Make your plans for the last weekend in August with the What’s Good event guide, featuring our recommendations for enjoying the great outdoors with the Top 5 Shaded Family-Friendly and Dog-Friendly Trails. Score limited-release vinyl at Record Store Day at Hear Again Records, visit educational and inspirational museums, enjoy blues and rock music en plein air at Celebration Pointe, visit virtual ArtWalk exhibits with a fantastic live ambient soundtrack by Matthew Fowler, plus check out the menu at the newly opened Foc’sle featuring global cuisine, the grand opening celebration of The Hatchetbury axe-throwing bar, and much more.
Wear your mask and stay at safe physical distances while you enjoy the most of each day. Please adhere to public safety guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Be safe and be well,– Your partners at Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
The below information was accurate at the time of publishing. Due to the current fluctuating environment, please contact organizers directly to double-check details.
Safety First. Be Informed About COVID19
In Alachua County, certain types of businesses require masks. Masks or face coverings are also required when social distancing is not possible. For additional details on the requirement as well as any exemption information please read the latest Alachua County Emergency Order.
For additional Coronavirus (COVID-19) information, visit the Alachua County COVID19 Community Resource Portal, the Alachua County Facebook page, call the Coronavirus Information Line at 866-779-6121, visit the Florida Department of Health website, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Trek Through Cool Trails: Top 5 Family-Friendly and Dog-Friendly Shaded 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.
To get you started, we have compiled a list of shaded, family and dog friendly nature trails for all skill levels. From the urban park in the middle of Gainesville to the natural wonders at Florida’s first state park, there is truly something for everyone.
Click here and hit the trails.
Score a Record Haul of Exclusive Vinyl Music at Record Store Day
Saturday, August 29, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Hear Again Records
201 SE 1 St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Record Store Day is a big deal for music collectors and fans of vinyl records. In 2020, releases have been split across 3 dates August – October, view the RSD release schedule here. For a safe buying experience, only a few shoppers will be allowed in the store at a time. Masks, sanitized hands and gloves are required to enter the store. Plan ahead for your Record Store Day haul and view more details on the Facebook event page.
For more of the timely entertainment information you love, follow us on Instagram and Facebook for daily updates and re-shares of your inspiring photos. Tag us at #whatsgoodalachuacounty.
Book Your Labor Day Weekend Getaway in a Historic Bed and Breakfast and Save 30%
A private cottage or suite at the Camelia Rose Inn, located in Gainesville’s Historic Bed and Breakfast district, may be the ideal way to getaway for Labor Day weekend while still practicing social distancing. Book by September 30, using code VR30 and get 30 percent off any private cottages or the Historic Hodges House suite.
After your reservation is set, plan a day to play visiting museums, shopping, the UF cultural plaza, or if you’re an outdoor enthusiast try tubing or kayaking in the cool springs and rivers or hike, bike or go birding on one of the many shaded trails. Visit www.camelliaroseinn.com to view room and amenities.
Energize Your Weekend with Little Mike and the Tornadoes at Playlist at the Pointe
Friday, August 28, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4949 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Little Mike and the Tornadoes are an American blues and rock and roll band from New York City with a high-energy blues sound, modeled after the Chicago bands in the 1950s. Pull up a chair or throw down a blanket and enjoy the music as the sun sets. Food and beverages available from Celebration Pointe restaurants.
Aim Your Axe at the Bullseye and Celebrate the Grand Opening of The Hatchetbury Axe Throwing Bar
Saturday, August 29, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. | The Hatchetbury213 NW 8th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Gainesville’s newest recreational activity unique challenge of skill and technique. Let off some steam by throwing axes at wooden targets. Saturday’s grand opening event features a selfie station photo booth, live DJ, food truck and will raise funds for Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary. Reserve your axe-throwing lane for 1 or 2 hours at Hatchetbury.com.
Spark Wonder, Discover Florida’s Ancient Past and Examine Art Collections at a Local Museum
The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention engages and inspires by captivating the minds, hearts, and hands of inventors of all ages. The museum is open Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Learn more and plan your visit at CadeMuseum.org
Over 600 works of art are displayed at the Harn Museum of Art. Current exhibits include surreal art inspired by Alice in Wonderland with Dreaming Alice: Maggie Taylor Through the Looking-Glass, an exploration of metal objects in African communities with Peace, Power and Prestige: Metal Arts in Africa and a reflection of time and its many meanings with Tempus Fugit:: 光陰矢の如し:: Time Flies.
The museum is open Thursday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Plan your visit at Harn.ufl.edu Located next door to the Harn Museum, the Florida Museum of Natural History features Florida’s fossils, native cultures of South Florida, flora and fauna of Northwest Florida and more. Walk through a rainforest setting among flying butterflies, blooming flowers and waterfalls at the Butterfly Rainforest. The museum is open daily, Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Gaze Into the Complexities of the Human Experience with a Virtual Artwalk Event
Friday, August 28, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Online Event with Gainesville Fine Arts Association
Celebrate the opening of the online exhibition “The Human Race” featuring regional artists exploring the theme of humanity. Friday night’s event also includes live music from Matthew Fowler, access from the GFAA Facebook page. Featured above: “Working/Not Working” by Alfred Phillips, “Young Ethiopian Ambassadors” by Jane Polkowski and “All Man’s Desires” by Michael Frommer.
Jazz Up the Start of Your Week at Jazzy Mondays
Monday, August 31, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | The Keys Grill and Piano Bar
4860 Celebration Pointe Ave. #30, Gainesville, FL 32608
The Keys pairs delicious bites and cocktails with jazzy grooves. An ensemble of Gainesville’s best talent plays live every Monday night.
Travel Around the World with Global Cuisine with Gainesville Flair at Foc’sle Now Open
Wednesday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sundays, 2 p.m. – 9 p.m.
12 W University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Two U.S. Navy veterans opened a new restaurant named after the forward section and gathering place on a ship, the Foc’sle. The menu includes Korean Wings, Roasted Beet Burger, Yakitori Skewers, Croque Madame and more creative and diverse offerings. Online ordering is available here.
Get Loud as Trucks Put on a Display of Power and Fling Mud at the FTI Mud Racing Series
Saturday, August 29, 1 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Waldo Motorsports
16258 NE US Hwy. 301, Waldo, FL 32694
FTI Mud Racing Series hosts a day of horsepower at the track. The fastest 1-ton and mega trucks in the country will roar down the track.
Go Birding Virtually and Tune Into a Live “Bird Cast”
Thursday, August 27, 6:30 p.m. | Online Event with Alachua Audubon Society
The weekly broadcast highlights local news and notes, observations and occurrences from birding experts. Fall migration is already off a start, find out about the latest developments and tune in on Facebook.
Did you know that Alachua County was listed as having the largest North American Inland Bird Count in 2018? Find information about the top birding sites in Alachua County.
Listen to a Playlist of Summertime Fun with Big Owl and Tony at Gainesville LIVE!
Friday, August 28, 8 pm. – 10 p.m. | Online Event with Free Fridays Concert Series
Musicians Tony Rudolph and Allan Lowe feature a mix of originals and covers to end summer on a high note. Access the livestream on Facebook.
Gainesville LIVE! is brought to you by the City of Gainesville as a temporary way to share with the public the joy of the Free Fridays Concert Series. The series typically takes place from May to October when hundreds of visitors and locals head to the Bo Diddley Plaza in downtown Gainesville to listen and dance to a superb assembly of bands and talented musicians. It is the region’s longest running free outdoor live music series.
Farmers Market – Union Street Market at Celebration Pointe
Wednesday, September 2, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4949 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
This week the Union Street Farmer’s Market at Celebration Pointe features late-season watermelons, salad mix, radishes, okra, collard greens, summer squash and more. Fresh-cut flowers, local honey and a variety of freshly prepared foods can round-out your shopping trip. Live music from the stage starts at 4 p.m.
Create Your Own Adventure with a Paddle Trip on the Santa Fe River and Discover Springs, Scenery, and Wildlife
Open Daily | Santa Fe Canoe Outpost
21410 NW US Hwy. 441, High Springs, FL 32643
Cruise down the Santa Fe River in your stress-free time capsule… err, we mean in your canoe, kayak or stand up paddleboard. All three are available for rent from the Santa Fee Canoe Outpost. Go up river for a leisurely ride back or explore several freshwater springs located downriver. Reservations are required. See trip times and safety measures here.
Explore Additional Parks and Trails Bike, Hike or Just Change Your View – Explore Gainesville and Alachua County’s Bountiful Outdoor Open Spaces
Find the park that suits you best! Most of the parks and trails in Alachua County have reopened including – Alachua County Parks, Playgrounds and Preserves including Poe Springs Friday-Sunday, city parks, Alachua Conservation Trust preserves and all Florida State Parks.
Find the list of Alachua County Parks and Preserves here.
Find our What’s Good Now list of additional open spaces to explore here.
When enjoying the outdoors, please strictly adhere to public health safety guidelines, keep 6 feet away from others, avoid large groups of people and follow all State and local ordinances. Note that due to the changing environment and regulations, open hours are subject to change and some facilities may not be available.
Arts & Theatre
Virtual Launch Event of the UF Center for Arts, Migration + Entrepreneurship
Thursday, August 27, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Music & Performance
Live Stand Up Comedy Night at Flaco’s
Thursday, August 27, 7:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Popular Covers with Bill & Miguel at One Love Cafe
Thursday, August 27, 6 p.m.
Classic Rock with Crooked Counsel at One Love Cafe
Friday, August 28, 6 p.m.
Stand-Up Comedy Live Stream with High Dive
Thursday, August 27, 7:30 p.m.
World Music from Maha & The Lions, Sooza, Broskis Live Stream with High Dive
Friday, August 28, 8 p.m.
Folk Music and More from Lauren and Friends at One Love Cafe
Saturday, August 29, 12 p.m.
Rock Music with Whiskey Jones at One Love Cafe
Saturday, August 29, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Country Music with Chris McNeil Live at Crafty Bastards Restaurant & Pub
Saturday, August 29, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Party with Punk Music at Bummer Summer, Streaming Live with Fest
Sunday, August 30, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Maca Reggae Samba presented by MusicGNV
Monday, August 31, 7 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Order Craft Beer To Go
Scotty Lee Williams Plays Country and Rock Originals and Covers at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, August 28, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Virtual Brainaholics Trivia by First Magnitude Brewing Company
Tuesday, September 1, 6:30 p.m. – 7: 30 p.m.
Beer Bingo Tuesday at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Tuesday, September 1, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
$6 Burger Wednesday at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Wednesday, September 2, 12 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Trivia Night at Blackadder Brewing Company Gainesville
Wednesday, September 2, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Wine Pops at Island Grove Wine Company Tasting House
U-Picks & Farmer’s Markets
Cypress & Grove Farmers Market
Mondays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Haile Farmer’s Market at Haile Village Center
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Alachua County 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
Making Flavored Pastas and Classic Sauces Cooking Class at The Fat Tuscan (sold out)
Friday, August 28, 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Pre-Order Fresh Flavors with Café Baskets from The Fat Tuscan
Order Friday for Wednesday Pickup
Dine at Local Restaurants and Enjoy New Outside Seating Options
Some restaurants are welcoming diners back into their dining rooms. You may also notice additional outdoor seating expanded onto sidewalks, into parking lots or into the street.
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
Aim for the Bullseye at Funtastic Fridays
Friday, August 28, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Easton Newberry Archery Center
24880 NW 16 Ave., Newberry, FL 32669
Join the most fun you can have with a bow for open shooting and archery games including tic-tac-toe, battle ship, bowling with bows and more. A free orientation is required and is offered at 5 p.m.
If you worked up an appetite after all that fun, you may wish to visit nearby restaurants like Arepas Milko, Villaggio Pizzeria, Woodyard Grill or neaby Tioga Town Center.
North Florida Cornhole at Celebration Pointe
Thursday, August 27, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Mountain Bike Rides with Goodbike
Thursday, August 27, 7 p.m., Medium Pace for the Intermediate/Advanced Rider
Monday, August 31, 7 p.m., Brisk Pace for the Advanced Rider
Parks & Trails
Don’t Miss Record-Breaking Giant Waterlilies at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Open Fridays – Wednesdays
Giant Victoria Water Lilies grow over 6 feet in diameter and are only a summer phenomenon at the gardens. Plan your visit at Kanapaha.org.
River & Springs
Splash Into the Springs Near Gainesville
North Florida is home to over 1,000 freshwater springs and the largest collection of First Magnitude fresh water springs in the United States. The springs are a perfect way to get outside and explore the natural side of the state. Did you know the crystal clear water flows from underground at a refreshing 72 degrees Fahrenheit, or 22 degrees Celsius, all year round? Make sure to add a visit to the springs to your Gainesville and Alachua County itinerary.
Save The Date
Drive-Through Safari at Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation, September 5
Megaladon Exhibit Opening at Florida Museum, September 19
AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, September 25-27
Swamp Head Brewery Adult Trick or Treating, October 23
Sangria 5K with Island Grove Wine Company, November 14
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.
Your participation, communication, and sharing of events and programs is a key way for us to market our community to visitors and to enhance the engagement of residents in all of the incredible programs you create.
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.
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.
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