What’s Good Guide of Weekly Events, July 27 – August 2, 2023
Paint the perfect summer weekend with What’s Good. Get to know the local arts scene with Artwalk Gainesville, starting with music and hors d’oeuvres at the opening reception for the Self Portrait exhibit at Gainesville Fine Arts Association. Enjoy live music under the summer evening sky with folk rock by Wax Wings and American Dream Survivors at the Free Fridays Concert Series in downtown Gainesville and with feel good tunes by the TJ Brown Band at Celebration Pointe’s Playlist at the Pointe. Go behind the music at the Cade Museum with the new Tom Petty: Among the Wildflowers exhibit with artifacts from the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame. Or Enjoy a peaceful stroll through Kanapaha Botanical Gardens and catch a glimpse of the Giant Victoria Water Lilies.
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.
Folk Rock Favorites Wax Wings and American Dream Survivors Take the Stage at the Free Fridays Concert Series
Friday, July 28, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza
Downtown Gainesville
Ease into your weekend with free live music under the summer evening sky at Bo Diddley Plaza in Downtown Gainesville. Wax Wings is a folk rock quintet featuring original songwriting with strikingly textured compositions. The band has a wide appeal and has performed at a range of venues including The Fest, Gasparilla Music Fest, Riverine Reunion, & The Florida Folk Festival. Wax Wings is joined by folk-punk dream team, American Dream Survivors.
The Free Fridays Concert Series is the region’s largest and longest-running free outdoor concert series features performances each Friday night through August 25. Enjoy food and drinks from nearby cafes and restaurants within walking distance. Admission is free.
Experience the Diverse Creations of Local Artists and Makers with a Self-Guided Artwalk Gainesville Tour
Friday, July 28, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Multiple Venues
Download Map or Visit Website for Details
Preview the July 28 Artwalk Gainesville venues and maps here. Visit the Artwalk Gainesville website and Facebook page for more information and great teasers about the participating galleries and artists. This week’s self-guided tour features an exhibit opening and reception by the Gainesville Fine Arts Association. a special tribute to Lorelei Esser, Curated by V Jane Windsor at Black C Gallery, an interactive robotic painting experience at Paint by Motors and more.
Explore Varied Takes on Self-Expression with the Opening of the Self Portrait Exhibit at Gainesville Fine Arts Association
Friday, July 28, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Gainesville Fine Arts Association
1314 South Main Street Gainesville, FL 32601
The Gainesville Fine Arts Association, Inc. (GFAA) has fostered and encouraged the study of the visual arts through every medium since 1923. Join GFAA for the opening reception of the SELF PORTRAIT exhibit, coinciding with the monthly Artwalk Gainesville event. Enjoy live music by Kane Pour and free hors d’oeuvres.
The History of the Thelma Boltin Recreation Center
Saturday, July 29, 4 p.m. | Matheson History Museum
513 E University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601
Learn about local history with a special presentation by The Friends of the Thelma Boltin Recreation Center committee. Presenters will discuss the significance of the center building originally built as the Serviceman’s Center in 1943. The eighty-year-old building is a contributing building in a National Register Historic District and a State Heritage Site. It is significant for likely being the only building in the State of Florida that was built for World War II soldiers to relax and socialize and do activities before being shipped off to fight.
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 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.
Hang on to Your Hat with the Fun Tale of The Wind in the Willows Opening this Week at High Springs Playhouse
Thursday, July 28 – August 6, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7 p.m., Sunday, 2 p.m. | High Springs Play House
23416 NW 186 Ave., High Springs, Fl. 32655
Sit back and hang on for a play with travel, adventure and excitement. The play The Wind in the Willows is based on the book by Kenneth Grahame and dramatized by Joseph Baldwin. It is directed by Carter Hill and produced by special engagement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, NY. Follow the famous English gentleman, Mr. Toad of Toad Hall, as he sees his first motor car and promptly falls uncontrollably in love with motoring. Mr. Toad buys a car which he then crashes. Another car is bought, followed by another crash and another—and another! Soon he is ruled off the road. Find out what happens next with the opening weekend of The Wind in the Willows at High Springs Playhouse.
TJ Brown Band at Playlist at the Pointe
Friday, July 28, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. I Celebration Pointe
4949 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Kick-off your weekend right with good music, good food and good times. Head over to he Celebration Pointe promenade and enjoy music under the stars with feel good tunes by the TJ Brown Band. Grab a drink and a bite to eat at nearby restaurants.
Jumpstart the Night with Blackout – an Evening of Hip Hop with FARO at Heartwood Soundstage
Saturday, July 29, Doors 9 p.m., Show 10 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Faro presents a night of Hip Hop joined by artists Ghais Guevara, Casey Jones II, Wahid., Israel Jones, and Boat Stuff. Heartwood Soundstage is a state-of-the-art recording studio, music venue, production house and event space in Gainesville, Florida.
Enjoy a Peaceful Stroll Through Kanapaha Botanical Gardens and Catch a Glimpse of the Giant Victoria Water Lilies
Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday – Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. closed Thursdays I Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
4700 SW 58th Dr., Gainesville, FL 32608
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is pet-friendly an features paved pathways to navigate the beautiful botanical collections throughout the 68-acre property. The Children’s Garden features special plants, fish ponds, and waterfalls. Listen to the whistling wind create an amazingly peaceful sound in the stunning bamboo garden, the largest public display of bamboo in Florida. Don’t miss the giant Victoria water lilies that reach record-setting size during the summer growing season. It’s a perfect place to pack a lunch and enjoy the splendor.
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Pop-Up Markets and Retail Shopping
The Florida Vintage Market at Midpoint Park and Eatery
Sunday, July 30, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Arts & Theatre
Celebrate Life with Glitter, Glam and a Whole Lot of Sole at the Stage Production of Kinky Boots at Gainesville Community Playhouse
Now through Sunday, August 13
The inspiring story follows Charlie, who inherited his father’s nearly bankrupt shoe factory and Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. Together they find they have more in common than they realized… and discover that when you change your mind, you can change your whole world! The Tony Award-winning show is inspired by a true story and features a Grammy-winning musical score by Cyndi Lauper.
Y No Había Luz: La Mar at Nadine McGuire Theatre and Dance Pavilion Black Box Theatre
Thursday, July 27, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. – Sunday, July 30, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
The Alligators Sang All Night with Acrosstown Repertory Theatre Clarence R. Kelly Community Center
Saturday, July 29, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday, July 30, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Activities
Learn How to Square Dance with the Grand Squares at the Meizon Church in Gainesville, FLFirst Class is Free. Follow link for details.
Beginning August 1, Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Music & Performance
Punk with Round Eye and Supertwin at Loosey’s Downtown
Thursday, July 27, 8 p.m.
Local Comedy Showcase with Derrick Ross at High Dive
Thursday, July 27, 8 p.m.
Americana with the Front Porch Backsteppers at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, July 28, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Covers with Cassie and Chris at Lightnin’ Salvage
Saturday, July 29, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Irish Pub Songs with Scuttered the Bruce at One Love Café
Saturday, July 29, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Disco Hits with Gimme Gimme Disco at High Dive
Saturday, July 29, 8 p.m.
Darkwave with Draining Kiss at Loosey’s Downtown
Saturday, July 29, 8 p.m.
Dr. Sinn’s Freak Island Musical Sideshow at High Dive
Sunday, July 30, 6 p.m.
Jazz with The Oak Trio at Covey Kitchen and Cocktails
Sunday, July 30, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
The Hogtown Rounders Writers Round at Loosey’s Downtown
Tuesday, August 1, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Craft Breweries
There’s nothing better than an ice-cold pint on a hot summer day – except for when that pint comes with free cool merch. Join Billy the Bison and thousands of craft-beer lovers on the Sippin’ Seven Alachua Ale Trail.
Learn more and sign up for free at VisitGainesville.com/sippinseven.
An Evening with The Imbeciles at Blackadder Brewing Company
Thursday, July 27, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Noah Hunton at Daft Cow Brewery
Friday, July 28, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.?
Artwalk with Jorge Ibanez and Blues with Mr. Aullie at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Friday, July 28, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Harry Potter Trivia at Blackadder Brewing Company
Saturday, July 29, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Live Music with PairODocs at Blackadder Brewing Company
Sunday, July 30, 4 p.m – 6 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmers Markets
Grove Street Farmers Market with Live Music
Mondays, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Archer Farmers Market Spring Plant Sale at Archer Historical Society Railroad Museum
Tuesday, March 7, 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.
Summer of Festivals with Kids Activities at Alachua County Farmer’s Market
Saturday, July 29, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Newberry Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Haile Village Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Waldo Farmers Market
Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Bites and Brunch
Reserve Your Seat at Upcoming Cooking Classes at The Fat Tuscan
Now Open: Sweetberries Eatery and Frozen Custard
619 NW 5th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
5 Year Anniversary Celebration at MidiCi The Neapolitan Pizza Company
Now through – Sunday, July 31
Wine Tasting at Superette Wine and Provisions
Thursday, July 27, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, July 27, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
A Celebration of German and Austrian Wines at Laurel Oak Inn
Sunday, July 30, 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sports
Funtastic Fridays Archery at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, July 28, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
(sold out) Gainesville Youth Football Camp at Citizens Field
Saturday, July 29, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
USAA Florida State Outdoor 720 Championship at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Saturday, July 29, 11 a.m.
Drag Slick and Radial Test and Tune Drag Racing at Gainesville Raceway
Saturday, July 29, 5 p.m.
Gainesville Roller Derby All-Stars vs. Tallahassee Roller Derby at MLK Center
Saturday, July 29, 6:30 p.m.
Play Pickleball During Open Play Sessions at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center
Thursday, July 27, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Stay up to date with Raddsports Pickleball on Facebook and Instagram
Parks & Trails
Accessible Tram Tours at Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Ongoing, Check for Availability
Friday, July 28, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Monday, July 31, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Free Timed 5K at Depot Park parkrun
Saturday, July 29, 7:30 a.m.
River & Springs
Launch Your Canoe, Kayak or Stand-Up Paddleboard for Free at Santa Fe Canoe Outpost
Explore Natural Wonders with Anderson’s Outdoor Adventure and Visit 8 Springs in 8 Miles with Anderson’s Outdoor Adventures
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.
Museums & Galleries
(sold out) Family Discovery Camp: Reptiles & Amphibians
Saturday, July 29, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Now 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, 2024
Goodbye Horses A Group Art Show in Downtown Gainesville at The Top Secret Event Space
Friday, July 28 – Saturday, July 29, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
July is GNV Museum Month
Take a break from the heat this summer and learn about history, science, nature, culture and the arts at a local museum.
Apparallel and John Ward: Behind the Seen at The Historic Thomas Center
Now through Friday, September 8
Get Up Close and Explore the World of Arachnids at Spiders Alive! at the Florida Museum of Natural History
With more than a dozen live species from around the world, the new exhibit dives into the world of spiders, scorpions and their relatives. Featured animals on display include the Asian Forest Scorpion, Brazilian Red and White Tarantula, Southern Black Widow, Wolf Spider and more. Go hands-on with large touchable models revealing a closer look at spider anatomy. Plan your visit online.
New 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
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Birthday Celebration at Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park, August 5
6th Annual Gainesville Indoor Pickleball Showcase, August 4-6
Kulaqua River Ranch Community Day, August 13
Baturdays of Summer at Lubee Bat Conservancy, August 26
For a complete list of events please visit www.visitgainesville.com/events/
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