What’s Good Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, September 28 – October 4, 2023
Add fall festivals to your weekend plans with What’s Good. Get to know historic Waldo with the first annual Waldo Homecoming featuring 3 days of local history, family activities, and delicious food. Enjoy Alachua County’s gorgeous rural landscapes with the Crossroads Farm and Apiary Fall Festival. Or plan ahead with Visit Gainesville, Alachua County’s full line up of fun fall activities – like the Tom Petty Weekend, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens Annual Plant Sale, Gainesville’s Downtown Festival and Art Show and more.
Alachua County is a vibrant destination with a robust arts, music and theatre scene and a great place to celebrate National Arts and Humanities Month this October. Celebrate by attending an arts event or live performance. Explore Artwalk Gainesville, a 17-venue self-guided tour of the local art scene, including a celebration of 100 years of Art at Gainesville Fine Arts Association. Or feel the razzle-dazzle energy of vintage cabaret on the UF Phillips Center Mainstage with Jazz Vocalist Kat Edmonson.
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.
Enjoy Good Times with Friends Old and New at the First Annual Waldo Homecoming
September 30 – October 1 | Waldo City Park
14705 NE Waldo Rd., Waldo, FL 32694
Get to know Waldo during the first annual homecoming weekend. Founded in the 1820’s, Waldo once boasted several resort hotels, two theaters, an opera house, ice factory, broom factory, and the El Toney cigar factory. Some of the original buildings can still be seen. Rich in history and native beauty, Waldo is a great place to explore natural wonders with a paddle along Waldo’s canal trail connecting Lake Alto and Little Lake Santa Fe.
Waldo’s homecoming weekend features a presentation of Waldo history, a community parade, craft vendors, live performances, and a 3-on-3 basketball tournament. Shop, eat and celebrate with activities for the entire family.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Enjoy Music on the Lawn of the Historic Herlong Mansion with Singer-Songwriters Lance and Lea
Thursday, September 28, 7 p.m. | Herlong Mansion
402 NE Cholokka Blvd., Micanopy, FL 32667
Award-winning duo Lance and Lea make a stop in Micanopy on their nationwide tour. Bring a chair or lay down a blanket and enjoy vocal harmonies and guitar-driven melodies. Admission is free, donations accepted.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 13-room Herlong Mansion Bed and Breakfast is a landmark in Florida’s oldest inland town.
Celebrate 100 Years of Art at GFAA’s Artwalk Reception
Friday, September 29, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Gainesville Fine Arts Association
1314 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
In 1923, the Gainesville Fine Arts Association formed to promote visual arts. Start your Artwalk Gainesville tour with this reception celebrating the new exhibition “100 Years of Art.” Discover the origins of GFAA and view artwork throughout the years. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres with live music from cello and violin. Admission is free.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Explore the Local Art Scene on a Self-Guided Tour with Artwalk Gainesville
Friday, September 29, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Multiple Venues
Browse 30 years of music posters from Jason Rockhill at Bingo Deli and Pub. Explore a multi-sensory experience with Ari Uberti at Hyatt Place Downtown (bring your earbuds/headset or borrow a pair). View paintings and paper sculptures by Kana Handel at the Top Secret Event Space. See work from multiple artists and performances by The Gainesville Gong Chamber at The AUK Market. Preview all 17 September venues and download a map at ArtwalkGainesville.com.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
See Rare Animals on the Wild Safari Open House at Carson Springs
Saturday, September 30, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Carson Springs Wildlife
8528 E CR 225, Gainesville, FL 32609
Walk on the wild side and enjoy outdoor fun with approximately 30 rare and endangered species and over 100 animals. TripAdvisor awarded Carson Springs Wildlife the 2023 Traveler’s Choice Award recognizing the attraction as one of the top 10% of in things to do worldwide, based on visitor reviews.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Feel the Razzle-Dazzle Energy of Vintage Cabaret on the UF Phillips Center Mainstage with Jazz Vocalist Kat Edmonson
Friday, September 29, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Award-winning singer and songwriter Kat Edmonson embodies the spirit of the past with a unique vintage-pop sound. She performs familiar classics and original songs, interweaving humorous anecdotes, philosophical musings, and her love of film.
The 7 p.m. seating includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar; the 9 p.m. seating includes desserts and cash bar.
Don’t Miss the Final Performance of POTUS and Laugh Out Loud 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.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Experience Mind-Bending Psychic Feats from Mentalist Joshua Kane
Saturday, September 30, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Mentalist Joshua Kane’s Borders of the Mind is a family-friendly performance full of mystery, intrigue, and endless possibilities. Experience dazzling feats of lie detection, simultaneous telepathy — and possibly discover your own latent psychic abilities.
Get up close to the interactive performance with the cabaret-style setting of UpStage on the UF Phillips Center maintage. The 7 p.m. seating includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar; the 9 p.m. seating includes desserts and cash bar.
Escape to the Serene Fair Oaks Farm in Historic Evinston, FL for the Autumn Art Soiree
Saturday, September 30, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Fair Oaks Farm
7726 SE 179th Pl., Micanopy, FL 32667
Celebrate the change of seasons with music, food and works of art. Browse ceramics from Hoyt Childers, sculpted glass by Jacquelyne Collett, watercolor from Nina Tarnuzzer, woodworking from Chris Tatum and portraits by Mary Jane Volkman. Enjoy music from Welson Tremura and guest speaker Mallory O’Connor.
Dance the Night Away at the Florida Museum’s ‘Discovery Nights’
Saturday, September 30, 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. | Florida Museum of Natural History
3215 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Join the Florida Museum of Natural History for a one-of-a-kind silent disco event. Enjoy a night of discovery and dancing at the Florida Museum with proceeds directly supporting student research, internships and fieldwork opportunities. Chat with museum researchers, sip on themed cocktails and enjoy the sounds of DJ Nickfresh.
Smash Together an Anime Convention, Artisan Market and an Outdoor Music Lineup at Kirbiicon for Ages 18+
Saturday, September 30, 6 p.m. – 2 a.m. | Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
South Florida’s wild anime event brings the party to Heartwood Soundstage with 2 stages of entertainment. Enjoy a lineup of bands, drag shows and burlesque. Browse vintage clothing, décor, memorabilia and more with vendors curated by The Black Market.
Bring the Family and Enjoy Hay Rides, Flower Fields and Festival Games at the Crossroads Farm & Apiary Fall Festival
Saturday, September 30 – October 31
Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sundays, 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Crossroads Farm and Apiary
3831 NW 156th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32609
Enjoy activities for all ages at the farm including a pumpkin patch, rides, u-pick flowers, pumpkin chunkin’, face painting, beekeeping encounter, photo ops and more. Visit the farmstore for honey, handmade crafts and local DeConna ice cream. Scroll down to see more Fall Festivals opening this weekend.
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Pop-Up Markets and Retail Shopping
Athleta x Empowered Shopping Event at Athleta
Sunday, October 1, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Plant Swap at The AUK Market
Wednesday, October 4, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.
Arts & Theatre
Stand Up for Truth and Justice with the Exciting Drama The Crucible at Gainesville Community Playhouse
Now through Sunday, October 8
The town of Salem falls into mass hysteria as a group of teenage girls accuse their neighbors of witchcraft to avoid punishment after their own dabbling in the occult. This gripping retelling of the infamous Salem witch trials explores themes of the abuse of power, the destruction caused by false accusations, and the importance of standing up for truth and justice. Don’t miss this riveting story about the purge of witchcraft in old Salem.
Events & Festivals
Star Gazing at UF Astronomy Teaching Observatory
Friday, September 29, 8:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Black Women Write Two-Day Writing Workshop at Santa Fe College CIED
Friday, September 29, 4:30 p.m. – Saturday, September 30, 4:30 p.m.
Get Up Close to Show Cars and Enjoy Family Friendly Fun at the Tioga Town Center Car Show
Saturday, September 30, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Toys, Comics, Games and More at Gatorville Collectorfest at Holiday Inn University
Sunday, October 1, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Opening Weekend at the Gainesville Fear Garden
September 28 – October 1
Newberry Cornfield Maze and Haunted House
Now through Saturday, October 28
Peanut Patch and Corn Maze
Friday, September 29 – Saturday, October 28
Hollow Oaks Corn Maze
Saturday, September 30 – Sunday November 5
Music & Performance
Musical Metamorphosis with UF Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band at University Auditorium
Thursday, September 28, 7:20 p.m.
Indie Rock with The Hails at High Dive
Thursday, September 28, 8 p.m.
Classic Covers with Cassie and Chris at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, September 29, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
R&B and Funk with Uncle Morty’s Rhythm Cream
Friday, September 29, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classical Music with Pianist Mitch McKay at the Santa Fe College Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall
Friday, September 29, 7:30 p.m.
Metal with Lutharo and Paladin at Loosey’s Downtown
Friday, September 29, 8 p.m.
Depeche Mode Tribute Fast Fashion at High Dive
Friday, September 29, 8 p.m.
Metal-Based Dubstep with Sullivan King at Vivid Music Hall
Friday, September 29, 9 p.m.
Goth Dance Night with DJs Drew Love and Mister Obsidian at The Wooly
Friday, September 29, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Cedar Key Benefit at Bo Diddley Plaza
Saturday, September 30, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Blues with Moondog at One Love Café
Saturday, September 30, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Jordan Burchel at The Bull
Saturday, September 30, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Disco and More with DJ Dad at Baby J’s Bar
Saturday, September 30, 9 p.m.
Gainesville Hip Hop Night at High Dive
Saturday, September 30, 9 p.m.
Alt-Rock with Rein Sanction at High Dive
Sunday, October 1, 6 p.m.
Open Mic at The Bull
Monday, October 2, 7 p.m.
Hot Jazz Concert with Visiting Artists Tim Kliphuis and Jimmy Grant at UF School of Music
Monday, October 2, 7:20 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Success in the Scene: Music Entrepreneurship in Gainesville and Beyond with OneBeat at Heartwood Soundstage
Tuesday, October 3, 5:30 p.m.
The Hogtown Rounders Writers Round at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, October 3, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Rocky Horror Picture Show Live on Stage at High Dive
Tuesday, October 3, 7 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.
Oktoberfest Celebration at Swamp Head Brewery
Friday, September 29, 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.
JT Collier at Daft Cow Brewery
Friday, September 29, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Midnight Blue Band at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, September 29, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Magtoberfest at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Saturday, September 30, 12 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Stein Holding Competition at Daft Cow Brewery
Saturday, September 30, 5 p.m.
Classic Rock with Southern Burn at High Springs Brewing Company
Saturday, September 30, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Birding with Alachua Audubon Society at Birds and Brews at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Sunday, October 1, 5:45 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmers Markets
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.
GNV Market at South Main Station
Thursdays, 4 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
Now Open: Fried Fish Meals at Flatfish GNV
Monday – Friday, 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Superette Wine and Provisions
Thursday, September 28, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, September 28, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at the Traveler Wine Bar
Thursday, September 28, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting Class: Fancy French Winemakers Who Also Make Wine in South Africa at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, September 30, 4:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Variety of Food Trucks and Free Local Music Showcase at the Original Gainesville Food Truck Rally at High Dive
Saturday, September 30, 4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Waffles and More at the Grand Opening of Raining Berries
Sunday, October 1, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Haitian Cuisine Pop-Up with Kadoul at Germain’s Chicken Sandwiches
Sunday, October 1, 4 p.m. – sellout
Sports
Gator Talk Live Broadcast with Gators Football Head Coach Billy Napier at The Keys Grill and Piano Bar
Thursday, September 28, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Archery Tournament 101 at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, September 29, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Summer Night Slam RC Racing at Newberry RC Park
Friday, September 29, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
All Welcome Test and Tune Drag Racing at Gainesville Raceway
Saturday, September 30, 8 a.m.
Gainesville Hogs Rugby vs. Orlando Men’s Rugby Football Club at Squirrel Ridge Park
Saturday, September 30, 2 p.m.
Grassroots Volleyball Doubles at Easton Newberry Sports Complex
Saturday, September 30 – Sunday, October 1
Premier Girls Fastpitch Super 40 Softball Tournament at Champions Park
Saturday, September 30 – Sunday, October 1
Parks & Trails
Night Bug Hike with Alachua Conservation Trust at Tuscawilla Preserve
Friday, September 29, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Free Timed 5K at Depot Park parkrun
Saturday, September 30, 7:30 a.m.
Field Trip with Alachua Audubon Society at Poe Springs Park
Saturday, September 30, 8 a.m.
Ranger-Led Tour at Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
Saturday, September 30, 10 a.m.
Young Leaders for Wild Florida Fall Fest at 4th Ave Food Park
Saturday, September 30, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Wednesday Bird Walks with Alachua Audubon Society at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Wednesday, October 4, 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 After Dark Wine Down Evening with Live Music from Jason Hedges and Light Bites from Blue Gill Quality Foods at the Harn Museum of Art
Thursday, September 28, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Harn Eminent Scholar Talk, Chic Radicals: Street Drag as Critical Performance Art in the 1970s at the Harn Museum of Art
Thursday, September 28, 6 p.m.
Museum Days: Dream Dialogs at the Harn Museum of Art
Saturday, September 30, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Kana Handel: Sunrise, Sunset at Top Secret Event Space
Friday, September 29 – Saturday, September 30, 7 p.m. – 10 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 Invention811 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.
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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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.
