What’s Good in Gainesville and Alachua County, June 2-8, 2022
Weekends are for What’s Good! Plan date nights, time with friends, fun for the kids and rest and relaxation with dozens of events and activities. Theatre stages light up with the opening weekend performances of the boot-scooting musical Honky Tonk Laundry at the Hippodrome Theatre, the laugh-out-loud comedy Cactus Flower at High Springs Playhouse and the thought-provoking The Line at Actors’ Warehouse.
The After Market free concert series kicks off at Heartwood Soundstage on Thursday evening and the Gainesville Retro Society presents its highly anticipated tribute to the music of Chicago at the Free Fridays Concert Series at Bo Diddley Plaza. Be inspired by the best as renowned instructors and participants assemble for the annual UF International Piano Festival or move to the beat with Uncle Morty’s Rhythm Cream at Legacy Park Amphitheatre. Plus, Journey to Juneteenth events continue with a gallery reception, art sale and film screening.
Read on for more of What’s Good!
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The below information was accurate at the time of publishing. Due to the current fluctuating environment, please contact organizers directly to double-check details.
Individual businesses in Alachua County may have masking and distancing requirements at their private establishments. We encourage you to become familiar with businesses, venues and attractions you intend to visit and to reach out directly to these establishments should you have questions regarding their current public health and safety procedures.
Sing-Along with Soap, Suds and Cheatin’ Hearts at the Opening Weekend of Honky Tonk Laundry
Saturday, June 4, 2 p.m., 8 p.m., Sunday, June 5, 2 p.m. | Hippodrome Theatre
25 SE 2nd Pl., Gainesville, FL 32601
Country hits from Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire and more are featured in this toe-tapping musical. The story follows Lana and Katie as they transform their laundromat into a honky-tonk and exact revenge against those who did them wrong.
Dance to a Soundtrack of Rock, Horns and Hits at a Tribute to Chicago from Gainesville Retro Society at the Free Fridays Concert Series
Friday, June 3, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza
Downtown Gainesville
Gainesville Retro Society presents its highly anticipated tribute to the music of Chicago. Chicago received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and their familiar songs have been featured in soundtracks to movies, tv shows and commercials. Gainesville Retro Society is composed of Allen McBride (vocals), Don David (vocals and guitar), Ben Elgan (trumpet), Steve Bingham (alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, flute), Steve Kushmaul (trombone), Geoff Spiegel (bass trombone, vocals) and Frank Varosi (bass guitar).
Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy music from the outdoor stage. Make a night of it and grab dinner and drinks from a downtown restaurant. The Free Fridays Concert Series brings live music to downtown Gainesville each week from May through October and is the region’s longest-running and largest free outdoor music program. This year’s concert lineup features jazz, folk, hip hop, reggae, blues and more.
Hop On a Bus Tour of Local Craft Breweries at the DrinkGNV Brewery Tour
Friday, June 3, 3 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Multiple Craft Breweries
Save your seat on the bus tour visiting Blackadder Brewing Company, Cypress and Grove Brewing Company, First Magnitude Brewing Company and Swamp Head Brewery. Tickets include a pint glass, food, pour at each brewery and more.
Hit the Right Note at the University of Florida International Piano Festival
Saturday, June 4 – Saturday, June 11 | UF School of Music
435 Newell Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611
Elevate your understanding and appreciation of the piano with masterclasses and recitals. Renowned instructors and participants assemble at the UF School of Music for a series of lessons, workshops and performances. Find the full schedule of events and parking info online.
Pair a Guided Bird Walk with Craft Beer at Birds and Brews
Sunday, June 5, 5:45 p.m. – 7 p.m. | First Magnitude Brewing Company
1220 SE Veitch St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Join volunteers from the Alachua Audubon Society on their monthly bird walks at First Magnitude Brewing Company. Meet at the brewery and depart for an hour-long walk along the Depot Park nature trail. Bring your binoculars or borrow a loaner pair.
Find the county’s most comprehensive and searchable list of area hotels and restaurants at visitgainesville.com
Learn about our lodging partner’s commitment to a safe stay for all who visit, work and live in Alachua County at Safe Stay Pledge.
Dance the Night Away at the Legacy Park Spring Concert Series with Uncle Morty’s Rhythm Cream
Saturday, June 4, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Legacy Park Amphitheatre
15400 Peggy Rd., Alachua, FL 32615
Uncle Morty Rhythm Cream setlists include hits from contemporary artists like Cee Lo Green, Rob Thomas, Black Eyed Peas, and Maroon Five along with classics from Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, and Aretha Franklin. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy some of the best, sing-a-long favorite live music in the region. Enjoy food trucks and bounce house for kids. Admission is free.
Play Ball! Gators Baseball Hosts the 2022 NCAA Baseball Tournament Gainesville Regional
Friday, June 3 – Monday, June 6 | Condron Family Ballpark
2800 Citrus Rd., Gainesville, FL 32608
Oklahoma, Liberty and Central Michigan join Gators Baseball at the Gainesville Regional. The double-elimination tournament takes place all weekend with the final game scheduled for Monday if necessary. Single-game tickets and all-session regional passes are available online.
BMX for Free at High Springs BMX Family Days Open House
Saturday, June 4, 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | High Springs BMX
19499 NW 238th St., High Springs, FL 32643
Kids and adults can ride the track at High Springs BMX. Bring your bike, get a safety check and join a mini coaching session before exploring the track. After the casual rides conclude at 6:30 p.m., stick around for BMX racing starting at 7:45 p.m. Admission is free for spectators and participants.
Find Laughter and Unexpected Romance at the Opening Weekend of Cactus Flower
Friday, June 3 – Sunday, June 26 | High Springs Playhouse
23416 W US Hwy. 27, High Springs, FL 32643
The comedic play by Abe Burrows follows a dentist claiming to be married to keep his affairs at arms’ length. When his lies catch up to him, he recruits his prickly nurse to pose as his “wife.” Laughter and romance ensue as the dentist finds himself falling in love with the lovely “cactus flower” who was right under his nose.
Experience Stories from the Frontlines of the NYC Pandemic Response at the Live Stage Premiere of The Line
Friday, June 3 – Sunday, June 12 | Actors Warehouse
2512 NE 1st Blvd. Ste. 100, Gainesville, FL 32609
The Line is a thought-provoking play by Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen based off of stories from NYC healthcare workers in the spring of 2020. The play examines healthcare as a redefinition of what it means to protect and serve.
Get Down to Authentic Soul Music with Little Jake Mitchell and The Soul Searchers
Saturday, June 4, 8 p.m. | Loosey’s
120 SW 1st Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
“Mr. Excitement” toured with James Brown, Jackie Wilson, Sam Cooke and Bobby Blue Bland. Little Jake & The Soul Searchers recall classic stagecraft and soulful songs from the golden age of R&B. Little Jake is joined by Tran “The Piano Man” Whitley, Hal “Halag8r” Saylor, Kenny “The Conductor” Eunice and the Silver-Sonic Horns.
Celebrate the Annual Celebration of Emancipation at “Journey to Juneteenth” Events
The City of Gainesville and local partners celebrate the month-long “Journey to Juneteenth” from Florida Emancipation Day (May 20) through the widely recognized Juneteenth holiday (June 19) with events honoring the long and turbulent journey to freedom. View the full calendar of events at CityofGainesville.org
Alyne Harris Closing Exhibition and Art Sale at The Thomas Center Galleries
Friday, June 3, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday, June 4, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Popcorn and a Movie Presents Charles Bradley: Soul of America at A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center
Charles Bradley: Soul of America charts the incredible late-in-life rise of 62-year-old aspiring soul singer Charles Bradley, whose debut album rocketed him from a hard life in the projects to Rolling Stone magazine’s top 50 albums of 2011.
Sunday, June 5, 4 p.m.
Friday, June 10, 7 p.m.
Saturday, June 11, 7 p.m.
Unveiling of Juneteenth Issue of SYNERGY Magazine at The Historic Thomas Center
Thursday, June 16, 5:30 p.m.
Music on the Patio with Rock and Soul from Billy Buchanan at A. Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Center
Sunday, June 19, 6:30 p.m.
See Birds and Wildlife on a Ranger-Led Tour at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Saturday, June 4, 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | Sweetwater Wetlands Park
325 SW Williston Rd., Gainesville, FL 32641
Learn about the park’s history and important role in improving water quality. Recent bird sightings include Chimney Swift, Swallow-Tailed Kite, Carolina Chickadee, King Rail and more. Bring water, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes.
See What’s in Bloom and Stroll Through Diverse Plant Collections on a Guided Walk at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Saturday, June 4 | Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
4700 SW 58th Dr., Gainesville, FL 32608
Highlights in June include blooms from the bulb garden and the aromatic southern Magnolia. The gardens are pet-friendly and feature a 1.5 mile paved walkway that meanders throughout the property.
Watch Swimmers Compete at Sunshine State Games
Friday, June 3 – Sunday, June 5 | Dwight H. Hunter Northeast Pool
1100 NE 14th St., Gainesville, Florida 32601
The Sunshine State Games presented by Amazon feature a variety of sports, starting with swimming Friday-Sunday at Northeast Pool. The Alachua County Festival includes archery, track and field and fencing later in June.
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Arts & Theatre
Take a Journey of Youthful Rebellion at the Tony and Grammy Award-Winning Rock Musical Green Day’s American Idiot at Gainesville Community Playhouse
Now through Sunday, June 12
Based on Billie Joe Armstrong’s lyrics from the Grammy Award-winning album, Green Day’s American Idiot follows the story of Johnny, Will and Tunny as they flee their restrictive suburban lifestyle for freedom in the big city. Contains adult language and content.
Pop-Up Markets
Queer Maker’s Market at 4th Ave Food Park
Saturday, June 4, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m
Benefitting PCCNCR. Vendors include The Cookie Cache, Sacred Hour Crafts, Ash Orange Juice, Solar Cycle Designs and more.
Browse Clothing, Art, Fashion and Live It Up with Music, Dunk Tank, Velcro Wall and More at The How Bazar Summer Night Market
Saturday, June 5, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Music & Performance
Indie Pop and Soul with Madwoman at the After Market Concert Series at Heartwood Soundstage
Thursday, June 2, 7:30 p.m.
Follow Heartwood Soundstage for future After Market Concert Series announcements.
Indie Rock with Truth Value at High Dive
Thursday, June 2, 8 p.m.
Jazz Night with The Oak Duo at 4th Ave Food Park
Friday, June 3, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Motown and Soul with The Browns at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, June 3, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Folk and Bluegrass with Passerine at Heartwood Soundstage
Friday, June 3, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Fast Fashion the Depeche Mode Experience at High Dive
Friday, June 3, 8 p.m.
Indie Rock with Aleutian Low with Ricky Kendall and The Austin Brockner Band at The Bull
Friday, June 3, 8 p.m.
Variety of Music at “A Show” at Civic Media Center
Friday, June 3, 8:30 p.m.
Prohibition Era Gypsy Jazz with Dean Johanesen at Lightnin’ Salvage
Saturday, June 4, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Couch Messiahs at One Love Café
Saturday, June 4, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Metal with Shadow the Earth at High Dive
Saturday, June 4, 8 p.m.
DJ on the Patio with Dunce Party at The Boxcar
Sunday, June 5, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Gainesville Area Clarinet Choir and Flute Choir’s Collaborative Spring Concert at The Historic Thomas Center
Sunday, June 5, 3 p.m.
Hip Hop at The Windjammer Tour at Fox Lounge
Sunday, June 5, 9 p.m.
Intergalactic Synth-Pop with TWRP at High Dive
Tuesday, June 7, 7 p.m.
The Hogtown Rounders at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, June 7, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Jurassic World Trivia at Big Top Brewing Company
Thursday, June 2, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Indie Pop and Soul with Madwoman at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Friday, June 3, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Crooked Counsel at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, June 3, 7 p.m.
Classic Rock with The Remnants at High Springs Brewing Company
Saturday, June 4 , 7 p.m.
Brewery Yoga at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Sunday, June 5, 1 p.m.
Brainaholics Trivia at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Tuesday, June 7, 6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Trivia Night at Blackadder Brewing Company
Wednesday, June 8, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Bingo Night at Big Top Brewing Company
Wednesday, June 8, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmer’s Markets
Book a Blueberry Picking Session at Deep Spring Farm
Now through July 2, Tuesday – Saturday, 8 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Cypress & Grove Farmer’s Market with Live Music
Mondays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
NOW OPEN: Archer Farmer’s 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. – 8 p.m.
High Springs Farmer’s Market
Fridays, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Alachua County Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Newberry Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Haile Village Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Waldo Farmer’s Market
Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Bites & Brunch
Celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Royal High Tea at Teatime Tranquility and Treasures
Saturday, June 4, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Weekly Pride Month Specials at Uppercrust
Now through June 30
Wine Tasting at Superette Wine and Provisions
Thursday, June 2, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Petit Uppercrust
Saturday, June 4, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
(sold out) Wine Class at Superette Wine and Provisions
Sunday, June 5, 5 p.m.
Grand Opening at Nothing Bundt Cakes
Wednesday, June 8, 5 p.m.
Did you know that our dining scene regularly makes national headlines? Find out why We Chomp with the best of them!
Find a searchable list of Alachua County restaurants here.
Sports
Florida Track Club Summer Track Series 2 at Fred Cone Park
Friday, June 3, 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Premier Girls Fastpitch Florida Summer State Championship at Champions Park
Saturday, June 4 – Sunday, June 5
Coed 4s Volleyball with Gainesville Volleyball at Easton Newbery Sports Complex
Saturday, June 4, 9 a.m.
Parks & Trails
Free Swing Dance Lessons and Social Dance at Depot Park with Vintage Dance Company
Friday, June 3, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Free Family-Friendly 5K with parkrun at Depot Park
Saturday, June 4, 7:30 a.m.
Sinkhole Guided Walk at Devils Millhopper Geological State Park
Saturday, June 4, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Wednesday Bird Walks at the Wetlands with Alachua Audubon Society at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Wednesday, June 8, 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Trek Through Trails: Top 5 Family-Friendly and Dog-Friendly Hikes
Spending time in nature has been proven to benefit the mind, body and spirit, so round up the kids, find the dog, or go solo and reacquaint yourself with the outdoors on Alachua County’s nature trails.
Museums & Galleries
Beyond the Vessel Demonstration and Talk at Harn Museum of Art
Saturday, June 4, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Art Market at SoMa Art Media Hub
Sunday, June 5, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Works of Ernest M. Lee at Santa Fe College Art Gallery
Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Immerse Yourself in the New Animationland Experience at the Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention
Thursday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Join Tracey the pencil dog and her crew—Rooth, Drop, Inky, Uno, and Kari—on a fantastically immersive journey to create stories using science and imagination. Dive into the world of storytelling and channel your creativity to develop your own animated production using storyboarding, sketching, stop-motion movie making and more.
Dig Into the Past at the Florida Museum’s New Fossil Exhibit, Now Open
Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Take a unique look behind the scenes, interact with scientists while they work and explore some of the museum’s coolest specimens in the “Science Up Close: Fantastic Fossils” exhibit. Come face-to-face with giant dinosaur skeletons, beautiful botanical fossils and ancient microscopic life.
Photo by Florida Museum/Jeff Gage
Copia II: Bringing to Light Photographs from the Permanent Collection at the Harn Museum of Art
Now through October 30
Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Trailblazers: 150 Years of Alachua County Women at the Matheson History Museum
Open Wednesday – Saturday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Save The Date
Downtown High Springs Artwalk, June 18
Journey to Juneteenth Freedom Fest 2022, June 18
City of Alachua Fourth of July Celebration, July 4
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.
