We are proud to live in this mindful, resourceful and resilient community, and to share with you all that we have to offer. Read on for more of 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.
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, masks or face coverings are required when social distancing is not possible. 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).
Rock Outdoors with Perfect Weather and Top Indie Talent at the Two-Day Heartwood Music Festival V
Friday, February 26, 6 p.m. – 12:30 a.m., Saturday, February 27, 1:40 p.m. – 12:45 a.m. | Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
The fifth annual Heartwood Music Festival features two full days music, with 30 acts performing from the socially distant outdoor stage and livestreaming from Heartwood’s recording studio. Performers include The Savants of Soul, Ricky Kendall, Faith and Majesty, Someday Honey, Roosevelt Collier and more. See the schedule and get tickets online.
Heartwood Soundstage is a studio, soundstage, venue and production company located in Gainesville, FL.
Let Latin-Grammy Winning Artist Nella Enchant You with Her Brand of Venezuelan Folklore with Contemporary Flare
Friday, February 26, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Go upstage as the UF Phillips Center’s main stage transforms into a jazz club setting complete with tables and chairs for two evening experiences. A fresh and exciting voice from Venezuela’s Margarita Island, Nella’s music is as “pop with something to say.” Nella creates a distinctively soulful blend inspired by Venezuelan folk songs, the music of the Andalusian region, and her contemporaries. In-person and livestreaming tickets available at performingarts.ufl.edu.
Be Among the First to View A Florida Legacy at the Harn, One of the World’s Most Extensive Collections of Florida-Themed Art
February 26 – August 1 | Harn Museum of Art
3259 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
A Florida Legacy: Gift of Samuel H. and Roberta T. Vickers is a collection of approximately 1200 works of Florida-centric artwork, including pieces from Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent and Thomas Moran, and is the largest single art collection donated ever to the University of Florida’s Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art.
Be among the first to view the inaugural exhibition celebrating the transformative gift to the Harn Museum of Art from Samuel and Roberta Vickers. A Florida Legacy exhibition will feature nearly 170 paintings, watercolors and drawings representing 125 artists. The works of art capture the state’s landscape and wildlife, historical moments and people scenes of daily life among oil paintings, watercolors, drawings and prints. The works date from the early 1800s to mid-1900s.
Above left: Thomas Moran, Fort George Island, 1880
Above right: Winslow Homer, Foul Hooked Black Bass, 1904
Trek Through Five Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails
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.
To get you started, we have compiled a list of family and dog-friendly nature trails for all skill levels. From the urban park in the middle of Gainesville to the natural wonders at Florida’s first state park, there is truly something for everyone. Remember to bring water and bug spray, and binoculars if you have them to spot wildlife. Take time to reconnect with nature, it’s good for you!
Find our list of pet-friendly hotels at VisitGainesville.com.
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.
Celebrate Black History Month
Friday, February 26 at 8 p.m. – Black History Month Celebration Concert with Decyo McDuffie on Facebook
Friday, February 26 at 11 a.m. – Black Girl Magic Story Time
Special guests from University of Florida’s chapter of Black Women in Medicine will read children’s books written by African American authors and featuring African American characters.
Sunday, February 28 at 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. – Social Justice Murals: Meet the Artists
See murals and meet the artists at multiple installations in Gainesville: Oakview Park, Cofrin Nature Park, MLK Center, Porters Community Center and Possum Creek Skate Park.
Sunday, February 28 at 1 p.m. – Baha’i Association at the University of Florida Presents Black History Month Read-In on Zoom
Sunday, February 28 at 3 p.m. – Black History Month Line Dance Party Benefiting Summer STEM Programs for Minority Students
Alachua County Library District recognizes and honors the outstanding contributions that Black Americans have made to American history and culture by promoting Black stories in their collection Visit aclib.us to learn more.
Throughout February – The Honoring our Legends tour at Evergreen and Pine Grove Cemeteries feature markers highlighting prominent Black figures in their final resting places.
Throughout the month, the University of Florida highlights the Black experience at UF through events, campus initiatives and inspiring stories sharing the extraordinary voices that have vibrantly contributed to the institution’s excellence. Visit this page for updates.
Alachua County’s Truth in Reconciliation project started in 2018 to recall local history of racial injustice, and repair what is possible. Events in February include Zoom book discussions of Emancipation Betrayed, soil collection ceremonies in remembrance of victims of lynchings. Learn more at truth.alachuacounty.us.
Relax Into the Weekend with Easy Listening Tunes and Dance Favorites at Playlist at the Pointe with Gosia and Ali
Friday, February 26, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4949 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Musicians Gosia and Ali Che’Ree weave their international musical backgrounds into a diverse sound featuring the flute and guitar. Their musical catalog includes rock and folk hits, jazz, Latin and world music. Pull up a chair or throw down a blanket and enjoy the music after the sun sets. Food and beverages available from Celebration Pointe restaurants.
(sold out) Follow Clues and Solve a Fictional Murder Mystery at CluedUpp Gainesville Detective Day
Saturday, February 27, 9 a.m. | Gainesville, FL
CluedUpp Detective Days are like giant, outdoor escape games. It’s where clue-solving meets adventure. The mystery unfolds on an award-winning smartphone app, and begins anytime between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets are good for teams of six players. Prizes awarded to categories like fastest team, fanciest detective costumes, best team picture and more.
Experience Five Miles of Trails and View Wildlife at the Ribbon Cutting of Turkey Creek Preserve
Monday, March 1, 10 a.m. | Turkey Creek Preserve
6300 N.W. 93rd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32653
Turkey Creek Preserve is approximately 375 acres and is located within the City of Alachua. With five miles of trails, visitors have ample opportunities for recreational activities and wildlife viewing. All marked trails are open to hikers, with select trails allowing off-road bicycling and equestrian use. This preserve also has a half-mile Fitness Trail featuring seven exercise stations for patrons to add a workout to their visit.
Guest speakers at the Ribbon Cutting include Alachua County Manager Michele Lieberman, Alachua County Commission Chair Ken Cornell, Alachua County Land Conservation and Management Director Charlie Houder, and City of Alachua Mayor Gib Coerper.
Photos by Kala Parkinson/WUFT News
Let the Light of the Full Moon Guide the Way on a Santa Fe River Paddle Trip
February 27, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Santa Fe River Outpost
21410 NW Hwy. 441, High Springs, FL 32643
February’s full moon is known as the Snow Moon, and while we may not have snow in Alachua County this time of year, full moon paddlers can enjoy warm weather and clear skies as they float down the illuminated Santa Fe River in a guided tour. The tour includes a two-person canoe or double kayak, safety equipment and transportation. Reservations are required.
Get Outdoors and Shop for Unique Finds at the Florida Vintage Market
Sunday, February 28, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Cypress & Grove1001 NW 4th St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Find vintage garments, handmade goods, art, food and more. This family-friendly outdoor pop-up market is free and open to the public. Returning vendors include Gazelli Sport Vintage, Everyday in Retrograde, Ebunny Creations, Always True Co. and more, with food from Taste Food Truck.
Delight in a Funny Vintage Production on the Final Weekend of Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park – an Ode to First Marriages and First Apartments
Now through Sunday, February 28 | High Springs Playhouse
23416 W U.S. Hwy. 27, High Springs, FL 32643
Paul and Corie Bratter, newlyweds in every sense of the word. After a six-day honeymoon, they get a surprise visit from Corie’s loopy mother and decide to play matchmaker with their neighbor Velasco during a dinner where everything that can go wrong does.
Watch a Variety of Science Fiction Short Films at SciFi Gainesville Film Festival
Friday, February 26, 7 p.m. – Saturday, February 27, 7 p.m. | Online Event with SciFi Gainesville
The free event features films viewable in film blocks Friday evening, Saturday matinee and Saturday evening. Award presentations follow the Saturday evening film block. Films include Transfert, Star Wars: Origins, Pew! Pew! Pew!, Tomb Raider, Zealandia, Guts and many more. View trailers and see the full schedule at the SciFi Gainesville website.
Don’t Miss Your Chance to Celebrate Love, Happiness and Hope with the Final Weekend of the Hipp’s Musical – A Show Must Go On: A Cabaret
Now through February 28 | Online Event with Hippodrome Theatre
The Hippodrome proudly presents a Cabaret-style performance featuring Pianist Bryan Mercer (Lone Star Spirits, Elephant Man) and Laura Hodos (a multi-award-winning singer, actor, improv artist, and cabarista). The Hippodrome is the region’s only professional theatre with mainstage productions, art house films, gallery exhibits special events throughout the year. Learn more at thehipp.org.
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Arts & Theatre
Aretha – Queen of Soul at Star Center Theatre
Friday, February 26 – Sunday, February 28
Sunshine State Book Festival Online with Keynote Speakers Kimberly Jones and Gilly Segal, Coauthors of the NAACP Image Award Nominated I’m Not Dying with You Tonight
Now through June 30
Music & Performance
County and Rock with Rusty Wilmot at Mother’s Pub & Grill North
Thursday, February 25, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Guitar-Driven Rock and Country with Mike Johnson and Brad Burns at One Love Cafe
Thursday, February 25, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Country with Chris McNeil at Crafty Bastards Restaurant & Pub
Thursday, February 25, 7 p.m.
Comedy Show and Open Mic at Flaco’s
Thursday, February 25, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Jazz and Blues at Shoppes at Thornebrook
Friday, February 26, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Classic Rock Crooked Counsel at One Love Cafe
Friday, February 26, 6 p.m.
Blues with Terraplane at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Friday, February 26, 6 p.m. 9:30 p.m.
Hard Rock with Apex, Amusia, Red Hallway at High Dive
Friday, February 26, 8 p.m.
Classic Rock with The Band 4Play at Mother’s Pub & Grill North
Friday, February 26, 9 p.m.
Rock Music with Whiskey Jones Rocks at One Love Cafe
Saturday, February 27, 6 p.m.
Rock and Blues with Soulful Singer Song Writer Cassie at Lightnin’ Salvage
Saturday, February 27, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Crooked Counsel at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Saturday, February 27, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Tribute to Blink 182 with Blank 281 at High Dive
Saturday, February 27, 8 p.m.
Compound Comedy Vol. 1 at The Backyard at Boca Fiesta & Palomino
Saturday, February 27, 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Hip Hop and Pop with Azazus & Friends at Swampcity Gallery Lounge
Saturday, February 27, 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Acoustic Guitarist Extraordinaire Richy Stano at One Love Cafe
Sunday, February 28, 11 a.m.
Country Music with Jamie Davis at Woodyard Grill
Wednesday, March 3, 6 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Jamie Davis Acoustic Duo at High Springs Brewing Company
Thursday, February 25, 7 p.m.
Open Mic Night at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Friday, February 26, 6 p.m.
Wild Blue Yonder Live Music at Cypress & Grove Brewing Co.
Friday, February 26, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
The Office Trivia Night at Blackadder Brewing Company
Saturday, February 27, 7 p.m.
Exotic Breed Band at High Springs Brewing Company
Saturday, February 27, 7 p.m.
Salsero Saturdays at Big Top Brewing Company
Saturday, February 27, 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Beer Bingo Tuesday at Big Top Brewing Company
Tuesday, March 2, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Brainaholics Trivia at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Tuesday, March 2, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Team Trivia at Big Top Brewing Company
Wednesday, March 3, 6 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmer’s Markets
U-Pick Strawberries at Roger’s Farm
Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Cypress & Grove Farmer’s Market
Mondays, 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
Backyard Pitmaster Basics with Shannon Snell at Sonny’s BBQ on Archer Road
Saturday, February 27, 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Take a Cooking Class at The Fat Tuscan
(sold out) Pasta, Pesto & Cream SaucesSunday, February 28, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.Bread Class – Working With Wet Yeast DoughsWednesday, March 3 1:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Grand Opening: Midpoint Park and Eatery with Da Kine Poke, Mexi Cocina Mobile Kitchen and Keller’s Kitchen
Monday, March 1
Located in the Gainesville Innovation District between Downtown Gainesville and the University of Florida, Midpoint Park and Eatery features a diverse menu of food options with plenty of outdoor seating. Open daily from 7 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Dine at Local Restaurants, Enjoy Outdoor Seating or Grab a Meal To-Go
Dine-in or take advantage of additional outdoor seating expanded onto sidewalks like “Streetery GNV” in downtown Gainesville.
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
Chain Hawks Youth Disc Golf Tournament at High Springs Sports Complex
Saturday, February 28, 9:30 a.m.
Free to kids ages 4-18. No discs required to play, loaner packs available. Prizes for top performers in all divisions. Onsite registration starts at 8 a.m. or pre-register online.
Mountain Bike Rides with Goodbike
Tuesday, February 23, 7 p.m.
Brisk Pace for the Advanced Rider
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.
Walk Into the Past at the 1800s Living History Farm open at Morningside Nature Center
Open Daily, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
River & Springs
Learn About Florida’s Healing Waters with a Virtual Author Talk with Rick Kilby, Presented by Alachua Conservation Trust
Thursday, February 25, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
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
Fun-filled Playgroup at Cade Museum
Friday, February 19, 11 a.m.
Spring Showcase at Firehouse Gallery
Open Thursday – Friday, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Javier Castro: Coliseum at University Galleries
Now through Friday, March 12, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
GFAA Through the Lens
Now through Sunday, February 20, Tuesday-Friday 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Saturday: 11a.m. – 4 p.m.
See Live Animals in the Survival of the Slowest Exhibit at the Florida Museum
Open Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Winter Show at Mott-May Gallery
Now through March 28
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.
Save The Date
NHRA Amalie Oil Gatornationals, March 11-14
March, April and May Outdoor Concert Series at Legacy Park Amphitheater, March 19-21
Top Golf Live at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, April 22-25
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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