What’s Good® Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, September 26 – October 2, 2024
As we publish this week’s What’s Good®, we are mindful of the potential effects of Hurricane Helene on our region and throughout the state of Florida.
Thank you for supporting businesses and events in Alachua County. We hope that this week’s What’s Good guide will offer ways to connect and engage, while being mindful of the current circumstances.
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 when deciding to attend.
All residents and visitors should prioritize their safety and stay informed by following official weather updates and advisories. Resources links and phone numbers are provided below for anyone affected by the storm.
We look forward to seeing you at future events once the effects from the storm have passed.
Together we are What’s Good®
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.
Show Your PRIDE at the 2024 Gainesville Pride Festival
Saturday, September 28, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza
Downtown Gainesville
Experience a vibrant celebration in support of the LGBTQ+ community. Enjoy a day filled with entertainment, delicious food, and a variety of vendors offering unique gifts and services.
To kickoff the festival, join a group bike ride from Depot Park to Bo Diddley Plaza at “Ride to Pride,” starting at 9:30 a.m.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Dress Up in Lederhosen and Dirndl for Oktoberfest Events at Local Breweries
Celebrate Bavarian traditions at breweries on the Alachua County Ale Trail. Enjoy German food, live music, tap lists featuring selections of German-style beers and more.
Swamp Head Brewery
Friday, September 27, 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.
“Magtoberfest” at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Saturday, September 28, 12 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Saturday, September 28, 2 p.m. – 10 p.m.
“Daftoberfest” at Daft Cow Brewery
Saturday, September 28, 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Experience Drama and Grace as Dance Alive National Ballet Presents One of the Most Popular Ballets of All Time, Swan Lake
Friday, September 27, 7:30 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Experience gorgeous choreography paired with the timeless Tchaikovsky score as Dance Alive National Ballet presents Swan Lake. Swan Lake is one of ballet’s most famous love stories: follow the story of a prince’s fiancée who is transformed into a swan by a cruel spell.
Dance Alive National Ballet enchants audiences with their stunning production. Known for their graceful artistry and technical precision, the company brings this timeless tale of love and betrayal to life through exquisite choreography and powerful storytelling.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Go UpStage at the Phillips Center with Award-Winning Jazz Pianist Jahari Stampley
Saturday, September 28, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
The main stage at the Phillis Center transforms into an intimate cabaret-style setting for Jahari Stampley, winner of 2023 Herbie Hancock Institute International Competition and 2023 Chicago Youth Symphony Alumni Award. The 7 p.m. seating includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar; the 9 p.m. seating includes desserts and cash bar.
Get an Up-Close View Vintage Classics and Modern Machines at the 2024 Tioga Car Show
Saturday, September 28, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Tioga Town Center
13085 SW 1 Ln., Newberry, FL 32669
Enjoy live music with Whiskey Jones, food, entertainment, activities, prizes and more as you view an expansive lineup of vehicles competing for awards in six categories. Note additional off-site parking is available at Campus USA Credit Union (14007 NW 1st Rd, Newberry, FL 32669) with shuttles running every 15 minutes. Admission is free.
Browse Over 60 Artist Booths at the Shoppes at Thornebrook Fall Arts Festival
Saturday, September 28 – Sunday, September 29, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Shoppes at Thornebrook
2441 NW 43rd St., Gainesville, FL 32606
The park-like setting of the Shoppes at Thornebrook transforms into a vibrant art festival with pathways lined by artist booths and delicious festival foods from vendors and food trucks. Admission is free.
Step Right Up to a Dazzling Day of Fun Pairing Live Music and Circus Acts at “Circus Palooza – Voices for Change”
Friday, September 27 – Saturday, September 28, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Gainesville Circus Center
1925 NW 2nd St., Gainesville, FL 32609
See aerial acrobatics and dance performances paired to live music performed by musicians sharing the stage. This year’s theme, “Voices for Change” features music to inspire a brighter tomorrow. Gainesville Circus Center is a school dedicated to building of an inclusive community through the development of circus arts.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Explore a Variety of Gallery Spaces on a Self-Guided Tour of the Local Art Scene at Artwalk Gainesville
Friday, September 27, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Multiple Venues
Artwalk Gainesville features 15 stops across Gainesville including “Icons, a collection of oil paintings by Charles McWorter” at SL8 Gallery, landscapes from Nava Ottenberg at Bingo Deli and Pub, musician and visual artist Lexi Braun at the Hippodrome Gallery and more. Preview venues and download a map online.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Join an Evening of Art and Conservation with The Lynx Bookstore and the Gallery Exhibition “HEAT”
Friday, September 27, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Gainesville Fine Arts Association
1314 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Inspired by Jeff Goodell’s book, The Heat Will Kill You First: Life and Death on a Scorched Planet, Friday’s gallery reception features environmental education resources and a tree planting demonstration and educational resources from community organizations.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
View Intricate Bead Work and Embroidery from Stephanie Escue-Milch at Artisans’ Guild Gallery
Friday, September 27, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Artisans’ Guild Gallery
224 NW 2nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Join artist Stephanie Escue-Milch for an Artwalk Gainesville reception featuring various forms of beadwork. Stephanie Escue-Milch is constantly exploring ways to incorporate the art of beadwork into her creations using techniques such as off-loom beading, bead embroidery and three-dimensional beaded sculptures. Admission is free.
Bump, Set and Spike at the Florida AVP Grass Nationals Volleyball Tournament
Friday, September 27 – Sunday, September 29, 9 a.m. | Easton Newberry Sports Complex
24880 NW 16th Ave., Newberry, FL 32669
For the first time ever, AVP Grass makes a stop in Florida for three days of grass volleyball competition. All skill levels are welcome with a variety of divisions. The deadline to register is 24 hours before the competition events. Admission for spectators is free.
Join the official AVP Grass Nationals Player Party on Friday, 7 p.m. and Saturday, 9 p.m. to unwind at World of Beer and Fluid Lounge at Town of Tioga. All are welcome, even those not playing. WOB is all ages and Fluid is 21+.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
*EVENT CANCELED* Enjoy Soul and Funk from the Savants at the Season Finale of the Free Fridays Concert Series
Friday, September 27, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza
Downtown Gainesville
This event is canceled tonight, Friday, September 27. Head downtown for a night of soul and funk music at Bo Diddley Plaza. The region’s longest-running free outdoor concert series features the 10-piece band The Savants. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy live music as the sun sets. Enjoy food and drinks from walkable restaurants and cafes in downtown Gainesville. Admission is free.
Find Out Which Musicians Will Compete in Memphis at the North Central Florida Regional Blues Challenge
Sunday, September 29, 3 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Enjoy an expansive lineup of local musicians competing to move on to the International Blues Challenge which is held each year in Memphis, Tennessee. Sunday’s regional competition awards winning band, solo/duo and self-produced CD to represent the North Central Florida Region at the IBC scheduled for January 2025. Discover new blues talent and support them on their way to an international stage.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Experience Latino History and Culture with Film Screenings and Special Events at the Gainesville Latino Film Festival
Thursday, September 12 – Sunday, September 29 | Multiple Venues
The Gainesville Latino Film Festival is an immersive experience complete with film screenings, live music, art exhibits, dance performances and more. Explore this year’s film festival theme, “Social Memory in Latin America.” Learn more about the films and download the festival program online.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Weekend activities include:
Taste of the World International Food Festival at Matheson History Museum
Friday, September 27, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Closing Ceremonies with Memories of My Father with Guest Speaker Dr. Juliana Restrepo Sanín at UF Smathers Library
Sunday, September 29, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
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Pop-Up Markets and Retail Shopping
Halloween Costume Sale from Dance Alive National Ballet at Pofahl Dance Studios
Saturday, September 28 – Sunday, September 29, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.
Arts & Theatre
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!”
Discover the Secrets of “Bee-Luther Hatchee,” a Compelling Tale of Truth and Identity at Acrosstown Repertory Theatre
Now through Sunday, September 29
Bee-Luther-Hatchee presents an intricate plot to confront a complicated question of who has the right to tell another person’s story. The play follows Shelita Burns, an African American editor and publisher of “Bee-luther-hatchee,” the prize-winning autobiography of a 72-year-old black woman. When Shelita decides to deliver the award in person, she is shocked to find out the actual author is a white man. Shelita accuses him of a hoax, while he defends the book as a truthful work of imagination.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with Local Events
Sunday, September 15 – Tuesday, October 15
Film Screenings, Live Music, Food and More at the Gainesville Latino Film Festival
Now through Sunday, September 29
Taste of the World International Food Festival at Matheson History Museum
Friday, September 27, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Exhibitions featuring Latin American Art include Metamorphosis, Windows and Mirrors, In Our Time and a special installation in Highlights from the Modern Collection at the Harn Museum of Art
Tuesdays – Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays: 1 – 5 p.m.
Explore Cultures, Contributions and Histories with the Alachua County Library District
Waldo Homecoming Community Parade, 3on3 Basketball, Vendor Fair and More at Waldo City Park
Friday, September 27 – Sunday, September 29
Hawthorne Sustainability and Resilience Summit at New Generation Church
Saturday, September 28, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 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
Saturday, September 28, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. – Sunday, September 29, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Crop Maze, Pumpkin Patch and More at the Fall Festival at Blaze Ranch
Saturday, September 28 – Sunday, October 27
Fall Festival and Corn Maze at Crossroads Farm and Apiary
Saturday, September 28 – Sunday, October 27
Gainesville Reads with Author Jeff Goodell and Chief Heat Officer of Miami Jane Gilbert at Alachua County Library District Headquarters
Saturday, September 28, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Ceramic Pumpkins and More at the Family Pumpkin Party at StudioTM Ceramics
Saturday, September 28, 4 p.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, September 29, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Touch-A-Truck at Texas Roadhouse
Monday, September 30, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Music Business and Entrepreneurship Summit at UF School of Music
Tuesday, October 1 – Friday, October 4
Music & Performance
Classic Rock with Crooked Counsel at One Love Café
Friday, September 27, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Covers with Cassie and Chris at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, September 27, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Country with Cade and The Palmetto Kickers at Great Outdoors Restaurant
Friday, September 27, 6:45 p.m.
Blues and Rock with Moondog at Pink Flamingo Diner
Friday, September 27, 6:45 p.m.
Gainesville Indie Night with Sigs Inside, Rohna, Twin Suns and Buboy at The Wooly
Friday, September 27, 8:30 p.m.
Traditional Music at the Farm at Dudley Farm Historic State Park
Saturday, September 28, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Rock with The Renny’s at Sweetberries Eatery and Frozen Custard
Saturday, September 28, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Folk with Reptile Dysfunction String Band at Lightnin’ Salvage
Saturday, September 28, 6 p.m.
Classic Rock with Wild Blue Yonder at One Love Café
Saturday, September 28, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Country with Mason Ramsey at Heartwood Soundstage
Saturday, September 28, 8 p.m.
“Worst Show Ever” at Civic Media Center
Saturday, September 28, 8 p.m.
Old Wave Dance Party with DJ Cam at The Wooly
Saturday, September 28, 8 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter John McMillan at Playlist at the Pointe at Celebration Pointe
Friday, September 27, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Paul Jacobs, Organist and the University of Florida Symphony Orchestra at First Presbyterian Church
Sunday, September 29, 4 p.m.
Hogtown Rounders Writers Round at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, October 1, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter Matthew Fowler, Skillshare Workshops, Market Vendors and More at Community Nights at Heartwood Soundstage
Wednesday, October 2, 6 p.m.
Craft Breweries
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!
Jazz with Brenda Bayne at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Friday, September 27, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Rock with The Imbeciles at Blackadder Brewing Company
Saturday, September 28, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Vinyl, CDs, Cassettes, Art, Posters and More at the Fall 2024 Gainesville Record Fair at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Sunday, September 29, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Summer is great time for a Pedal, Paddle, Pub adventure.
Find inspiration at visitgainesville.com
U-Picks and 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.
NEW: San Felasco Market at San Felasco Tech City
Wednesdays, 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
Mochi Donuts, Korean Hot Dogs, Boba Teas and More at the Grand Opening of Mochiry
Saturday, September 28, 10 a.m.
3822 Newberry Rd., Gainesville, FL 32607
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, September 26, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at the Traveler Wine Bar
Thursday, September 26, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Superette
Thursday, September 26, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Oyster Pop-Up with Oysters To You at Public and General
Friday, September 27, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Chef Dinner and Wine Pairing at the Fat Tuscan
Friday, September 27, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
September Wine Tasting Class Series – Terroir & Taste: Exploring the World’s Wine Soils at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, September 28, 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Jazz with Cathy DeWitt and Friends at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, September 28, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
All beer and wine tasting events are for ages 21+.
Sports & Fans
Gators Swimming and Diving vs. Nova Southeastern at the O’Connell Center Natatorium
Friday, September 27, 1 p.m.
Gators Volleyball vs. Kentucky at Exactech Arena
Sunday, September 29, 1 p.m.
Funtastic Fridays Archery Tournament 101 at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, September 27, 5:30 p.m.
PGF Florida Fast Pitch Classic at Champions Park
Saturday, September 28 – Sunday, September 29
All Welcome Test and Tune Drag Racing at Gainesville Raceway
Saturday, September 28, 10 a.m.
Roller Derby with Gainesville Roller Rebels vs. Bradentucky Bombers at MLK Jr Multipurpose Center
Saturday, September 28, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Parks & Trails
Free Timed 5K with parkrun at Depot Park
Saturday, September 28, 7:30 a.m.
Birding Field Trip with Alachua Audubon Society at Loblolly Woods
Saturday, September 28, 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Birding Field Trip with Alachua Audubon Society at UF Natural Area Teaching Laboratory
Sunday, September 19, 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Bird Walks with Alachua Audubon Society at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Wednesday, October 2, 8:30 a.m.
River & Springs
Explore Natural Wonders with Anderson’s Outdoor Adventure and Visit 8 Springs in 8 Miles
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
“Why is the University of Florida in Gainesville?” with Carl Van Ness at the Matheson History Museum
Wednesday, October 2, 7 p.m.
Art & Mindfulness with Nia Mindful Movement at the Harn Museum of Art
Saturday, September 28, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Tot Trot: Trees at the Florida Museum of Natural History
Tuesday, October 1, 9 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
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
UF Homecoming and Gator Growl, October 18
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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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.
