What’s Good in Gainesville and Alachua County, March 23-29, 2023
Connect with art, culture and history this weekend with What’s Good. Highs Springs becomes the first town in Florida to host a Walldogs live mural painting festival featuring local, national and international artists. Find four days of family friendly activities at Walldogs Dive into High Springs including a kids mural, live music, paddling trips and more.
Let the achingly beautiful choreography and timeless music of Swan Lake, performed by the Dance Alive National Ballet, take your breath away at the UF Phillips Center. Browse fine artists at the Thornebrook Spring Arts Festival, and celebrate the traditions of India including fashion, dance, music and food at India Fest 2023.
Let your spirit soar with aircraft on display, helicopter rides and more at Gator Fly-In and Armed Forces Appreciation Day. Go on a Spring Safari at Carson Springs. (Read below for how to get your hands on free safari tickets, exclusive to What’s Good followers.) Plus quench your thirst with Florida’s best craft beer at the Hogtown Craft Beer Festival.
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.
Tour Hand-Painted Murals Taking Shape at the Walldogs Dive into High Springs Mural and History Festival
Now through Sunday, March 26 | High Springs
Walldogs mural artists from across the country and around the world assemble in High Springs for their annual gathering. After this weekend, 10 new murals will dot the High Springs landscape with themes of local history and culture.
Take a self-guided tour throughout High Springs and enjoy a variety of scheduled events throughout the festival. Explore the Santa Fe River on a paddling trip, learn from freediving experts at Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, try out the sport of disc golf under the lights, enjoy live music from the sinkhole stage, visit Poe Springs for a day of fun, meet cave divers and more. Learn more, view the event schedule, download a map and plan your visit online.
Coinciding with the mural festival, Art Fair on the Green – Dive in with the WallDogs features an outdoor art market with over 30 vendors Friday – Sunday. Enjoy live music, food trucks and a mural painting site for kids.
See One of the Most Popular Ballets of All Time as Dance Alive National Ballet Presents Swan Lake
Saturday, March 25, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Follow the story of a prince’s fiancée who is transformed into a swan by an evil sorcerer. Gorgeous choreography is paired with the timeless Tchaikovsky score. Swan Lake transforms the Phillips Center mainstage into a world of beauty and artistry.
The 2 p.m. performance features principal dancers Carla Amancio and Gabriel Lopes. The 7:30 p.m. showing features guest artists from the Philadelphia Ballet, Oksana Maslova and Sterling Baca. Lovers of classical ballet and Dance Alive National Ballet alumni will be visiting, most notably Valeria Siniavskaya who staged Swan Lake for the opening of the Phillips Center in 1991.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Sample Brews and Meet Craft Beer Makers at the Hogtown Craft Beer Festival
Saturday, March 25, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center
210 SE 134 Ave., Micanopy, FL 32667
Stroll through Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center and visit with craft breweries and brew clubs. Over 100 brews are available to sample. Enjoy live music and food vendors including Monsta Lobsta, Cajun Knights, Strega Nona’s Oven, Germain’s Chicken Sandwich and Stubbies Pop-Up Sausages.
VIP tickets are sold out but limited general admission tickets and admission for designated drivers remain. Download the Hogtown Craft Beer Festival web app to view beer styles and breweries.Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Visit our Sippin’ Seven Alachua County Ale Trail table as we celebrate “Merch Madness!” Redeem Sippin’ Seven points for merch or sign up to the digital pass for free.
Get a Close-Up View of Historic Aircraft and Book a “Swamp Tour” Flight at Gator Fly-In and Armed Forces Appreciation Day
Saturday, March 25, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | University Air Center
4701 NE 40th Terr., Gainesville, FL 32609
Enjoy a display of military and civilian aircraft, a car show from Gainesville Street Rods, kids activities, live music and food trucks. This year’s event is dedicated to Gator Aviator Col. Joe Kittinger and features a “Flown West” ceremony with a squadron of T-6 Texan and T-34 Mentor aircraft. Admission is free.
For an additional fee, book a flight with “Warbird Rides” in a Beechcraft T-34B Mentor or “Swamp Tours” to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and back in a Cessna 172 or Robinson R-44 helicopter. Note the location of this event is at University Air Center, located north of Gainesville Regional Airport.
Celebrate Cultural Traditions at India Fest 2023
Saturday, March 25, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Legacy Park Multipurpose Center
15400 Peggy Rd., Alachua, FL 32615
Enjoy a day celebrating traditions of India with a display of fashion and jewelry, music and dance, and fun kids activities. Browse traditional clothing for sale including colorful sarees, lehengas and men’s kurtas. Culinary offerings include onion pakora, hot chai, veg pulao, crispy dosa, samosas and more. Admission is free.
View Rare Animals at Carson Springs Wildlife Spring Safari Open House
Saturday, March 25, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Carson Springs Wildlife8528 E CR 225, Gainesville, FL 32609
Roam on your own and meet over 100 animals. See big cat feeding demonstrations and a raptor flight show. Enjoy food trucks on-site.
Carson Springs is located on 275 acres of lush Florida woods and farmland providing a home environment to approximately 30 rare and endangered species. Voted Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice 2022, reviews from travelers placed Carson Springs Wildlife in the top 10 percent of attractions worldwide.Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Experience the Rise of “The Dreams” at the Opening Weekend of the Tony Award-Winning Broadway Musical Dreamgirls
Friday, March 24 – Sunday, April 16 | Gainesville Community Playhouse
A young female singing trio from Chicago get their big break at an amateur competition and attempt to make it in the entertainment business. Gospel, R&B, pop and disco provide a backdrop for the tumultuous rise to fame with themes of ambition, hope and betrayal. Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Stroll Through a Park-Like Setting and Browse Fine Artists at the Thornebrook Spring Arts Festival
Saturday, March 25 – Sunday, March 26, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Shoppes at Thornebrook
2441 NW 43 St., Gainesville, FL 32606
View a display of art including painting, sculpture, photography, glass works, fiber arts, wood carvings, pottery, jewelry, and more. Enjoy additional shopping at boutiques and relax with dining options at restaurants throughout Thornebrook. Admission is free.
Pair a Vegan Brunch Menu with a Fabulous Show at Drag Brunch
Saturday, March 25, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. | Dad’s Bar
2031 NW 6th St., Gainesville, FL 32609
The spacious outdoor setting at Dad’s Bar sets the stage for incredible drag performances. Ticket purchases include vegan brunch with choice of juice or coffee. Mimosas and drinks from the bar are also available. Choose from two seatings at 11 a.m. or 2 p.m.
View Local Examples of Mid-Century Modern Architecture at Gainesville Modern Sacred Spaces Tour
Friday, March 24, 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 25, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Various Locations
Gainesville Modern’s first Sacred Spaces Tour takes place on Saturday and highlights places of worship in Gainesville and High Springs from architects Bob Broward, Gordonn Dirk, Jim McGinley, Albert Wynn Howell, Harry Merritt, Jack Moore and Lester May. Tickets for the self-guided tour or VIP bus tour can are available online.
Friday night before the tour features the Drinks and Dwellings Party at “The Butterfly House,” recently profiled in Architectural Digest. Enjoy food, drinks and celebrate mid-century modern architecture.
Join a Gathering of Inspirational Speakers at StartGNV’s BarCamp
Saturday, March 25 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Santa Fe College Blount Hall
401 NW 6th St., Gainesville, FL 32601
BarCamp creates a collaborative learning environment in an open format without a pre-arranged agenda. Attendees can arrive and learn from others or sign up to an open slot and lead a presentation themselves. Featured sessions include “Gainesville at an (International) Crossroads” from Lauren Poe, “Experiential Storytelling in Six Words” from Mike Amish and “What is Brand Language and Why Is It important?” from Dan TeTeak.
Don’t Miss the Last Chance to See the Witty Stage Comedy Native Gardens at the Hippodrome Theatre
Now through Sunday, March 26 | Hippodrome Theatre
25 SE 2nd Pl., Gainesville, FL 32601
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
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
For more of the timely entertainment information you love, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Tik Tok for daily updates and re-shares of your inspiring photos. Tag us at #whatsgoodalachuacounty.
Pop-Up Markets
Bazar A La Carte Night Festival Circus Edition at How Bazar
Saturday, March 25, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Vintage Clothing and More at The Florida Vintage Market at Midpoint Park and Eatery
Sunday, March 26, 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
Cocktails and Classics: “The Invisible Man-hattan” and The Invisible Man at Hippodrome Cinema
Saturday, March 25, 7:30 p.m.
Events & Festivals
(sold out) Sample Food and Beverage Aided by UF/IFAS Research at Flavors of Florida at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
Thursday, March 23, 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Bike Rodeo and Health Fair with UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital
Saturday, March 25, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Anime, Cosplay, Artist Alley and More at SwampCon at UF Reitz Union
Saturday, March 25, 10:30 a.m. – 11 p.m., Sunday, March 26, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Leaf Necklace Blacksmithing Workshop at [Fe]ver Metal Art Center
Saturday, March 25, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
2023 Goats in Gatorland (GIG) and Rutfest at Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center
Saturday, March 25 – Sunday, March 26
Welcome Home: Thank You Vietnam Veterans in Newberry, FL
Saturday, March 25, 11:30 a.m.
Equinox Party at the Giving Garden
Sunday, March 26, 9:30 a.m.
Third Annual Community Arts Fest Workshop and Performance of Shenandoah at Howard Bishop Middle School
Sunday, March 26, 2 p.m.
Remembering Photographer Jerry Uelsmann with Biographer and Associate Professor at Lund University Moa Petersén at UF Fine Arts
Tuesday, March 28, 6 p.m. – 7:30 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
Singer-Songwriter Keith Rea at Lightnin’ Salvage
Thursday, March 23, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Indie Pop with Madwoman at High Dive
Thursday, March 23, 8 p.m.
Jazz Fusion with Lemon City Trio at Heartwood Soundstage
Thursday, March 23, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
CD Release Party with Singer-Songwriter Cliff Dorsey at Vivid Music Hall
Friday, March 24, 7 p.m.
Country, Rock and Soul with Jamie Davis at Playlist at the Pointe
Friday, March 24, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
(sold out) Party 101 with DJ Matt Bennett at High Dive
Friday, March 24, 8 p.m.
Indie Live Outdoor Concert Series with Driptones, Treis and Friends, Prizilla, Quail Hollow at Heartwood Soundstage
Friday, March 24, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
K-Pop Bop Nite with DJ Parallelz at High Dive
Saturday, March 25, 9 p.m.
Instrumental Guitar with Richy Stano at Lightnin’ Salvage
Saturday, March 25, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
LPT Latin Salsa Orchestra at Heartwood Soundstage
Saturday, March 25, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Pop Punk & Emo Night of Gainesville at Vivid Music Hall
Saturday, March 25, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Hip Hop, Trap, R&B and More with DJs Jeremiah Ludicrous, Ayooopapo, and Jordie Ortiz at Bazar Afterparty at The Backyard at Boca Fiesta & Palomino
Saturday, March 25, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
UF Carillon Studio Recital at Century Tower
Sunday, March 26, 1:55 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Indie Pop with Breakfast for Dinner at Lightnin’ Salvage
Wednesday, March 29, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Jazz Wednesdays with The Oak Trio at Covey Kitchen and Cocktails
Wednesday, March 29, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Egyptian Belly Dance Class at Blackadder Brewing Company
Saturday, March 25, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Gainesville Spring Record Fair at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Sunday, March 26, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Acoustic Duo PairODocs at Blackadder Brewing Company
Sunday, March 26, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmers Markets
U-Pick Strawberries at Crossroads Farm and Apiary
Friday, March 24– Saturday, March 25, 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
DJ, Prizes and More at the Grand Opening of Rush Bowls
Saturday, March 25
Wine Tasting at Superette Wine and Provisions
Thursday, March 23, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask
Thursday, March 23, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
The Original Gainesville Food Truck Rally at High Dive
Saturday, March 25, 4 p.m.
(sold out) Street Foods: The Cornerstone of South American Cooking – Arepas & Tostadas Cooking Class at The Fat Tuscan
Wednesday, March 29, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Sports
Gators Men’s Tennis vs. Arkansas at Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex
Friday, March 24, 5 p.m.
Gators Lacrosse vs. Cincinnati at Donald R. Dizney Stadium
Saturday, March 25, 12 p.m.
Gators Men’s Tennis vs. Auburn at Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex
Sunday, March 26, 12 p.m.
Gators Softball vs. Stetson at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium
Wednesday, March 29, 6 p.m.
Funtastic Fridays Archery at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, March 24, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Car Show, Swap Meet and Test and Tune Drag Racing at Gainesville Raceway
Saturday, March 25, 8 a.m.
Premier Girls Fastpitch Spring Showdown Softball Tournament at Champions Park
Saturday, March 25 – Sunday, March 26
Gator Bowmen Archery Fun Shoot at Gator Bowmen Range
Saturday, March 25, 8 a.m.
Parks & Trails
Accessible Tram Tours at Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Ongoing, Check for Availability
Thursday, March 23, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Tuesday, March 28, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Weekly Walk and Talk with Alachua Conservation Trust at Santa Fe River Preserve
Friday, March 24, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Free Timed 5K at Depot Park parkrun
Saturday, March 25, 7:30 a.m.
Alachua Audubon Society Birding Field Trip at UF Hague Dairy
Saturday, March 25, 8 a.m.
(sold out) Conservation Steward Awards with Alachua Conservation Trust at Prairie Creek Lodge
Saturday, March 25, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Rim Ramble Ranger-Led Adventure at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Wednesday Bird Walks at the Wetlands at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Wednesday, March 29, 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
Double Gallery Reception of “John Ward Behind the Seen” and “Apparallel” by Joss Ramirez (last call) and Lennie Kesl at the Historic Thomas Center
Friday, March 24, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
In the first floor gallery, works by American realist painter, art historian, and UF Professor emeritus John Ward include large paintings, rarely seen pieces, and new work for this exhibition. John Ward’s mastery of painting will be contextualized with the work of six other artists who explore the dynamic relationship between representation and abstraction.
In the mezzanine gallery, the streetwear of contemporary clothing maker Joss Ramirez aka last call presents in parallel with the multi-media collage art of the late Gainesville artist Lennie Kesl. Across cultures, generations, and time, the two artists mirror the process of transforming found materials into art.
Jazz with Decyo and the Newcombs at Art After Dark at the Harn Museum of Art
Thursday, March 23, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
State of Wonder Dance Performance Preview with Danscompany of Gainesville at the Florida Museum of Natural History
Saturday, March 25, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Author Talk with Bob Kealing: Good Day Sunshine State, The Beatles in 1964 Florida at the Matheson History Museum
Saturday, March 25, 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Parenting in the Age of AI: Social Media at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
Tuesday, March 28, 5 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.
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
Thornebrook Spring Arts Festival, 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/
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.
