What’s Good in Gainesville and Alachua County, September 30 – October 6, 2021
Add outdoor adventures to your weekend with What’s Good. Roam freely at the Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Open House. Explore fauna, flora and history with guided tours through Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens and Morningside Nature Center. Plus, find zucchini cornbread, zucchini ice cream, and everything zuke at the 37th Annual Windsor Zucchini Festival!
Area performing arts theatres and live music stages will keep you delighted and entertained, from up close and personal performances by the Dance Alive National Ballet at the Cade Museum to the cabaret-style setting performances UpStage at the UF Phillips Center and the opening of The Turn of the Screw at the High Springs Playhouse. Indie Live rocks the outdoor stage at Heartwood Soundstage and area bands create an uplifting atmosphere for a tribute to the life of beloved Amelia’s chef and owner Andy Fass at “Tunes to Table.”
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. 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.
Go UpStage for an Intimate Pop Rock Performance and Songs of the Underground Railroad
Thursday, September 30, Friday, October 1, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Royal Wood a Juno Award-nominated musician delivers his story-driven pop-rock tunes on Thursday. On Friday, Lifeline Quartet celebrates African-American spirituals from the Civil War era. UpStage is an intimate, cabaret-style setting on the Phillips Center Mainstage. The 7:00 p.m. seatings include heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar; 9:00 p.m. seatings include desserts and cash bar.
Celebrate Everything Zuke at the 37th Annual Windsor Zucchini Festival
Saturday, October 2 – Sunday, October 3, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Windsor Volunteer Fire Dept.
1401 CR 234, Gainesville, FL 32641
Benefitting the Windsor Volunteer Fire Department and Melrose Volunteer Fire Department, the annual Zucchini Festival brings together over 100 arts & crafts vendors, live music, BBQ, fried zucchini, zucchini cornbread, zucchini ice cream and activities for the entire family.
Get Up Close and Personal with Henry the Rhino, Tank the Tiger and Their Wildest Friends at the Carson Springs Open House
October 2, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
8528 CR 225, Gainesville, FL 32609
Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation hosts a Wild Adventure Open House. See big cat feeding demonstrations, an entertaining bird show, reptile interactions and grab a bite of your own at food trucks onsite.
Voted Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice 2021, reviews from travelers placed Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation in the top 10 percent of attractions worldwide. Carson Springs is located on 275 acres of lush Florida woods and farmland. It is home to approximately 30 rare and endangered species and over 100 animals.
Celebrate the Life of Chef and Musician Andy Fass at Tunes to Table
Saturday, October 2, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza
Downtown Gainesville
If you ever dined at Amelia’s Italian Restaurant in downtown Gainesville, you enjoyed Chef Andy’s two passions in life: great food and great music. “Tunes to Table: A Tribute to Andy Fass” features both of Andy’s passions in a gathering to honor his life and to share memories. Food options include Amelia’s tomato basil baguettes and chocolate-chocolate cupcakes created by Uppercrust and more. Musical performances include members of 9 miles, The Captives, MindRise, the Gator Band Alumni, Future Urban Funk, DJ Drew Love, and more. The celebration is open to the public. All are welcome.
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.
Take a Haunting Journey to 19th Century England at the Stage Adaptation of Turn of the Screw
Friday, October 1 through Sunday, October 24 | High Springs Playhouse
23416 W US Hwy 27, High Springs, FL 32643
Isolated in a sprawling manor, a governess is hired to watch a precocious young brother and sister in this haunting adaptation of the Henry James classic. Though the governess bonds with the children, she quickly begins to suspect something is wrong when she sees figures of the former governess and caretaker – both supposedly deceased.
Get Swept Away with University of Florida Concert Bands at Fanfares, Songs and Dances
Thursday, September 30, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m | University Auditorium
333 Newell Dr., Gainesville, FL 32603
The return of live concerts from the UF Wind Symphony and UF Symphonic Band features guest conductor Dr. John Cody Birdwell, Director of Bands at the University of Kentucky.
Explore Nature and Spot Wildlife on a Ranger-Led Tour at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Saturday, October 2, 8:30 a.m. | Sweetwater Wetlands Park
325 SW Williston Rd., Gainesville, FL 32601
Join a park ranger to see birds, alligators and more wildlife on the trails at Sweetwater Wetlands Park. The ranger-led tour is free with general park admission and includes a one-mile walk that lasts about an hour. Bring water, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes. Pre-registration is required.
(Registration Full) Learn to Identify Native Blooms at Morningside’s Wildflower Guided Walk
Saturday, October 2, 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Morningside Nature Center
3540 E University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32641
Jean Dorney Memorial Wildflower Walks are free and take place every Saturday in October. The pine forest of Morningside Nature Center provides a scenic landscape for wildflower blooms. Pre-registration is required.
Tour the 120-Foot Sinkhole on a Guided Walk at Devils Millhopper
Saturday, October 2, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. | Devils Millhopper Geological State Park
4732 Millhopper Rd., Gainesville, FL 32653
Explore the park and learn about Florida’s geology and natural history. The sinkhole leads down past lush vegetation and streams to a miniature rainforest. The National Natural Landmark has attracted curious visitors since the 1880s.
See New Fall Blooms on a Guided Walk at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
October 2, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
4700 SW 58th Dr., Gainesville, FL 32608
Changes in the fall season bring a refreshed landscape to the gardens. Kanapaha Botanical Gardens has 24 major collections featuring the largest public display of bamboo in Florida, the largest herb garden in the southeast and more – showcased along a pet-friendly, meandering 1.5-mile paved walkway throughout the lush 68-acre property.
Find Live Music, Great Food and Vintage Finds at the Sycamore Lane Market
Friday, October 1, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. – Saturday, October 2, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Sycamore Lane
3824 SW 170th St., Archer, FL 32618
The seasonal outdoor market features over 50 vendors with unique, affordable vintage goods from furniture and decor to arts and clothing. Grab a bite and a drink from food trucks. Enjoy live music Friday night starting at 5 p.m.
Soak Up an Evening of Local Indie and Alternative Rock at the Indie Live Outdoor Concert Series
Friday, October 1, 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Heartwood Soundstage and Swamp Records present Arrows in Action, Parrotfish and Driveaway. Friday is also the release of the “Be More” EP from Arrows in Action. Grab a treat from a food truck and enjoy plenty of space to enjoy the bands.
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.
Raise a Glass and Celebrate Oktoberfest at Local Breweries
Friday, October 1 – Saturday, October 2
Swamp Head Brewery hosts its annual party on Friday beginning at 4 p.m. with Stubbies Pop-Up Sausages, Uppercrust, new German-styles beer releases and 1L steins filled with Oktoberfest Lager.
First Magnitude Brewing Company opens its doors at 12 p.m. on Saturday with a lineup of German-style beers and food from Stubbies Pop-Up Sausages and Humble Wood Fire, Gators Football on the big screen, and brass music from Klezmer Katz and Sooza Brass Band.
Cypress and Grove Brewing Company celebrates with new beers, good food and outdoor games starting at 12 p.m. on Saturday.
Tap Your Boots to Country Music with Aaron Charles Band at the Legacy Park Concert Fall Series
October 2, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Legacy Park Amphitheatre
15400 Peggy Rd., Alachua, FL 32615
The City of Alachua hosts the outdoor concert series at the Legacy Park Amphitheatre. Bring a chair or spread a blanket on the lawn for a concert under the stars. Food and drinks available from food trucks and concessions.
Celebrate a Weekend of Fall Family Fun at the Roger’s Farm Fall Festival
Saturday, October 2, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday, October 3, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Roger’s Farm
3831 NW 156th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32609
Roger’s Farm hosts weekend fun in October with fun activities including bounce houses and obstacle course, corn maze, spooky trail, train rides and more. Visit the pumpkin patch and bring home the perfect seasonal squash.
Jeté for Joy with a Meet and Greet and a Special Up Close Performance by the Dance Alive National Ballet
Friday, October 1, 6:30 p.m. | Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention
811 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Enjoy the evening with dance performances, live auction, hors d’oeuvres from Sweetwater Catering and Latin beats and live percussion from Elio Piedra. Proceeds benefit Dance Alive National Ballet. Photo by Johnston Photography
Experience 1800s Farm Life with an Interactive Living History Farm Guided Tour
Saturday, October 2, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. | Morningside Nature Center
3540 E University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32641
Help draw water from the well and meet heritage-breed farm animals in the barnyard. The all-ages tour includes the one-room schoolhouse and cabin and lasts about an hour with time for Q&A. Pre-registration is required.
Get On Up with Little Jake and the Soul Searchers at the Free Fridays Concert Series
Friday, October 1, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza
Downtown Gainesville
Little Jake & The Soul Searchers is what you get when you combine “Mr. Excitement” Jake Mitchell with The Silver-Sonic Horns and a powerful rhythm section. Members of the band have performed with Ike and Tina Turner, Irma Thomas, Ernie K Doe, Hues Corporation, and other R&B and rock pioneers. The band treats audiences to a wide and varied catalog of songs from the golden age of R&B.
The Free Fridays Concert Series is the region’s longest-running free outdoor concert series featuring local and regional talent. Grab dinner at a downtown Gainesville restaurant, and find a cozy spot on the Bo Diddley Plaza lawn to enjoy a live music concert every Friday night through October.
Photo by Randy Batista
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Arts & Theatre
An Evening with Abolitionists Frederick Douglass and Captain John Brown at A. Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Center
Friday, October 1 – Saturday, October 2, 7:30 p.m.
Ceramics Workshops at Studio TM
Sip N’ Spin
Friday, October 1, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Mommy and Me Clay Hour Pumpkin Party
Saturday, October 2, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
UF Viola Day Masterclass Workshop for Students and Adult Learners
Saturday, October 2, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Comics Foundations Class with Andi Santagata at Sequential Artists Workshop
Monday, October 4 and Wednesday, October 6, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Minari at the Hippodrome Cinema
Now through October 3
Rocky Horror Picture Show Live on Stage at High Dive
Wednesday, October 6, 8 p.m.
Crime Mystery Murder for Two at the Hippodrome Theatre
Now through October 3
Get Drawn Into a Touching Story Within a Story Live on Stage at BKLYN: The Musical at Acrosstown Repertory Theatre
Now through October 3
Follow Along with a Mid-Life Change of Pace at the Stage Performance of The Roommate at Actors’ Warehouse
Now through October 3
Follow the Life of Celie at The Color Purple, The Musical at Star Center Theatre
Now through Sunday, October 10
Pop-Up Markets
Hollow Oaks Corn Maze
Friday, October 1 – Sunday, November 7
Newberry Cornfield Maze
Now through October 30
Peanut Patch and Corn Maze
Saturday, October 2 – Sunday, October 31
Tom Petty Tribute Party and Ride for PTSD Awareness at Gainesville Harley-Davidson
Saturday, October 2, 12 p.m.
Hispanic Heritage Month Guided Zoo Tour in Spanish at Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
Sunday, October 3, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Pop-Up Markets
Mini Moonlight Market at The AUK Market
Friday, October 1, 6 p.m.
Bazar À La Carte with The HOW BAZAR at the Historic Seagle Building
Saturday, October 2, 4 p.m., Sunday, October 3, 12 p.m.
Music & Performance
Classic Rock and Blues with Mike Johnson and Brad Burns at One Love Cafe
Thursday, September 30, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Indie Rock with The Late Night Losers, Candlelight Cassia, Clay Dixon and the Piccadilles at High Dive
Thursday, September 30, 8 p.m.
Thursday Comedy Show and Open Mic at Flaco’s
Thursday, September 30, 8 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Country Music with Noah Hunton at Crafty Bastards Restaurant & Pub
Thursday, September 30, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Classic Rock with The Couch Messiahs at One Love Cafe
Friday, October 1, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Groove and Funk with Chillula at Mother’s Pub & Grill North
Friday, October 1, 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Cypher Fridays at Swamp City Gallery Lounge
Friday, October 1, 8 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Country and Hip Hop with OverTime at High Dive
Friday, October 1, 8 p.m. – 11:45 p.m.
Americana Duo Winnie Blues at Lightnin Salvage
Friday, October 1, 6 p.m.
Southern Rock with Good Voodoo at Pink Flamingo Diner
Friday, October 1, 7 p.m.
October Social Swing Dance with Vintage Dance Company at Salsa Mundial
Friday, October 1, 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Americana with Bohemian Sunshine, Kyle Keller, Austin Brockner Band at Fox Lounge
Friday, October 1, 9 p.m.
Americana with Mr. Aullie at 4th Ave Food Park
Saturday, October 2, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Americana and Country Music with Matt Woods & The Natural Disasters, Jamie Davis and Hannah Aldridge at Loosey’s
Saturday, October 2, 7 p.m. – 11:45 p.m.
Rock and Roll with Hired Guns at Pink Flamingo Diner
Saturday, October 2, 7 p.m.
Celebrate National Ballroom Week at the Black and White Ball at Rena’s Ballroom
Saturday, October 2, 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Motown and Classic Rock with Raftus Brown and the Melrose Horns at One Love Café
Sunday, October 3, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Guitarist Richy Stano at 4th Ave Food Park
Sunday, October 3, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Punk Rock with The Bitters at High Dive
Saturday, October 2, 8 p.m.
Hard Rock with The Lonely Ones at High Dive
Tuesday, October 5, 7 p.m.
Tankard Tuesday Comedy Show at The Midnight Underground
Tuesday, October 5, 8:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Country Music with Cliff Dorsey at Woodyard Grill
Wednesday, October 6, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Bottomless Mimosas at Big Top Brewing Company
Saturday, October 2-3, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sooza Brass Band and Mystery Masala Food Truck at Cypress & Grove Brewing Company
Friday, October 1, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
8th Annual Hogtown 5K Beer Run with Swamp Head Brewery at Haile Plantation
Saturday, October 2, 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Brainaholics Trivia at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Tuesday, October 5, 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Trivia Night at Blackadder Brewing Company
Wednesday, October 6, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmer’s Markets
Cypress & Grove Farmer’s Market
Mondays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
One Love Cafe Local Market
Wednesdays, 4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
GNV Market at Heartwood Soundstage Featuring Live Music
Thursdays, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
High Springs Farmer’s Market
Fridays, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Newberry Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Alachua County Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Haile 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:
Mi Apa Latin Café, Jonesville
14209 W Newberry Rd. Suite B, Newberry, FL 32669
Authentic Cuban recipes and Cuban coffee now open in Jonesville, located West of Gainesville.
The Patio: Pizza & Provisions
5 SE 2nd Ave., Gainesville FL 32601
Pizza, salads and sandwiches open for lunch and dinner with an outdoor patio in downtown Gainesville
Wobtoberfest at World of Beer
Friday, October 1 – Saturday, October 2, 5 p.m. – 12 a.m.
An Afternoon of Pasta Making Cooking Class at The Fat Tuscan
Wednesday, October 6, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Dine at Local Restaurants, Enjoy Outdoor Seating or Grab a Meal To-Go
Dine-in or take advantage of additional outdoor seating expanded onto sidewalks like “GNV Commons” in downtown Gainesville.
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
Grass Volleyball Tournament and Cornhole with Gainesville Volleyball at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Saturday, October 2, 9 a.m.
Two-Day Basketball Scoring College for Grades 7-12 at Legacy Park Multipurpose Center
Saturday, October 2, 2 p.m. – 8 p.m., Sunday, October 3, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Gators Volleyball vs. Ole Miss
Saturday, October 2, 3 p.m., Sunday, October 5, 1 p.m.
USSSA Baseball and NSA Softball at Champions Park
Saturday, October 2 – Sunday, October 3
Gators Soccer vs. Mississippi
Sunday, October 5, 3 p.m.
Parks & Trails
Tour the Historic Home of Pulitzer-Prize Winning Author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
Starting Friday, October 1, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Frogs and Friends Fridays at Morningside Nature Center
Friday, October 1, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m., registration required
Timed 5K at Depot Park with parkrun
Saturday, October 2, 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Run 4 Recovery with UF Health at Depot Park
Saturday, October 2, 9 a.m.
Wednesday Bird Walks at the Wetlands
Wednesday, October 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
More than 100 Species of Florida and Pollinator-Friendly Plants at the Florida Museum of Natural History Fall Plant Sale
Friday, October 1 – Saturday, October 2, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, October 4, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
You-Me-Us Closing Reception at Hotel Indigo
Friday, October 1, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Plural Domains Exhibit Discussion at the Harn Museum of Art
Saturday, October 2, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
View a Dynamic Pairing of Written Poems and Stories in Response to Painting at Synergy at GFAA Gallery
Tuesday – Friday, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
New at the Florida Museum of Natural History: Look at the Lives of Dinosaurs through their Nests at Tiny Titans: Dinosaur Eggs and Babies
Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.View authentic specimens from around the world, touch real bones and see lifelike models of eggs, embryos and hatchlings at egg-citing new exhibit. The Tiny Titans exhibit is bilingual. Photo courtesy Silver Plume Exhibitions.
View More Than 50 Paintings Composing a Visual History of the State at Florida Impressions: Gift of Samuel H. and Roberta T. Vickers at the Harn Museum of Art
Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Explore the World of Toys and Games, and Learn About the Language of Measurement at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
Thursday – Friday, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
View a Powerful Display of Paintings at the Libertad (Freedom) Exhibition Cofrin Gallery
Now through October 15
Between Heaven & Earth – The Paintings of Alyne Harris at Thomas Center Galleries
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Trailblazers: 150 Years of Alachua County Women at the Matheson History Museum
Wednesday – Saturday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Save The Date
UF Homecoming and Gator Growl, October 8
FABA Annual Blacksmithing Conference, October 8-10
City of Waldo Fall Festival, October 15
36th Annual Art Festival at Thornebrook, October 16-17
Farm to Table Dinner at Swallowtail Farm, October 23
European Car Show at Butler Town Center, October 23
Halloween Drive-Thru at Carson Springs, October 30-31
The Fest, October 29-31
Micanopy Fall Festival, October 30-31
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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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.
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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.
