What’s Good in Gainesville and Alachua County, March 9-15, 2023
Rev up the fun this weekend with What’s Good. The 2023 Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals race begins March 9 at the legendary Gainesville Raceway. In addition to the on-track action, the 54th Gatornationals features a display of legendary Don Garlits race cars and the Pep Boys NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout “race within a race” on Saturday. Covey Kitchen and Cocktails hosts a special meet and greet with the 2022 NHRA Rookie of the Year Camrie Caruso on Thursday. Make the most of your weekend at the races with the Gatornats Visit Gainesville, Alachua County guide, curated just for you!
Around town, head over to UF Austin Cary Forest for the first annual UF/IFAS North Florida Outdoor Expo. Celebrate National Women’s History Month at Museum Nights: HERstory or laugh out loud as garden walls and culture clashes set the stage for the Hippodrome Theatre’s newest production, Native Gardens. Dance the night away with the Global Jazz Quartet at Celebration Pointe’s Jazz on the Green or with the Swing Into Spring concert at Santa Fe College. Take a friend for a leisurely stroll and enjoy treasure hunting at the two-day Sycamore Lane March Market in Archer.
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.
See Superstar Drivers and Feel the Roar of 11,000 Horsepower at the 2023 Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals
Thursday, March 9 – Sunday, March 12 | Gainesville Raceway
11211 N CR 225, Gainesville, FL 32609
The 2023 Camping World NHRA Drag Racing Series kicks off at Gainesville Raceway. In addition to the on-track action, the 54th Gatornationals features Swamp Rat Alley with a display of legendary Don Garlits race cars and the Pep Boys NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout “race within a race” on Saturday. Admission for ages 12 and under is free.
Make the most of your weekend at the races with our 2023 Gatornationals guide of local events, dining and attractions.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County.
Harvest Seeds of Laughter at the Opening Weekend of Native Gardens
Friday, March 10 – 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.Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County.
Browse Vintage and Antiques at the Two-Day Sycamore Lane March Market
Friday, March 10, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday, March 11, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
3824 SW 170th St., Archer, FL 32618
Sip and shop at the seasonal market with over 40 vendors offering vintage décor, furniture, art, clothing and handmade goods. Enjoy beer and wine, food trucks and classic rock with Crooked Counsel on Friday Night.
Celebrate National Women’s History Month at Museum Nights: HERstory
Thursday, March 9, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Harn Museum of Art3259 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32608
Museum Nights is an after-hours museum adventure of art, tours, performances, activities and more. Experience art by women artists in the museum collection through conversations with curators and docents. Experience an immersive student project titled Archi-Sculpture and enjoy live music from Gainesville Girls Rock Camp. Admission is free
image: Unknown photographer, “Seated Woman with Books,” 1915–1920
Enjoy Outdoor Family Fun at the Inaugural North Florida Outdoor Expo
Saturday, March 11, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | UF Austin Cary Forest
10625 NE Waldo Rd., Gainesville, FL 32609
UF/IFAS hosts the first local event of its kind geared toward outdoor enthusiasts from hunters and anglers to campers and paddlers. Meet vendors and browse outdoor products. Discover Florida history, explore nature on guided walks and learn about natural resources.
Swing Into Spring with the Gainesville Community Band and Conductor R Gary Langford
Sunday, March 12, 3 p.m. | Santa Fe College Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall
3000 NW 83rd St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Celebrate the season with a return back to the golden era of big band music. Enjoy songs from Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and more. The Gainesville Community Band was founded in 1974 and boasts a roster of 80 musicians.
Enjoy R&B Music from the Outdoor Stage with RC and Showtime at the Legacy Park Concert Series
Saturday, March 11, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Legacy Park Amphitheatre
15400 Peggy Rd., Alachua, FL 32615
The Legacy Park Spring Concert Series kicks off with RC and Showtime. Bring a chair and enjoy the evening with food trucks and a bounce house for the kids. Admission is free.
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Pop-Up Markets
2nd Birthday Party with Grab Bags, Cocktails and Giveaways at Allie Allure Boutique
Thursday, March 9, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Add to Your Vinyl Collection at the Grand Opening of Sunshine Records
Saturday, March 11, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Annual Tomato Plant Sale at Working Food
Saturday, March 11, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Plants, Seeds, Art, Vendors and More at Spring Pop-Up Shop at Grow Hub
Saturday, March 11, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Buy Sell or Trade with Regional Collectors at Trading Day at The Meelypops Shop
Saturday, March 11, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.
Arts & Theatre
Celebrate Women’s History Month with the Stage Production of Cadillac Crew at Star Center Theatre
Now Through Sunday, March 12
Inspired by real events and real people, Cadillac Crew takes lace on the day of a much-anticipated speech by Rosa Parks. During the height of the Civil Rights Movement, four activists in Virigina refuse to be written out of history.
Transformative Theatre Experience with White Rabbit Red Rabbit at the Hippodrome Theatre
Monday, March 13, 7 p.m.
Events & Festivals
Bike Night at Dave and Buster’s
Friday, March 10, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Family Friendly Bike Ride with Gainesville Cycling Club at Depot Park
Saturday, March 11, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Family Fishing Day at UF/IFAS Fishing Ponds
Saturday, March 11, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Gainesville Street Rods Car Cruz-In at Springhill Commons
Saturday, March 11, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Gainesville Cars and Coffee at Butler Town Center
Sunday, March 12, 9 a.m. – 11 a.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
Blues and Roots with Tom Craig at Lightnin’ Salvage
Thursday, March 9, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Jazz Vocalist Stacey Kent, UpStage at the Phillips Center
Thursday, March 9, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
UF Symphonic Band Concert at University Auditorium
Thursday, March 9, 7:20 p.m. – 8:20 p.m.
Jazz Night with The Oak Duo at 4th Ave Food Park
Friday, March 10, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
High Energy Bluegrass with Boilin’ Oil at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, March 10, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Wild Blue Yonder at One Love Café
Friday, March 10, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Grateful Dead Music with One Good Ring at Half Step Boogie at Heartwood Soundstage
Friday, March 10, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
(sold out) Celebrating Elvis Presley’s Records from Sun StudioPerformed by Tyler Hilton with the Hot Club of Cowtown, UpStage at the Phillips Center
Friday, March 10, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Fast Fastion the Depeche Mode Experience at High Dive
Friday, March 10, 8 p.m.
Southern Rock with Thelma and the Sleaze at Loosey’s Downtown
Friday, March 10, 8 p.m.
Dueling Pianos at The Keys Grill and Piano Bar
Friday, March 10, 9 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Americana with Ash Devine at Lightnin’ Salvage
Saturday, March 11, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Motown and Blues with Raftus Brown at One Love Café
Saturday, March 11, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Global Jazz Quartet at Jazz on the Green at Celebration Pointe
Saturday, March 11, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Indie Rock with Take Lead at Loosey’s Downtown
Saturday, March 11, 8 p.m.
Porch Swing Jazz at 4th Ave Food Park
Sunday, March 12, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Tribute to Gram Parsons Music at the 23rd Annual Gram Fest Featuring Hard Luck Society, Quarter Moon, The Shambles and More at Heartwood Soundstage
Sunday, March 12, 2 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
Folk and Strings with the Wire Birds at Lightnin’ Salvage
Wednesday, March 15, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Jazz Wednesdays with The Oak Trio at Covey Kitchen and Cocktails
Wednesday, March 15, 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.
Friday Night Jam with Austin Hunter at Daft Cow Brewery
Friday, March 10, 6:30 p.m.
Southern Rock with Branford Hwy at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, March 10, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Pi Day Pie Contest at Blackadder Brewing Company
Saturday, March 11, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Reggae Sunday at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Sunday, March 12, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmers Markets
U-Pick Strawberries at Crossroads Farm and Apiary
Friday, March 10 – Saturday, March 11, 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
Live Music, Free Food, Free Swag at the Grand Opening of Hot Birdies Chicken
Thursday, March 9, 10:30 a.m.
Farm-to-Table Benefit Dinner at Frog Song Organics
Thursday, March 9, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
1998 Throwback Pricing at the 25th Anniversary of Tazikis Mediterranean Cafe
Now through Sunday, March 12
(sold out) Chef Dinner and Wine Pairing Cooking Demonstration at the Fat Tuscan
Friday, March 10, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Brunch with Eddy’s Patty at Bragging Rights
Sunday, March 12, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Special Pies at Pi(e) Day at Uppercrust and Petit Uppercrust
Tuesday, March 14, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Superette Wine and Provisions
Thursday, March 2, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask
Thursday, March 2, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Flight to Europe Wine and Macron Pairing at Le Macaron
Saturday, March 11, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Drink and Taco Specials at the Grand Opening of Las Carretas
Wednesday, March 15, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sports
Meet and Greet 2022 NHRA Rookie of the Year Camrie Caruso at Covey Kitchen and Cocktails
Thursday, March 9, 5 p.m. – 7 pm.
Gators Game Day Locker Room Tours at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
Friday, March 10, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Gators Softball Bubly Invitational at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium
Friday, March 10 – Sunday, March 12
Gators Baseball vs. Siena at Condron Family Ballpark
Friday, March 10, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 11, 4 p.m.
Sunday, March 12, 1 p.m.
Funtastic Fridays Archery at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, March 3, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Precision 3D Archery Challenge at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Saturday, March 11, 9 a.m.
Parks & Trails
Accessible Tram Tours at Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Ongoing, Check for Availability
Thursday, March 2, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Tuesday, March 7, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
History and Lore Hike with Adventure Outpost at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Friday, March 10, 10 a.m.
Weekly Walk and Talk with Alachua Conservation Trust at Prairie Creek Preserve
Friday, March 10, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Free Timed 5K at Depot Park parkrun
Saturday, March 11, 7:30 a.m.
Ranger Led Walking Tour at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Saturday, March 11, 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Rim Ramble Ranger-Led Adventure at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Saturday, March 11, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Wednesday Bird Walks at the Wetlands at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Wednesday, March 15, 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
Burn It Down: Communications of Resistance Opening Reception at 4Most Gallery
Friday, March 10, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Now on View: LAiZY, Experiments in ARTificial Intelligence at UF Grinter Gallery
Now through March 17
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
Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival at Santa Fe College, April 1-2
Gators Football Orange and Blue Game, April 13
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.
