Happy Thanksgiving! This special edition of the What’s Good guide of weekly events includes festive events for the next two weeks and weekends. Scroll down for a heaping “cuppa” inspiration and a launching point for creating memorable moments with loved ones.
The What’s Good crew and the entire team at Visit Gainesville, Alachua County extends our warmest wishes. We feel united with you in appreciation of the beautiful nature, the inspiring discoveries and the boundless creativity that Alachua County holds – We’ve made it easy for you to find special menus with our What’s Open for Thanksgiving Dining Guide.
Kickoff the football weekend at Chomp The Block followed by the rivalry matchup between the Florida Gators and FSU. Celebrate the fall harvest at Cane Boil and Fiddle Fest. View rare animals including brand new baby cheetahs on Thanksgiving tours at Carson Springs Wildlife. Get the holidays on track with the opening weekend of The Christmas Express departing from High Springs Playhouse or take part in one of Gainesville’s longest-standing holiday traditions with the dual theatrical openings of A Christmas Carol and The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged) at the Hippodrome theatre.
The first weekend in December features the 2-day O’Connell Center Craft Festival, A Very GNV Holiday Parade, tree lightings and vintage holiday decorations at the Historic Haile Homestead.
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.
Cheer on the Pivotal College Football Matchup as Gators Football hosts #5 Florida State
Saturday, November 25, 7 p.m. | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
157 Gale Lemerand Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611
The annual Sunshine State Showdown is sold out. Arrive early for pre-game festivities including Gators Fan Fest and Gator Walk. Find game day details including parking, mobile ticketing and more at FloridaGators.com.
Photo by Florida Athletics / Matt Stamey
Kick Off Gameday Weekend at Chomp The Block
Friday, November 24, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4949 Celebration Point Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Before Gators Football takes the field on Saturday, join the Official Block Party of the Florida Gators® at Celebration Pointe. Enjoy UF celebrity appearances, live music with Jamie Davis Band, plus an entertainment zone with bounce houses and balloon animals for the kids. Enjoy food, drinks and sweet treats from restaurants located nearby.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Make Holiday Memories with 2 Holiday Productions on the Hippodrome Theatre Main Stage
The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged)
Friday, November 24 – Sunday, December 23
The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged) bursts with festive, slapstick fun as cheerful comedians celebrate all of the holiday traditions—at the same time.
A Christmas Carol
Saturday, November 25 – Sunday, December 23
“A Christmas Carol” is a beloved holiday tradition featuring singing and storytelling people of all ages will enjoy. Celebrate Scrooge’s redemption through dance, laughter, and heartfelt songs, and become part of this cherished annual family and community event.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Step Back In Time and Celebrate the Fall Harvest at Cane Boil and Fiddle Fest
Saturday, November 25, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Morningside Nature Center
3540 E University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32641
Be transported to bygone days by the rustic setting of Morningside’s Living History Farm as enchanting sounds of old-time folk music resonates through long leaf pines. Make your way to the kettle to see sugar cane juice boil down to sweet rich cane syrup. Watch demonstrations of historic skills, shop vendor wares and join traditional games and crafts. Visit the log cabin and interact with historic interpreters as they go about a day in the life of 1870. Admission is free.
View Baby Cheetahs and Over 100 Rare Animals on Carson Springs Thanksgiving Walking Tours
Friday, November 24 – Saturday, November 25, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation | 8528 E CR 225, Gainesville, FL 32609
Enjoy outdoor fun with a zoologist-led tour with rare animals, cheetah kittens, big cat feedings and more. Carson Springs Wildlife is located on 275 acres of lush Florida woods and farmland providing a home environment to approximately 30 rare and endangered species and over 100 animals. TripAdvisor awarded Carson Springs Wildlife the 2023 Traveler’s Choice Award recognizing the attraction as one of the top 10% of in things to do worldwide, based on visitor reviews.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Swing Into the Season with Big Band Holidays and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Wednesday, November 29, 7:30 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
A celebrated tradition under the Music Direction of Wynton Marsalis, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra features vocalist Ashley Pezzotti. An uplifting event perfect for the entire family. Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year alongside fellow music lovers with soulful arrangements of classic holiday songs.
Explore the Local Art Scene on a Festive Self-Guided Tour at Artwalk Gainesville
Friday, December 1, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Multiple Venues
The Holiday Open House at Artisan’s Guild Gallery features live jazz, gourmet treats and an ornament sale. Bingo Deli and Pub displays paintings from Nava Ottenberg. View pottery inspired by plants and wildlife at The AUK Market.
Preview tour stops and download a map online at artwalkgainesville.com.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Celebrate 100 Years of the Gainesville Fine Arts Association at the Opening Exhibit Reception for “Growth”
Friday, December 1, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Gainesville Fine Arts Association
1314 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
The final exhibition of GFAA’s 100th anniversary year features work interpreting the theme “Growth.” Enjoy live music, hors d’oeuvres, refreshments and a holiday sale as all work in this exhibition is offered at a 15% discount. Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Browse Holiday Gifts for Your Shopping List at the 2-Day O’Connell Center Craft Festival
Saturday, December 2 – Sunday, December 3, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Steven C. O’Connell Center | 250 Gale Lemerand Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611
Find something special for yourself or that hard to shop for person in your life. From stocking stuffers to elaborate finds, the annual Craft Festival provides an excellent opportunity to shop indoors for unique crafts authentically made by hundreds of talented artisans and crafters.
View Holiday Floats at the Inaugural A Very GNV Parade
Saturday, December 2 | Downtown Gainesville
University Avenue Starting at W 6th St. and Ending at Alachua County Public Schools District Office, 620 E University Ave.
Grab a comfortable viewing spot along University Avenue for the new holiday parade in Gainesville. Head Ball Coach Steve Spurrier serves as the parade’s Grand Marshal. The parade is followed by a kids dance party and holiday lights celebration. Admission is free.
Holiday Kids Dance Party at Bo Diddley Plaza
Saturday, December 2, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.Join the fun with DJ E-LO and celebrate the holidays in style.
Holiday Lights Celebration at The Historic Thomas Center
Saturday, December 2, 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.Lighting of the Thomas Center Gardens, Santa Claus Meet and Greet, Holiday Crafts, Horse and Carriage Rides and more. Admission is free.
Get the Holidays on Track at the Opening Weekend of The Christmas Express Departing from High Springs Playhouse
Friday, December 1 – Sunday, December 23 | High Springs Playhouse
23416 W US Hwy. 27, High Springs, FL 32643
The nostalgic theatrical greeting card is full of holiday spirit. Meet eccentric small-town characters on their journey to find the true wonder of Christmas.
Untangle a Hilarious Web of Mistaken Infatuations at the of Opening Weekend of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night
Friday, December 1 – Sunday, December 17 | Acrosstown Repertory Theatre
3501 SW 2nd Ave., Suite O, Gainesville, FL 32607
William Shakespeare’s comedy follows Duke Orsino who is in love with the noblewoman Olivia. She, however, has fallen for his servant Cesario, who is actually Viola, a woman disguised as a man, who loves Orsino: confusion is rife. Meanwhile, Olivia’s arrogant steward Malvolio is cruelly tricked by her uncle Sir Toby Belch, his friend Sir Andrew Aguecheek, and the maidservant Maria into believing his mistress loves him.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
See Sugar Cane Turn Into Syrup at the Dudley Farm Fall Farm and Cane Festival
Saturday, December 2, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Dudley Farm Historic State Park
18730 W Newberry Rd., Gainesville, FL 32669
Explore an original Florida working farm as harvested sugar cane is ground down and boiled into syrup. Old-time demonstrations include woodworking, blacksmithing, butter churning, quilt drawing, kids’ toys and more.
View Vintage Holiday Decorations on Guided Holiday Tours of the Historic Haile Homestead
Saturday, December 2 – Saturday, December 30 | Historic Haile Homestead
8500 SW Archer Rd., Gainesville, FL 32608
Visit the 1856 Historic Haile Homestead adorned with vintage decorations. Learn about the family of cotton farmers who relocated from South Carolina to Florida in the 1850s. Discover the “Talking Walls” within in the home containing over 12,500 words written on the walls 150 years ago. The Historic Haile Homestead is preserved to educate visitors about the intertwined history of the Haile family, enslaved laborers and freedmen.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Celebrate Florida Heritage Crops, Art and Culture at the Crops and Color Festival
Saturday, December 2, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Grow Hub
2900 NE 8th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32641
Learn how to grow and prepare nutritionally dense, locally grown crops. Discover new recipes and cooking techniques. Enjoy art activities, children’s activities, interactive workshops and more.
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Pop-Up Markets and Retail Shopping
Holiday Small Biz Saturday Pop-Up at The AUK Market
Saturday, November 25, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Tree Lighting and Holiday Market at Shoppes at Thornebrook
Friday, December 1, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Festival of Trees at Hawthorne Woman’s Club
Saturday, December 2, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sycamore Lane Vintage Christmas Market
Saturday, December 2, 2 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
December Farmers “Moo-ket” at Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary
Sunday, December 3, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Plant Swap! at The AUK Market
Wednesday, December 6, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.
Arts & Theatre
Connect with the Magnificently Macabre and Hilarious Addams Family A New Musical Comedy at Gainesville Community Playhouse
Now through Sunday, December 10
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.
Agbedidi: A Fusion of Traditional African and Contemporary Dance at UF School of Theatre and Dance
Friday, December 1 – Sunday, December 3
Events & Festivals
2023 Turkey Trot Trail 5K and 10K at Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary
Thursday, November 23, 8:30 a.m.
25th Annual Grove Street Festival at Ignite Life Center
Saturday, November 25, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Christmas Tree Lighting at Skinner Field Park on Main Street Alachua
Friday, December 1, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Shop Dine and Stroll Holiday Night on Main Street Alachua
Friday, December 1, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Menorah Making Party at Studio TM
Saturday, December 2, 4 p.m.
Light Up Tioga Holiday Celebration at Tioga Town Center
Saturday, December 2, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
5th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Downtown Newberry
Saturday, December 2, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Music & Performance
Classic Rock with Crooked Counsel at One Love Café
Friday, November 24, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Swamp Blues with Mr. Aullie at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, November 24, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Blues with Moondog at One Love Café
Saturday, November 25, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Les Miserables: In Concert at High Dive
Wednesday, November 29, 7:30 p.m.
Jazz with Three Flights Up at Lightnin’ Salvage
Thursday, November 30, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Live Disco Night with Matcha at High Dive
Thursday, November 30, 8 p.m.
Classic Rock with Wild Blue Yonder at One Love Café
Friday, December 1, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Comedian Paula Poundstone at UF Phillips Center
Friday, December 1, 7:30 p.m.
Alt-Country with Mike and the Moonpies at Heartwood Soundstage
Friday, December 1, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Holiday at Santa Fe at Santa Fe College Jackson N Sasser Fine Arts Hall
Saturday, December 2, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Classic Rock with The Shambles at One Love Café
Saturday, December 2, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Panhandle Blues with D. Scott Riggs at Lightnin’ Salavage
Saturday, December 2, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Outlaw Country with Whitey Morgan and the 78s at Heartwood Soundstage
Saturday, December, 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
UF Carillon Studio Annual Holiday Program at UF Century Tower
Sunday, December 3, 1:55 p.m.
Indie Live Outdoor Concert Series with Bruvvy, Saturn Lights and No Hit Wonders at Heartwood Soundstage
Sunday, December 3, 6 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
UF School of Music Sounds of the Season at UF Phillips Center
Sunday, December 3, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
The Hogtown Rounders Writers Round at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, December 5, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Eggy and Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country at Heartwood Soundstage
Tuesday, December 5, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Alt Rock with 10 Years at High Dive
Wednesday, December 6, 8 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. Stay in touch with all the events and happenings with the trail breweries with Sippin’ Seven on Tap.
Free Sippin’ Seven Gift Bags for the First 50 Customers at Black Friday at Daft Cow
Friday, November 24, 3 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
“ACR Night” at Swamp Head Brewery
Wednesday, November 22, 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Football Friday: FSU at Swamp Head Brewery
Friday, November 24, 12 p.m. – 11 p.m.
A Blackadder Black Friday with Special Beer Releases and Discounted Merch at Blackadder Brewing Company
Friday, November 24, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Hops and Shop Black Friday Market at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, November 24, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Hot Rodding for Heroes Car Show at High Springs Brewing Company
Saturday, December 2, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Country with Lionel Jr. at Daft Cow Brewery
Sunday, November 26, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Christkindlmarkt at Blackadder Brewing Company
Friday, December 1, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday, December 2, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Holiday Costume Pet Pageant at Swamp Head Brewery
Saturday, December 2, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
GLAM Craft Show at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Sunday, December 3, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
U-Picks and 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
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.
Full Moon Oysters and Bubbles at Superette Wine and Provisions
Friday, November 24, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Miracle Pop-Up Holiday Cocktails at Crybaby’s and Baby J’s Bar
Friday, November 24 – Saturday, December 30
Paris Picnic Brunch at The Traveler
Saturday, November 25, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Nutcracker Holiday Party and Tasting at The Traveler
Thursday, November 30, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Superette Wine and Provisions
Thursday, November 30, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, November 30, , 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Grand Opening of Crumbl Cookies
Friday, December 1, 8 a.m. – 12 a.m.
Sports
Supercross and Motocross Racing at the Thor Mino O’s at Gatorback Cycle Park
Now through Saturday, November 25
Gators Volleyball Senior Day vs. South Carolina at Exactech Arena
Wednesday, November 22, 3 p.m.
Gator Talk Live Broadcast with Gators Women’s Basketball Coach Kelly Rae Finley at The Keys Grill and Piano Bar
Thursday, November 30, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Gators Gymnastics Hype Night at Exactech Arena
Monday, December 4, 6:30 p.m.
Gators Men’s Basketball vs. Merrimack at Exactech Arena
Tuesday, December 5, 7 p.m.
Parks & Trails
Thanksgiving Free Timed 5K at Depot Park parkrun
Thursday, November 23, 7:30 a.m.
Free Timed 5K at Depot Park parkrun
Saturday, November 25, 7:30 a.m.
Ranger-Led Tour at Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
Saturday, November 25, 10 a.m.
Ranger-Led Rim Ramble Hike at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park La Chua Trail
Saturday, November 25, 11 a.m.
Rangler Led Tour Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Sunday, December 3, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Ranger-Led Tour at Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
Saturday, December 2, 10 a.m.
Yoga at Devils Millhopper Geological State Park
Saturday, December 2, 10 a.m.
Ranger-Led Rim Ramble Hike at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park La Chua Trail
Saturday, December 2, 11 a.m.
Holidays on the Prairie at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Visitors Center
Saturday, December 2, 2 p.m. – 5 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
“Vital and Veiled: Valerie Brathwaite and José Fernández” at the Gary R. Libby University Gallery
Now through January 26
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
Micanopy 3rd Annual Holiday Stroll, December 9
UF Poinsettia Sale, December 9
Alachua Christmas Parade, December 9
Swallowtail Farm Dining Experience, 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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