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.
Wishing you the happiest of holidays,
– 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).
Treat Yourself to the Passion and Beauty of Respighi’s Beloved “Pines of Rome”, and Ravel’s Lush and Romantic “Daphnis and Chloe”
Friday, January 22, 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
The Gainesville Orchestra presents music from Italy featuring Respighi’s beloved “Pines of Rome”, Tchaikovsky’s Passionate “Romeo and Juliet”, Verdi’s “Forza” and more. Limited seating available to ensure social distancing. Masks are required.
Visit with Some of Nature’s Slowest Creatures and Learn About the Evolutionary Value of Deliberation at the Florida Museum’s Latest Exhibit “Survival of the Slowest”
Opening Saturday, January 23, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.| Florida Museum of Natural History
3215 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Daily presentations feature a live sloth, hedgehog, iguana and more. Despite being very slow, meet animals that have survived for millions of years and learn about the puzzling sides of evolution and adaptation. Discover the difference between warm and cold-blooded. Discover why some animals need less food and see the unique ways they hide from predators. Preview the exhibit on Youtube.
Find Good Music, Good Food and Good Vibes at Playlist at the Pointe with Hot Club de Ville
Friday, January 22, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4949 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
This Saturday, grab your partners in fun, spread a blanket after the sun sets, and catch live music on the outdoor stage with the nationally recognized, gypsy-jazz guitar stylings of Marty Liquori and Hot Club de Ville.
Experience a Gripping Play of Survival and Transformation at the Opening Weekend of Eclipsed
Friday, January 22 through Sunday, January 31 | Gainesville Community Playhouse
4039 NW 16th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32605
Their lives set on a nightmarish detour by civil war, the captive wives of a Liberian rebel officer form a hardscrabble sisterhood. With wit, compassion, and defiance, Eclipsed unearths the wreckage of war and celebrates the women who navigate and survive the most hostile of circumstances.
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.
Learn to Dance the Romantic Bachata in the Streets of Gainesville with Bachata Boulevard, Presented by Salsa in the Streets
Thursday, January 21, 8:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. | The Bull
18 SW 1st Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Dance to Latin music with bachata, salsa and kizomba. If you don’t know how to dance or want to brush up on your steps, get there early for free dance classes from Gator Salsa Club at 6 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Dancing is free, with drinks available from The Bull. Masks are required.
Florida Bridal Expo, Florida’s Largest Bridal Event in North Central Florida, Returns to the UF Hilton – Enjoy Samples, Prizes and More
Sunday, January 24, 12:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Hilton University of Florida Conference Center
1714 SW 34th St., Gainesville, FL 32607
The Florida Bridal Expo returns to the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center. With a selection of the area’s best vendors including DJs, caterers, cake designers, florists, photographers and more, brides and their families can plan their entire wedding in a single day. See the latest designer bridal and bridesmaid dresses at the runway fashion show. Tickets available online.
Set it Off with the 2021 Blues Kickoff featuring Rick Randlett, Middleground, Dr. Jules & the JuJu Man
Sunday, January 24, 6 p.m. | High Dive
210 SW 2nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
North Central Florida Blues Society kicks off the 2021 series of concerts with a showcase at High Dive with in-person and live-streaming tickets available. Rick Randlett has toured the East Coast extensively from Quebec, Canada to Florida, sharing the stage with many well-known musicians, including Joe Perry of Aerosmith. Middleground consists of Barbara and Mark Armbrecht and is the product of over 40 years of professional music collaboration. Dr. Jules and the JuJu Man has been on a crusade to preserve the Blues and spread the sound often with skeptical and humorous lyrics.
(Sold Out) Find the Secret Outdoor Venue of Sub Rosa #1 with Kyle Keller and Palimony
Saturday, January 23, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Location Revealed After Purchase
Sub Rosa is a show series of outdoor concerts and performances. Sub Rosa, Latin for “under the rose” is an ancient phrase meant to describe a secret meeting place marked by a rose. Sub Rosa is supported by the makers of Riverine Reunion, MusicGNV, the Alachua Conservation Trust, and a grant from the Alachua County Arts Council. All Sub Rosa shows will take place in outdoor settings with ample space to social distance, highlighting the beauty of various scenic vistas around Alachua County.
Explore the History of Florida’s Healing Waters with a Webinar with Author Rick Kilby
Thursday, January 21, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Online Event with Matheson History Museum
Author and historian Rick Kilby returns to the Matheson to share his latest book, “Florida’s Healing Waters: Gilded Age Mineral Springs, Seaside Resorts & Health Spas.” Filled with rare photographs, vintage postcards and advertisements, and fascinating descriptions from over 100 years ago, “Florida’s Healing Waters” spotlights a little-known time in Florida history when tourists poured into the state in search of good health. Registration for the webinar is free via Zoom and streamed live on Facebook.
Discover the Importance of the Annual Christmas Bird Count in Alachua County on Zoom
Thursday, January 21, 7 p.m. | Online Event with Alachua Audubon Society
Andy Kratter, bird expert and Ornithology Collections Manager at the Florida Museum of Natural History, hosts a Zoom webinar highlighting the history of the annual Christmas Bird Count with notable results from December’s CBC in Alachua County.
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Arts & Theatre
L’Amore Studio Series with Dance Alive National Ballet at Pofahl Studios
Thursday, January 21, 12 p.m., Saturday, January 23, 5 p.m.
Music & Performance
Flaco’s Comedy Night
Thursday, January 21, 9 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Acoustic Soft Rock Duo Richy and Chelsea at One Love Cafe
Thursday, January 21, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Americana Singer Songwriter Paul Eliot at Lightnin Salvage
Thursday, January 21, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Crooked Counsel at One Love Café
Friday, January 22, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Blues with Terraplane on the Patio at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Friday, January 22, 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Punk Rock with The Bitters, Captain and The Bearded Lady Killers, Love Kills Joy at High Dive
Friday, January 22, 9 p.m.
Groove and Funk with Chillula at Mother’s Pub & Grill North Gainesville
Friday, January 22, 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Acoustic Tunes with Shuri Pass at One Love Café
Saturday, January 23, 12 p.m.
Legends of Country Series: Toby Keith Tribute at Knockin’ Boots Saloon
Saturday, January 23, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Alternative Rock Covers with Subliminal Peppers at One Love Cafe
Saturday, January 23, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Heavy Metal with Apex (EP Release), Eroding The Past, The Pine Drape at High Dive
Saturday, January 23, 9 p.m.
Acoustic Guitarist Extraordinaire Richy Stano at One Love Cafe
Sunday, January 24, 11 a.m.
Country and Southern Rock with Reggie Stacy on the Patio of The Great Outdoors
Sunday, January 24, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Acoustic Funk and Rock with Shiloh at One Love Cafe
Sunday, January 24, 5 p.m.
Country Music with Cliff Dorsey at Woodyard Grill
Wednesday, January 27, 6 p.m.
Country Music with Clay Brooker on the Patio at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Wednesday, January 27, 6 p.m.
Craft Breweries
B-I-N-G-O Night at Blackadder Brewing Company
Thursday, January 21, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Open Mic Night at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Friday, January 22, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Celebrate National Spouse Day with Bogo Beer at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Tuesday, January 26, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Brainaholics Trivia at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Tuesday, January 26, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Beer Bingo Tuesday at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Tuesday, January 26, 7 p.m. – 8 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.
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
Wine Tasting at Downtown Wine and Cheese
Thursday, January 21, 6:15 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
(sold out) Working with Herb Bread and Yeast Dough Cooking Class at the Fat Tuscan
Sunday, January 24, 11 a.m. – 2 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. Pictured above: pentacostal fried chicken at Southern Charm Kitchen.
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
Motocross Racing at the 50th Annual Florida Winter AM at Waldo Motorsports
Saturday, January 23 – Sunday, January 24
Mountain Bike Rides with Goodbike
Tuesday, January 26, 7 p.m., Brisk Pace for the Advanced Rider
Gators Men’s Basketball vs. Vanderbilt
Wednesday, January 27, 6:30 p.m.
Parks & Trails
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.
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
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 Virtually 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
Open Friday-Sunday, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Solo Exhibition by Ashley Ortiz-Diaz “Anyway, I love you and I wish you weren’t dead” at Good News Arts
Open Wednesdays-Saturdays, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Spark Dialog with the “Lights of Conversation” Outdoor Illuminated Poetry Verse Exhibit at the Matheson History Museum
On display daily
Save The Date
Hoggetowne at Home, a Virtual Medieval Experience, January 30-31 and February 6-7
The Wiz at Legacy Park Amphitheater, January 30
Indie Live Outdoor Concert Series at Heartwood Soundstage, January 30
Heartwood Soundstage Music Festival V, February 27
NHRA Amalie Oil Gatornationals, March 11-14
March, April and May Outdoor Concert Series at Legacy Park Amphitheater, March 19-21
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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