What’s Good in Gainesville and Alachua County, March 31 – April 6, 2022
Colorful events and activities paint the landscape for the first weekend in April. Enjoy What’s Good with live entertainment and one-of-a-kind works at the first annual Thornebrook Spring Arts Festival. Celebrate fashion, food and music at India Fest 2022. Take in the birds and the blooms with nature tours of Kanapaha Botanical Gardens and Sweetwater Wetlands Park.
See hundreds of fossils from Florida and around the world and participate in engaging experiences for all ages at Fantastic Fossils, the Florida Museum of Natural History’s newest exhibit. Head over to the University of Florida James G. Pressly Stadium and don’t blink! Or you might miss some of the fastest track and field athletes in the country racing to the finish at the Pepsi Florida Relays. Plus, learn about the history of the bald eagle at Writers’ Talks at Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park and see horses and riders perform in unison at Spring Kick-Off Dressage at the Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center.
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.
Browse Sculpture, Painting, Photography, Jewelry and More at the Thornebrook Spring Arts Festival
Saturday, April 2 – Sunday, April 3, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Shoppes at Thornebrook
2441 NW 43rd St., Gainesville, FL 32606
The first Thornebrook Spring Arts Festival features over 50 artists displaying their work Saturday and Sunday. Stroll through the park-like setting of the Shoppes at Thornebrook, enjoy live music all weekend as well as Thornebrook restaurants and specialty shops.
Celebrate the Food, Fashion and Music of India at India Fest 2022
Saturday, April 2, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza
Downtown Gainesville
India Cultural and Education Center presents the annual celebration of Indian culture. The festival includes music and dance, fashion, jewelry and fun activities for kids. Treat your tastebuds with traditional Indian food including savory samosas, refreshing mango milkshakes and more.
Cheer for Track and Field Athletes Competing at the Pepsi Florida Relays
Thursday, March 31 – Saturday, April 2 | Percy Beard Track at James G. Pressly Stadium
325 Woodlawn Dr., Gainesville, FL 32608
Since beginning as a small track meet in 1939, The Florida Relays has grown into one of the nation’s premier track and field events. College and high school athletes compete from across the country with some competitors representing Canada, Great Britain and beyond. Sports fans and spectators welcome. For more details and event schedule visit FloridaGators.com. Buy tickets at the Florida Gators ticket office. For event updates, follow @GatorsTF on Twitter.
Uncover Secrets of Past Life on Earth at the Opening of Florida Museum’s New Exhibit: Fantastic Fossils
Saturday, April 2, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Florida Museum of Natural History
3215 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Get face-to-face with giant dinosaur skeletons, beautiful botanical fossils and ancient microscopic life in the dynamic exhibit “Science Up Close: Fantastic Fossils.” Watch museum curators, volunteers and students work on projects in a live lab like cleaning and rebuilding fossils and creating digital reconstructions. Live programming, touchable objects and interactive technology offer engaging experiences for all ages. Plan your museum visit online.
Located on the University of Florida campus, the Florida Museum of Natural History and Butterfly Rainforest are recipients of TripAdvisor 2021 Traveler’s Choice awards and are ranked #1 and #2 attractions in Gainesville. In addition to rotating exhibits, explore permanent displays like the fossil hall and waterways and wildlife of northwest Florida. Kids get hands-on at the interactive Discovery Zone.
Photo by Florida Museum/Jeff Gage
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.
Dine with a Menu Starring Farm Fresh Ingredients at “The Living Earth” Farm Dinner Experience
Saturday, April 2, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Swallowtail Farm
7301 SE 92 Terr., Gainesville, FL 32641
Chef Merritt O’Brien from The Top Restaurant serves a one-of-a-kind menu at this month’s farm dinner at Swallowtail Farm. Farm dinner menus put farm-fresh ingredients on stage, with local beers, biodynamic wines, farm tours and live music. “The Living Earth” is a themed dinner benefiting the Hippodrome Theatre. Swallowtail Farm is newly located in southeast Gainesville, in historic Rochelle. The land is nestled under a mossy canopy of ancient live oaks, and buffered on all sides by pasture, prairie and wetlands. Click here to learn more about the farm.
Vibe with Music, Dance, Street Vendors and more at Bazar A La Carte Night Market
Saturday, April 2, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. | The How Bazar
60 SW 2nd St., Gainesville, FL 32601
The How Bazar hosts a spring market in downtown Gainesville with 65 vendors featuring jewelry, clothing, art, plants, records and more. When the night market concludes, head inside for the afterparty. The How Bazar is an artist-owned hub with curated fashions, custom apparel and regular events to elevate the creative community.
Take a Trip to San Francisco in 1969 for A Groovy New Adaptation of Wolfgang Mozart’s Così Fan Tutte
Friday, April 1 – Saturday, April 2, 7:20 p.m. | University Auditorium
333 Newell Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611
UF Opera Theatre and Ocala Symphony Orchestra present Mozart’s opera with a counter-culture twist. Così fan tutte follows the story of two friends, Ferrando and Guglielmo, as they don disguises and test the faithfulness of their fiancées.
Get Swept Away with Powerful Harmonies from Flagship Romance
Friday, April 1, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage at South Main Station
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Musicians Shawn Fisher and Jordyn Jackson weave guitar melodies with stunning vocals and powerful lyrics. The Flagship Romance show features an opening performance by Indie-Pop singer Chasing Jonah.
Heartwood Soundstage is a state-of-the-art recording studio, video production facility, intimate performance venue with an outdoor music stage – built by musicians for music lovers and music makers.
Find Colorful Spring Blooms on a Guided Walk through Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Saturday, April 2, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. | Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
4700 SW 58th Dr, Gainesville, FL 32608
Each month, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens offers a guided walk with monthly highlights of the latest blooms and developments throughout the property. The gardens are located on 68 acres with a 1.5 mile paved walkway and feature the largest public display of bamboo in the state and the largest herb garden in the southeast. Plan your visit at Kanapaha.org.
Spot Wildlife on a Ranger-Led Tour at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Saturday, April 2, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m., Sunday, April 3, 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Sweetwater Wetlands Park
325 SW Williston Rd., Gainesville, FL 32641
Go birding and learn about how the park helps keep the local water system clean. Recent wildlife sightings include King Rails, Alligators, Sandhill Cranes, Snow Egrets, Swallow-tailed Kites, Pine Warblers and more.
Learn About the History of the Bald Eagle with Author Jack E. Davis at Writers’ Talks at Rawlings House
Saturday, April 2, 1:30 p.m. | Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park
18700 CR 325, Cross Creek, FL 32640
Writers’ Talks at Rawlings House features Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jack E. Davis as he presents his new book The Bald Eagle; The Improbable Journey of America’s Bird. Free with park admission, the program includes a discussion by the author, book signing, music and light refreshments.
See Horses and Riders Perform in Unison at Spring Kick-Off Dressage
Saturday, April 2 – Sunday, April 3, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center
23100 W Newberry Rd., Newberry, FL 32669
Southeast Horse Shows present a competition for scores and ribbons at all levels of equestrian dressage. Spectator admission is free and leashed dogs are welcome. Browse saddles and supplies at the tack sale benefiting Horses Without Humans on Saturday and Sunday.
Feel the Groove with a Blues Showcase with Terry Hanck and Ramblin’ Mutts
Sunday, April 3, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage at South Main Station
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
North Central Florida Blue Society presents a night of blues with VizzTone recording artist and 3-time Blues Music Award Winner Terry Hanck. Ramblin’ Mutts performs soulful, original, blues and R&B.
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.
Hear Engaging Stories from Punk Rock Icon Henry Rollins
Monday, April 4, 8 p.m. | High Dive
210 SW 2nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Spoken word poet, author, actor and punk rock icon Henry Rollins takes the stage for an intimate evening. He recounts the strange and interesting events in his life during the past couple of years on his Good to See You tour.
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Arts & Theatre
My Favorite Esposo, A Radio Play on the 2nd Stage at the Hippodrome Theatre
Thursday, March 31 – Sunday, April 3
The Hippodrome is excited to share the comedy My Favorite Esposo on The Second Stage. Readapted from the 1948 classic radio show My Favorite Husband starring Lucille Ball, this new radio play captures the humor of the original show, while reimagining what the couple would experience in today’s world.
The Wolves at Squitieri Studio Theatre
Friday, April 1 – Sunday, April 3
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
Snake Bracelet Blacksmithing Workshop at [Fe]ver Metal Art Center
Saturday, April 2, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
(sold out) Knife Making Blacksmithing Workshop at Crooked Path Forge
Sunday, April 3, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Pop-Up Markets
Spring Plant Sale with UF Environmental Horticulture Department at Fifield Hall
Friday, April 1, 9 a.m. – sell out
Bridles, Saddles, Coolers and Supplies at the Equestrian Tack Sale Benefiting Horses Without Humans at Alachua County Agricultural and Equestrian Center
Saturday, April 2 – Sunday, April 3, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Plant Pop-Up at High Springs Creates
Saturday, April 2, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Music & Performance
Indie Folk with Madwoman at The How Bazar
Thursday, March 31, 8 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Indie Rock with Haunches at High Dive
Thursday, March 31, 8 p.m.
Swift and Sour, A Taylor and Olivia Dance Party at The Wooly
Thursday, March 31, 9 p.m.
R&B and Soul with Uncle Morty’s Rhythm Cream at Tioga Town Center
Friday, April 1, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Motown Soul and R&B Classics with The Browns at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, April 1, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
90s Covers and The Killers Tribute with Pet Detectives and Hot Fuss at High Dive
Friday, April 1, 9 p.m.
Fools Engagement at Heartwood Soundstage
Friday, April 1, 9 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Grateful Dead Music at Grateful Gainesville Spring Boogie at Heartwood Soundstage
Saturday, April 2, 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Prohibition Style Gypsy Jazz with Dean Johanasen at Lightnin’ Salvage
Saturday, April 2, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Hip Hop with Juice Caboose at High Dive
Saturday, April 2, 8 p.m.
Songwriters in the Round at The Hogtown Rounders at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, April 5, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
One O’Clock Jazz Band from the University of North Texas at Bo Diddley Plaza
Tuesday, April 5, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Indie Rock with Late Night Losers at High Dive
Wednesday, April 6, 8 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Harry Potter Trivia at Big Top Brewing Company
Thursday, March 31, 7 p.m.
Tiger Tail Ale Beer Launch with the Florida Museum of Natural History at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Friday, April 1, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Classic Rock with Crooked Counsel at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, April 1, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter Frank Carson at Big Top Brewing Company
Saturday, April 2, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday Vibes at The Source with DJ Wax Atom at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Sunday, April 3, 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmer’s Markets
U-Pick Blueberries at Aunt Zelma’s Blueberries, check Facebook for updates
Open Daily, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
U-Pick Strawberries at Frog Song Organics
Saturday, April 2, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
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: Chicken Sandwiches, Bonuts (Biscuit Donuts), Crispy Tofu and more at Birdie Box Sando
Friday, April 1 – Sunday, April 3, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Plant-Based Brunch Celebrating the 5th Anniversary of Bambi’s Café
Sunday, April 3, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. by reservation
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.
All Harley Motorcycle Drag Racing at Gainesville Raceway
Friday, April 1 – Sunday, April 3
USSSA Baseball Spring Showdown at Champions Park
Saturday, April 2 – Sunday, April 3
Gators Baseball vs. Florida A&M at Florida Ballpark
Tuesday, April 5, 6 p.m.
Gators Softball vs. FSU at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium
Wednesday, April 6, 6 p.m.
Parks & Trails
(sold out) Frogs and Friends Fridays at Morningside Nature Center
Friday, April 1, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Pancakes on the Prairie with ACT at Tuscawilla Preserve
Saturday, April 2, 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Free Family-Friendly 5K with parkrun at Depot Park
Saturday, April 2, 7:30 a.m.
Rim Ramble Hike at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Saturday, April 2, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Sinkhole Guided Walk at Devils Millhopper Geological State Park
Saturday, April 2, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Alachua Audubon Birding Field Trip at Poe Springs
Sunday, April 3, 8 a.m.
Wednesday Bird Walks at the Wetlands with Alachua Audubon Society at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Wednesday, April 6, 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
56th Annual Art Show at Hawthorne Library Branch
Friday, April 1, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tot Time at the Harn Museum of Art
Friday, April 1, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Curator Talk at the Matheson History Museum: Trailblazers: 150 Years of Alachua County Women
Saturday, April 2, 4 p.m.
Museum for Me Sensory-Friendly Event at the Florida Museum of Natural History
Sunday, April 3, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
View Artwork Depicting Legends and Myths at the of Mythologies Exhibit at GFAA
Tuesday – Friday, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.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.
Trailblazers: 150 Years of Alachua County Women at the Matheson History Museum
Open Wednesday – Saturday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Save The Date
Sunshine State Book Festival, April 9-10
Swallowtail Farm Spring Festival, April 9
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/
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.
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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.
