We are proud to live in this mindful, resourceful and resilient community, and to share with you all that we have to offer – What’s Good.
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).
Dance “Across the Universe” with Beatles Music from The Imposters at Music Under the Stars
Friday, October 16, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Celebration Pointe4949 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
The Impostors, formed in 1984, are one of Gainesville’s most popular local groups. Known for impeccable Beatles covers, the band features some of the area’s most accomplished musicians: Michael Derry (guitar/vocals), Mike Boulware (guitar/vocals), Don David (guitar/vocals), Ron Thomas (bass/vocals), Brad Bangstad (keyboards) and Rob Rothschild (drums).
Celebration Pointe is City Walk style destination for entertainment, shopping and dining. Enjoy food and drinks from nearby restaurants.
Experience the Epitome of Creative Engagement with a Jazz Performance by Ulysses Owen Jr.’s Generation Y
Friday, October 16, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Go upstage as the UF Phillips Center’s main stage transforms into a jazz club setting complete with tables and chairs for two evening experiences. Described by The New York Times as an artist “who takes a backseat to no one,” two-time Grammy Award-winning jazz drummer Ulysses Owens Jr. has established himself as a versatile and passionate leader in his generation of jazz artists.
Click here for a fantastic review of the dynamic band Generation Y, featuring up and coming musicians hand-picked by Ulysses Owen Jr.
Seating arrangements accommodate reduced audience capacity. Learn more about UF Performing Arts reopening protocols here.
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Hotel ELEO at the University of Florida has a Fall offer valid through Nov 30, 2020
When you book two nights, you save 15% on the best available rate. The newly opened Hotel ELEO is located on the UF Campus and is one of the most upscale lodging facilities in the area. The hotel is home to the popular Covey Kitchen + Cocktails which has received rave reviews from locals, influencers and guests. Find photos of their delectable and instagramable cocktails and bites here.
The hotels sleek, contemporary design has garnered much positive attention as have the top-of-the-line amenities including L’Occitane bath products and a fitness studio outfitted with Peloton bikes and TRX training gear.
Valet parking is complimentary for guests of the hotel and restaurant.
Hotel ELEO is a Safe Stay Property, making sure guest safety is of utmost importance so you can enjoy your stay while knowing your room meets the highest standards for cleanliness. For the list of all the Alachua County places to stay, including information about area hotel and inn safety measures, click here.
Take a Revenge-Fueled Road Trip to California with a Live-Streamed Reading of “Is God Is”
Monday, October 19, 7 p.m. | Online Event with the Hippodrome Theatre
The Hipp Unplugged series returns with virtual, FREE showings of incredible new works. “Is God Is,” by Aleshea Harris, is a modern tale of the twists and turns in the journey of twin sisters who travel from the Dirty South to the California desert to exact righteous revenge. Winner of the 2016 Relentless Award, Aleshea Harris collides the ancient, the modern, the tragic, the Spaghetti Western, and Afropunk in this darkly funny and unapologetic world premiere.
This event is FREE to attend but registration is required. Visit thehipp.org or call the Box Office at (352) 375-4477.
Happy Birthday Tom Petty!
Tuesday, October 20 would have been Tom Petty’s 70th birthday. Growing up in Gainesville, Tom Petty learned to play guitar and played in bands like the Sundowners, the Epics and Mudcrutch. He is a hometown hero celebrated in national and local music history. Discover ways to remember the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer from a self-guided mural tour, themed craft beers and more here.
Stay tuned next week for details of Tom Petty’s Birthday virtual celebration.
Conserve and Promote Wildlife in Your Own Neighborhood at The Big Anniversary Speakers Series
Thursday, October 15, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
100 Savannah Blvd., Micanopy, FL 32667
2020 marks Florida State Parks’ 85th anniversary, the 50th anniversary of Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and the 35th anniversary of Friends of Paynes Prairie. On the final Big Anniversary Speaker Series of the year, join a presentation from Mark Hostetler about neighborhood wildlife conservation and promotion. Register in advance at PrairieFriends.org.
Each year more than 270,000 nature lovers visit Paynes Prairie Preserve for camping, hiking, biking, birding and more. Plan your visit to Paynes Prairie here.
Raise Your Stein and Eat German Food at Blackadder’s 4th Annual Blocktoberfest
Friday, October 16, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Blackadder Brewing Company
618 NW 60thSt. Suite A, Gainesville, FL 32607
Break out you lederhosen and dirndls! Blackadder Brewing Company celebrates the world’s largest beer festival with outdoor pouring stations, live Bavarian music, the release of Blocktoberfest lager and traditional German food from Strega Nona’s Oven and Uppercrust.
Find Antiques and Treasures at the Archer Vintage Sale
Saturday, October 17, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Archer Community Center
16671 SW 137thAve., Archer, FL 32618
Archer’s Vintage Market Sale includes a variety of vendors with a selection of vintage goods from pottery, toys, books homemade jams, furniture, tools and more. Enjoy food and refreshments available onsite.
Block Out the Noise and Show Off Your Dance Moves Outdoors at the Silent Disco
Thursday, October 15, 9:30 p.m. – 12 a.m. | Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Heartwood Soundstage and House Hats move the dance floor outside with food trucks and an outdoor bar. DJs Nish, Basian C and Jack play the whole night with a mix of disco, drum and bass, house and techno music. With a switch on your headphones, you control the music you hear. Masks are required.
Do the Time Warp Again and See the Cult Phenomenon Rocky Horror Picture Show Live on Stage
Thursday, October 15, 8:30 p.m. | High Dive
210 SW 2nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Enjoy the Halloween tradition with the story of a newly engaged couple stumbling upon an Annual Transylvania Convention. The outrageous musical plays on stage with actors performing skits alongside the film. Audience capacity is limited with a flexible seating layout to accommodate groups of two, three or four, in addition to single attendees.
Watch Hocus Pocus From Your Car at the Halloween Drive-In
Friday, October 16, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Jonesville Park
14100 NW 32ndAve., Gainesville, FL 32606
Load up and head to the park for a movie night hosted by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. Hocus Pocus stars Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker as three outlandish witches brought back to life in modern-day Salem, Massachusetts.
Plan a Halloween Trip to the French Quarter as Dracula Swoops Down on the Stage in High Springs
Now through Sunday, October 25 | High Springs Playhouse 23416 W U.S. Hwy 27, High Springs, FL 32643
Bram Stoker’s classic thriller is set in the French Quarter of New Orleans at the beginning of the jazz age. Into this Creole and Cajun culture in the courtyard behind Dr. Seward’s home, Dracula begins attacking his victims. Clark has mixed in voodoo rituals, drumming, Spring Carnivale strangers in masks, even comic characters such as Aunt Quincy who likes to drink as much as she likes to eat chocolates. Tickets must be purchased prior to arrival.
Find Festive Family-Friendly Fun This Weekend and Celebrate the Fall Season
Hollow Oaks Corn Maze features family-friendly fun all weekend including a corn maze, hayride, photo opportunities and a Children’s Area with pumpkin bowling and more.
Find a corn maze, hayrides, a bounce house at the Peanut Patch and Corn Maze on Friday and Saturday.
Newberry’s Cornfield Maze delivers laughs during the day and scares at night with a corn maze, haunted house, hayrides and a kids play area.
The annual Fall Festival at Roger’s Farm takes place Friday, Saturday and Sunday with train rides, corn maze, pumpkin patch, a corn cannon and more.
Sip to the Standards as Giselle Felice Brings Her Vocal Styling to Jazz Monday
Monday, October 19, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | The Keys Grill and Piano Bar
4860 Celebration Pointe Ave. #30, Gainesville, FL 32608
As a child, Giselle Felice sang on the TV show Barney & Friends and later became a trained opera singer. She is the recipient of the UF Archie Wingfield Women in Jazz Scholarship and has won numerous awards for her singing.
On Mondays, The Keys Grill and Piano Bar sets the stage for an ensemble of Gainesville’s best talent and a fresh playlist to start your week off right with an evening of jazzy grooves, delicious bites, and tasty cocktails, with half-price wine and Florida craft draughts for $4.
Discover the Latest Birding News from Local Experts on a Live “Bird Cast” from the Alachua Audubon Society
Thursday, October 15, 6:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Online Event with Alachua Audubon Society
Before adding bird-watching to your next adventure, take a little time to open your world to the species in our area. Migrating Bank Swallows and Semipalmated Sandpipers have already been spotted. Photo by Andy Reago and Chrissy McClarren.
The weekly broadcast from the Alachua Audubon Society highlights local news and notes, observations and occurrences from birding experts. Fall migration is already off to a start, find out about the latest developments and tune in on Facebook or Zoom.
Find out how to start birding here!
Find information about the top birding sites in Alachua County.
Tune-In to Gainesville LIVE! for Country Music with Chris McNeil
Friday, October 16, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Online Event with Free Fridays Concert Series
Chris McNeil’s Florida-grown music includes originals and covers by Chris Stapleton, Brothers Osborne, Morgan Wallen, Brett Eldridge, Hank Williams Jr, Randy Travis, Luke Combs & more.
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.
Kayaking on the Santa Fe River
Rent a Canoe, Kayak or Paddleboard for an Adventure on the Santa Fe River. Cruise by Freshwater Springs, Wildlife and Natural Scenery.
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 Fe 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 Get Outside and Discover Gainesville and Alachua County’s Bountiful Outdoor Open Spaces with over one hundred miles of hiking and biking trails.
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, 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
Writing for Sketch Comedy Virtual Class with the Hippodrome Theatre
Thursday, October 15, 5 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Private Performance of The Stronger at Black C Art Gallery
Now Through October 30
Music & Performance
Rock Out with The BombPops with Fest at Home
Thursday, October 15, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Folk Rock with Treble Hook on The Patio at Great Outdoors Restaurant
Friday, October 16, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Comedy Night In Person + Live Stream at High Dive
Friday, October 16, 9 p.m.
Blazel Album Listening Party and Continental Breakfast Experience at SwampCity Gallery Lounge
Saturday, October 17, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Americana Singer Songwriter Paul Eliot at Lightnin’ Salvage
Saturday, October 17, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Justin Lee Partin on The Patio at Great Outdoors Restaurant
Saturday, October 17, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Hip Hop Night with Marley The Messenger and Dorion James at High Dive
Saturday, October 17, 8:30 p.m.
Pop Rock with Driveaway during the Virtual Concert Series Presented by MusicGNV
Monday, October 19, 7 p.m.
Rock and Folk Hits, Jazz, Latin and World Music with Gosia & Ali at The Keys Grill and Piano Bar
Wednesday, October 21, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Country Rock with Cliff Dorsey at Woodyard Grill
Wednesday, October 21, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Keg of Laughs Comedy Hour at World of Beer
Wednesday, October 21, 8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Classic Rock with Crooked Counsel at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, October 16, 6 p.m.
Van Diver at High Springs Brewing Company
Saturday, October 17, 7 p.m.
Brainaholics Trivia at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Tuesday, October 20, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Beer Bingo Tuesday at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Tuesday, October 20, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
$6 Burger Wednesday at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Wednesday, October 21, 12 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Trivia Night at Blackadder Brewing Company Gainesville
Wednesday, October 21, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Cornhole Tourney at High Springs Brewing Company
Wednesday, October 21, 6 p.m.
Hocus Pocus on the Big Screen at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Wednesday, October 21, 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmer’s Markets
Cypress & Grove Farmer’s Market
Mondays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Union Street Farmer’s Market at Celebration Pointe
Wednesdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
GNV Market at Heartwood Soundstage
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.
Haile Farmer’s Market with Breakfast Burritos and Pizzas from Strega Nona’s Oven
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Waldo Farmer’s Market
Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Bites & Brunch
4th Annual Haunted House Tours at Downtown Wine and Cheese
Thursday, October 15 – Saturday, October 17, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Three-Day Chef Bootcamp at the Fat Tuscan
Thursday, October 15 – Saturday, October 17, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday Brunch at the Keys Grill and Piano Bar
Sunday, October 18, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Fall Squash Ravioli and Fettuccini Nests Cooking Class at The Depot Event Space
Sunday, October 18, 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
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, October 16, 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 nearby Tioga Town Center.
USSSA Baseball at Champions Park
Saturday, October 17-18
BMX Race at High Springs BMX
Sunday, October 18
Mountain Bike Rides with Goodbike
Thursday, October 15, 7 p.m., Medium Pace for the Intermediate/Advanced Rider
Monday, October 19, 7 p.m., Brisk Pace for the Advanced Rider
Parks & Trails
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.
River & Springs
Swim Into the Freshwater Springs and Experience Nature Near Gainesville
The springs are a perfect way to get outside and explore the untouched natural side of Florida. Did you know North Florida is home to over 1,000 freshwater springs? The water flows crystal clear at 72 degrees all year round so make a splash on your Gainesville and Alachua County itinerary.
Museums & Galleries
Art as a Peacemaker Online Event with the Matheson History Museum
Thursday, October 15, 7 p.m.
Join artist Sylvi Herrick as she discusses her artwork “Lights of Conversation,” temporarily installed in front of the Matheson History Museum.
Pollinator Palooza Online Plant Sale with Florida Museum
Thursday, October 15, through 5 p.m.
In, Of, From: Experiments in Sound at University Gallery
Now Through Friday, December 4
Matheson Museum Online Exhibit: Trailblazers 150 Years of Women in Alachua County
“A Sense of Place” Online Exhibit with Gainesville Fine Arts Association
Explore Florida’s History and Walk With Flying Butterflies at the Florida Museum
Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Browse Galleries Featuring Over 600 Works at the Harn Museum of Art
Open Thursday- Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Spark Wonder at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
Fridays – Saturdays, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Save The Date
Sister Hazel Drive-In Concert at Post Farm in Newberry, October 23
Adult Trick or Treating at Swamp Head Brewery, October 23
Majesty of Rock at Legacy Park Amphitheater, October 24
Halloween on the Green at Ironwood Golf Course, October 31
Dance Alive National Ballet Presents Ballet and Beyond, October 31
Gator Cup at Easton Newberry Archery Center, November 6-8
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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