What’s Good in Gainesville and Alachua County, January 12-18, 2023
Add some fanfare to your weekend with What’s Good. Cheer on jousting knights and enjoy artisans, performers and food fit for a king and queen at the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire. Put a pep in your step with dance and swing standards performed by the U.S. Army Field Band Jazz Ambassadors at the UF Phillips Center. Savor a winter menu with a farm dining experience at Swallowtail Farm and then head over to Celebration Pointe for a night of dancing on the promenade at Jazz on the Green.
Sports fans are in for a treat. Feel the excitement of watching track and field athletes compete at the Jimmy Carnes Invitational on the brand new indoor banked track of the Alachua County Sports and Events Center at Celebration Pointe
This holiday weekend also features activities celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The King Celebration series of events features the 2nd Annual Stephan P. Mickle Jazz Concert at Bo Diddley Plaza on Friday, Ain’t Misbehavin’ – A Fats Waller Musical Revue with Free Admission at the Star Center Theatre on Saturday, the King Celebration Annual Commemorative Parade on Monday and much more.
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.
Cheer On Jousting Knights at the 36th Annual Hoggetowne Medieval Faire
Saturday, January 14 – Sunday, January 15, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
9409 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville, FL 32608
Step back in time for 3 magical weekends as the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire returns with a showcase of artisans, performers and food fit for a king. Enjoy nine stages of entertainment including falconry, jugglers, knife throwing, dancers and more. Learn more and get tickets at online.
Show Out for an AWEsome Time at Museum Nights
Thursday, January 12, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Harn Museum of Art
3259 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32608
Learn about the stunning photography in the Harn’s newest exhibit, AWE-some: time :: materiality :: meaning with curator Carol McCusker in a Museum Nights-sized gallery talk. Enjoy Day With(out) Art: Being & Belonging film screening, jazz by Hot Club De Ville, art blast tours, lite bites and the glitz and sparkle of the galleries at night. Strut your stuff on the Harn’s first open runway with a very special guest emcee. Admission is free.
Savor a Winter Menu with a Farm Dining Experience at Swallowtail Farm
Saturday, January 14, 3 p.m. | Swallowtail Farm
7301 SE 92nd Terr., Gainesville, FL 32641
Guest Chef Jenna Melon presents a winter menu featuring root vegetables, cold-hardy greens and the first strawberries of the season. Farm dinners include a one hour tour, specialty non-alcoholic and craft alcoholic beverages, live music and a one-of-a-kind outdoor dining experience. Learn more about the farm and reserve your seat at www.swallowtailcsa.com
Reflect on the Past and Find Inspiration for the Future at the Remembering Rosewood Centennial Series of Events
Sunday, January 8 – Saturday, January 14 | Multiple Venues
A small town in Levy County, FL became ground zero for historical events that helped define the conversation around race and reparations in America. The Remembering Rosewood Centennial Committee has carefully curated a week of events designed to educate, enlighten, and encourage attendees. The week-long event series honors the lives of those impacted by the fateful events in January 1923 and sets the stage for future leaders to fulfill the legacy of resilience and renewal established by the survivors and heroes of Rosewood. The events are a week-long commemoration of the past with a motivated focus on the future.
Rosewood Traveling Museum at UF Levin College of Law
Thursday, January 12 – Saturday, January 14
Rosewood Docudrama Screening and Discussion at UF Levin College of Law
Thursday, January 12, 7 p.m.
Where Do We Go From Here? Discussion with Distinguished Historians at UF Levin College of Law
Friday, January 13, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Legacy Forum & Reception at UF Levin College of Law
Friday, January 13, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
A Conversation with the Next Generation at UF Reitz Union Rion Ballroom
Friday, January 13, 6 p.m.
(sold out) Rosewood Movie Matinee and Q and A at at UF Levin College of Law
Saturday, January 14, 11 a.m.
Redefining the Next 100 Years Awards Gala at Hilton University of Florida Conference Center
Saturday, January 14, 7 p.m.
Learn more and register for events at RememberingRosewood.com.
Enjoy Dance and Swing Music from “America’s Big Band,” the U.S. Army Field Band Jazz Ambassadors
Friday, January 13, 7:30 p.m. | UF Philips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Join the the U.S. Army Field Band Jazz Ambassadors at the Phillips Center to hear the military’s finest practitioners of jazz and swing. The Army’s official touring big band, this 19-member jazz ensemble has received widespread acclaim at home and abroad, earning the Jazz Ambassadors the title “America’s Big Band.”
Dance to Jazz Standards from Decyo McDuffie and the Newcombs at Jazz on the Green
Saturday, January 14, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4949 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Grab food and drinks from nearby Celebration Pointe restaurants and spread a blanket or pull up a chair to enjoy a live jazz concert from the outdoor stage. Decyo McDuffie and the Newcombs perform classics from Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Nat King Cole and more.
Feel the Excitement of Watching Top Track and Field Athletes Compete at the Jimmy Carnes Invitational – All on the Brand New Indoor Banked Track of the Alachua County Sports and Events Center at Celebration Pointe
Friday, January 13 – Sunday, January 15 | Alachua County Sports and Event Center
4870 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Feel the excitement of the premier track-and-field event at the newly installed Jimmy Carnes Track. Indoor track and field events take center stage with hurdles, pole vault, shot put, high jump, 60m dash and more.
The Alachua County Sports and Event Center is a 130,000-square-foot facility with open space for 13 basketball courts, 18 volleyball courts and 21 pickleball courts under one roof. The state-of-the-art sports complex located at Celebration Pointe features an indoor banked track and sprint tracks developed by Mondo Sport Flooring.
Hear 61 Bells Ring Out with Inspirational Music from African American Composers with Guest Carillonneur Tiffany Ng
Saturday, January 14, 6:15 p.m. | Century Tower
375 Newell Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611
Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Century Tower is a 157-foot carillon tower in the center of the University of Florida campus featuring 61 bells. The Tower was built in 1953 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the university and was dedicated to UF students killed in World Wars I and II. For an optimal listening experience, find a location at least 100 feet from the tower. View the musical program here (pdf)
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Events
Monday, January 16
Celebrate the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the 2023 King Celebration Series of Events
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission of Florida presents a series of events leading up to MLK Day annual parade and holiday celebration on Monday, January 16.
2nd Annual Stephan P. Mickle Jazz Concert at Bo Diddley Plaza
Friday, January 13, 6 p.m.
Ain’t Misbehavin’ – A Fats Waller Musical Revue with Free Admission at the Star Center Theatre
Saturday, January 14, 8 p.m. – 9:15 p.m.
King Celebration Annual Commemorative Parade from East University Ave. to Citizens Field
Monday, January 16, 12 p.m.
National Holiday Celebration at Citizens Field
Monday, January 16, 1 p.m.
Learn more and view the full schedule of events at MartinLutherKingCommission.org
18th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration at Hathcock Community Center in Alachua
Monday, January 16, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at High Springs City Hall and Catherine L. Taylor Park in High Springs
Monday, January 16, 11 a.m.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Walk and Celebration at MLK Center in Newberry
Monday, January 16, 11 a.m.
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Pop-Up Markets and Retail Shopping
Browse Retro Vendors at The Florida Vintage Market at Midpoint Park and Eatery
Sunday, January 15, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Plant-based Vendors and Tours at Farmers Moo-Ket at Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary
Sunday, January 15, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Events & Festivals
Horse Shows in the Park at the Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center
Saturday, January 14 – Sunday, January 15
Metal Bowl Blacksmithing Workshop at Fever Metal Art Center
Saturday, January 14, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
(sold out) UF/IFAS Beekeeping Series: Beginner Beekeeping and Swarm Control at UF Honey Bee Research and Extension Lab
Saturday, January 14, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Soy Candle Workshop with Earth Tonix at 108 Vine
Saturday, January 14, 6 p.m.
Sunday, January 15, 6 p.m.
GNV Art Jam presents Figure Drawing in the Parks at A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center
Sunday, January 15, 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Story Time with Alachua County Library District at Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
Wednesday, January 18, 10:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
(sold out) Single-Day Knife Blacksmithing Workshop at Crooked Path Forge
Wednesday, January 18, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Music & Performance
Blues with Little Mike and the Tornadoes at One Love Café
Thursday, January 12, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Dance Music and Art Market at Basement Sessions at the Hippodrome Theatre
Thursday, January 12, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Pop with Bambii Lamb at High Dive
Thursday, January 12, 8 p.m.
Classic Rock with Wild Blue Yonder at One Love Café
Friday, January 13, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
High Energy Bluegrass with Boilin’ Oil at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, January 13, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Rock and Roll with Southern Culture on the Skids at High Dive
Friday, January 13, 8 p.m.
Punk with You Vandal at Loosey’s Downtown
Friday, January 13, 8 p.m.
Reggae Fusion with Sean Kingston at Vivid Music Hall
Friday, January 13, 9 p.m.
Alt Americana with Kade and Cori at Lightnin’ Salvage
Saturday, January 14, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
House Music Dance Party at Shake! In the Garden 2 at Superette Wine and Provisions
Saturday, January 14, 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Tribute to Pearl Jam with Jeremy’s Ten at High Dive
Saturday, January 14, 8 p.m.
Hard Rock with Blind Tiger at Loosey’s Downtown
Saturday, January 14, 8 p.m.
Post Punk with Coma Twins at The Backyard at Boca Fiesta & Palomino
Saturday, January 14, 9 p.m.
Blues with Middleground at One Love Café
Sunday, January 15, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Porch Swing Jazz at 4th Ave Food Park
Sunday, January 15, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Festival of Love and Music at Heartwood Soundstage
Sunday, January 15, 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Indie Rock with Driveway and Goldpark at High Dive
Tuesday, January 17, 7 p.m.
Variety of Energetic Music with Dirty Cello in the Opera House at the Great Outdoors Restaurant
Wednesday, January 18, 6 p.m.
Jazz Wednesdays with The Oak Trio at Covey Kitchen and Cocktails
Wednesday, January 18, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Hats are in! Earn the Latest Premium Reward by Visiting Local Breweries with the Free Sippin’ Seven Alachua County Ale Trail Digital Pass
Alachua County is home to seven distinct breweries featuring friendly gathering spaces with live music and events, Best Florida Beer Professional Championship award-winning brews, plus delish menus and food trucks.
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!
Harry Potter Trivia at Big Top Brewing Company
Thursday, January 12, 6:30 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter Bobby James at Swamp Head Brewery
Friday, January 13, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Southern Rock with Branford Hwy at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, January 13, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Plant Based Junk Food with Vulture Food at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Saturday, January 14, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmers Markets
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 Holiday 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
Wine Tasting at Superette Wine and Provisions
Thursday, January 5, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Bar
Thursday, January 12, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
(sold out) Wine Pairing and Chef Dinner Cooking Class at The Fat Tuscan
Friday, January 13, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Flight to Europe Macaron and Wine Pairing at Le Macaron
Saturday, January 14, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Sports
Gator Talk with Gators Gymnastics Coach Jenny Rowland at The Keys Grill and Piano Bar
Thursday, January 12, 7 p.m.
Gators Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Meet vs. FAU at the O’Connell Center
Friday, January 13, 2 p.m.
Funtastic Fridays Archery at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, January 13, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Gators Gymnastics vs. Auburn at Exactech Arena
Friday, January 13, 7:15 p.m.
Winter Fling Disc Golf Tournament at Northside Park
Saturday, January 14, 8 a.m.
Family-Friendly Bike Ride with the Gainesville Cycling Club at Depot Park
Saturday, January 14, 9 a.m.
RC Racing at Newberry RC Park
Saturday, January 14, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Gator Classic Soccer Tournament at Jonesville Soccer Complex
Saturday, January 14 – Sunday, January 15
Gators Men’s Basketball vs. Missouri at Exactech Arena
Saturday, January 14, 3:30 p.m.
Gators Men’s Tennis vs. Texas at Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex
Sunday, January 16, 12 p.m.
Gators Women’s Basketball vs. Kentucky at Exactech Arena
Sunday, January 16, 3 p.m.
Drag Racing Instruction with Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School at Gainesville Raceway
Tuesday, January 17 – Wednesday, January 18
Parks & Trails
Accessible Tram Tours at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Thursday, January 12, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Tuesday, January 17, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Advanced registration required
Weekly Walk and Talk at Prairie Creek Preserve
Friday, January 13, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Off-road Endurance Cycling at Tour de Flasco 20 at San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park
Saturday, January 14, 7:30 a.m.
Free Timed 5K with parkrun at Depot Park
Saturday, January 14, 7:30 a.m.
Rim Ramble Ranger-Led Adventure at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Saturday, January 14, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Wednesday Bird Walks at the Wetlands at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Wednesday, January 18, 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Kids Meet Heritage Breed Farm Animals at Barnyard Buddies at Morningside Nature Center
Wednesday, January 18, 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
Florida: A History in Pictures at Matheson History Museum
Saturday, January 14, 4 p.m.
Photography and Illustrations at the Adventures in Old Florida Exhibit Reception at Good News Arts
Now through January 21
Open Wednesdays – Saturdays, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Now on View at the Harn Museum of Art, AWE-some: time :: materiality :: meaning
Museum Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
AWE-some celebrates new photographs recently bought for, or donated to, the Harn’s permanent collection. Its theme: recognition of several brilliant, dedicated photographers, their time, their actual prints (not on a screen) and why they made them.
Annual Faculty Exhibit Opening at Santa Fe College Gallery
Open daily 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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.
Into the Woods and Out of the Woods Exhibits at The Historic Thomas Center
Gallery Hours: Monday, Thurday and Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday, 8 a.m. – 7 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.
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
The Gainesville Orchestra Ravel: Daphnis & Chloe, January 20
Opening Weekend of King Liz at Star Center Theatre, January 20
Bobby Rush with Jontavious Willis at UF Philips Center, January 21
Florida Color Horse Club Orange Blossom Show, January 21-22
Flatwoods Fire & Nature Festival, January 28
Brazil Fest at Heartwood Soundstage, January 21
The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity Opening Weekend, January 27
BBQ and Bacon Fest, January 28-29
Opening Day of Spiders Alive!at the Florida Museum of Natural History, January 28
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.
