, 9 p.m. – 12 a.m
Jazz with Swing Theory at One Love Café
Saturday, September 16, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Metal with The Pine Drape at High Dive
Saturday, September 16, 8 p.m.
Country with Lakeview at High Dive
Sunday, September 17, 6 p.m.
Breakaway Burlesque at Loosey’s Downtown
Sunday, September 17, 7 p.m., Ages 18+
Scene Queens ‘80s Ladies at the Hippodrome Theatre
Monday, September 18, 7 p.m.
Traditional Irish Session at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, September 19, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Gainesville Tonight Comedy Talk Show at High Dive
Wednesday, September 20, 7:30 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Add to the gameday weekend on the Sippin’ Seven Alachua Count Ale Trail. Check-in at local breweries and earn points with the free digital pass. Learn more and sign up online.
Learn more and sign up for free at VisitGainesville.com/sippinseven.
Click here and check out the most recent edition of the Sippin’ Seven On Tap newsletter featuring fun upcoming events at local breweries.
Gainesville Rabbit Rescue Benefit with Live Music from The Imbeciles at Blackadder Brewing Company
Thursday, September 14, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Football Fridays with Big Lee’s BBQ and Mayflower Foodtrucks with Live Music from The Fire Water Tent Revival at Swamp Head Brewery
Friday, September 15, 12 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Jazz with Nick DeCarlis Trio at Daft Cow Brewing Company
Friday, September 15, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Jazz Bandits at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Friday, September 15, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
2-Day Music Lineup for Hurricane Relief at High Springs Brewing Company
Saturday, September 16, 12 p.m. – 12 a.m., Sunday, September 17, 1 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Comedian Ben Wasserman at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Sunday, September 17, 6 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmers Markets
Summertime Market Bash at GNV Market at South Main Station
Thursday, September 14, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Grove Street Farmers Market with Live Music
Mondays, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Archer Farmers Market at Archer Historical Society Railroad Museum
Tuesdays, 3 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. – 12 p.m.
Haile Village 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.
The Newberry Farmers Market returns Saturday, October 14
Bites and Brunch
Ribbon Cutting at Main Street Sweets and Eats
Friday, September 15, 4:30 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Superette Wine and Provisions
Thursday, September 14, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, September 14, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at the Traveler Wine Bar
Thursday, September 14, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Rosh Hashanah Menu at Uppercrust
Friday, September 15 – Sunday, September 17
(sold out) Master Chef Class: Bread at the Fat Tuscan
Saturday, September 16, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Wine Tasting Class – Discovering the Elegance of Loire Valley Wines at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, September 16, 4:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sports
Gator Talk Live Broadcast with Gators Football Head Coach Billy Napier at The Keys Grill and Piano Bar
Thursday, September 14, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Gators Cross Country Mountain Dew Invitational at Mark Bostic Golf Course
Friday, September 15, 7:40 a.m.
Gators Soccer vs. Missouri at Donald R Dizney Stadium
Friday, September 15, 7 p.m.
22nd Annual Gainesville Senior Games: Cycling and Track and Field
Friday, September 15 – Sunday, September 17
Mega Test and Tune Drag Racing at Gainesville Raceway
Saturday, September 16, 8 a.m.
#3 Gators Volleyball vs. #1 Wisconsin at Exactech Arena
Sunday, September 17, 3 p.m.
Parks & Trails
Weekly Walk & Talk at Blues Creek Ravine Preserve
Friday, September 15, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Accessible Tram Tours at Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Ongoing, Check for Availability
Friday, September 15, 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 17, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.(sold out)
Monday, September 18, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Join a Ranger for Sunrise Walks at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Saturday, September 16, 7:15 a.m. – 8 a.m.
Free Timed 5K at Depot Park parkrun
Saturday, September 16, 7:30 a.m.
Birding Field Trip with Alachua Audubon Society at San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park Hiking Trails
Saturday, September 16, 8 a.m.
Ranger-Led Tour at Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
Saturday, September 16, 10 a.m.
Citizen Science Sundays for Kids! Radical Reptiles! at Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Park
Sunday, September 17, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday Bird Walks with Alachua Audubon Society at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Wednesday, September 20, 8:30 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
Art and Mindfulness Sound Meditation at the Harn Museum of Art
Saturday, September 16, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Free Docent-led Group Tour at the Harn Museum of Art
Saturday, September 16, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Early Cuban Exiles: Memories of Loss, Struggle, and Rebirthwith Mario Cartaya and David Powell at the Matheson History Museum
Wednesday, September 20, 7 p.m.
Go Behind-the-Scenes with “Tom Petty: Among the Wildflowers” at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
Open Now through December 31, Thursday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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.
On View at the Matheson History Museum, We Are Here: Stories from Multilingual Speakers in North Central Florida
Museum Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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
Tom Petty Weekend at Heartwood Soundstage, October 20-22
Fall Plant Sale and Orchid Show at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, October 21-22
Florida Bat Festival at Lubee Bat Conservancy, October 21
48th Micanopy Fall Festival, October 28-29
42nd Annual Downtown Festival and Art Show in Downtown Gainesville, November 18-19
For a complete list of events please visit www.visitgainesville.com/events/
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