What’s Good in Gainesville and Alachua County, January 5-11, 2023
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The below information was accurate at the time of publishing. Please contact organizers directly to double-check details.
Brighten Your Winter Weekend with the Colorful Blooms of Prize-Winning Camellias at the Annual Camellia Show
Saturday, January 7, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. – Sunday, January 8, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
4700 SW 58th Dr., Gainesville, FL 32608
Join the Gainesville Camellia Society for a showcase of all colors, shapes and sizes. Camellias are a winter highlight at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. In addition to the show, stroll through the camellia garden located next to the entrance building. Learn more and plan your visit at Kanapaha.org.
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.
(sold out) Wreath Laying Ceremony in Rosewood, FL
Sunday, January 8, 2 p.m.
Rosewood Traveling Museum at UF Levin College of Law
Monday, January 9 – 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.
Explore Heritage, New Ideas and Find Inspiration with the Roots Themed TEDx Gainesville
Saturday, January 7, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. | The Wooly
20 N Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Panels and performances highlight individual origin stories and explore what unites varied sectors with shared experiences. Speakers scheduled to appear include Heather Hansen, Author and Self Advocacy Expert, Jenny Susser, Human Performance Expert, Mike Goldman, Leadership Team Coach, and more will collectively share their thought-provoking perspectives on sports and human performance, game design, leadership, community justice and more.
Enjoy Indie Folk and Country Music at the Live and Local GNV Concert Series
Friday, January 6, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza
Downtown Gainesville
Clay Dixon and the Piccadillies put a smile on your face with fun folk music, The Front Porch Backsteppers take you back in time and Kris Lane paints a landscape of his home state of Texas. Admission is free.
Experience the Skilled Storytelling and Moving Melodies of Grammy-Nominated Artist Mary Gauthier with Special Guest Jaimee Harris
Sunday, January 8, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Mary Gauthier’s songs have been recorded by dozens of artists, including Jimmy Buffett, Dolly Parton, Boy George, Blake Shelton and Tim McGraw and have appeared extensively in film and television, most recently on Yellowstone.
Her eleventh album Dark Enough to See the Stars follows the publication of Saved by a Song: The Art and Healing Power of Songwriting and the 2018 collaborative work with wounded Iraq war veterans Rifles & Rosary Beads.
Celebrate the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the 2023 King Celebration
Saturday, January 7 – Monday, January 16 | Multiple Locations
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.
Rosewood Forever Centennial Ceremony at Bo Diddley Plaza
Saturday, January 7, 7 p.m. – 7 pm.
Star Center Theatre Presents Disney’s Descendants at UF Phillips Center
Sunday, January 8, 4 p.m.
Remembering Martin and Coretta at Dayspring Missionary Baptist Church
Tuesday, January 10, 6:30 p.m.
Town Hall Symposium at Day Springs Missionary Baptist Church
Wednesday, January 11, 7 p.m.
Learn more and view the full schedule of events at MartinLutherKingCommission.org
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!
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Events & Festivals
Cars Chrome and Coffee at Gainesville Harley-Davidson
Saturday, January 7, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Reinfred Dziedzorm Addo—Poetry and Stories 2023 at Civic Media Center
Saturday, January 7, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Gainesville Cars and Coffee at Butler Town Center
Sunday, January 8, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
How to Write and Publish Children’s Books at Millhopper Branch Library
Sunday, January 8, 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Music & Performance
Singer-Songwriter Keith Rea at Lightnin’ Salvage
Thursday, January 5, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Punk with Quit the Industry at High Dive
Thursday, January 5, 8 p.m.
Soul, Jazz, Funk and R&B with The Browns at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, January 6, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Couch Messiahs at One Love Café
Friday, January 6, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Metal with Shadow the Earth at High Dive
Friday, January 6, 8 p.m.
Traveling Folk Troubadour Jack Williams at Heartwood Soundstage
Friday, January 6, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Blues and Classic Rock with Moondog at One Love Café
Saturday, January 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Bluegrass with The John Lowell Trio at Heartwood Soundstage
Saturday, January 7, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Folk with Webster’s Wheel and Ted McVay at The Bull
Saturday, January 7, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Ultimate Rush Tribute at High Dive
Saturday, January 7, 8 p.m.
Punk with Jesse Thorson and The Banned at The Backyard at Boca Fiesta & Palomino
Saturday, January 7, 9 p.m.
Jazz with Hot Club Deville at One Love Café
Sunday, January 8, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Rock and Roll with The Late Night Losers at The Backyard at Boca Fiesta and Palomino
Sunday, January 8, 7 p.m.
Americana with Dim Lights at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, January 10, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Live Jazz with The Oak Trio at Covey Kitchen and Cocktails
Sunday, January 8 and Wednesday, January 11, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Local Stand-Up Comedy Showcase with Brian Zeolla at High Dive
Wednesday, January 11, 8 p.m.
High-Energy American Country Blues with Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band at Heartwood Soundstage
Wednesday, January 11, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Have Fun, Get Special Promotions from area Craft Breweries and Earn Merch with the Sippin’ Seven Digital Pass. Scan Code for Fun!
While you are visiting with family and friends, explore Alachua County’s unique craft breweries and sign up for free to the Sippin’ Seven Alachua County Ale Trail digital pass. Visit breweries, earn rewards and redeem your pass for “Billy the Bison and the Brew Birds” merchandise while supplies last.
Cheers to you and to Sippin’ All Seven!
Richy Stano and Chelsea at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Friday, January 6, 7 p.m.
Classic Rock with Crooked Counsel at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, January 6, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Reggae Sunday at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Sunday, January 8, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmers Markets
Cane Boil, Farm Stand and “Meet your Meat” Tour at Frog Song Organics
Saturday, January 7, 12 p.m. – 4 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 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.
Craft Beer Tasting at CB Bottle Shoppe
Thursday, January 5, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Oysters and Bubbles at Superette Wine and Provisions
Saturday, January 7, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Shrimp and Grits, Chicken and Wuerffels and More at the New Brunch Buffet at Spurriers Gridiron Grill
Saturday, January 7 – Sunday, January 8, 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
(sold out) Cream Puffs and Eclairs Intermediate Pastry Class at The Fat Tuscan
Tuesday, January 10, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Sports
Gator Talk with Gators Men’s Basketball Head Coach Todd Golden at The Keys Grill and Piano Bar
Thursday, January 5, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Funtastic Fridays Archery at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, January 6, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Gators Gymnastics Quad Meet vs. Ball State, Lindenwood and West Virginia at Exactech Arena
Friday, January 6, 6:45 p.m.
Swamp Invitational Men’s Gymnastics Meet at Alachua County Sports and Event Center
Saturday, January 7 – Sunday, January 8
All Welcome Test and Tune Drag Racing at Gainesville Raceway
Saturday, January 7, 8 a.m.
Florida Nupe Olympics Track and Field Meet at James G. Pressly Stadium
Saturday, January 7, 11 a.m.
Gators Men’s Basketball vs Georgia at Exactech Arena
Saturday, January 7, 1 p.m.
Gators Women’s Basketball vs. Georgia at Exactech Arena
Sunday, January 8, 12 p.m.
Save the Date:
Jimmy Carnes Indoor Track and Field Invitational at the Alachua County Sports and Event Center
Friday, January 13 – Sunday, January 15
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. Dedication of the track takes place Saturday, January 7.
Parks & Trails
Accessible Tram Tours at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Thursday, January 5, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Tuesday, January 10, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Advanced registration required
Free Timed 5K with parkrun at Depot Park
Saturday, January 7, 7:30 a.m.
Rim Ramble Ranger-Led Adventure at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Saturday, January 7, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Wednesday Bird Walks at the Wetlands at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Wednesday, January 11, 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
New for 2023: Art After Dark Extended Thursday Hours at the Harn Museum of Art
Thursday, January 5, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Tot Trot: Animals at Florida Museum of Natural History
Tuesday, January 10, 9 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
History of African Americans in Gainesville Exhibit at A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center
Tuesday, January 10, 7 p.m.
Photography and Illustrations at the Adventures in Old Florida Exhibit Reception at Good News Arts
Now through January 21Open 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
Basement Sessions at the Hippodrome Theatre, January 12
Farm Dining Experience at Swallowt ail Farm, January 14
The 36th Annual Hoggetowne Medieval Faire, January 14-29
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/
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.
