What’s Good in Gainesville and Alachua County, February 2-8, 2023
Jump into the weekend with What’s Good. Athleticism and precision take center stage at the Florida High School Competitive Cheerleading State Championships. Find your beat with the percussive experience of STOMP. Savor diverse flavors at the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Original Gainesville Food Truck Rally or get outside and explore nature with guided walks at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens and Sweetwater Wetlands Park.
Celebrate Black History Month with events and activities highlighting the many contributions of African Americans to arts, culture, science and more. Get into the rhythm and cadence of the Richard E. Parker Eastside Alumni Band and R&B Band 24/7 at Bo Diddley Plaza; find inspiration from the spoken word at Celebration of Black Love, Arts and Poetry at the Historic Thomas Center; enjoy art and music with an African American Women in Art and Literature exhibition followed by Blues on the Patio at the A. Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Center, and more.
Read on for more of What’s Good!
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Your partners at Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
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The below information was accurate at the time of publishing. Please contact organizers directly to double-check details.
Celebrate Black History Month with Poetry, Live Music, Museum Exhibits and More
Black History Month: A Celebration of Black Love, Arts and Poetry at the Historic Thomas Center
Friday, February 3, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Live and Local Concert Series at Bo Diddley Plaza
Friday, February 3, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
“Never Had a Friend” A One Man Show at UF Phillips Center
Saturday, February 4, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Museum Nights: Africa Everywhere at the Harn Museum of Art
Thursday, February 8, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Performances by the Richard E. Parker Eastside Alumni Band and R&B Band 24/7 at Bo Diddley Plaza
Friday, February 10, 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Smooth Flava Dance Party at Bo Diddley Plaza
Sunday, February 12, 3 p.m – 6 p.m.
Yvonne Ferguson exhibition and Live Painting: African American Women in Art and Literature at A A. Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Center
Sunday, February 19, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Tribute to Freedom: A Celebration of Black History Concert at University Auditorium
Thursday, February 23, 7:20 p.m. – 9 p.m.
North Central Florida Blues Society’s Blues on the Patio at A. Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Center
Sunday, February 26, 7 p.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.
Join Book Readings, Art Workshops, Film Screenings and More at Alachua County Library District Branch Locations
Now through February 28
We’re Tired of Asking: Black Thursday and Civil Rights at the University of Florida at the Matheson History Museum
Wednesdays – Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Explore African American History with The Gullah Geechee Exhibit: African Connections and Cultural Traditions in America, and In the Shadows of Plantations: Enslaved Africans in Alachua County at the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center
Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Celebrate Black History Month with the University of Florida with Stories of Individual Trailblazers, Historic Videos and Podcasts
Go Head Over Heels at the Florida High School Competitive Cheerleading State Championships
Friday, February 3 – Saturday, February 4 | O’Connell Center
250 Gale Lemerand Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611
If you have only seen cheerleaders on the sidelines of a football game, then you have not experienced these Florida athletes performing at the highest level. Be inspired by the athleticism and precision of Florida’s high school competitive cheerleading teams.
Find Your Beat with the Imaginative Percussive Experience of STOMP
February 3, 7:30 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
STOMP is explosive, inventive, provocative, witty, and utterly unique— an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments— matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps— to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms.
Find Out How to Live Life to the Fullest at the Comedic Opening Weekend of You Can’t Take It with You
Friday, February 3 – Sunday, February 26 | High Springs Playhouse
23416 W U.S. Hwy 27, High Springs, FL 32643
Meet the Sycamore family, a collection of erratic yet lovable characters. Hilarity ensues when Tony, an attractive son from the Kirby Family falls in love with Alice Sycamore and brings his parents to dine at the Sycamore home on the wrong evening. You Can’t Take It With You is one of the most popular stage comedies reinforcing the idea that you can only live life to the fullest by doing whatever makes you happy.
Learn About Springs Conservation, Sip Craft Beer and Enjoy Live Music at the Springs Run 7.2k Fest
Saturday, February 4, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. | First Magnitude Brewing Company
1220 SE Veitch St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Runners head down the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail before returning to the brewery for a celebration of the springs. Swamp Records presents a live music lineup featuring MADWOMAN, Late Night Losers, Trust Fall, Housing Crisis and DJ Wax Atom. Food trucks include Cheffrey’s, MexiCocina, Tommy Knockers, Radhas Kitchen and Opus Coffee. Visit educational booths to learn about springs conservation efforts.
Discover Plant Collections and See What’s Blooming on a Guided Tour at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Saturday, February 4, 10 a.m. | Kanapaha Botanical Gardens4700 SW 58th Dr., Gainesville, FL 32608
See winter highlights on a guided garden walk. Spanning 68 acres, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens features paved walkways, the largest public display of bamboo in Florida and the largest herb garden in the southeast.
Spot Wildlife on Ranger Led Walking Tour of Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Sunday, February 5, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Sweetwater Wetlands Park
325 SW Williston Rd., Gainesville, FL 32641
Learn about water management and wildlife found at the park. Sweetwater Wetlands Park consists of more than 125 acres of wetlands and ponds and improves the water quality of Paynes Prairie and the Floridan Aquifer. Recent bird sightings include Cedar Waxwing, Snowy Egret, American Robin, Baltimore Oriole and Wild Turkey.
Savor Diverse Flavors at the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Original Gainesville Food Truck Rally
Saturday, February 4, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. | High Dive210 SW 2nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Grab food from a variety of food trucks all in one location. Featured vendors include Arepa Burger, Charlie’s Snow Shack, Doughboy Desserts Monsta Lobsta, Wing King and more. Head inside for a free music show with Jay Rogue and the Stoges, Haunches and Breakfast for Dinner.
Pair Craft Beer with a Guided Bird Walk at Birds and Brews
Sunday, February 5 | First Magnitude Brewing Company
1220 SE Veitch St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Join Alachua Audubon Society volunteers for their monthly bird walk at the brewery. Meet at First Magnitude before departing to the Depot Park nature trail for an hour-long walk. Bring binoculars or borrow a pair. All skill levels are welcome and admission is free.
Rev Your Engines at the Nationally Touring Car Show and Drag Racing Series Import Face-Off
Sunday, February 5, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Gainesville Raceway
11211 N County Rd. 225, Gainesville, FL 32609
Join fellow gearheads and see exotic sports cars compete at Import Face-Off. Competitions include best in class, drag racing, burnouts, low car limbo and two-step. Free admission for kids 10 and under.
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Pop-Up Markets
Bazar Á La Carte Night Festival with Over 70 Vendors at The How Bazar
Saturday, February 4, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Miracle Market with The Florida Vintage Market at Bo Diddley Plaza
Saturday, February 4, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.
Arts & Theatre
See a Theatrical Smackdown at The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity at the Hippodrome Theatre
Now through Sunday, February 12
A wrestling ring replaces the Hippodrome’s mainstage as the dramatic comedy explores geopolitics through professional wrestling. Thrilling action and incredible characters raise pertinent questions about racial identity and pop culture in society. Learn more and get tickets at thehipp.org
See the Timeless Story of Two Star-Crossed Lovers at Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet at Gainesville Community Playhouse
Now through Sunday, February 12
Amidst an age-old vendetta of the rival Montague and Capulet families, a young lovesick Romeo Montague falls instantly in love with Juliet Capulet. The romantic tragedy unfolds as Juliet takes drastic measures to avoid an arranged marriage.
Hipp Unplugged: A Staged Reading Series Presents Dry Land by Ruby Rae Spiegel at the Hippodrome Theatre
Monday, February 6, 6 p.m.
Events & Festivals
Innovation and Technology Speaker Panels and Events at Gainesville Tech Week
Wednesday, February 1 – Friday, February 3
Jubilee Dressage at the Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center
Saturday, February 4 – Sunday, February 5
(sold out) Alice In Wonderland Outdoor Escape Room
Saturday, February 4
Complete Challenges and Earn Rewards During the Alachua County Eco Chase Challenge Scavenger Hunt Competition
Now through Earth Day (April 22), Team Registration is Friday, February 10
Music & Performance
Blues and Rock with Comin’ Home The Band at Lightnin’ Salvage
Thursday, February 2, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Taylor Swift Eras Dance Night with DJ Chey and DJ Trav at High Dive
Thursday, February 2, 8 p.m.
Motown and Soul with The Browns at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, February 3, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Country, Blues and Rock and Roll with Miss Tess at Heartwood Soundstage
Friday, February 3, 7 p.m.
Rock with Level 6 at High Dive
Friday, February 3, 8 p.m.
Fusion Rock with Marbin at Heartwood Soundstage
Saturday, February 4, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Poetry and Stories with Reinfred Dziedzorm Addo at Curia on the Drag
Saturday, February 4, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Classic Rock with Going Forward at The Great Outdoors
Saturday, February 4, 6 p.m.
House, Bass and Electronic Music at Neon Liger 15 Anniversary at The Wooly
Saturday, February 4, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
(sold out) Classical Music with Viano String Quartet at UF Phillips Center
Sunday, February 5, 2 p.m.
R&B, Rock and Blues with The David Ottenberg Band at Heartwood Soundstage
Sunday, February 5, 7 p.m.
Guest Artist Piano Recital with Dr. Matthew Cataldi at UF School of Music
Monday, February 6, 7:20 p.m. – 8:20 p.m.
The Hogtown Rounders Songwriters Round at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, February 7, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Jazz Wednesdays with The Oak Trio at Covey Kitchen and Cocktails
Wednesday, February 8, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Alt-Country with Lucero and Justin Wells at High Dive
Wednesday, February 8, 7 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Seven more reasons to love Gainesville and Alachua County – The Sippin’ Seven! Big Top Brewing Company, Blackadder Brewing Company, Cypress & Grove Brewing Company, Daft Cow Brewery, First Magnitude Brewing Company, High Springs Brewing Company and Swamp Head Brewery.
Sign up for our easy and fun digital pass and unlock rewards by checking into craft breweries throughout Gainesville and Alachua County. Earn “Billy the Bison and the Brew Birds” branded merch when you sign up and visit your first brewery. Earn more rewards by checking in and building your points, then stop by the Visit Gainesville, Alachua County office or Daft Cow Brewing Company to redeem.
Cheers to you and to Sippin’ All Seven!
Classic Rock with Crooked Counsel at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, February 3, 6 p.m – 9 p.m.
Screening of Black Widow with UF Center for European Studies at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Saturday, February 4, 6:30 p.m.
Americana and Punk Folk with Dennis and Brad’s Great Brewery Tour at Swamp Head Brewery
Sunday, February 5, 3:30 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmers Markets
U-Pick Strawberries at Crossroads Farm and Apiary
Friday, February 3 – Saturday, February 4, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, February 5, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
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 featuring Live Music with The Shambles
Thursday, February 2, 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
Grand Opening of Beaker and Flask Wine Bar Music by DJ Bambu and Food from Cheffrey’s
Wednesday, February 8, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Superette Wine and Provisions
Thursday, February 2, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Bar
Thursday, February 2, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
(sold out) Pasta and Pesto Cooking Class at The Fat Tuscan
Friday, February 3, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
16th Annual Souper Fun Sunday Soup Tasting Competition at Saint Francis Catholic Academy
Sunday, February 5, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Valentine’s Menu Pre-Order Deadline at Uppercrust
Wednesday, February 8
❤ Make Your Valentine’s Day Reservations at a Local Restaurant and Find More Events to Share with Your Special Someone
Sports
Celebration Pointe Indoor Classic Track and Field at Alachua County Sports and Event Center
Thursday, February 2 – Friday, February 3
Florida / Georgia Challenge Indoor Track and Field at Alachua County Sports and Event Center
Saturday, February 4 – Sunday, February 5
Gators Women’s Basketball vs. Texas A&M at Exactech Arena
Thursday, February 2, 6 p.m.
Gators Baseball Preseason Practice and Scrimmage at Condron Family Ballpark
Thursday, February 2 – Monday, February 6
Funtastic Fridays Archery at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, February 3, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
40th Anniversary Frostbreaker XL Ultimate Frisbee Tournament at Jonesville Park
Saturday, February 4 – Sunday, February 5
AAU North 1st Qualifier Gymnastics Meet at Legacy Park Multipurpose Center
Saturday, February 4 – Sunday, February 5
Premier Girls Fastpitch Super 40 7GG Softball Tournament at Champions Park
Saturday, February 4 – Sunday, February 5
High Springs Frozen Foot 5K at High Springs Sports Complex
Saturday, February 4, 9 a.m.
Parks & Trails
Accessible Tram Tours at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Thursday, February 2, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Tuesday, February 7, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Advanced registration required
Walk and Talk with Alachua Conservation Trust at Fox Pen Preserve
Friday, February 3, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Free Timed 5K with parkrun at Depot Park
Saturday, January 28, 7:30 a.m.
Rim Ramble Ranger-Led Adventure at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Saturday, February 4, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Wednesday Bird Walks at the Wetlands at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Wednesday, February 8, 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.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
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.
Tot Time: ABCs of Art for Ages 2-5 at the Harn Museum of Art
Friday, February 3, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
60 Years: The Works of Norman Jensen Opening Reception at Santa Fe College Gallery
Friday, February 3, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Tot Trot: Insects & Spiders for Ages 2-5 at the Florida Museum of Natural History
Tuesday, February 7, 9 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Board Members Past and Present Exhibit Celebrates 100 Years of Art at GFAA
Now through February 18
“I’m Coming Home” Featuring the Works of Visual Artist Kenneth Keith at A. Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Center
Now through Friday, February 10
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 at online.
Photo courtesy Peeling Productions
View Memories of Legendary Bands at a Legendary Music Venue at the Matheson History Museum’s Newest Exhibit “Return to Forever: Gainesville’s Great Southern Music Hall”
Museum Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
The Matheson History Museum looks back at the state-of-the-art concert venue in Gainesville between 1974 and 1978. The Great Southern Music Hall hosted performers including Jimmy Buffett, Ray Charles, Muddy Waters, Bob Seger and Steve Martin to name a few. The exhibit features a collection of live performance photos from the house photographer John Moran, Bo Diddley’s signature square guitar and other artifacts. Admission is free.
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.
Explore the Cosmos at the Cade Museum’s Exhibit: Voyages – A Trip Through Space and Time
Museum Hours: Thursday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
This featured exhibit is part of the museum-wide theme “Wandering the Milky Way – A Tour of the Solar System.” Discover how spacecraft from the 1970s still teach us about the galaxy and learn how scientists are designing a mission that spans generations.
Save The Date
Family Day at the Dairy Farm, February 11
Farm Dining Experience at Swallowtail Farm, February 11
Dance Alive National Ballet Presents Horse of a Different Color, February 18
For a complete list of events please visit www.visitgainesville.com/events/
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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.
