Events in Gainesville & Alachua County
Turn up the volume on What’s Good® with live music, festivals and creative energy. Thursday’s Art After Dark: Liberty & Art for All at the Harn Museum of Art celebrates America’s 250th anniversary with live performances and hands-on activities. Keep that weekend rhythm going with Dirty Chai, Creative Vibes and Sir Flame at the Free Fridays Concert at Bo Diddley Plaza and with a flavorful lineup of festivals, from the 2nd Annual Gainesville Food & Music Festival to the Taste of the Caribbean Food Truck Festival and Mango Fest.
Plan your next adventure with Visit Gainesville, Alachua County’s new Pedal, Paddle, Pub guide.
Search listings below for more of What’s Good®.
Events & Festivals
Jul 15
America 250 LEGO Space
Tower Road Library Branch
Jul 16
Summer Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math Crafts
Alachua County Library District Headquarters
Jul 16
Friends Night at Samba Brazilian Kitchen
Samba Brazilian Kitchen
Jul 16
“The Python Hunt”
Hippodrome Cinema
Jul 16
“Trainspotting” 30th Anniversary 4K Restoration
Hippodrome Cinema
Music & Performance
Jul 17
Jul 17
Jul 17
Folk Americana with The Wire Birds & Maggie Clifford
Heartwood Soundstage
Jul 24
Indie Rock with Walking Blue, Hello Sister, Project Dumb & Palova
Heartwood Soundstage
Jul 24
Nirvana Tribute by Smells Like Nirvana
The Wooly
Arts & Theater
Jul 16
“Newsies” the Broadway Musical
Ripple Theatricals
Jul 16
Jul 17
“Newsies” the Broadway Musical
Ripple Theatricals
Jul 17
Opening Weekend of “Heathers: The Musical” at Gainesville Community Playhouse. July 7-August 9, 2026
Gainesville Community Playhouse
Jul 18
“Newsies” the Broadway Musical
Ripple Theatricals
Seasonal
Jul 15
Stitching the Revolution
Archer Library Branch
Jul 16
Stitching the Revolution
Archer Library Branch
Jul 17
Stitching the Revolution
Archer Library Branch
Jul 18
Stitching the Revolution
Archer Library Branch
Jul 18
Haile Farmers Market
Haile Village Center
Craft Breweries
Jul 15
Swamp Head Brewery – Line Dancing
Swamp Head Brewery
Jul 16
Swamp Head Brewery – BINGO Benefitting Keep Alachua County Beautiful
Swamp Head Brewery
Jul 18
First Magnitude Brewing Co. – Swamp Boogie
First Magnitude Brewing Company
Jul 19
Blackadder Brewing – The Final Watch Party
Blackadder Brewing Company
Jul 20
Swamp Head Brewery – Trivia Night
Swamp Head Brewery
Pop-Up Markets
Jul 21
Archer Farmers Market at the Historic Depot
Archer Depot
Jul 28
Archer Farmers Market at the Historic Depot
Archer Depot
Aug 1
WAHS Waldo Monthly Market
Waldo City Square
Aug 4
Archer Farmers Market at the Historic Depot
Archer Depot
Aug 11
Archer Farmers Market at the Historic Depot
Archer Depot
Museum & Galleries
Jul 16
Little Sparks at the Cade Museum
The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
Jul 18
Little Sparks at the Cade Museum
The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
Jul 18
High Springs Historical Society Museum
High Springs Historical Society Museum
Jul 19
Little Sparks at the Cade Museum
The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
Jul 19
Nocturnal Neighbors: Insect Diversity and Puppets
Field & Fork Office
Outdoors
Jul 17
Teen Summit: From Passion to Profession
Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
Jul 18
Zookeeper Day
Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
Jul 18
Zookeeper Day
Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
Jul 18
Carson Springs Wildlife Foundation Guided Tour Experience
Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
Jul 20
Monday Night Rally Run Club
The Queens Arms Pub
Sports & Fans
Jul 15
Open Pickleball Nights Serve Up a New Way to be Active, June 3 – July 29
Alachua County Sports & Events Center
Jul 15
Newberry Pickleball Open Gym
Easton Newberry Sports Complex
Jul 18
Open Gym at Easton Newberry Sports Complex
Easton Newberry Sports Complex
Jul 18
Summer Fun Series at High Springs BMX
High Springs BMX
Jul 22
Open Pickleball Nights Serve Up a New Way to be Active, June 3 – July 29
Alachua County Sports & Events Center
Farmers Markets
Jul 17
High Springs Farmers Market
High Springs Farmer’s Market
Jul 18
Haile Farmers Market
Haile Village Center
Jul 18
Alachua County Farmers Market
Alachua County Farmers Market
Jul 20
Grove Street Farmers Market
Cypress & Grove Brewing Company
Jul 24
High Springs Farmers Market
High Springs Farmer’s Market
Workshops & Educational
Jul 15
Stitching the Revolution
Archer Library Branch
Jul 15
America 250 Patriotic Friendship Bracelets
Waldo Library Branch
Jul 15
WACKY Wednesdays
Alachua Branch
Jul 16
Stitching the Revolution
Archer Library Branch
Jul 16
Summer at the Library – Alachua County Headquarters Branch: Bats at the Library
Alachua County Library District Headquarters
Bites & Brunch
Jul 16
Friends Night at Samba Brazilian Kitchen
Samba Brazilian Kitchen
Jul 17
Jul 19
Afternoon High Tea
Sweetwater Branch Inn
Jul 21
Summer Dinner @ Bingo Deli & Pub
Bingo Deli and Pub
Jul 23
Friends Night at Samba Brazilian Kitchen
Samba Brazilian Kitchen
Looking for the best events in Gainesville and Alachua County? Welcome to What’s Good, your go-to guide for discovering things to do throughout the week and beyond. From live performances and sporting events to festivals and family-friendly activities, there is always something happening across North Central Florida.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, looking for things to do tonight, or exploring local culture, What’s Good highlights the top experiences that make Gainesville and Alachua County a vibrant destination year-round.
Things to Do in Gainesville This Week
Step into What’s Good with a fast-paced lineup of high-energy performances, competitive sporting events, and can’t-miss entertainment. Experience suspense and sharp humor with Accomplice, a twist-filled theatrical production at the Hippodrome Theatre that keeps audiences guessing from curtain to call.
Sports fans can cheer on top athletes at the NAIA National Championships hosted at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center, where elite competitors showcase skill, determination, and championship-level performance. Nearby at Celebration Pointe, the USA Track & Field Race Walk Championships brings endurance and speed to the spotlight in a unique and exciting competition.
For motorsports enthusiasts, the legendary NHRA Gatornationals returns to Gainesville Raceway, launching the drag racing season with four days of high-speed action and adrenaline-pumping excitement.
Families can enjoy the Alachua County Youth Fair, a beloved local tradition filled with rides, games, food vendors, and entertainment for all ages.
Explore More Events and Activities
Beyond these featured events, Gainesville and Alachua County offer a wide variety of activities for visitors and locals alike. Discover live music performances, art exhibits, farmers’ markets, food festivals, and outdoor adventures happening throughout the area. Whether you’re interested in cultural experiences, sporting events, or relaxing outdoor activities, there’s always something new to explore.

The region is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with performances, galleries, and community events taking place year-round. Visitors can enjoy everything from theater productions and live concerts to local art walks and pop-up events in downtown Gainesville.
For a full calendar of events and updated listings, explore the official Visit Gainesville events page:
https://www.visitgainesville.com/events/
Plan Your Visit to Gainesville and Alachua County
Conveniently located in North Central Florida, Gainesville is home to a dynamic mix of culture, sports, and outdoor recreation. Visitors can explore nearby parks and scenic trails before heading to an event in the evening. The combination of natural beauty and lively entertainment makes this area a top destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and excitement.
Whether you’re attending a major sporting event, enjoying a live performance, or discovering a local festival, What’s Good helps you stay connected to the best happenings in the region.
Stay Connected with What’s Good
Check back regularly to see what’s happening next and discover new events in Gainesville and Alachua County. With something always on the calendar, it’s easy to find your next experience and make the most of your time in the area.
Start exploring today and see what’s good this week.