What’s Good in Gainesville and Alachua County, March 16-22, 2023
Spring into the weekend with What’s Good. See what’s in bloom at the annual Spring Garden Festival at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens on Saturday and Sunday. Stroll through Downtown High Springs Artwalk and discover art, artists and makers. Tour an organic farm with the Frog Song Organics Spring Festival, and enjoy more family-friendly events with the Lewis and Clark Circus in Hawthorne and the international colors and flavors of the Nowruz and International Festival.
Toast to St. Patrick’s Day at one of our award-winning area breweries! You will be in good company sippin’ on some of Florida’s best craft brews. Local breweries took home a total of 11 medals and 2 best-of-show trophies from the annual Best Florida Beer competition. Music lovers, you are in for a treat. Learn from six-string masters at The Great Southeastern Guitar Workshop and Festival at Heartwood Soundstage.
Read on for more of What’s Good!
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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.
See What’s in Bloom at the Annual Kanapaha Botanical Gardens Spring Garden Festival
Saturday, March 18 – Sunday, March 19, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
4700 SW 58th Dr., Gainesville, FL 32608
Explore plant collections and browse over 100 booths at the 2-day Spring Garden Festival. The annual celebration features plants for sale, garden tools, furniture and outdoor decor. Enjoy food vendors and an area for children’s activities. Live music is scheduled for Sunday. Learn more and plan your visit at Kanapaha.org
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Stroll the High Springs Artwalk and Discover Art, Artists, and Makers Dotting a Picturesque Downtown
Saturday, March 18, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Downtown High Springs
Plan a fun day strolling the picturesque and charming shops, art spaces and restaurants in High Springs. Along the way see art demonstrations and meet local artists. Saturday’s featured artist is Chyna Rosemarea, working in ink, watercolor, acrylic, textiles and bronze. At Good News Arts, attend a free closing reception of “Tell me the story of who you are” featuring works by Fillup G., Ketsy Ruiz, and Patricia Hernandez.
Tour an Organic Farm on a Day of Fun at the Frog Song Organics Farm Spring Festival
RESCHEDULED to April 15
Take an educational stroll with Farmer Amy to learn about organic practices and meet the animals. Create your own picnic with food vendors and a freshly stocked farm stand. Bring plenty of questions for a Q&A with Farmer John. Enjoy live music throughout the day. Pick your own sweet onions and snow peas. Strawberry u-pick reservations are sold out. Learn more and plan your visit online.
Make Museum Discoveries with the Kids at Cade After Dark Family Fun Night
Friday, March 17, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
811 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Kids and parents are invited to a night of family fun at the Cade Museum. Explore activities and experiments with finger foods, science experiments, games, and more. Admission includes an adult beverage for grown-ups 21+.
See a Display of International Colors and Flavors at the Nowruz and International Festival
Saturday, March 18, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Shoppes at Thornebrook
2441 NW 43rd St., Gainesville, FL 32606
Nowruz is the Iranian or Persian New Year observed around the world. Saturday’s festival includes Iranian and international dancing, with authentic international cuisine, music and more. Attendees are invited to wear traditional clothing representing their country.
Learn From Guitar Masters at The Great Southeastern Guitar Workshop and Festival
Sunday, March 19, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
The inaugural festival includes instructional workshops and performances from guitar masters. Learn a variety of techniques from Roy Bookbinder, Richard Smith, Sam Pacetti, Taylor Roberts and Mike Boulware.
Feel Your Pulse Raise and Laughter Flow with Aerial Acrobatics, Comedy, Magic and More Under the Big Top at the Lewis and Clark Circus
Monday, March 20 – Tuesday, March 21, 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. | Hawthorne Recreation Park
6000 SE 205 St., Hawthorne, FL 32640
The Lewis & Clark Circus is a traditional big-top circus that travels the Eastern United States. Performances include Brazil’s Clown Prince of Laughter, Grillo the Great, The Lewis & Clark Aerial Ballet plus fun displays of fast-paced juggling, spine-bending contortion, and extreme balance on the rolla bolla. Guests are invited to arrive early to enjoy circus treats such as cotton candy, popcorn, nachos and face painting.
Soar to Musical Heights with The Kingdom Choir
Monday, March 20, 7:30 p.m. | UF Philips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
London’s The Kingdom Choir™ catapulted to worldwide fame after their show-stopping performance of Stand By Me at the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Experience an evening of gospel classics and powerful renditions of contemporary hits.
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Pop-Up Markets
Retro Fashion and More at Flashbacks Vintage Market
Saturday, March 18, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.
Arts & Theatre
Harvest Seeds of Laughter at the Witty Stage Comedy Native Gardens at the Hippodrome Theatre
Now through Sunday, March 26
Cultures and gardens clash in this stage comedy, turning well-intentioned neighbors into feuding enemies. Pablo, a high-powered lawyer, and doctoral candidate Tania, his very pregnant wife, are realizing the American dream when they purchase a house next door to the well-established Virginia and Frank. A disagreement over a long-standing fence line soon spirals into an all-out war of class, privilege, and entitlement. The riotous results guarantee no one comes out smelling like a rose.
Veteran actors Nell Page and Kevin Rainsberger reunite on the mainstage with the next generation of actors new to the Hippodrome.
Photo by Michael A. Eaddy
Events & Festivals
Spring is in the Air Art Night at Island Grove Wine Company
Friday, March 17, 6:30 p.m.
Get Up Close to Hot Rods and Classic Cars at the 41st Gainesville Street Rods Car Show at Santa Fe College
Saturday, March 18, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Beginner Oyster Mushroom Growing at Grow Thyme Hydroponics
Saturday, March 18, 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Punchneedle Fiber Workshop with Phantom Fiber Wares at The AUK Market
Sunday, March 19, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Horse Shows in the Park at Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center
Saturday, March 18 – Sunday, March 19
Large Garden Trellis Welding Workshop at [Fe]ver Metal Art Center
Saturday, March 18 – Sunday, March 19, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Explore the Quilt Trail with The Quilters of Alachua County Day Guild and Alachua County Library District
Now through March 31
Complete Challenges and Earn Rewards During the Alachua County Eco Chase Challenge Scavenger Hunt Competition
Now through Earth Day (April 22)
Preserving our natural resources and the environment is great for visitors and residents alike. Visit Gainesville, Alachua County is proud to partner with the Alachua County Solid Waste & Resource Recovery department’s Alachua County Eco Chase Challenge Scavenger Hunt Competition. 50 Teams will compete for over $2K in cash and prizes. There is still room for a few more teams to join the challenge and earn rewards.
Music & Performance
Americana with Wild Shiners at Lightnin’ Salvage
Thursday, March 16, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with The Shambles at One Love Cafe
Thursday, March 16, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Emo Punk with Floating Boy at Loosey’s Downtown
Thursday, March 16, 7 p.m.
Irish Pub Standards at the Annual Rancho La Chua Pub Crawl at The Bull and Vecinos
Friday, March 17, 5 p.m.
Black Sabbath Tribute with Soldier Soul at High Dive
Friday, March 17, 8 p.m.
Jazz with Swing Theory at One Love Cafe
Saturday, March 18, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Punk with Mike and the Nerve at High Dive
Saturday, March 18, 8 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter Houston Keen at Lightnin’ Salvage
Saturday, March 18, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Florida Carillon Festival: John Widmann, Guest Artist at UF Century Tower
Saturday, March 18, 6:15 p.m. – 7:05 p.m.
Blues with Middleground at One Love Cafe
Sunday, March 19, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Metalcore with Gloomchild at Loosey’s Downtown
Sunday, March 19, 8 p.m.
The World of Drum and Bass at Simons
Sunday, March 19, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Jazz Wednesdays with The Oak Trio at Covey Kitchen and Cocktails
Wednesday, March 22, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Congrats medal winners at the 2023 Florida Best Beer Competition!
Local breweries took home a total of 11 medals and 2 trophies from the annual competition last weekend. Congrats to Blackadder Brewing Company, Cypress and Grove Brewing Company, Dry Wrought Cider and First Magnitude Brewing Company for the much-earned recognition and shiny new hardware.
Check-In at Local Award Winning Breweries and Earn Rewards with the Free Sippin’ Seven Alachua County Ale Trail Digital Pass
Learn more and signup for free here.
Shop Local Vendors with Irish Beers on Tap at the St. Paddy’s Day Marketplace at Swamp Head Brewery
Friday, March 17, 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
St. Patrick’s Day with the Jazz Bandits and Cobblestone Irish Music at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Friday, March 17, 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Erin Go Bragh at Blackadder Brewing Company
Friday, March 17, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
St. Patrick’s Day at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, March 17, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Goat Yoga with Lazy Day Farm at Swamp Head Brewery
Sunday, March 19, 10 a.m.
Brunch with Cheffrey’s at Swamp Head Brewery
Sunday, March 19, 11 a.m.
U-Picks & Farmers Markets
Strawberry U-Pick Spring Break Days at The Bryer Patch
Thursday, March 16 – Friday, March 17, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
U-Pick Strawberries at Crossroads Farm and Apiary
Friday, March 17 – Saturday, March 18, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Grove Street Farmers Market with Live Music
Mondays, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Archer Farmers Market Spring Plant Sale at Archer Historical Society Railroad Museum
Tuesday, March 7, 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
Wine Tasting at Superette Wine and Provisions
Thursday, March 16, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask
Thursday, March 16, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
St Patrick’s Weekend Menu at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Friday, March 17 – Sunday, March 19
Irish Coffee and Smoked Corned Beef with Cabbage at Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille
Friday, March 17, 4 p.m. – 12 a.m.
New Moon Equinox Party with Women Wine Makers at Superette Wine and Provisions
Saturday, March 18, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Spring Fish Fry at Tropical Eatz
Sunday, March 19, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
(sold out) From Pasture to P(a)late: Celebrating the Cow Cooking Class at the Fat Tuscan
Sunday, March 19, 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Sports
Gators Women’s Basketball vs. Wofford at Exactech Arena
Thursday, March 16, 6 p.m.
Gators Baseball vs. Alabama at Condron Family Ballpark
Thursday, March 16, 7 p.m.
Friday, March 17, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 17, 4 p.m.
Gators Women’s Tennis vs. Vanderbilt at Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex
Friday, March 17, 5 p.m.
Gators Softball vs. Missouri at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium
Friday, March 17, 6 p.m.
Saturday, March 18, 2 p.m.
Sunday, March 19, 1 p.m.
Funtastic Fridays Archery at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, March 17, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
NFAA Florida State Indoor Archery Championship at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Saturday, March 18, 11 a.m.
ATV Motocross at Gatorback Cycle Park
Saturday, March 18, 1:30 p.m.
High Springs BMX Spring Break Race-a-thon
Sunday, March 19
Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School at Gainesville Raceway
Tuesday, March 21 – Wednesday, March 22, 10 a.m.
Parks & Trails
Accessible Tram Tours at Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Ongoing, Check for Availability
Thursday, March 16, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Tuesday, March 21, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Free Timed 5K at Depot Park parkrun
Saturday, March 18, 7:30 a.m.
Birding Field Trip with Alachua Audubon Society at Longleaf Flatwoods Preserve
Saturday, March 18, 8 a.m.
Rim Ramble Ranger-Led Adventure at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Saturday, March 18, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Wednesday Bird Walks at the Wetlands at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Wednesday, March 22, 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
Art and Mindfulness: Cosmic Dance of Life and Doing Laundry at the Harn Museum of Art
Saturday, March 18, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Reinventing the Traditional Cookbook: The Kitchen and the Studiowith John and Mallory O’Connor at the Matheson History Museum
Saturday, March 18, 4 p.m.
Reinfred Dziedzorm Addo—Poetry and Stories at GFAA
Saturday, March 18, 6 p.m. – 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.
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
Walldogs Dive Into High Springs, March 22-26
UF/IFAS Flavors of Florida, March 23
Hogtown Craft Beer Festival at Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center, March 25
Thornebrook Spring Arts Festival, March 25
Gator Fly-In and Armed Services Appreciation Day at University Air Center, March 25
Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival at Santa Fe College, April 1-2
Gators Football Orange and Blue Game, April 13
Bard and Broadside Poetry Festival, April 13-16
Party for the Planet at Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, April 15-16
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.
