Fun and adventure are in bloom with What’s Good. Head over to Gainesville Circus Center for the awe-inspiring acrobatics of Dusty’s Ragtime Circus. Treat yourself to the rising voices of poetry at the 9th Annual ARTSPEAKS: “Courageous Young Voices.” Brighten your weekend with the season’s colorful flowers at Sweetwater Wetlands Park and Kanapaha Botanical Gardens or savor a six-course menu with a farm dining experience at Swallowtail Farm.
Learn about history and agriculture with a close-up view of antique tractors at Dudley Farm’s Plowing Up the Past, then head over to the Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center for the Youth Fair and Livestock Show. Enjoy the area’s dozens of live music performances with programs like Townes Fest at Heartwood Soundstage, an evening with legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman and pianist Rohan De Silva at the UF Phillips Center, and with jazz and pop vocals by recording artist Haley Reinhart – of American Idol and Postmodern Jukebox fame – at High Dive.
Read on for more of What’s Good!
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Your partners at Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Be Informed.
The below information was accurate at the time of publishing. Please contact organizers directly to double-check details.
Catch Awe-Inspiring Acrobatic Feats Paired with Live Music at Dusty’s Ragtime Circus
Friday, March 3, 7 p.m., Saturday, March 4, 12 p.m. | Gainesville Circus Center
1925 NW 2nd St., Gainesville, FL 32609
The musical shenanigans from Professor Dusty Bottoms serve as a revival for ragtime music. Songs are paired with traditional and contemporary circus acts including juggling, aerial acrobatics and more. Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County.
See Antique Tractors in Operation at Dudley Farm’s Plowing Up the Past
Saturday, March 4, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Dudley Farm Historic State Park
18730 W Newberry Rd., Newberry FL 32669
Get a close-up view of old farm equipment including tractors and plows. This event honors innovative and historic contributions to agriculture.
Dudley Farm is an authentic working farm with original structures built between the 1880s and 1930s. The farm was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002 and recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 2021.
Celebrate the Musical Legacy of Townes Van Zandt at Townes Fest
Sunday, March 5, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Considered one of the greatest songwriters to ever pick up a guitar, songs from Townes Van Zandt have endured the test of time and continue to touch people’s hearts. The 2023 Townes Fest at Heartwood Soundstage features an afternoon lineup of 5 bands and 9 songwriters. Admission is free with a sliding scale for donations benefitting The Wombat 90.1 FM.
Bring an Adventurous Appetite to the 38th Annual Wild Game Feast
Thursday, March 2, 6 p.m. | Rotary Club of Gainesville Foundation
4841 NE 118th Dr., Gainesville, FL 32641
Savor a menu of whole hog, venison, alligator and more in a fun and casual outdoor setting. Gainesville area Rotary clubs host the 38th-anniversary event while raising funds for local charities.
Spend an Evening with Abolitionist Frederick Douglass and Captain John Brown
Friday, March 3, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Hippodrome Theater
25 SE 2nd Pl., Gainesville, FL 32601
On the eve of Captain John Brown’s raid on the federal arsenal Harper’s Ferry, the two men gather to debate methods to abolish slavery. The performance features Alachua County Poet Laureate E. Stanley Richardson as Frederick Douglass and award-winning actor Shamrock McShane as Captain John Brown, with the narrator portrayed by actress and talk show host Pamela Marshall-Koons.
Enjoy an Evening of Making Music Matter at Lyrics for Life with Sister Hazel and Special Guest Darius Rucker
Saturday, March 4, 8 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Ken Block, frontman of the homegrown chart-topping band Sister Hazel, founded Lyrics For Life to raise funds for cancer treatments and to benefit patients and their families. Darius Rucker first achieved multi-Platinum status with Grammy Award-winning band Hootie and the Blowfish. In 2008 he released his first country album and in 2014, won his 3rd Grammy Award for best solo country performance of “Wagon Wheel.”
Hear Rising Voices of Poetry at the 9th Annual ARTSPEAKS: “Courageous Young Voices”
Sunday, March 5, 4 p.m. | The Historic Thomas Center
306 NE 6th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
ARTSPEAKS: “Courageous Young Voices” invites teens from Alachua County and the surrounding area to share their powerful voice with the art of poetry, spoken word and storytelling. Admission is free.
Celebrate Women’s History Month with the Stage Production of Cadillac Crew
Friday, March 3 – Sunday, March 12 | Star Center Theatre
11 NE 23rd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32609
Inspired by real events and real people, Cadillac Crew takes place on the day of a much-anticipated speech by Rosa Parks. During the height of the Civil Rights Movement, four activists in Virginia refuse to be written out of history.Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County.
Savor a Menu of Winter and Spring Crops at the Farm Dining Experience at Swallowtail Farm
Saturday, March 4, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Swallowtail Farm
7301 SE 92 Terr., Gainesville, FL 32641
Chef Phillip Bailey-Anderson and Chef Jenna Melon collaborate with a super fresh six course menu. Featured will be Swallowtail Farm’s very own, farm-raised acorn-finished pork, the 100% pasture-raised, grass-fed Jersey dairy, super sweet strawberries and more.
Watch Dragsters Race Down the Track at the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series
Thursday, March 2 – Sunday, March 5 | Gainesville Raceway
11211 N CR 225, Gainesville, FL 32609
Leading up to next week’s Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals, the “Baby Gators” features the premier Sportsman racing series in motorsports. The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series showcases many of the future NHRA drag racing stars competing in Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, Super Street and more. Kids 12 and under are free.
Spot Wildlife and Learn About Water Quality on a Ranger Led Walking Tour at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Sunday, March 5, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Sweetwater Wetlands Park
325 SW Williston Rd., Gainesville 32640
Sweetwater Wetlands Park is not only a place to connect with nature, it’s a way to protect our environment. The park, which consists of more than 125 acres of wetlands and ponds, was created to improve the water quality of wetlands in Paynes Prairie and the Floridan Aquifer.
The ranger-led tour includes a half-mile walk and lasts about an hour. Bring water, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes. Recent bird sightings include Sandhill Crane, American Coot, Snowy Egret, Tricolored Heron, Northern Harrier and Bald Eagle.
See Blooming Azaleas and Other Seasonal Highlights on a Guided Tour at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Saturday, March 4, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
4700 SW 58th Dr., Gainesville, FL 32608
Warmer weather is translating to displays of color throughout the gardens. See seasonal highlights on a guided walk. Spanning 68 acres, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens features paved walkways, the largest public display of bamboo in Florida and the largest herb garden in the southeast.
Pair Birding with Craft Beer on a Guided Bird Walk at Birds and Brews
Sunday, March 5, 4:45 p.m. – 6 p.m. | First Magnitude Brewing Company
1220 SE Veitch St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Meet volunteers from the Alachua Audubon Society at First Magnitude Brewing Company before heading out on an hour-long nature walk to Depot Park. Bring binoculars or borrow a pair available for the tour.
First Magnitude Brewing Company is part of the Sippin’ Seven Alachua County Ale Trail.
Be sure to check in with your Sippin’ Seven digital pass to earn points toward fun merch. Learn more and signup for free here.
Soar Into an Evening of Music with Legendary Violinist Itzhak Perlman and Pianist Rohan De Silva
Monday, March 6, 7:30 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Winner of 16 Grammy Awards and a recipient of a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Itzhak Perlman holds superstar status rarely extended to classical artists. Rohan De Silva has been a faculty member of The Julliard School since 1991 and has performed in some of the most prestigious halls around the world. A pre-performance discussion takes place at 6:45 p.m. in the West Foyer.
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Pop-Up Markets
Free Prom Dresses at Cinderella’s Closet at High Springs Lions Club
Saturday, March 4 – Sunday, March 5
Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.
Arts & Theatre
See an All-Female Cast Playing Multiple Roles at Women Playing Hamlet at Actors’ Warehouse
Now through Sunday, March 5
Hamlet’s a challenge for any actor, but when Jessica is cast as the titular character in a New York production, it sends her into an existential tailspin. It doesn’t help that her acting coach is borderline abusive, or that every Starbucks barista with an MFA tells her she’s too young for the role. Or that she’s somehow managed to make Sir Patrick Stewart her nemesis. Not to mention the fact that she’s a woman. How can Jessica figure out “to be or not to be,” when she can’t even figure out herself? Featuring an all-female cast performing multiple roles, Woman Playing Hamlet is rip-roaring fun for Shakespeare fans and haters alike.
Contemporary Dance Compositions with UF Faculty and Guest Artists at UF Constans Theatre
Thursday, March 2 – Sunday, March 5
Free Saturday Street Circus at the Downtown Gainesville Streatery
Saturday, March 4, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Reader’s Theatre Festival with One-Act Plays, Dramas and Classic Works at UF Black Box Theatre
Monday, March 6 – Thursday, March 9
Events & Festivals
Youth Fair and Livestock Show at Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center
Thursday, March 2 – Tuesday, March 7
Downtown Newberry First Fridays Free Movie Night with Rise of the Guardians at Barry Park
Friday, March 3, 5:45 p.m.
1st Saturday Macrame Workshop at Unique Notions
Saturday, March 4, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Jewish Culture and Food Festival at B’nai Israel
Sunday, March 5, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Plant-Based Farmer’s Moo-Ket at Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary
Sunday, March 5, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Explore the Quilt Trail with The Quilters of Alachua County Day Guild and Alachua County Library District
Now through March 31
Complete Challenges and Earn Rewards During the Alachua County Eco Chase Challenge Scavenger Hunt Competition
Now through Earth Day (April 22)
Preserving our natural resources and the environment is great for visitors and residents alike. Visit Gainesville, Alachua County is proud to partner with the Alachua County Solid Waste & Resource Recovery department’s Alachua County Eco Chase Challenge Scavenger Hunt Competition. 50 Teams will compete for over $2K in cash and prizes. There is still room for a few more teams to join the challenge and earn rewards.
Music & Performance
Singer-Songwriter Pete Henry at Lightnin’ Salvage
Thursday, March 2, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Broadway Singer Jessica Vosk UpStage at the Phillips Center
Thursday, March 2, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Psychedelic Fuzz Pop with Chew at Loosey’s Downtown
Thursday, March 2, 7 p.m.
Folk with Sam Burchfield with Matthew Fowler at Heartwood Soundstage
Thursday, March 2, 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Classical and Jazz with French Duo Nicolas Prost and Sébastien Paindestre at UF School of Music
Thursday, March 2, 7:20 p.m. – 8:50 p.m.
Alt-Rock with Falling Through April at High Dive
Thursday, March 2, 8 p.m.
Motown, Soul and Jazz with The Browns at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, March 3, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Couch Messiahs at One Love Café
Friday, March 3, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Live and Local Concert Series Singer-Songwriter Showcase at Bo Diddley Plaza
Friday, March 3, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Indie Rock with Truth Value at High Dive
Friday, March 3, 8 p.m.
Long Live: A Taylor Swift-Inspired Dance Party at The Wooly
Friday, March 3, 9 p.m.
UF Organ Studio at University Auditorium
Saturday, March 4, 1:55 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Cadenza Benefit Performances from UF School of Music Ensembles
Saturday, March 4, 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Indie Live Concert Series with Speak Easy, Driveaway, The Late Night Losers and Colourway at Heartwood Soundstage
Saturday, March 4, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Rock and Jazz with Random Kats at Theatre of Memory
Saturday, March 4, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Classic Rock with Southbound 441 at High Dive
Sunday, March 5, 7 p.m.
Pop and Jazz Vocals with Haley Reinhart at High Dive
Tuesday, March 7, 7 p.m.
Jazz Wednesdays with The Oak Trio at Covey Kitchen and Cocktails
Wednesday, March 8, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Americana with Front Porch Backsteppers at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Friday, March 3, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Spring Plant Swamp and Sale with Plantstay at Swamp Head Brewery
Saturday, March 4, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmers Markets
U-Pick Strawberries at Crossroads Farm and Apiary
Friday, March 3 – Saturday, March 4, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Grove Street Farmers Market with Live Music
Mondays, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Archer Farmers Market Spring Plant Sale at Archer Historical Society Railroad Museum
Tuesday, March 7, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
GNV Market at South Main Station Featuring Live Music
Thursdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
High Springs Farmers Market
Fridays, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Alachua County Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Newberry Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Haile Village Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Waldo Farmers Market
Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Bites and Brunch
Natural Wine Tastings with Frenchmen Street Food and Bushel and Peck at Serpentine Plants and Provisions
Thursday, March 2, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Bolay University of Florida Grand Opening
Thursday, March 2 – Saturday, March 4
Wine Tasting at Superette Wine and Provisions
Thursday, March 2, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask
Thursday, March 2, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Free Shave Ice Day at Charlie’s Snow Shack
Saturday, March 4, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Full Moon Oysters and Bubbles at Superette Wine and Provisions
Saturday, March 4, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
20th Anniversary Celebration with Live Music and Surprises at Satchel’s Pizza
Tuesday, March 7, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
(sold out) Making Ravioli Pasta Class at The Fat Tuscan
Wednesday, March 8, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Sports
Gators Women’s Tennis vs. Texas A&M at Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex
Friday, March 3, 5 p.m.
Gators Baseball vs. Miami at Condron Family Ballpark
Friday, March 3, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 4, 2 p.m.
Sunday, March 5, 12 p.m.
Gators Women’s Golf Vystar Credit Union Gators International
Saturday, March 4 – Sunday, March 5
Gators Men’s Basketball vs. LSU at Exactech Arena
Saturday, March 4, 6 p.m.
Gators Lacrosse vs. Arizona State at Donald R. Dizney Stadium
Sunday, March 5, 12 p.m.
Gators Women’s Tennis vs. LSU at Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex
Sunday, March 5, 1 p.m.
Gators Baseball vs. Florida Atlantic at Condron Family Ballpark
Tuesday, March 7, 6 p.m.Wednesday, March 8, 6 p.m.
Gators Softball vs. UCF at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium
Wednesday, March 8, 7 p.m.
Funtastic Fridays Archery at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, March 3, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Premier Girls Fastpitch Show Me The Money Softball Tournament at Champions Park
Saturday, March 4 – Sunday, March 5
Youth Turkey Call Workshop at Bass Pro Shops
Saturday, March 4, 12 p.m.
Parks & Trails
Accessible Tram Tours at Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Ongoing, Check for Availability
Thursday, February 23, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Tuesday, February 28, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Walk and Talk with Alachua Conservation Trust at Blues Creek Ravine Preserve
Friday, March 3, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Free Timed 5K with parkrun at Depot Park
Saturday, March 4, 7:30 a.m.
Birding Field Trip with Alachua Audubon Society at Fox Pen Preserve
Saturday, March 4, 8 a.m.
Rim Ramble Ranger-Led Adventure at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Saturday, March 4, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Wednesday Bird Walks at the Wetlands at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Wednesday, March 8, 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
River & Springs
Cross Creek: World of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Guided Paddle Tour with Adventure Outpost
Thursday, March 2, 10 a.m.
Paddle 8 Springs in 8 Miles or Slowly Float Down the Santa Fe River at Poe Springs Park with Anderson’s Outdoor Adventures
Friday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Float or Splash Into Freshwater Springs
North Florida is home to the largest collection of first-magnitude springs in the United States.
Museums & Galleries
Rewriting History: A conversation with artist Fabiola Jean-Louis and Porchia Moore at the Harn Museum of Art
Thursday, March 2, 6 p.m.
(sold out) Ta-RUN-tula 5K at Florida Museum of Natural History
Saturday, March 4, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Reinfred Dziedzorm Addo—Poetry and Stories at GFAA Gallery
Saturday, March 4, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Museum Days: Wonder Lens at the Harn Museum of Art
Saturday, March 4, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Now on View: LAiZY, Experiments in ARTificial Intelligence at UF Grinter Gallery
Now through March 17
Now on View at the Harn Museum of Art: Posing Beauty in African American Culture at the Harn Museum of Art
Tuesdays – Wednesdays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Fridays – Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Posing Beauty in African American Culture explores the ways in which African and African American beauty has been represented in historical and contemporary contexts through a diverse range of media including photography, video, fashion and advertising.
Now on View, Uncertain Codes Exhibit at Garry Libby University Gallery
Now through Saturday, March 4
Get Up Close and Explore the World of Arachnids at Spiders Alive! at the Florida Museum of Natural History
With more than a dozen live species from around the world, the new exhibit dives into the world of spiders, scorpions and their relatives. Featured animals on display include the Asian Forest Scorpion, Brazilian Red and White Tarantula, Southern Black Widow, Wolf Spider and more. Go hands-on with large touchable models revealing a closer look at spider anatomy. Plan your visit online.
Photo courtesy Florida Museum / Jeff Gage
Discover a Unique African American Culture at Gullah Geechee – African Connections and Cultural Traditions in America at the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center
Open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Save The Date
NHRA Gatornationals, March 9-12
Sycamore Lane March Market, March 10-11
North Florida Outdoor Expo, March 11
Walldogs Dive Into High Springs, March 22-26
UF/IFAS Flavors of Florida, March 23
Hogtown Craft Beer Festival at Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center, March 25
Thornebrook Spring Arts Festival, March 25
Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival at Santa Fe College, April 1-2
Gators Football Orange and Blue Game, April 13
For a complete list of events please visit www.visitgainesville.com/events/
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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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