What’s Good in Gainesville and Alachua County, November 12-18, 2020

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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).


gators football

Root for the Orange and Blue as Gators Football Returns to The Swamp
Saturday, November 14, 7 p.m. | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
157 Gale Lemerand Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611

The Florida Gators host Arkansas under the lights at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. This season, 17,000 fans are allowed into the stadium for each game. Tickets are available here.Find important game day updates and safety protocols for here.


roselle u pick and crop maze

Make a Family Trip to the Sunhemp Crop Maze and Roselle U-Pick
Wednesday, November 18, 2:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Frog Song Organics

4317 NE US Hwy. 301, Hawthorne, FL 32640

Enjoy some quality family time outdoors with hay bales to climb on a trip through the maze. Admission also includes up to eight pounds of certified organic Roselle-Hibiscus flowers, a unique ingredient used to make tea, smoothies and jams with its distinctive red color and tart flavor.


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.


what's good featured property aloft

Aloft by Marriott Extends Cupcake Race Rates to All Visitors. Book by November 16 and Stay and Play for Only $85.

Trophies at cupcake race

Gainesville’s Aloft by Marriott is the host hotel for the November 22 Cupcake Race (USTA Certified, 5K, 10K, half marathon). The Aloft is so excited about this run, and about eating cupcakes, that they have dropped their rate to $85 per night for everyone on November 21-23 if booked by November 16. 

The Aloft is one of Gainesville’s newest boutique hotels with a hip vibe, great pool, and the popular WXYZ bar and lounge. Aloft is conveniently located near lots of shops, eateries, and attractions. Click here by Nov. 16 to take advantage of the $85 room rate

Aloft Gainesville 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. 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.


safestay logo

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.


View Works of Art from Local Artists as the GFAA Gallery Reopens with the Winter Showcase
Tuesday, November 17 | GFAA Gallery
1314 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601

The Gainesville Fine Arts Association Gallery reopens with an exhibition featuring the best work from local artists. The exhibition can be viewed at the gallery and virtually by clicking here.


hardy

Stomp Your Boots with Modern Country Artist HARDY
Saturday, November 14 | Knockin’ Boots Saloon
201 W University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601

With every new release, Big Loud Records’ HARDY puts his signature loud-and-rowdy stamp on modern Country music as both an artist and a CMA and ACM-nominated songwriter. He has written songs for Florida Georgia Line, Chris Lane, Blake Shelton and Morgan Wallen.


depot park holiday lights

View Decorative Holiday Lights at Depot Park
Now Through December 31, 6 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. | Depot Park
200 SE Depot Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601

The magic of the holidays radiates from Depot Park as 200,000 lights create a festive glow at “Light up ‘D Holidays.” Depot Park is a hub for the community with plenty of room to spread out, playground for the kids, waterside walking paths and connections to several biking trails. Enjoy food and drinks from Parkside Convenience and Boxcar Wine and Beer Garden


oaks mall carnival

Ride Thrilling Attractions and Delight in the Aroma and Taste of Your Favorite Fair Treats at the Oaks Mall Carnival
Now Through Sunday, November 15, Evening Hours Vary | Oaks Mall
6419 W Newberry Rd., Gainesville, FL 32605

Experience the sights, sounds and aromas of the electrifying midway with rides for all ages from whimsical kiddie rides to exhilarating thrill rides, entertaining carnival games and favorite fair food. Parking and admission are free.


celebration pointe and albert the alligator

Cheer on the Florida Gators at GAMEDAY at the Pointe
Saturday, November 14 | Celebration Pointe

4949 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608

Watch the game on the fifteen foot BIG screen in the Promenade and enjoy game day food and drink specials from Celebration Pointe restaurants and shopping discounts from retailers. Host your own game day experience and reserve a private 10×10 tent complete with tables, chairs with catering from a Celebration Pointe restaurant. All CDC guidelines are being observed and enforced.


jazz on the green at celebration pointe

Go on a Global-Inspired Musical Journey with Scott Wilson at Jazz on the Green
Saturday, November 14, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4949 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608 

Trumpeter Scott Wilson has established himself as one of the rising stars of jazz both as a performer and instructor at the University of Florida. He has performed on stages from Orlando to Osaka. Spread a blanket under the setting sun, and catch live music on the outdoor stage.


songs for a new world

Hear Powerful Vocals from Around the World and Throughout History at Songs for a New World
November 13 – November 22 | Star Center Theatre
11 NE 23rd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32609

A dynamic cast presents life-changing moments with a rousing score that blends elements of pop, gospel and jazz. Songs for a New World transports the audience from the deck of a Spanish sailing ship bound for a new land, to the ledge of a New York penthouse. Characters range from a young man in the Bronx who dreams of becoming a famous basketball player, to a forlorn and neglected Mrs. Claus lamenting as Christmas approaches.


the fat tuscan

Take a Culinary Trip to Italy at Italian Dinner and Wine Tasting
Friday, November 13, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | The Fat Tuscsan
725 NE 1st St., Gainesville, FL 32601

Bring your notebooks for a demonstration cooking class as the chef breaks down recipes for each course. The evening includes an Italian meal of four courses paired with different wines for each course.


yoga with little goats

Naaa-maaa-ste! Unwind and Find Your Happy Place with Craft Beer and Yoga with Little Goats
Saturday, November 14, 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. | High Springs Brewing Company
18562 NW 237th St., High Springs, FL 32643

Join Downward Goat as outrageously cute baby goats add to the flow at High Springs Brewing Company. Enjoy an extra fun yoga session as little goats join the session to provide some laughs.


jazz night at the keys

Hear Vocalist Thomas Allain Belt Out Standards and Originals at Jazz Night
Monday, November 16, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | The Keys Grill and Piano Bar
4860 Celebration Pointe Ave. #30, Gainesville, FL 32608

Thomas Allain is a featured vocalist of the University of Florida Jazz Band and has performed with José Valentino Ruiz, Jacaré Brazil, Candlelight Cassia and many others. On Mondays, The Keys Grill and Piano Bar sets the stage for an ensemble of Gainesville’s best talent and a fresh play list 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.


museum nights

Celebrate the New Exhibition Breaking the Frame: Women Artist in the Harn Collections at the Virtual Museum Nights Making HERstory
Thursday, November 12, 6 p.m. | Online Event with the Harn Museum

This evening of dance, visual art and creative exploration presents a range of dynamic voices that contribute to and reveal the her-story of art. Experience a virtual performance of Fragments, a dance work that explores the relationship between body and memory, and participate in student gallery discussions and a conversation between artists on creative practices. Tune in to Museum Nights on the Harn Museum’s YouTube Channel.

The Harn Museum’s 108,800-square-foot facility is located on the University of Florida Cultural Plaza. The museum is free and open to the public on the following dates and timesThursday through Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. and closed Monday through Wednesday. View the Harn’s guest blog for details on their 30th anniversary yearlong celebration.


poems in the key of movement

Explore the Role of Art in Social Justice Movements with Poems in the Key of Movement
Thursday, November 12 | Online Event with Matheson History Museum

Join American poet, actor, playwright, social commentator and Alachua County’s first Poet Laureate E. Stanley Richardson. He will be discussing the role of art in social justice movements and sharing some of his work. Registration on Zoom is required here.


mike dorsey and chelsea carnes

Enjoy Songs From The Heart with Songwriters Mike Dorsey and Chelsea Carnes
Friday, November 13, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Online Event with Heartwood Soundstage

Mike Dorsey is a talented guitarist and singer-songwriter. Chelsea Carnes is a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, music teacher and creator of Gainesville Girls Rock Camp. Throughout the year, she makes appearances with Wax Wings, Palimony, Mourning Glories and Rancho La Chua.

“Songs from the Heart” is dedicated to celebrating the songs and songwriters that connect every person to others. Beginning at 8 p.m. most Fridays, the artists will talk about the process of writing a great song, share an intimate experience and offer new tunes. Airing online at heartwoodsoundstage.com, the venue will pair two diverse songwriters as they tell the stories that inspired their music. Heartwood Soundstage is a state-of-the-art recording studio, video production facility, and intimate performance venue – built by musicians for music lovers and music makers.


i am a devised musical experience

Experience Personal and Unique Music, Dance and Monologues with I Am… (A Devised Musical Experience)
Friday, November 13 – Sunday, November 15 | Online Event with UF School of Theatre and Dance

The innovative musical experience I am… was written and developed by UF School of Theatre and Dance cast members.

I am… features work inspired by what makes each person unique—whether that be their experiences, heritage, personal heroes and even the love for their pets. This fresh and entertaining compendium of original monologues, music and dance works explore what it means to create meaningful art in a socially distanced world.


Alachua County Had the Highest Count of Inland Bird Species During the 2018 North American Christmas Bird Count. Get Local Birding Tips from Experts on a Live “Bird Cast” from the Alachua Audubon Society
Thursday, November 12, 6:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Online Event with Alachua Audubon Society

2020 promises to be an “invasion year” with many Northern species making their way South. Take a look at this Alachua Audubon Society preview of what you might see in Alachua County this winter.

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.


paddleboards 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 of Gainesville Parks and Playgrounds, 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

new works festival

The Hippodrome Theatre’s New Works Festival 2020 on Zoom
Saturday, November 14, 7 p.m., Sunday, November 15, 5 p.m.

Dance Alive National Ballet and Pofahl Studios proudly presents The Next Generation’s Fall Showcase
Sunday, November 15, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Private Performances of The Stronger, Loosely Based on August Strindberg’s Play of the Same Name at Black C Art Gallery
Now Through December 16


Music & Performance

jacare brazil

Brazilian Percussionists, Guitarists and Vocalists with Jacaré Brazil, Streaming from Heartwood Soundstage
Monday, November 16, 7 p.m.

kyle keller

Campfire Americana with Kyle Keller at Lightnin’ Salvage
Saturday, November 14, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Country Rock with Scotty Lee Williams at Live Music Thursdays at Mother’s Pub & Grill North Gainesville 
Thursday, November 12, 5 p.m. 

Rock and Blues with Little Mike & The Tornadoes at One Love Cafe
Thursday, November 12, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. 

Live Stand Up Comedy Night at Flaco’s
Thursday, November 12, 9 p.m. – 11 p.m.  

Classic Rock Covers and Originals with Wild Blue Yonder at One Love Café
Friday, November 13, 6 p.m.

Alt-Indie with Causa, Mike & The Nerve (Single Release!), LoveKillsJoy In Person Show + Live Stream at High Dive
Friday, November 13, 9 p.m.

Americana with the Front Porch Backsteppers at 4th Ave Food Park
Saturday, November 14, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

whiskey jones band on stage at the great outdoors

Whiskey Jones Rocks the Outdoor Patio at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Saturday, November 14, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Pop and Rock Covers with The Barstool Prophets at One Love Cafe
Saturday, November 14, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Cypher House Music Over Swamp City Gallery Lounge
Saturday, November 14, 7 p.m. 

Rock Originals and Covers with Matcha at Muñecas Downtown Taco Garden
Saturday, November 14, 7 p.m. 

Lo-Fi, Boom Bap, Funk and Grooves on the Outdoor Patio at Flaco’s
Saturday, November 14, 9 p.m. – 12 p.m. 

Indie Rock with The Driptones, Danny Attack, Thomas Allain In Person Show + Live Stream at High Dive
Saturday, November 14, 9 p.m.

Jazz and Blues with Middleground at One Love Cafe
Sunday, November 15, 11 a.m.

Classic Rock with Moondog at One Love Cafe
Sunday, November 15, 5 p.m.

Keg of Laughs Stand Up Comedy Hour at World of Beer
Tuesday, November 17, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. 

Country Music Wednesdays at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Wednesday, November 18, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.


Craft Breweries

good morning bedlam band members

Good Morning Bedlam (Outdoors) at Blackadder Brewing Company 
Thursday, November 12, 6:45 p.m. 

Classic Covers with Miguel at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, November 13, 7 p.m.

No, Soup for You! Soup Contest at Blackadder Brewing Company
Saturday, November 14, 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. 

Brainaholics Trivia at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Tuesday, November 17, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Beer Bingo Tuesday at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Tuesday, November 17, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.

$6 Burger Wednesday at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Wednesday, November 18, 12 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Cornhole Tourney at High Springs Brewing Company
Wednesday, November 18, 6 p.m.

Trivia Night at Blackadder Brewing Company Gainesville
Wednesday, November 18, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.


U-Picks & Farmer’s Markets

produce at farmers market

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.

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
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 Biscotti Cookies Cooking Class at The Fat Tuscan
Sunday, November 15, 3 p.m. – 6 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

kickoff lunch with dan mullen

Virtual Kickoff Lunch with Gators Football Head Coach Dan Mullen
Friday, November 13, 12 p.m.

girl scout with archery badge

Discovery Archery for Girl Scouts at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Saturday, November 14, 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Aim for the Bullseye at Funtastic Fridays
Friday, November 13, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Easton Newberry Archery Center24880 NW 16th 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.

Mountain Bike Rides with Goodbike
Tuesday, November 17, 7 p.m., Brisk Pace for the Advanced Rider

Parks & Trails

trail at san felasco state park

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

Blue springs

Museum in the Parks: Fishes at Blue Springs for Ages 1-6
Monday, November 16, 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.

people swimming in blue 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

Jr Inventor Night at the Cade Museum
Tuesday, November 17, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

In, Of, From: Experiments in Sound at University Gallery
Now Through Friday, December 4

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 Dialog with the “Lights of Conversation” Outdoor Illuminated Poetry Verse Exhibit at the Matheson History Museum
On Display Daily

Spark Wonder at the Cade Museum and Discover Science of Music with the New Theme “Wires and Waves”
Fridays – Saturdays, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.


Save The Date

Gainesville OrchestraPresents “POWER”, November 20

14th AnnualNewberry Fall Festival, November 21

Thor Mino O’s at Gatorback Cycle Park, November 22-28

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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