What’s Good in Gainesville and Alachua County, March 30 – April 5, 2023
Spring into a festive weekend of fun with What’s Good. Santa Fe College hosts the 51st Annual Spring Arts Festival at their Northwest Campus. Enjoy more than 100 arts and crafts vendors, special activities at the college’s Kika Silva Pla Planetarium, a Paint Party at the Zoo and more. Spend a charming afternoon with your partners in fun at the Newberry Main Street Festival featuring live entertainment, maker’s booths, food trucks, and fun activities for the kids. Take a self-guided tour of the local art scene at Artwalk Gainesville and view exhibitions from UF BFA graduates at GFAA Gallery.
Experience soaring melodies at the dramatic opera production of Carmen or let the music move you with diverse live shows like a Grateful Dead tribute at Heartwood Soundstage, the Legacy Park Spring Concert Series, and the Gainesville Flute Ensemble Spring Concert at The Historic Thomas Center. Take flight with an aviation pioneer at dinner and a movie with The Legend: The Bessie Coleman Story at the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center or visit the Florida Museum of Natural History and dig into geology with hands-on activities at Can You Dig It.
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.
Browse Fine Artists and Share Family-Friendly Festival Fun at the Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival
Saturday, April 1, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, April 2, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Santa Fe College
3000 NW 83 St., Gainesville, FL 32606
The Oak Grove in the heart of Santa Fe College transforms with over 100 artist booths. View immersive presentations at the SF Kika Silva Pla Planetarium. Create artwork and meet animals at Paint Party at the Zoo. See diverse dance choreography at Elements of Style in the Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall. Plan your visit online with a festival map, entertainment schedule, and more online at sfcollege.edu.
Browse Gift Vendors and Enjoy Live Entertainment at the Newberry Main Street Festival
Saturday, April 1, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Historic Downtown Newberry
Bring the family to historic Newberry for a day of fun. Entertainment and kids activities include the Barnyard Adventure Show, dance choreography from independence, bounce houses and more. Enjoy live music from The Hogtown Slayers Band and Midnight Blue.Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Take a Self-Guided Tour of the Local Art Scene at Artwalk Gainesville
Friday, March 31, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Various Locations
The March tour of Artwalk Gainesville features 13 venues in and around downtown Gainesville. The Top Secret Event Space hosts the 20-artist group exhibition “Dirty Pens.” Bingo Deli and Pub features acrylic paintings by Nava Ottenberg. The AUK Market and Dad’s Bar presents “Fiery Tracks: Paintings” by designer and illustrator Jeff T. Owens. Preview the venues and download a map online.Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
View Contemporary Art Exhibits from University of Florida BFA Graduates at GFAA
Friday, March 31, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | GFAA
1314 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Both front and main galleries feature two exhibitions from Bachelor of Fine Arts graduates Jessica Clermont and Derrick Daniels. Stop by GFAA during Artwalk Gainesville and enjoy live music and browse the gift shop. Admission is Free.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Get Out of Your Shell and Create Works of Art at Paint Party at the Zoo
Sunday, April 2, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
3000 NW 83rd St., Gainesville, FL 32606
Go behind the scenes at the zoo and create art near the Galapagos tortoises. Guided painting sessions include supplies and a meet and greet with an animal ambassador. Gainesville is home to the only teaching zoo on a college campus accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in the nation, training future zookeepers in the highest standards of animal care.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Experience Soaring Melodies as a Dramatic Story Unfolds at the Opera Production of Carmen
Friday, March 31 – Saturday, April 1, 7:30 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Set in 1830 Spain, Carmen is a roller-coaster ride of desire, passion, and the relentless hand of fate. Alluring and irresistible, Carmen is a charismatic independent spirit who refuses to compromise her own liberty and right to live her life as she chooses. Join the University of Florida Opera Theatre, UF Symphony Orchestra and guest artist Kirstin Chávez as Carmen. The full cast features more than 120 performers.
Dig Into Geology with Hands-On Activities at Can You Dig It?
Saturday, April 1, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Florida Museum of Natural History
3215 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
The annual family-friendly festival celebrates all things geology with hands-on activities and scientists whose research ranges from climate change to volcanism to marine science. Grab a passport and explore groundbreaking work of geologists around the world. Admission is free.
Take Flight with an Aviation Pioneer at Dinner and a Movie with The Legend: The Bessie Coleman Story
Saturday, April 1, 6:30 p.m. | Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center
837 SE 7th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Discover the story of the pioneering achievements of Bessie Coleman, one of the most daring stunt pilots of her time and an inspiration for generations of African American men and women. Celebrate Women’s History Month at the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center with dinner and a movie. Admission is free, dinner is available for purchase.
Cheer for Track and Field Athletes at the 2023 Pepsi Florida Relays
Friday, March 31 – Saturday, April 1 | | UF Percy Beard Track
325 Woodlawn Dr., Gainesville, FL 32608
College and high school athletes compete from across the country in outdoor track and field events. The Florida Relays has grown into one of the nation’s premier track and field events since being founded in 1939. Sports fans and spectators welcome. For more details and event schedule visit FloridaGators.com
Go Birding at the Brewery at Birds and Brews Guided Bird Walk
Sunday, April 2, 5:45 p.m. – 7 p.m. | First Magnitude Brewing Company
1220 SE Veitch St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Meet volunteers from Alachua Audubon Society at First Magnitude Brewing Company before departing on a guided one-hour nature walk at Depot Park. All levels of birding experience is welcome. Bring binoculars or borrow a loaner pair. After the walk, return to the brewery for a nightcap.
See Spring Blooms on a Guided Walk through Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Saturday, April 1, 10 a.m. | Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
4700 SW 58th Dr., Gainesville, FL 32608
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens features paved walkways, the largest public display of bamboo in Florida and the largest herb garden in the southeast. Spring highlights include pollinator-friendly displays of color in the hummingbird garden and herb garden.
Spot Wildlife a Ranger Led Tour at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Sunday, April 2, 2:30 p.m. | Sweetwater Wetlands Park
325 SW Williston Rd., Gainesville, FL 32640
Learn about water management and wildlife found at the park. Tours last about 1 hour and include a walking portion of about 1-mile start to finish. Bring water, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes.
Sweetwater Wetlands Park consists of more than 125 acres of wetlands and ponds and improves the water quality of Paynes Prairie and the Floridan Aquifer. Recent bird sightings include Sandhill Crane, Osprey, Mottled Duck, Savannah Sparrow and Prairie Warbler. Tours are free with park admission.
Be Transported to London with the Beloved Musical Production of My Fair Lady
Monday, April 3, 7:30 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Follow the rags to riches tale of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform Eliza into his idea of a “proper lady.” But who is really being transformed?
The musical features classic songs including I Could Have Danced All Night, The Rain in Spain, Wouldn’t It Be Loverly, and On the Street Where You Live.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
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Pop-Up Markets
Book Sale at Civic Media Center
Friday, March 31, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday, April 1, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Browse Plant-Based Vendors at Farmers Moo-Ket at Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary
Sunday, April 2, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.
Arts & Theatre
Experience the Rise of “The Dreams” at the Tony Award-Winning Broadway Musical Dreamgirls
Now through 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.
History of the Hippodrome Theatre with Nell Page Rainsberger (Actor and Development Consultant) and Robert Robins (Production Manager/Lighting Designer) at Matheson History Museum
Thursday, March 30, 7 p.m.
Elements of Style at Santa Fe College Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall
Friday, March 31 – Saturday, April 1
Aladdin Jr. Youth Musical at Star Center Theatre
Friday, March 31 – Saturday, April 8
Events & Festivals
In-Person Draw Jam at Sequential Artists Workshop
Saturday, April 1, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Easter Extravaganza at Butler Town Center
Sunday, April 2, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
TEDxUF at University Auditorium
Saturday, April 1, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Hellzapoppin Circus Sideshow at Vivid Music Hall
Sunday, April 2, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
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
Music Through the Decades with Reel Deelz at One Love Café
Thursday, March 30, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Americana with Front Porch Backsteppers at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, March 31, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Irish Music with Scuttered the Bruce at One Love Café
Friday, March 31, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Rock and Roll with Supertwin at Loosey’s Downtown
Friday, March 31, 8 p.m.
Country with Hayden Coffman at High Dive
Friday, March 31, 8 p.m.
Tribute to the Grateful Dead at Grateful Gainesville Fool’s Boogie at Heartwood Soundstage
Friday, March 31 – Saturday, April 1
Beatles Tribute with Toppermost at Legacy Park Spring Concert Series
Saturday, April 1, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Country with Brandon Maddox at Lightnin’ Salvage
Saturday, April 1, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Emo-Punk with Free Throw at High Dive
Saturday, April 1, 7 p.m.
Dance Music at Spring Latin Fest at Simons
Saturday, April 1, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Fiddle Workshop with Hanneke Cassel at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Gainesville
Saturday, April 1, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Writers Round with The Hogtown Rounders at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, April 4, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
The Gainesville Flute Ensemble Spring Concert at The Historic Thomas Center
Tuesday, April 4, 7:30 p.m.
Comedy with Demetrius Fields at High Dive
Wednesday, April 5, 8 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Charity Bingo Night at Blackadder Brewing Company
Thursday, March 31, 7 p.m.
Friday Night Jam with Trevor Ellis at Daft Cow Brewery
Friday, March 31, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
DJ City Baby at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Friday, March 31, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Going Forward at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, March 31, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Country with Zach Lambert at Swamp Head Brewery
Saturday, April 1, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Brunch at the Brewery with Cheffrey’s at Swamp Head Brewery
Sunday, April 2, 11 a.m.
Jazz Sunday with JZNT at Blackadder Brewing Company
Sunday, April 2, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmers Markets
U-Pick Strawberries and Wildflowers at The Bryer Patch
Friday, March 31 – Sunday, April 2, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
U-Pick Strawberries at Crossroads Farm and Apiary
Friday, March 31 – Saturday, April 1, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
U-Pick Blueberries at Aunt Zelma’s Blueberries
Saturday, April 1
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 30, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask
Thursday, March 30, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday Brunch at Superette Wine and Provisions
Sunday, April 2, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
(sold out) Brunch and Crepes Cooking Class at The Fat Tuscan
Sunday, April 2, 11 a.m. – 2 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 31, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Summit Drag Racing Series and Easter Egg Hunt at Gainesville Raceway
Saturday, April 1 – Sunday, April 2
Insider Exposure Basketball Tournament at Legacy Park Multipurpose Center
Friday, March 31 – Sunday, April 2
Parks & Trails
Accessible Tram Tours at Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Ongoing, Check for Availability
Thursday, March 30, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Tuesday, April 4, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Free Timed 5K at Depot Park parkrun
Saturday, April 1, 7:30 a.m.
Pancakes on the Prairie with Alachua Conservation Trust at Tuscawilla Cabin
Saturday, April 1, 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Rim Ramble Ranger-Led Adventure at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Saturday, April 1, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Birding Field Trip with Alachua Audubon Society at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park La Chua Trail
Sunday, April 2, 8 a.m.
Morning Bug Walk with Alachua Conservation Trust at Tuscawilla Preserve
Sunday, April 2, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Turning Pine Into Turpentine and Other Miraculous Histories of Black Farmers in Alachua County at Hogtown Creek Nature Park
Sunday, April 2, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Wednesday Bird Walks at the Wetlands at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Wednesday, April 5, 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
Curator Talk with Deborah Willis at the Harn Museum of Art
Thursday, March 30, 6 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
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.
