What’s Good Guide to Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, February 22-28, 2024
Race into a weekend of fun with What’s Good. Get ready for non-stop thrills as the National Mustang Racing Association Spring Break Shootout takes over Gainesville Raceway. Heartwood Soundstage celebrates 7 years of music with an incredible 42-band line up at annual Heartwood Music Festival. Explore diverse art and culture across 17 venues with Artwalk Gainesville and with Culturs Festival at How Bazar.
Show the kids a great time with snow cones, face painting, carnival games and more at the Okito Tech City grand opening in Alachua, or stay out late on a school night for uplifting a cappella music by the world-renowned Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
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.
New at the Gainesville Raceway – Get Revved Up for the 60th Anniversary of the Ford Mustang at the NRMA Spring Break Shootout
Friday, February 23 – Sunday, February 25 | Gainesville Raceway
11211 N CR 225, Gainesville, FL 32609
For the first time in the NMRA history, the Ford Nationals race and weekend long expo comes to the Gainesville Raceway. The NMRA Spring Break Shootout is the ultimate all-Ford motorsport series featuring heads-up & wheels-up drag racing, huge car & truck shows, giant midways, celebrities and more! Explore the midway for mustang gear and cool parts at the swap meet. New 2024 Mustangs storm the drag strip at the S650 Mustang Stampede.
Saturday is the big day combining drag racing with drifting, freestyle motocross stunts, flame-throwing jet cars, NMRA fan experience, the World’s Largest Bigfoot monster truck and more. Kids under the age of 12 get in free.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Celebrate 7 Years of Music at Heartwood Soundstage with a 42 Band Line Up. All Music Lovers Invited. Kids and Students Rock Free at Heartwood Music Fest
Friday, February 23 – Sunday, February 25 | Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Keeping the Alachua County tradition of being the fertile ground of music and innovation, Heartwood Soundstage celebrates music and music lovers with Heartwood Music Fest, and epic 3 days featuring more than 40 bands on outdoor and indoor stages. Enjoy vendors, food trucks and free entry for students. Find more festival details and VIP tickets online.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Be Uplifted with Dance and Music from Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Tuesday, February 27, 7:30 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Ladysmith Black Mambazo has celebrated more than 60 years of joyous and uplifting melodies. Within this music are the intricate rhythms and harmonies of their native South African traditions. The a cappella vocal group has created a spirit that has touched a worldwide audience and garnered praise and accolades from a wide body of people, organizations, and countries.
Load Up the Car for a Fun Family Festival at the Grand Opening of the Newest Okito America Location in Alachua
Saturday, February 24, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | San Felasco Tech City
13900 Tech City Circle, Alachua, FL 32615
Join Okito America martial arts for all ages as they celebrate the grand opening of their 3rd location in San Felasco Tech City. Enjoy family-friendly fun including carnival games, raffle prizes, balloon animals, face painting and more. Food vendors include Vegan Gator, Cosmic Snow Cones, Kettle Creations, Acho Que Jaltera Puerto Rican Food and more.
Hop Between Galleries and Art Studios to View the Vibrant Local Art Scene at Artwalk Gainesville
Friday, February 23, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Multiple Locations
February’s self-guided Artwalk Gainesville features 17 locations around Gainesville. Limelight celebrates its grand opening with art from Kazidelicious and Celino Dimitroff with music by Same Star Music. Bingo Deli and Pub presents photography/mixed media by Michelle Nagri. Black C Art hosts the art experience No Art, No Wine, No Piano portraying a once beautiful Antarctic landscape polluted with plastics. Preview Artwalk venues and download a map online.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Reflect on a Meaningful Exhibit of Remembrance at Gainesville Fine Arts Association’s Opening Reception for An Elegy to Rosewood
Friday, February 23, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Gainesville Fine Arts Association
1314 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
See photographs and art and learn the story of the Rosewood Massacre 100 years ago. This exhibition was created in collaboration with The Real Rosewood Foundation with materials developed by the Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum in Miami. Archival images, artifacts, personal reflections and original artwork create a meaningful exhibit of remembrance. Live music and hors d’oeuvres will be available.
Image: Hope Prevails (detail), Pedro Jermaine
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Kick-off Your Weekend with Blues from the Promenade Stage with Ramblin’ Mutts at Playlist at the Pointe
Friday, February 23, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4949 Celebration Point Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Ramblin’ Mutts perform original songs and classic blues inspired by vintage recordings of the 1950s and 1960s. Enjoy live music after the sun sets and grab food, drinks and sweet treats from nearby restaurants.
Do It for the Birds! Learn About Local Wildlife and Birds of Prey at Pints and Predators
Saturday, February 24 | First Magnitude Brewing Company
1220 SE Veitch St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Meet the local wildlife rehabilitation community at this educational festival featuring birds of prey, creatures of the night and more. See ambassador birds like the Bald Eagle, Barred Owl and nocturnal creatures like the opossum and bats. Enjoy the special beer release of “Stay Wild” and food trucks onsite.
Experience Cultures from Around the World at Culturs Festival
Saturday, February 24, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | How Bazar
60 SW 2nd St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Enjoy a night of multicultural art, dance and food for Gainesville’s first “Multicultural Day” at the Culturs Festival. In partnership with the global multicultural magazine Culturs, this festival is the featured event of the “Embrace the Hyphen” campaign. Experience cultures from around the world with a lineup of performances, live artists and international cuisines. Admission is free.
Additional Embrace the Hyphen events include a student dialogue of shared experiences and a film screening of Americanish at the University of Florida.
Experience the Outdoors at the North Florida Outdoor Expo
Saturday, February 24, 9 a.m.m – 3 p.m. | Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center
210 SE 134th Ave., Micanopy, FL 32667
UF/IFAS Extension presents the North Florida Outdoor Expo, a family fun event for outdoor enthusiasts including hunters, fishermen, hikers, campers, water recreation, and anything in between. Check out the latest outdoor gear with vendors and enjoy food trucks onsite.
Discover How Settlers Traversed the Sunshine State in the 1800s with Historian Dr. Ken Sulak
Saturday, February 24, 4 p.m. | Matheson History Museum
513 E University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Settlers traveling into Florida in the early to mid-1800s encountered a nearly trackless longleaf pine wilderness and the necessity of crossing the Suwannee River or its tributaries – the Withlacoochee or Alapaha rivers. The history of settlers, pioneer families, and river crossings is intertwined with the history of Florida. Join historian and fish biologist Dr. Ken Sulak as he shares this fascinating piece of Florida’s past.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
North Central Florida Blues Society Presents Blues on the Patio with Blues Meets Girl
Sunday, February 25, 7 p.m. | A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center
1013 NW 7th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
The Blues are the roots of African American music today. An exploration of this genre gives rise to gospel, county and folk traditional arts. Blues on the Patio, the bi-monthly series featuring local and regional blues artists. Blues Meets Girl is the powerful duo of British blues veteran Mr. Downchild and American singer-songwriter Kasimira Vogel. Admission is free.
Celebrate Black History and Culture Throughout Black History Month with Guest Speakers, Performances, Exhibits and More
Black History Month Resources from the University of Florida
Black History Month with the Alachua County Library District
Past Events:
African Americans and the Arts at Alachua County Library District Headquarters
Thursday, February 1, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
City of Hope: Mobilizing Communities with Dr. Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, Ph.D. at A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center
Thursday, February 15, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Black Spaces Art Exhibition at the Historic Thomas Center
Friday, February 16, 7 p.m.
The Florida Invitational Step Show: FISSNIK: The Stroll at Depot Park
Saturday, February 17, 11:45 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Celebrating Black History Pop-Up Market at Anthropologie
Saturday, February 17, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Frederick Douglass and Capt. John Brown at Alachua County Library District Headquarters
Sunday, February 18, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
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Pop-Up Markets and Retail Shopping
Apparel, Prints, Gifts, Local Makers and Full Bar at The Wooly Mammoth Market
Saturday, February 24, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.
Arts and Theatre
Experience Soaring Rock Music and Unforgettable Characters with Tony Award-winning Musical Next to Normal at Hippodrome Theatre
Now through Sunday, February 25
The groundbreaking musical explores a modern-day family struggling with mental illness. The electrifying rock soundtrack combines with heart-wrenching lyrics for a gripping emotional and unforgettable journey that keeps you at the edge of your seat.
Photo by Michael A. Eaddy
Events & Festivals
Career Fair and Small Business Showcase at Black Professionals Expo
Thursday, February 22, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
UF/IFAS Beekeeping Series: Swam Control at UF Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory
Saturday, February 24, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Art Installations, Yoga, Dance Classes and More at UF Healthstreet’s Annual Night of Dance at Bo Diddley Plaza
Saturday, February 24, 4 p.m.
Global Underwater Explorers Cave 1 Course with Kieren Technical at Extreme Exposure Adventure Center
Sunday, February 25 – Friday, March 1
Flora and Fauna Festival at 4th Ave Food Park
Saturday, February 24, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Slow Flow and Deep Stretch with Goats Yoga Session at Gainesville Goat Yoga
Sunday, February 25, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Music & Performance
Alt Americana with Uncle Mosie at Lightnin’ Salvage
Thursday, February 22, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
UF Wind Symphony Concert at University Auditorium
Thursday, February 22, 7:20 p.m.
Santa Fe College Concert Band Presents Winds Go Pop at Santa Fe College Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall
Thursday, February 22, 7:30 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter Ryan Montbleau at Heartwood Soundstage
Thursday, February 22, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Community Choral Singing at Oakview Community Center
Friday, February 23, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
A Night of Punk Grunge and Funk at Samurai Skate Shop
Friday, February 23, 6 p.m.
Classic Rock with Crooked Counsel at One Love Café
Friday, February 23, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Piano and Sax Reimagined Music with Ektor Keys at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, February 23, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Americana with William Elliott Whitmore at Loosey’s Downtown
Friday, February 23, 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Boombox – ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000s Dance Party with DJ Mellowblendz at High Dive
Friday, February 23, 9:30 p.m.
Beatles Hits with The Impostors at One Love Café
Saturday, February 24, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Jazz with Cathy DeWitt and Ed Legare at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, February 24, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Classic Rock with Enlightened Rogues at Great Outdoors Restaurant
Saturday, February 24, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Improv Comedy Show at Limelight
Saturday, February 24, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
(Registration Full) In-Store Signing Event with JJ Grey at Hear Again Records
Saturday, February 24, 7 p.m.
Rock with Dikembe, Twen, Heaven Moto and The Real You at The OX
Saturday, February 24, 8 p.m.
Ritual Goth Dance Night at The Wooly
Saturday, February 24, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Pop Punk and Emo Night of Gainesville at Vivid Music Hall
Saturday, February 24, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
(sold out) Ariel Quartet at Squitieri Studio in the UF Phillips Center
Sunday, February 25, 2 p.m.
Punk with KNIVES at Loosey’s Downtown
Sunday, February 25, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Americana Jam with Aisle 14 at High Dive
Sunday, February 25, 7 p.m.
The Joy of Singing Together with Ronald Burrichter and Dr. Brenda Smith at First Presbyterian Church
Tuesday, February 27, 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Acoustic Duo Julie Anne and Her One-Man Band at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, February 27, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Gator Jam with Jamie Davis, Cumberland, Seth Dukes, Logan Thompson, Justin Lee Partin, Houston Keen, Noah Hunton at Social at Midtown
Tuesday, February 27, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Jazz Night with UF Jazz Allstars Featuring Jorge Galvan at One Love Café
Wednesday, February 28, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Folk with Taylor Ashton with Ricky Kendall at Heartwood Soundstage
Wednesday, February 28, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Craft Breweries
With a lineup of award-winning craft beer makers, The Sippin’ Seven Alachua County Ale Trail breweries are the ultimate hangout spots to sip, socialize, and maybe even spark a little friendly rivalry. So, after a day of gallivanting around, why not kick back like a local with a taste of the AC brew scene.
Album Release Party with Cam Wheaton at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, February 23, 6 p.m.
Country with Noah Hunton at Daft Cow Brewery
Friday, February 23, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Plant Sale with Grow Hub at Blackadder Brewing Company
Sunday, February 25, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Classic Rock with Unwound at Blackadder Brewing Company
Sunday, February 25, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
U-Picks and Farmers Markets
U-Pick Strawberries at The Bryer Patch
Saturdays and Sundays through April
Please be aware strawberry picking is weather dependent; please stay up to date with the farms on Facebook and Instragram
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.
Union Street Farmers Market at Bo Diddley Plaza
Wednesdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
GNV Market at South Main Station
Thursdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Farmers Market at Celebration Pointe
Thursdays, 4 p.m. – 7 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
Wine Tasting at Superette
Thursday, February 22, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, February 22, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at the Traveler Wine Ba
Thursday, February 22, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Full Moon Brunch Bash at Curia on the Drag
Saturday, February 24, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Love and Hearts Tea Party at Haile Village Bistro
Saturday, February 24, 3 p.m.
50% Discounts at the 6th Birthday Celebration at Wyatt’s Coffee
Saturday, February 24, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
1st Anniversary Party at OG Homebrew Supply
Saturday, February 24, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Vino de España: A Journey Through the Flavors of Spanish Wine with David Graeser at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, February 24, 4:30 p.m.
Sports & Fans
ASUN Indoor Track and Field Championship at Alachua County Sports and Events Center
Thursday, February 22 – Sunday, February 25
USSSA Super Regional Softball NIT at Champions Park
Saturday, February 24 – Sunday, February 25
Funtastic Fridays Tournament 101 at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, February 23, 5 p.m.
Florida 4-H 1440 FITA Archery Match at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Saturday, February 24, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Gators Women’s Basketball vs. Missouri at Exactech Arena
Thursday, February 22, 6 p.m.
Gators Softball Hosts the T-Mobile Tournament at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium
Friday, February 23 – Sunday, February 25
#5 Gators Gymnastics vs. #2 LSU at Exactech Arena
Friday, February 23, 6:45 p.m.
#4 Gators Baseball vs. Columbia at Condron Family Ballpark
Friday, February 23, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 24, 6 p.m.
Sunday, February 25, 11 a.m.
Gators Men’s Basketball vs. Vanderbilt at Exactech Arena
Saturday, February 24, 1 p.m.
Gators Lacrosse vs. Jacksonville University at Donald R. Dizney Stadium
Wednesday, February 28, 4 p.m.
Gators Baseball vs. Bethune-Cookman at Condron Family Ballpark
Wednesday, February 28, 6:30 p.m.
Gators Men’s Basketball vs. Missouri at Exactech Arena
Wednesday, February 28, 6:30 p.m.
Parks & Trails
Weekly Walk and Talk with Alachua Conservation Trust at Tuscawilla Preserve
Friday, February 23, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Free Timed 5K at Depot Park
Saturday, February 24, 7:30 a.m.
Stargazing with Alachua Astronomy Club at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park – Hickory Ranch
Saturday, February 24, 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Ranger-Led Rim Ramble Hike at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park La Chua Trail
Saturday, February 24, 9:45 a.m.
Wednesday Bird Walks with Alachua Audubon Society at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Wednesday, February 28, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Children Can Meet Farm Animals at Barnyard Buddies at Morningside Nature Center
Wednesday, February 28, 3 p.m. – 4 p.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
Opening Now Open: Gateway to Himalayan Art at the Harn Museum of Art
Gateway to Himalayan Art introduces the main forms, concepts, meanings, and religious traditions of Himalayan art with objects from the collection of the Rubin Museum of Art, New York.
Image: Life Story of Buddha (detail), Shakyamuni, Tibet; 19th century, Pigments on cloth, Rubin Museum of Art, Gift of Shelley and Donald Rubin, C2006.66.164 (HAR 157)
Art and Mindfulness: Turning Pain into Compassion with Tonglen Meditation at the Harn Museum of Art
Saturday, February 24, 10 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Black in Natural History Museums Celebration at the Florida Museum of Natural History
Saturday, February 24, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Black Space Art Exhibition at The Historic Thomas Center
Now through Tuesday, March 5
“Weaving a Community: 30 Years of the Matheson History Museum” Exhibition Opens at the Matheson History Museum
Wednesday, February 28, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Chill with Cool Dinos at the Interactive Exhibit “Antarctic Dinosaurs”
Now through April 21 | Florida Museum of Natural History
3215 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Discover life beneath the ice in Antarctic Dinosaurs. Uncover the history of the world’s southernmost continent and the unique species that have called it home in this interactive, family-friendly experience. Antarctic Dinosaurs is on display through April 21.
Save The Date
Art Fair on the Green in High Springs, March 2-3
Spring Arts Festival at Thornebrook, March 2-3
NHRA Gatornationals, March 7-10
Florida Humanities Gathering in High Springs, March 15-17
Pat Metheny Dream Box Tour, March 20
Gator Fly-In and Armed Services Appreciation Day, March 23
Dance Alive National Ballet Presents Giselle, March 23
Strawberry Festival at The Bryer Patch, Saturday, March 23
Spring Garden Festival at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, March 23-24
Newberry Spring Festival, April 6
Party for the Planet at Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, April 6
Grassroots Motorsports $2000 Challenge, April 6-7
Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival, April 13-14
Hogtown Craft Beer Festival, April 13
Gators Football Orange and Blue Game, April 13
For a complete list of events please visit www.visitgainesville.com/events/
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