What’s Good in Gainesville and Alachua County, March 24-30, 2022
Craft Brews, Creativity and Bold Choreography lead the way to What’s Good this weekend in Alachua County. Spend the day at Heartwood Soundstage listening to live music and sampling beers, meads and ciders from over 40 Florida craft brewers at the Hogtown Craft Beer Festival. Take in the local art scene with Artwalk Gainesville and with an opening reception at Gainesville Fine Arts Association. Plus, let the Dance Alive National Ballet take you on a journey of music and movement with Carmina Burana at the UF Phillips Center.
Live music fills the air including Latin beats by Elio Piedra at Playlist at the Pointe, foot-stomping Outlaw Country with Ward Davis at High Dive and Americana with the Front Porch Backsteppers at 4th Ave. Food Park. Spend an out-of-the-ordinary afternoon, with the Goats in Gatorland and Rutfest dairy goat show at the Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center or with two days of Japanese art, fashion and gaming at the SwampCom 1v1.
Read on for more of What’s Good!
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Be Informed.
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.
Sample Unique Brews and Meet Craft Beer Makers from Across Florida at the Hogtown Craft Beer Festival
Saturday, March 26, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage at South Main Station
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Sample over 100 beers, meads and ciders from over 40 Florida craft breweries and homebrew clubs including 3 Daughters Brewing from St. Petersburg, Ancient City Brewing from St. Augustine, Intuition Ale Works from Jacksonville and more. Food vendors include Monsta Lobsta, Humble Wood Fire, Stubbies Pop-Up Sausages and Beer Mutts Spent-Grain Dog Treats.
South Main Station is located at 619 S Main St. in Gainesville and is the home of Heartwood Soundstage, Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, Bingo Deli & Pub, Frenchmen’s Vegan Street Food, Akira Wood, Bootsies Salon, the weekly GNV Market and coming soon: Humble Wood Fire.
Painting above: “The Edge” by Steve Andrews
Treat Your Senses to a Bold Mix of Music and Dance with Dance Alive National Ballet’s Carmina Burana
Friday, March 25, Saturday, March 26, 7:30 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
The dramatic production is a grand visualization of Carl Orff’s original score and includes 250 performers from the UF Symphony Orchestra, University Concert Choir, Gainesville Master Chorale and Dance Alive National Ballet creating a powerful experience for audience members Carmina Burana is an epic journey of the stages of life. Recommended for ages 10 and up.
Discover the Local Art Scene on a Self-Guided Tour at Artwalk Gainesville
Friday, March 25, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Various Locations in Gainesville
Highlights of the free tour in March include a variety of artists at First Magnitude Brewing Company, the artist reception at GFAA, a photography experience into the darkroom at Analog Gainesville and more. Download a map and preview the tour stops at ArtwalkGainesville.com.
View Artwork Depicting Legends and Myths at the Opening Reception of Mythologies
Friday, March 25, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Gainesville Fine Arts Association
1314 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Meet the artists, examine artwork on display and view the presentation of artist awards. Mythologies is a University of Florida MFA graduate thesis exhibition featuring artwork by Kobe Elixon, Vincent Granel and Barry Birmingham.
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.
See Dairy Goats on Display at the GIG and Rutfest Competition
Saturday, March 26, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday, March 27, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center
23100 W Newberry Rd., Newberry, FL 32669
The Florida Dairy Goat Association presents the Goats in Gatorland and Rutfest show with 3 rings of judging of various breeds of dairy goats. The Junior and Senior Doe categories along with Showmanship are scheduled for Saturday, Bucks are scheduled for Sunday.
Celebrate Japanese Art, Fashion, Gaming and Pop Culture at SwampCon 1v1
Saturday, March 26 – Sunday, March 27 | UF Reitz Union
655 Reitz Union Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611
The Gator Anime Club presents the multi-genre convention with 2 days of events, contests, panel discussions and lectures. Find custom creations in the Artist Alley and Vendor Halls featuring Creative Workshop, The Gold Saucer, Wolfpai Creations and more. Admission is free.
Browse Unique Gifts and Enjoy Live Performances at 352Creates Art and Craft Market
Saturday, March 26, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Curia on the Drag
2029 NW 6th St., Gainesville, FL 32609
Art vendors include Bangin Jewelry, Clove and Cotton, Jayda’s Jam, Michelle Nagri Photo, Studio TM Ceramics and more. Enjoy live music and performance by the UF Performing Arts Driveway Theatre Project, “Complete Works.” Free art activities include ceramic making, kids gardening workshop, mixed media collage and more.
352Creates encourages healthy communities through everyday acts of creativity in the 352 area code.
Let the Rhythm Move You with Latin Beats from Elio Piedra at Playlist at the Pointe
Friday, March 25, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4949 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Award-winning drummer, band director and composer Elio Piedra brings his signature sound and Latin grooves to Celebration Pointe. Spread a blanket under the setting sun, and catch live music on the outdoor stage.
Rock Out to Classic Hits with The Shambles
Friday, March 25, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Tioga Town Center
13085 SW 1st Ln., Newberry, FL 32669
The Tioga Town Center Concert Night Series features the music of Steely Dan, Fleetwood Mac, Bonnie Raitt and more from The Shambles. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy live music under the stars. Grab dinner and drinks from nearby Tioga Town Center restaurants.
Get an Up-Close Look at Custom Show Cars and Fast Street Machines at Racewars USA
Sunday, March 27, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Gainesville Raceway
11211 N CR 225, Gainesville, FL 32609
Car culture and drag racing converge at Racewars USA, now in its 8th year. See a variety of imports, domestics, trucks, bikes and more on the show floor. Car competitions include low-car limbo, 2-step and best sound. Drivers compete for ultimate bragging rights in head-to-head drag racing.
Listen to Music Ring Out from the 61 Bells at Century Tower at the UF Carillon Studio Recital
Sunday, March 27, 1:55 p.m. | UF 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 studio recital, find a location at least 100 feet from the tower.
Add to your campus visit by touring other university highlights. The UF Cultural Plaza features exhibits at the Harn Museum of Art and the Florida Museum of Natural History. See where the Gators play at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. At sunset, witness the emergence of over 400,000 bats at the UF Bat Houses.
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Arts & Theatre
The Fannie Lou Hamer Story, A One Woman Show at A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center
Friday, March 25 – Saturday, March 26, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
See Sparks Fly and Romance Bloom Unexpectedly on Stage at Living on Love at the Hippodrome Theatre
Now through Sunday, March 27
In this new comedy by Joe DiPietro, a demanding Diva discovers that her self-proclaimed Maestro husband has become enamored with Iris, the lovely young lady hired to ghostwrite his largely fictional autobiography. When she hires Robert, a handsome young scribe of her own, the battlelines are drawn and no blow is too low to see who comes out on top.
Laugh Out Loud at the Outrageous Stage Production of The Producers at Gainesville Community Playhouse
Now through Sunday, April 10
Mel Brooks’ Tony Award-winning musical features the antics of Max and Leo as they scheme to produce the most notorious flop in history. Hilarity ensues when their production becomes an unexpected smash hit.
Watch Steelworkers Put It All Out There at the Raucous Stage Production of The Full Monty at Acrosstown Repertory Theatre
Now through Sunday, April 3
The Tony Award-nominated pop-rock musical is filled with honest affection, engaging melodies and one of the most highly anticipated closing numbers. The story follows unemployed steelworkers as they develop their own strip show after seeing their wives’ enthusiasm for a touring company of Chippendales. As they prepare for the show, working through their fears, self-consciousness, and anxieties as they overcome their inner demons and find strength in their camaraderie.
Events & Festivals
(sold out) Two-day Survival Knife Blacksmithing Workshop at [Fe]ver Metal Art Center
Saturday, March 26 – Sunday, March 27
(sold out) Knife Making Blacksmithing Workshop at Crooked Path Forge
Wednesday, March 30
Pop-Up Markets
Vintage and handmade goods at the March Pop-Up Market at Flashbacks Recycled Fashions
Saturday, 26, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Music & Performance
Songs Matter Songwriters Showcase with Matt Woods at Loosey’s
Thursday, March 24, 6:30 p.m.
Outlaw Country with Ward Davis at High Dive
Thursday, March 24, 8 p.m.
Classic Soul Music with Hogtown Soul Club at 4th Ave Food Park
Friday, March 25, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Crooked Counsel at One Love Café
Friday, March 25, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
UF Jazz Band Concert at University Auditorium
Friday, March 25, 7:20 p.m. – 8:50 p.m.
Blank-281 A Tribute to Blink-182 at High Dive
Friday, March 25, 8:30 p.m.
Americana with Front Porch Backsteppers at 4th Ave Food Park
Saturday, March 26, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Acoustic Favorites with Cassie and Chris at Lightnin’ Salvage
Saturday, March 26, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Pop Punk from Shooting Northwestern at Loosey’s
Saturday, March 26, 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Jam Fusion Album Release Show with Tamayo at High Dive
Saturday, March 26, 9 p.m.
Pop Punk with Ghost Town Remedy at Loosey’s
Sunday, March 27, 7 p.m.
Irish Singer-Songwriter and Vocalist for Celtic Thunder Keith Harkin at High Dive
Sunday, March 27, 8 p.m.
Acoustic Rock with Bryan Bielanski at Curia on the Drag
Monday, March 28, 5:30 p.m.
Experimental Guitar Rock with mmsv at High Dive
Monday, March 28, 8 p.m.
The Joe Breidenstien Jazz Band at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, March 29, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Multimedia Artist and Activist Taylor Alxndr at The Wooly
Tuesday, March 29, 8 p.m.
Country Music with Brett Young and Cole Swindell Featuring Danielle Bradbery at Flavet Field
Wednesday, March 30, 5:30 p.m.
Country Music with Houston Keen at the Keys Grill and Piano Bar
Wednesday, March 30, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Craft Breweries
352Creates Festival of Creativity Free Community Concert with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Tribute Band Heavy Petty at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Friday, March 25, 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Spring Art Night at Island Grove Wine Tasting House
Friday, March 25, 6:30 p.m.
Country Music with Clay Brooker at Big Top Brewing Company
Friday, March 25, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Alt-Country with Wax Wings at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Saturday, March 26, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Piano Bar Duo The Big Bad and DB’s Rolling Dough Food Truck at High Springs Brewing Company
Saturday, March 26, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Country Music with Caribbean Flavor with Maalik Makaya at Big Top Brewing Company
Saturday, March 26, 7 p.m.
Vegan Seafood Pop-Up with Oh My Cod at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Sunday, March 27, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday Vibes at The Source with DJ Wax Atom at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Sunday, March 27, 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmer’s Markets
Cypress & Grove Farmer’s Market with Live Music
Mondays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
GNV Market at South Main Station Featuring Live Music
Thursdays, 4 p.m. – 7 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
Now Open: Foxtail Coffee Co. in Butler Town Center
Open daily serving espresso drinks, cold brew coffee, teas and delicious treats.
Tomato Boot Camp at Working Food
Wednesday, March 30, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Upcoming Cooking Classes at The Fat Tuscan:
Wine Tasting Chef Dinner
Friday, April 8, 6 p.m.
Pie Making 101
Sunday, April 10, 2 p.m.
Brioche Bread Baking
Saturday, April 16, 2 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
Funtastic Fridays Archery at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, March 25, 5 p.m.
Gators Baseball vs. LSU at Florida Ballpark
Friday, March 25, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 26, 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 27, 12 p.m.
Gators Softball vs. Tennessee at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium
Friday, March 25, 6 p.m.
Saturday, March 26, 1 p.m.
Sunday, March 27, 2 p.m.
Jacksonville Magic Presents the King and Queen of the Court AAU Basketball Tournament at Multiple Court Locations
Friday, March 25 – Sunday, March 27
USSSA Baseball Tournament at Champions Park
Saturday, March 26 – Sunday, March 27
Boss MX Motocross at Waldo Motorcross Park
Sunday, March 27, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Gators Softball vs. UCF at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium
Wednesday, March 30, 6 p.m.
Parks & Trails
Green Lights, Shamrocks, Clovers and All Things Green at Depot Park
Now through March 31
Free Family-Friendly 5K with parkrun at Depot Park
Saturday, March 26, 7:30 a.m.
Sinkhole Guided Walk at Devils Millhopper Geological State Park
Saturday, March 26, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Rim Ramble Hike at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Saturday, March 26, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday Bird Walks at the Wetlands with Alachua Audubon Society at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Wednesday, March 30, 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
Fantastic Fossils 5K at Florida Museum of Natural History
Saturday, March 26, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Spring Show at the Newberry Fire House Gallery
Gallery Hours Fridays 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Examine Florida Fossils, South Florida People and Environments, Northwest Florida Waterways and Wildlife and the Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History
Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Now on View at the Harn Museum of Art, She/Her/Hers: Women in the Arts of China
Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Unravel the Technology of Textiles at Fabric Frontiers at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
Thursday – Friday, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Between Heaven & Earth – The Paintings of Alyne Harris at Thomas Center Galleries
Monday – Friday, 8 a.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
Pepsi Florida Relays, March 31 – April 2
India Fest 2022, April 2
Savage Race, April 9
Gators Football Orange and Blue Game, April 14
Pioneer Days in High Springs, April 23-24
Tree Fest at Swamp Head Brewery, April 23
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.
