What’s Good® Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, September 5-11, 2024
Weave together cultural connections and outdoor adventures with What’s Good®. Celebrate Brazilian artistry at with live maca, reggae, and samba, authentic food, and more at Brazil Fest. Experience chart-topping disco hits at Summer: The Donna Summer Musical or be moved by poetry, storytelling, and the diverse voices of ARTSPEAKS at the Historic Thomas Center. See what’s in bloom at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. Plus, join college football pre-game fun with a week two Gators Football matchup under the lights.
Read on for more of What’s Good®,
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.
Pack The Swamp and Cheer on the Orange and Blue as Gators Football Hosts Samford
Saturday, September 7, 7 p.m. | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
157 Gale Lemerand Dr., Gainesville, FL 32608
Week two of the college football season features a home matchup under the lights between Florida and Samford. Plan to arrive early and click here for game-day details including parking, mobile ticketing, timeline of pre-game festivities and more.
Photo by Florida Athletics/Jason Parkhurst
Make Connections with Diverse Voices at ARTSPEAKS: Bringing Poetry and People Together
Sunday, September 8, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. | The Historic Thomas Center
302 NE 6th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Experience a showcase of storytelling, spoken word, poetry and visual arts featuring an array of artists from North Central Florida. Alachua County Poet Laureate and founder/director of Artspeaks, E.Stanley Richardson hosts the event. Enjoy light refreshments and browse books, art, recordings and more from featured artists. Admission is free.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Explore Brazilian Artistry with Music, Dance, Food and More at Brazil Fest
Saturday, September 7, 4 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Maca Reggae Samba hosts guests from Brazil for this celebration at Heartwood Soundstage. Brazil Fest features Brazilian rock musician Márcio Mello, Samba tipo Exportação from Atlanta, Resgate Cultural Oxossi Capoeira and dance performances from The Flores of Samba with special guest Adriana Blanco.
Free admission for kids 14 and under.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Preview Fest 22 with a Rock Showcase at the Free Fridays Concert Series
Friday, September 6, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza
Downtown Gainesville
The region’s longest-running free outdoor concert series features a lineup curated by FEST 22 with Confession Kids, Porch Coffin and Articles. 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.
Go Behind the Scenes with the “Queen of Disco” at Summer: The Donna Summer Musical
Friday, September 6 – Sunday, September 22 | Star Center Theatre
11 NE 23rd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32609
Discover the story of how Donna Summer broke through barriers to rise from a gospel choir voice to the record-breaking dance floor diva. The vibrant musical features iconic chart-topping hits including “Love to Love You Baby,” “Bad Girls” and “Hot Stuff.”
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Relax in Nature and See What’s in Bloom on a Guided Walk at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Saturday, September 7, 10 a.m. | Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
4700 SW 58th Dr., Gainesville, FL 32608
View plant collections spanning the 68-acre pet-friendly property on a guided walk. See what’s in bloom with the fall season right around the corner. View the last of the giant Victoria water lilies as their growing season comes to an end.
Mix Fast-Paced Comedy with a Powerful Story at the Stage Production of “Perfect Arrangement”
Now through Sunday, September 22 | Hippodrome Theatre
25 SE 2nd Pl., Gainesville, FL 32601
The Hippodrome Theatre and UF School of Theatre and Dance blend zany sitcom antics with compelling drama based on true events from the early days of the gay rights movement. It follows two closeted U.S. State Department workers striving to uphold their facades in 1950s America.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Rock with Laura Jane Grace and the Mississippi Medicals
Tuesday, September 10, 7 p.m. – 11:55 p.m. | The Wooly
30 N Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Join the Mississippi Medicals, fresh from an NPR Tiny Desk Concert and a feature in Rolling Stone for a night of original music. The new rock group features Laura Jane Grace, Matt Patton of Drive-By Truckers (bass), Mikey Erg of The Ergs (drums) and Paris Campbell Grace (vocals, percussion). The band is on a national and international tour in support of their newly released E.P. Give An Inch.
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Pop-Up Markets and Retail Shopping
Plant-Based Food Vendors, Artists, Kids’ Craft Station and More at the Critter Creek Farmers Moo-Ket
Sunday, September 8, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
(sold out) Linocut Workshop with Spotty Boy Press at The AUK Market
Sunday, September 8, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Browse Bug Art, Bones, Crystals, Fashion, Taxidermy and More with 85 Vendors at the Gainesville Oddities Market at Bo Diddley Plaza
Sunday, September 8, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Free Thrift Swap at Opus Coffee Innovation
Tuesday, September 10, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.
Events & Festivals
A.I. House of Horrors at the Gainesville Fear Garden
Now through November 2
Author Discussion with Chloe Lane at The Lynx Books
Friday, September 6, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Draw Jam at Sequential Artists Workshop
Saturday, September 7, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Gainesville Cars and Coffee at Tioga Town Center
Saturday, September 7, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Jeep Jam at the Waldo Farmers and Flea Market
Saturday, September 7, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Family Stay and Clay Hour: Animal Mugs at Studio TM Ceramics
Saturday, September 7, 9 a.m.
Plant for Pollinators with the Florida Museum of Natural History at Alachua County Library District Millhopper Branch
Saturday, September 7, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Gainesville Cars and Coffee at Ford’s Garage
Sunday, September 8, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Perspectives in the Parks: Native Groundcover at Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Center
Sunday, September 8, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
(sold out) Hammer Forging Class at Crooked Path Forge
Sunday, September 8, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Music & Performance
Folk with Tina and Her Pony at Lightnin’ Salvage
Thursday, September 5, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with The Medicine Show at One Love Cafe
Thursday, September 5, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Stand Up Comedy with Brian Posehn at The Wooly
Thursday, September 5, 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Rock with Siichaq at The Atlantic
Thursday, September 5, 8 p.m.
Piano Aktivitys as a Disciplind Destruktshun (A Piano Work’t) at Santa Fe College Lyceum Concert Hall
Friday, September 6, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Motown, Soul and Jazz with The Browns at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, September 6, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Couch Messiahs at One Love Café
Friday, September 6, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter Jamie Davis at Tioga Concert Night
Friday, September 6, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Classic Rock with Brandford Hwy at Pink Flamingo Diner
Friday, September 6, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Maca Reggae Samba at Baby J’s Bar
Friday, September 6, 8 p.m.
Latin, Hip Hop, Dancehall and Afrobeats with Malibu Nights at The Backyard at Boca Fiesta and Palomino
Friday, September 6, 9 p.m. – 1:45 a.m.
Rock with Whiskey Jones at The Keys Grill and Piano Bar
Friday, September 6, 9 p.m. – 11:59 p.m.
For the 99 and the 2000s Throwback Party at Simons
Friday, September 6, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
“Vybez” a Night of R&B at Vivid Music Hall
Friday, September 6, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Classic Rock with The Shambles at One Love Café
Saturday, September 7, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Punk with The Eradicator at The Backyard at Boca Fiesta and Palomino
Saturday, September 7, 7 p.m.
Classic Rock with 8 Track Revival at Great Outdoors Restaurant
Saturday, September 7, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Electronic Music with Kontravoid at The Midnight Underground
Saturday, September 7, 8 p.m.
UF Viola Day and Florida All-State Workshop for Grades 7-12 at UF School of Music
Sunday, September 8, 1 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter Trevor Ellis at Great Outdoors Restaurant
Sunday, September 8, 3 p.m.
Listening Room Series with Singer-Songwriters Jeff Beadle and Jordan Burchel at The Bull
Sunday, September 8, 6:30 p.m.
Viola Day Concert with Jordan Bak at UF School of Music
Sunday, September 8, 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Trombone Master Class with Dr. Cory Mixdorf at UF School of Music
Monday, September 9, 8:20 p.m.
Jazz Pianist Zac Chester at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, September 10, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Trombone Guest Artist Recital with Dr. Cory Mixdorf at UF School of Music
Tuesday, September 10, 7:20 p.m.
Skill Sharing and Live Music with Kyle Keller at Community Days at Heartwood Soundstage
Wednesday, September 11, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Jazz with Dave and The Hiptones at One Love Café
Wednesday, September 11, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Free Jam Night at How Bazar
Wednesday 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Craft Breweries
Sip, Sip, Hooray! Visit Gainesville, Alachua County is excited to share that the “Sippin’ Seven Alachua County Ale Trail” digital passport campaign received the state’s highest honor, the VISIT FLORIDA “Henry Award” for niche marketing during the 2024 Florida’s Governor’s Conference on Tourism. This recognition is shared with Alachua County’s award-winning craft breweries who partnered with the visitors bureau to make this program a success.
Celebrate this great occasion with free Alachua County Ale Trail themed merch!
Claim your free “Billy the Bison” t-shirt, koozie or pint glass at 33 N Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601. Thursday, September 5 and Friday, September 6, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Merchandise available only while supplies last.
Learn more about the award-winning campaign here.
Explore the Alachua County Ale Trail at visitgainesville.com/sippinseven. Cheers!
“Taco Wars” with Mexi Cocina, Verde Spice and Tacolote at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Thursday, September 5, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Country with Cam Wheaton at High Springs Brewing Company
Thursday, September 5, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Food Trucks, Live Music and More at Football Fridays at Swamp Head Brewery
Friday, September 6, 12 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Americana with Front Porch Backsteppers at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Friday, September 6, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Country with Justin Lee Partin at Daft Cow Brewery
Friday, September 6, 7 p.m.
Classic Rock with Crooked Counsel at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, September 6, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Brewery Yoga with Kariya Yoga at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Sunday, September 8, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Sunday Brewer Sessions at Swamp Head Brewery
Sunday, September 8, 2 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.
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
New Menu Items and Giveaways During the 15th Anniversary of Piesanos
Now through September 30
Italian Wine and Cheese Tasting at Public and General
Thursday, September 5, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Wine Tasting and Jazz with Eric Diamond for Ages 21+ at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, September 5, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting for Ages 21+ at the Traveler Wine Bar
Thursday, September 5, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting for Ages 21+ at Superette
Thursday, September 5, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
September Wine Tasting Class Series – Terroir & Taste: Exploring the World’s Wine Soils at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, September 7, 4:30 p.m.
Jazz Brunch at Covey Kitchen and Cocktails
Sunday, September 8, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Cheesecake Making Cooking Class at the Fat Tuscan
Sunday, September 8, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
All beer and wine tasting events are for ages 21+.
Sports & Fans
Gator Talk Live Broadcast with Gators Football Head Coach Billy Napier at Miller’s Ale House
Thursday, September 5, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Gators Game Day Locker Room Tour at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
Thursday, September 5 – Wednesday, September 11
Funtastic Fridays Archery at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, September 6, 5:30 p.m.
Scorpion E.T. Bracket Series Drag Racing at Gainesville Raceway
Saturday, September 7 – Sunday, September 8, 8 a.m.
(Registration full) Bowhunting Wildlife Workshop with Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC) at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Sunday, September 8, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Gators Volleyball vs. USF at Exactech Arena
Friday, September 6, 7 p.m.
Gators Volleyball vs. Southern Indiana at Exactech Arena
Saturday, September 7, 4 p.m.
Gators Soccer vs. FSU at Donald R. Dizney Stadium
Sunday, September 8, 2 p.m.
Gators Volleyball vs. Ohio State at Exactech Arena
Sunday, September 8, 4 p.m.
Parks & Trails
Free Timed 5K with parkrun at Depot Park
Saturday, September 7, 7:30 a.m.
Birding Field Trip with Alachua Audubon Society at Palm Point Park
Saturday, September 7, 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Living History Saturday at Morningside Nature Center
Saturday, September 7, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Ranger-Led Walk at Devils Millhopper Geological State Park
Saturday, September 7, 10 a.m.
Birding Field Trip with Alachua Audubon Society at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park La Chua Trail
Sunday, September 8, 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Storytelling, Music, Animal Friends and Local Libraries at Literacy Day: Read Between the Leaves at O’Leno State Park
Sunday, September 8, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Barnyard Buddies at Morningside Nature Center
Wednesday, September 11, 3 p.m. – 4 p.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
Opening Reception for Detours and Memories Installations at University Galleries
Thursday, September 5, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Opening Reception for Fluxus in the Swamp at Santa Fe College Gallery
Friday, September 6, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Fluxus Scores, Performances and Reflections on Fluxus in the Swamp at the Harn Museum of Art
Saturday, September 7, 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Now on View: Natural Wonders: Florida’s Freshwater Springs at the Florida Museum of Natural History
Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
“HEAT” Exhibition at Gainesville Fine Arts Association
Now through October 19
Now on View: In Our Time at the Harn Museum of Art
Now through January 5
Building Resilience to Mis/Dis Information with the League of Women Voters of Alachua County at the Matheson History Museum
Saturday, September 7, 2 p.m.
Final Day to View to View 250 Years of History at the Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit “Voices and Votes: Democracy in America” at the Matheson History Museum
Saturday, September 7, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Gainesville and Alachua County was selected to host the Smithsonian Museum on Main Street traveling exhibition. The interactive exhibit explores the American experiment of a government “of, by and for the people” with photographs, objects, film, audio and interactives.
Save The Date
Gainesville Latino Film Festival, September 12-29
Bee-Luther-Hatchee at Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, September 13
Observe the Moon with UF Astronomy at Cuscowilla Retreat and Nature Center, September 14
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, September 20 – October 6
UpStage at the Phillips Center with Sean Mason Quartet, September 20
Fabulous ’50s Festival in Newberry, September 21
Florida AVP Grass Nationals Volleyball Tournament, September 27-29
Gainesville Pride Festival, September 28
Fall Arts Festival at the Shoppes at Thornebrook, September 28-29
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.
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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.
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