What’s Good in Gainesville and Alachua County, April 27 – May 3, 2023
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.
Celebrate African American Arts, Music and Cultural Heritage at the 43rd Annual 5th Ave Arts Festival
Saturday, April 29, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday, April 30, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Santa Fe College Blount Center
401 NW 6th St., Gainesville, FL 32601
The Cultural Arts Coalition presents the annual 5th Ave Arts Festival to celebrate the rich cultural history of the Fifth Avenue and Seminary Lane community. This year’s festival includes the first award honoring the legacy of cultural ambassador Patricia Hilliard-Nunn. Admission is free.
The festival begins Friday with an opening reception at A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center at 6 p.m. On Saturday, vendor booths and historic exhibits open at 10 a.m. followed by a gospel program, dancers and local musicians performing on stage at 11 a.m. On Sunday, the festival opens with vendors and live music at 12 p.m.
Live performances include Gainesville Circus Center, Caring and Sharing Learning School, Star Center Theatre, Expressive Song and Dance Ministries, MossoKan, D.R. Band and Soul Fire, Patricia Hilliard-Nunn African Dancers, E.K.R. Jazz Trio, Uniquely Chosen and more. Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Discover the Local Art Scene on a Self-Guided Tour with Artwalk Gainesville
Friday, April 28, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Multiple Venues and Galleries
Bingo Deli and Pub features digital art from Josh Milliken with La Chua Art Company. First Magnitude Brewing Company hosts How Bazar with over 60 artists lining the brewery floor and a selection of menus from 10 food vendors. Enjoy expressive oil paintings by Trude Spillane and live music by Chapter 3 at Artisans’ Guild Gallery. Join over 15 artists at the Art Studios of Grace with music from the Barber Gators and food from Vegan Gator food truck. See an exhibit highlighting 50 years of the Hippodrome at the Hippodrome Theatre Gallery. Preview venues and download a map at artwalkgainesville.com.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
View Fine Art Paired with Prose with the Opening Reception and Viewing of “Communication,” GFAA’s Latest Exhibit
Friday, April 28, 7 p.m. | Gainesville Fine Arts Association Gallery
1314 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
During Artwalk Gainesville, join the reception of “Communication” in collaboration with the Writers Alliance of Gainesville. Artists collaborated with the Writers Alliance to develop visual art paired with prose. Admission is free.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Grab the Kids and Circle the Wagons for the 46th Annual Pioneer Days Festival
Saturday, April 29, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, April 30, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Downtown High Springs, Behind City Hall
23760 NW 187th Ave., High Springs, FL 32643
Join a weekend of fun with historical reenactments, fun activities in the Kids Koral, food, live music and craft vendors. Admission is free.
Get Ready for a Thrill. See Florida’s Top BMX Athletes Fly Through the Track at the 2023 Florida State BMX Championship Series
Saturday, April 29, 11 a.m. – Sunday, April 30, 8:45 a.m. | High Springs BMX
NW 2nd St., High Springs, FL 32643
High Springs BMX hosts the top racers in the state as they earn points toward the state championship finals held in May. For an additional fee, racers can register for the Pro BMX clinic hosted by Dakota Cody on Friday, April 28, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Do a Kick Flip and Celebrate Skateboarding Culture at the 3rd Annual Possum Creek Skate Jam
Saturday, April 29, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Possum Creek Skate Park
4009 NW 53rd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32653
Gainesville’s skate park hosts a celebration of skateboarding with a best trick contest, swag giveaways, live DJs, mural painting and food trucks. Want to show off your skills? Skater registration is free and begins at 11 a.m. on-site. Spectators are welcome and admission is free.
Be Uplifted by the Music of Duke Ellington and His Orchestra with 1000 Voices of North Central Florida
Sunday, April 30, 4 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. | The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
811 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Tap your toes to the jubilant sounds from big band jazz band leader and composer Duke Ellington, performed by musicians and vocalists from 1000 Voices of North Central Florida. The Cade Museum and 1000 Voices share the goal of connecting diverse members of the community with education and fellowship. Admission is free.
Uncover Cultures and Traditions with International Musicians at OneBeat: Buried Knowledge
Tuesday, May 2, 7 p.m. | Boxcar Beer and Wine Garden
201 SE Depot Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Wednesday, May 3, 8 p.m. | How Bazar
60 SW 2nd St., Gainesville, FL 32601
OneBeat returns to Gainesville with musicians from around the world performing music with this year’s theme, “Buried Knowledge,” exploring and celebrating histories, cultures and traditions through music. Tuesday’s performances include a Human Library exercise led by local contributing artists Turbado Marabou and Terri Bailey. Wednesday’s open mic night at How Bazar features OneBeat fellows and local musicians.
For more of the timely entertainment information you love, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Tik Tok for daily updates and re-shares of your inspiring photos. Tag us at #whatsgoodalachuacounty.
Pop-Up Markets
Browse Art, Collectibles and Eclectic Finds at The Boxcar Flea at Boxcar Beer and Wine Garden
Sunday, April 30, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Browse Retro Fashion and Gifts at The Florida Vintage Market at Midpoint Park and Eatery
Sunday, April 30, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.
Arts & Theatre
See a Murder Mystery Unfold at the Stage Production of Death By Chocolate at High Springs Playhouse
Now through Sunday, April 30
Members of the newly renovated Meadowbrook Health Resort are dropping like flies, including famed chef Edith Chiles. It’s up to John Stone, the manager, to find the cause and the murderer. Delightfully sarcastic and cynical, Stone finds himself teaming up with mystery writer and amateur sleuth Ed Parlor in a wacky race against time. The clues point to a sinister box of chocolates, and the suspects include all the outlandish characters working for the resort.
Laugh, Learn and Laugh Some More with Silent Sky, the Hippodrome’s Revealing and Entertaining Smash Hit about the Life of Female Astronomer Henrietta Leavitt at the Hippodrome Theatre
Now through Sunday, May 7
Silent Sky is based on the true history behind the female “computers” who lead the Harvard Observatory into a new age of scientific discoveries. Astonishing revelations await Henrietta Leavitt as she maps distant stars in galaxies beyond our own. However, this brilliant, headstrong pioneer must struggle for recognition in the male-dominated world of turn-of-the-century astronomy.
Special Dates:
Talk to an Astronomer During Intermission and After the Show
Thursday, April 27 – Friday, April 28
Moon Viewing with the Alachua Astronomy Club After the Show
Saturday, April 29
Pre-Show Lecture (free)
Sunday, April 30, 1 p.m.
Talkback with Actors After the 2 p.m. Show
Sunday, April 30
Shakespeare’s The Tempest with Acrosstown Repertory Theatre at 4th Ave Food Park
Saturday, April 29, 6 p.m.
Cocktail & Classics: The Phantom of the Opera with “The Prima Donna” at the Hippodrome Cinema
Saturday, April 29, 7:30 p.m.
Events & Festivals
2023 City Nature Challenge in Alachua County
Friday, April 28 – Monday, May 1
Join Alachua County, the City of Gainesville and hundreds of other cities worldwide for this friendly competition. Download the free iNaturalist app today and help Alachua County capture the most wildlife photos in our area during the challenge dates. This is also a great excuse to visit local parks and preserves.
Learn more about the challenge.
Earth Care Day at Celebration United Methodist Church
Saturday, April 29, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Live Art, Crafts, Face Painting and Live Music at the 2nd Annual Art Circus at The Bull
Saturday, April 29, 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Florida Color Horse Club’s Gator Classic Horse Show at Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center
Friday, April 28 – Sunday, April 30
Large Garden Trellis Welding Workshop at [Fe]ver Metal Art Center
Saturday, April 29 – Sunday, April 30, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Grow Your Own Natives Plant Sale with Gainesville Garden Club and Alachua County Master Gardeners at Gainesville Garden Club
Saturday, April 29, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
The Ultimate Hair Braiders Battle at Legacy Park Multipurpose Center
Saturday, April 29, 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.
North Central Florida Blues Society’s Blues on the Patio presents Rev. Billy Wirtz at A. Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Center
Sunday, April 30, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Tea and Pampering for Kids with Sleeping Beauty at Trinity’s Day Spa
Sunday, April 30, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Kids Day at 4th Ave Food Park
Sunday, April 30, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Music & Performance
Surf Rock with Sun Room at High Dive
Thursday, April 27, 8 p.m.
Classic Rock with Crooked Counsel at One Love Café
Friday, April 29, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter Zach Lambert at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, April 28, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Country, Rock and Soul with Jamie Davis at Playlist at the Pointe
Friday, April 28, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock and R&B with Gainesville Retro Society at Heartwood Soundstage
Friday, April 28, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Disco Hits with Gimme Gimme Disco at High Dive
Friday, April 28, 8 p.m.
Soul Spring Swamp Boiler Room with Hashcat Collective at Swamp Boil
Friday, April 28, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Jazz with Decyo and the Newcombs at One Love Café
Saturday, April 29, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Comedian Lucas Zelnick at High Dive
Saturday, April 29, 5 p.m.
The Clean Comedy Show at Gainesville’s 5-Star Comedy
Saturday, April 29, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
All-Request Dueling Pianos at The Keys Grill and Piano Bar
Saturday, April 29, 9 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Classic Rock with Crooked Counsel at Great Outdoors Restaurant
Saturday, April 29, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Americana with The Za-Boo-Zays (Kaleigh Baker, Olivia Wynn and Hannah Harber) at Heartwood Soundstage
Saturday, April 29, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Rock and Roll with The Enablers at Loosey’s Downtown
Saturday, April 29, 7 p.m.
Funk Band Matcha Presents Disco Night at How Bazar
Saturday, April 29, 10 p.m.
North Central Florida Blues Society’s Blues on the Patio presents Rev. Billy Wirtz at A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center
Sunday, April 30, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Writers Round with The Hogtown Rounders at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, May 2, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter and American Idol Finalist Leah Marlene at High Dive
Tuesday, May 2, 7 p.m.
Open Mic Night at Lightnin’ Salvage
Wednesday, May 3, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Eagles Tribute with The Long Run at High Dive
Wednesday, May 3, 7 p.m.
Allman Brothers Tribute with Steeln’ Peaches at Heartwood Soundstage
Wednesday, May 3, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Friday Night Jam with Griffin Williams at Daft Cow Brewery
Friday, April 28, 6:30 p.m.
Clay Dixon at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Friday, April 28, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Browse Over 20 Vendors During Hops and Shop at High Springs Brewing Company
Saturday, April 29, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
FM Plays the Hits with Cover Bands, DJs and Popular Beers from the Past at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Saturday, April 29, 2 p.m.
Americana with Aisle 14 at Blackadder Brewing Company
Saturday, April 29, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Jazz Sunday with JZNT at Blackadder Brewing Company
Sunday, April 30, 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmers Markets
U-Pick Blueberries at Santa Fe Blueberries
Open Daily, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
U-Pick Blueberries at Aunt Zelma’s Blueberries
Friday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
U-Pick Blueberries at Straughn Farms in Archer
Wednesday – Friday, 4 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday – Sunday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
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 Featuring Live Music
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.
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
GCM Food Fest at Celebration Pointe
Thursday, April 27, 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Superette Wine and Provisions
Thursday, April 27, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask
Thursday, April 27, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
(sold out) Chef Dinner and Wine Pairing at The Fat Tuscan
Friday, April 28, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Brunch at The Keys with Sunday Funday Power Hour at The Keys Grill and Piano Bar
Sunday, April 30, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Spring Chocolate Ice Cream Night at Sweet Dreams of Gainesville
Sunday, April 30, 1 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Sports
Gators Softball vs. Ole Miss at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium
Friday, April 28, 6 p.m.
Saturday, April 29, 3 p.m.
Sunday, April 30, 12 p.m.
Gators Baseball vs. Missouri at Condron Family Ballpark
Friday, April 28, 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 29, 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 30, 1 p.m.
Gators Softball vs. Florida State at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium
Wednesday, May 3, 6 p.m.
Funtastic Fridays Archery at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, April 28, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Parks & Trails
Accessible Tram Tours at Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Ongoing, Check for Availability
Thursday, April 27, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Tuesday, May 2, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Free Timed 5K at Depot Park parkrun
Saturday, April 29, 7:30 a.m.
Sunrise Ranger Hike at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Saturday, April 29, 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.
Birding Field Trip with Alachua Audubon Society at Palm Point Park
Saturday, April 29, 8 a.m.
City Nature Challenge Walking Tours at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Saturday, April 29, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Sunday, April 30, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Rim Ramble Ranger-Led Adventure at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Sunday, April 30, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Wednesday Bird Walks at the Wetlands at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Wednesday, May 3, 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Kids Meet Friendly Farm Animals during Barnyard Buddies at Morningside Nature Center
Wednesday, May 3, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
River & Springs
Paddle 8 Springs in 8 Miles or Slowly Float Down the Santa Fe River at Poe Springs Park with Anderson’s Outdoor Adventures
Friday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Float or Splash Into Freshwater Springs
North Florida is home to the largest collection of first-magnitude springs in the United States.
Museums & Galleries
Art & Mindfulness: Sound and Silence at the Harn Museum of Art
Saturday, April 29, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Now on View at the Harn Museum of Art: Posing Beauty in African American Culture at the Harn Museum of Art
Tuesdays – Wednesdays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Fridays – Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Posing Beauty in African American Culture explores the ways in which African and African American beauty has been represented in historical and contemporary contexts through a diverse range of media including photography, video, fashion and advertising.
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.
Photo courtesy Florida Museum / Jeff Gage
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
2nd Annual Alachua County Artist Conference, May 5
Island Grove Blueberry Festival, May 6
Great Gainesville Car Show, May 6
Wombash 2023 Featuring Sister Hazel, May 12-13
Easton Foundations Gator Cup, May 12-14
Newberry Watermelon Festival, May 20
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.
Your participation, communication, and sharing of events and programs is a key way for us to market our community to visitors and to enhance the engagement of residents in all of the incredible programs you create.
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.
Visit Gainesville, Alachua County | (352) 374-5260 | 33 North Main Street, Gainesville 32601 Never miss an event: Follow Visit Gainesville, Alachua County on social media.
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.
