What’s Good Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, September 7-13, 2023
Make the most of the gameday weekend with What’s Good. Plan to arrive early for the home opener to see the Florida Gators take on McNeese in the Swamp. In Newberry, dance back in time with a sock hop and classic car show at the Fabulous ’50s Festival. At the Hippodrome Theatre, laugh through the opening weekend of Tony Award-nominated POTUS.
Enjoy culture and the arts with a celebration of the work of Lonnie Holley with a sculpture workshop and concert. Hear diverse voices at the 11th annual ARTSPEAKS: Bringing People and Poetry Together.
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.
Cheer on the Orange and Blue as Gators Football takes on McNeese
Saturday, September 9, 7:30 p.m. | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
157 Gale Lemerand Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611
The Florida Gators home opener kicks off under the lights against the McNeese Cowboys. 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 our Game Day Weekend guide of local events, free things to do, drive-worthy dining and more.
Check-in on the Sippin’ Seven Alachua County Ale Trail and earn points with the free digital pass. Sign up for free and join thousands of beer lovers exploring Alachua County’s award-winning breweries.
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.
Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention | 811 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.
Image of Tom Petty photographed by Robert Sebree
Boogie Woogie Back in Time at Newberry’s Fabulous ‘50s Festival
Saturday, September 9, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Historic Downtown Newberry
Rock around the clock and shop til you drop. Dance the night away with a 1950s concert from Chrome 57. Visit downtown Newberry shops and vendors. Stroll through a classic car show. Admission is free.
Laugh the Whole Way Through POTUS with All the President’s Women
Friday, September 8 – 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
Get Carried Away by the Spoken Word, Poetry, and Storytelling at the 11th Annual ARTSPEAKS: Bringing Poetry and People Together
Sunday, September 10, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. | The Historic Thomas Center
302 NE 6th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
ARTSPEAKS is North Central Florida’s signature community poetry event as diverse voices bring poetry and people together. The annual event invites inspired community members from the region to share their voice. Admission is free.
ARTSPEAKS organizes poetry programs throughout the year including Courageous Young Voices Teen Poetry Showcase and the Youth Poet Laureate Program.
Celebrate the Artistic Work of Lonnie Holley with a Sculpture Workshop and Concert at “Oh Me Oh My”
Sculpture Workshop: Sunday, September 10, 10 a.m. | The Repurpose Project
1920 NE 23rd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32609
Concert: Monday, September 11, 7 p.m. | The Hippodrome Theatre
25 SE 2nd Pl., Gainesville, FL 32601
Lonnie Holley’s critically acclaimed new album also titled, “Oh Me Oh My”, features collaborations with Bon Iver, Michael Stipe, and Sharon Van Etten is a refinement of Holley’s impressionistic, stream-of-consciousness lyricism. His visual art is now in collections of major museums throughout the world and on permanent display in the United Nations. During the workshop, walk the grounds of the Repurpose Project and discover how Lonnie Holley chooses source materials for his sculptures. The celebration concludes with a live performance on the Hippodrome Theatre’s main stage.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Dance Under the Setting Sun with Swing Theory at Jazz on the Green
Saturday, September 9, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4949 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Swing Theory is a 7-piece group performing jazz standards, swing and Latin dance favorites. Pull up a chair or spread a blanket and enjoy live music on the promenade. Enjoy food, drinks and sweet treats from nearby restaurants.
Enjoy Live Music by the Front Porch for Sarah’s Birthday Bash – A Celebration in Honor of Sarah Matheson and the origins of Matheson History Museum
Saturday, September 9, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. | The Historic Matheson House Behind the Matheson History Museum
513 E University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Sarah Matheson was the last resident of the historic Matheson House, which was bequeathed to the Museum on her death in 1996. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy music from Jason and Sarah Hedges performing from the front porch. Admission is free.
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Pop-Up Markets and Retail Shopping
Dance Alive National Ballet’s Great Halloween Costume Sale at Pofahl’s Dance Studio
Saturday, September 9, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
September Mini Pop-Up Series at The AUK Market
Sunday, September 10, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.
Arts & Theatre
Ruthless the Musical at Star Center Theatre
Thursday, September 7 – Sunday, September 17
Events & Festivals
Florida Color Horse Club United Colors Horse Show at Alachua County Agriculture and Events Center
Saturday, September 9 – Sunday, September 10
Florida Skies: Autumn at the Santa Fe College Kika Silva Pla Planetarium
Friday, September 8, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Gainesville Bike Night at Dave and Buster’s
Friday, September 8, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Family Fishing Day at UF/IFAS Fishing Ponds
Saturday, September 9, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Gainesville Street Rods Monthly Cruz-In at Springhill Commons
Saturday, September 9, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Giveaways, Food Trucks, Art Demos and More at the Grand Opening of Studio TM
Saturday, September 9, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Gainesville Cars and Coffee with 4x4s and Off-Road Builds at Ford’s Garage
Sunday, September 10, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Annual September 11th Stair Climb with Alachua County Fire Rescue at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
Monday, September 11, 9 a.m.
September 11 Memorial at Gainesville City Hall Plaza
Monday, September 11, 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Book Launch Party for The Vaster Wilds with Lauren Groff at Superette Wine and Provisions
Monday, September 11, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Music & Performance
Jazz with Brenda Bayne and Rafael Abdalla at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, September 7, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Classic Rock with Wild Blue Yonder at One Love Café
Friday, September 8, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
High Energy Bluegrass with Boilin’ Oil at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, September 8, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Jazz Fusion with Lemon City Trio at Heartwood Soundstage
Friday, September 8, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Country with Ryan Montgomery at Vivid Music Hall
Friday, September 8, 7 p.m.
Jazz with the Edward White Quartet at Baby J’s Bar
Friday, September 8, 8 p.m.
Metal with Destroyer of Light at Loosey’s Downtown
Friday, September 8, 8 p.m.
Pop Punk Emo Night Gainesville at High Dive
Friday, September 8, 9 p.m.
Americana with Aisle 14 at The Bull
Friday, September 8, 11 p.m.
Classic Rock and Motown with Raftus Brown at One Love Café
Saturday, September 6, p.m. – 9 p.m.
Jazz with Cathy DeWitt and Edward White at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, September 9, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Live and Local Concert Series with The Lowly Worm, Trustfall, and Hannah Harber at Bo Diddley Plaza
Saturday, September 9, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Late Nite Delivery at The Great Outdoors
Saturday, September 9, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Take On Me ‘80s Dance Party at High Dive
Saturday, September 9, 8 p.m.
Karaoke Night at Loosey’s Downtown
Saturday, September 9, 9 p.m.
Singer Songwriter Mark Miale at One Love Café
Sunday, September 10, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Music from the Stage and Screen with Gainesville Community Band at Santa Fe College Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall
Sunday, September 10, 3 p.m.
Classic Rock with Sean Manley at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, September 12, 6 p.m. – 9 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.
Football Fridays with Live Music and Food Trucks at Swamp Head Brewery
Friday, September 8, 12 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Source to Sink Night Market and Art Galler Exhibit at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Friday, September 8, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Classic Rock with Branford Hwy at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, September 8, 7 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter Griffin Williams at Daft Cow Brewery
Friday, September 8, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Bli and the Miles at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Friday, September 8, 8 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Brewery Yoga with Kardiya Yoga at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Saturday, September 9, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Vegan BBQ with Southern Fried Vegan at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Saturday, September 9, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Family Fun Day Bella’s Little Farm Petting Zoo at Swamp Head
Sunday, September 10, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Bunnies from Gainesville Rabbit Rescue at Blackadder Brewing Company
Sunday, September 10, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Acoustic Hits from PairODocs at Blackadder Brewing Company
Sunday, September 10, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Reggae Sunday with The Easy Crew at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Sunday, September 10, 4 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, 5 p.m. – 8 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.
Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles and Tools Fall Swap Meet at the Waldo Flea Market
Saturday, September 9 – Sunday, September 10, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Newberry Farmers Market returns Saturday, October 14
Bites and Brunch
Wine Tasting at Superette Wine and Provisions
Thursday, September 7, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, September 7, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at The Traveler Wine Bar
Thursday, September 7, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Class, Burgundy Bliss: Exploring the Wines of the Côte d’Or at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, September 9, 4:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
(sold out) Brunch and Crepes Cooking Class at The Fat Tuscan
Sunday, September 10, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Making Tiramisu Cooking Class at The Fat Tuscan
Wednesday, September 13, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Sports
Gator Talk Live Broadcast with Gators Football Head Coach Billy Napier at The Keys Grill and Piano Bar
Thursday, September 7, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Gators Volleyball Gators Invitational Tournament at Exactech Arena
Thursday, September 7 – Saturday, September 9
22nd Annual Gainesville Senior Games: Archery, Golf, Pickleball and Swimming
Friday, September 8 – Sunday, September 10
Summit Racing Bracket Series Drag Racing at Gainesville Raceway
Saturday, September 9, 8 a.m.
Summer Sizzler Racing Series at High Springs BMX
Saturday, September 9, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Parks & Trails
Weekly Walk and Talk with Alachua Conservation Trust at Santa Fe River Preserve
Friday, September 8, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Ranger-Led Tour at Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
Saturday, September 9, 10 a.m.
Accessible Tram Tours at Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Ongoing, Check for Availability
Friday, September 8, 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 9, 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Sunday, September 10, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Monday, September 11, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Free Timed 5K at Depot Park parkrun
Saturday, August 5, 7:30 a.m.
Literacy Day 2023 “Read Between the Leaves” at O’Leno State Park
Saturday, September 9, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Wednesday Bird Walks with Alachua Audubon Society at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Wednesday, September 13, 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
Closing Reception Art Party for Apparallel and Behind The Seen at The Historic Thomas Center
Thursday, September 7, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Opening Reception: Chris Teasley, Prog Maps and Soft Hexes at the Santa Fe College Art Gallery
Friday, September 8, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
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
19th Gainesville Latino Film Festival, September 14-24
Museum Nights Noche de Museo at the Harn Museum of Art, September 14
UpStage at the Phillips Center with Christian McBride, September 14
Gators Football Championship Reunion Weekend vs. Tennessee, September 16
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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