What’s Good in Gainesville and Alachua County, February 23 – March 1, 2023
With only 28 days in February, let What’s Good pave the way to fitting more fun into less days!
Rock outdoors with 40+ top Indie acts at the three-day Heartwood Music Festival VII, go upstage at the UF Phillips Center and experience the captivating arrangements of a cappella quartet Kings Return, or enjoy an intimate performance highlighting the musical contributions of original blues artists with Blues on the Patio at the A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center.
The Gainesville Fine Arts Association hosts an opening reception for the Gainesville Artwalk featuring their newest exhibit, Inclusion. How Bazar hosts another great stop along the self-guided Artwalk tour with a live art showcase at First Magnitude Brewing. Gazing and grazing are in order with Pints and Predators at First Magnitude Brewing, with Alachua Astronomer’s Club Stargazing at Paynes Prairie, and with the delicious u-pick strawberries at Crossroads Farm and Apiary.
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 7 Years of Music with the Heartwood Soundstage Festival — 3 Days of Top Regional Live Music Acts and More with a Heaping Helping of Indie Verve, Gainesville-style
February 24-26 | Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Surround yourself with exceptional indie bands, sunny vibes and a few hundred of your favorite friends at the 3-day seventh annual Heartwood Soundstage Music Fest. Celebrating original music and art, the festival features food trucks, vendors and over 40 performers on indoor and outdoor stages. Hang about or rock out with The Late Night Losers, Shine and the Shakers, Sooza Brass Band, Cat Ridgeway, Katara Trio, The Savants of Soul, Hannah Harber, The Shambles and more. Enjoy food and refreshments at South Main Station and food trucks. Day passes and weekend passes are available.Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Share Memories of the Gainesville Music Scene in the 1970s Featuring the Great Southern Music Hall and Photography of John Moran
Friday, February 24, 7 p.m. | Matheson History Museum
513 E University Ave., Gainesville, 32601
Between 1974 and 1968 the top music venue in Gainesville was the Great Southern Music Hall. Owners Jeffrey Meldon and Jim Forsman put a spotlight on legendary national artists.
On Friday, Jim Forsman, Jeffrey Meldon, John Moran, and Albert Teebagy, with moderator Bill DeYoung share their stories from the music scene. Attendees can join the discussion and share their stories. The piano played by Ray Charles at the Great Southern Music Hall will be on display.Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
See Birds of Prey and Sip Craft Beer at Pints and Predators
Saturday, February 25, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | First Magnitude Brewing Company
1220 SE Veitch St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Join local wildlife rehabilitators and educators for the 9th Annual Pints and Predators. Live animal ambassadors include the bald eagle, barred owl, red-tailed hawk, creatures of the night like Virginia opossum and bats. Learn more and get tickets online.
First Magnitude Brewing Company is part of the Alachua County Ale Trail. Be sure to check in with your Sippin’ Seven digital pass.
Learn more and signup for free here.
Discover Diverse Artists and Exhibits on a Self-Guided Tour at Artwalk Gainesville
Friday, February 24, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Various Locations
17 unique galleries and exhibits are featured in February including GFAA’s exhibit reception, 53 artists with the How Bazar at First Magnitude Brewing Company, guest artists at the Art Studios of Grace, Dance Expo and Black History Month Celebration at Rosa B Williams/352artspace, Wooden Blankets with Chris Mott Art at the AUK Market and more.
The Gainesville Circus Center features original works of aerial dance and acrobatic arts. Hitch a ride on the Circus Center bus, picking up and dropping off from the clock tower in downtown Gainesville. Preview the venues and download a map online.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
View a Showcase of Artists at GFAA’s Exhibit: Inclusion
Friday, February 24, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | GFAA Gallery
1314 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
The Gainesville Fine Arts Association celebrates 100 years of art with a series of exhibitions named after GFAA’s governing values. Inclusion features an assortment of artists historically underrepresented. Join the exhibit reception during Artwalk Gainesville to meet artists and view artist awards.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Find Harmony with Kings Return A Cappella Quartet at UpStage at the Phillips Center
Friday, February 24, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Internet sensation Kings Return captures the essence of an old-school a cappella quartet with sounds inspired by gospel and R&B, and has a reputation for performing diverse arrangements from Ave Maria to How Deep is Your Love and God Bless America.
UpStage at the Phillips Center transforms the main stage into an intimate cabaret-style setting with tables, chairs and a cash bar. 7 p.m. seatings include heavy hors d’oeuvres and 9 p.m. seatings include desserts.
Gaze Upon the Prairie Stars with Powerful Telescopes and Guidance from the Alachua Astronomy Club
Saturday, February 25, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Hickory Ranch at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
9300 SE CR 234, Micanopy, FL 32667
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park delivers a pristine view of the night sky. Look up with the Alachua Astronomy Club and learn about stars and planets. There will be music and a food truck on site. Bring a blanket or your own chairs for seating and enjoy an enriching family-friendly activity.
Enjoy Delicious Food and Fun for the Whole Family at the 5th Annual International Food Truck Rally
Sunday, February 26, 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. | First Magnitude Brewing Company
1220 SE Veitch St., Gainesville, FL 32601
First Magnitude is a 15-barrel production brewery and tasting room with indoor space and a large, shaded beer garden. For the 5th year in a row, First Mag and MA entertainment have partnered for an international food festival complimented with live music and fun activities for all ages. Savor international flavors from Arepas Milko, Cajun Knights Fusion Cuisine, Lulu’s Gelato, Latin Food Blessing, Rancho Luna and more. Visit “The Source” taproom for craft beer, ciders and seltzers.
Preserve the History of the Blues with Dr. Jules at Blues on the Patio
Sunday, February 26, 7 p.m. | A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center
1013 NW 7th Ave., Gainesville, FL
Dr. Jules Gliesche is a part-time Senior Lecturer in Linguistics at the University of Florida specializing in Historical Germanic Linguistics. He is a strong proponent of keeping the blues alive by playing the blues and devotes significant time to studying the history of the blues and highlighting the musical contributions and innovations of original blues artists.
The A. Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Center is housed in the former Jones Family home and serves as a tribute to one of the most influential educators in the history of Alachua County. On the patio, the bi-monthly series features local blues artists. This series provides a network of association for area Blues lovers and builds upon the Blues in the Schools program by encouraging youth participation.
Celebrate Black History Month with Poetry, Live Music, Museum Exhibits and More
Tribute to Freedom: A Celebration of Black History Concert at University Auditorium
Thursday, February 23, 7:20 p.m. – 9 p.m.
LaVern Porter-Mitchell Tribute: 50 Years of Dancers Celebrating the LegacyEastside High School
Saturday, February 25, 3 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
Make sure your Black History Month event is included, send us details at info@visitgainesville.com.
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Pop-Up Markets
Gainesville Harley-Davidson 30th Birthday Bash
Saturday, February 25, 12 p.m.
Food Truck Day at The Oaks Mall
Sunday, February 26, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.
Arts & Theatre
Find Out How to Live Life to the Fullest at the Comedic Stage Performance of You Can’t Take It with You
Now through Sunday, February 26 | High Springs Playhouse
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.
Events & Festivals
LaVern Porter-Mitchell Tribute: 50 Years of Dancers Celebrating the LegacyEastside High School
Saturday, February 25, 3 p.m.
Coat Rack Blacksmithing Workshop at [Fe]ver Metal Art Center
Saturday, February 25 – Sunday, February 26, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Complete Challenges and Earn Rewards During the Alachua County Eco Chase Challenge Scavenger Hunt Competition
Now through Earth Day (April 22)
Music & Performance
Classic Rock with The Shambles at One Love Café
Thursday, February 23, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Tribute to Freedom: A Celebration of Black History Concert with UF Wind Symphony at University Auditorium
Thursday, February 23, 7:20 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Winds Go Pop! at Santa Fe College Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall
Thursday, February 23, 7:30 p.m.
Dubstep with Buku x G-Rex at Vivid Music Hall
Thursday, February 23, 9 p.m.
The Big Party Hip and R&B Dance Party at The How Bazar
Thursday, February 23, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Gainesville Area Festival 2023: Strings at Celebration United Methodist Church
Friday, February 24 – Sunday, February 26
Americana with Ash Devine at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, February 24, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Comedian Steve Hofstetter at High Dive
Friday, February 24, 8 p.m.
Electronic Music Producer Trivecta at Vivid Music Hall
Friday, February 24, 9 p.m.
Rock with Whiskey Jones at One Love Cafe
Saturday, February 25, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Country with Houston Keen at Lightnin’ Salvage
Saturday, February 25, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
(sold out) Other Voices at Theatre of Memory
Saturday, February 25, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Pop Punk Emo Night with Up From Here at High Dive
Saturday, February 25, 9 p.m.
Brazilian Carnival Celebration at Simons
Saturday, February 25, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Pop Punk and Emo Night of Gainesville at Vivid Music Hall
Saturday, February 25, 10 p.m.
Jazz with Decyo and The Newcombs at One Love Café
Sunday, February 26, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Guest Artist Recital at The Historic Thomas Center
Sunday, February 26, 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Love Month Celebration with D.R. Band and Soul Fire at Star Center Theatre
Sunday, February, 26, 4:30 p.m.
Indie Pop with Bambii Lamb at High Dive
Sunday, February 26, 7 p.m.
Americana with Kyle Keller at Lightnin’ Salvage
Monday, February 28, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Academy of St Martin in the Fields Orchestra with Cellist Gary Hoffman at UF Phillips Center
Tuesday, February 28, 7:30 p.m.
Jazz Wednesdays with The Oak Trio at Covey Kitchen and Cocktails
Wednesday, March 1, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Browse 53 Unique Artists with How Bazar Art Walk at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Friday, February 24, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
As part of Artwalk Gainesville, How Bazar presents a stimulating experience based around the live creation of artwork. First Magnitude Brewing will be lined with 53 unique artists all showcasing their live art. 7 food trucks will be on site.
Growing Together: A Film About Grow Hub at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Saturday, February 25, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Tribute to Grateful Dead with Spirit of the Dead at Shakedown Street at Blackadder Brewing Company
Saturday, February 25, 4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmers Markets
U-Pick Strawberries at Crossroads Farm and Apiary
Friday, February 24 – Saturday, February 25, 10 a.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
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
New Weekend Brunch Menu at Top Hog BBQ and Pub on Archer Rd.
Saturday, February 25 – Sunday, February 26, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Turkish and Middle Eastern Food Fair at Veterans Memorial Park
Saturday, February 25, 12:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Soft Launch Tickets for Humble Wood Fire’s Humbrunch at South Main Station
Friday, February 24 – Saturday, February 25
Burger Tuesdays at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Tuesdays, 12 p.m – 9 p.m.
Sports
Gators Women’s Basketball vs. Alabama at Exactech Arena
Thursday, February 23, 6 p.m.
Gators Women’s Tennis at Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex
Friday, February 24, 5 p.m.
Gators Gymnastics vs. Kentucky at Exactech Arena
Friday, February 24, 5:45 p.m.
Gators Baseball vs. Cincinnati at Condron Family Ballpark
Friday, February 24, 6:30 p.m.
Gators Lacrosse vs. Maryland at Donald R. Dizney Stadium
Saturday, February 25, 12 p.m.
Gators Baseball vs. Cincinnati at Condron Family Ballpark
Saturday, February 25, 4 p.m.
Gators Baseball vs. Cincinnati at Condron Family Ballpark
Sunday, February 26, 12 p.m.
Gators Lacrosse vs. Furman at Donald R. Dizney Stadium
Tuesday, February 27, 12 p.m.
Gators Baseball v. Jacksonville at Condron Family Ballpark
Wednesday, March 1, 6 p.m.
Funtastic Fridays Archery at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, February 24, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
RC Racing Warm Up for Emerge at Newberry RC Park
Saturday, February 25, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
USSSA North Florida Select Super Softball Tournament at Champions Park
Saturday, February 25 – Sunday, February 26
Parks & Trails
Accessible Tram Tours at Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Ongoing, Check for Availability
Thursday, February 23, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Tuesday, February 28, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Free Timed 5K with parkrun at Depot Park
Saturday, February 25, 7:30 a.m.
Great Invader Raider Rally Gainesville Greenway Challenge at Morningside Nature Center
Saturday, February 25, 9 a.m.
Rim Ramble Ranger-Led Adventure at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Saturday, February 25, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Wednesday Bird Walks at the Wetlands at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Wednesday, February 22, 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
River & Springs
Guided River Tour with Adventure Outpost Cross Creek: The World of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
Monday, February 27, 10 a.m.
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 After Dark with Nick DeCarlis Jazz Trio at the Harn Museum of Art
Thursday, February 23, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Calligraphic Language in Contemporary Chinese with Dr. Kuiyi Shen at Harn Museum of Art
Thursday, February 23, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Tot Trot: Insects and Spiders for Ages 2-5 at the Florida Museum of Natural History
Tuesday, February 28, 9 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Now on View: LAiZY, Experiments in ARTificial Intelligence at UF Grinter Gallery
Now through March 17
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.
Now on View, Uncertain Codes Exhibit at Garry Libby University Gallery
Now through Saturday, March 4
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
38th Annual Gainesville Rotary Wild Game Feast, March 2
Dudley Farm Plowing Up The Past, March 3 – 4
Itzhak Perlmanand Rohan De Silva, March 6
NHRA Gatornationals, March 9-12
Hogtown Craft Beer Festival at Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center, March 25
Thornebrook Spring Arts Festival, March 25
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.
