Brighten up your weekend with What’s Good and outdoor festivals, festive holiday events and live performances. The 42nd Annual Downtown Festival and Art Show features over 200 artists, food vendors, musicians, kids activities and more. Fall for festival fun at Newberry Main Street’s 2023 Fall Festival.
Find holiday cheer at the Santa Fe College “Songs of the Season” performance and an awe-inspiring holiday variety show at A Magical Cirque Christmas. Laugh along at the opening weekend of The Addams Family on stage with Gainesville Community Playhouse. Hear Chicago blues with Guitarist Lurrie Bell at Heartwood Soundstage.
Read on for more of What’s Good.
Be safe and be well,
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.
Stroll Through the Brick-Lined Music-Filled Streets of Downtown Gainesville Browsing Over 200 Artists at the 42nd Annual Downtown Festival and Art Show
Saturday, November 18 – Sunday, November 19, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Downtown Gainesville
In addition to featuring artwork and crafts from over 200 regional and national artists, this year’s Downtown Gainesville Festival and Art Show presents 100 plus bands for two days of all out entertainment. Notable performances include Hurray for the Riff Raff, Mama’s Broke, a MusicGNV showcase at The Bull and Gainesville Circus Center.
Enjoy diverse menus from food vendors and local restaurants, plus explore fun activities to keep the kids engaged and entertained. Preview artists, view the performance schedule and plan your festival visit at www.gainesvilledowntownartfest.net
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Connect with the Magnificently Macabre and Hilarious Addams Family at the Opening Weekend of The Addams Family – A New Musical Comedy
Friday, November 17 – Sunday, December 10 | Gainesville Community Playhouse
4039 NW 16th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32605
In The Addams Family, America’s darkest family comes to life in a musical about love, family, honesty and growing up. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, falls in love and families are put to the test as the Addams host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Discover Culinary Connections Between Florida and the Caribbean at the Floribbean Festival
Thursday, November 16, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. | GNV Market at South Main Station
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Browse heritage crops cultivated by local farmers and learn how to grow these crops in your own backyard with information and demonstrations by UF/IFAS extension agents. Topics covered include new recipes and a variety of cooking techniques used in preparing nutritionally dense, locally grown crops. The Caribbean Queen demonstrates the preparation of Jamaican Sorrel using roselle and ginger. Latin Food Blessing prepares smoothies with ginger, turmeric and the Peruvian potato dish, Papa a la Huancaina.
Fall for Festival Fun at the Newberry Main Street 2023 Fall Festival
Saturday, November 18, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Downtown Historic Newberry
Browse over 150 vendors and enjoy live music, arts and crafts and food trucks. Live entertainment continues all day with a live kids show and children’s activities. Visit Admission is free.Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Find Festive Cheer with Music of the Winter Holidays at “Songs of the Season”
Friday, November 17, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall
3000 NW 83rd St. E-127, Gainesville, FL 32606
The Gainesville Youth Chorus Concert Choir and Concertina Choir join the Santa Fe Singers to celebrate the music of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and more. The musically diverse program includes classical choral music, Hebrew folksongs and popular music.
Be Dazzled by Awe-Inspiring Performances at A Magical Cirque Christmas
Sunday, November 19, 6 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Celebrate the season with a variety show full of holiday cheer, nostalgia and riveting performances paired with music. The talented roster includes 4-time American Ninja Warrior Leilei Noone, high-flying aerialists Maryna Tkachenko and Anastasia Kornieieva, award-winning choreographer and contortionist Mary Pat Letourneau, 4th-generation circus performer Christopher Stoinev and more.
Open the Doors to Smaller Living at the Florida Tiny House Festival
Saturday, November 18 – Sunday, November 19, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Gainesville Raceway
11211 N CR 225, Gainesville, FL 32609
Get up close to tiny houses, skoolie bus conversions, vardo wagons, van conversions and other types of small homes. Learn about the tiny living lifestyle and make connections with builders, homeowners and experts from the community.
Raise a Glass to the Holiday Season at First Magnitude’s ‘Tis the Season Holiday Kick-off Party
Friday, November 17, 6 p.m. | First Magnitude Brewing Company
1220 SE Veitch St., Gainesville, FL 32601
First Magnitude Brewing Company kicks off the season with a beer garden decked with twinkle lights, fire pits and heaters. Special holiday-themed beer releases include 2 Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout bottles and the annual Spruce Juicy IPA with Spruce Tips in cans. Enjoy live music from Ruckus, brand new holiday merch and tasty menus from Cheffrey’s and Vegan Gator.
Share an Evening of Chicago Blues with Guitarist Lurrie Bell
Sunday, November 19, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Lurrie Bell began playing guitar at the age of 6 and made his recording debut on his father’s album in 1977. He received a Blues Music Award in 2014 and was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2016. He is joined on stage by Chicago blues heavyweights: Steve Bell on harmonica, Lenny Media on drums and Danny “Smoke” O’Connor on bass.
What’s Open for Thanksgiving 2023 Dining Guide for Gainesville and Alachua County
Skip the cooking and dishes and treat your family and guests to a great meal at a local restaurant or pick up a meal to-go. We’ve done the search for you. Here’s our list of what’s open for Thanksgiving in Gainesville and Alachua County, FL.
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Pop-Up Markets and Retail Shopping
Flea and Farmers Market Fall Festival at Gainesville VFW Post 2811
Saturday, November 18, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Designer Decorations, Jewelry and More at the Holiday Bazaar at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church
Friday, November 17, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday, November 18, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Sunday, November 19, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sunday Mini Pop-Up Market at The AUK Market
Sunday, November 19, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.
Arts & Theatre
Interactive Theater Experience with Braxton Rae, UF Center for Arts, Migration and Entrepreneurship Maker-In-Residence, at Innovation Square
Thursday, November 16, 6 p.m.
Annie Jr. Musical at Star Center Theatre
Friday, November 10 – Sunday, November 12
One-Act Plays, Dramas and Classic Works with UF School of Theatre and Dance at The Day the Music Came Back at UF Black Box Theatre
Friday, November 17 – Saturday, November 18, 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Dance Alive National Ballet Presents The Nutcracker at Legacy Park Multipurpose Center
Saturday, November 18, 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Drag and Burlesque at Southern Fried Scene Queens at the Hippodrome Theatre
Monday, November 20, 8 p.m., for ages 18+
Events & Festivals
Light the Tree at Celebration Pointe
Friday, November 17, 6:30 p.m.
Movie Night: Back to the Future at Tioga Town Center
Friday, November 17, 7:30 p.m.
Newberry Pro Rodeo at CountryWay Town Square
Friday, November 17 – Saturday, November 18, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunflower Festival at The Bryer Patch
Saturday, November 18 – Sunday, November 19, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Bikers on Parade Supporting Veterans and First Responders Starting at Santa Fe College
Saturday, November 18, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Fresh Floral Pumpkin Centerpiece Workshop at Roots Plant Studio
Sunday, November 19, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Calligraphy and DIY Place Cards Workshop at Coterie Market
Monday, November 20, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Music & Performance
Indie Rock with Honey Revenge at High Dive
Thursday, November 16, 7 p.m.
UF Symphony Orchestra at University Auditorium
Thursday, November 16, 7:20 p.m.
Appalachian Folk with Ash Devine at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, November 17, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Enlightened Rogues at One Love Café
Friday, November 17, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Jazz with Nick DeCarlis Trio at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Friday, November 17, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Gainesville Harmony Show Chorus at Saint Patrick’s Church
Friday, November 17, 6:40 p.m.
Jazz with Alexa Tarantino Quartet at UF Phillips Center
Friday, November 17, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Cliff Dorsey at the Great Outdoors Restaurant
Friday, November 17, 7 p.m.
UF Saxophone Ensembles at UF School of Music
Friday, November 17, 7:20 p.m.
Natalie Rella Jazz Ensemble at Baby J’s Bar
Friday, November 17, 8 p.m.
YouTube Kids Music Sensation Jack Hartmann at 5701 Venue
Saturday, November 18, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter TJ Brown at the Kiss 105.3 FM Concert Series at Celebration Pointe
Saturday, November 18, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Blues with Moondog at One Love Café
Saturday, November 18, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Jazz with Cathey DeWitt and Ed Legare at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, November 18, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Brazilian Jazz and Bossa Nova with Luca Mundaca at UF Phillips Center
Saturday, November 18, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Dave Matthews Tribute Band at High Dive
Saturday, November 18, 8 p.m.
Drum and Bass at Science and Sickness at Simon’s and Signal
Saturday, November 18, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
MusicGNV Showcase at Downtown Festival and Art Show
Saturday, November 18, 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
13th Annual Piano Sonata-Sonatina Festival Winners’ Recital at The Historic Thomas Center
Sunday, November 19, 2 p.m.
Indie with Quail Hollow at High Dive
Sunday, November 19, 7 p.m.
Traditional Chinese Music and Instruments at UF School of Music
Sunday, November 19, 7:20 p.m.
Food, Art and Music at Gainesville Food Not Bombs Benefit Show at Civic Media Center
Sunday, November 19, 7:30 p.m.
Traditional Irish Session at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, November 21, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Here’s to the “Sippin’ Squad” and all the sippers who helped make the Sippin’ Seven Alachua County digital ale trail pass a great success!
Almost 4,000 pass holders and 15,000 check-ins showed us that visitors and residents love award-winning craft beer and making time with friends.
Jazz Bandits at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Friday, November 17, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
“The Good Work,” a Family-Friendly Concert Benefiting Families in Zimbabwe at Swamp Head Brewery
Saturday, November 18, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
“No, Soup for You!” Soup Cooking Competition at Blackadder Brewing Company
Saturday, November 18, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Brunch with Cheffrey’s at Swamp Head Brewery
Sunday, November 19, 11 a.m.
U-Picks & Farmers Markets
Grove Street Farmers Market with Live Music
Mondays, 4 p.m. –7 p.m.
Archer Farmers Market at Archer Historical Society Railroad Museum
Tuesdays, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Union Street Farmers Market at Bo Diddley Plaza
Wednesdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
GNV Market at South Main Station
Thursdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Fall Farmers Market at Celebration Pointe
Thursdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
High Springs Farmers Market
Fridays, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Haile Village Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Alachua County Farmers Market
Saturday, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Waldo Farmers and Flea Market
Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Bites and Brunch
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, November 16, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at the Traveler Wine Bar
Thursday, November 16, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Superette Wine and Provisions
Thursday, November 16, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Farm Tour, Canning Workshop and More at the Thanksgiving Harvest Festival at Porter’s Quarters Community Farm
Saturday, November 18, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Bubbly Bonanza: A Global Sparkling Wine Adventure at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, November 18, 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Teatime with Santa at Teatime Tranquility and Treasures
Sunday, November 19
Around the “Old World” Wine Class: Italy at Camellia Rose Inn
Sunday, November 19, 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Share a Meal at Friendsgiving with Music by Sunshine Records at Germain’s Chicken Sandwich
Wednesday, November 22, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
(Sold Out) All About Pies Cooking Class at The Fat Tuscan
Wednesday, November 22, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Sports
Supercross and Motocross Racing at the Thor Mino O’s at Gatorback Cycle Park
Sunday, November 19 – Saturday, November 25
UF Fencing 8th Annual Orange and Blue Tournament at Alachua County Sports and Events Center
Saturday, November 18 – November 19
USSSA 8U – 14U Baseball Tournament “Champions at Champions Park”
Saturday, November 18 – Sunday, November 19
Gator Talk Live Broadcast with Gators Football Head Coach Billy Napier at the Keys Grill and Piano Bar
Thursday, November 16, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Gators Women’s Basketball vs. Florida State at Exactech Arena
Friday, November 17, 4 p.m.
Gators Men’s Basketball vs. Florida State at Exactech Arena
Friday, November 17, 7 p.m.
Gators Volleyball vs. South Carolina at Exactech Arena
Wednesday, November 22, 3 p.m.
Parks & Trails
6-Mile Fall Foliage Bike Ride at Barr Hammock Preserve
Saturday, November 18, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Free Timed 5K at Depot Park parkrun
Saturday, November 18, 7:30 a.m.
Ranger-Led Tour at Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
Saturday, November 18, 10 a.m.
Rim Ramble Ranger-Led Adventure at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park La Chua Trail
Saturday, November 18, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
River & Springs
Enjoy Cooler Weather and Explore the Outdoors and with Anderson’s Outdoor Adventures and Visit 8 Springs in 8 Miles
Friday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Fed by the underground Floridan Aquifer, North Florida has one of the highest concentrations of springs in the world. Anderson’s Outdoor Adventure offers an easy way to experience 8 springs in 8 miles. Paddle along the Santa Fe River in a canoe or kayak and experience crystal clear water, see native wildlife and relax in a tranquil nature setting.
Float or Splash Into Freshwater Springs
North Florida is home to the largest collection of first-magnitude springs in the United States. The springs make a perfect destination for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and relaxing in nature. If you’re looking for outdoor fun, we’ve got you covered with our list of nearby springs, great places to stay and fun things to do.
Museums & Galleries
Sign Up Here at The Historic Thomas Center
Now through January 19
Alachua’s Queer History Exhibit at the Matheson History Museum
Now through Wednesday, November 22
“Vital and Veiled: Valerie Brathwaite and José Fernández” at the Gary R. Libby University Gallery
Now through January 26
Art After Dark at the Harn Museum of Art
Thursday, November 16, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Dance Inspired by the Metamorphosis Exhibition at Sound Moves: Music and Dance at the Harn Museum of Art
Saturday, November 18, 1 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Go Behind-the-Scenes with a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer at the new Exhibit “Tom Petty: Among the Wildflowers”
Open Now through December 31, Thursday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
811 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Tom Petty: Among the Wildflowers explores the joys, pains, and creative awakenings that Gainesville native Tom Petty experienced while pouring his soul into his magnum opus, Wildflowers, released in November 1994. The exhibit includes artifacts previously on display at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. Explore three unique aspects of the Wildflowers creative process: songwriting, recording, and reception and delivery. The exhibit runs through December 31.
Chill with Cool Dinos at the New Interactive Exhibit “Antarctic Dinosaurs”
Now through April 21 | Florida Museum of Natural History
3215 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Step back in time and discover life beneath the ice in Antarctic Dinosaurs. Uncover the history of the world’s southernmost continent and the unique species that have called it home in this interactive, family-friendly experience. Antarctic Dinosaurs is on display through April 21.
Save The Date
Thanksgiving Safari Tours at Carson Springs Wildlife, November 24-25
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, November 29
A Very GNV Holiday Parade, Dance Party and Holiday Light Celebration, December 2
O’Connell Center Craft Show, December 2-3
Micanopy 3rd Annual Holiday Stroll, December 9
UF Poinsettia Sale, December 9
Dance Alive National Ballet Presents The Nutcracker, December 15-17
The Curry’s Christmas at Heartwood Soundstage, December 21
For a complete list of events please visit www.visitgainesville.com/events/
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